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:
May. 25, 2004
Filed:
Mar. 27, 2002
Applicant:
Inventors:
Raymond P. Johnston, Lake Elmo, MN (US);
Brian E. Spiewak, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US);
Jennifer R. Yi, Roseville, MN (US);
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H01H 1/00 ; H01H 1/3702 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
H01H 1/00 ; H01H 1/3702 ;
Abstract
A switch apparatus includes a first layer and a second layer attached to one another via sets of fastening elements formed on the layers. The fastening elements may comprise hook-like elements that engage one another in an interlocking arrangement to attach the layers, or alternatively, the fastening elements may take other forms. The fastening elements may include flexible portions that flex when the first layer and second layer are forced together. The apparatus may be used within switch arrays, and can eliminate the need for dome spring elements.