The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 31, 1996
Filed:
Feb. 01, 1994
Mark Green, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Robert B Hartline, Richfield, MN (US);
The Bergquist Company, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A low profile membrane switch adapted for use over an automobile steering wheel airbag assembly for actuating a horn. The low profile membrane switch is comprised of an opposing pair of flexible electrodes separated by a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a unique pattern defining opposing electrode contact portions. A plurality of integral outwardly-extending protrusions are screen printed on the exterior surface of each flexible electrode, one over each of the opposing contact portions. These protrusions help concentrate an applied force to bring the respective electrode contact portions together to make electrical contact with the other. The opposing contact portions are defined by the dielectric pattern, and have a high density to insure redundancy and closure of the switch when one depresses the membrane switch with one's hand, and to insure the switch does not inadvertently close when flexed. An applied force of as little as four pounds causes closure of the membrane switch, even when positioned over a resilient airbag device.