US3821528A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pushbutton switch latching mechanism
Assignee: Oak Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1973-02-08
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Granted: 1974-06-28
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Expires: 1993-02-08
Abstract
Abstract An alternate action pushbutton switch includes a plunger which is movable between latch and release positions. The switch associated with the plunger is only operated when the plunger has been committed to a latch position.
Inventors
- 👤 Benschoten P Van
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 15:33
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/50; H01H13/56; H01H13/562
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A switching mechanism including a housing, a plunger reciprocally movable in said housing, a switch assembly positioned in said housing, an actuator in said housing positioned to effect operation of said switch assembly, a latch member positioned in said housing and associated cam means on said plunger, yielding means urging said latch member into contact with said cam means, said latch member and cam means being arranged to alternately latch and release said plunger as it is reciprocally moved within the housing, said latch member being movable between latch and release positions by said cam means and plunger, means interlocking said latch member and actuator, including contact there between to prevent movement of the actuator relaTive to the switch assembly until said latch member has moved a sufficient distance relative to said cam means to commit said plunger to a latched position, whereby latching of said plunger and actuation of said switch assembly occur simultaneously.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A switching mechanism including a housing, a plunger reciprocally movable in said housing, a switch assembly positioned in said housing, an actuator in said housing positioned to effect operation of said switch assembly, a latch member positioned in said housing and associated cam means on said plunger, yielding means urging said latch member into contact with said cam means, said latch member and cam means being arranged to alternately latch and release said plunger as it is reciprocally moved within the housing, said latch member being movable between latch and release positions by said cam means and plunger, means interlocking said latch member and actuator, including contact there between to prevent movement of the actuator relaTive to the switch assembly until said latch member has moved a sufficient distance relative to said cam means to commit said plunger to a latched position, whereby latching of said plunger and actuation of said switch assembly occur simultaneously.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said yielding means is in contact with said actuator and is effective to urge said actuator toward a position to effect operation of said switch assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The structure of claim 2 further characterized in that said actuator is pivotally movable within said housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said latch member pivots while moving between the latch and release position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The structure of claim 4 further characterized in that said actuator is pivotally mounted within said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure of claim 6 further characterized in that said yielding means is in contact with said actuator and is effective to apply a force upon said actuator to effect operation of said switch assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized by and including spring means normally urging said plunger to a release position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said cam means includes a ledge, movement of said latch member into said ledge commits said plunger to a latching position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The structure of claim 8 further characterized by an including an inclined surface in said cam means leading toward said ledge, movement of said plunger toward a latching position causes said inclined surface to move said latch member toward said ledge.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said actuator and latch member are each pivotally mounted within said housing, said yielding means urging said latch member into contact with said cam means and being effective to apply a force to urge said actuator toward a position to effect operation of said switch assembly.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The structure of claim 10 further characterized in that said latch member is pivotally movable on said actuator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-27 | 1977-12-27 | 1978-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-27 | 1981-12-27 | 1982-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-27 | 1985-12-27 | 1986-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |