US20060168769A1 - Button structure formed by complex materials - Google Patents

Button structure formed by complex materials Download PDF

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Publication number
US20060168769A1
US20060168769A1 US11/250,550 US25055005A US2006168769A1 US 20060168769 A1 US20060168769 A1 US 20060168769A1 US 25055005 A US25055005 A US 25055005A US 2006168769 A1 US2006168769 A1 US 2006168769A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
flexible body
button structure
pictures
symbols
protective layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/250,550
Inventor
Chien-Hsiung Wang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Silitech Technology Corp
Original Assignee
Silitech Technology Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Silitech Technology Corp filed Critical Silitech Technology Corp
Assigned to SILITECH TECHNOLOGY CORP. reassignment SILITECH TECHNOLOGY CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WANG, CHIEN-HSIUNG
Publication of US20060168769A1 publication Critical patent/US20060168769A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/704—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by the layers, e.g. by their material or structure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/703—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by spacers between contact carrying layers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/01—Increasing rigidity; Anti-creep
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/016—Protection layer, e.g. for legend, anti-scratch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/046—Properties of the spacer
    • H01H2209/052—Properties of the spacer elastomeric
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/082—Properties of the membrane transparent
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/36—Button with fastener
    • Y10T24/3694—Ornamental type

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a button structure formed by complex materials, and particularly relates to a button structure having a protective layer and a hard frame for increasing the wear resistance and the rigidity of the flexible body of the button structure that retains the shape of the flexible body.
  • FIG. 1 shows a side, schematic view of a button structure in accordance with the prior art.
  • the conventional button structure includes a flexible body 10 a and a printing layer 20 a.
  • the flexible body 10 a has a plurality of pictures or symbols formed thereon.
  • the printing layer 20 a is disposed on the flexible body 10 a by a printing method.
  • the printing layer 20 a is used to increase the wear resistant property of the pictures or symbols that are formed on the flexible body 10 a.
  • the flexible body 10 a is not easily positioned, and is easily deformed through use. Hence, poor contact occurs between every two protrusions of the flexible body 10 a, and between the flexible body 10 a and a PCB (not shown in FIG. 1 ) that is disposed under the flexible body 10 a.
  • FIG. 2 shows another side, schematic view of a button structure in accordance with the prior art.
  • Another conventional button structure includes a flexible body 10 b, a plastic button body 20 b, a printing layer 30 b and a hard frame 40 b.
  • the plastic button body 20 b is disposed on the flexible body 10 b.
  • the printing layer 30 b is disposed on the plastic button body 20 b by a printing method.
  • the hard frame 40 b is disposed on the flexible body 10 b and between every two protrusions of the flexible body 10 b.
  • the printing layer 30 b is used to increase the wear resistance of the pictures or symbols that are formed on a rear face thereof.
  • the hard frame 40 b is used to increase the rigidity of the flexible body 10 b.
  • the flexible body 10 a is easily positioned by the hard frame 40 b, and not easily deformed through use.
  • the volume of the button structure is increased by using the plastic button body 20 b, and a larger gap G is produced between every two protrusions of the flexible body 10 b by arranging the hard frame 40 b between every two protrusions of the flexible body 10 b.
  • using the hard frame 40 b increases the volume of the button structure.
  • the present invention provides a button structure formed by complex materials.
  • the button structure has a protective layer and a hard frame respectively disposed on a top side and on a bottom side of a flexible body. That is to say, the flexible body is connected between the protective layer and the hard frame. Therefore, the present invention not only solves the conventional problems that pictures or symbols are easily worn and stripped from the flexible body and the flexible body is not easily positioned when it is in use (pressing the flexible body), but also reduces the volume of the button structure by arranging the hard frame under the flexible body. Hence, the present invention has some advantages such as being lighter, thinner, shorter and has a smaller volume, and there is no additional gap between every two buttons of the flexible body.
  • the button structure comprises a flexible body, a protective layer and a hard frame.
  • the protective layer has a plurality of pictures and symbols formed on a rear face thereof, and is formed on a top side of the flexible body for protecting the pictures and symbols and making the pictures and the symbols wear resistant.
  • the hard frame is disposed under the flexible body for increasing the rigidity of the flexible body and retaining the shape of the flexible body.
  • the button structure comprises a flexible body, a protective layer and a hard frame.
  • the protective layer has a plurality of pictures and symbols formed on a rear face thereof, and is integratedly formed on a top side of the flexible body for protecting the pictures and symbols and making the pictures and the symbols wear resistant.
  • the hard frame is integratedly disposed under the flexible body for increasing the rigidity of the flexible body and retaining the shape of the flexible body.
  • FIG. 1 is a side, schematic view of a button structure in accordance with the prior art
  • FIG. 2 is another side, schematic view of a button structure in accordance with the prior art.
  • FIG. 3 is a side, schematic view of a button structure formed by complex materials in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows a side, schematic view of a button structure formed by complex materials in accordance with the present invention.
  • the present invention provides a button structure including a flexible body 10 , a protective layer 20 and a hard frame 30 .
  • the flexible body 10 is made of flexible rubber materials or plastic materials.
  • the protective layer 20 has a plurality of pictures and symbols formed on a rear face thereof, and is formed or integratedly formed on a top side of the flexible body 10 for protecting the pictures (pattern, words or numerals) and symbols and making the pictures and the symbols wear resistant. Hence, although the button structure may be used for a long time, the pictures and symbols will not be easily worn away.
  • the protective layer 20 can be a wear resistant resin film or printing ink film, and is formed on the top side of the flexible body 10 by a printing or coating method.
  • the hard frame 30 is disposed or integratedly disposed under the flexible body 10 for increasing the rigidity of the flexible body 10 and retaining the shape of the flexible body 10 .
  • the hard frame 30 is made of metal materials and can be a metal sheet or metal film, or the hard frame 30 is made of plastic materials and can be a plastic sheet or plastic film.
  • the present invention is in possession of all the flexibility functions of the flexible body 10 , the wear resistant properties of the protective layer 20 , and the rigidity and the stability of the hard frame 30 . Therefore, the present invention not only solves the conventional problems that pictures or symbols are easily worn away and stripped from the flexible body 10 a and the flexible body 10 a is not easily positioned when it is in use using (pressing the flexible body 10 a ), but it also reduces the volume of the button structure by arranging the hard frame 30 under the flexible body 10 . Hence, the present invention has the advantages that is lighter, thinner, shorter, and has a smaller volume. Furthermore there are no additional gaps between every two buttons of the flexible body 10 a.

Abstract

A button structure includes a flexible body, a protective layer and a hard frame. The protective layer has a plurality of pictures and symbols formed on a rear face thereof, and is formed on a top side of the flexible body for protecting the pictures and symbols and making the pictures and the symbols wear resistant. The hard frame is disposed under the flexible body for increasing the rigidity of the flexible body and retaining the shape of the flexible body. Therefore, the present invention not only solves the conventional problems that the pictures or symbols are easily worn and stripped from the flexible body and that the flexible body is not easily positioned when in use, but it also reduces the volume of the button structure by disposing the hard frame under the flexible body.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present invention relates to a button structure formed by complex materials, and particularly relates to a button structure having a protective layer and a hard frame for increasing the wear resistance and the rigidity of the flexible body of the button structure that retains the shape of the flexible body.
  • 2. Description of the Related Art
  • FIG. 1 shows a side, schematic view of a button structure in accordance with the prior art. The conventional button structure includes a flexible body 10 a and a printing layer 20 a. The flexible body 10 a has a plurality of pictures or symbols formed thereon. The printing layer 20 a is disposed on the flexible body 10 a by a printing method. The printing layer 20 a is used to increase the wear resistant property of the pictures or symbols that are formed on the flexible body 10 a. However, the flexible body 10 a is not easily positioned, and is easily deformed through use. Hence, poor contact occurs between every two protrusions of the flexible body 10 a, and between the flexible body 10 a and a PCB (not shown in FIG. 1) that is disposed under the flexible body 10 a.
  • In order to solve above-mentioned problem, FIG. 2 shows another side, schematic view of a button structure in accordance with the prior art. Another conventional button structure includes a flexible body 10 b, a plastic button body 20 b, a printing layer 30 b and a hard frame 40 b. The plastic button body 20 b is disposed on the flexible body 10 b. The printing layer 30 b is disposed on the plastic button body 20 b by a printing method. The hard frame 40 b is disposed on the flexible body 10 b and between every two protrusions of the flexible body 10 b. The printing layer 30 b is used to increase the wear resistance of the pictures or symbols that are formed on a rear face thereof. The hard frame 40 b is used to increase the rigidity of the flexible body 10 b. Hence, the flexible body 10 a is easily positioned by the hard frame 40 b, and not easily deformed through use.
  • However, the volume of the button structure is increased by using the plastic button body 20 b, and a larger gap G is produced between every two protrusions of the flexible body 10 b by arranging the hard frame 40 b between every two protrusions of the flexible body 10 b. Hence, using the hard frame 40 b increases the volume of the button structure.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention provides a button structure formed by complex materials. The button structure has a protective layer and a hard frame respectively disposed on a top side and on a bottom side of a flexible body. That is to say, the flexible body is connected between the protective layer and the hard frame. Therefore, the present invention not only solves the conventional problems that pictures or symbols are easily worn and stripped from the flexible body and the flexible body is not easily positioned when it is in use (pressing the flexible body), but also reduces the volume of the button structure by arranging the hard frame under the flexible body. Hence, the present invention has some advantages such as being lighter, thinner, shorter and has a smaller volume, and there is no additional gap between every two buttons of the flexible body.
  • One aspect of the invention is a button structure formed by complex materials. The button structure comprises a flexible body, a protective layer and a hard frame. The protective layer has a plurality of pictures and symbols formed on a rear face thereof, and is formed on a top side of the flexible body for protecting the pictures and symbols and making the pictures and the symbols wear resistant. The hard frame is disposed under the flexible body for increasing the rigidity of the flexible body and retaining the shape of the flexible body.
  • Another aspect of the invention is a button structure formed by complex materials. The button structure comprises a flexible body, a protective layer and a hard frame. The protective layer has a plurality of pictures and symbols formed on a rear face thereof, and is integratedly formed on a top side of the flexible body for protecting the pictures and symbols and making the pictures and the symbols wear resistant. The hard frame is integratedly disposed under the flexible body for increasing the rigidity of the flexible body and retaining the shape of the flexible body.
  • It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description, drawings and claims.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a side, schematic view of a button structure in accordance with the prior art;
  • FIG. 2 is another side, schematic view of a button structure in accordance with the prior art; and
  • FIG. 3 is a side, schematic view of a button structure formed by complex materials in accordance with the present invention.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • FIG. 3 shows a side, schematic view of a button structure formed by complex materials in accordance with the present invention. The present invention provides a button structure including a flexible body 10, a protective layer 20 and a hard frame 30.
  • The flexible body 10 is made of flexible rubber materials or plastic materials. The protective layer 20 has a plurality of pictures and symbols formed on a rear face thereof, and is formed or integratedly formed on a top side of the flexible body 10 for protecting the pictures (pattern, words or numerals) and symbols and making the pictures and the symbols wear resistant. Hence, although the button structure may be used for a long time, the pictures and symbols will not be easily worn away. The protective layer 20 can be a wear resistant resin film or printing ink film, and is formed on the top side of the flexible body 10 by a printing or coating method.
  • Moreover, the hard frame 30 is disposed or integratedly disposed under the flexible body 10 for increasing the rigidity of the flexible body 10 and retaining the shape of the flexible body 10. In addition, the hard frame 30 is made of metal materials and can be a metal sheet or metal film, or the hard frame 30 is made of plastic materials and can be a plastic sheet or plastic film.
  • In conclusion, the present invention is in possession of all the flexibility functions of the flexible body 10, the wear resistant properties of the protective layer 20, and the rigidity and the stability of the hard frame 30. Therefore, the present invention not only solves the conventional problems that pictures or symbols are easily worn away and stripped from the flexible body 10 a and the flexible body 10 a is not easily positioned when it is in use using (pressing the flexible body 10 a), but it also reduces the volume of the button structure by arranging the hard frame 30 under the flexible body 10. Hence, the present invention has the advantages that is lighter, thinner, shorter, and has a smaller volume. Furthermore there are no additional gaps between every two buttons of the flexible body 10 a.
  • Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details thereof. Various substitutions and modifications have been suggested in the foregoing description, and others will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, all such substitutions and modifications are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1. A button structure formed by complex materials, comprising:
a flexible body;
a protective layer having a plurality of pictures and symbols formed on a rear face thereof, the protective layer being formed on a top side of the flexible body for protecting the pictures and symbols and making the pictures and the symbols wear resistant; and
a hard frame disposed under the flexible body for increasing the rigidity of the flexible body and retaining the shape of the flexible body.
2. The button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible body is made of flexible rubber materials or plastic materials.
3. The button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective layer is a wear resistant resin film or printing ink film.
4. The button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pictures are a pattern, words or numerals.
5. The button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hard frame is a metal sheet or metal film made of metal materials.
6. The button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hard frame is a plastic sheet or plastic film made of plastic materials.
7. The button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective layer is formed on the top side of the flexible body by a printing or coating method.
8. A button structure formed by complex materials, comprising:
a flexible body;
a protective layer having a plurality of pictures and symbols formed on a rear face thereof, and integratedly formed on a top side of the flexible body for protecting the pictures and symbols and making the pictures and the symbols wear resistant; and
a hard frame integratedly disposed under the flexible body for increasing the rigidity of the flexible body and retaining the shape of the flexible body.
US11/250,550 2005-01-28 2005-10-17 Button structure formed by complex materials Abandoned US20060168769A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TW94201644 2005-01-28
TW094201644U TWM271244U (en) 2005-01-28 2005-01-28 Pushbutton formed by composite material

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060168769A1 true US20060168769A1 (en) 2006-08-03

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ID=34981011

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/250,550 Abandoned US20060168769A1 (en) 2005-01-28 2005-10-17 Button structure formed by complex materials

Country Status (3)

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US (1) US20060168769A1 (en)
DE (1) DE202005009065U1 (en)
TW (1) TWM271244U (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5911317A (en) * 1997-08-26 1999-06-15 Silitek Corporation Light permeable metal plated rubber key
US6269574B1 (en) * 1999-09-22 2001-08-07 American Greenwood, Inc. Promotional tack
US20010032779A1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2001-10-25 Brian Davidson Metallic keys
US6355890B1 (en) * 1999-01-26 2002-03-12 Nec Corporation Button structure for an electronic apparatus
US6444928B2 (en) * 1999-08-27 2002-09-03 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Multiple push button matrix switch with permeable film flanged portion and hermetic sealing
US6621027B1 (en) * 1999-11-19 2003-09-16 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Key top member for push button switch structure
US6770212B2 (en) * 2000-11-08 2004-08-03 Atryz Yodogawa Co., Ltd. Key top and method for manufacture thereof

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5911317A (en) * 1997-08-26 1999-06-15 Silitek Corporation Light permeable metal plated rubber key
US20010032779A1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2001-10-25 Brian Davidson Metallic keys
US6355890B1 (en) * 1999-01-26 2002-03-12 Nec Corporation Button structure for an electronic apparatus
US6444928B2 (en) * 1999-08-27 2002-09-03 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Multiple push button matrix switch with permeable film flanged portion and hermetic sealing
US6269574B1 (en) * 1999-09-22 2001-08-07 American Greenwood, Inc. Promotional tack
US6621027B1 (en) * 1999-11-19 2003-09-16 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Key top member for push button switch structure
US6770212B2 (en) * 2000-11-08 2004-08-03 Atryz Yodogawa Co., Ltd. Key top and method for manufacture thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE202005009065U1 (en) 2005-09-01
TWM271244U (en) 2005-07-21

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SILITECH TECHNOLOGY CORP., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WANG, CHIEN-HSIUNG;REEL/FRAME:017106/0138

Effective date: 20051003

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION