US3732388A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Unitary insulating housing for rocker switches
Assignee: TURNOCK G Ltd
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Filing: 1971-07-26
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Granted: 1973-05-08
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Expires: 1991-07-26
Abstract
Abstract A rocker switch has a rocker housing and a cylindrical switch housing extending from the rocker housing. A switch mechanism is mounted in the switch housing and is operated by a rocker mounted at least partially within the rocker housing to pivot about an axis. The cylindrical switch housing is smaller than the rocker housing so that the switch housing can be inserted in a hole in a face to project through the hole and be located with the rocker housing abutting the face. Also the two housings are formed as integral parts of a switch body comprising a pair of moulded shells arranged on opposite sides of a plane including the axis of the cylindrical switch housing.
Inventors
- 👤 W Taylor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:32
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H23/00; H01H23/02; H01H23/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A rocker switch comprising a rocker housing, a cylindrical switch housing extending from said rocker housing, the external diameter of said cylindrical switch housing being less than any outside dimension of said rocker housing in a plane normal to the axis of said cylindrical switch housing, switch mechanism housed in said cylindrical switch housing, and a rocker mounted at least partially within said rocker housing and manually operable to operate said switch mechanism, and wherein said cylindrical switch housing and said rocker housing are formed as integral parts of a switch body comprising a first moulded shell and a second moulded shell, said shells lying principally on opposite sides of a plane including the axis of said cylindrical switch housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A rocker switch comprising a rocker housing, a cylindrical switch housing extending from said rocker housing, the external diameter of said cylindrical switch housing being less than any outside dimension of said rocker housing in a plane normal to the axis of said cylindrical switch housing, switch mechanism housed in said cylindrical switch housing, and a rocker mounted at least partially within said rocker housing and manually operable to operate said switch mechanism, and wherein said cylindrical switch housing and said rocker housing are formed as integral parts of a switch body comprising a first moulded shell and a second moulded shell, said shells lying principally on opposite sides of a plane including the axis of said cylindrical switch housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
101 words
A rocker switch in accordance with claim 1 wherein a first portion of one shell adjacent to said plane including the axis of said cylindrical switch housing is formed with a recess extending from said plane, a second portion of said one shell adjacent to said plane and disposed opposite said first portion is formed with a recess extending from said plane, and in the assembled switch body said recesses are closed by portions of the other said shell to define a pair of opposed orifices in said rocker housing, trunnions forming pivots for said rocker being journalled in said orifices.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A rocker switch in accordance with claim 2 wherein said orifices extend into the other of said shells.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A rocker switch in accordance with claim 1 including a strap moulded integrally with said shells, said shells being moulded as a matched pair connected end-to-end by said strap.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rocker switch in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said cylindrical switch housing is externally screw-threaded.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
A rocker switch in accordance with claim 5 wherein said cylindrical switch housing is provided with a first outwardly directed fin and a second outwardly directed fin in a position diametrically opposed to said first fin, said fins extending substantially to the maximum diameter of the screw-thread along an unthreaded portion of said switch housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A rocker switch in accordance with claim 1 wherein said rocker is at least translucent, a lamp is mounted in said rocker and means are provided operative to light said lamp when said rocker is in one position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
94 words
A rocker switch in accordance with claim 4 wherein said lamp comprises a bulb having an end contact and a shell contact, a bulb carrier, a fixed contact located on said switch body, a contact band having a portion in contact with said end contact of said bulb and a portion operative to contact said fixed contact when said rocker is in said one position, and a contact member carried by said bulb carrier and abutting said shell contact of said bulb, said contact member also forming an operating cam of said switch mechanism.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
A rocker swiTch in accordance with claim 1 wherein a hole is formed in one of said shells and a pin is provided on the other of said shells, said pin projecting into said hole to locate said shells relative to each other.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-07 | 1976-11-06 | 1977-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-07 | 1980-11-06 | 1981-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-07 | 1984-11-06 | 1985-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |