US3812313A - Tread type switch for use in passenger seats or the like - Google Patents
Tread type switch for use in passenger seats or the like Download PDFInfo
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- US3812313A US3812313A US00334019A US33401973A US3812313A US 3812313 A US3812313 A US 3812313A US 00334019 A US00334019 A US 00334019A US 33401973 A US33401973 A US 33401973A US 3812313 A US3812313 A US 3812313A
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- Prior art keywords
- switch
- casing
- strips
- strip
- bead
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- 229910000639 Spring steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 101100518964 Sphingobium sp. (strain YBL2) parT gene Proteins 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 13
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000282461 Canis lupus Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
- H01H3/14—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
- H01H3/141—Cushion or mat switches
- H01H3/142—Cushion or mat switches of the elongated strip type
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2210/00—Sensor types, e.g. for passenger detection systems or for controlling seats
- B60N2210/40—Force or pressure sensors
- B60N2210/46—Electric switches
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2600/00—Mounting or coupling arrangements for elements provided for in this subclass
- E05Y2600/40—Mounting location; Visibility of the elements
Definitions
- ABSTRACT This invention relates to an electrical switch that includes a pair of resilient metal contact strips mounted in parallel spaced relationship in a hollow resilient casing.
- One of the contact strips has a plurality of diagonally positioned slits therein that are located between opposite lateral edges while the other strip has a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions extending towards the adjacent strip.
- the casing is mounted within an outer cover and the casing has an elongated bead or projection aligned with the protrusions while a thin sheet metal strap is positioned between the projection and the casing to concentrate the pressure applied to the adjacent surface of the casing to a localized area aligned with the protrusions.
- the present invention relates generally to elongated switches and more particularly to an improved type seat switch for indicating the presence of an occupant within the seat of a vehicle, such as an automobile.
- a suitable sensing mechanism used for the center of the seat must be sensitive to the presence of an occupant in the center seat position and yet be insensitive to occupants of the outboard positions when the center position is unoccupied.
- the present invention provides a switch or sensing mechanism for the center passenger position of a vehicle seat, such as an automobile, which l is capable of operating at a substantially uniform operating pressure under various conditions, (2) is not actuated even, though both outboard seat positions are occupied and strips has a plurality of narrow longitudinally spaced slits extending diagonally of the longitudinal axis of the strip and opposite ends of, the slits terminate at a location spaced from theadjacent lateral edges.
- the other of the contact strips has a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions extending towards the first contact strip and the protrusions are located substantially along the center line of the strips.
- the construction and configuration of the contact strips allows the strips to readily be deflected into engagement with each other between opposite lateral edges even though the strips may be bowed or curved between opposite ends thereof.
- the switch incorporates means for concentrating an actuating pressure to'an area along the center of the contact strip.
- the means for concentrating the actuating pressure to the center of the strip increases the sensitivity of the switch.
- the sensitivity of the switch is further increased by enclosing the casing in an outer cover and positioning an elongated thin spring metal strap between the cover and the casing on the. side of the casing that has the means for concentrating the actuating pressure.
- FIG. 1 shows a general environment for the switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the entire switch
- FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of one of the contact strips of the switch.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings show a switch 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
- Switch 10 consists of first and second elongated resilient metal contact strips 12 and 14 that are enclosed within a casing 16.
- Casing 16 is generally rectangular in cross-section and defines an elongated passage 18 and the casing has inwardly directed members 20 extending from opposite sides thereof to define upper and lower recesses that respectively receive lateral edges of the respective contact strips 12 and 14. Members 20 hold the lateral edges of the respective contact strips spaced from each other.
- Non-conductive insulators 22 are located between the strips 12 and 14 adjacent opposite ends while insulated wires 24 are connected to the respective strips and lead to a warning circuit (not shown) of the type disclosed in the above patents.
- Each strip al s o has recesses25 in the side edges of each strip adjacent one or both ends, for a purpose to be described later.
- contact strip 12 has a plurality of elongated narrow spaced slits or slots 30 extending between lateral edges thereof.
- the slits extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the strip 12 and have a length many times greater than their width.
- the slits extend parallel to each other and have a length that is greater than the width of the strip l2'and both ends of the slits terminate at the location spaced from the adjacent lateral edge. This arrangement allows the strip tov be readily flexed or bent between opposite lateral edges even when it is in a curved condition between opposite ends thereof.
- the second or other contact strip 14 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions 32 that are located substantially along the center line between opposite lateral edges thereof.
- the protrusions 32 which extend towards the strip 12, are formed by deforming the strip to produce a plurality of longitudinally spaced dimples.
- the respective protrusions or dimples allow the switch to be actuated when a localized pressure is applied to a restricted area of the switch contact.
- the height of protrusions can readily be varied during maufacture to vary the sensitivity of the switch.
- the protrusions also produce limited point contact between the strips resulting in higher contact pressure in the contact area and the advantages of this arrangement are set forth in U. S. Pat. No. 3,485,974, assigned to the assignee of this invention.
- switch It incorporates means for concentrating an actuating pressure to a location aligned with the protrusions.
- This means is most clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and consists of an elongated member or bead 40 that is integral with the resilient casing 16 and has a free end terminating at the location spaced from the adjacent surface of the casing.
- This elongated narrow bead or member 40 This objection is overcome by producing relief grooves 42.
- the relief grooves 42 provide an area of reduced cross-section in the wall of the casing that has the bead integral therewith and, as indicated above, allows the wall to readily be deflected and produce engagement between the contact strips.
- the switch 10 also includes an outer cover or tube 44 that encloses the casing and is sealed at opposite ends 46 (only one end being shown) to produce a waterproof assembly.
- the outer cover or jacket may have accordian pleats 49 defined in the vertical side walls to define a bellows construction accommodating ready deformation of the side walls upon compression of the casing. During dielectric sealing of the cover, the material flows into the recesses 25 to hold the insulators 22 and strips 12, 14 in position.
- the switch also incorporates an elongated narrow sheet member 48, preferably made of thin spring steel, that is located between the bead or member 40 and the adjacent wall of the outer coverQ
- This actuating member cooperates with the bead 40 to localize the actuating pressure applied to any portion of the outer cover, be tween opposite lateral edges, to the bead to concentrate the actuating pressure to the center of the contact strips.
- switch 10 When switch .10 is used as a sensing mechanism for sensing the presence or absence of an occupant in the center position of the seat, switch 10 is preferably inserted into the cushion material of seat 50 (shown in FIG. 1) with the elongated dimension of the switch extending from the front to the back of the seat and with the actuating strap 48 located adjacent the upper surface. When inserted in this position, occupants in the outboard positions of the seat will tend to bend or curve the switch-10 between opposite ends thereof and, of course, the amount of bending the curvature will depend on the weight of the respective occupants.
- the switch 10 will not be actuated until an occupant is located in the center of the seat and applies pressure directly on the switch. When this occurs, any forces applied to any area of the upper surface of the upper wall of cover 44 will be transmitted to the longitudinal bead 40 through the spring metal strap 48 and will deflect the upper strip 12 between opposite lateral edges to produce engagement with at least some of the protrusions 32.
- the diagonally positioned slits 30 will allow the strip 12 to be flexed between opposite lateral edges with approximately the same amount of actuating pressure being applied without, regard to the amount of curvature of the strips 12 and 14.
- the switch could also be inserted into the seat with the strap 48 located adjacent the bottom of the seat cushion without effecting the sensitivity of the switch.
- any pressure applied to the surface of any portion of the casing that is adja cent strip 14 will collapse the side walls of the casing which in turn will cause the strip. 12 to be flexed between opposite lateral edges to produce the contacting engagement.
- the switch has been described as being particularly adapted for use as a switching mechanism forming part of the signal system for the center seat of a vehicle, it will be appreciated that the switch has numerous other uses.
- the switch also can be utilized as a switching mechanism 60 for the outboard seats of a vehicle such as an automobile.
- the switches 60 could be of the type disclosed in the above patents WeElaim:
- a switch comprising first and second elongated flexible contact strips, and spacing means normally maintaining said contact strips spaced from each other, characterized by one of said contact strips having a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions extending towards the other of said contact strips and the other of said strips having a plurality of narrow spaced substantially parallel slits, said slits being located between lateral edges thereof to readily accommodate bending between opposite edges and opposite ends.
- each of said slits has a length greater than the width of said other strip.
- each of said slits extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of said other strip.
- said spacing means includes a casing defining an elongated passage with means in said passage normally maintaining opposite lateral edges of said strips spaced from each other and actuating means forming part of said casing and aligned with said protrusions.
- a switch comprising a resilient casing defining an elongated passage with a pair of elongated contact strips in said passage, means for holding adjacent lateral edges of said strips in spaced relation, one of said strips having a plurality of narrow slits extending diagonally with respect to the axis of said passage to permit said one strip to be bent between opposite lateral edges while the strips and casing are in a bowed condition between opposite ends.
- a switch as defined in claim 10 further including an outer cover surrounding said casing with an elongated actuating strap between'said cover and said casing and located adjacent said one strip and means for concentrating an actuating pressure applied to said cover adjacent said strap to a location aligned with said protrusions.
- a switch as defined in claim 12, in which said means for concentrating an actuating pressure includes an elongated member aligned with said protrusions and engaging said strap intermediate opposite edges.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)
Abstract
This invention relates to an electrical switch that includes a pair of resilient metal contact strips mounted in parallel spaced relationship in a hollow resilient casing. One of the contact strips has a plurality of diagonally positioned slits therein that are located between opposite lateral edges while the other strip has a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions extending towards the adjacent strip. The casing is mounted within an outer cover and the casing has an elongated bead or projection aligned with the protrusions while a thin sheet metal strap is positioned between the projection and the casing to concentrate the pressure applied to the adjacent surface of the casing to a localized area aligned with the protrusions.
Description
United States Patent [191 Wolf et al.
[ TREAD TYPE SWITCH FOR USE IN PASSENGER SEATS OR THE LIKE [75] Inventors: Walter A. Wolf; Prentice R. Corn;
Wallace A. Gebhardt, all of Logansport, Ind.
[73] Assignee: Switches, Incorporated, Logansport,
Ind.
[22] Filed: Feb. 20, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 334,019
[52] U.S. Cl ..200/86 R, 200/85 A [51] Int. Cl ..H01h 3/02 [58] Field ofSearch ..200/61.54,61.57,61.58,
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,600,528 8/1971 Leposavic 200/5 A 3 697 71l 10/1972 Tetrick 200/5 A X 3,742,157 6/1973 Leposavic 200/5 A 3,485,974 12/1969 Wolf et a1. ZOO/61.57 2,823,279 2/1958 Schulenburg 200/86 R 2.790.873 4/1957 Fleming 200/86 R [451 May 21, 1974 3544.746 12/1970 Wolf et al. ZOO/61.57 X
Primary Examiner-James R. Scott Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Dressler, Goldsmith, Clement & Gordon, Ltd.
[57] ABSTRACT This invention relates to an electrical switch that includes a pair of resilient metal contact strips mounted in parallel spaced relationship in a hollow resilient casing. One of the contact strips has a plurality of diagonally positioned slits therein that are located between opposite lateral edges while the other strip has a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions extending towards the adjacent strip.
The casing is mounted within an outer cover and the casing has an elongated bead or projection aligned with the protrusions while a thin sheet metal strap is positioned between the projection and the casing to concentrate the pressure applied to the adjacent surface of the casing to a localized area aligned with the protrusions.
18 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures TREAD TYPE SWITCH FOR USE IN PASSENGER SEATS OR THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to elongated switches and more particularly to an improved type seat switch for indicating the presence of an occupant within the seat of a vehicle, such as an automobile.
In the recent past, great emphasis has been placed upon the safety of automobile passengers and, hence, in an effort to compel passengers to utilize seat belts, the federal government has required that automobile manufacturers incorporate sensing mechanisms operatively associated with the seat belts to give a warning signal to the passengers when the seat is occupied and the seat belt is not fastened. Initially, the federal requirement was that such signaling devices be incorporated into the seats occupied by the out-board passengers of the vehicle.
However, it has recently been required that signaling devices be incorporated for the occupants of the center seat position in the vehicle, as well as outboard seating positions.
The problem of providing a suitable sensing mechanism for the outboardpassengers has been admirably solved by switching mechanism of the type disclosed and claimed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,670,119 and copending Wolf et al., Appln. Ser. No. 120,263, filed Mar. 2, 1971 now U.S. Pat. No. 735,380. Such sensing mechanisms have received wide spread commercial success and are presently utilized in most automobiles built in the U.S.
However, these switches, in certain seating applications, do not lend themselves to direct incorporation into the center position of a seat for use as a sensing mechanism.
One of the problems encountered in a suitable switching mechanism for usein a center seat position relates to the sensitivity of the mechanism. A suitable sensing mechanism used for the center of the seat must be sensitive to the presence of an occupant in the center seat position and yet be insensitive to occupants of the outboard positions when the center position is unoccupied.
Another difficult problemjs that the seat structure and composition vary from one manufacturer to another and the different resiliency and deflection characteristics makes it difficult to utilize a single switching mechanism that can be used for all types of seat structures and compositions and still be actuated with rela tively the same pressures being applied to the seat.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a switch or sensing mechanism for the center passenger position of a vehicle seat, such as an automobile, which l is capable of operating at a substantially uniform operating pressure under various conditions, (2) is not actuated even, though both outboard seat positions are occupied and strips has a plurality of narrow longitudinally spaced slits extending diagonally of the longitudinal axis of the strip and opposite ends of, the slits terminate at a location spaced from theadjacent lateral edges. The other of the contact strips has a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions extending towards the first contact strip and the protrusions are located substantially along the center line of the strips.
The construction and configuration of the contact strips allows the strips to readily be deflected into engagement with each other between opposite lateral edges even though the strips may be bowed or curved between opposite ends thereof.
According to another aspect of the invention, the switch incorporates means for concentrating an actuating pressure to'an area along the center of the contact strip. The means for concentrating the actuating pressure to the center of the strip increases the sensitivity of the switch.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the sensitivity of the switch is further increased by enclosing the casing in an outer cover and positioning an elongated thin spring metal strap between the cover and the casing on the. side of the casing that has the means for concentrating the actuating pressure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a general environment for the switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 7
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the entire switch;
FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of one of the contact strips of the switch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail one specific embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplit'ication of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings show a switch 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Switch 10 consists of first and second elongated resilient metal contact strips 12 and 14 that are enclosed within a casing 16.
Non-conductive insulators 22 (only one being shown) are located between the strips 12 and 14 adjacent opposite ends while insulated wires 24 are connected to the respective strips and lead to a warning circuit (not shown) of the type disclosed in the above patents. Each strip al s o has recesses25 in the side edges of each strip adjacent one or both ends, for a purpose to be described later.
The portion of the switch so far described is generally known and has been utilized for a variety of purposes. However, one of the difficulties encountered with a switch of this type is the actuation thereof when the switch is in a generally curved or bowed condition between opposite ends thereof. In order to actuate a switch of thistype, center portions of the two contact strips must be moved towards each other. Thus, when the switch is in the bowed or curved condition, at least one of the strips must still be flexed or bowed between opposite lateral edges in order to provide contact between the contact strips. Because of this feature, it has not heretofore been possible to utilize such a switch in varying bowed or curved conditions and still have the switch actuate at a uniform operating pressure.
According to the present invention, this objection is overcome by the particular construction and design of the contact strips 12 and 14. As clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, contact strip 12 has a plurality of elongated narrow spaced slits or slots 30 extending between lateral edges thereof. As further shown in FIG. 4,.the slits extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the strip 12 and have a length many times greater than their width. Also, the slits extend parallel to each other and have a length that is greater than the width of the strip l2'and both ends of the slits terminate at the location spaced from the adjacent lateral edge. This arrangement allows the strip tov be readily flexed or bent between opposite lateral edges even when it is in a curved condition between opposite ends thereof.
To increase the sensitivity of the switch and produce point contact between the two strips, the second or other contact strip 14 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions 32 that are located substantially along the center line between opposite lateral edges thereof. In the illustrated embodiment,- the protrusions 32, which extend towards the strip 12, are formed by deforming the strip to produce a plurality of longitudinally spaced dimples.
The respective protrusions or dimples allow the switch to be actuated when a localized pressure is applied to a restricted area of the switch contact. The height of protrusions can readily be varied during maufacture to vary the sensitivity of the switch. The protrusions also produce limited point contact between the strips resulting in higher contact pressure in the contact area and the advantages of this arrangement are set forth in U. S. Pat. No. 3,485,974, assigned to the assignee of this invention.
According to another aspect of the invention, switch It) incorporates means for concentrating an actuating pressure to a location aligned with the protrusions. This means is most clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and consists of an elongated member or bead 40 that is integral with the resilient casing 16 and has a free end terminating at the location spaced from the adjacent surface of the casing. This elongated narrow bead or member 40 This objection is overcome by producing relief grooves 42. The relief grooves 42 provide an area of reduced cross-section in the wall of the casing that has the bead integral therewith and, as indicated above, allows the wall to readily be deflected and produce engagement between the contact strips.
The switch 10 also includes an outer cover or tube 44 that encloses the casing and is sealed at opposite ends 46 (only one end being shown) to produce a waterproof assembly. The outer cover or jacket may have accordian pleats 49 defined in the vertical side walls to define a bellows construction accommodating ready deformation of the side walls upon compression of the casing. During dielectric sealing of the cover, the material flows into the recesses 25 to hold the insulators 22 and strips 12, 14 in position.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the switch also incorporates an elongated narrow sheet member 48, preferably made of thin spring steel, that is located between the bead or member 40 and the adjacent wall of the outer coverQThis actuating member cooperates with the bead 40 to localize the actuating pressure applied to any portion of the outer cover, be tween opposite lateral edges, to the bead to concentrate the actuating pressure to the center of the contact strips. v
When switch .10 is used as a sensing mechanism for sensing the presence or absence of an occupant in the center position of the seat, switch 10 is preferably inserted into the cushion material of seat 50 (shown in FIG. 1) with the elongated dimension of the switch extending from the front to the back of the seat and with the actuating strap 48 located adjacent the upper surface. When inserted in this position, occupants in the outboard positions of the seat will tend to bend or curve the switch-10 between opposite ends thereof and, of course, the amount of bending the curvature will depend on the weight of the respective occupants.
However, the switch 10 will not be actuated until an occupant is located in the center of the seat and applies pressure directly on the switch. When this occurs, any forces applied to any area of the upper surface of the upper wall of cover 44 will be transmitted to the longitudinal bead 40 through the spring metal strap 48 and will deflect the upper strip 12 between opposite lateral edges to produce engagement with at least some of the protrusions 32.
The diagonally positioned slits 30 will allow the strip 12 to be flexed between opposite lateral edges with approximately the same amount of actuating pressure being applied without, regard to the amount of curvature of the strips 12 and 14.
The switch could also be inserted into the seat with the strap 48 located adjacent the bottom of the seat cushion without effecting the sensitivity of the switch. When positioned in this manner, any pressure applied to the surface of any portion of the casing that is adja cent strip 14 will collapse the side walls of the casing which in turn will cause the strip. 12 to be flexed between opposite lateral edges to produce the contacting engagement.
While the switch has been described as being particularly adapted for use as a switching mechanism forming part of the signal system for the center seat of a vehicle, it will be appreciated that the switch has numerous other uses. For example, the switch also can be utilized as a switching mechanism 60 for the outboard seats of a vehicle such as an automobile. Alternatively, the switches 60 could be of the type disclosed in the above patents WeElaim:
1. A switch comprising first and second elongated flexible contact strips, and spacing means normally maintaining said contact strips spaced from each other, characterized by one of said contact strips having a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions extending towards the other of said contact strips and the other of said strips having a plurality of narrow spaced substantially parallel slits, said slits being located between lateral edges thereof to readily accommodate bending between opposite edges and opposite ends.
2. A switch as defined in claim 1, in which each of said slits has a length greater than the width of said other strip.
3. A switch as defined in claim 2, in which each of said slits extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of said other strip.
4. A switch as defined in claim 1, in which said spacing means includes a casing defining an elongated passage with means in said passage normally maintaining opposite lateral edges of said strips spaced from each other and actuating means forming part of said casing and aligned with said protrusions.
5. A switch as defined in claim 4, in which said protrusions are centered between opposite lateral edges of said one strip and said actuating means includes an elongated narrow bead integral with said casing and extending from the surface thereof.
6. A switch as defined in claim 5, in which said casing has elongated areas of reduced cross section extending generally parallel to said bead on opposite sides of said bead.
7. A switch as defined in claim 5, further including an outer cover surrounding said casing and an elongate thin sheet member between said outer cover and said bead, said sheet member having elongate and transverse dimensions substantially corresponding to the dimensions of said strips.
8. A switch as defined in claim 7, further including a pair of insulated wires respectively connected to said strips with said outer cover sealed around said strips and said casing.
9. A switch comprising a resilient casing defining an elongated passage with a pair of elongated contact strips in said passage, means for holding adjacent lateral edges of said strips in spaced relation, one of said strips having a plurality of narrow slits extending diagonally with respect to the axis of said passage to permit said one strip to be bent between opposite lateral edges while the strips and casing are in a bowed condition between opposite ends.
10. A switch as defined in claim 9, in which the other of said strips has a plurality of spaced protrusions located substantially between opposite lateral edges and extending toward said one strip.
11. A switch as defined in claim 10, in which said casing has an elongated narrow integral bead extending from the surface thereof with the bead aligned with said protrusions and said casing has relief grooves adjacent opposite sides of said bead to increase the resiliency of said casing.
12. A switch as defined in claim 10, further including an outer cover surrounding said casing with an elongated actuating strap between'said cover and said casing and located adjacent said one strip and means for concentrating an actuating pressure applied to said cover adjacent said strap to a location aligned with said protrusions.
13. A switch as defined in claim 12, in which said means for concentrating an actuating pressure includes an elongated member aligned with said protrusions and engaging said strap intermediate opposite edges.
14. A switch as defined in claim 13, in which' said casing has an integral bead extending above its surface adv jacent said strap to define said member.
15. A switch as defined in claim 14, in which said casing has areas of reduced cross-section on opposite sides of said bead.
16. A switch as defined in claim 15, in which said strap is a thin spring steel member that has a length and width substantially corresponding to the length and width of said strips.
17. A switch as defined in claim 9, in which said slits have a length many times greater than the width and the length of said slits is greater than the width of said one strip.
18. A switch as defined in claim 17, in which said slits extend parallel to each other.
Claims (18)
1. A switch comprising first and second elongated flexible contact strips, and spacing means normally maintaining said contact strips spaced from each other, characterized by one of said contact strips having a plurality of longitudinally spaced protrusions extending towards the other of said contact strips and the other of said strips having a plurality of narrow spaced substantially parallel slits, said slits being located between lateral edges thereof to readily accommodate bending between opposite edges and opposite ends.
2. A switch as defined in claim 1, in which each of said slits has a length greater than the width of said other strip.
3. A switch as defined in claim 2, in which each of said slits extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of said other strip.
4. A switch as defined in claim 1, in which said spacing means includes a casing defining an elongated passage with means in said passage normally maintaining opposite lateral edges of said strips spaced from each other and actuating means forming parT of said casing and aligned with said protrusions.
5. A switch as defined in claim 4, in which said protrusions are centered between opposite lateral edges of said one strip and said actuating means includes an elongated narrow bead integral with said casing and extending from the surface thereof.
6. A switch as defined in claim 5, in which said casing has elongated areas of reduced cross section extending generally parallel to said bead on opposite sides of said bead.
7. A switch as defined in claim 5, further including an outer cover surrounding said casing and an elongate thin sheet member between said outer cover and said bead, said sheet member having elongate and transverse dimensions substantially corresponding to the dimensions of said strips.
8. A switch as defined in claim 7, further including a pair of insulated wires respectively connected to said strips with said outer cover sealed around said strips and said casing.
9. A switch comprising a resilient casing defining an elongated passage with a pair of elongated contact strips in said passage, means for holding adjacent lateral edges of said strips in spaced relation, one of said strips having a plurality of narrow slits extending diagonally with respect to the axis of said passage to permit said one strip to be bent between opposite lateral edges while the strips and casing are in a bowed condition between opposite ends.
10. A switch as defined in claim 9, in which the other of said strips has a plurality of spaced protrusions located substantially between opposite lateral edges and extending toward said one strip.
11. A switch as defined in claim 10, in which said casing has an elongated narrow integral bead extending from the surface thereof with the bead aligned with said protrusions and said casing has relief grooves adjacent opposite sides of said bead to increase the resiliency of said casing.
12. A switch as defined in claim 10, further including an outer cover surrounding said casing with an elongated actuating strap between said cover and said casing and located adjacent said one strip and means for concentrating an actuating pressure applied to said cover adjacent said strap to a location aligned with said protrusions.
13. A switch as defined in claim 12, in which said means for concentrating an actuating pressure includes an elongated member aligned with said protrusions and engaging said strap intermediate opposite edges.
14. A switch as defined in claim 13, in which said casing has an integral bead extending above its surface adjacent said strap to define said member.
15. A switch as defined in claim 14, in which said casing has areas of reduced cross-section on opposite sides of said bead.
16. A switch as defined in claim 15, in which said strap is a thin spring steel member that has a length and width substantially corresponding to the length and width of said strips.
17. A switch as defined in claim 9, in which said slits have a length many times greater than the width and the length of said slits is greater than the width of said one strip.
18. A switch as defined in claim 17, in which said slits extend parallel to each other.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US00334019A US3812313A (en) | 1973-02-20 | 1973-02-20 | Tread type switch for use in passenger seats or the like |
JP48053246A JPS49114073A (en) | 1973-02-20 | 1973-05-15 |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US00334019A US3812313A (en) | 1973-02-20 | 1973-02-20 | Tread type switch for use in passenger seats or the like |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3812313A true US3812313A (en) | 1974-05-21 |
Family
ID=23305214
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US00334019A Expired - Lifetime US3812313A (en) | 1973-02-20 | 1973-02-20 | Tread type switch for use in passenger seats or the like |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3812313A (en) |
JP (1) | JPS49114073A (en) |
Cited By (30)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3911664A (en) * | 1974-10-21 | 1975-10-14 | Terry M Haber | Wrist actuated pressure switch for watches |
US4065651A (en) * | 1975-05-23 | 1977-12-27 | Societe Suisse Pour L'industrie Horlogere Management Services S.A. | Keyboard switch assembly having flexible rung ladder contacts |
US4135358A (en) * | 1977-02-14 | 1979-01-23 | Ricca Tom L | Attachment for an electronic watch system |
US4293752A (en) * | 1980-01-11 | 1981-10-06 | Tapeswitch Corporation Of America | Self adhering tape switch |
EP0104414A2 (en) * | 1982-08-31 | 1984-04-04 | Erwin Sick GmbH Optik-Elektronik | An elongate resilient section at the closure edge of a closure |
EP0109159A1 (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1984-05-23 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Pressure sensitive switchmats |
US4554424A (en) * | 1983-05-27 | 1985-11-19 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. | Electrical switch |
US4773155A (en) * | 1985-03-06 | 1988-09-27 | Mayser Gmbh & Co. | Mat switch and process for its manufacture |
FR2641407A1 (en) * | 1988-12-29 | 1990-07-06 | Mtbs Sarl | Electrical contactor intended in particular for floor rugs |
US5001310A (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1991-03-19 | Tapeswitch Corporation Of America | Puncture-resistant mat for pressure-actuated switches |
US5027552A (en) * | 1990-08-16 | 1991-07-02 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Redundant sensing edge for a door for detecting an object in proximity to the door edge |
US5066835A (en) * | 1990-09-19 | 1991-11-19 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Sensing edge |
US5089672A (en) * | 1990-09-19 | 1992-02-18 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Flexible electrically conductive contact for a switch which is actuated upon force being applied thereto |
US5142109A (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1992-08-25 | Tapeswitch Corporation Of America | Puncture-resistant mat for pressure-actuated switches |
US5148911A (en) * | 1991-10-31 | 1992-09-22 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Sensing edge switch |
DE4328167A1 (en) * | 1993-08-21 | 1995-03-02 | Mayser Gmbh & Co | Switching arrangement |
US5554835A (en) * | 1994-07-27 | 1996-09-10 | Bed-Check Corporation | Traversing conductor pressure sensitive switch |
DE19602744A1 (en) * | 1996-01-19 | 1997-07-24 | Mayser Gmbh & Co | Safety switching strip |
US5693921A (en) * | 1996-10-04 | 1997-12-02 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Continuous linear contact switch and method of assembling same |
US5939687A (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 1999-08-17 | Durkopp Adler Aktiengellschaft | Knee-operated switch for a working machine, especially a sewing machine |
US5945914A (en) * | 1998-06-11 | 1999-08-31 | Bed-Check Corporation | Toilet seat occupancy monitoring apparatus |
US6172315B1 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 2001-01-09 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Linear switch having circumferential activation |
US6455793B1 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2002-09-24 | Tokyo Sensor Co., Ltd. | Continuous-length switch |
WO2003019594A1 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2003-03-06 | Inter Primo A/S | Tape or ribbon switch |
US20030155799A1 (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2003-08-21 | Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company | Movable switch for a motorized recliner |
US20030173195A1 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2003-09-18 | Laurent Federspiel | Sensor mat for a vehicle seat |
US6689974B2 (en) | 2002-02-21 | 2004-02-10 | Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co. | Pressure switch for motorized chairs |
US20040144635A1 (en) * | 2001-06-07 | 2004-07-29 | Bed-Check Corporation | Binary switch apparatus and method for manufacturing same |
EP2450229A3 (en) * | 2010-11-04 | 2013-07-31 | Mayser GmbH & Co. KG | Seat occupation switch and vehicle seat |
US10151131B2 (en) | 2016-01-13 | 2018-12-11 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Combination contact and non-contact sensing edge |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3485974A (en) * | 1968-05-20 | 1969-12-23 | Switches Inc | Momentary contact switches for control of accessory circuits |
-
1973
- 1973-02-20 US US00334019A patent/US3812313A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1973-05-15 JP JP48053246A patent/JPS49114073A/ja active Pending
Cited By (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3911664A (en) * | 1974-10-21 | 1975-10-14 | Terry M Haber | Wrist actuated pressure switch for watches |
US4065651A (en) * | 1975-05-23 | 1977-12-27 | Societe Suisse Pour L'industrie Horlogere Management Services S.A. | Keyboard switch assembly having flexible rung ladder contacts |
US4135358A (en) * | 1977-02-14 | 1979-01-23 | Ricca Tom L | Attachment for an electronic watch system |
US4293752A (en) * | 1980-01-11 | 1981-10-06 | Tapeswitch Corporation Of America | Self adhering tape switch |
EP0104414A2 (en) * | 1982-08-31 | 1984-04-04 | Erwin Sick GmbH Optik-Elektronik | An elongate resilient section at the closure edge of a closure |
EP0104414A3 (en) * | 1982-08-31 | 1985-04-17 | Erwin Sick Gmbh Optik-Elektronik | An elongate resilient section at the closure edge of a closure |
US4532388A (en) * | 1982-08-31 | 1985-07-30 | Erwin Sick Gmbh Optik-Elektronik | Elongate resilient section at the closure edge of a closure |
EP0109159A1 (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1984-05-23 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Pressure sensitive switchmats |
US4554424A (en) * | 1983-05-27 | 1985-11-19 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. | Electrical switch |
US4773155A (en) * | 1985-03-06 | 1988-09-27 | Mayser Gmbh & Co. | Mat switch and process for its manufacture |
FR2641407A1 (en) * | 1988-12-29 | 1990-07-06 | Mtbs Sarl | Electrical contactor intended in particular for floor rugs |
US5001310A (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1991-03-19 | Tapeswitch Corporation Of America | Puncture-resistant mat for pressure-actuated switches |
US5142109A (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1992-08-25 | Tapeswitch Corporation Of America | Puncture-resistant mat for pressure-actuated switches |
US5027552A (en) * | 1990-08-16 | 1991-07-02 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Redundant sensing edge for a door for detecting an object in proximity to the door edge |
US5066835A (en) * | 1990-09-19 | 1991-11-19 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Sensing edge |
US5089672A (en) * | 1990-09-19 | 1992-02-18 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Flexible electrically conductive contact for a switch which is actuated upon force being applied thereto |
US5148911A (en) * | 1991-10-31 | 1992-09-22 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Sensing edge switch |
DE4328167A1 (en) * | 1993-08-21 | 1995-03-02 | Mayser Gmbh & Co | Switching arrangement |
US5554835A (en) * | 1994-07-27 | 1996-09-10 | Bed-Check Corporation | Traversing conductor pressure sensitive switch |
US5623760A (en) * | 1994-07-27 | 1997-04-29 | Bed-Check Corporation | Pressure sensitive switch |
DE19602744A1 (en) * | 1996-01-19 | 1997-07-24 | Mayser Gmbh & Co | Safety switching strip |
DE19602744C2 (en) * | 1996-01-19 | 1999-04-29 | Mayser Gmbh & Co | Safety edge arrangement |
US5693921A (en) * | 1996-10-04 | 1997-12-02 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Continuous linear contact switch and method of assembling same |
US5939687A (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 1999-08-17 | Durkopp Adler Aktiengellschaft | Knee-operated switch for a working machine, especially a sewing machine |
CN1063248C (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 2001-03-14 | 杜尔科普-阿德乐股份有限公司 | Knee-operated switch for working machine especially sewing machine |
US5945914A (en) * | 1998-06-11 | 1999-08-31 | Bed-Check Corporation | Toilet seat occupancy monitoring apparatus |
US6172315B1 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 2001-01-09 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Linear switch having circumferential activation |
US6455793B1 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2002-09-24 | Tokyo Sensor Co., Ltd. | Continuous-length switch |
US20020184752A1 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2002-12-12 | Takeshi Kasahara | Method for manufacturing a continuous-length switch |
DE10014698B4 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2009-12-10 | Tokyo Sensor Co., Ltd. | Full-length switch and method of making the same |
US6898842B2 (en) | 1999-06-25 | 2005-05-31 | Tokyo Sensor Co., Ltd. | Method for manufacturing a continuous-length switch |
US20030173195A1 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2003-09-18 | Laurent Federspiel | Sensor mat for a vehicle seat |
US6794590B2 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2004-09-21 | I.E.E. International Electronics & Engineering S.A.R.L. | Sensor mat for a vehicle seat |
US20040144635A1 (en) * | 2001-06-07 | 2004-07-29 | Bed-Check Corporation | Binary switch apparatus and method for manufacturing same |
US6858811B2 (en) | 2001-06-07 | 2005-02-22 | Bed-Check Corporation | Binary switch apparatus and method for manufacturing same |
WO2003019594A1 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2003-03-06 | Inter Primo A/S | Tape or ribbon switch |
US6689974B2 (en) | 2002-02-21 | 2004-02-10 | Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co. | Pressure switch for motorized chairs |
US6722736B2 (en) | 2002-02-21 | 2004-04-20 | Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company | Movable switch for a motorized recliner |
US20030155799A1 (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2003-08-21 | Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company | Movable switch for a motorized recliner |
WO2005048278A1 (en) * | 2003-11-05 | 2005-05-26 | Bed-Check Corporation | Binary switch apparatus and method for manufacturing same |
EP2450229A3 (en) * | 2010-11-04 | 2013-07-31 | Mayser GmbH & Co. KG | Seat occupation switch and vehicle seat |
US10151131B2 (en) | 2016-01-13 | 2018-12-11 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Combination contact and non-contact sensing edge |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPS49114073A (en) | 1974-10-31 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:SWITCHES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:005000/0981 Effective date: 19881221 Owner name: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SWITCHES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:005000/0981 Effective date: 19881221 |