Door latch operated switch unit

Claim 1

A striker actuated electric switch device for use in energizing an electrical appliance, having a male plug, in response to actuating a door relative to a door jamb, said switch device comprising, A. a switching unit for mounting on the inside of a wall adjacent to the door striker and the striker recess in the door jamb, said switching unit including, 1. an insulating housing providing an internal cavity, 2. a pivot means rotatably journaled in said housing, 3. a fixed switch member in said cavity, 4. a movable switch member fixed to said pivot means for movement, relative to said fixed switch member, between a switch open position and a switch closed position, 5. compression means normally urging said movable switch member to a switch closed position; B. a plunger rod, slidably engaged in a horizontal bore, extending inwardly through the inner wall of the striker recess, and having, 1. an outer end extending into the striker recess for engagement by the striker when the door is closed, and 2. an inner end disposed in a recess opening through the inside of the wall; C. a rocker arm having, 1. an outer end fixed to said pivot means, 2. an inner end extending into the wall recess for abutting engagement by said plunger rod inner end whereby said movable switch member is moved to a switch open position by engagement of the striker with said slidable plunger rod outer end when the door is closed and to a switch closed position by said compression means when the door is opened; D. an electric terminal unit providing, 1. male prongs for engagement in a wall electric outlet, 2. receptacle means for receiving the plug of the appliance; E. conductor means connecting between said electric terminal unit and said fixed and movable switch members.