Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrically operated appliance, such as a hair dryer, a hair clipper, or a hair blower, which appliance comprises an elongated handle including cooperating first and second handle pieces, means for assembling together the first and second handle pieces, a water-proof switch assembly including an electrical switch and a movable acuator, ribs and yokes integrally extending from and within the handle pieces and engaged with surfaces on the switch assembly to immoveably locate the switch assembly within the handle and with the actuator extending lengthwise of the handle, and a switch operating slide carried by the handle for movement relative thereto lengthwise of the handle and connected to the actuator for movement thereof in response to slide movement.

Abstract: A hand held electrically operated appliance, such as a hair dryer, a hair clipper, a hair blower, or the like, the appliance comprising a handle including first and second handle pieces including respective walls defining blind recesses located in opposing relation to each other, a resilient gasket disposed between the walls to define, with the recesses, a waterproof switch chamber including therein an electrical switch, the gasket affording water-tight passage into and from the chamber of an appropriate number of electrical leads, an actuator passing in water tight relation through the gasket into the chamber, being operably connected to the switch, and being manually movable by an operator so that movement of the actuator causes related movement of the switch between off and on positions, and a mechanism for fastening together the handle pieces to press the gasket between the walls to prevent entry of moisture into the chamber.