USOO6660948B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,660,948 B2

Clegg et al. (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 9, 2003

(54) SWITCH MATRIX 5,565,865 A * 10/1996 So .............................. 341/20

5,588,760 A 12/1996 So ............................. 400/495
(75) Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Lindon, UT (US); 5,668,358 A * 9/1997 Wolf et al. . . . . . . . . 200/5 A
Wallace E. Day, Payson, UT (US) s
2- --1-2
A : 23. Multis et al. .... 3. A
aSlllllla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6,080,940 A 6/2000 Rice ........................... 200/5 A
(73) Assignee: VIP Investments Ltd., Orem, UT (US) 6,140,987. A 10/2000 Stein et al. ................... 345/87
-- - 6,169,256 B1 1/2001 Hanahara et al. ........... 200/5 A
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 6,180,895 B1 1/2001 Hutchinson et al. ........ 200/5 A
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 6,355,890 B1 3/2002 Kuroda ....................... 200/5 A
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. * cited b
cited by examiner
(21) Appl. No.: 10/024,129 Primary Examiner Michael A. Friedhofer
1-1. (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Clayton, Howarth &
(22) Filed: Dec. 17, 2001 Cannon, P.C.
(65) Prior Publication Data (57) ABSTRACT
US 2002/011 7386 A1 Aug. 29, 2002 A Switch matrix is disclosed for keypads used in devices
Related U.S. Application Data Such as primary control points for automation Systems in
(60) Provisional application No. 60/272,020, filed on Feb. 28, homes vehicles, or businesses. The Switch matrix preferably
2001. includes a Support frame for Supporting a grid of key
7 positioning members arranged in a Series of rows and
(51) Int. Cl." ................................................ H01H 13/70 columns. The key positioning members each preferably
(52) U.S. C. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 200/5 A, 200/343; 200/345; include cantilevers which Ca be deflected by pressing the

200/333 keys to activate Switches associated with the keypad. The

(58) Field of Search .............................. 200/43.22, 333, cantilevers preferably have knobs which are received in
200/330, 43.01, 43.16, 331, 334, 5 A, 341–345 corresponding openings in the keys So that the keys can be
removably attached to the cantilevers with a compression fit.
(56) References Cited This allows keys of different sizes and shapes to be easily
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS attached to the keypad in various configurations without the
need for different attaching devices for each situation.
4,582,967 A * 4/1986 Brumit et al. .............. 200/5 A
5,311,656 A 5/1994 Eldershaw ................... 29/622 57 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets

70
14C

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U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 2003 Sheet 1 of 6 US 6,660,948 B2

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(PRIOR ART) (PRIOR ART)
U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 2003 Sheet 2 of 6 US 6,660,948 B2

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U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 2003 Sheet 3 of 6 US 6,660,948 B2

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U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 2003 Sheet 4 of 6 US 6,660,948 B2
U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 2003 Sheet S of 6 US 6,660,948 B2

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U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 2003 Sheet 6 of 6 US 6,660,948 B2
 US 6,660,948 B2
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SWITCH MATRIX It is a primary object of the present invention to provide
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED a Switch matrix which is simple in design and manufacture.
APPLICATIONS It is another object of the present invention to provide
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Such a Switch matrix which is capable of being used with
Application No. 60/272,020, filed Feb. 28, 2001, which is keys of different sizes and shapes.
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, It is a further object of the present invention, in accor
including but not limited to those portions that Specifically dance with one aspect thereof, to provide a Switch matrix
appear hereinafter. which allows the keys to be arranged in different configu
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION rations using differing numbers of keys.
1. The Field of the Invention It is an additional object of the invention, in accordance
The present invention relates generally to keypad devices, with one aspect thereof, to provide a Switch matrix which
and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to a allows the keys to be easily installed and replaced without
Switch matrix which allows the use of variable key positions damaging the matrix.
and key sizes on the keypad. 15 The above objects and others not Specifically recited are
2. Description of Related Art realized in a Specific illustrative embodiment of a Switch
It is common practice to provide keypads consisting of matrix device. The device preferably includes a Support
one or more keys arranged for entry of data or performing frame including at least one longitudinal member and at
functions Such as activating Switches. Keypads are used for least one lateral member Substantially perpendicular to the
various types of electronic devices Such as user interfaces longitudinal member. The Switch matrix also preferably
for home automation and Security Systems, calculators, includes a grid of key positioning members disposed on the
telephones, etc. Keypads commonly include an assembly of Support frame in a Series of rows and columns. The key
various parts maintained in a housing. positioning members each preferably include a first canti
For example, FIG. 1 shows a keypad, generally indicated lever and a Second cantilever. The Second cantilever pref
at 2, known in the art for use as a primary control point for 25 erably includes a pair of arms. An attaching end of the first
automation Systems used in areas Such as homes, businesses, cantilever is preferably attached to a free end of the Second
boats, yachts, motor homes and busses. The keypad 2 cantilever Such that the first cantilever extends parallel to the
includes a plurality of keys 8 which can be depressed to Second cantilever between the pair of arms and towards the
control Systems Such as lighting, Security, audio visual and fixed end of the second cantilever. The first cantilever also
heating/cooling for example. The keys 8 are connected to preferably has a key attaching means for removably attach
electronic circuitry which is contained in a housing 4. The ing a key to the key positioning member. The key attaching
keys 8 are fixed in place by an attaching plate 6 So as to be means preferably includes a knob which is adapted to be
non-removable from the keypad 2. The attaching plate 6 has fitted into an opening in the keys with a corresponding shape
apertures 7 through which the keys 8 protrude. The apertures to form a compression fit between the key and the attaching
7 are sized and shaped to accommodate keys 8 of a particular means. This allows the keys to be removably attached to the
Size and shape. Therefore, a different attaching plate 6 is 35
required for each size and shape of keys 8 used for the Switch matrix So that keys of differing sizes and shapes may
keypad 2. Furthermore, the location of the keys 8 is confined be utilized. The key positioning members are preferably
to the locations of the apertures 7. Therefore, a different configured to deflect when the key is depressed to activate
attaching plate 6 must be used for different configurations of a Switch with a Switch activating protrusion which is pref
the keys 8. Moreover, if any of the keys 8 become damaged 40 erably disposed on the opposite Side of the first cantilever
or require replacement, the entire keypad 2 must be replaced from the key attaching means. The keys can preferably be
or the attaching plate 6 must be removed. Removal of the Selectively attached to the key positioning members in
attaching plate 6 is a difficult task which may require the various configurations Suited for a particular application.
Services of a professional or use of Specialized equipment Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
Since the attaching plate 6 is fixed to the housing 4 and is not 45 set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
designed to be easily removed without damaging the attach apparent from the description, or may be learned by the
ing plate 6 or the housing 4. practice of the invention without undue experimentation.
The prior art is thus characterized by Several disadvan The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized
tages that are addressed by the present invention. The and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
present invention minimizes, and in Some aspects 50 particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and other BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
problems, by utilizing the methods and Structural features
described herein. The above and other objects, features and advantages of
In View of the foregoing State of the art, it would be an the invention will become apparent from a consideration of
advancement in the art to provide a Switch matrix which is 55 the Subsequent detailed description presented in connection
capable of being used with keys of different sizes and with the accompanying drawings in which:
shapes. It would be a further advancement in the art to FIG. 1 is a front view of a prior art keypad for an
provide a Switch matrix which allows the keys to be automation System;
arranged in different configurations using differing numbers FIG. 2 is a side view of the prior art keypad of FIG. 1;
60
of keys. It would also be an advancement in the art to FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a keypad
provide a switch matrix which allows the keys to be easily showing a preferred embodiment of the Switch matrix of the
installed and replaced without damaging the matrix. present invention;
BRIEF SUMMARY FIG. 4 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
In view of the above described state of the art, the present 65 Switch matrix of the present invention;
invention seeks to realize one or more of the following FIG. 5 is a side view of the Switch matrix of FIG. 4;
objects and advantages. FIG. 6 is an end view of the Switch matrix of FIG. 4;
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FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary appearance of the keypad 10 and to provide further protec
embodiment of a key used in conjunction with the Switch tion of the contents of the housing assembly 14. The face
matrix of the present invention; plate 70 may be attached to the housing assembly 14 in any
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the exemplary embodi manner known in the art Such as magnets or fasteners, for
ment of the key of FIG. 7; example.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of one Referring now to FIG. 4, a plan view of a preferred
embodiment of the Switch matrix 20 is shown. The Switch
of many key configurations made possible by the Switch matrix 20 preferably includes a support frame 22. The
matrix of the present invention; Support frame 22 preferably includes at least one longitudi
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative nal member 24 and at least one lateral member 26 which, in
embodiment of the Switch matrix in a different keypad the illustrated embodiment, are Substantially perpendicular
environment; and to each other. More preferably, the Support frame 22 includes
FIG. 11 is a break-away perspective bottom view of a two longitudinal members 24 and a plurality of lateral
cantilever system of the Switch matrix of FIGS. 3-6. members 26 arranged to Support a grid of key positioning
15 members 28.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The key positioning members 28 preferably include a first
cantilever 30 having an attached end 32, shown most clearly
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the in FIG. 11. The attached end 32 of the first cantilever 30 is
principles in accordance with the invention, reference will preferably attached to a free end 38 of a second cantilever
now be made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the 34. The second cantilever 34 is preferably disposed on the
drawings and Specific language will be used to describe the Support frame 22 at a fixed end 36 and includes a pair of
same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of spaced apart arms 40 such that the first cantilever 30 may
the Scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alter reside between the arms 40 and parallel to the arms 40. The
ations and further modifications of the inventive features configuration of the first cantilever 30 and the second
illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the 25 cantilever 34 allows for improved deflection and force
principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would transfer capabilities in that the key positioning member 28
normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having allows for deflection in a substantially linear direction. For
possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the example, the first cantilever 30 preferably deflects in a
Scope of the invention claimed. curved path 31 with respect to the attached end 32. Whereas
Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded perspective view of the Second cantilever 34 deflects in a oppositely curved path
a keypad, generally indicated at 10, is shown including a 33 with respect to the fixed end 36 of the second cantilever
preferred embodiment of a Switch matrix 20 of the present 34. The opposite curvature of curved path 31 of the first
invention. The keypad 10 may be used as a user interface for cantilever 30 and the curved path 33 of the second cantilever
home automation and Security Systems, for example. The 34, tend to reduce the amount of curvature in travel path of
keypad 10 preferably includes a plurality of keys 12 which 35 the key positioning member 28 Such that deflection of the
can be depressed to control Systems. Such as lighting, key positioning member 28 takes place in a Substantially
Security, audio Visual and heating/cooling for example. linear direction.
However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art A Switch activating protrusion 42, shown in FIGS. 6 and
that the keypad 10 may be used in other environments within 11, is preferably disposed on a bottom side of the first
the Scope of the present invention. Other Such environments 40 cantilever 30. The Switch activating protrusion 42 is con
include calculators, telephones, and office equipment, for figured to contact the Switch 62 (see FIG. 3) as the first
example. cantilever 30 is depressed. The upper side of the first
A housing assembly 14 for the keypad 10 may be con cantilever 30 preferably includes a knob 44 which may be
figured in various forms. The housing assembly 14 is shown inserted into an opening 46 defined by a sidewall 47 of the
in FIG. 3, as a combination of a front plate 14a, a back plate 45 key 12, as shown in FIG. 7. The knob 44 and opening 46 are
14b and a backbox 14c, which can be joined together in any preferably sized to create a compression or friction fit
Suitable manner well known to those skilled in the art. The between the key 12 and the knob 44 such that the key 12 is
housing assembly 14 preferably receives electronic control held tightly in place. However, the key 12 is not permanently
devices Such as electronic circuitry board 60 containing fixed to the knob 44 such that the key 12 may be removed
Switches 62 which can be activated to perform a particular 50 from the knob 44 if desired. The knob 44 is one preferred
function. Any number of different types of electronic cir example of a key attaching means. Other means for remov
cuitry boards 60 can be utilized within the scope of the ably attaching a key 12 to the Switch matrix 20 may be used
present invention and Such electronic circuitry boards 60 can within the Scope of the present invention. For example, the
readily be arrived at by those skilled in the pertinent art. knob 44 may be located on the key 12 and the opening 46
Switches 62 may be of any variety known in the art which 55 may be located on the Switch matrix 20.
are activated by a mechanical action Such as a pressing It will be appreciated that the Structure and apparatus
force. For example, Switches 62 may include resilient mem disclosed herein is merely one example of a key attaching
bers which are deflected by a force to close a circuit, and means for removably attaching a key to the Switch matrix,
upon release of the force, the resilient members rebound to and it should be appreciated that any Structure, apparatus or
open the circuit. The electronic circuitry board 60 may be 60 System for removably attaching a key to the Switch matrix
attached to the housing assembly 14 in any Suitable manner which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to,
known in the art Such as Soldering, adhesives or fasteners, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the Scope
for example. The Switch matrix 20 is preferably attached to of a means for removably attaching a key to the Switch
the housing assembly 14, as described more fully below, matrix, including those Structures, apparatus or Systems for
such that keys 12 may be attached to the Switch matrix 20 65 removably attaching a key to the Switch matrix which are
to correspond to the location of the Switches 62. A face plate presently known, or which may become available in the
70 preferably covers the Switch matrix 20 to improve the future. Any structure which functions the same as, or equiva
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lently to, the herein described means for removably attach The Switch matrix 20 also preferably includes aligning
ing a key to the Switch matrix falls within the Scope of this posts 58, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which extend from an
element as Set forth in the claims. undersurface of the Switch matrix 20 to register with
The knob 44 (FIG. 6) may have a diamond shape, for recesses 65 on the electronic circuitry board 60 (FIG.3). The
example, which corresponds to the opening 46 also having aligning posts 58 align the Switch matrix 20 so that the
a diamond shaped and provided in the key 12. AS those Switch activating protrusions 42 register properly with the
skilled in the art will appreciate, knobs 44 and openings 46 Switches 62. It will be appreciated that other structures may
of other shapes, and other Structures to removably attach the be used within the Scope of the present invention to align the
key 12 to the Switch matrix 20, may be used within the scope Switch matrix 20 with the electronic circuitry board 60.
of the present invention. Furthermore, the size and shape of 1O The Switch matrix 20 also preferably includes grooves 64
the key 12 is not dependant upon the means for removably disposed in the Support frame 22. The grooves 64 are
attaching the key 12 to the Switch matrix 20. In the prior art preferably configured to receive tabs 15 (see FIG. 3) located
system shown in FIG. 1, the apertures 7 of the attaching on the housing assembly 14 to hold the Switch matrix 20 in
plate have a size and shape configured for Specific keys, place with respect to the housing assembly 14. It will be
whereas the Switch matrix 20 of the present invention 15 appreciated by those skilled in the art that other Structures
advantageously allows keys 12 of various sizes and shapes besides the grooves 64 and the tabs 15 may be used within
to be attached. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the Scope of the present invention to hold the Switch matrix
advantages which the present invention provides by allow 20 in place with respect to the housing assembly 14.
ing different number of keys and different sizes and shapes The Switch matrix 20 is preferably formed as a single
of keys to be utilized. piece from molded plastic. However, as those skilled in the
The Switch matrix 20 may also include abutments 43 on art will appreciate, other materials may be used to form the
opposing Sides of the Support frame 22, as shown most Switch matrix 20 within the scope of the present invention.
clearly in FIGS. 4-6. The abutments 43 may project from the In use, keys 12 are attached to any or all of the key
Switch matrix 20 to contact the face plate 70 to prevent the 25 positioning members 28 to correspond with the position of
face plate 70 from flexing into the knobs 44. The abutments the Switches 62 on the electronic circuitry board 60. An
43 may therefore prevent activation of the Switches 62 due exemplary configuration of the keys 12 on the Switch matrix
to forces applied to the face plate 70. 20 is shown in FIG. 9. It will be appreciated that numerous
FIGS. 7 and 8 show an exemplary embodiment of the key different configurations of keys 12 are possible in addition to
12. Many different variations of key 12 may be formed that shown in FIG. 9. A key 12 may be so large as to cover
utilizing various sizes and Shapes in addition to those shown multiple key positioning members 28, or Small enough Such
in the figures. For example, the keys 12 may be round, that a key 12 may be attached to all key positioning members
triangular, oval, polygonal, or in the shape of objects Such as 28. Furthermore, the Switch matrix 20 may be constructed to
arrows, waves or light bulbs or any other shape. Preferably, contain any different number of key positioning members 28
keys 12 include a key body 48 and a light pipe 50. The key 35 Such that the number of possible key configurations is very
body 48 provides a surface area which can be depressed by large. The keys 12 may be attached to the Switch matrix 20
a human user to activate the Switch 62 (see FIG.3). The key in a desired configuration without the need for making
body 48 may also be engraved or labeled to provide an modifications to the Switch matrix 20. Therefore, the Switch
indication of the function of the key 12. The key 12 may matrix 20 can be more easily installed at a location in the
further include one or more stops 49 to prevent the key 12 40 field where the Switch matrix 20 is being installed since the
from passing through the face plate 70. The stops 49 may be need for Specialized tools or equipment, as required by the
Segmented or continuous around a bottom edge 51 of the key prior art, is eliminated. Furthermore, the Switch matrix 20 is
12. adapted for numerous different key configurations So a
The light pipe 50 is preferably made of a translucent Single Switch matrix 20 can be used in the place of multiple
material which directs light from a light source 63 (see FIG. 45
attaching plates 6 as required by the prior art for different
3) located below the key 12 to the upper surface 56 of the key configurations.
key 12. Thus the light pipe 50 allows the transmission of If the need arises to repair or replace a key 12, the key 12
light from the electronic circuitry board 60 to the upper may simply be detached from the Switch matrix 20 by
surface 56 of the key 12 to provide visual signals to the user. pulling on the key 12 with sufficient force to overcome the
The light pipe 50 is preferably attached to the key body 48 50 compression fit between the knob 44 and the opening 46.
without the use of adhesive or tools. For example, the light This can be done without removing the Switch matrix 20
pipe 50 may have a projection (not shown) which may be from the housing assembly 14, and without damaging the
inserted into a cavity (not shown) in the key body 48 such Switch matrix 20. The ease with which the keys 12 may be
that the light pipe 50 is held to the key body 48 through replaced allows users to maintain and repair the keys 12
friction. The key body 48 may be configured with cut-out 55 without the need for purchasing a new keypad 10, obtaining
portions, such as depicted at 53 in FIG. 7, to reduce the Specialized tools or hiring a technician to perform the work.
amount of material required to manufacture the key body 48 Reference will now to made to FIG. 10 to describe a
where possible. Second presently preferred embodiment of the present inven
The light source 63 is preferably located on the electronic tion. AS previously discussed, the presently preferred
circuitry board 60 in close proximity to the Switches 62 as 60 embodiments of the invention illustrated herein are merely
shown in FIG. 3. The light source 63 may include one or exemplary of the possible embodiments of the invention,
more light emitting diodes, for example. The light Source 63 including that illustrated in FIG. 10.
may utilize a Single or multiple colors, and may be pro It will be appreciated that the second embodiment of the
grammed to blink, change colors, or vary in illumination invention illustrated in FIG. 10 contains many of the same
intensity to indicate the status of the keypad 10. It will be 65 structures represented in FIGS. 1-9 and only the new or
appreciated that other devices for generating light may be different Structures will be explained to most Succinctly
used within the Scope of the present invention. explain the additional advantages which come with the
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embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10. The 5. The Switch matrix of claim 4 wherein a free end of said
Second embodiment of the inventive Switch matrix 120 is first cantilever eXtends in a direction toward Said fixed end
shown in a different keypad environment 110. The second of Said Second cantilever.
embodiment of the Switch matrix 120 preferably includes 6. The Switch matrix of claim 1 wherein said first canti
legs 166 to support and align the Switch matrix 120 within lever extends parallel to Said Second cantilever.
the keypad 110. The Switch matrix 120 also preferably 7. The Switch matrix of claim 1 wherein said second
includes clips 168 to attach the Switch matrix 120 to other cantilever comprises a pair of arms, and wherein Said first
components of the keypad 110. Other components of the cantilever resides between the pair of arms of the Second
keypad 110 may include a back box 114c, a back plate 114b, cantilever.
an additional printed circuit board 116, a first insulator 117, 8. The Switch matrix of claim 1 wherein said support
a bracket 118 and a second insulator 119. The keypad 110 frame comprises at least one longitudinal member and at
may also include an optional input unit 172. The optional least one lateral member Substantially perpendicular to Said
input unit 172 may include a built in infrared receiver which longitudinal member.
may allow a user to transmit commands to the keypad 110 9. The Switch matrix of claim 8 wherein said support
from a remote location. The keypad 110 may also have a 15
frame comprises two longitudinal members and four lateral
service switch lever 174 for performing functions such as members.
cutting the flow of electricity in the keypad 110. It will be 10. The Switch matrix of claim 1 wherein said support
appreciated that numerous other configurations of compo frame comprises at least one groove for attaching Said
nents of the keypad 110 may be used within the scope of the Switch matrix to Said keypad.
11. The Switch matrix of claim 1 wherein said at least one
present invention. The components of the keypad 110 illus key positioning member comprises a plurality of key posi
trated in FIG. 10 are merely exemplary of the numerous tioning members disposed in a Series of rows and columns.
environments in which the Switch matrix 120 may be 12. The Switch matrix of claim 11 wherein said series of
utilized.
rows and columns comprises four rows and three columns to
In View of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the include twelve key positioning members.
present invention provides a Switch matrix which is capable 25 13. The Switch matrix of claim 1 wherein said key
of being used with keys of different sizes and shapes. The attaching member comprises a knob.
present invention also provides a Switch matrix which 14. The Switch matrix of claim 13 wherein said knob is
allows the keys to be arranged in different configurations Substantially diamond shaped.
using differing numbers of keys. The present invention 15. The Switch matrix of claim 1 further comprising at
further provides a Switch matrix which allows the keys to be least one Stud disposed thereon for aligning the Switch
easily installed and replaced without damaging the matrix. matrix So that the keys register with Switches.
It is to be understood that the above-described arrange 16. The Switch matrix of claim 1 further comprising at
ments are only illustrative of the application of the principles least one leg for Supporting Said Switch matrix in Said
of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alter keypad.
native arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the 35
17. The Switch matrix of claim 1 further comprising at
art without departing from the Spirit and Scope of the present least one resilient clip for attaching Said Switch matrix to
other components within Said keypad.
invention and the appended claims are intended to cover 18. ASwitch matrix for use in a keypad, Said Switch matrix
Such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the comprising:
present invention have been shown in the drawings and fully a plurality of key positioning members, each of the
described above with particularity and detail in connection 40 plurality of key positioning members comprising a first
with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and cantilever having an attached end, and a Second canti
preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent lever having a fixed end and a free end, Said attached
to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous end of Said first cantilever disposed on Said free end of
modifications, including, but not limited to, Variations in Said Second cantilever,
size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of 45 wherein Said key positioning members are configured to
operation, assembly and use may be made without departing receive a key Such that when Said key is depressed, Said
from the principles and concepts Set forth herein. first cantilever deflects to activate a Switch.
What is claimed is: 19. The Switch matrix of claim 18 further comprising a
1. A Switch matrix for use in a keypad, Said Switch matrix Switch activating protrusion disposed on Said first cantilever.
comprising, 50 20. The Switch matrix of claim 18 further comprising key
a Support frame; attaching means for removably attaching Said key to Said
at least one key positioning member disposed on Said plurality of key positioning members.
Support frame, Said at least one key positioning mem 21. The Switch matrix of claim 20 wherein said key
ber comprising a first cantilever and key attaching attaching means comprises a knob.
means for removably attaching a key to Said key 55 22. The Switch matrix of claim 21 wherein said knob is
positioning member, Said at least one key positioning Substantially diamond shaped.
member further comprising a Second cantilever having 23. The Switch matrix of claim 18 wherein a free end of
a fixed end and a free end; Said first cantilever eXtends in a direction toward Said fixed
wherein keys of different sizes and shapes may be end of Said Second cantilever.
attached to Said Switch matrix. 60 24. The Switch matrix of claim 18 wherein said first
2. The Switch matrix of claim 1 further comprising a cantilever extends parallel to Said Second cantilever.
Switch activating protrusion disposed on Said first cantilever. 25. The Switch matrix of claim 18 wherein said second
3. The Switch matrix of claim 2 wherein said Switch cantilever comprises a pair of arms, and Said first cantilever
activating protrusion is disposed on an opposite Side of Said resides between Said pair of arms of Said Second cantilever.
first cantilever from Said key attaching means. 65 26. The Switch matrix of claim 18 further comprising a
4. The Switch matrix of claim 1 wherein said first canti Support frame for Supporting Said plurality of key position
lever is disposed on Said free end of Said Second cantilever. ing members.
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27. The Switch matrix of claim 26 wherein said support 45. A method of attaching one or more keys to a keypad
frame comprises at least one longitudinal member and at comprising the Steps of:
least one lateral member Substantially perpendicular to Said (a) providing a Switch matrix having a plurality locations
longitudinal member.
28. The Switch matrix of claim 27 wherein said support where Said one or more keys may be attached, each of
frame comprises two longitudinal members and four lateral Said plurality of locations comprising a first cantilever
members. and a Second cantilver;
29. The Switch matrix of claim 26 wherein said support (b) attaching said Switch matrix to said keypad;
frame comprises at least one groove for attaching Said (c) providing said one or more keys of a first size and
Switch matrix to Said keypad. 1O shape;
30. The Switch matrix of claim 18 wherein said plurality
of key positioning members are disposed in a Series of rows (d) Selecting one or more of Said plurality of locations on
and columns. Said Switch matrix to attach Said one or more keys, and
31. The Switch matrix of claim 18 further comprising at (e) presssing Said one or more keys on said one or more
least one Stud disposed thereon for aligning the Switch 15 of Said Selected plurality of locations to attach said one
matrix So that the keys register with Switches. or more keys to Said keypad.
32. The Switch matrix of claim 18 further comprising at 46. The method of claim 45 further comprising covering
least one leg for Supporting Said Switch matrix in Said Said Switch matrix with a face plate.
keypad. 47. The method of claim 45 wherein the step of pressing
33. The Switch matrix of claim 18 further comprising at further comprises joining a knob on Said one or more of Said
least one resilient clip for attaching Said Switch matrix to Selected plurality of locations with an opening on Said one
other components within Said keypad. or more keys to fasten Said one or more keys to Said keypad
34. A Switch matrix for use in a keypad, Said Switch matrix with a friction fit.
comprising:
a pluarality of key positioning members, each of Said 48. The method of claim 45 further comprising removing
25
plurality of key positioning members comprising a first Said one or more keys from Said keypad by pulling on Said
cantilever, a Second cantilever, and a knob; and one or more keys.
at least one key having an opening defined by a Sidewall, 49. The method of claim 48 further comprising providing
Said opening configured to receive Said knob to remov one or more keys of a Second size and shape different from
ably attach Said at least one key to Said knob with a Said first size and shape, and pressing Said one or more keys
friction fit; of Said Second size and shape on Said one or more of Said
wherein Said at least one key may be attached to any of Selected plurality of locations to attach said one or more keys
Said plurality of key positioning members Such that a of Said Second size and shape to Said keypad.
configuration of Said at least one key on Said keypad 50. The method of claim 48 further comprising selecting
may be varied. 35 another one or more of Said plurality of locations and
35. The Switch matrix of claim 34 wherein said at least pressing Said one or more keys on Said another one or more
one key further comprises a light pipe to direct light from a of Said plurality of locations to attach said one or more keys
lower Surface of Said at least one key to an upper Surface of to Said keypad.
Said at least one key. 51. A method for attaching keys of different sizes and
36. The Switch matrix of claim 35 wherein said light pipe 40 shapes to a keypad, Said method comprising:
is attached to Said key by interfitting parts Such that no (a) providing a Switch matrix having a plurality of attach
adhesive or fasteners are required. ing means for removably attaching Said keys,
37. The Switch matrix of claim 34 wherein said first
cantilever deflects to contact a Switch when a key attached (b) providing said keys having corresponding attaching
thereto is pressed. 45 means independent of the Size and Shape of Said keys,
38. The Switch matrix of claim 37 wherein said first (c) Selecting a configuration of Said keys to be attached on
cantilever comprises an attached end, Said attached end of Said keypad;
Said first cantilever being attached to a free end of the Second (d) Selecting said attaching means corresponding to the
cantilever. configuration of Said keys to be attached on Said
39. The Switch matrix of claim 38 wherein said second 50 keypad; and
cantilever comprises a pair of arms, and Said first cantilever (e) joining said corresponding attaching means to said
resides between Said pair of arms of Said Second cantilever. Selected attaching means to thereby attach Said keys to
40. The Switch matrix of claim 34 further comprising a Said keypad.
Support frame for Supporting Said plurality of key position
ing members. 55 52. A Switch matrix for use in a keypad, Said Switch matrix
41. The Switch matrix of claim 40 wherein said support comprising:
frame comprises at least one longitudinal member and at a grid of key attaching means for removably attaching
least one lateral member Substantially perpendicular to Said keys of different sizes to Said Switch matrix;
longitudinal member. wherein Said keys may be Selectively attached to Said key
42. The Switch matrix of claim 40 wherein said support 60
attaching means to form different key configurations.
frame comprises at least one groove for receiving a tab to 53. A keypad for transmitting Signals to one or more
attach Said Switch matrix to Said keypad. electrical devices, Said keypad comprising:
43. The Switch matrix of claim 34 wherein said plurality a Support frame;
of key positioning members are disposed in a Series of rows
and columns. 65 a first Set of key positioning members disposed on Said
44. The Switch matrix of claim 34 wherein said knob is Support frame, each key positioning member of the first
Substantially diamond shaped. Set having a key attached thereto;
 US 6,660,948 B2
11 12
a Second Set of key positioning members disposed on Said 55. The keypad of claim 54 wherein each of the key
Support frame, each key positioning member of the positioning members further comprises a Second cantilever,
Second Set being keyless, Said Second cantilever having an attached end and a free end,
a face plate positioned over Said Support frame, Said face the first cantilever being attached to the free end of the
plate having one or more key openings positioned 5 second cantilever.
therein to align with the first Set of key positioning 56. The keypad of claim 53 wherein the keys are remove
memberS Such that their associated attached keys are b ttached
Visible to a user, Said face plate further having a closed ably allacned.
face over the Second Set of key positioning members 57. The keypad of claim 56 wherein the key positioning
Such that they are not visible to a user. 10 members deflect in a substantially linear direction.
54. The keypad of claim 53 wherein each of the key
positioning members comprises a first cantilever. k . . . .