Slide switch with snap action

Claim 1

A snap action switch comprising, a plurality of spaced contacts defining a path, a sliding contact, contact carrying means for accommodating said sliding contact, actuating means, means for supporting said actuating means and the assembly comprising said contact carrying means and said sliding contact in relatively movable relationship to said plurality of spaced contacts in a direction generally parallel to said path to selectively interconnect at least two adjacent ones of said plurality of spaced contacts, said actuating means and said contact carrying means being formed with an opposed pair of recesses, and spring means within and joining said opposed recesses for storing energy in response to relative movement between said actuating means and said path, said actuating means also including means for directly transmitting a force from said actuating means to said contact carrying means for moving said sliding contact whereby upon movement of said contact carrying means relative to said path the energy stored in said spring means is released to aid the latter movement and provide snap action.