Slide switch assembly for mounting in a panel

Claim 1

A slide switch assembly for mounting in a panel having a rectangular opening therein for receiving the assembly, comprising a rectangular slide switch housing having a top wall provided with a longitudinal slot therein and also provided with integral tabs projecting lengthwise from the opposite ends of said wall centrally thereof, a contact-actuating slide in said housing, and a button projecting from the slide out through said slot and movable lengthwise of the slot for moving said slide back and forth in combination with a switch holder for mounting said switch in a panel opening, said holder comprising a face plate overlying the top wall of the switch in engagement therewith and projecting laterally from the sides and ends of said housing, said plate being provided with a longitudinal slot through which said button extends, and a pair of laterally spaced resilient legs extending downwardly from said plate at each end of said housing, the upper ends of the legs being joined to the plate close to the ends of the housing but spaced inwardly from the ends of the plate, each leg having an intermediate shoulder underlying the adjoining end of the housing in engagement therewith for holding the switch against the plate, and a spring prong joined to the lower end of each leg and extending upwardly therefrom spaced outwardly from the leg and having a free upper end portion for pressing laterally against an end of said panel opening when said switch and legs and prongs are pressed down into that opening with said plate overlapping the panel around said opening, and said housing tabs extending out between said laterally spaced legs far enough to overlie the panel when the switch is inserted in the panel opening, whereby the tabs will be clamped between said face plate and the panel.