A base element and at least one switching element are included in an operator control device which may be disposed in a vehicle. By closing at least one electrical contact, the switching element is moveable from a first position into a second position relative to the base element. The operator control device can also include at least one pushbutton switch moveable relative to the base element between a position of rest and at least one activation position. The operator control device can further include at least one restoring element, formed of silicone and supported on the base element and on the pushbutton switch, which can be elastically deformed by moving the pushbutton switch from the position of rest into the activation position. Using the restoring element, the pushbutton switch can be moved from the activation position into the position of rest by relaxing the restoring element.

A key structure includes a base, a triggering element, a keycap and a scissors-type connecting element. The keycap is disposed over the triggering element. When an external force is applied to the keycap, the triggering element is pushed by the keycap. The scissors-type connecting element is connected with the keycap and the base. The scissors-type connecting element includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes a keycap post, a base post and a bulge. The bulge is externally extended from a first end of the first frame and located at a side of the keycap post, and the bulge is protruded from a sidewall of the first frame. Due to the bulge, the structured strength of the keycap post is enhanced.

A switch device includes an operation unit, a switch unit detachably attached to the operation unit, and an engagement portion provided at the operation unit. The switch unit includes an opening-closing contact mechanism opened in association with an operation of the operation unit, and a drive portion driving the opening-closing contact mechanism to an open condition at a standby position and to a closed condition at a usage position. When the operation unit is attached to the switch unit, the engagement portion engages the drive portion to drive the drive portion from the standby position to the usage position. When the operation unit is inserted to the switch unit, the operation unit and the switch unit are engaged at the usage position.

A switch assembly for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a switch movable by a user between an ON position and an OFF position. An automatic shutoff assembly is operable in conjunction with the switch assembly to turn the switch to the OFF position in the event that a level of liquid within a tank of the wet/dry vacuum cleaner rises above a predetermined level. When triggered, the automatic shutoff assembly exerts a biasing force urging the switch toward the OFF position. A user can manually override the automatic shutoff assembly by providing a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force.

A key structure includes a base, a triggering element, a keycap and a scissors-type connecting element. The keycap is disposed over the triggering element. When an external force is applied to the keycap, the triggering element is pushed by the keycap. The scissors-type connecting element is connected with the keycap and the base. The scissors-type connecting element includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes a keycap post, a base post and a bulge. The bulge is externally extended from a first end of the first frame and located at a side of the keycap post, and the bulge is protruded from a sidewall of the first frame. Due to the bulge, the structured strength of the keycap post is enhanced.

A switch device includes an operation unit having a pushbutton for performing a pushing operation; a switch unit separably joined to the operation unit, the switch unit including an opening-closing contact mechanism opened or closed in conjunction with the pushing operation of the pushbutton of the operation unit, and a rotary drive plate rotating between a standby position and a usage position; and an engagement portion engaging the operation unit to the rotary drive plate to rotary-drive the rotary drive plate from the standby position to the usage position when the operation unit is attached to the switch unit. The operation unit is detached from or attached to the switch unit to set the opening-closing contact mechanism in respectively predetermined opening-closing states.

The embodiments herein show a switching device/mouse device activated by proximal phalanx of a finger(s). The switching device/mouse is ergonomically designed to prevent carpal-tunnel effect and bending of fingers. The switching device/mouse includes an enclosure having a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls. The switching device/mouse includes an upper levers/elongated buttons pivotally supported by the top wall. The upper levers/elongated buttons are elevated surfaces to better support a user's fingers in a rest position. The mouse is operated by pressing down on the elevated surfaces of the upper levers with the proximal phalanx of the fingers without bending the fingers.

The method and apparatus for input to electronic devices include a control circuit and a gyro module. The control circuit includes a microcontroller, where the microcontroller includes a digital bus, a receiver/transmitter module, a plurality of digital input pins, and an analog input pin. The gyro module is connected to the digital bus. The apparatus further includes a plurality of tactile switches connected to the digital pins. Further, a force sensitive resistor and a vibration motor interact with the control circuit. The force sensitive resistor is connected to the analog input pin of the microcontroller through a voltage divider, and the vibration motor is connected to the digital bus of the microcontroller through a motor controller. The apparatus also includes a communications antenna that is connected to the receiver/transmitter module of the microcontroller through a wireless module. A method includes various steps for inputting into an electronic device.

A switch assembly for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a switch movable by a user between an ON position and an OFF position. An automatic shutoff assembly is operable in conjunction with the switch assembly to turn the switch to the OFF position in the event that a level of liquid within a tank of the wet/dry vacuum cleaner rises above a predetermined level. When triggered, the automatic shutoff assembly exerts a biasing force urging the switch toward the OFF position. A user can manually override the automatic shutoff assembly by providing a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force.

A high-stability miniature circuit breaker has a pivotal shaft having a first section, a second section and a shoulder. The diameter of the second section is larger than the first section. The shoulder diameter is larger than the second section. A pivoting lever on the first section limits the axial position of a protruding mesa relative to the shaft by contact fit between the mesa and a thrust surface on the second section. A pivoting latch is on the second section. A first end face fits to a support surface on the shoulder. A second end face fits to the protruding mesa at the other end. The latch controls a drive rod and the lever. A connecting rod separates from the latch when latch hasps are separated and the latch separates from the drive rod which slides along a groove of the lever.