Patent ID: 6774330
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a depressible member having an unactuated condition, said depressible member being movable to an actuated condition from said unactuated condition; a first membrane connected with said depressible member, said first membrane resisting movement of said depressible member from said unactuated condition to said actuated condition, said first membrane further providing an increasing return force urging said depressible member to said unactuated condition as an operator moves said depressible member from said unactuated condition to said actuated condition; and a second membrane resisting movement of said depressible member to said actuated condition, said second membrane further providing an increasing return force to said depressible member as the operator moves said depressible member to said actuated condition; said depressible member initially moving relative to said second membrane in a first direction, said first membrane initially resisting movement of said depressible member without said second membrane resisting movement of said depressible member, and thereafter said first membrane resisting movement of said depressible member simultaneously with said second membrane, said first and second membranes providing a single tactile sensation to the operator due to a reduction in the combined return forces applied to said depressible member by said first and second membrane after said first and second membranes resist movement of said depressible member simultaneously, said first and second membranes comprising a single electrical switch as said second membrane contacts a contact member in said actuated condition.