US2912548A

US2912548A - Electric switch

Info

Publication number: US2912548A
Application number: US730837A
Authority: US
Inventors: Francis A Wodal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-04-25
Filing date: 1958-04-25
Publication date: 1959-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 1976-11-10

Description

Nov. l0, 1959 F. A. woDAL ELECTRIC SWITCH FIILTA' 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 25, 1958 4s al@ mll La@ FIG. 7

INVENTOR FRANCIS A. WODAL BY f/ A ORNEY Nov. 10, 1959 F. A. WODAL 2,912,548

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed April 25, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 9

INVENTOR.

FRANCIS A WODAL A TORNEY Nov. 10, 1959 F. A. WODAL ELECTRIC'SWITCH Filed April 25, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. FRANCIS A. WODAL wif/QM' FIG. .I4

ATTORNEY Nov. 10, 1959 F.4 A. woDAL 2,912,548

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed .April 25. 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. FRANCIS A. WODAL ATTORNEY 2,912,548` ELECTRIC SWITCH Francis A. Wndal', Haddonield, NJ. i Application Apnizs, 195s, serial No. 130,831

1o claims. (ci. zoo-rss) Thisv invention lrelates to electtic switches,V and is. espe'-V ciallyv concerned with an improved construction thereof.

2,912,548 Patented Nov. 10, k1959` tion, and illustrating in phantom an exploded or partially it is one object of the present invention to provide an electric switch having a construction equally well adapted for use as a feed-through or as a pendant switch, and which is capable of being quicklyv and easily connected to an electric line for either such use without special f tools. or the exercise,l of more than ordinary skill.

It is another object of the present invention tov provide an electric switch having the advantageous characteristics mentioned; in the preceding paragraph, which is extremely durable and simple in construction, reliable and long-lasting in use, entirely safe in. operation, and which can be economically manufactured for sale at a reasonable price."

A, more particular object of the present invention resides in V,the provision of an electrical-switch construction wherein certain partsy may be substantially identical to effect considerable. savings in cost, both in simplifying assembly procedures, and in. reducing the required number of production tools.. i

This invention also contemplates the. provision of `an electricl switch of the type described capable of being quickly and firmly mounted in a control panel or the lille.y f

Other objects of the present invention lwill become.. ap.- parent upon reading. the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material` part of this` disclosure. Y

The invention accordingly consistsy in the features of construction, combinationsof elements, and arrangements of parts, which` will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter`described and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure I is a perspective view illustrating a switch. constructed in accordance with the present invention, assernf bled with an electric'line to function as a pendant switch; Figure-"2 is` a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially .along the line 2 2 of, Figure 1, showing, the interior of the'switch in a closed or on condition;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figurev 2,. but `showing the switch in anopen, or olf condition;v

- Figure 4` yis a sectional view. taken substantially along,

the line 4;-4 ofv Figure 24;; Y Figure 5` is a. sectional view Vtaken substantially along the line 5--5v of Figure 2,` partly broken away to conserve space;

Figure 6 is a sectional view similar to Figure 2, but

showing. the switch` connected to an electric line inthe manner of-a feedthrough or line switch;

Figure 7l is ari end view ofthe switch of. Figure 6;

Figure 8l is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along the line 8- 8 of Figure 6;

Figure 9- is an exploded perspective view showing the switch of Figure 1;,

Figure 10 is a perspective view', partly broken. away, showingI a slightly modified switchl ofj the present inven- 20, into which may extend Van electric line21, such asA disassembled condition of the switch;

Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along the line 11-11 of Figure l0;

Figure 12 is a sectional end view taken substantially along the line 12-12 of Figure ll;

Figure 13 is a perspective view lllustrating a slightly modied element of the instant switch, Withvone cornponent thereof shown exploded in phantom; v

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken substantially Aalong the line 14-14 of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a side elevational View showing a slightly` v v modified form of switch of the present invention, as mounted in a panel;

Figure 16 is a longitudinal sectional view through the switch of Figure 15, showing the switch in closed condition corresponding to that of Figure 2; l

Figure 17 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 17-17 of Figure 16;

Figure 18 isan exploded perspective view showing certain parts of the switch of Figures 15-17; and

Figure 19 is atop plan view of the switch of Figure l5l.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and

speciiically to Figures 1-5 thereof, the switch illustrated l therein includes a housing or casing, generally designated lamp wire. A` pivotal actuating member 22'is mounted in the housing 20 and manually actuable from externally thereof, while a pair of electrically conductivev switch elements or

strips

23 and 24 are mounted interiorly of the housing for electrical connection to the line 21 and operatively connected to the actuating member 22 for selective engagement and disengagement of the switch elements with respect to each other.

More specifically, the housing 20 includes a pair of substantially identical, complementary parts, halves or sections 26 secured in facing engagement with eachother, as bythrough rivets 27, or other suitable fasteners. p v,Each of the complementary housing sections26V is preferably,

but not necessarily, integrally molded ofvplastic or other` f suitable 'insulating material, and consists essentiallyV of a generally platelike body 3l? of approximately rectangular-outline "configuration, having a substantially flat outer surface 31. Each platelike body 30 is preferably integrally fabricated of suitable insulating material, as by molding of plastic. The inner face 62 of the body 3? is substantially parallel to the outer face 31 thereof, and is preferably formed with a slot or groove 33 extending longitudinally of, adjacent to and spaced from the lower body edge 34', opening at its opposite ends through opf posite side edges 35 ofthe body. Formed in the slotf 33 adjacent to each of its ends are a pair of internal re'- taining fingers or projections 36, for a purposeappearingpresently. l Y

In its upper region, spaced from the slot or groove 33, the inner surface 32 of each platelike housing section 26 is formed with a recess 38 opening upward or outward through the upper body edge 39. The recess 38l of each housing body Sil is of vdownwardly decreasingvv lateral extent, and formed with a pair of laterally spaced', up,- wardly facing shoulders 40 adjacent to and spacedbelow the upper body edge 39. Centrally of the upper body each extending generally vertically having its lower endl opening downward into the slot 33, and having its upper end opening laterally inward, in a divergent or expanding: configuration, as at 46, into the recess 38. Further, a

pair of inner grooves 47 are formed in the inner surface 32 of housing body 30 in laterally spaced relation with respect to each other, each adjacent to and inward of a respective outer groove 4S, and extending vertically from its lower end opening into the slot 33 to an upper end region 48 which extends laterally inward, spaced below the adjacent slot region 46 and opening into the lower region of recess 38. On opposite sides of the recess 38, each body 3@ is formed with a pair of through apertures or holes 50 for receiving the fasteners 27, as will become apparent hereinafter.

As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the above-described contour or configuration of the inner body face 32 is substantially symmetrical about a vertical center line, the boss 42 being located on the center line, with each pair of shoulders 40, apertures 50, and

grooves

45 and 47 being equally spaced on opposite sides of the center line. By this construction, the housing sections 26 are interchangeable with each other, to greatly simplify manufacture and assembly.

As a pair of housing sections 26 are secured fast to each other by the fasteners 27 with their inner surfaces 32 in facing engagement, it will be understood that the slots 33 of the secured housing sections open toward each other to dene an elongate through opening for receiving the electric line 21. Further, the facing recesses 38 combine with each other to deiine an internal hollow spaced from the opening 33 and opening upward away from the latter, while the bosses 42 may meet or approximately so, in end-to-end relation, to define a pivot pin or shaft. Also, the outer grooves 45 of each housing body 36 combine with the outer grooves of the other housing body to deine a pair of outer passageways each opening at its lower end into the opening 33 and extending generally vertically therefrom to its upper end region 46 which extends laterally inward in divergent configuration and opens into the recess 33. Similarly, each groove 47 of one housing body 30 faces toward and combines with a respective groove 47 of the other housing body 38 to define a passageway located adjacent to and inward of a respective passageway 45, opening at its lower end into the opening 33 and extending laterally inward at its upper end region 48 for communication with the recess 38 at a lower region thereof.

The switch element 23 may be fabricated of any resilient conductive material, such as Phosphor bronze or the like, and is bent to a generally L-shaped contiguration, as best seen in Figure 9. An intermediate portion of the conductive strip 23 is received in the vertical portion of one passageway 47, the left-hand passageway 47 as seen in Figure 2, and has its upper region extending laterally therefrom through the upper passageway end portion 48, to the right across the lower region of recess 38 and into the opposite upper passageway region 48. The upper portion l of the strip element 23 thus extends between and has its opposite ends received and supported in opposite passageway portions 48. Projecting downward from the intermediate, generally vertical portion of strip element 23 is a lower end or connection portion 52. This lower end or connection portion 52 is of a bifurcated conliguration, best seen in Figures 5 and 9, and depends or projects into the opening 33 on one side of the longitudinal center line of the opening. That is, the connection portion 52 is offset laterally from the longitudinal center line of the strip element 23, and as the latter is substantially equally received in each of the mating grooves 47, the connection 52 is offset laterally with respect to the center line of the passageway defined by the latter grooves, and also with respect to the opening 33. rl`his laterally offset relationship of the connection 52 with respect to the longitudinal center line of the opening 33 may best be seen in Figure 5.

An additional conductive strip 24 has an intermediate portion conformably received in the passageway 45 on the left-hand side as seen in Figure 2, and has its upper end portion 55 extending laterally inward through the divergent upper passageway portion 46 into the recess 38 over the upper end portion 51 of the strip 23. The strip 24 has its upper end portion 55 bent or crimped at spaced

locations

56 and 57 to form holding recesses, as will appear presently, and by its inherent resilience is normally biased upward away from the strip portion 51, but resiliently deectable into engagement with the latter. Thus, the

strip portions

51 and 55 are relatively movable into and out of contacting engagement with each other, and as will appear more fully hereinafter, serve as switch elements for closing and opening the switch circuit upon their engagement and disengagement,

As best seen in Figures 4 and 9, a lower end portion 58 projects from the vertical intermediate portion of the switch element or strip 24 into the opening 33, and is offset laterally from the longitudinal center line of the switch element so as to be offset laterally from the longitudinal center line of the housing opening. Further, the end projection or extension 58 of the switch element or strip 24, which is of a depending bifurcated conguration similar to that of the end portion 52 of switch element 23, is offset so as to lie on the opposite side of the opening 33, or more specifically on the opposite side of its longitudinal center line, as the projection 52, in the condition of Figures 1-5 and 9. Thus, as viewed from the same direction in Figures 4 and 5, the lower end projection 52 of the switch element 23 is offset to the right, while the lower end projection 58 of the switch element 24 is offset to the left.

The actuating member 22 is located generally in the recess 38 and includes a pair of laterally oppositely extending arms 60 each located adjacent to and above a respective shoulder 40. Intermediate the arms 60, the actuating member 22 may be provided on its opposite face with a pair of aligned blind bores or recesses 61, which may meet to dene a through bore, if desired, and receive the bosses 42 to mount the actuating member for pivotal movement about the axis of the aligned bosses. Depending from the actuating member intermediate the arms 60 into a lower region of the recess 38 is a tapered extension or leg 62. The actuating member 22 vis swngable about its pivotal axis between the limiting position of Figure l with the right-hand arm 60 engaging the right-hand shoulder 40, and the position of Figure 3 with the left-hand arm 60 engaging the left-hand shoulder 40. The upper end or contact portion 55 of the switch element 24 is resiliently biased upward into engagement with the sharp but rounded end of the extension 62; and, in the limiting position of Figure 2 the extension 62 is releasably retained in position by interengagement of its lower end in the upwardly facing recess or bent portion 56 of the contact strip portion 5S, while the actuating member is releasably retained in the position of Figure 3 by interengagement of the extension 62 in the upwardly facing recess or bend 57 of the stripelement contact portion 55. Thus, the actuating member 22 is releasably retained in a selected one of its extreme or limiting positions of pivotal movement. In the condition of Figure 2, it will be noted that the contact portion 55 is depressed downward or moved into engagement with the contact portion 51, such engagement causing the latter contact portion to be deected slightly downward to insure contact between the engaging portions. However, upon depression of the left-hand actuatingmember arm 60 to effect counterclockwise rotation thereof, the lower end of extension 62 rides out of the recess or bend 56 along the contact portion 55 into the recess or bend 57 which permits upward movement of the contact portion 55 by its inherent resilience away from and out of engagement with the contact portion 51, to the position of Figure 3.

In assembling the instant switch with an electric line 21, which is advantageously of two-conductor wire, asV at 65 and 66, the line end is rst inserted into. one end of the opening 33., which may be -the left-hand end as illustrated, or otherwise if desired.rv The opening 33 is of a lateral elongation or extent suflicient to receive the two-conductor line 21 in a substantially horizontal conv dition. That is the line 21 is inserted into the opening 33 with the line conductors in side-by-side relation. The opening 33 is also of a suflicient vertical extent to permit insertion of the line 21 below and past the depending

projections

52 and 58 without obstruction by the latter. With the end of line 21 thus inserted in opening 33, a holding member, bar or wedge 67 is forcibly inserted into the opening beneath the electric line. Such insertion of the, holdingl member 67 forces the electric line 21 upward in the opening 33 causing the insulation of con-A ductors 65. and 66. to be respectively pierced by the

projections

52 and 58. This effects firmy electrical connection between

theconductors

65 and 66 with the

respective switch elements

23 and 24; and, the adjacent lingers 36 are embedded'in the insulation of the electric line to prevent withdrawal o f the latter from the opening 33 and minimize the transmission of at pulling force on thev electric line to the switch elements. Insertion of the holding member 67 entirely into the opening 33, as illustrated, eifectively prevents disconnection of the switch ing member or bar 67a is inserted into the opening 33.

There is a very slight rearrangement of parts in that the switch element 23 is received in the right-hand groove or passageway 47, having its upper or Contact portion 51 extending leftward into the upper portion 48 of the lefthand passageway 47. This inversion or reversal of the switch element 23 serves to shift its lower end projection or connection portion 52 into alignment. with the lower end projection or connection portion 58 of the switch element 24, longitudinally 'of the opening 33, as may be seen in Figure 8. Thus, the connection portions S2 and 58 of the

switch elements

23 and 24 are oifset on the same side of the longitudinal1 center line of the opening 33 for electrical connection to the same conductor 66a of the electric line 21a received in and extending through and out of'opposite ends of the opening 33. Of course, a portion ofthe conductor 66a is cut away, as at 69, whichv cutout portion is located between the

connection portions

52 and 58, so that the conductor 66a is open when the switch/is open, and electrically closed when the switch is closed. l

It will now be appreciated that the instant switch is capable of use asboth a pendant and a line or feedthrough switch by. equallysimple connections to the electric line. Although only a single rearrangement of the switch element 23' has been illustrated to transform the instant switch from its pendant to its feed-through condition, it is. believed obvious that other arrangements of theswitch elements may be employed', if desired, for either type operation. Further, additional rearrangements may be effected by reverse bending of the switch elements, as by bending the vertical portion of switch element 23' upward, and turning such switch element over so that its use in the right-hand passageway 47 would produce a pendant-type switch.

In Figures -12 are shown a switch constructed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the housing sections 26b are substantially the same as the housingl sections 26' described hereinbefore, with. the exception that the through housing passageway 33h, corre-Q Sponding to the passageway 33, opens downward from thehousing 20b, and each of the housing vvsections is provided along its lower adge with a longitudinally extending, outstanding flange 71. In order to close the underside of the opening 33b, there is provided a channel 72 having inturned, longitudinally extending upper-edge lips 73 which is removably slidable with the flanges 71 received beneath the lips 73 into covering relation with the opening 33b. By this construction, the holding

members

67 and 67a of the above-described embodiments may` be eliminated; and, both pendant and feed-throughtype connections may be. quickly and easily made and changed by. unskilled persons and without special tools.

With the channel or cover 72 removed, as in dot.'- and-dash outline in Figure 10, it is only necessary to insert an electric line 21 in the opening 33b, and replace the cover by sliding movement on the anges 71, to achieve the connected condition of Figures l1 and 12. Further, connection for feed-through use is facilitated byl the embodiment of Figures 10-12, as the line insertion may be made laterally, rather than endwise.

As the only moving part in the switch of the instant I inventionis the pivoted actuating member V22, `an extremely simple and inherently long-lasting and reliable operation is assured.' The contact switch element portions 5'1 and 55 are, ofcourse, flexed only within their elastic limit, so that repeated opening and closing of. the"V switch over a long period of'time causes no damaging eifects. If it is desired to completely minimize wear of the extension 62 by its movement along the contact portion 55, this may be accomplished by an actuatingmem` ber 22a shown Yin Figures. l3 and 14. This-actuating member is substantially the same as the actuating'member 22 described hereinbefore, except that a relatively wear-resistant tip 75 is provided on the lower end of leg or extension 62a. Such a tip may take the formy of a cylindrical rod, as illustrated, embedded or otherwise captively held in the lower end of the leg 62a. If desired, the rod 75 may roll for rolling, rather than sliding engagement with the contact portion 55. Y

' In the embodiment of Figures'l5-l8, theswitch illustrated therein includes a housing'or casing, generally designatedv1'29, and*y is connected to an electric line 121. A pivotal actuating member, in the nature of a rocker arm 122 is mounted in the housing 20, extending exteriorly thereof, and a pair of electrically conductive switch elements or

strips

123 and 124 are mounted interiorly of the housing for electrical connection to the line 121 'and operatively connected to the actuating memberv 122 for selective engagement and disengagement of the switch elements with respect to each other.

The housing' 120 includesA a pair of substantially identical, complementaryparts, halves or sections 126 secured in facing engagement with each other, as by through rivets 127, or other suitable fasteners. The complementary housing sections 126 are each preferably molded as an integral unit of plastic or other suitable insulating material, and consists essentially of a generally platelilre body 130 of approximately rectangular-outline configuration and having a substantially flat outer surface 131.y The inner face 132 of each body 30 is substantially parallel to the outer face 131 thereof, and is preferably formed with a' slot or groove 133 extending longitudinally of the lower body edgey 134, adjacent to and spaced from the latter, and opening at its opposite ends through opposite side edges 1'35 ofthe housing body. Formed in the slot 133, on the upper internal surface thereof and adjacent, to opposite slot ends, are a plurality of internal projections, teeth or serrations I136, for retaining engagement with the line 121. i

VIn the upper region of each body :130, spaced from the slot or groove 1233, the inner surface 132 is formed with a recess 138 opening upward or outward through4 the upper body edge 139. The lower central part of estacas 7 the recess '138 is of reduced lateral extent, as at 141 between a pair of laterally spaced, upwardly facing shoulders 140. As best seen in Figure 18, a generally cylindrical boss or stub shaft 142 projects into the recess 13-8 adjacent to the upper body edge 139 in a laterally medial region.

Extending about the exterior of the housing body 131i, along the upper body edge 139, preferably adjacent to but spaced from the latter, is an external rib, shoulder or ridge 143.

Also formed in the inner body surface 132 are a pair of laterally spaced grooves 145, each extending generally vertically having its lower end opening downward into the slot 133, and having its upper end opening upward through a respective shoulder 141) into the recess 138. Each groove or slot 145 is interrupted in its vertically medial region by an internal shoulder 146; and, Ia relatively shallow recess 147 extends laterally from each groove 145 inward to the lower recess portion 141, opening vertically upward through the shoulder 14d) and downward into the slot 133.

A pair of fastener-receiving apertures or holes 150 are formed through each housing body 130 adjacent to and laterally outward of the grooves 145.

In this embodiment, as in the lirst-described embodiment, each of the housing bodies is substantially symmetrical about a vertical center line, so that the housing sections orV bodies are interchangeable with each other.

1n assembly, a pair of housing sections 126 are secured fast to each other by the fasteners 127 with their inner surfaces 132 in facing engagement, so that the slots 133 of the facing housing section open toward each other and define an elongate through opening for receiving the electric line 121. Also, the facing recesses 138 and their reduced lower portions 141 of the secured housing sections combine with each other to define an internal hollow spaced from the opening 131, and the grooves 14S of one housing section combine with respective facing grooves 145 of the other housing section to define a pair of passageways each extending generally vertically and opening at its lower end into the opening 133 and at its upper end into the hollow 138.

The switch element 123, which may be of any suitable conductive strip material, includes an intermediate portion which is received in one passageway 145; and, the intermediate strip portion is provided with opposite side notches or cutouts 149 respectively receiving the passageway shoulders 146, as best seen in Figure 17. The upper portion 151 of the strip element 123 extends laterally inward closely overlying the adjacent shoulder 140, extending therebeyond into the lower hollow region 141. The extending upper end portion 151 of the strip element 123 may be upwardly dimpled, as at 153 to define a contact area. Projecting downward from the intermediate, generally vertical portion of strip element 123 is a lower end or connection portion 152. This lower end or connection portion may be of a pronged configuration, and depends or projects into the opening 133 on one side of the longitudinal center line of the opening, being olset laterally from the longitudinal center line of the strip element.

The conductive strip 124 has its intermediate portion formed with ya pair of laterally spaced cutouts or openings 154 extending inward from opposite side edges of the strip, and is received in the other groove or passageway '145, the right-hand passageway as seen in Figure 16, with the shoulders 146 engaging in the cutouts 154. The upper end portion 155 of the strip 124 extends laterally inward over its adjacent shoulder 140 into the lower recess portion 141, and is provided with a pair of laterally extending, longitudinally spaced

recesses

156 and 157, which face generally upward and are dened by bends in the strip. The distal end of the upper strip portion 155 is located over the distal end of the other upper strip portion 151, and preferably there provided with a downwardly extending dimple 163. The dimple 163 is engageable with the dimple 153 upon movement of the strip portion toward the strip portion 151.

A lower end portion 158 of the switch element 124 depends into the opening 133 and is offset laterally from the longitudinal center line of the switch element, so as to be offset laterally from the longitudinal center line of the housing opening. The lower end portion 158 may be pronged or bifurcated as illustrated, for piercing engagement through the insulation of line 121, as in the first-described embodiment.

As illustrated in Figures 16-19, the projecting ends or connection portions 152 and `158 of the

switch elements

123 and 124, respectively, are offset laterally of the opening 133 in the same direction, for electrical connection with the same conductor i166 of the electric line 121. As described hereinbefore, this arrangement is employed in using the device as a feed-through or line switch. It will now be readily understood that the embodiment of Figures 15-19 may be employed as a pendant switch by merely forming one of the

switch elements

123 or 124 with its depending connection portion 152 or 15S offset laterally on the other side. In this case, one of the connection elements will electrically connect with the line conductor 166, and the other connection element will electrically connect with the line conductor 165.

The actuating member or rocker 122 is similar to the actuating member 22, being received in the recess 138 and pivotally mounted therein by reception of the bosses 142 in its hole 161. The actuating member 122 includes oppositely extending arms and a depending extension or leg 162 which carries in its lower end a wearresistant member or rod '175. The actuating member 122 is rotatable between extreme limiting positions with its arms 160 in abutting engagement with their respective adjacent shoulders 140, the lower end of leg 162 being respectively engageable in the

recesses

156 and 157 in the extreme limiting positions of rotative movement. In the illustrated condition of Figure 16, the

switch elements

123 and 124 are closed or in engagement with each other, while counterclockwise rotation of the actuating member 122 to its other limiting position permits the upper end portion 155 of switch element 124 to move upward under its inherent resilient force away from the upper end portion 151 of switch element 123.

The switch of Figures 15-19 is assembled with its electric line 121 in substantially the same manner as the hereinbefore described embodiments, the line being inserted into the passageway 133, and a holding member, bar or wedge 167 being inserted in the passageway beneath the electric line to force the latter upward against the switch-

element connection portions

152 and 158, and against the holding serrations or teeth 136. In this manner, the switch-element connection portions are electrically connected to the desired conductor or conductors of the electric line. It will be noted that upward force applied by the electric line to the

switch elements

123 and 124 is resisted by the interengagement of the switch elements with the shoulders 146, in contrast to the firstdescribed embodiment, wherein such upward force is resisted by the upper end portions of the strip-receiving passageways.

In the embodiment of Figures 15-19, it will be noted that the recesses or

grooves

156 and 157 are disposed in contiguous relation, particularly as compared to the spaced

grooves

56 and 57 described hereinbefore. In the previously described embodiment, positive actuation of the rocker 22 is required to shift the latter between its on and off positions, to overcome friction of the leg 62 against the movable Contact portion. However, in the last-described embodiment, it is only necessary that the center of the rocker leg rod pass slightly beyond the crest defined by the juncture of the

contiguous recesses

156 and 157. At this moment, the resilience of the a Switch-element: contact portion 1.55' causesV the rocker legv rod 175 to snapinto` the other 0f the; recesses 1 56 and 157,- Thus.. the switch of Figures' 1-5-19 isfquick,

and Sure-acting. and .cannot retain itself in; an intermediate the panel mounting of the instant switch, as seen in Fig- It will there be observed that a panel 170 is ure 15. formed with' a through., opening 171 adapted te4 conformably receive the upper.. end portion f the switch housing 120 with the abutment or bead 143 bearing against the rear face of the panel. retainer plate 172 may be engaged about the switch housing 120 on the rearward side of and in engagement with the abutment 143, and there retained in position by fasteners 173 extending into the panel, to quickly, easily and lrrnly mount the switch housing in the panel.

While the

fasteners

27 and 127 employed to hold the housing sections 26 in their facing engagement have been illustrated as rivets, it is appreciated that other fastening means may be employed, if desired. In particular, if the switch is to be permanently assembled, the manufacturer may arrange the parts in the required assembled relationk for the desired type of switch, either pendant or feedthrough, and secure the housing sections by rivets. If thetype of switch, either pendant or feed-through, is to be optional and convertible as desired by the user, detachable fasteners, such as screws and nuts, may be employed rather than rivets.

Although the electric lines illustrated in the various embodiments of the present invention have been shown as solid conductor wire, it is understood that stranded wire may be employed, if desired. Also, the dependingprojections or connection portions of the switch elements need not be bifurcated, but may, if desired, consist of a single impaling point.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a switch construction which is highly versatilel in A suitable, apertured n Contact portion of at least oneA ofsaid switch elements. for

eiecting relative movement of said contact portions into y and out ofengagement with each other. 2,; An electricswitch comprising a housing 'having an elongate opening therein for snugly receiving .a pluralconductor line, ay rst conductive stripmounted-in said lhousing having at one end arst connection portion` projecting into said opening at one side of Vthe opening center line for connection to one conductor of said plural conductor line and having a contact portion at', its other en d spaced from said opening,v a second conductive Vstrip having a second connection portion at one end "and a second contact portion at its other end, means in said housing for mounting said second strip with said ysecond Contact portion adjacent to and spaced from said rstV` 3. An electric switch according to claim 2, in combina-W tion with a holding elementrelea'sably carried by said housing for holding said line in electrical connection with said switch elements.

4. An electric switch according to claim 3, saidholding element comprising an insert snugly engageable in said opening. v

5. An electric switch according to claim 3, said opening being delined by an external groove in said housing,

use, otherwise fully accomplishes its intended objects, and

is well adapted to meet practical manufacturing and operating conditions. f

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by Way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

It is understood that the term electric line is intended to comprehend the various types of conductors capable of being employed in conjunction with the switch of the instant invention, and to be inclusive of the terms` insulated wire, insulated conductor, line cord, twoconductor parallel wire, and the like.

What is claimed is:

l. An electric switch comprising a housing having an elongate opening therein for snugly receiving a pluralconductor line, a pair of conductive switch elements mounted in spaced relation in saidhousing and having contact portions spaced from said opening 'and relatively f movable into and out of engagement with each other, a

connection portionextending from each of saidv switch elements into said opening for electrical connection with said line, said connection portions being in alignment with each other longitudinally of said opening and olset from the longitudinal center line thereof for connection to the same conductor of said line, one of said switch elements being reversibly mounted in said housing to locate its connection portion on the opposite side of the longitudinal center line of said opening as the connectionr porand said holding element comprising a cover removably engaged with said housingin covering relation with said groove.

line and formed with an open-ended'slot, a recess spaced low; a pair of conductive strips each having a contact Y portion at one end and a connection portion projecting from the other end olset from the longitudinal center line of the respective strip, said strips being selectively disposed in said passageways with their contact portions in said hollow to position their connection portions for selective connection with the conductors of said pluralconductor line; and manually .-actuable means movably mounted in said hollow and engageable with the contact portion of one of said strips to move the latter into and out of engagement with the contact portion of the other of said strips.

8. An electric switch according to claim 2, said opening defining an open ended internal passageway of closed cross sectional conlguration, said strip connection portions projecting into said passageway from one internal side thereof and terminating short of the opposite internal passageway side a distance suiiicient to receive a pluralconductor line inserted in said passageway along said opposite internal passageway side, and an elongate holder element removably engageable in said passageway adjacent to said opposite internal passageway side for maintaining said plural-conductor line in connection with said connection portions.

9. In a wiring device, a housing having an elongate internal passageway for receiving electric line, at least one conductive strip mounted in said housing and having 10 a connection portion projecting into said passageway from one internal side thereof and terminating short of the opposite internal passageway side a distance suiicient to receive electric line inserted into said passageway along said opposite internal passageway side, and an elongate 15 2,802,083

112 holding element insertable into said passageway along said opposite internal passageway side for displacing electric line away from said opposite internal passageway side into connection with said'connection portion.

10. A wiring device according to claim 9, said passageway being generally rectangular in cross section, and said holding element being 0f elongate generally rectangular cross sectional conguration and having one end tapering to facilitate insertion into said passageway.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Gayner May 17, 1949 Lapeyre Aug. 6, 1957