Patent ID: 7326869
Filing Date: 2008-02-05
Classification: H01H,H03K

Abstract:
1. A tactile feedback switching mechanism having a plurality of switching states comprising: a plunger switch including a plunger that when displaced a given distance changes switching states, wherein the plunger switch includes a body into which the plunger may be depressed, the plunger switch switching states prior to the plunger engaging the bottom of the body; a covering wherein the covering lies at least over the plunger and wherein when the plunger switch is depressed by the user, confirmation of a change in the state of the switch can be tacitly sensed by the user by a change in resistance provided by the covering, wherein the resistance provided by the covering varies as the covering deforms between a first covering state and second covering state and wherein the resistance provided by the covering is significantly reduced in the second state which corresponds with a location at which a magnetic portion of the plunger aligns with a Hall-Effect sensor.