US3663781A - Electrical switch having a flexible one-piece actuator - Google Patents

Electrical switch having a flexible one-piece actuator Download PDF

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Publication number
US3663781A
US3663781A US91858A US3663781DA US3663781A US 3663781 A US3663781 A US 3663781A US 91858 A US91858 A US 91858A US 3663781D A US3663781D A US 3663781DA US 3663781 A US3663781 A US 3663781A
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plate
base
coupled
fulcrum
microswitch
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US91858A
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Robert C Zimmerman
James R Lindsay
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SCM Corp
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SCM Corp
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/023—Light-emitting indicators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/12—Push-buttons
    • H01H3/122—Push-buttons with enlarged actuating area, e.g. of the elongated bar-type; Stabilising means therefor

Definitions

  • a rectangular translucent elastic plate having projections which extend from two opposing edges is coupled to a supporting structure.
  • the supporting structure includes a rectangular base, two opposing side walls having projections over the base, and a fulcrum projecting from the base which is parallel to and equidistant from both walls.
  • the plate rests on the fulcrum and the side wall projections overlap the plate projections thereby preventing clockwise rotation of one end of the plate and counterclockwise rotation of the opposing end of the plate.
  • a microswitch having a plunger which is triggered by a force responsive flexing of the plate and an indicator light which indicates the state of the microswitch.
  • the subject invention relates to an electric switch and in particular to one which is actuated by the flexing of an elastic plate.
  • switches have been mounted on receptacles having a flexible arm which when actuated trigger a switch.
  • One such switching arrangement is shown and described in US. Pat. No. 3,033,966, which was issued to E. I. Dillon on May 8, 1962.
  • the flexible arm is integrally formed with a base to provide a cantilever type structure and the base includes a rib to which the switch is slidably mounted.
  • an electric switch of the type actuated by force exerting means comprises: a base; an elastic plate coupled to said base; a fulcrum, coupled to said base, for pivoting the plate; means, coupled to the base, for preventing clockwise rotation about the fulcrum of one end of the plate; means, coupled to the base, for preventing counterclockwise rotation about the fulcrum of another end of the plate; and means, coupled to the base, responsive to the flexing of the plate by said force exerting means for providing electrical signals.
  • FIG. I is a perspective view of an embodiment according to the invention in which a section has been removed in order to expose the interior construction thereof, and
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. I An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. I.
  • the embodiment shown in the drawing comprises: an elastic plate I, a base 2 and sides 3 and 4 with projections 3a and 4a and a fulcrum S, a pair of microswitches 6 and 7, supporting pads 8 and 9, bulb and socket unit 10 and a bulb and socket unit 11 which is not visible in FIG. I, but is shown in FIG. 2.
  • a rectangular elastic plate I having projections la and 1b extending from opposite ends may be molded from a translucent plastic.
  • a preferred unitary structure which may also be molded, for supporting the plate, in this example, includes the rectangular base 2, a wall perpendicular thereto which serves as the fulcrum and the walls 3 and 4 at opposing ends from each of which the projections 1a and lb extend over the base 2.
  • microswitches 6 and 7 Coupled to the base on each side of the fulcrum respectively are microswitches 6 and 7 and bulb and socket units and 11.
  • the microswitches 6 and 7 may be of the type which are plunger actuated such as, for example, part No. BBPO-l-I 39 -MC7, manufactured by Robert Shaw Control Co. of Columbus, Ohio.
  • the microswitches and bulb and socket units may be fastened to the base by screws or other means well known in the fastening art.
  • Elastic pads 8 and 9 may be fastened respectively to that side of microswitches 6 and 7 which include plungers 6a and 7a for the purpose of reducing any slack, and thereby maintain the plate firmly in place.
  • microswitches 6 and 7 and bulb and socket units 11 and 10, respectively on each side of the fulcrum 5 may be electrically connected in series, by means well known in the art, such that the state of the microswitch is indicated by either the presence of or lack of light from the bulbs.
  • the flexing of the plate by a force depresses a plunger which changes the state of a microswitch.
  • the microswitch provides a signal which may be used to control apparatus.
  • the inherent memory of the plate Upon removal of the force, the inherent memory of the plate returns it to its former position.
  • An electric switch of the type actuated by force exerting means comprising:
  • a fulcrum coupled to said base, for pivoting the plate
  • said plate is a rectangular sheet of plastic having a first extending section at said one end and a second extending section at said another end;
  • said means for preventing clockwise rotation include means engaging said first extending section; and said means for preventing counterclockwise rotation include means engaging said second extending section.
  • said means responsive to the flexing of said plate includes a first microswitch responsive to the flexing of said one end and a second microswitch responsive to the flexing of said another end.
  • An electric switch according to claim 2 further including:
  • a first bulb and socket coupled to said base, responsive to the electrical signal provided by said first microswitch;
  • a second bulb and socket coupled to said base, responsive to the electrical signal provided by said second microswitch.
  • An electric switch according to claim 3, further includ ing first elastic means, coupled to said base, for supporting said one end; and, second elastic means, coupled to said base, for supporting said other end.

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  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

In an embodiment of an electrical switch, a rectangular translucent elastic plate having projections which extend from two opposing edges is coupled to a supporting structure. The supporting structure includes a rectangular base, two opposing side walls having projections over the base, and a fulcrum projecting from the base which is parallel to and equidistant from both walls. The plate rests on the fulcrum and the side wall projections overlap the plate projections thereby preventing clockwise rotation of one end of the plate and counterclockwise rotation of the opposing end of the plate. In each of the cavities created by the plate and supporting structure there is mounted a microswitch having a plunger which is triggered by a force responsive flexing of the plate and an indicator light which indicates the state of the microswitch.

Description

United States Patent Zimmerman et al.
[l5] 3,663,781 [4 1 May 16, 1972 ELECTRICAL SWITCH HAVING A FLEXIBLE ONE-PIECE ACTUATOR Robert C. Zimmerman, Manlius, N.Y.; James R. Lindsay, Fullerton, Calif.
Assignee: SCM Corporation, New York, NY.
Filed: Nov. 23, 1970 Appl. No.: 91,858
Inventors:
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1962 Helmle ..200/l68 G X 1/1970 Mitchell et al. l 1/1958 .lorick, .Ir.
9/ l 969 Krieger ..200/86.5
FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 884,470 l2/ I 961 Great Britain ..200/ l 72 A Primary Examiner-H. 0. Jones Arramey-Milton Wolson and Harvey Zeller [5 7] ABSTRACT In an embodiment of an electrical switch, a rectangular translucent elastic plate having projections which extend from two opposing edges is coupled to a supporting structure. The supporting structure includes a rectangular base, two opposing side walls having projections over the base, and a fulcrum projecting from the base which is parallel to and equidistant from both walls. The plate rests on the fulcrum and the side wall projections overlap the plate projections thereby preventing clockwise rotation of one end of the plate and counterclockwise rotation of the opposing end of the plate. In each of the cavities created by the plate and supporting structure there is mounted a microswitch having a plunger which is triggered by a force responsive flexing of the plate and an indicator light which indicates the state of the microswitch.
5 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention The subject invention relates to an electric switch and in particular to one which is actuated by the flexing of an elastic plate.
2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, switches have been mounted on receptacles having a flexible arm which when actuated trigger a switch. One such switching arrangement is shown and described in US. Pat. No. 3,033,966, which was issued to E. I. Dillon on May 8, 1962.
In the switching arrangement above referred to, the flexible arm is integrally formed with a base to provide a cantilever type structure and the base includes a rib to which the switch is slidably mounted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an improved electric switch which may be manufactured economically.
It is another object of the invention to provide an electric switch having an elastic plate which selectively triggers more than one microswitch element.
It is another object of the invention to provide an electric switch whose on-off state is indicated by illumination.
According to the invention, an electric switch of the type actuated by force exerting means comprises: a base; an elastic plate coupled to said base; a fulcrum, coupled to said base, for pivoting the plate; means, coupled to the base, for preventing clockwise rotation about the fulcrum of one end of the plate; means, coupled to the base, for preventing counterclockwise rotation about the fulcrum of another end of the plate; and means, coupled to the base, responsive to the flexing of the plate by said force exerting means for providing electrical signals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above mentioned and other objects of this invention will become apparent by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. I is a perspective view of an embodiment according to the invention in which a section has been removed in order to expose the interior construction thereof, and
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. I. The embodiment shown in the drawing comprises: an elastic plate I, a base 2 and sides 3 and 4 with projections 3a and 4a and a fulcrum S, a pair of microswitches 6 and 7, supporting pads 8 and 9, bulb and socket unit 10 and a bulb and socket unit 11 which is not visible in FIG. I, but is shown in FIG. 2.
In the embodiment, a rectangular elastic plate I having projections la and 1b extending from opposite ends may be molded from a translucent plastic.
A preferred unitary structure, which may also be molded, for supporting the plate, in this example, includes the rectangular base 2, a wall perpendicular thereto which serves as the fulcrum and the walls 3 and 4 at opposing ends from each of which the projections 1a and lb extend over the base 2.
Coupled to the base on each side of the fulcrum respectively are microswitches 6 and 7 and bulb and socket units and 11. The microswitches 6 and 7 may be of the type which are plunger actuated such as, for example, part No. BBPO-l-I 39 -MC7, manufactured by Robert Shaw Control Co. of Columbus, Ohio. The microswitches and bulb and socket units may be fastened to the base by screws or other means well known in the fastening art.
Elastic pads 8 and 9 may be fastened respectively to that side of microswitches 6 and 7 which include plungers 6a and 7a for the purpose of reducing any slack, and thereby maintain the plate firmly in place.
The microswitches 6 and 7 and bulb and socket units 11 and 10, respectively on each side of the fulcrum 5, may be electrically connected in series, by means well known in the art, such that the state of the microswitch is indicated by either the presence of or lack of light from the bulbs.
When the plate is held in place by the projections from the side walls 30 and 4a and the fulcrum 5, one end la remains free to travel in a clockwise direction, and the other end, 11;, remains free to travel in a counter clockwise direction.
In operation, the flexing of the plate by a force depresses a plunger which changes the state of a microswitch. As a result of said change of state, the microswitch provides a signal which may be used to control apparatus. Upon removal of the force, the inherent memory of the plate returns it to its former position.
We claim:
I. An electric switch of the type actuated by force exerting means, comprising:
a base;
an elastic plate coupled to said base;
a fulcrum, coupled to said base, for pivoting the plate;
means, coupled to the base, for preventing clockwise rotation about the fulcrum of one end of the plate;
means coupled to the base, for preventing counterclockwise rotation about the fulcrum of another end of the plate;
means, coupled to the base, responsive to the flexing of the plate by said force exerting means for providing electrical signals; and
said plate is a rectangular sheet of plastic having a first extending section at said one end and a second extending section at said another end;
said means for preventing clockwise rotation include means engaging said first extending section; and said means for preventing counterclockwise rotation include means engaging said second extending section.
2. An electric switch, according to claim I wherein said means responsive to the flexing of said plate includes a first microswitch responsive to the flexing of said one end and a second microswitch responsive to the flexing of said another end.
3. An electric switch, according to claim 2 further including:
a first bulb and socket, coupled to said base, responsive to the electrical signal provided by said first microswitch; and,
a second bulb and socket, coupled to said base, responsive to the electrical signal provided by said second microswitch.
4. An electric switch, according to claim 3, further includ ing first elastic means, coupled to said base, for supporting said one end; and, second elastic means, coupled to said base, for supporting said other end.
5. An electric switch, according to claim 4, wherein said fulcrum is positioned equidistant from said one end and said another end.
4- r a: a

Claims (5)

1. An electric switch of the type actuated by force exerting means, comprising: a base; an elastic plate coupled to said base; a fulcrum, coupled to said base, for pivoting the plate; means, coupled to the base, for preventing clockwise rotation about the fulcrum of one end of the plate; means coupled to the base, for preventing counterclockwise rotation about the fulcrum of another end of the plate; means, coupled to the base, responsive to the flexing of the plate by said force exerting means for providing electrical signals; and said plate is a rectangular sheet of plastic having a first extending section at said one end and a second extending section at said another end; said means for preventing clockwise rotation include means engaging said first extending section; and said means for preventing counterclockwise rotation include means engaging said second extending section.
2. An electric switch, according to claim 1 wherein said means responsive to the flexing of said plate includes a first microswitch responsive to the flexing of said one end and a second microswitch responsive to the flexing of said another end.
3. An electric switch, according to claim 2 further including: a first bulb and socket, coupled to said base, responsive to the electrical signal provided by said first microswitch; and, a second bulb and socket, coupled to said base, responsive to the electrical signal provided by said second microswitch.
4. An electric switch, according to claim 3, further including first elastic means, coupled to said base, for supporting said one end; and, second elastic means, coupled to said base, for supporting said other end.
5. An electric switch, according to claim 4, wherein said fulcrum is positioned equidistant from said one end and said another End.
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Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3784765A (en) * 1972-09-20 1974-01-08 Scope Inc Manually adjustable multiposition switch
US3857007A (en) * 1972-03-08 1974-12-24 Leuenberger P Electric switch
US4017771A (en) * 1974-10-19 1977-04-12 Baumann Ludwig G Safeguarded switching device
FR2392483A1 (en) * 1977-05-25 1978-12-22 Renault MAGNETIC CONTROLLED CONTACTOR
EP0068936A1 (en) * 1981-06-04 1983-01-05 Jacques Lewiner Coded electronic locking devices
US4385586A (en) * 1981-09-04 1983-05-31 Schriever Frederick G Escape/rescue system
FR2546660A1 (en) * 1983-05-25 1984-11-30 Montenay Sa Protection device for control switches for electrical apparatuses for use by the public
US4595228A (en) * 1984-04-30 1986-06-17 Prince Corporation Garage door opening transmitter compartment
US4757168A (en) * 1985-07-06 1988-07-12 Jimbo Electric Co., Ltd. Decorative improved switching apparatus having a rocking element
US4885443A (en) * 1988-11-29 1989-12-05 Tokheim Corporation Sealed backlit switch assembly
US5811729A (en) * 1996-05-02 1998-09-22 Rintz; William J. Light switch cover
US5874693A (en) * 1996-05-02 1999-02-23 Rintz; William J. Light switch cover
WO2000041195A1 (en) * 1999-01-08 2000-07-13 M.U.T Gmbh Pressure switch
US6092917A (en) * 1997-12-02 2000-07-25 Lear Donnelly Overhead Systems Llc Single lens, push-push, dual lamp assembly
US10354818B2 (en) 2015-11-03 2019-07-16 Hubbell Incorporated Weatherproof decorator cover with positive indicator

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2858631A (en) * 1955-05-13 1958-11-04 Irving Rabinowitz Illuminating electrical indicator
GB884470A (en) * 1959-04-02 1961-12-13 Telemecanique Electrique Device for actuating the push-buttons of an electrical apparatus through the casing thereof
US3042764A (en) * 1958-04-12 1962-07-03 Hermle Eduard Electric switch and sealing element therefor
US3467798A (en) * 1967-11-17 1969-09-16 Byrd Ind Inc Foot actuated remote control unit for fishing motors
US3491220A (en) * 1968-03-05 1970-01-20 United Carr Inc Lighted on-off switch

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2858631A (en) * 1955-05-13 1958-11-04 Irving Rabinowitz Illuminating electrical indicator
US3042764A (en) * 1958-04-12 1962-07-03 Hermle Eduard Electric switch and sealing element therefor
GB884470A (en) * 1959-04-02 1961-12-13 Telemecanique Electrique Device for actuating the push-buttons of an electrical apparatus through the casing thereof
US3467798A (en) * 1967-11-17 1969-09-16 Byrd Ind Inc Foot actuated remote control unit for fishing motors
US3491220A (en) * 1968-03-05 1970-01-20 United Carr Inc Lighted on-off switch

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3857007A (en) * 1972-03-08 1974-12-24 Leuenberger P Electric switch
US3784765A (en) * 1972-09-20 1974-01-08 Scope Inc Manually adjustable multiposition switch
US4017771A (en) * 1974-10-19 1977-04-12 Baumann Ludwig G Safeguarded switching device
FR2392483A1 (en) * 1977-05-25 1978-12-22 Renault MAGNETIC CONTROLLED CONTACTOR
US4211991A (en) * 1977-05-25 1980-07-08 Regie Nationale Des Usines Renault Magnet-controlled switch
EP0068936A1 (en) * 1981-06-04 1983-01-05 Jacques Lewiner Coded electronic locking devices
US4385586A (en) * 1981-09-04 1983-05-31 Schriever Frederick G Escape/rescue system
FR2546660A1 (en) * 1983-05-25 1984-11-30 Montenay Sa Protection device for control switches for electrical apparatuses for use by the public
US4595228A (en) * 1984-04-30 1986-06-17 Prince Corporation Garage door opening transmitter compartment
US4757168A (en) * 1985-07-06 1988-07-12 Jimbo Electric Co., Ltd. Decorative improved switching apparatus having a rocking element
US4885443A (en) * 1988-11-29 1989-12-05 Tokheim Corporation Sealed backlit switch assembly
US5811729A (en) * 1996-05-02 1998-09-22 Rintz; William J. Light switch cover
US5874693A (en) * 1996-05-02 1999-02-23 Rintz; William J. Light switch cover
US6092917A (en) * 1997-12-02 2000-07-25 Lear Donnelly Overhead Systems Llc Single lens, push-push, dual lamp assembly
WO2000041195A1 (en) * 1999-01-08 2000-07-13 M.U.T Gmbh Pressure switch
US10354818B2 (en) 2015-11-03 2019-07-16 Hubbell Incorporated Weatherproof decorator cover with positive indicator
US10943750B2 (en) 2015-11-03 2021-03-09 Hubbell Incorporated Weatherproof decorator cover with positive indicator
US11309148B2 (en) 2015-11-03 2022-04-19 Hubbell Incorporated Weatherproof decorator cover with positive indicator
US11996249B2 (en) 2015-11-03 2024-05-28 Hubbell Incorporated Weatherproof decorator cover with positive indicator

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