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:
Mar. 24, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 08, 2008
Jun Sugahara, Okayama, JP;
Seiki Miura, Okayama, JP;
Jun Sugahara, Okayama, JP;
Seiki Miura, Okayama, JP;
Panasonic Corporation, Osaka, JP;
Abstract
A multi-directional input device includes an operating shaft capable of rotating around a central axis thereof and tilting in multiple directions from the central axis; a rotating body rotating together with the operating shaft to sequentially connect or disconnect a slide contact and a fixed contact; and a plurality of horizontal push switches operable by tilting the operating shaft. The engaging surface between the operating shaft and the rotating body forms a curved surface having both arc element and noncircular element. The operating shaft and the rotating body are always in contact with each other in a large area. Thus, in both tilting and rotating operation, even an extended period of use causes less abrasion.