Patent ID: 7163733
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: B32B,G06F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A touch screen comprising: a) a substrate; b) a first conductive layer located on the substrate; c) a flexible cover sheet comprising a substantially planar surface and integral compressible spacer dots formed thereon, each integral compressible spacer dot having a base closest to the substantially planar surface and a peak furthest from the substantially planar surface; and d) a second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface of the flexible sheet, the peaks of the integral compressible spacer dots extending beyond the second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface; wherein the first and second conductive layers are positioned towards each other and separated by the integral compressible spacer dots, whereby, when a minimum required activation force is applied to the touch screen at the location of one of the compressible spacer dots, the compressible spacer dot is compressed to allow electrical contact between the first and second conductive layers, and further wherein a channel is formed in the substantially planar surface of the flexible sheet around each integral compressible spacer dot, the second conductive layer is formed by deposition of conductive layer material onto the substantially planar surface, and wherein due to the presence of the channels the second conductive layer is electrically isolated from any conductive layer material deposited on the peaks of the spacer dots while depositing the conductive layer material on the substantially planar surface.