US3898397A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-directional switch with elastomeric pivot and sealing member
Assignee: TE Connectivity Corp
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Filing: 1974-06-27
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Granted: 1975-08-05
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Expires: 1994-06-27
Abstract
Abstract An improved multi-directional switch is disclosed having an elastomeric member serving both a sealing and a resilient function thereby simplifying the structure and construction of the switch. The subject switch comprises a housing having a plurality of fixed contacts disposed therein in spaced relationship. A switch actuation shaft is mounted through a housing face plate by an elastomeric pivot and seal member. The face plate and shaft assembly are mounted on the housing so that the inner end of the shaft can be moved selectively into contact with the fixed contacts. One of the fixed contacts serves as a common and also makes contact with the shaft.
Inventors
- 👤 William Harold Devore
- 👤 David Van Dike Benfer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:42
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05G; G05G25/00; G05G25/04; G05G9/00; G05G9/02; G05G9/04; G05G9/047; G05G9/04785; H; H01; H01H; H01H9/00; H01H9/02; H01H9/04; A; A61; A61F; A61F7/00; A61F2007/0088; G05G2009/04703; G05G2009/04722; G05G2009/04729; G05G2009/0474; G05G2009/04744
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A multi-directional switch comprising: a housing member having one open end, a face plate member fitted to the open end of said housing and having a central aperture therein, at least two contacts fixed in said housing with one of said contacts being a common contact and the remaining contacts disposed about the inner surface of said housing, and an actuating assembly comprising a shaft, an elastomeric member and a contact plate, said shaft being mounted passing through said elastomeric member which in turn is mounted in said aperture of said face plate member forming a fluid tight seal therewith, said elastomeric member resiliently biasing said shaft to a normal position with respect to said face plate member, said contact plate fixed on the inner free end of said shaft, whereby movement of said shaft from said normal position causes said contact plate to engage said common contact and at least one other contact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A multi-directional switch comprising: a housing member having one open end, a face plate member fitted to the open end of said housing and having a central aperture therein, at least two contacts fixed in said housing with one of said contacts being a common contact and the remaining contacts disposed about the inner surface of said housing, and an actuating assembly comprising a shaft, an elastomeric member and a contact plate, said shaft being mounted passing through said elastomeric member which in turn is mounted in said aperture of said face plate member forming a fluid tight seal therewith, said elastomeric member resiliently biasing said shaft to a normal position with respect to said face plate member, said contact plate fixed on the inner free end of said shaft, whereby movement of said shaft from said normal position causes said contact plate to engage said common contact and at least one other contact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 further comprising: a program disc having a profiled central aperture, said disc being mounted within said housing with said shaft passing through said central aperture, said aperture defining paths to restrict movement of said shaft to assure said contact plate will engage only selected contacts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 wherein said shaft includes: a gripping portion which is substantially centered in said elastomeric member and said aperture in said face member to assure proper fixed positioning of said shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 3 wherein said gripping portion comprises: a portion of said shaft having a lesser diameter than the remainder of said shaft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 3 wherein said gripping portion comprises: a portion of said shaft having a greater diameter than the remainder of said shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 3 wherein said gripping portion comprises: a roughened surface area on said shaft.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 3 wherein said gripping portion comprises: a profiled section on said shaft.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 wherein said shaft is formed of insulating material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 wherein said shaft is metal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A multi-directional switch accordIng to claim 9 further comprising an insulative hand grip on the outer free end of said shaft.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 wherein said movement of said shaft is a pivotal movement about said elastomeric member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 wherein said movement of said shaft is rotary about the axis of said shaft creating torsion in said elastomeric member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 wherein said movement of said shaft is along its longitudinal axis.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 2 wherein said program disc includes means for locking said shaft in a contact engaging position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 2 wherein said profiled central aperture allows said contact plate to engage more than one contact.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 further comprising means for securing said face plate member in said housing.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 further comprising means for mounting said switch in an associated panel.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 wherein said housing member and said face plate member are formed of insulative material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
A multi-directional switch according to claim 1 wherein said common contact is mounted in substantial axial alignment with said shaft and the remaining contacts are mounted thereabout in an annular configuration.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
134 words
An omni-directional switch comprising: a housing having one open end, a face plate member fitted to the open end of said housing and having a central aperture therein, an annular contact fixed in said housing, a common contact fixed in said housing within said annular contact, and an actuating assembly comprising a shaft, an elastomeric member and a contact plate, said shaft being mounted passing through said elastomeric member which in turn is mounted in said aperture of said face plate member to form a fluid tight seal therewith, and to bias said shaft to a normal position with respect to said face plate member, said contact plate fixed on the inner free end of said shaft whereby movement of said shaft causes said plate to engage said common contact and said annular contact.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
134 words
An omni-directional switch comprising: a housing having one open end, a face plate member fitted to the open end of said housing and having a central aperture therein, an annular contact fixed in said housing, a common contact fixed in said housing within said annular contact, and an actuating assembly comprising a shaft, an elastomeric member and a contact plate, said shaft being mounted passing through said elastomeric member which in turn is mounted in said aperture of said face plate member to form a fluid tight seal therewith, and to bias said shaft to a normal position with respect to said face plate member, said contact plate fixed on the inner free end of said shaft whereby movement of said shaft causes said plate to engage said common contact and said annular contact.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-08-04 | 1979-02-03 | 1979-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-04 | 1983-02-03 | 1983-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-04 | 1987-02-03 | 1987-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |