Switch lock

Claim 1

A switch arm locking device for preventing movement of a switch arm projecting through an opening in a switch face plate, said face plate having openings for mounting screws for securement to a plate supporting a switch assembly, said locking device comprising: a washer having one side located against said face plate; a sleeve attached to said washer and extending therefrom; a washer opening formed in said washer and sleeve in alignment with one of said mounting screw openings in said face plate; a mounting screw extending through said one mounting screw opening in said sleeve and said washer opening for supporting such on said face plate; a latch arm pivotally mounted against the other side of said washer, said latch arm having a latch arm opening, said sleeve being located within said latch arm opening, said latch arm having a free outer end, said free outer end being rounded forming a cam surface, said latch arm being pivotal to a release position permitting movement of said switch arm from its established position; and said sleeve extending exteriorly of said latch arm, tightening of said mounting screw causes deformation of said sleeve into frictional contact with said latch arm, increasing tightening of said screw increases the frictional connection between said latch arm and said sleeve.