Patent ID: 6271487
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A tactile feedback pushbutton switch comprising:an insulated housing having an inner bottom surface and a plurality of walls;a conductive contact provided on approximately the center of said inner bottom surface of said housing;an elastomeric dome disposed in said insulated housing having a conductive means attached to a bottom surface of said dome for making an electrical contact when said pushbutton is activated;a switching element, disposed between said conductive contact and said conductive means of said elastomeric dome, having a first state of no electrical contact, having a second state of making electrical contact with said conductive means of said elastomeric dome, and having a third state of said conductive means electrically contacting said switching element which contacts said conductive contact, as a pushbutton is being pressed in a direction toward said bottom surface of said housing;said pushbutton, disposed above said rubber dome, comprises a plurality of legs, for limiting the travel of said pushbutton within said housing;a collar disposed around said elastomeric dome having an opening for a top portion of said dome to extend therethrough; anda frame having an opening for said pushbutton to extend therethrough, said frame comprises at least a pair of sides which snap over tabs on the outside of said housing.