Multi-position, multi-directional electric switch mechanism
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A multi-position switch mechanism comprising:
- a base;
first selector means for pre-defined positioning with respect to said base, said selector means pivotally mounted to said base, wherein said base and said first selector means cooperate to form a first detent means for releasably maintaining said first selector means in a selected position relative to said base;
second selector means for pre-defined positioning with respect to said first selector means, said second selector means pivotally mounted to said first selector means, wherein said second selector means and said first selector means cooperate to form a second detent means for releasably maintaining said second selector means in a selected position relative to said first selector means;
operator means for moving said first and second selector means, said operator means being attached to said second selector means; and
wherein said first and second detent means are oppositely directed.
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Abstract
A multi-position, multi-directional switch mechanism that provides switch actuation in multiple directions using opposing detent mechanisms. The multi-position, multi-directional switch mechanism has a sleeve that pivots within a base and an operator that pivots within the sleeve. Each of the pivoting members has a detent mechanism to maintain the pivotal members in a selected position. The spring loaded detents of the detent mechanisms are linearly opposing. The resulting multi-position, multi-directional switch mechanism achieves better functionality with fewer parts.
25 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A multi-position switch mechanism comprising:
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a base; first selector means for pre-defined positioning with respect to said base, said selector means pivotally mounted to said base, wherein said base and said first selector means cooperate to form a first detent means for releasably maintaining said first selector means in a selected position relative to said base; second selector means for pre-defined positioning with respect to said first selector means, said second selector means pivotally mounted to said first selector means, wherein said second selector means and said first selector means cooperate to form a second detent means for releasably maintaining said second selector means in a selected position relative to said first selector means; operator means for moving said first and second selector means, said operator means being attached to said second selector means; and wherein said first and second detent means are oppositely directed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A multi-position switch actuator comprising:
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a base having a first detent formation; a sleeve pivotally mounted to said base, said sleeve comprising a first detent and a second detent; an operator pivotally mounted to said sleeve for manipulating said sleeve with respect to said base, said operator comprising a second detent formation; and wherein said first detent interfaces with said first detent formation and said second detent interfaces with said second detent formation. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A multi-position, multi-directional electric switch comprising:
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a base having a first detent formation; a sleeve pivotally mounted to said base, said sleeve enclosing a first detent, a second detent and a spring; an operator pivotally mounted to said sleeve for manipulating said sleeve with respect to said base, said operator comprising a second detent formation; a first set of electrical contactors operatively attached to said sleeve; a second set of electrical contactors operatively attached to said operator; and
wherein said first detent releasably engages said first detent formation, said second detent releasably engages said second detent formation, said first detent formation and said second detent formation are mutually perpendicularly oriented, said first and second detents are oppositely directed, reciprocate along the same line and are forced outwardly by a common spring.
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Specification