CA1049473A - Three-position flashlight switch - Google Patents
Three-position flashlight switchInfo
- Publication number
- CA1049473A CA1049473A CA255,639A CA255639A CA1049473A CA 1049473 A CA1049473 A CA 1049473A CA 255639 A CA255639 A CA 255639A CA 1049473 A CA1049473 A CA 1049473A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- switch
- contact
- housing
- pushbutton
- contacts
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H15/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for actuation in opposite directions, e.g. slide switch
- H01H15/02—Details
- H01H15/06—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
- H01H15/10—Operating parts
- H01H15/102—Operating parts comprising cam devices
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H15/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for actuation in opposite directions, e.g. slide switch
- H01H15/02—Details
Landscapes
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
ANTON H. OSWALD
THREE-POSITION FLASHLIGHT SWITCH
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The switch includes a housing and an actuating member which is slidably mounted for movement along the housing between first, second and third positions and has a pushbutton depress-able in a direction perpendicular to said movement between normal and depressed position. First and second contacts are mounted on the housing. The second contact is flexible and movable by the actuating member between a position wherein the contacts are engaged thus completing an electrical circuit and a position where the contacts are space from each other. The actuating member and the second contact each have a surface extending in the direction of the sliding movement of the actuating member and a surface which is generally inclined with respect to that surface in the direction away from the second contact. The corresponding surfaces are out of alignment when the actuating member is in the first position, such that the depression of the pushbutton is ineffective to cause movement of the second contact into the engaged position. The corres-ponding surfaces are in alignment when the actuating member is in the second position such that depression of the pushbutton causes engagement of the contacts. The corresponding inclined surfaces coact, as the member slides along the housing from the second to the third position, to move the second contact into engagement with the first contact and in this position, the surface of the actuating member which extends in the direction of sliding movement of the member is effective to retain the contacts in the engaged position.
THREE-POSITION FLASHLIGHT SWITCH
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The switch includes a housing and an actuating member which is slidably mounted for movement along the housing between first, second and third positions and has a pushbutton depress-able in a direction perpendicular to said movement between normal and depressed position. First and second contacts are mounted on the housing. The second contact is flexible and movable by the actuating member between a position wherein the contacts are engaged thus completing an electrical circuit and a position where the contacts are space from each other. The actuating member and the second contact each have a surface extending in the direction of the sliding movement of the actuating member and a surface which is generally inclined with respect to that surface in the direction away from the second contact. The corresponding surfaces are out of alignment when the actuating member is in the first position, such that the depression of the pushbutton is ineffective to cause movement of the second contact into the engaged position. The corres-ponding surfaces are in alignment when the actuating member is in the second position such that depression of the pushbutton causes engagement of the contacts. The corresponding inclined surfaces coact, as the member slides along the housing from the second to the third position, to move the second contact into engagement with the first contact and in this position, the surface of the actuating member which extends in the direction of sliding movement of the member is effective to retain the contacts in the engaged position.
Description
~ 0 ~ ~7 3 The present invention relates to electrical switches and in particular to a three-position Xlashlight switch.
Flashligh~s and other similar por~able battery-oparated light sources are commonly equipped with ~hree-position switches. Such switches normally include an actuating member with a pushbutton mounted thereon. The actuating member can be moved ~rom a irst position wherein the switch contacts are disengaged preven~ing completion of an electrical circuit, even when the pushbutton is depressed9 to a second position wherein the contacts are conditionally engagable by the depres-sion o the pushbutton member, and a third position where the contacts are engaged to complete the circuit.
Convent~onal three-position swi~ches o~ this type ; consist of a relatively large number (in some cases as much as sixteen) of separake metallic parts, including rivets5 strip and contacts, thereby making them relatively expensive to manu-fac~ure and assemble. In addition, such switches normally canno~ be disassembled without destroying the switch if repair is required~ Th~s, if the parts wear out~ the entire switch assembly must be replaced. As a practical matter, this subs~an-tially reduces the operational life of such switches and the flashlights on which they are utilized~
It is, therefore, a prime object of ~he presen~
inve~tion ~o provide a three-position flashligh~ switch having no sliding metal par~sO
It is another obiec~ of the present in~ention ~o provide a three-position flashlight switch whioh cam be dis-assembled without destroying the switch such that worn par~s therein may be replaced~
; 30 I~ is a fuxther object o~ the present inveIltion to provide a three-position fla~hlight switch consistin~, of a :
9~73 relatively small number o~ separate parts w~ich can be ine~pen-sively manufactured and assembled.
Yet ano~her ob3ect of the present invention ls to provide a thxee-position ~lashligh~ switch wherein its par~s cooperate in a more reliable and functionally effective ~anner than heretofore.
In accordance with the present invention, the swltch comprises a housing and an actuating me~ber movably mounted on the housing for movement relative thereto ln a irst direction between first~ second and ~hird positions and in a second direc-tion between normal and depressed posi ions. First and second contac~s are mounted on the housing. The second contact is movable between a first position wherein the contacts are spaced from each other and a second position wherein the contacts are operatively connec~edO The actuating me~ber and the second contact each hava a first surface extending in the first direc-tion and a second surface generally in~lined with respect to the first surface in a direc~ion away from the second contact.
The corresponding surfaces are out o~ alignment when the member is ~n the first position such that movement of the member to its depressed position i~ ineffective to cause movement of the second contact to its second posltion. The corresponding surfaces are aligned when the actuating member is in the second posltion to cause movement o~ the second contact to its second ~: position when the member is in the depressed positionO The corresponding second sur~aces on ~he seco~d contac~ and actuating `~ member coact9 as the member is moved from ~he second to ~he third position, to move the second contact to its second position, the irs~ surface oE the actuating member being effectlve ~o retaln the second contac~ in its second position when the mem~er is in the third position.
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-9~73 The second con~act is formed of resilie~t materlal and mounted at one end thereo~ to the housing in cantilever fashion. The flex~bili~y o~ this contac~ serves to urge the actuating member in the second direction towards its normal position when the mem~er is in the second position. The actua-ting member comprises a slide slidably mounted in the housing and a pushbutton mounted on the slide portion for movement therewith in said first direction and movement relative ~hereto in the second direction. The first and second directions are substantially parallel to each other.
The housing is provided wi~h a recess with an over-hanging edge forming a groove and the actua~ing member has a wall with a flange which is insertable into ~he groove to ~orm a sliding connection therewith. The walls of the actuating member are made of flexible material such that the walls may be moved inwardly so as to r~move the ac~ua~ing member from the housing thereby making replacement o-f ~he parts ~f the switch ; possible.
To the accomplishment of the a~ove and to such other objects as may hereinaf~er appear, the present invention rela~es to a three-position flashlight switch as set forth in the annexed clai~s and described in the specification taken together wlth ~he drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts and in which:
Fig. 1 is a semischematic diagram of a flashligh~
elec~rical circui~ wi~h ~he switch of the presen~ i~vention included therein;
Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the switch o the present invention in ~he lloff" position;
Fig. 3 is a view similar to Flg. 2 show-lng the switch o the prasent inventlon in the intermediate position;
~ 3 .
~4~g~73 Fig. ~ is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the switch of the present invention in the "on" position; and Figo 5 is a view taken along line S-5 of Fig. 2.
As shown in Fig. 1, a 1ashlight electrical circuit comprisas two or more ~three are shown~ ba~teries 10 which are arranged in series such that the positive pole of one battery is adjacent the negati~e pole of the next battery in series.
The positive pole of ~he first ba~tery 10 is in eontact with a metallic contact element 12 which is also connected to one terminal of a bulb 14. Bulb 14 and element 12 are mounted withi~ a non-conducting socket member 16 which has a conducting interior surface ~8 adjacent the side o the bulb which forms the other con~ac~ thereofO
Conductive surface 18 is in communication with a su~stantially conically shaped reflector 2Q which i~ made of conductive materîal. A con~uctive element 22 electrically connects reflector 20 with contact 2~ of the swltch of the present invention. The other contact 26, preferably made of 1exible conductive material is con~ected to a spring-like member 28 by an eLongated conductive element 30. Spring-like member 28 i~ operatively connected to the negatlve pole of the last battery 10 in series and, ln addition, exer~s a ~orce ~hereon thereby assuring the appropriate electrical contact be~ween the poles o~ each o the ba~teries and the batteries and element 12.
When con~act 26 is in communica~ion with con~act 24D
, an elec~rical circuit is completed such that bulb 14 is energized.
As described in detail below~ the switch of the pr~sen~ invention has ~hree positions -- an 1'on" position, an "of~" posi~ion and an in~ermediate position w~erein when a pushbut~on moun~ed on ~ ~he swi~ch i~ depressed~ the circui~ ls completed~
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:, ~ ~ 4~ ~ ~3 The switch of the present invention comprises a housing, g~nerally designated 32, in wh-L~h con~acts 24 and 26 are situatedO Housing 32 forms a portlon of the body o~ the flashlight. A slide member 34~ preferably made ~f a flex;ble plastlc material, has an upper sur~ace having separated inclined knurled or grooved sections which may be slightl~ arcuate to ~acilitate movement of the slide with respect to the housing by the user's fingerO
Between t~e knurled sections of slide member 34 is an aper~ure ~hrough which a portion of a pushbutton member 36 extends. This permits the user to depress the pushbutton and thereby move it in a directlon perpendicular to the surface of the ~lashlight body. That portion of pushbutton 36 situated in the ~nterior of sllde member 34 is larger than the aperture in slide 34 so as to prevent pushbutton 36 from passing through the apertureO
The central portion of the undersurface of pushbutton 36 has a first surface 38 substantially parallel to the flash-ligh~ body and a second surface 40 which is inclined with respect thereto. A pair of runners 42 are provided, a~d ex-tending downwardly on each side of surface 40. Runners 42 are spaced from each other a distance grea~er than the width of contact 26 such that con~act 26 may extend wi~hin the recess de~ined between runners 42 and surface 40. Extending i~wardly ~owards each side of pushbutton 36 from the interior sides of member 34 is a switch lock tab 44 having a rounded bottom surfaee 460 Switch lock tabs 4~ move with slide 34 as the ~lide moves wi~h respect to hGusing 32. Housing 32 has three pairs o~ locking grooves 48a, 48b, and 48c therein, one groove from each pair being sltua~ed on a different side oE pu~hbutton 36 in spaced relationshlp along the upper surface oE the 4~
flashlight body underneath the path of ~ravel o~ the actuating member 34. Each pair of these grooves 48a7 48b, 48c corres-ponds ~o one o the positions of slide '34, In each of the positions of slide 34, the rounded portiLon 46 of the switch lock tabs 44 are aligned wlth one pair of the locking grooves 48a, 48b, 48c and thus are seated therein. The cooperation of rounded portions 46 and grooves 48 tends to retain slide 34 in the selected position in detent fashion.
As best seen in Fig, 5, the walls of slide 34 extend into a pocket or recess 35 in the flashlight body. The tip o the walls of sllde 34 are provided with a flan~e 50 which is insertable below the overhanging edge of the flashlight bocly to provide a sliding connection between slide 34 and the flashlightbody, In addition, the bottom edge of the walls of slide 34 are rounded to fonm a camming surface, The flexibility of the walls of slide 34 and the camming surface on the edge ~hereof permits the snap insertlon into the flashlight body of the slide 34 and ~hus the switch assembly~ Moving the walls 34 towards each other, as by squeezing ~he sides of slide portion 34, permits ~langes 50 to clear the inner surface o the flashlight body such that the slide 34 may be removed therefromO
Contact 26 is connected to the flashlight body in a cantilever ~ashlon and has a step--like con~iguration with a surface 52 which is substantially parallel to surface 38 on the underside o~ push~utton 36 and which extends in a direction parallel ~o the mavemPnt of the slide with respect to ~he flash-~, light body. In sdditio~, contact 26 has a surface 54~ a~acent -~ ~urface 52, which is inclined wlkh respect ~o surface 52 and ::i substantially parallel to surface 40 on the undersilde of push-but~on 36.
. Fig. 2 shows the swi~eh of ~he present i~en~ion in the "off" position. In this position, suraces 38 and 40, on the underside of pushbu~ton 36, are out of registration with the corresponding surfaces 52 and 549 respectively of con~act 26~ In this position~ the pushbut~on cannot exer~ a downward force on contact 26 and contacts 24 and 26 are spaced from each other causing ~he electrical circuit to be open~ Pushbutton 36 cannot be depressed because runnexs 42 are a~ least partially resting on the upper surface of housing 32. In this position, tha rounded portion 4~ of each switch lock tab 44 is situated ; 10 wlthin locking grooves 48aO
When ælide 34 is mo~ed to its in~ermediate or second posi~ion, surfaces 38 and 40 on the underside of pushbutton 36 register with the corresponding surfaces 52 and 54, respec~ively, on contact 26. Surface 52 of contact 26 is situated between ~-runners 42 of pushbu~ton 36. Runners 42 are aligned with an opening in housing 32 which penmits depression of pushbu~ton ; 36. In this position, when pushbu~ton 36 is depressed9 as shown in Fig~ 3, surface 38 on ~he underside of pushbutton 36 engages surface 52 of contact 26 and pushes same towards the ~lashlight body such that the contact flexes and the edge thereof engages con~act 24 to complete the electrical circui~, When pushbut~on 36 is released, the flex~bility of contact 26 moves the push-button to its normal or undepressed position and the electrical contac~ îs broken. Thus 9 in the second or intermediate position, elec~rical contact is conditionally achieved by the depression of pushbut~on 36. In ~his posi~ion, the rounded undersurface 46 o~ each switch lock ~a~s 44 is within locking grooves 48bo As slide 34 is moved from the seconcl to ~he ~hird position9 surf~ce 40 on ~he u~derside of pushbu~ton 36 coac~s wi~h surface 54 on contac~ 26 to cam the contact in a counter-clockwise direc~ion (as seen in the figures) such tha~ the bend . ~
1 ~ ~9 ~ ~3 S6 therein which orms the upper portion o surface 54 is aligned with surface 38 on ~he undersidle of pushbutton 36, This causes eontact 26 ~o engage con~act 24 thereby completing the electrical circuit. The relative rigidity of the portion of contact 26 in contac~ wi~h sur~ace 38 prevents any substantial depressio~ of pushbut~on 36. In thls positlon, contact 36 remains ln engagement with con~ac~ 24 and no depression o~ the pushbutton ls required in order to complete the circuit. The third or "on'l position of slide 34 is shown in Fig. 4. It should be noted that the rounded undersurface 46 of each of the switch lock tabs 44 are seated within grooves 48c in the third or "on" position of slide 34.
It should be appreciated that the swltch o the pre-sent invention has no sliding metal parts. The switch consists of se~en separate parts~ five of which are metal. The only parts which can wear ou~ are the switch slide 26 and the push-button 36, bo~h of which are preferably made of plastic. While it ~ill take a relatively lo~g time or this ~o occur, should ~hese parts wear to the point where the switch no longer func-tions properly, these parts can be easily replaced by pushingthe walls of slide portion 36 inwardly to disengage flanges 50 fram the grooves in ~he flashlight body and xemoving the slide portion 340 The parts can th~s be replaced and slide portion ; 34 snapped back in~o engagement with the flashlight bodyO
Thus, the present inYention is eomprised of relatively - few parts which are inexpensi~e to manufacture and assembleO
; In addition~ the switch has no sliding metal parts and any of the parts thereof can be easily replaced ;~ necessa~yO
While only a single preferred embodiment of the preW
sent in~ention ~as been disclosed herein or purposes of illus~ration, it is obvious that many varia~ions ~md modifica~ions . ~ , ~ 4~ 3 can be made thereto. It is intended tD cover all of these variations and modifica~ions which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by thle annexed claimsO
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Flashligh~s and other similar por~able battery-oparated light sources are commonly equipped with ~hree-position switches. Such switches normally include an actuating member with a pushbutton mounted thereon. The actuating member can be moved ~rom a irst position wherein the switch contacts are disengaged preven~ing completion of an electrical circuit, even when the pushbutton is depressed9 to a second position wherein the contacts are conditionally engagable by the depres-sion o the pushbutton member, and a third position where the contacts are engaged to complete the circuit.
Convent~onal three-position swi~ches o~ this type ; consist of a relatively large number (in some cases as much as sixteen) of separake metallic parts, including rivets5 strip and contacts, thereby making them relatively expensive to manu-fac~ure and assemble. In addition, such switches normally canno~ be disassembled without destroying the switch if repair is required~ Th~s, if the parts wear out~ the entire switch assembly must be replaced. As a practical matter, this subs~an-tially reduces the operational life of such switches and the flashlights on which they are utilized~
It is, therefore, a prime object of ~he presen~
inve~tion ~o provide a three-position flashligh~ switch having no sliding metal par~sO
It is another obiec~ of the present in~ention ~o provide a three-position flashlight switch whioh cam be dis-assembled without destroying the switch such that worn par~s therein may be replaced~
; 30 I~ is a fuxther object o~ the present inveIltion to provide a three-position fla~hlight switch consistin~, of a :
9~73 relatively small number o~ separate parts w~ich can be ine~pen-sively manufactured and assembled.
Yet ano~her ob3ect of the present invention ls to provide a thxee-position ~lashligh~ switch wherein its par~s cooperate in a more reliable and functionally effective ~anner than heretofore.
In accordance with the present invention, the swltch comprises a housing and an actuating me~ber movably mounted on the housing for movement relative thereto ln a irst direction between first~ second and ~hird positions and in a second direc-tion between normal and depressed posi ions. First and second contac~s are mounted on the housing. The second contact is movable between a first position wherein the contacts are spaced from each other and a second position wherein the contacts are operatively connec~edO The actuating me~ber and the second contact each hava a first surface extending in the first direc-tion and a second surface generally in~lined with respect to the first surface in a direc~ion away from the second contact.
The corresponding surfaces are out o~ alignment when the member is ~n the first position such that movement of the member to its depressed position i~ ineffective to cause movement of the second contact to its second posltion. The corresponding surfaces are aligned when the actuating member is in the second posltion to cause movement o~ the second contact to its second ~: position when the member is in the depressed positionO The corresponding second sur~aces on ~he seco~d contac~ and actuating `~ member coact9 as the member is moved from ~he second to ~he third position, to move the second contact to its second position, the irs~ surface oE the actuating member being effectlve ~o retaln the second contac~ in its second position when the mem~er is in the third position.
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-9~73 The second con~act is formed of resilie~t materlal and mounted at one end thereo~ to the housing in cantilever fashion. The flex~bili~y o~ this contac~ serves to urge the actuating member in the second direction towards its normal position when the mem~er is in the second position. The actua-ting member comprises a slide slidably mounted in the housing and a pushbutton mounted on the slide portion for movement therewith in said first direction and movement relative ~hereto in the second direction. The first and second directions are substantially parallel to each other.
The housing is provided wi~h a recess with an over-hanging edge forming a groove and the actua~ing member has a wall with a flange which is insertable into ~he groove to ~orm a sliding connection therewith. The walls of the actuating member are made of flexible material such that the walls may be moved inwardly so as to r~move the ac~ua~ing member from the housing thereby making replacement o-f ~he parts ~f the switch ; possible.
To the accomplishment of the a~ove and to such other objects as may hereinaf~er appear, the present invention rela~es to a three-position flashlight switch as set forth in the annexed clai~s and described in the specification taken together wlth ~he drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts and in which:
Fig. 1 is a semischematic diagram of a flashligh~
elec~rical circui~ wi~h ~he switch of the presen~ i~vention included therein;
Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the switch o the present invention in ~he lloff" position;
Fig. 3 is a view similar to Flg. 2 show-lng the switch o the prasent inventlon in the intermediate position;
~ 3 .
~4~g~73 Fig. ~ is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the switch of the present invention in the "on" position; and Figo 5 is a view taken along line S-5 of Fig. 2.
As shown in Fig. 1, a 1ashlight electrical circuit comprisas two or more ~three are shown~ ba~teries 10 which are arranged in series such that the positive pole of one battery is adjacent the negati~e pole of the next battery in series.
The positive pole of ~he first ba~tery 10 is in eontact with a metallic contact element 12 which is also connected to one terminal of a bulb 14. Bulb 14 and element 12 are mounted withi~ a non-conducting socket member 16 which has a conducting interior surface ~8 adjacent the side o the bulb which forms the other con~ac~ thereofO
Conductive surface 18 is in communication with a su~stantially conically shaped reflector 2Q which i~ made of conductive materîal. A con~uctive element 22 electrically connects reflector 20 with contact 2~ of the swltch of the present invention. The other contact 26, preferably made of 1exible conductive material is con~ected to a spring-like member 28 by an eLongated conductive element 30. Spring-like member 28 i~ operatively connected to the negatlve pole of the last battery 10 in series and, ln addition, exer~s a ~orce ~hereon thereby assuring the appropriate electrical contact be~ween the poles o~ each o the ba~teries and the batteries and element 12.
When con~act 26 is in communica~ion with con~act 24D
, an elec~rical circuit is completed such that bulb 14 is energized.
As described in detail below~ the switch of the pr~sen~ invention has ~hree positions -- an 1'on" position, an "of~" posi~ion and an in~ermediate position w~erein when a pushbut~on moun~ed on ~ ~he swi~ch i~ depressed~ the circui~ ls completed~
', '"
:, ~ ~ 4~ ~ ~3 The switch of the present invention comprises a housing, g~nerally designated 32, in wh-L~h con~acts 24 and 26 are situatedO Housing 32 forms a portlon of the body o~ the flashlight. A slide member 34~ preferably made ~f a flex;ble plastlc material, has an upper sur~ace having separated inclined knurled or grooved sections which may be slightl~ arcuate to ~acilitate movement of the slide with respect to the housing by the user's fingerO
Between t~e knurled sections of slide member 34 is an aper~ure ~hrough which a portion of a pushbutton member 36 extends. This permits the user to depress the pushbutton and thereby move it in a directlon perpendicular to the surface of the ~lashlight body. That portion of pushbutton 36 situated in the ~nterior of sllde member 34 is larger than the aperture in slide 34 so as to prevent pushbutton 36 from passing through the apertureO
The central portion of the undersurface of pushbutton 36 has a first surface 38 substantially parallel to the flash-ligh~ body and a second surface 40 which is inclined with respect thereto. A pair of runners 42 are provided, a~d ex-tending downwardly on each side of surface 40. Runners 42 are spaced from each other a distance grea~er than the width of contact 26 such that con~act 26 may extend wi~hin the recess de~ined between runners 42 and surface 40. Extending i~wardly ~owards each side of pushbutton 36 from the interior sides of member 34 is a switch lock tab 44 having a rounded bottom surfaee 460 Switch lock tabs 4~ move with slide 34 as the ~lide moves wi~h respect to hGusing 32. Housing 32 has three pairs o~ locking grooves 48a, 48b, and 48c therein, one groove from each pair being sltua~ed on a different side oE pu~hbutton 36 in spaced relationshlp along the upper surface oE the 4~
flashlight body underneath the path of ~ravel o~ the actuating member 34. Each pair of these grooves 48a7 48b, 48c corres-ponds ~o one o the positions of slide '34, In each of the positions of slide 34, the rounded portiLon 46 of the switch lock tabs 44 are aligned wlth one pair of the locking grooves 48a, 48b, 48c and thus are seated therein. The cooperation of rounded portions 46 and grooves 48 tends to retain slide 34 in the selected position in detent fashion.
As best seen in Fig, 5, the walls of slide 34 extend into a pocket or recess 35 in the flashlight body. The tip o the walls of sllde 34 are provided with a flan~e 50 which is insertable below the overhanging edge of the flashlight bocly to provide a sliding connection between slide 34 and the flashlightbody, In addition, the bottom edge of the walls of slide 34 are rounded to fonm a camming surface, The flexibility of the walls of slide 34 and the camming surface on the edge ~hereof permits the snap insertlon into the flashlight body of the slide 34 and ~hus the switch assembly~ Moving the walls 34 towards each other, as by squeezing ~he sides of slide portion 34, permits ~langes 50 to clear the inner surface o the flashlight body such that the slide 34 may be removed therefromO
Contact 26 is connected to the flashlight body in a cantilever ~ashlon and has a step--like con~iguration with a surface 52 which is substantially parallel to surface 38 on the underside o~ push~utton 36 and which extends in a direction parallel ~o the mavemPnt of the slide with respect to ~he flash-~, light body. In sdditio~, contact 26 has a surface 54~ a~acent -~ ~urface 52, which is inclined wlkh respect ~o surface 52 and ::i substantially parallel to surface 40 on the undersilde of push-but~on 36.
. Fig. 2 shows the swi~eh of ~he present i~en~ion in the "off" position. In this position, suraces 38 and 40, on the underside of pushbu~ton 36, are out of registration with the corresponding surfaces 52 and 549 respectively of con~act 26~ In this position~ the pushbut~on cannot exer~ a downward force on contact 26 and contacts 24 and 26 are spaced from each other causing ~he electrical circuit to be open~ Pushbutton 36 cannot be depressed because runnexs 42 are a~ least partially resting on the upper surface of housing 32. In this position, tha rounded portion 4~ of each switch lock tab 44 is situated ; 10 wlthin locking grooves 48aO
When ælide 34 is mo~ed to its in~ermediate or second posi~ion, surfaces 38 and 40 on the underside of pushbutton 36 register with the corresponding surfaces 52 and 54, respec~ively, on contact 26. Surface 52 of contact 26 is situated between ~-runners 42 of pushbu~ton 36. Runners 42 are aligned with an opening in housing 32 which penmits depression of pushbu~ton ; 36. In this position, when pushbu~ton 36 is depressed9 as shown in Fig~ 3, surface 38 on ~he underside of pushbutton 36 engages surface 52 of contact 26 and pushes same towards the ~lashlight body such that the contact flexes and the edge thereof engages con~act 24 to complete the electrical circui~, When pushbut~on 36 is released, the flex~bility of contact 26 moves the push-button to its normal or undepressed position and the electrical contac~ îs broken. Thus 9 in the second or intermediate position, elec~rical contact is conditionally achieved by the depression of pushbut~on 36. In ~his posi~ion, the rounded undersurface 46 o~ each switch lock ~a~s 44 is within locking grooves 48bo As slide 34 is moved from the seconcl to ~he ~hird position9 surf~ce 40 on ~he u~derside of pushbu~ton 36 coac~s wi~h surface 54 on contac~ 26 to cam the contact in a counter-clockwise direc~ion (as seen in the figures) such tha~ the bend . ~
1 ~ ~9 ~ ~3 S6 therein which orms the upper portion o surface 54 is aligned with surface 38 on ~he undersidle of pushbutton 36, This causes eontact 26 ~o engage con~act 24 thereby completing the electrical circuit. The relative rigidity of the portion of contact 26 in contac~ wi~h sur~ace 38 prevents any substantial depressio~ of pushbut~on 36. In thls positlon, contact 36 remains ln engagement with con~ac~ 24 and no depression o~ the pushbutton ls required in order to complete the circuit. The third or "on'l position of slide 34 is shown in Fig. 4. It should be noted that the rounded undersurface 46 of each of the switch lock tabs 44 are seated within grooves 48c in the third or "on" position of slide 34.
It should be appreciated that the swltch o the pre-sent invention has no sliding metal parts. The switch consists of se~en separate parts~ five of which are metal. The only parts which can wear ou~ are the switch slide 26 and the push-button 36, bo~h of which are preferably made of plastic. While it ~ill take a relatively lo~g time or this ~o occur, should ~hese parts wear to the point where the switch no longer func-tions properly, these parts can be easily replaced by pushingthe walls of slide portion 36 inwardly to disengage flanges 50 fram the grooves in ~he flashlight body and xemoving the slide portion 340 The parts can th~s be replaced and slide portion ; 34 snapped back in~o engagement with the flashlight bodyO
Thus, the present inYention is eomprised of relatively - few parts which are inexpensi~e to manufacture and assembleO
; In addition~ the switch has no sliding metal parts and any of the parts thereof can be easily replaced ;~ necessa~yO
While only a single preferred embodiment of the preW
sent in~ention ~as been disclosed herein or purposes of illus~ration, it is obvious that many varia~ions ~md modifica~ions . ~ , ~ 4~ 3 can be made thereto. It is intended tD cover all of these variations and modifica~ions which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by thle annexed claimsO
., ' ' .
.
.,
Claims (14)
1. A switch comprising a housing, an actuating member movably mounted on said housing for movement relative thereto in a first direction between first, second and third positions and a second direction between normal and depressed positions, first and second contacts mounted on said housing, said second contact being movable between a first position wherein said contacts are spaced from each other and a second position wherein said contacts are operatively connected, said member and said second contact each having a first surface and a second surface generally inclined with respect to said first surface in a direc-tion away from said second contact, said corresponding surfaces being out of alignment when said member is in said first position whereby movement of said member to its depressed position is ineffective to cause movement of said second contact to its second position and said corresponding surfaces being aligned when said member is in said second position to cause movement of said second contact to its second position when said member is in said depressed position, said second surfaces coacting, as said member is moved from said second to said third position, to move said second contact to its second position and said first surface of said member being effective to retain said second contact in its second position when said member is in said third position.
2. The switch of Claim 1 wherein said contact urges said member towards said normal position when said member is in said second position.
3. The switch of Claim 1 wherein said second contact is resilient and mounted to said housing at one end thereof.
4. The switch of Claim 1 wherein said respective inclined surfaces are substantially parallel.
5. The switch of Claim 1 wherein said first and said second directions are substantially perpendicular to one another.
6. The switch of Claim 1 wherein said first and second surfaces on said second contact form a step-like con-figuration.
7. The switch of Claim l wherein said member comprises a slide slidably mounted on said housing and a pushbutton mounted on said slide portion for movement therewith in said first direction and movement relative thereto in said second direction.
8. The switch of Claim 7 in which said first and second surfaces are on said pushbutton.
9. The switch of Claim 7 wherein said housing has a recess with an overhanging edge forming a groove and said slide has a wall with a flange, said flange being insertable into said groove to form a moving connection therebetween.
10. The switch of Claim 9 wherein said wall is flexible and wherein said flange can be removed from said groove by the inward flexing of said wall.
11. The switch of Claim 1 wherein said actuating member is removably mounted to said housing.
12. The switch of Claim 11 wherein said actuating member has flexible walls and wherein said walls snap fit into said housing.
13. The switch of Claim 7, wherein said slide has a recess within which said pushbutton is mounted.
14. The switch of Claim 13, in which said first and second surfaces are on said pushbutton.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA312,656A CA1053633A (en) | 1975-09-05 | 1978-10-04 | Three-position flashlight switch |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/610,550 US4025743A (en) | 1975-09-05 | 1975-09-05 | Three position flashlight switch |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1049473A true CA1049473A (en) | 1979-02-27 |
Family
ID=24445480
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA255,639A Expired CA1049473A (en) | 1975-09-05 | 1976-06-24 | Three-position flashlight switch |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4025743A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1049473A (en) |
Families Citing this family (21)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4307460A (en) * | 1979-10-09 | 1981-12-22 | General Electric Company | Electronic digital alarm clock |
| US4301946A (en) * | 1979-10-09 | 1981-11-24 | Gerald Goldin | Apparatus for placing a device to be energized in a circuit including a battery without need for wiring |
| US4306131A (en) * | 1980-06-26 | 1981-12-15 | Gte Products Corporation | Solid state touch control snap switch |
| CA1217849A (en) * | 1984-08-21 | 1987-02-10 | Laurence J. Retallack | Programming switch assembly for communicating terminals |
| US4846171A (en) * | 1986-10-06 | 1989-07-11 | Gv Medical, Inc. | Laser catheter adjustable control apparatus |
| US4801285A (en) * | 1987-02-25 | 1989-01-31 | Michael & Park's Trading And Sales, Inc. | Figure toy having a three-position switch and two modes of operation |
| US5678921A (en) * | 1994-12-06 | 1997-10-21 | Bright Star Industries, Inc. | Flashlight |
| US6046572A (en) | 1997-12-05 | 2000-04-04 | Laser Products Ltd. | Battery operated appliance, flashlight and switching systems |
| USRE40125E1 (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 2008-03-04 | Surefire, Llc | Battery operated appliance, flashlight and switching systems |
| DE19827806C1 (en) * | 1998-06-23 | 2000-02-24 | Richard Cermak | Switch device for a flashlight |
| US6371294B1 (en) | 1998-09-30 | 2002-04-16 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Electric toothbrush |
| US6364504B1 (en) | 1999-12-03 | 2002-04-02 | The Brinkmann Corporation | Hand-held spot light having a battery by-pass circuit |
| EP1509165B1 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2008-12-17 | Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | Electric toothbrushes |
| US20030221267A1 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2003-12-04 | The Procter & Gamble Co. | Electric toothbrushes and packages containing same |
| US6759608B2 (en) * | 2002-08-02 | 2004-07-06 | Defond Manufacturing Limited | Electrical switch |
| US7116061B2 (en) * | 2003-01-16 | 2006-10-03 | Surefire, Llc | Brightness controllable flashlights |
| US7614107B2 (en) * | 2004-01-02 | 2009-11-10 | Sonicscrubbers, Llc | Cleaning apparatus with reciprocating brush head |
| KR101009684B1 (en) * | 2004-01-02 | 2011-01-19 | 소닉스크러버스, 인코퍼레이티드 | Cleaning apparatus with reciprocating or rotating brush head |
| US7514172B2 (en) * | 2006-01-25 | 2009-04-07 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Battery controlled device that can operate with alternative size batteries |
| US7780309B2 (en) * | 2007-06-05 | 2010-08-24 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Preparedness flashlight |
| CN106997818B (en) * | 2016-01-22 | 2020-02-28 | 微软技术许可有限责任公司 | Switch and keyboard |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1853358A (en) * | 1928-08-17 | 1932-04-12 | Jr Harvey Hubbell | Battery switch |
| US2908827A (en) * | 1957-06-14 | 1959-10-13 | Herbert H Hickman | Auxiliary engine control device |
| US3249725A (en) * | 1963-05-23 | 1966-05-03 | Gen Electric | Electric switch with pressure lock terminals |
| US3243528A (en) * | 1964-05-28 | 1966-03-29 | Gen Electric | Dual action electrical switch |
| US3221115A (en) * | 1964-07-03 | 1965-11-30 | Gen Electric | Actuator cam structure for linearly operated switch |
| GB1093644A (en) * | 1965-04-09 | 1967-12-06 | Verebes & Company Ltd | Improvements in or relating to electric switch contact assemblies |
| DE1920784A1 (en) * | 1969-04-24 | 1970-11-05 | Sel Kontakt Bauelemente Gmbh | Slide switch for devices with a conductor network carried by an insulating plate |
| US3525828A (en) * | 1969-05-19 | 1970-08-25 | Bendix Corp | Slide switch for use with printed circuits |
| US3851126A (en) * | 1973-09-21 | 1974-11-26 | Pro Light Inc | Flashlight switch |
| US3917921A (en) * | 1974-09-11 | 1975-11-04 | Illinois Tool Works | Slide actuated switch |
-
1975
- 1975-09-05 US US05/610,550 patent/US4025743A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1976
- 1976-06-24 CA CA255,639A patent/CA1049473A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4025743A (en) | 1977-05-24 |
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