In-molded resistive and shielding elements

Abstract

An article of manufacture having an in-molded resistive and/or shielding element and method of making the same are shown and described. In one disclosed method, a resistive and/or shielding element is printed on a film. The film is formed to a desired shape and put in an injection mold. A molten plastic material is introduced into the injection mold to form a rigid structure that retains the film.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A product having an in-mold capacitive switch, comprising:
 a plastic film having a first surface, a second surface, and one or more conductive ink layers and one or more non-conductive layers arranged so as to form the capacitive switch, the one or more conductive ink layers and one or more non-conductive layers being printed on the first surface of the film and arranged to allow selective activation of the capacitive switch by placement of an object proximate a sensing zone associated with a the capacitive switch;   a support structure that provides support for the plastic film such that at least a portion of the sensing zone is contoured to a curved portion of the support structure.   
     
     
         17 . The product of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the one or more non-conductive layers is a dielectric layer. 
     
     
         18 . The product of  claim 16 , further comprising indicia printed on at least one surface of the film or the support structure. 
     
     
         19 . The product of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the one or more conductive layers is a ground layer. 
     
     
         20 . The product of  claim 16 , wherein the curved portion forms a three dimensional structure. 
     
     
         21 . A control device, comprising:
 the product of  claim 16 , wherein the sensing zone is electrically connected to a circuit that is operable to detect capacitance changes.