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 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 shaped material having a thin shape with substantially planar surfaces opposite each other, wherein the shaped material is raised when placed in a fixed position; the 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 shaped material; the shaped material integrally connected to a hinge at a first edge, wherein the hinge is made of a same material as the shaped material; the hinge integrally connected to another shaped material at a second edge, wherein the another shaped material is made of the same material as the shaped material and the hinge, and wherein the hinge bends causing the another shaped material to move in an angular direction along the second edge; the another shaped material having an attached mechanism located on an opposite edge of the another shaped material from the second edge, the attached mechanism operable to lock and unlock the another shaped material into and from the fixed position respectively; wherein when the attached mechanism is manipulated to lock the another shaped material into the fixed position, the another shaped material is located in a same plane as the shaped material; and wherein when the attached mechanism is manipulated to unlock the another shaped material from the fixed position, the another shaped material swings in an angular direction pivoting along the second edge while the shaped material stays in the fixed position with the first edge.