US3873788A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering column switch
Assignee: SWF Auto Electric GmbH
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Filing: 1974-01-23
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Granted: 1975-03-25
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Expires: 1994-01-23
Abstract
Abstract A switch adapted to be mounted on the steering column of an automotive vehicle consists of two switching devices contained within a common switch housing. One of the switching devices can be covered within the switch housing by the other switching device or, alternatively, a single switching device can be used closed by a cover plate within the housing. The switching devices are mounted in the housing one above the other and each has a switch lever extending through the same slot in the housing. The lower switching device has terminals mounted on its base plate and contact yokes extend from these terminals through the lower switching device to the base plate of the upper switching device and are bent over to form contacts on the upper switching device base plate.
Inventors
- 👤 Otto Machalitzky
- 👤 Herbert Erdelitsch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:53
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/02; B60Q1/04; B60Q1/14; B60Q1/1446; B60Q1/1453; B60Q1/1461; B60S; B60S1/00; B60S1/02; B60S1/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
58 words
A steering column switch for motor vehicles comprising a common switch housing, a first switching device and a second switching device mounted in said common housing, said common switch housing comprising two separate and distinguishable chambers for receiving said first and second switching devices, and a separate switch lever for each of said first and second switching devices.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
58 words
A steering column switch for motor vehicles comprising a common switch housing, a first switching device and a second switching device mounted in said common housing, said common switch housing comprising two separate and distinguishable chambers for receiving said first and second switching devices, and a separate switch lever for each of said first and second switching devices.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first switching device is located below said second switching device and is secured to and covered by said second switching device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
85 words
A switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first switching device includes a base plate member closed at its lower end and open at its upper ends within said housing, said second switching device positioned above and forming a closure for the upper end of said base plate member of said first switching device, and said switch lever for said first switching device pivotally mounted within said base plate member for said first switching device and extending laterally therefrom exteriorly of said housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein a cover plate is located within and above said first switching device in said common switch housing and forms a closure for the open upper end of said first switching device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
A switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said common switch housing has eyes formed therein offset from said switch levers, means for securing said first switching device in the offset eyes in said housing, and said second switching device being located above said first switching device and recessed in the region of the offset eyes in said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A switch, as set forth in claim 1, including rivets for securing said first and second switching devices together to form a unitary structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
A switch, as set forth in claim 6, wherein said second switching device is located above said first switching device, said switch housing having a slot extending upwardly therethrough and opening to the exterior of said housing, said switch levers of said first and second switching devices extending through the slot in said switch housing for access on the exterior of said housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
114 words
A switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first switching device having a base plate member located in the lower end of said common switch housing, said second switching device having a base plate located above said base plate of said first switching device, terminals for said first switching device positioned on said base plate of said first switching device, contact yokes secured to said base plate of said first switching device and extending through said first switching device and said base plate of said second switching device, and said contact yokes being bent over on said base plate of said second switching device and forming contacts for said second switching device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
67 words
A switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said common switch housing is formed as a cap open at its bottom and having a slot in its side through which said switch levers for said first and second switching devices extend, said first switching device having a base plate and said base plate forming a closure for the open lower end of said common switch housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
172 words
A switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said common switch housing is cap-shaped and is open at its bottom with a vertically extending slot in one side thereof to permit said switch levers of said first and second switching devices to extend outwardly from said housing, said first switching device including a base plate member with a portion thereof forming a closure for the open lower end of said housing, said base plate member of said first switching device being open at its upper end within said housings, said second switching device having a base plate member having a portion thereof extending across and forming a closure for the upper end of said base plate member of said first switching device, means for securing said first and second switching devices together into a unit, means for securing said first switching device to said common switch housing, and said second switching device being recessed in the region thereof adjacent the connection of said first switching device to said common switch housing.
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) | 1978-03-24 | 1978-09-23 | 1979-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-24 | 1982-09-23 | 1983-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-24 | 1986-09-23 | 1987-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |