Snap-on rocker cap for electric switch

Claim 2

A snap-on operator for a switch assembly having an operator carrier member for opening and closing the switch contacts, which carrier member is pivotally mounted by an axle member to the switch assembly, said snap-on operator including in combination, flexible tab connecting means extending therefrom, and alignment means integral therewith, said snap-on operator being connected to the carrier member by snapping said flexible tab connecting means about the axle member pivotally connecting the carrier member to the switch assembly, and said alignment means of said snap-on operator engaging the carrier member to position said snap-on operator therein whereby movement of said snap-on operator pivots the carrier member to open and close the switch contacts.

Claim 3

The snap-on switch operator of claim 1 wherein said flexible tab connecting means includes first and second flexible legs extending downwardly from said snap-on operator in a spaced relation to one another, each said leg having a foot portion extending therefrom, said foot portions extending toward and being substantially adjacent to one another, said foot portions each including a cam surface which cooperate with one another to form an axle engaging surface, with said snap-on operator being connected to the carrier member said cam surfaces engage the axle member and act to move said legs apart in a scissor-like action, and said legs spring back to substantially their original positions with the same moving past the axle member thereby connecting said snap-on operator to the carrier member.

Claim 4

The snap-on switch operator of claim 2 wherein said flexible legs are spaced from one another an amount less than the diameter of the axle member and with said flexible legs springing back toward their original positions the same grip the axle member.

Claim 5

The snap-on switch operator of claim 1 wherein said alignment means includes first and second alignment legs extending from said snap-on operator, and said carrier member includes means for receiving said alignment legs to position said snap-on operator in said carrier member.

Claim 6

The snap-on switch operator of claim 4 wherein said means for receiving said alignment legs includes first and second slots in said carrier member, said slots having a cross-section shaped to receive said first and second alignment legs respectively.

Claim 7

The snap-on switch operator of claim 5 wherein said flexible tab connecting means includes first and second legs each having foot portions, and said first and second slots have a predetermined depth for positioning said snap-on operator relative to said carrier member whereby said foot portions of each leg fit snuggly beneath said axle member with said flexible tab connecting means being snapped around said axle member to limit the upward movement of said first and second alignment legs in said slots thereby insuring said snap-on operator fits tightly to said carrier member.

Claim 8

A switch assembly including in combination, a switch housing enclosing contact means and a bridge member, a carrier member for operating said bridge member for selectively opening and closing said contact means, an axle supported by said switch housing, said carrier member being rotatably mounted to said axle, a snap-on switch operator including resilient tab connecting means comprising first and second legs each having a foot portion, said legs being positioned in a spaced relation to one another with each foot portion extending toward and being adjacent to the other, said tab connecting means further including first and second spaced apart alignment legs, and said carrier member includes first and second slots shaped to receive said alignment legs, whereby said snap-on switch operator is mounted to said carrier member with said legs of said tab connecting means snapping about said axle member and said first and second alignment legs fitting into said first and second slots in said carrier member, and each said foot portion of said tab connecting means fitting snuggly beneath said axle member so said snap-on switch operator is held tightly to said carrier member.

Claim 9

A switch assembly including in combination, a switch housing enclosing contact means and a bridge member, a carrier member for operating said bridge member for selectively opening and closing said contact means, an axle supported by said switch housing, said carrier member being rotatably mounted to said axle, a snap-on switch operator including resilient tab connecting means comprising first and second legs each having a foot portion, said legs being positioned in a spaced relation to one another with each foot portion extending toward and being adjacent to the other, said tab connecting means further including first and second spaced apart alignment legs, and said carrier member includes first and second slots shaped to receive said alignment legs, whereby said snap-on switch operator is mounted to said carrier member with said legs of said tab connecting means snapping about said axle member and said first and second alignment legs fitting into said first and second slots in said carrier member, and each said foot portion of said tab connecting means fitting snuggly beneath said axle member so said snap-on switch operator is held tightly to said carrier member.