Trigger operated tool handle switch

Claim 1

An electric switch for portable electric motor-driven tools comprising, a switch casing having an integral extended frame portion, an upstanding, integral projection on the upper, free outer end portion of the extended frame portion, a trigger actuated switch device disposed in the casing, a reciprocable contact carrier reciprocably disposed in the casing for reciprocation along the longitudinal axis of the carrier and having an integral elongated arm extending outwardly from the carrier in the direction of the extended frame portion and underlying the extended frame portion, a portion of the switch device supported in said contact carrier whereby reciprocation of the contact carrier actuates the switch device, said portion of the switch device including a substantially U-shaped contact movably received in a pocket in the contact carrier, bias means in the contact carrier urging the contact outwardly, a bell-crank trigger pivotally mounted at its apex on the upper end of the projection on the free outer end of the extended frame portion above the outer end portion of the arm for rotation in the longitudinal vertical plane of the carrier, the outer end portion of the arm being bifurcated forming a U-shaped slot with the open end of the U facing away from the one end of the bell-crank trigger, and said one end of the bell-crank trigger has a transverse rod thereon operatively disposed in the U-shaped slot to form a pivotal connection between the trigger and the arm, an annular, raised rib on the underside of the outer end portion of the trigger and a central projection coaxial with the rib, said rib and projection defining therebetween an annular spring seat, compressed coil spring bias means disposed between the extended frame portion and the spring seat on the outer end portion of the bell-crank trigger to bias the trigger and the switch device to a first preselected position, whereby displacement of the outer end portion of the trigger against the action of the bias means displaces the contact carrier to a second preselected position, pushbutton means disposed on said extended frame portion and coacting with the trigger to selectively retain the trigger in said second preselected position, and upstanding means on the extended frame portion in the path of travel of the outer end portion of the trigger.