US3836736A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Operator plate common to multiple pushbutton switch operators allowing simultaneous actuation of plural switch assemblies during momentary or interlocking modes of operation
Assignee: Oak Industries Inc
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Filing: 1973-08-10
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Granted: 1974-09-17
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Expires: 1993-08-10
Abstract
Abstract A pushbutton switch array has separate switches, each with an independently operable plunger, said switches being arranged in rows and columns. A plate overlays the switch array and has an opening for each switch plunger. Movement of any one switch plunger causes movement of the plate, with movement of the plate in turn closing a separately positioned switch member.
Inventors
- 👤 B Golbeck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:41
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/72; H01H13/74; H01H9/00; H01H9/0066; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20207; Y10T74/20238; Y10T74/20244
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A pushbutton switch array including a plurality of independent pushbutton switches, each having independently operable switch plungers, a frame for supporting said switches in spaced relationship with each other, a common switch operator movably positioned on said frame, said switch operator having a plurality of openings, with integral turned-down projections adjacent each opening, said switch plungers having portions extending through said openings, said switch operator projections being formed for contact by a switch plunger when the same is moved to operate a particular switch, spring means connected between said operator and frame urging said switch operator projections toward said switch plungers, switch means adjacent said frame and having an operating portion thereof positioned to be contacted by said switch operator, inward movement of a switch plunger causing said plunger to contact a switch operator projection to move said switch operator, against the action of said spring, to cause actuating movement of said switch means operating portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
A pushbutton switch array including a plurality of independent pushbutton switches, each having independently operable switch plungers, a frame for supporting said switches in spaced relationship with each other, a common switch operator movably positioned on said frame, said switch operator having a plurality of openings, with integral turned-down projections adjacent each opening, said switch plungers having portions extending through said openings, said switch operator projections being formed for contact by a switch plunger when the same is moved to operate a particular switch, spring means connected between said operator and frame urging said switch operator projections toward said switch plungers, switch means adjacent said frame and having an operating portion thereof positioned to be contacted by said switch operator, inward movement of a switch plunger causing said plunger to contact a switch operator projection to move said switch operator, against the action of said spring, to cause actuating movement of said switch means operating portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said switch operator is a plate, said pushbutton switches being arranged in rows and columns, with said switch operator openings being similarly arranged.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure of claim 2 further characterized in that said plate is positioned above said pushbutton switches, with portions of said plungers extending upwardly through the openings in said plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized by and including means for adjusting the effective distance between said switch means operating portion and said switch operator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure of claim 4 further characterized in that said switch operator is a plate, said adjusting means including a switch member attached to said plate and positioned to contact said switch means operating portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said frame includes a frame member and a spaced printed circuit board, said switch operator being a plate, means for supporting said plate upon said frame member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The structure of claim 6 further characterized by and including a mounting post extending upwardly from said frame member, said spring means being attached to said mounting post at one end and having the opposite end in engagement with said plate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The structure of claim 6 further characterized in that said support means include studs extending upwardly from said frame member, slots formed in said plate with said studs passing through said slots to permit movement of said plate or said one frame member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said switch plungers each have projecting portions positioned to contact with switch operator projections causing movement of said switch operator and consequent operation of said switch means prior to operation of a switch associated with an operated plunger.
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) | 1977-09-16 | 1978-03-18 | 1978-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-16 | 1982-03-18 | 1982-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-16 | 1986-03-18 | 1986-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |