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:
Aug. 15, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 17, 2004
James P. Meagher, Indianapolis, IN (US);
Thomas A. Neese, Alexandria, IN (US);
James P. Meagher, Indianapolis, IN (US);
Thomas A. Neese, Alexandria, IN (US);
Emerson Electric Co., St. Louis, MO (US);
Abstract
A switch assembly for triggering the release of a door latch that provides improved tactile feedback to a user when actuated is disclosed. The switch assembly provides a tactile response to the user that indicates proper actuation by the force feedback that is provided to the user as the button is displaced during actuation. The switch assembly includes an elastomeric button and a base supporting the button. An electrically conductive static contact is supported by the base. An electrically conductive moveable contact, also supported by the base, is operatively disposed between the button and the static contact. A film is disposed over the moveable contact and fixed to the edge of the base, sealing both contacts from the atmosphere. The film thereby effectively divides the interior of the switch assembly into an open first chamber located between the film and the button, and a closed second chamber located between the film and the base.