Abstract: A self adjusting switch mechanism is provided which permits the specific location of a switch to be determined during an initial operation that moves a mounting plate relative to a bracket portion of the mechanism. This initial movement sets the switch in its proper position and prevents further movement. Subsequent operations of the device depress a plunger of the switch but do not change the relative position of the switch housing relative to a stationary structure, such as the housing of an appliance. Certain embodiments of the mechanism further incorporate a locking mechanism that can be manually set to prevent any further movement of the mounting plate relative to the bracket portion in response to jarring forces, such as when the door of an appliance is slammed shut.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch is provided with a safety mechanism that permits the button and plunger to be depressed following a relamping procedure in order to reset the mechanism without actuating the switch. When the plunger is pulled upward to initiate the relamping procedure, a cam follower is caused to move into a particular location of a cam and any subsequent downward movement of the plunger and cam after the cam follower has moved to that particular location of the cam will cause a protrusion of the cam to move into interfering relation with a protrusion of the base to prevent sufficient downward movement to actuate the switch during the process of resetting the button and plunger into the switch housing. A cam is attached to the plunger of the switch and is provided with the ability to move relative to the plunger in directions generally perpendicular to a first axis of movement which is the normal axis along which the plunger moves during operation.