Patent US3564180A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3564180A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Resilient contacts for rotary switch having an intermediate position of unstable equilibrium
Assignee: Electrohome Ltd
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Filing: 1968-09-03
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Granted: 1971-02-16
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Expires: 1988-09-03
Abstract
Abstract A switch includes a base member with first and second switch contact elements secured thereto and projecting therefrom. At least one of the elements is movable from a first position in which the elements are disengaged to a second position in which they are engaged. In both positions the elements cross each other when viewed from one angle but are on opposite sides of each other in the two different positions. At least the movable contact element is resilient and passes through a position of unstable equilibrium when moved between the two positions. When attempting to return to the first position after having been moved therefrom through the intermediate position, the movable contact element engages the other contact element.
Inventors
- 👤 Frits L Lyvang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:31
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H21/00; H01H21/02; H01H21/18; H01H1/00; H01H1/12; H01H1/14; H01H1/24; H01H1/245
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
267 words
A switch comprising: a base member; first and second switch contact elements secured to said base member and projection therefrom; at least one of said contact elements being movable from a first position in which said contact elements are disengaged from each other to a second position in which said contact elements are engaged with each other; said contact elements in said first position being so oriented with respect to each other that said contact elements cross each other when viewed from one angle with said one contact element being closer to one side of said second contact element than to the opposite side of said second contact element; said contact elements in said second position being so oriented with respect to each other that said contact elements cross each other when viewed from said one angle with said one contact element engaging said opposite side of said second contact element; at least said one contact element being resilient; and means for moving said one contact element between said first and second positions through an intermediate position of unstable equilibrium; said one contact element being deflected during movement thereof from said first position to said intermediate position; said one contact element always attempting to return to said first position by dissipation of spring energy stored in said one contact element during movement thereof from said first position; said one contact element when attempting to return to said first position after movement of said one contact element from said first position through said intermediate position assuming said second position by reason of engagement with said second contact element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
267 words
A switch comprising: a base member; first and second switch contact elements secured to said base member and projection therefrom; at least one of said contact elements being movable from a first position in which said contact elements are disengaged from each other to a second position in which said contact elements are engaged with each other; said contact elements in said first position being so oriented with respect to each other that said contact elements cross each other when viewed from one angle with said one contact element being closer to one side of said second contact element than to the opposite side of said second contact element; said contact elements in said second position being so oriented with respect to each other that said contact elements cross each other when viewed from said one angle with said one contact element engaging said opposite side of said second contact element; at least said one contact element being resilient; and means for moving said one contact element between said first and second positions through an intermediate position of unstable equilibrium; said one contact element being deflected during movement thereof from said first position to said intermediate position; said one contact element always attempting to return to said first position by dissipation of spring energy stored in said one contact element during movement thereof from said first position; said one contact element when attempting to return to said first position after movement of said one contact element from said first position through said intermediate position assuming said second position by reason of engagement with said second contact element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein both said first and second contact elements are resilient.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
105 words
The switch of claim 2 wherein both said contact elements are connected to said moving means and are movable from said first position to said second position, both said contact elements are deflected during movement thereof from said first position to said intermediate position, both said contact elements always attempt to return to said first position by dissipation of spring energy stored therein during movement from said first position, and both said contact elements engage one another in said second position as they attempt to return to said first position after movement of both said contact elements from said first position through said intermediate position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein said first and second contact elements are each resilient wires upstanding from said base member, said wires being inclined towards and crossing each other at a point intermediate their length when viewed from said one angle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The switch of claim 4 wherein said means for moving said one contact element is a knob engaging the free ends of said wires, said knob being adapted for rotational movement about an axis substantially perpendiculAr to said base member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The switch of claim 5 wherein said free ends of said wires are slidable in said knob.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The switch of claim 3 wherein said first and second contact elements are each resilient wires upstanding from said base member, said wires being inclined towards and crossing each other at a point intermediate their length when viewed from said one angle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The switch of claim 7 wherein said means for moving said one contact element is a knob engaging the free ends of said wires, said knob being adapted for rotational movement about an axis substantially perpendicular to said base member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The switch of claim 8 wherein said free ends of said wires are slidable in said knob.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-15 | 1974-08-17 | 1975-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-15 | 1978-08-17 | 1979-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-15 | 1982-08-17 | 1983-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |