Access door with integrated switch actuator

摘要

An apparatus and method are disclosed for creating an integrated access door and switch actuator. The integrated access door and switch actuator are created from a single composite material. The composite material is flexible to allow movement, but is also durable to provide a protective covering. The integrated access door and switch actuator include a living hinge, which allows the access door to move to an open and closed position while the switch actuator is stationary in a fixed position.

主权项

1. An apparatus integrating an access door and switch actuator, comprising:
a rectangular shaped material having a thin shape with substantially planar surfaces opposite each other, wherein the rectangular shaped material is raised when placed in a fixed position; the rectangular shaped material, in the fixed position, operable to flex and make contact at one surface with an underlying surface, button, or switch when pressed from an opposite surface of the rectangular shaped material; the rectangular shaped material integrally connected to a living hinge at a first edge, wherein the living hinge is made of a same material as the rectangular shaped material; the living hinge integrally connected to another rectangular shaped material at a second edge, wherein the another rectangular shaped material is made of the same material as the rectangular shaped material and the living hinge, and wherein the living hinge bends causing the another rectangular shaped material to move in an angular direction along the second edge; the another rectangular shaped material having an attached mechanism located on an opposite edge of the another rectangular shaped material from the second edge, the attached mechanism operable to lock and unlock the another rectangular shaped material into and from the fixed position respectively; wherein when the attached mechanism is manipulated to lock the another rectangular shaped material into the fixed position, the another rectangular shaped material is located in a same plane as the rectangular shaped material; and wherein when the attached mechanism is manipulated to unlock the another rectangular shaped material from the fixed position, the another rectangular shaped material swings in an angular direction pivoting along the second edge while the rectangular shaped material stays in the fixed position with the first edge.