US2234876A

US2234876A - Circuit maker and breaker

Info

Publication number: US2234876A
Application number: US298333A
Authority: US
Inventors: Rehrer Mervin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1939-10-06
Filing date: 1939-10-06
Publication date: 1941-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 1958-03-11

Description

M. REHRER CIRCUIT MAKER AND BREAKER March 11, 1941.

Filed Oct. 6, 1939 INVENTOR. R EH? 9 1-- 5; ATTORNEYS.

MEPvin Patented Mar. 11', 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,234,876 omourr MAKER AND BREAKER Mervin Rehrer, Pine Grove, Pa. Application October 6, 1939, Serial to. 298,333

2 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in circuit makers and breakers, and more particularly to manually controlled switches.. I

Oitentimes, a person who has retired to bed desires to listen to the radio, or read by an electric light, in order to relax so as to more easily go to sleep. In the ordinary course of events, however, the person becomes so drowsy as to fall asleep without disconnecting the appliance; or if the person is able to switch off the electric current, the effort required usually is sufficient to cause the user of the appliance to become thoroughly awakened.

It is an object of the invention to provide a control device for an electrical appliance, such as a radio, heating pad, or electric light, and which will disconnect the electrical appliance when the user goes to sleep.

Another object of the invention is to provide a circuit maker and breaker which is controlled by the tension and relaxationof the grip of the operator.

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch having shielded contacts not liable to become entangled in or dislocated by bed clothing or the like.

A still further object is to provide a switch having smooth exterior surfaces and of a generally flat contour not liable to injure a person resting thereon or otherwise in contact therewith.

Other objects'and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification and in which drawing:

Figure 1 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of the circuit maker and breaker and showing its connection to a power supply line, the switch being open.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the circuit maker and breaker, the switch being closed.

Figure 3 is an end elevation of th maker and breaker.

In the drawing, which shows only a preferred e circuit embodiment of the invention, and wherein similar reference characters denote corresponding parts thruout the several views, l0 designates the switch, in the form of a handle, and including a pair of levers ll having inner or adjacent sides l2 forming dihedral angles defined by the faces l3-I4. Embedded flush with the faces I3 and secured by screws ii are the butts I6 of a suitable hinge l'l having its pin l8 coextensive with the edges of the dihedral angles formed by the intersecting faces l3-i4. Suitable means may be provided to urge the faces ll apart. In the present instance, the faces are provided with pockets H in which are disposed the opposite end portions of an expansion coil spring 20. Suitable means may also be provided to hold the faces II in adjacent spaced relation. As shown, a pair of headed pins 2| may be mounted in the ends 22 of the levers, one of the pins pivotally supporting an arm 23 terminating at its free end in a hook 24 adapted to engage the other pin 2|.

Formed in the faces M are sockets 25 one carrying at its base portion an insulative plate 26 supporting a spring contact 21. The other socket 25 carries an insulative block 28 having a skirt 29 extending into the opposite socket, and enclosing a contact 30 adapted to engage and disengage the contact 21 upon pivotal movement of the levers I I. It will be noted that the arrangement of the angularly disposed faces l3l4 is such as to limit rocking movement of the levers H in either direction, and that the lower end of the skirt 29 is disposed within the confines of the socket 25 carrying the contact 21 when the contacts are disengaged, as well as when they are engaged.

Extending thru longitudinal passageways 3| are insulated conductors 32 secured at their ends 33 to the

contacts

21 and 30. These conductors 32, at their opposite ends 34, may be connected to a current conducting cord 35 in any desired manner. In the example shown, a plug 36 is employed to form a connecting member. Projecting from the plug 36 is a pair of prongs 31 for insertion into a conventional electric outlet (not shown). Within the body of the plug are terminals 33-49- of the prongs 31 and a third insulatively supported'terminal 4,0. To the

terminals

38 and 40 may be connected the ends 34 of the conductors 32, the ends ll of the conducting cord 35-being connected to the

terminals

38 and 40.

Upon grasping the levers II and applying a tension suflicient to overcome the resistance of the spring 20, the contacts 21 and will be brought into engagement so as to permit current flow thru the cord 35. Upon relaxation of the grip of the person holding the switch, the spring 20 will cause the levers H to pivot about the hinge pin I3 so as to disengage the contacts and discontinue the flow of current in the cord 35.

It will therefore be readily seen that a device has been provided which will automatically disconnect the flow of current to an electrical appliance upon the falling asleep of a user, due to the natural relaxation of the hand grip ofthe sleeping person.

Various changes may be made to the form of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of the invention, or the having a free end disposed in said given socket,-

and a second contact carried by said free end, said contacts being movable between positions of engagement anddisengagement upon rocking movement of said levers, and said projection having its free end movable between positions within the confines of said given socket.

2. In a grip controlled switch, a pair of simi-- larly shaped levers having adjacent sides each forming a dihedral angle, means securing said levers for rocking movement with the edge of one dihedral angle substantially coextensive with the edge of the other dihedral angle, said sides each having a socket, a contact mounted in the base of a. given one of said sockets, a, projection mounted in the remaining socket and having a free end disposed in said given socket, said free end being provided with a recess, and a second contact carried by the free'end within the recess, said contacts being movable between positions of engagement and disengagement upon rocking movement of said levers, and said projection having its free end movable between spaced positions within the confines of said given socket.

MERVIN REHRER.