Patent US3671693A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3671693A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rocker switch
Assignee: Chicago Switch Inc
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Filing: 1971-05-28
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Granted: 1972-06-20
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Expires: 1991-05-28
Abstract
Abstract A switch construction comprising a base carrying at least two stationary contacts with a movable contact arm being disposed over said base for engaging the stationary contacts. A spring is positioned on the contact arm, and this spring includes downwardly depending end portions connected to the ends of the arm and a central portion spanning the arm. A star wheel is located within a rocker used for operating the switch. One point of the star wheel engages the spring, and an opposite point engages the rocker. Additional intermediate points of the star wheel alternately engage interior wall portions defined by the rocker. The structural combination provides an easily assembled and highly effective over-center rocker switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Guy M Farrell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 11:38
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H23/00; H01H23/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
271 words
In a switch construction comprising a base, at least two stationary contacts mounted on said base, a pivotally movable contact arm, at least one contact area defined by said arm for movement into and out of engagement with said stationary contacts, a spring defining ends engaging said arm on opposite sides of the pivot axis of the arm and having a main body portion spanning said arm, a star wheel having a first point engaging said body portion, a rocker defining a bearing area for engaging a second point of said star wheel, said second point being disposed opposite said first point, said points of said star wheel being located on opposite sides of a line extending through said pivot axis, said bearing area of said rocker being located relative to said base so that the star wheel normally depresses said spring body portion in the direction of said base, a pair of interior walls defined by said rocker on opposite sides of said star wheel, additional star wheel points located for engagement with said walls, said walls being spaced so that only one of said additional points can engage a wall at any time, pivoting movement of said rocker being adapted to cause said star wheel to initially depress said spring further in the direction of said base to thereby increase the pressure of said contact area on a stationary contact, and continued pivoting movement shifting said first and second points of said star wheel to the opposite sides of said line to thereby rapidly pivot said contact arm thereby breaking engagement between said contact area and said stationary contact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
271 words
In a switch construction comprising a base, at least two stationary contacts mounted on said base, a pivotally movable contact arm, at least one contact area defined by said arm for movement into and out of engagement with said stationary contacts, a spring defining ends engaging said arm on opposite sides of the pivot axis of the arm and having a main body portion spanning said arm, a star wheel having a first point engaging said body portion, a rocker defining a bearing area for engaging a second point of said star wheel, said second point being disposed opposite said first point, said points of said star wheel being located on opposite sides of a line extending through said pivot axis, said bearing area of said rocker being located relative to said base so that the star wheel normally depresses said spring body portion in the direction of said base, a pair of interior walls defined by said rocker on opposite sides of said star wheel, additional star wheel points located for engagement with said walls, said walls being spaced so that only one of said additional points can engage a wall at any time, pivoting movement of said rocker being adapted to cause said star wheel to initially depress said spring further in the direction of said base to thereby increase the pressure of said contact area on a stationary contact, and continued pivoting movement shifting said first and second points of said star wheel to the opposite sides of said line to thereby rapidly pivot said contact arm thereby breaking engagement between said contact area and said stationary contact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said arm is conductive, said stationary contacts being located whereby one contact is maintained in engagement with said arm during all positions of the arm with said contact area being moved into an out of engagement with the other stationary contact.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein said arm comprises a V-shaped member, the apex of said arm bearing against said one stationary contact, said one stationary contact providing a pivot area for said arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein the apex of said arm is free to move relative to said one contact area whereby wiping of said arm against said stationary contact area will occur during switching operations.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein said spring comprises a band in the shape of an inverted U, the legs of said band depending downwardly for attachment to the ends of said arm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein stationary contacts are located on said base for engagement with each end of said arm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said rocker defines an interior cavity, said star wheel being disposed within said cavity, and a housing including said base for enclosing the construction with the exception of an exposed portion of said rocker for actuation of the switch and terminal portions connected to said stationary contacts for connecting the switch in an electrical circuit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
A construction in accordance with claim 7 wherein said star wheel is free of attachment within said housing whereby the additional star wheel points alternately engage the respective walls, depending upon the position of the switch.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2203555A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-20 | 1975-12-20 | 1976-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-20 | 1979-12-20 | 1980-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-20 | 1983-12-20 | 1984-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |