Shape-changing control panel button based on activation/deactivation
US7858891B2 · kind B2 · utility
16Cited by
6References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2221/068
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A button configuration includes a shape-changing button that has a central region and a peripheral region. The peripheral region encircles the central region and defines a surface plane. The shape-changing button has an active state and an inactive state. The central region of the button protrudes from the surface plane and provides a push button function when the button is in the active state. The central region of the button extends substantially in the surface plane and provides no push button function when the button is in the inactive state. A control panel having shape-changing buttons is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.