Patent ID: 8537133
Filing Date: 2013-09-17
Classification: B60K,B60Q,B60S,B62D,D03D,D10B,G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer input device comprising an input face having a homogeneous surface and a plurality of touch-sensitive input face zones thereon for making selected through connections to provide signals to a control unit coupled thereto, characterized in that the touch-sensitive input face zones of the device further comprise 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 form non-linear springing elements with appropriate pretension to form repetitive small arches which protrude slightly out of the surface of the fabric layer or arches which are formed from groups of downward and upward curvature sections or combinations of cantilever elements wherein one cantilever element is acutely angled to another cantilever element, 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 touch-sensitive input face zones include fabric types or layers containing said integrated fibers, wires, or lamellas which are substantially homogeneously distributed throughout the input face area of the device.