Micro-lever switch operator

Claim 1

A switch assembly comprising a switch housing, a switch operating plunger extending from said housing, an actuator lever for said operating plunger made of resilient material and adapted to be held in an operating position in engagement with said operating plunger, said housing including a pair of brackets thereon extending in a spaced relation outwardly from said housing and forming a channel therebetween, said brackets including aligned L-shaped apertures therein and having portions extending inwardly into said channel forming retaining ledges and ramp surfaces facing each other, said actuator lever including a body portion for engagement with the switch plunger and a forked extension at one end including a pair of tines, said tines having pivot arms extending outwardly therefrom, said one end of said actuator lever being insertable into said channel with said pivot arms resting in said aligned apertures, and said tines of said forked extension being deformed by said ramp surfacEs upon rotation of said lever toward the operating position, with said tines returning to their undeformed state and being locked in engagement with said bracket retaining ledges when said lever is rotated into the operating position, said tines resting on said retaining ledges and said pivot arms resting in said apertures of said brackets to hold said actuator lever in the operating position in engagement with said plunger.