US3824362A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Alternate action switch mechanism
Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
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Filing: 1973-05-23
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Granted: 1974-07-16
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Expires: 1993-05-23
Abstract
Abstract An alternate action switch mechanism is achieved by means of a cam including a cam slot into which a cam follower is inserted to engage a plurality of cam surfaces that are formed as a series of ramps and drop-offs. The cam slot is formed as a closed loop so that the cam follower repeatedly falls into one drop-off after another after it rides up the associated ramp surfaces. The cam follower is thereby prevented from returning to the previous ramp by each drop-off and it, therefore, traverses the cam slot in a single direction. At one position of the cam follower, resulting from a first depression of the plunger, the switch is locked into an actuated position. When the plunger is subsequently depressed, the cam follower returns to its original position, thereby deactuating the switch.
Inventors
- 👤 G Bury
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:27
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/50; H01H13/56; H01H13/562; H01H13/564; H01H2013/566
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
257 words
An alternate action switch mechanism comprising a switch housing having an outer surface with an aperture therein, a projection extending from said housing parallel to said surface, an actuating member mounted for movement in said aperture between an initial position and a locked position, spring means for biasing said actuating member towards its initial position, said actuating member having a cam associated therewith, an elongated wire cam follower having a portion located under said projection so that said projection limits the movement of said cam follower to prevent said cam follower from being released from said housing during actuation of said switch mechanism, said cam follower also having first and second ends with the major length of said cam follower between said first and second ends being located on the exterior of said housing so as to be readily removable therefrom when momentary switch action is desired, said first end being secured to said switch housing and said second end serving as the cam following portion of said cam follower, which is positioned to interact with said cam, said cam follower rotating under said projection and over said surface of said housing during actuation of said actuating member with said cam and said cam follower being constructed to interact so as to lock said actuating member in its locked position upon a first actuation of said actuating member and so as to release said actuating member to its initial position upon a second actuation of said actuating member when said cam follower is secured to said housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
257 words
An alternate action switch mechanism comprising a switch housing having an outer surface with an aperture therein, a projection extending from said housing parallel to said surface, an actuating member mounted for movement in said aperture between an initial position and a locked position, spring means for biasing said actuating member towards its initial position, said actuating member having a cam associated therewith, an elongated wire cam follower having a portion located under said projection so that said projection limits the movement of said cam follower to prevent said cam follower from being released from said housing during actuation of said switch mechanism, said cam follower also having first and second ends with the major length of said cam follower between said first and second ends being located on the exterior of said housing so as to be readily removable therefrom when momentary switch action is desired, said first end being secured to said switch housing and said second end serving as the cam following portion of said cam follower, which is positioned to interact with said cam, said cam follower rotating under said projection and over said surface of said housing during actuation of said actuating member with said cam and said cam follower being constructed to interact so as to lock said actuating member in its locked position upon a first actuation of said actuating member and so as to release said actuating member to its initial position upon a second actuation of said actuating member when said cam follower is secured to said housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
An alternate action switch mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein said actuating member is a depressable plunger and said cam is integrally formed therewith.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
An alternate action switch mechanism as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cam follower is C-shaped.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
An alternate action switch mechanism as set forth in claim 3 wherein said cam comprises a cam guide, a cam slot having closed-loop configuration which encircles said cam guide and cam surfaces in said cam slot and wherein said cam following portion of said cam follower is inserted in said cam slot.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
An alternate action switch mechanism as set forth in claim 4 wherein said cam surfaces comprise a series of flat surfaces, ramp surfaces and drop-offs and said cam following portion rides on said flat surfaces and said ramp surfaces and over said drop-offs said cam following portion thereby undergoing one general direction of travel around said cam slot.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
An alternate action switch mechanism as set forth in claim 5 wherein said cam following portion engages at least a portion of said cam guide as said cam following portion travels around said cam slot.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
An alternate action switch mechanism as set forth in claim 3 wherein said cam comprises a cam slot of a closed-loop configuration and cam surfaces in said cam slot and wherein said cam following portion of said cam follower is inserted into said cam slot and moves around said closed loop upon a first and a second actuation of said actuating member while undergoing one general direction of travel.
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) | 1977-07-15 | 1978-01-14 | 1978-07-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-15 | 1982-01-14 | 1982-07-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-15 | 1986-01-14 | 1986-07-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |