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US3694600A - Cushion switch means - Google Patents

Cushion switch means Download PDF

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Publication number
US3694600A
US3694600A US131083A US3694600DA US3694600A US 3694600 A US3694600 A US 3694600A US 131083 A US131083 A US 131083A US 3694600D A US3694600D A US 3694600DA US 3694600 A US3694600 A US 3694600A
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United States
Prior art keywords
strips
strip
soft
transverse curvature
insulating members
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Expired - Lifetime
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US131083A
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Robert H Koenig
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Tapeswitch Corp of America
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Tapeswitch Corp of America
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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

Definitions

  • First and second flexible conductive strips are normally separated by a plurality of insulating members sandwichedbetween them.
  • the insulating members are spaced so as to hold the conductive strips separated unless the conductive strips are flexed or bowed; as for instance, into a soft cushion by someone sitting on them.
  • the spacing of the insulatng members and the flexibility of the strips is chosen so that after a predetermined amount of flexing, the conductive strips will snap together forming a good electrical contact.
  • the principal object of the invention is to provide new and improved ribbon switch means for operation on soft, yielding surfaces, for example seats and safety cushions.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved snap-action ribbon switch means.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved ribbon switch means for detecting a person sitting in a seat.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved ribbon switch means which will operated at very low temperature.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved safety cushion switch means.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved ribbon switch means for mounting on soft, yielding surfaces comprising a first flexible conductive strip, a second flexible conductive strip, a plurality of insulating members connected between first and second strips, said insulating members being spaced along the axes of said strips so that said strips will be held in non-contact, separated position unless said strips are flexedabout the axes perpendicular to their longitudinalaxes whereby when said strips are mounted on a soft surface and a force is applied on top of them, they will flex, and after a predetermined amount of flexing, the strips will snap together to provide a good electrical contact.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view, partially cut away, and an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the invention mounted in the padding on a soft seat.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment of FIG. 1, shown in relaxed open position.
  • FIG. 2A shows the embodiment of FIG. 2, in closed position due to flexing.
  • FIGS. 3 t 5 and 8 are sectional views of modifications of the invention.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 are side detail views of a modification of the invention.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates one use of the invention and shows a ribbon switch 10 mounted on a cushioned seat 11, which may be an automobiletype seat, for the purpose of detecting when a person is sitting in a seat. There may be many reasons for detecting a person sitting in a particular seat and this information may be used for safety purposes and other monitoring purpose.
  • the present switch is designed so as to flex to conform to the shape of the persons body sitting on a soft cushioned seat.
  • the switch is also designed so that when there is sufficient flexing, the contact members will undergo a snap action and provide a good electrical contact.
  • FIG. 1B shows a ribbon switch 10' mounted perpendicular to the switch 10 of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising a first flexible conductive strip 1 and a second flexible conductive strip 2, which are separated by insulating member 3 and 4.
  • Strips 1 and 2 may be connected to external electrical circuits by means of leads 5 and 6 in conventional manner.
  • Strips l and 2 have a transverse curvature.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exploded view
  • FIG. 2 shows a sectional view with the members 1 and 2 in normal open, non-contacting position wherein they are separated by the insulating members 3, 4, etc., and the assembly is enclosed by a flexible insulating jacket 7.
  • FIG. 2A shows a side view of FIG. 2 with the cover removed, showing a flexing snap action. This figure illustrates that after the switch has been flexed by a predetermined amount of force, it will tend to snap into a closed position at the point 3.
  • FIG. 3 shows a modification of the invention having a stabilizing member 9, which may be flat or have a transverse curvature opposite to that of the first and second strips.
  • the strip 9 is preferably made of a springy material, such as,spring steel. 7
  • FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 show the switch with stabilizing strips with periodic mechanical bumps or elevations 11,, 12.
  • thse bumps cause an additional force to bring conductor strips 1 and 2 together, as shown in FIG. 7. Notice that in rest position raised bump 11 does not cause contact. This relaxed, out-of-touch condition. is also shown in the cross sections FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • the supplementary strip 13 is flat. This adds little to the stability but does give improved action on curvature, as described.
  • FIG. 8 shows a modification with flat strips 1' and 2'.
  • the other mode of contacting takes place by bending or forming a longitudinal curvature as when pressed into a soft padding, FIGS. 2A and 7.
  • This is important in very low temperature operation because economical jacketing materials tend to become partially rigid at these very low temperatures, and this would make the Detector Switch inoperative in the flat mode described above.
  • This design will operate, however, at minus 35 F. or below by closing with the longitudinal flex action described.
  • This invention will respond even at the extremely low temperatures to the small forces present in an automobile seat by means of its longitudinal flexclosing mode.
  • this switch could be installed in the padding of the seat at any active location to be sensed. Altemately, it may be fastened to the spring structure where it will operate by flexing and/or squeezing.
  • Ribbon switch means for mounting on soft, yielding surfaces comprising,
  • first flexible conductive strip having transverse curvature
  • second flexible conductive strip having transverse V curvature
  • Apparatus as in claim 1 having a flexible insulating jacket enclosing said first and second strips.

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  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

A ribbon switch is provided for operating on soft surfaces such as cushioned seats; for instance, automobile seats. First and second flexible conductive strips are normally separated by a plurality of insulating members sandwiched between them. The insulating members are spaced so as to hold the conductive strips separated unless the conductive strips are flexed or bowed; as for instance, into a soft cushion by someone sitting on them. The spacing of the insulatng members and the flexibility of the strips is chosen so that after a predetermined amount of flexing, the conductive strips will snap together forming a good electrical contact.

Description

United States Patent 1151 3,694,600 Koenig 1 t 1451 Sept. 26, 1972 CUSHION SWITCH MEANS Primary Examiner-David Smith, Jr. [72] Inventor: Robert H. Koenig, Cambria Heights, Am-mey james Pix- 1 .1. V 57 ABSTRACT 73] Assignee: Tapeswitch Corporation of America, 1
m a aleN-Y .5
April 5, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 131,083
521 Us. c1. ...,.,200/86 R, 340/278 ,[511 IIILCI. ..H01h'l3/16 581 Field 6! Search...307/l05 13; 200/86 R; 340/228 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,728,827 12/1955 Towle "200/8611 2,790,873 4/1957 Fleming ..200/86R 2,938,977 5/1960 Koenig ..200/86R 2,163,960 6/1939 Paver .....200/86 R A ribbon switch is provided for operating on soft surfaces such as cushioned seats; for instance, automobile seats. First and second flexible conductive strips are normally separated by a plurality of insulating members sandwichedbetween them. The insulating members are spaced so as to hold the conductive strips separated unless the conductive strips are flexed or bowed; as for instance, into a soft cushion by someone sitting on them. The spacing of the insulatng members and the flexibility of the strips is chosen so that after a predetermined amount of flexing, the conductive strips will snap together forming a good electrical contact.
6 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTEnsms I972 3.694.600
9 I I s n ,FIG 8 m INVENTOR. N
2 ROBERT H. KOENIG ture. It uses simple conductor contact strips and has a narrow width dimension. This design achieves reliable results without requiring one conductor to be stamped out.
Accordingly, the principal object of the invention is to provide new and improved ribbon switch means for operation on soft, yielding surfaces, for example seats and safety cushions.
Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved snap-action ribbon switch means.
Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved ribbon switch means for detecting a person sitting in a seat.
Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved ribbon switch means which will operated at very low temperature.
Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved safety cushion switch means.
Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved ribbon switch means for mounting on soft, yielding surfaces comprising a first flexible conductive strip, a second flexible conductive strip, a plurality of insulating members connected between first and second strips, said insulating members being spaced along the axes of said strips so that said strips will be held in non-contact, separated position unless said strips are flexedabout the axes perpendicular to their longitudinalaxes whereby when said strips are mounted on a soft surface and a force is applied on top of them, they will flex, and after a predetermined amount of flexing, the strips will snap together to provide a good electrical contact.
These and other objects of the invention will be apparent in the following specifications and drawings, of which,
FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view, partially cut away, and an embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the invention mounted in the padding on a soft seat.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment of FIG. 1, shown in relaxed open position.
FIG. 2A shows the embodiment of FIG. 2, in closed position due to flexing.
FIGS. 3 t 5 and 8 are sectional views of modifications of the invention.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are side detail views of a modification of the invention.
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates one use of the invention and shows a ribbon switch 10 mounted on a cushioned seat 11, which may be an automobiletype seat, for the purpose of detecting when a person is sitting in a seat. There may be many reasons for detecting a person sitting in a particular seat and this information may be used for safety purposes and other monitoring purpose.
Conventional ribbon switches are generally not acceptable for mounting on a soft surface such as seat cushions since the force is not concentrated as is the weight of a person applied on one foot. In the seat application, the persons weight is spread over a considerable area so that the ribbon switch must be designed to flex considerably and it must be designed so that it is sensitive to the surprisingly small force per unit area applied by a person sitting down.
The present switch is designed so as to flex to conform to the shape of the persons body sitting on a soft cushioned seat. The switch is also designed so that when there is sufficient flexing, the contact members will undergo a snap action and provide a good electrical contact.
FIG. 1B shows a ribbon switch 10' mounted perpendicular to the switch 10 of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising a first flexible conductive strip 1 and a second flexible conductive strip 2, which are separated by insulating member 3 and 4. Strips 1 and 2 may be connected to external electrical circuits by means of leads 5 and 6 in conventional manner. Strips l and 2 have a transverse curvature.
FIG. 1 shows an exploded view, and FIG. 2 shows a sectional view with the members 1 and 2 in normal open, non-contacting position wherein they are separated by the insulating members 3, 4, etc., and the assembly is enclosed by a flexible insulating jacket 7.
FIG. 2A shows a side view of FIG. 2 with the cover removed, showing a flexing snap action. This figure illustrates that after the switch has been flexed by a predetermined amount of force, it will tend to snap into a closed position at the point 3.
FIG. 3 shows a modification of the invention having a stabilizing member 9, which may be flat or have a transverse curvature opposite to that of the first and second strips. The strip 9 is preferably made of a springy material, such as,spring steel. 7
FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 show the switch with stabilizing strips with periodic mechanical bumps or elevations 11,, 12. When the switch is curved, thse bumps cause an additional force to bring conductor strips 1 and 2 together, as shown in FIG. 7. Notice that in rest position raised bump 11 does not cause contact. This relaxed, out-of-touch condition. is also shown in the cross sections FIGS. 4 and 5.
In FIG. 5 the supplementary strip 13 is flat. This adds little to the stability but does give improved action on curvature, as described.
FIG; 8 shows a modification with flat strips 1' and 2'.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION Operation of this detector switch is such that contact is made by either of two ways. One is simple downward pressure, squeezing contacts 1 and 2 together at intervals where no insulator is placed. This action is analagous to pushing down on a switch while it is lying on a table.
The other mode of contacting takes place by bending or forming a longitudinal curvature as when pressed into a soft padding, FIGS. 2A and 7. This is important in very low temperature operation because economical jacketing materials tend to become partially rigid at these very low temperatures, and this would make the Detector Switch inoperative in the flat mode described above. This design will operate, however, at minus 35 F. or below by closing with the longitudinal flex action described. This invention will respond even at the extremely low temperatures to the small forces present in an automobile seat by means of its longitudinal flexclosing mode.
In use, this switch could be installed in the padding of the seat at any active location to be sensed. Altemately, it may be fastened to the spring structure where it will operate by flexing and/or squeezing.
I claim:
1. Ribbon switch means for mounting on soft, yielding surfaces comprising,
a first flexible conductive strip, having transverse curvature, a second flexible conductive strip, having transverse V curvature,
a plurality of insulating members connected between first and second strips, said insulating members position unless said strips are flexed about an axis perpendicular to their longitudinal axes,
whereby when said strip assemblies are mounted on a soft surface and a force is applied on top of them, they will flex, and after a predetermined amount of flexing, the strips will snap together to provide a good electrical contact.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1, having a third strip mounted parallel and adjacent to one of said first and second strips.
3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said third strip has a transverse curvature.
4. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said third strip has raised projections extending towards one of said first and second strips.
5. Apparatus as in claim 1 having a flexible insulating jacket enclosing said first and second strips.
6. Apparatus as in claim 3 whereinsaid third strip have a transverse curvature opposite to that of one of being spaced along the axes of said strips so that Said Stripssaid strips will be held in non-contact, separated

Claims (6)

1. Ribbon switch means for mounting on soft, yielding surfaces comprising, a first flexible conductive strip, having transverse curvature, a second flexible conductive strip, having transverse curvature, a plurality of insulating members connected between first and second strips, said insulating members being spaced along the axes of said strips so that said strips will be held in noncontact, separated position unless said strips are flexed about an axis perpendicular to their longitudinal axes, whereby when said strip assemblies are mounted on a soft surface and a force is applied on top of them, they will flex, and after a predetermined amount of flexing, the strips will snap together to provide a good electrical contact.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1, having a third strip mounted parallel and adjacent to one of said first and second strips.
3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said third strip has a transverse curvature.
4. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said third strip has raised projections extending towards one of said first and second strips.
5. Apparatus as in claim 1 having a flexible insulating jacket enclosing said first and second strips.
6. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said third strip have a transverse curvature opposite to that of one of said strips.
US131083A 1971-04-05 1971-04-05 Cushion switch means Expired - Lifetime US3694600A (en)

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Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3727211A (en) * 1972-02-28 1973-04-10 C Guy Backseat object detector for police vehicle
US3751615A (en) * 1971-07-07 1973-08-07 Torrix Sa Ets Pressure-operated tape switch
US3825707A (en) * 1971-05-21 1974-07-23 Rau Swf Autozubehoer Switching device for indicating the loading of a vehicle seat
JPS5122758U (en) * 1974-08-09 1976-02-19
US4678058A (en) * 1986-04-07 1987-07-07 Outboard Marine Corporation Vehicle seat switch
US4828361A (en) * 1987-08-26 1989-05-09 Siegel-Robert, Inc. Semi-automatic rear view mirror assembly
US4845323A (en) * 1987-08-28 1989-07-04 Tactilitics, Inc. Flexible tactile switch
DE8908041U1 (en) * 1989-06-29 1989-08-17 Nettelhorst, Frhr. von, Herwig, Dr.-Ing., 1000 Berlin Sensor for mechanical forces emanating from animal or human bodies
WO1993001071A1 (en) * 1991-07-09 1993-01-21 Automotive Technologies International, Inc. Improved tape switch crush sensor
EP0529926A1 (en) * 1991-08-27 1993-03-03 Ian E. Kibblewhite Remote sensor for monitoring departure from bed
US5239148A (en) * 1991-05-15 1993-08-24 Progressive Engineering Technologies Corp. Lane discriminating traffic counting device
US5510586A (en) * 1995-01-11 1996-04-23 Tapeswitch Corporation Of America Switch joint for electrical switching mats
US6054658A (en) * 1998-06-01 2000-04-25 Tapeswitch Corporation Electrical switch mat
US20040066286A1 (en) * 2002-09-23 2004-04-08 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. System for sensing whether an object struck in a collision is a pedestrian
GB2464965A (en) * 2008-10-31 2010-05-05 St Ind Ltd Presence Detector
USD751044S1 (en) * 2014-05-22 2016-03-08 Hzo, Inc. Control switch for an electronic device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2163960A (en) * 1936-12-07 1939-06-27 John M Paver Road strip
US2728827A (en) * 1953-03-23 1955-12-27 Specialties Dev Corp Deformable switch
US2790873A (en) * 1953-05-08 1957-04-30 Specialties Dev Corp Deformation switch
US2938977A (en) * 1958-09-02 1960-05-31 Tapeswitch Corp Of America Electric switching mat

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2163960A (en) * 1936-12-07 1939-06-27 John M Paver Road strip
US2728827A (en) * 1953-03-23 1955-12-27 Specialties Dev Corp Deformable switch
US2790873A (en) * 1953-05-08 1957-04-30 Specialties Dev Corp Deformation switch
US2938977A (en) * 1958-09-02 1960-05-31 Tapeswitch Corp Of America Electric switching mat

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3825707A (en) * 1971-05-21 1974-07-23 Rau Swf Autozubehoer Switching device for indicating the loading of a vehicle seat
US3751615A (en) * 1971-07-07 1973-08-07 Torrix Sa Ets Pressure-operated tape switch
US3727211A (en) * 1972-02-28 1973-04-10 C Guy Backseat object detector for police vehicle
JPS5122758U (en) * 1974-08-09 1976-02-19
US4678058A (en) * 1986-04-07 1987-07-07 Outboard Marine Corporation Vehicle seat switch
US4828361A (en) * 1987-08-26 1989-05-09 Siegel-Robert, Inc. Semi-automatic rear view mirror assembly
US4845323A (en) * 1987-08-28 1989-07-04 Tactilitics, Inc. Flexible tactile switch
DE8908041U1 (en) * 1989-06-29 1989-08-17 Nettelhorst, Frhr. von, Herwig, Dr.-Ing., 1000 Berlin Sensor for mechanical forces emanating from animal or human bodies
US5239148A (en) * 1991-05-15 1993-08-24 Progressive Engineering Technologies Corp. Lane discriminating traffic counting device
US5360953A (en) * 1991-05-15 1994-11-01 Progressive Engineering Technologies Corp. Lane discriminating traffic counting device
WO1993001071A1 (en) * 1991-07-09 1993-01-21 Automotive Technologies International, Inc. Improved tape switch crush sensor
US6009970A (en) * 1991-07-09 2000-01-04 Automotive Technologies Int'l., Inc. Tape switch crush sensor
EP0529926A1 (en) * 1991-08-27 1993-03-03 Ian E. Kibblewhite Remote sensor for monitoring departure from bed
US5510586A (en) * 1995-01-11 1996-04-23 Tapeswitch Corporation Of America Switch joint for electrical switching mats
US6054658A (en) * 1998-06-01 2000-04-25 Tapeswitch Corporation Electrical switch mat
US20040066286A1 (en) * 2002-09-23 2004-04-08 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. System for sensing whether an object struck in a collision is a pedestrian
US6744354B2 (en) 2002-09-23 2004-06-01 Ford Global Technologies, Llc System for sensing whether an object struck in a collision is a pedestrian
DE10326770B4 (en) * 2002-09-23 2007-05-16 Ford Global Tech Llc Sensor system for determining the width of an object
GB2464965A (en) * 2008-10-31 2010-05-05 St Ind Ltd Presence Detector
GB2464965B (en) * 2008-10-31 2012-09-26 St Ind Ltd Presence detector
USD751044S1 (en) * 2014-05-22 2016-03-08 Hzo, Inc. Control switch for an electronic device

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