Switch matrix
AssigneeVIP Investments, Ltd.
InventorsPaul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A switch matrix is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or businesses. The switch matrix preferably includes a support frame for supporting a grid of key positioning members arranged in a series of rows and columns. The key positioning members each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the keys to activate switches associated with the keypad. The cantilevers preferably have knobs which are received in corresponding openings in the keys so that the keys can be removably attached to the cantilevers with a compression fit. This allows keys of different sizes and shapes to be easily attached to the keypad in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation.
Claims57
A switch matrix for use in a keypad, said switch matrix comprising;
- a support frame;
- at least one key positioning member disposed on said support frame, said at least one key positioning member comprising a first cantilever and key attaching means for removably attaching a key to said key positioning member, said at least one key positioning member further comprising a second cantilever having a fixed end and a free end;
- wherein keys of different sizes and shapes may be attached to said switch matrix.
A switch matrix for use in a keypad, said switch matrix comprising:
- a plurality of key positioning members, each of the plurality of key positioning members comprising a first cantilever having an attached end, and a second cantilever having a fixed end and a free end, said attached end of said first cantilever disposed on said free end of said second cantilever;
- wherein said key positioning members are configured to receive a key such that when said key is depressed, said first cantilever deflects to activate a switch.
A switch matrix for use in a keypad, said switch matrix comprising:
- a pluarality of key positioning members, each of said plurality of key positioning members comprising a first cantilever, a second cantilever, and a knob;
- and
- at least one key having an opening defined by a sidewall, said opening configured to receive said knob to removably attach said at least one key to said knob with a friction fit;
- wherein said at least one key may be attached to any of said plurality of key positioning members such that a configuration of said at least one key on said keypad may be varied.
A method of attaching one or more keys to a keypad comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a switch matrix having a plurality locations where said one or more keys may be attached, each of said plurality of locations comprising a first cantilever and a second cantilver;
- (b) attaching said switch matrix to said keypad;
- (c) providing said one or more keys of a first size and shape;
- (d) selecting one or more of said plurality of locations on said switch matrix to attach said one or more keys;
- and
- (e) presssing said one or more keys on said one or more of said selected plurality of locations to attach said one or more keys to said keypad.
A method for attaching keys of different sizes and shapes to a keypad, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a switch matrix having a plurality of attaching means for removably attaching said keys;
- (b) providing said keys having corresponding attaching means independent of the size and shape of said keys;
- (c) selecting a configuration of said keys to be attached on said keypad;
- (d) selecting said attaching means corresponding to the configuration of said keys to be attached on said keypad;
- and
- (e) joining said corresponding attaching means to said selected attaching means to thereby attach said keys to said keypad.
A switch matrix for use in a keypad, said switch matrix comprising:
- a grid of key attaching means for removably attaching keys of different sizes to said switch matrix;
- wherein said keys may be selectively attached to said key attaching means to form different key configurations.
A keypad for transmitting signals to one or more electrical devices, said keypad comprising:
- a support frame;
- a first set of key positioning members disposed on said support frame, each key positioning member of the first set having a key attached thereto;
- a second set of key positioning members disposed on said support frame, each key positioning member of the second set being keyless;
- a face plate positioned over said support frame, said face plate having one or more key openings positioned therein to align with the first set of key positioning members such that their associated attached keys are visible to a user, said face plate further having a closed face over the second set of key positioning members such that they are not visible to a user.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.