Patent ID: 8243039
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: B60K,B60Q,B60S,B62D,D03D,D10B,G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer input device comprising an input face having a plurality of touch-sensitive input face zones for making selected through connections to provide signals to a control unit coupled thereto, characterized n that the touch-sensitive input face zones of the device further comprise layers or fabric layers having fibers, wires, or lamellas integrated into a touch-sensitive layer or adjacent fabric layers, wherein the integrated fibers, wires or lamellas are configured to provide a non-linear response to the application of force by a user's fingers to the input face zones such that after a certain small depression thereof, further depression requires the application of force that stays the same or decreases to produce said through connection, thereby providing tactile feedback similar to a toggle-lever effect to the user of the activation of said through connection; and further wherein the integrated fibers, wires, or lamellas comprise ribbon-like material having a flat cross-section that are woven into one of the fabric layers with appropriate pretension to form small arches which protrude slightly out of the surface of the fabric layer and when pressed in elastically by the pressure of a finger spring downwardly to provide a through connection.