Patent · US Expired

Switch for computer pen

US5541375A · kind A · utility

9Cited by
9References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 7, 1994
Grant dateJul 30, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 7, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H11/0012
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A switch structure is provided for use in computer pen-based applications which can be easily adapted to perform either as a "writing" pen, an "artist" pen, or a "CAD" pen. The switch structure includes a top compression spring, an actuator, a bottom compression spring, a pair of PCB-connectible terminal pins, a printed circuit board having a pair of fixed spaced-apart electrodes and a cover plate which are especially arranged within a housing. The pair of terminal pins are in engagement with a respective one of the pair of electrodes. In one preferred embodiment, one end of the bottom compression spring contactly engages the pair of terminal pins to produce an electrical connection between the pair of electrodes when the actuator is in its fully extended position. The components of the switch structure can be easily modified so as to be utilized in each of the three common pen applications, thereby reducing cost in manufacturing and assembly. The uniquely-designed PCB-connectible terminal pins are adapted for electrical connections with a pair of electrodes formed on the printed circuit board, thereby eliminating the necessity for soldering hard-wire connections.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.