LINEAR SWITCH

• US 3,732,384 A
• Filed: 06/29/1971
• Issued: 05/08/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gustave Fischel
• Original Assignee: Gustave Fischel
• Inventors: Fischel, Gustave
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Jr., David
• Application Number:
  US05/157,932
• Time in Patent Office: 679 Days
• Field of Search: 200/86R,86A 340/272
• US Class Current: 200/86.00R
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/44 responsive to changes in electrical conductivity
• CPC Class Codes: H01B 7/108 comprising parallel conductors
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 3/142 of the elongated strip type

Abstract

A linear switch having a pair of elongated superposed metal strip conductors positioned within a centrally located cavity formed within a resilient nonconductive casing. The lower conductor strip is supported within the cavity by a longitudinally extending rib or anvil-like portion which is integral with the casing. The upper conductor strip is supported within the cavity in a normally spaced relationship with the lower conductor strip by a pair of yieldable flanges which are integral with the casing and which protrude into the cavity a limited distance.

Claims

1. A linear switch contact assembly comprising:

a. a body formed of nonconductive, yieldably deformable material having a central cavity therein;

b. upper and lower opposing, longitudinally extending ribs integral with said body and protruding into the cavity formed within said body, said ribs being normally spaced apart when said body is in a relaxed state and movable into close proximity when said body is deformed by forces exerted normal to the longitudinal axis of the body;

c. a first conductor strip disposed within said cavity and supported by said lower rib along its central portion;

d. a second conductor strip disposed within said cavity in a normally spaced relationship with said first conductor strip; and

e. a single pair of yieldable opposing marginal flanges integral with said body extending between said conductor strips, said flanges engaging said first conductor strip, forming an acute angle with said second conductor strip and being adapted to hold said conductor strips in a spaced relationship when said bOdy is in a relaxed state, said yieldable flanges being constructed and arranged so as to urge the central portions of said conductor strips into mating juxtaposition when said ribs are moved into proximity due to deformation of said body whereby said conductor strips will be securely clamped together along their central portions between said upper and lower opposing ribs when forces are exerted on said body normal to the longitudinal axis thereof.