Patent · US Expired

Infrared on/off button for computing apparatus

US6504119B1 · kind B1 · utility

5Cited by
10References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 1, 2000
Grant dateJan 7, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 16, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H2233/094
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A push button assembly for a portable electronic apparatus includes an upper surface having a translucent portion, a stem positioned substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and an actuating switch. The switch is located within the interior of the electronic apparatus and is positioned to be actuated by the stem when the upper surface is pressed by a user. A spring maintains the upper surface in a relaxed position when the spring is undepressed. At least one light source is positioned within the electronic apparatus such that emissions from the light source extend through the translucent portion of the upper surface when the light source is actuated. The push button assembly may also include at least three ribs positioned along the stem. Each rib has a locking rib sized and positioned to engage at least one link of the spring so that the spring may remain attached to the stem during assembly of the electronic apparatus.

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