USRE49463E1 - Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton - Google Patents

Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton Download PDF

Info

Publication number
USRE49463E1
USRE49463E1 US17/399,196 US202117399196A USRE49463E US RE49463 E1 USRE49463 E1 US RE49463E1 US 202117399196 A US202117399196 A US 202117399196A US RE49463 E USRE49463 E US RE49463E
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
pushbutton
indicia
light
cover
housing
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.)
Active, expires
Application number
US17/399,196
Inventor
David Worsham
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US17/399,196 priority Critical patent/USRE49463E1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USRE49463E1 publication Critical patent/USRE49463E1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/023—Light-emitting indicators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • H01H9/182—Illumination of the symbols or distinguishing marks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
    • H01H1/40—Contact mounted so that its contact-making surface is flush with adjoining insulation
    • H01H1/403—Contacts forming part of a printed circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5805—Connections to printed circuits
    • 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
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/56—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force
    • H01H13/58—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force with contact-driving member rotated step-wise in one direction
    • H01H13/585—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force with contact-driving member rotated step-wise in one direction wherein the movable contact rotates around the axis of the push button
    • 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
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/023—Light-emitting indicators
    • H01H2013/026—Light-emitting indicators with two or more independent lighting elements located inside the push button switch that illuminate separate zones of push buttons
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/008—Adhesive
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/014—LED
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/037—Light emitting elements using organic materials, e.g. organic LED
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/064—Optical isolation of switch sites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/004—High frequency adaptation or shielding

Definitions

  • This invention relates to lighted pushbutton switches and, more particularly, to a pushbutton with an indicia cover that provides lighted indicia on the pushbutton.
  • Toggle switches for example, are known to be constructed with lights. Pushbutton switches are commonly used for ON-OFF switching or for toggling between alternative applications.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 7,514,643 discloses a lighted pushbutton switch having a printed circuit board in the bottom of a housing, with a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on the board.
  • a switch operating plunger at the top rotates a ratchet and electrical contact member whenever the plunger is depressed.
  • the contact member engages conductive paths on the top of the PC board and moves from path to path as it is rotated to change the state of the switch.
  • a transparent light pipe over the LED transmits light through the plunger.
  • the light pipe fits through the ratchet and is rotated by the ratchet to rotate the electrical contact member.
  • the light is projected trough the pushbutton where it is visible.
  • the pushbutton not only project light but also project indicia such as symbols or letters to indicate the function of the switch.
  • This invention is an illuminated pushbutton for a pushbutton switch having a light transmitting pushbutton and an indicia cover that is attached to a front end of the light transmitting pushbutton.
  • the indicia cover has non-light transmitting regions and light transmitting regions on its front surface, wherein the light transmitting regions provide visible, light-transmitted indicia on the light transmitting pushbutton.
  • the indicia cover has an adhesive on its rear surface to attach the indicia cover to the front end of the light transmitting pushbutton.
  • a light emitting diode is constructed to transmit light to the indicia cover.
  • the light transmitting pushbutton is positioned in a front end of a housing and the light emitting diode is positioned in a rear end of the housing.
  • Components in the housing between the light emitting diode and the light transmitting pushbutton are constructed to allow transmission of light from the light emitting diode to the light transmitting pushbutton.
  • a lens may be positioned adjacent to the front end of the light transmitting pushbutton and covered with a light transmitting cap. In this configuration, the indicia cover is attached to the surface of the light transmitting cap.
  • An advantage of the illuminated pushbutton of the present invention is illuminated indicia, such as symbols, numbers, and letters on the pushbutton that are visible in the dark.
  • Another advantage is illuminated indicia that are created by light passing through light transmitting templates on a surface of an indicia cover that is otherwise non-light transmitting.
  • Another advantage is an indicia cover that is reversibly attachable to a pushbutton cap and is replaceable with other indicia covers.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a pushbutton switch having a light emitting diode to illuminate a light transmitting pushbutton.
  • FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the light transmitting pushbutton of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows the front of an indicia cover of the present invention that has non-light transmitting regions and light transmitting regions, wherein the light transmitting regions provide indicia.
  • FIG. 4 shows the back of the indicia cover which has adhesive for attaching the indicia cover to a front end of the light transmitting pushbutton.
  • FIG. 5 shows the indicia cover attached to the front end of the light transmitting pushbutton.
  • FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a housing of the pushbutton switch, further showing an interior of the housing.
  • FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of the housing of the pushbutton switch, further showing the light transmitting pushbutton, with the indicia cover attached thereto, positioned in the interior of the housing.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a pushbutton switch 10 having a light emitting diode 24 to illuminate a light transmitting pushbutton 14 .
  • the pushbutton switch 10 also has a light transmitting pushbutton cap 12 , a silicon cap 15 having a ratchet chamber 16 , a top ratchet 17 and a bottom ratchet 18 within the ratchet chamber 16 , a ratchet locker 19 , and a ratchet ring 20 .
  • the pushbutton 14 operates a switch board 21 mounted on a spring 22 as it engages a light emitting diode (LED) circuit board 23 , by methods known in the art.
  • the LED 24 is mounted on the circuit board 23 and provides illumination to the pushbutton 14 .
  • LED light emitting diode
  • All of the internal components 14 - 22 are constructed to allow the passage of light from the LED 24 to the pushbutton cap 12 .
  • the circuit board 23 is mounted on a micro switch holder 25 which holds a micro switch 26 .
  • a lens 13 can be positioned on the pushbutton 14 and held in place by the light transmitting cap 12 .
  • FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the light transmitting pushbutton 14 .
  • the pushbutton 14 has a front end 30 , positioned on a stem 31 .
  • the pushbutton 14 may, alternatively, have an opening 33 (shown by the dashed line) on the front end 30 which opens into a hollow interior 32 of the pushbutton 14 .
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show an indicia cover 34 having a front surface 35 and a rear surface 36 .
  • the indicia cover 34 has non-light transmitting regions 37 and light transmitting regions 38 on the front surface 35 and an adhesive on the rear surface 36 to attach the indicia cover 34 to the front end 32 of the pushbutton 14 .
  • FIG. 5 shows the indicia cover 34 attached to the front end 30 of the pushbutton 14 .
  • the light transmitting regions 38 provide visible indicia, such as symbols and letters, when the indicia cover 34 is attached to the pushbutton 14 and when the LED 24 provides light to the pushbutton 14 and to the indicia cover 34 .
  • a lens 13 may be positioned adjacent to the front end 30 of the light transmitting pushbutton 14 and covered with the light transmitting cap 12 .
  • the indicia cover 34 is attached to the surface 41 (see FIG. 1 ) of the light transmitting cap 12 .
  • FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of the housing 11 of the pushbutton switch 10 , further showing an opening 39 into an interior 40 of the housing 11 , at the front end 27 of the housing 11 .
  • FIG. 7 shows that the pushbutton 14 , with the indicia cover 34 attached thereto, is positioned in the interior 40 of the housing 11 .
  • the front end 30 of the pushbutton 14 and the indicia cover 34 are positioned at the front end 27 of the housing 11 .
  • the pushbutton 14 is made, preferably, of a plastic that allows the transmission of light.
  • the indicia cover 34 is made, preferably, of a flexible plastic with the non-light transmitting regions colored black or a dark color.
  • the light transmitting regions are clear plastic or are constructed as openings in the indicia cover 34 .
  • the pushbutton and indicia cover can also be used in simple pushbutton switches that have an LED but no LED circuit board or ratchet mechanism.
  • Any suitable types of plastic may be used to construct the pushbutton and the indicia cover.
  • the plastics can be flexible or non-flexible.
  • the non-light transmitting areas on the indicia cover can be any color.
  • the light transmitting areas on the indicia cap can also be made of clear colored plastic.
  • Any suitable adhesive may be used to attach the indicia cover to the pushbutton cap. Any type of lens can be used with the pushbutton.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

An illuminated pushbutton for a pushbutton switch having a light transmitting pushbutton and an indicia cover that is attached to a front end of the light transmitting pushbutton. The indicia cover has non-light transmitting regions and light transmitting regions on its front surface, wherein the light transmitting regions provide visible, light-transmitted indicia on the light transmitting pushbutton. The indicia cover has an adhesive on its rear surface to attach the indicia cover to the front end of the light transmitting pushbutton. An LED in the pushbutton switch is constructed to transmit light to the indicia cover. The light passes through the light transmitting regions (symbols and letters) but not through the non-light transmitting regions. As the light passes through the light transmitting symbols and letters, the symbols and letters are lighted and visible in the dark.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to lighted pushbutton switches and, more particularly, to a pushbutton with an indicia cover that provides lighted indicia on the pushbutton.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is often desirable to have a light on or within a switch so that it can be found in the dark or in low lighting. Toggle switches, for example, are known to be constructed with lights. Pushbutton switches are commonly used for ON-OFF switching or for toggling between alternative applications. U.S. Pat. No. 7,514,643 discloses a lighted pushbutton switch having a printed circuit board in the bottom of a housing, with a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on the board. A switch operating plunger at the top rotates a ratchet and electrical contact member whenever the plunger is depressed. The contact member engages conductive paths on the top of the PC board and moves from path to path as it is rotated to change the state of the switch. A transparent light pipe over the LED transmits light through the plunger. The light pipe fits through the ratchet and is rotated by the ratchet to rotate the electrical contact member. The light is projected trough the pushbutton where it is visible. However, in cases where several pushbutton switches are used to operate several devices it would be useful to have the pushbutton not only project light but also project indicia such as symbols or letters to indicate the function of the switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is an illuminated pushbutton for a pushbutton switch having a light transmitting pushbutton and an indicia cover that is attached to a front end of the light transmitting pushbutton. The indicia cover has non-light transmitting regions and light transmitting regions on its front surface, wherein the light transmitting regions provide visible, light-transmitted indicia on the light transmitting pushbutton. The indicia cover has an adhesive on its rear surface to attach the indicia cover to the front end of the light transmitting pushbutton. A light emitting diode is constructed to transmit light to the indicia cover. The light transmitting pushbutton is positioned in a front end of a housing and the light emitting diode is positioned in a rear end of the housing. Components in the housing between the light emitting diode and the light transmitting pushbutton are constructed to allow transmission of light from the light emitting diode to the light transmitting pushbutton. A lens may be positioned adjacent to the front end of the light transmitting pushbutton and covered with a light transmitting cap. In this configuration, the indicia cover is attached to the surface of the light transmitting cap.
An advantage of the illuminated pushbutton of the present invention is illuminated indicia, such as symbols, numbers, and letters on the pushbutton that are visible in the dark.
Another advantage is illuminated indicia that are created by light passing through light transmitting templates on a surface of an indicia cover that is otherwise non-light transmitting.
Another advantage is an indicia cover that is reversibly attachable to a pushbutton cap and is replaceable with other indicia covers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a pushbutton switch having a light emitting diode to illuminate a light transmitting pushbutton.
FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the light transmitting pushbutton of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows the front of an indicia cover of the present invention that has non-light transmitting regions and light transmitting regions, wherein the light transmitting regions provide indicia.
FIG. 4 shows the back of the indicia cover which has adhesive for attaching the indicia cover to a front end of the light transmitting pushbutton.
FIG. 5 shows the indicia cover attached to the front end of the light transmitting pushbutton.
FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a housing of the pushbutton switch, further showing an interior of the housing.
FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of the housing of the pushbutton switch, further showing the light transmitting pushbutton, with the indicia cover attached thereto, positioned in the interior of the housing.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the following description details the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the parts illustrated in the accompanying figures, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways.
FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a pushbutton switch 10 having a light emitting diode 24 to illuminate a light transmitting pushbutton 14. The pushbutton switch 10 also has a light transmitting pushbutton cap 12, a silicon cap 15 having a ratchet chamber 16, a top ratchet 17 and a bottom ratchet 18 within the ratchet chamber 16, a ratchet locker 19, and a ratchet ring 20. The pushbutton 14 operates a switch board 21 mounted on a spring 22 as it engages a light emitting diode (LED) circuit board 23, by methods known in the art. The LED 24 is mounted on the circuit board 23 and provides illumination to the pushbutton 14. All of the internal components 14-22 are constructed to allow the passage of light from the LED 24 to the pushbutton cap 12. The circuit board 23 is mounted on a micro switch holder 25 which holds a micro switch 26. A lens 13 can be positioned on the pushbutton 14 and held in place by the light transmitting cap 12.
FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the light transmitting pushbutton 14. The pushbutton 14 has a front end 30, positioned on a stem 31. The pushbutton 14 may, alternatively, have an opening 33 (shown by the dashed line) on the front end 30 which opens into a hollow interior 32 of the pushbutton 14.
FIGS. 3 and 4 show an indicia cover 34 having a front surface 35 and a rear surface 36. The indicia cover 34 has non-light transmitting regions 37 and light transmitting regions 38 on the front surface 35 and an adhesive on the rear surface 36 to attach the indicia cover 34 to the front end 32 of the pushbutton 14. FIG. 5 shows the indicia cover 34 attached to the front end 30 of the pushbutton 14. The light transmitting regions 38 provide visible indicia, such as symbols and letters, when the indicia cover 34 is attached to the pushbutton 14 and when the LED 24 provides light to the pushbutton 14 and to the indicia cover 34. In an alternate configuration a lens 13 may be positioned adjacent to the front end 30 of the light transmitting pushbutton 14 and covered with the light transmitting cap 12. In this configuration, the indicia cover 34 is attached to the surface 41 (see FIG. 1 ) of the light transmitting cap 12.
FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of the housing 11 of the pushbutton switch 10, further showing an opening 39 into an interior 40 of the housing 11, at the front end 27 of the housing 11. FIG. 7 shows that the pushbutton 14, with the indicia cover 34 attached thereto, is positioned in the interior 40 of the housing 11. The front end 30 of the pushbutton 14 and the indicia cover 34 are positioned at the front end 27 of the housing 11.
The pushbutton 14 is made, preferably, of a plastic that allows the transmission of light. The indicia cover 34 is made, preferably, of a flexible plastic with the non-light transmitting regions colored black or a dark color. The light transmitting regions are clear plastic or are constructed as openings in the indicia cover 34. When the LED 24 is turned on light is transmitted from the LED 24, through the housing 11 of the pushbutton switch 10, to the pushbutton 14. The light passes through the light transmitting regions (symbols and letters) of the indicia cover 34 but not through the non-light transmitting regions. As the light passes through the light transmitting symbols and letters, the symbols and letters are lighted and visible. A lens 13 can be positioned on the pushbutton 14 and held in place by the pushbutton cap 12 to focus, disperse, or modify light from the LED 24 as desired.
The foregoing description has been limited to specific embodiments of this invention. It will be apparent, however, that variations and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to the disclosed embodiments of the invention, with the attainment of some or all of its advantages and without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the pushbutton and indicia cover can also be used in simple pushbutton switches that have an LED but no LED circuit board or ratchet mechanism. Any suitable types of plastic may be used to construct the pushbutton and the indicia cover. The plastics can be flexible or non-flexible. The non-light transmitting areas on the indicia cover can be any color. The light transmitting areas on the indicia cap can also be made of clear colored plastic. Any suitable adhesive may be used to attach the indicia cover to the pushbutton cap. Any type of lens can be used with the pushbutton.
It will be understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated above in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the invention as recited in the following claims.

Claims (10)

I claim:
1. An illuminated pushbutton for a pushbutton switch, comprising:
a) a pushbutton having a hollow interior, a front end with an opening, and a stem, wherein the front end of said pushbutton is positioned in a front end of a housing and a light source is positioned in a rear end of the housing;
b) an indicia cover having a front surface with a dark background and a rear surface, wherein the indicia cover is attached to the front end of said pushbutton; and
c) said indicia cover is non-light transmitting and does not allow the passage of light from the light source through said indicia cover except for indicia positioned on said indicia cover, the indicia being light transmitting and allowing the passage of light through said indicia cover, wherein the light source transmits light from the rear end of the housing to the front end of the housing and to the rear surface of said indicia cover and wherein the light from the light source passes through the indicia and lights the indicia, making the indicia visible on the front surface of said indicia cover and on the front end of said pushbutton.
2. The illuminated pushbutton of claim 1 8 further comprising a lens positioned adjacent to the front end of said pushbutton and covered with a light transmitting cap.
3. The illuminated pushbutton of claim 1 8, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.
4. The illuminated pushbutton of claim 1 8 further comprising said indicia cover having an adhesive on its rear surface to attach said indicia cover to the front end of said pushbutton.
5. The illuminated pushbutton of claim 1 8 further comprising components in the housing between the light source and said pushbutton being constructed to allow transmission of light from the light source to said pushbutton.
6. An illuminated pushbutton for a pushbutton switch, comprising:
a) a pushbutton having a hollow interior, a front endwith an opening, and a stem wherein the front end of said pushbutton is positioned in a front end of a housing and a light emitting diode is positioned in a rear end of the housing transmits light through the housing to the pushbutton;
b) an indicia cover having a front surface with a dark background and a rear surface, wherein the indicia cover is attached to the front end of said pushbutton;
c) said indicia cover is non-light transmitting and does not allow the passage of light from the light emitting diode through said indicia cover except for indicia positioned on said indicia cover, the indicia being light transmitting and allowing the passage of light through said indicia cover, wherein the light emitting diode transmits light from the rear end of the housing to the front end of the housing and to the rear surface of said indicia cover and wherein the light from the light emitting diode passes through the indicia and lights the indicia, making the indicia visible on the front surface of said indicia cover and on the front end of said pushbutton;
d) said pushbutton being connected to a multipin pushbutton switch by connection of the stem of the push button to a silicon cap, the silicon cap having a ratchet system whereby said pushbutton operates the multipin pushbutton switch, wherein the front surface of said indicia cover is colored black or a dark color and the indicia are made of clear plastic or are openings in the indicia cover;
de) said indicia cover having an adhesive on its rear surface to attach said indicia cover to said front end of said light transmitting pushbutton; and
ef) components in the housing between the light source and said pushbutton being constructed to allow transmission of light from the light source to said pushbutton.
7. The illuminated pushbutton of claim 6 10 further comprising a lens positioned adjacent to the front end of said pushbutton and covered with a light transmitting cap.
8. An illuminated pushbutton for a pushbutton switch, comprising:
a) a pushbutton having a hollow interior, a front endwith an opening, and a stem, wherein the front end of said pushbutton is positioned in a front end of a housing and a light source is positioned in a rear end of the housing transmits light through the housing to the pushbutton;
b) an indicia cover having a front surface with a dark background and a rear surface, wherein the indicia cover is attached to the front end of said pushbutton;
c) said indicia cover is non-light transmitting and does not allow the passage of light from the light source through said indicia cover except for indicia on said indicia cover, the indicia being light transmitting and allowing the passage of light through said indicia cover, wherein the light source transmits light from the rear end of the housing to the front end of the housing and to the rear surface of said indicia cover and wherein the light from the light source passes through the indicia and lights the indicia, making the indicia visible on the front surface of said indicia cover and on the front end of said pushbutton; and
d) said pushbutton being connected to a multipin pushbutton switch by connection of the stem of the push button to a silicon cap, the silicon cap having a ratchet system whereby said pushbutton operates the multipin pushbutton switch, wherein the front surface of said indicia cover is colored black or a dark color and the indicia are made of clear plastic or are openings in the indicia cover.
9. The illuminated pushbutton of claim 8 further comprising a lens positioned adjacent to the front end of said pushbutton and covered with a light transmitting cap.
10. An illuminated pushbutton for a pushbutton switch, comprising:
a) a pushbutton having a hollow interior, a front endwith an opening, and a stem, wherein the front end of said pushbutton is positioned in a front end of a housing and a light source is positioned in a rear end of the housing and wherein a lens is positioned adjacent to said the front end of said light transmitting pushbutton, said lens being covered with a light transmitting cap transmits light through the housing to the pushbutton;
b) an indicia cover having a front surface with a dark background and a rear surface, wherein the indicia cover is attached to the light transmitting cap front end of said pushbutton; and
c) said indicia cover is non-light transmitting and does not allow the passage of light from the light source through said indicia cover except for indicia positioned on said indicia cover, the indicia being light transmitting and allowing the passage of light through said indicia cover, wherein the light source transmits light from the rear end of the housing to the front end of the housing and to the rear surface of said indicia cover and wherein the light from the light source passes through the indicia and lights the indicia, making the indicia visible on the front surface of the said indicia cover and on the light transmitting cap. front end of said pushbutton;
d) said pushbutton being connected to a multipin pushbutton switch by connection of the stem of the push button to a silicon cap, the silicon cap having a ratchet system whereby said pushbutton operates the multipin pushbutton switch, wherein the front surface of said indicia cover is colored black or a dark color and the indicia are made of clear plastic or are openings in the indicia cover;
e) said indicia cover having an adhesive on its rear surface to attach said indicia cover to the front end of said pushbutton; and
f) components in the housing between the light source and said pushbutton being constructed to allow transmission of light from the light source to said pushbutton, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.
US17/399,196 2018-01-03 2021-08-11 Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton Active 2038-11-02 USRE49463E1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/399,196 USRE49463E1 (en) 2018-01-03 2021-08-11 Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/861,549 US10777370B1 (en) 2018-01-03 2018-01-03 Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton
US17/399,196 USRE49463E1 (en) 2018-01-03 2021-08-11 Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/861,549 Reissue US10777370B1 (en) 2018-01-03 2018-01-03 Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USRE49463E1 true USRE49463E1 (en) 2023-03-14

Family

ID=72425562

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/861,549 Ceased US10777370B1 (en) 2018-01-03 2018-01-03 Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton
US17/399,196 Active 2038-11-02 USRE49463E1 (en) 2018-01-03 2021-08-11 Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/861,549 Ceased US10777370B1 (en) 2018-01-03 2018-01-03 Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US10777370B1 (en)

Citations (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3467802A (en) * 1968-06-21 1969-09-16 Clare Pendar Co Conductor apparatus for switch structure
US5150257A (en) * 1991-07-29 1992-09-22 Eaton Corporation High reliability, low intensity back lit SR and NVGC indicator assembly
GB2269686A (en) * 1992-07-09 1994-02-16 Nat Electronics & Watch Compan Time piece display.
US5659297A (en) * 1995-03-27 1997-08-19 Eaton Corporation Display system
US6180905B1 (en) * 2000-01-03 2001-01-30 Trw Inc. Two position pushbutton switch with illuminated button
US6310308B1 (en) * 2000-09-20 2001-10-30 Spectra Lux Corporation Compact push-button switch assembly
US20020021562A1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2002-02-21 Team Light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages, in particular for an aviation equipment panel, and a strip constituted by such keys
US6417469B1 (en) * 1998-06-25 2002-07-09 Omron Corporation Illuminated push button switch
US6654077B1 (en) * 2000-01-18 2003-11-25 Aurora Systems, Inc. Precision surface mount for a display device
US20040118669A1 (en) * 2001-03-12 2004-06-24 Mou Oliver C. Gaming machine illuminated push-button switch
US20050224322A1 (en) * 2004-01-19 2005-10-13 Calsonic Kansei Corporation Multifunctional switch with indicator
US20060019053A1 (en) * 2004-07-23 2006-01-26 Jacoby Elliot G Field labeled button
US20070246337A1 (en) * 2006-04-25 2007-10-25 Industrias Lorenzo, Sa Lighted pushbutton-type switch assembly
US7514643B1 (en) 2005-07-19 2009-04-07 Judco Manufacturing, Inc. Lighted pushbutton switch assembly
US7775872B2 (en) * 2003-06-30 2010-08-17 Wms Gaming Inc. Intelligent button for a gaming machine
US10139853B2 (en) * 2017-01-20 2018-11-27 Jaeho Choi Method for manufacturing light emitting metal knob
US10297404B1 (en) * 2017-12-08 2019-05-21 Lyric Shin Enterprise Co., Ltd. Illuminated pushbuttion switch

Patent Citations (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3467802A (en) * 1968-06-21 1969-09-16 Clare Pendar Co Conductor apparatus for switch structure
US5150257A (en) * 1991-07-29 1992-09-22 Eaton Corporation High reliability, low intensity back lit SR and NVGC indicator assembly
GB2269686A (en) * 1992-07-09 1994-02-16 Nat Electronics & Watch Compan Time piece display.
US5659297A (en) * 1995-03-27 1997-08-19 Eaton Corporation Display system
US6417469B1 (en) * 1998-06-25 2002-07-09 Omron Corporation Illuminated push button switch
US6180905B1 (en) * 2000-01-03 2001-01-30 Trw Inc. Two position pushbutton switch with illuminated button
US6654077B1 (en) * 2000-01-18 2003-11-25 Aurora Systems, Inc. Precision surface mount for a display device
US20020021562A1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2002-02-21 Team Light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages, in particular for an aviation equipment panel, and a strip constituted by such keys
US6310308B1 (en) * 2000-09-20 2001-10-30 Spectra Lux Corporation Compact push-button switch assembly
US20040118669A1 (en) * 2001-03-12 2004-06-24 Mou Oliver C. Gaming machine illuminated push-button switch
US7775872B2 (en) * 2003-06-30 2010-08-17 Wms Gaming Inc. Intelligent button for a gaming machine
US20050224322A1 (en) * 2004-01-19 2005-10-13 Calsonic Kansei Corporation Multifunctional switch with indicator
US20060019053A1 (en) * 2004-07-23 2006-01-26 Jacoby Elliot G Field labeled button
US7514643B1 (en) 2005-07-19 2009-04-07 Judco Manufacturing, Inc. Lighted pushbutton switch assembly
US20070246337A1 (en) * 2006-04-25 2007-10-25 Industrias Lorenzo, Sa Lighted pushbutton-type switch assembly
US10139853B2 (en) * 2017-01-20 2018-11-27 Jaeho Choi Method for manufacturing light emitting metal knob
US10297404B1 (en) * 2017-12-08 2019-05-21 Lyric Shin Enterprise Co., Ltd. Illuminated pushbuttion switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US10777370B1 (en) 2020-09-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6890086B2 (en) Electronically controlled multi-light flashlight
US7514643B1 (en) Lighted pushbutton switch assembly
EP2057497B1 (en) Light including an electro-optical "photonic" selector switch
US6855899B2 (en) Push button device having an illuminator
US7722209B2 (en) Flashlight with selectable output level switching
US7434955B2 (en) Flashlight system
US6299372B1 (en) Advertise effect photo pen
JP2004079232A (en) Illumination structure for push-button and electronic apparatus equipped with push button
USRE49463E1 (en) Pushbutton switch with light-transmitting indicia on the pushbutton
JP2014216102A (en) Display part light emission switch
US20050152137A1 (en) LED flashlight
US11421832B2 (en) Flashlight with multiple light sources
RU99123432A (en) ELECTRICAL DEVICE
KR100721236B1 (en) Double location lighting typed rotary switch of electric device in vehicle
JP2006236868A (en) Portable light and accessory with lighting function
KR101754350B1 (en) Buried switch for ligthing
KR200478607Y1 (en) Buried switch for ligthing
CN212625252U (en) Power switch structure
KR200336901Y1 (en) A lighting apparatus on accessory
KR0127393Y1 (en) Illuminating structure of switch knob
KR100483990B1 (en) Switiching apparatus for electronic instrument
JP3904803B2 (en) Illuminated rotary electronic component and electronic device using the same
GB2364277A (en) A pen with an LED light source and a refraction plate to disperse the light
KR0129692Y1 (en) Push button switch
CA2712177A1 (en) Illuminated door bell

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: SMAL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY