Abstract: An assembly for switches of the type which are pushed into a receptacle by means of webs guided in grooves. On each guide groove one side wall is staggered backwards relative to the other side wall in the longitudinal direction. It is then possible to bring webs and grooves into contact by a vertical movement with respect to the direction of insertion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter for permitting a snap-in insertion of a small slide switch into an aperture in a mounting panel. The adaptor is a molded plastic member comprised of a rectangular frame having downwardly extending legs at each corner. Each leg has two outwardly and upwardly extending arms at each side of the leg. The free ends of the first arms at each end of the aperture are resilient and capture a tab on a metal housing of the slide switch thereby releasably holding the switch to the adapter. The free ends of the second arms at each end of the aperture face the periphery of the aperture and snap under the edge of the aperture to hold the plastic adapter in the frame.

Abstract: A fastening device which permits snap-in assembly of a switch to a panel or receiving member includes a resilient latching member connected to the switch housing and adapted to engage a shoulder of the receiving member. A second resilient member serves to urge the resilient latching member into contact with the shoulder. In one embodiment of the invention, the switch housing is inserted into a receiving portion of a control panel and a connector carries at least one resilient latching member adapted to engage a shoulder on the receiving portion. In this embodiment, the connector and panel cooperate to retain the switch.

Abstract: A lighted toggle lever switch having a pair of like insulator halves (14, 16) with short trunnions (14a, 16a) that pivot a toggle lever (8) at opposite ends of a lateral hole 10b therethrough, these insulator halves lining the metal cover (4) and bushing (6) and each having a channel (14j, 14k) for a lamp terminal. Coaxial helical spring connectors (20, 22) separated by an insulating tube (26) electrically connect the terminals to a lamp bulb (18) within the hollow toggle lever handle that has a threaded-in lens cap (12) at its external end.

Abstract: An improved small-sized rocker switch with indicator is provided. The switch is constituted by a housing having at least one open end; a main contact disposed in the housing; a cover member attached to the open end of the housing; a movable lever disposed in the housing such that its one end is located in the housing while the other end is projected outwardly from the cover member; a converter provided at one end of the movable lever and adapted for opening and closing the main contact; a switch actuator mounted tiltably on the cover member and having an internal cavity, the switch actuator further having a window through which the internal cavity is observable and a bridge member disposed in the internal cavity and connected to the other end of the movable lever; and a substantially U-shaped plate-like indicate member mounted in the internal cavity of the switch actuator so as to saddle over the bridge member, the indicator member having free ends mounted on the cover member.

Abstract: Switch assembly comprises a switch housing having a membrane switch contained therein. The switch housing has integral mounting means for mounting the assembly in an opening in a panel. The membrane switch has sheet metal switch leads extending therefrom and extending from the housing. When the assembly is mounted on a panel, these leads engage and establish electrical contact with circuit board conductors on a circuit board which is adjacent to the panel.

Abstract: A snap-in switch housing for a manually operated electrical switching device has a bushing in which a control shaft for the device is journaled molded from a plastic material. Included on the exterior of the bushing are resilient prongs having cam surfaces which cause the prongs to be pushed inwardly as the bushing is inserted through an aperture in a mounting plate for the switch device with barbs on the prongs preventing retraction of the switch housing from the mounting plate after insertion. The resiliency of the plastic material from which the bushing is molded causes the prongs to maintain a position in which the housing is securely mounted to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A control device having a cap telescoped through a mounting opening in a control panel and being secured thereto by a nut threaded on the cap and disposed against one side of the panel and a fastener carried by the cap and disposed against the other side of the panel, the fastener comprising a substantially flat plate spanning the opening of the panel and having a bayonet opening passing therethrough and aligned with the opening of the panel and the cap having a bayonet portion extending completely through the bayonet opening and cooperating with the bayonet opening to lock the cap and plate together.

Abstract: A detachable switch structure comprising an actuator, a contact block mounted on the actuator, and an adapter for mounting the contact block on the actuator; the block comprising a dielectric housing and enclosing separable contacts; the block being mounted on the actuator; the actuator comprising detachable interfitting means cooperative with corresponding means on the contact block housing which interfitting means includes elongated hook members on the adapter engageable with projections on the housing, the hook members including windows engageable with the projections, and the hook members including openings for insertion of a tool between the hook members and the projections for disengaging the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control-key switch for installation in a control panel or the like, consisting of two parts, that is to say an actuator which is intended to be pushed in the direction of an axis of installation, which is at right angles to a support wall, through this support wall and to be attached to it, and of a counterpart, more particularly a switching device, which can be plugged together with the actuator in the direction of the axis of installation at the inside of the support wall and which is latchable against being pulled back.

Abstract: A momentary or latching mechanical switch wherein the externally threaded outer end portion of the housing has axially parallel external grooves each including a deeper portion, and the frame for the illuminated knob for a reciprocable plunger in the housing has elastic arms extending into the grooves and provided with protuberances received in the deeper portions of the respective grooves. The arms are separably held in their grooves by a nut which meshes with the end portion and is rotatable in a direction to expose the arms. The housing is inserted into the opening of a control panel from within before the arms of the frame are inserted into their grooves from the outside of the control panel, and the nut is thereupon rotated against the inner side of the control panel to confine the arms in their grooves and to urge the frame against the outer side of the control panel. The inner end portion of the housing is separably coupled to an adapter which separably supports several microswitches.

Abstract: A switch operator characterized by a switch operator and at least one switch, and an adapter for mounting the switch on the operator. The adapter and the operator are provided with interfitting bayonet type connections which are engaged and disengaged by rotation of one of the operator and adapter about the axis of the assembly, whereby operation of the actuator longitudinally of the assembly does not disconnect the bayonet-type connections.

Abstract: A number of electric operation components such as tone volume controls of an electric musical instrument are collectively carried by a common chassis preferably manufactured by press stamping which is accompanied by one or more printed circuit base blocks and easily incorporated in a front panel of an electric device. Assembly of the front panel construction on the electric device is remarkably simplified with enhanced precision in said position of the electric operation components on the front panel and reduced use of electric lead wires.

Abstract: To locate an electric switch relative to a fixed part a bush having a plurality of mating members and a projection in an opening through the bush is positioned in the fixed part. The switch is positioned at one end of a switch carrier having an elongate portion which is also provided with mating members and a projection. The elongate portion is introduced axially into the opening and then rotated to cause the mating members to engage and axially locate the elongate portion in the opening. The projections take up relative positions in which they only permit rotation in the opposite direction to disengage the mating members when sufficient force is applied to deform one or both of the projections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique device for mounting electrical apparatus to a wall panel, wherein the device includes a main body portion having a cavity for holding components of the electrical apparatus and a pillar-shaped portion attached to the main body portion and extending through an opening in the wall panel. A free end of the pillar-shaped portion includes a plurality of outwardly protruding steps which overlap the wall panel, with a first set of the steps having a first axial length and a second set of the steps having a second, shorter axial length. A biasing member extends between the main body portion and the wall panel and biases the wall panel into contact with only the first set of steps, creating a gap between the wall panel and the second set of steps. A cover member surrounds the free end of the pillar-shaped portion and extends into the gap, with the second set of steps biasing the cover into contact with the wall panel.

Abstract: A rectangular slide switch housing has a top wall with a longitudinal slot in it, the wall being provided with integral tabs projecting lengthwise from its opposite ends. Inside the housing is a contact-actuating slide provided with a button projecting out through the slot and movable lengthwise thereof. A switch holder for mounting the switch in a rectangular opening in a panel includes a face plate overlying the top wall of the switch and projecting laterally from the sides and ends of the housing. The plate is provided with a longitudinal slot, through which the slide button extends, and with a pair of laterally spaced resilient legs extending downwardly at each end of the housing, the upper ends of the legs being joined to the plate close to the ends of the housing but spaced inwardly from the ends of the plate. Each leg has an intermediate shoulder underlying the adjoining end of the switch for holding it against the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electrical switch in a cut-out of a switch board comprises a support ring between the switch body and the rear side of the switch board, the support ring surrounding the axially extending switch grip and having claws arranged for engagement with the cut-out at the front side of the switch board. An axially biased housing is mounted between the support ring and the rear side of the switch board, with springs pressing a circumferential portion of the housing against the rear side of the switch board. A coupling ring between the support ring and the switch grip has a radially outwardly directed groove in engagement with a radially inwardly directed rib on the support ring whereby the coupling ring is held against axial movement by the support ring.

Abstract: A plastic washer is disclosed having a radially inwardly projecting tab for mating with the slot in a conventional threaded switch barrel, and the washer may be stacked with other similar washers in spite of the fact that each washer defines a projecting post adapted to mate with a locating hole provided for this purpose in the panel where the switch is to be mounted. Each washer also includes an open cavity or hole for receiving the post of an adjacent washer so that the washers can be stacked, and can also be used to locate the switch housing angularly with respect to the generally circular opening normally provided in the panel for such a switch. The same washer is also useful as a lock washer due to its resilient plastic composition.

Abstract: A rotary thumbwheel switch assembly has a switch module including a translucent light ring for indicating positions of the rotary thumbwheel. The ring is illuminated from within by a light emitting diode which can be snap-mounted in place in the center of the translucent ring. The switch module comprises a thumbwheel to which contact brush sets can be easily secured by a spring biased tab. The switch module can be combined with a separable bezel. The switch module can be mounted from either side of a front panel, and can be connected to circuit assemblies housed by the panel prior to the insertion of the bezel. The bezel secures the switch modules to each other and to the panel. A kit comprising the separable elements of the illuminating diode, the bezel and the switch modules is described. A method for installing the separable elements includes the steps of inserting the modules from the front of the housing panel for testing each module's connection with circuit assemblies prior to installing the bezel.

Abstract: A control device having a cap telescoped through a mounting opening in a control panel and being secured thereto by a nut threaded on the cap and disposed against one side of the panel and a fastener carried by the cap and disposed against the other side of the panel, the fastener comprising a substantially flat plate spanning the opening of the panel and having a bayonet opening passing therethrough and aligned with the opening of the panel and the cap having a bayonet portion extending completely through the bayonet opening and cooperating with the bayonet opening to lock the cap and plate together.

Abstract: In an arrangement for front mounting of pushbutton switching devices by means of a front ring screwed by means of its internal thread onto an external thread of a collar, the diameter of the disc shaped pushbutton is larger than the diameter of the external thread of the collar. The front ring has inward protruding extensions and the pushbutton itself has cut-outs at its circumference corresponding to the extensions.The pushbutton has a large actuating area without increase in the thread diameter.

Abstract: A control panel is provided incorporating a plurality of controls and an arrangement for the rapid mounting and demounting thereof in an aperture of a support. The mounting and demounting arrangement permits the retention of the panel with one side of the opening retained in a slot in a corresponding side of the panel and the other side of the opening being retained between a projection and a displaceable dog on the opposite side of said panel. Said dog is mounted on a bolt threaded in said panel for displacement between a first position in which the dog engages the wall of the opening and a second position wherein the dog is displaced both away from the wall of the opening in the axial direction of the bolt and pivoted by the bolt out of registration of the wall to permit release of the panel. The controls may include diaphragm-type push-button switches, slide switches and rotatable multi-position switches.

Abstract: An adapter for an electrical wall fixture such as a wall light switch having a toggle or other actuator, the adapter serving to protrude the switch outside of the wall outlet box in which it is nested to the extent necessary to project the toggle through an opening in a fabric covering spaced from the wall. The standard switch includes a pair of mounting wings each having a slot therein to receive a primary screw for attaching the wing to the outlet box and a secondary screw which normally serves to hold a standard face plate over the switch to cover the outlet box. The adapter is constituted by a cover plate which overlies the outlet box and is provided with spacer elements to place the surface of the plate against the rear of the fabric covering.

Abstract: The snap-in mounting means includes a snap-in grommet carried on the shank of a bushing which extends from a switch frame mounted on a switch base of an electrical toggle switch assembly and pivotally supports a toggle lever for actuating switch contacts housed in the switch base. The snap-in grommet includes a radially yieldable sleeve slidably mounted on the lower end portion of the bushing shank, a tapered locking collar carried on the outer end of the sleeve and having a radially extending shoulder which engages the front of the panel around the panel mounting hole, after the collar has been squeezed through the hole during mounting, and a pair of opposed resilient back-up elements which are biased against the back of the panel to keep the locking collar shoulder in tight engagement with the front side of the panel. The bushing is pulled back after the locking collar has been squeezed through the panel mounting hole.

Abstract: An improved push button assembly including means for facilitating the mounting of the push button assembly to a mounting panel through an opening therein and from the front side thereof. The mounting means is comprised of first and second substantially flat resilient members. Each member has one end thereof fixed to respective opposite sides of the push button housing and another end thereof extending toward the front of the push button and biased away from the plane of the respective adjacent side of the housing. Each of the first and second members has a plurality of fingers forming the other end, wherein the plurality of fingers include a pair of end fingers and additional fingers intermediate the end fingers.

Abstract: The snap-in mounting means includes a garter spring retained in an annular groove provided near the outer end of a bushing which extends from a switch frame on a switch base of an electrical toggle switch assembly and pivotally supports a toggle lever for actuating switch contacts housed in the switch. The garter spring has a helical diameter and an outermost toroidal diameter which is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole in a support panel on which the switch assembly is to be mounted. The bushing groove has an upper portion for retaining the garter spring in its normally expanded state, a lower portion of sufficient radial depth to receive the garter spring, when squeezed radially inwardly to a compressed state of reduced toroidal diameter without reducing the helical diameter, wherein the garter spring/bushing subassembly can pass through the panel mounting hole, and a tapered inner wall extending between the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a handle stop for restraining the handle in a "tripped" or central position after the circuit breaker is electrically tripped to mechanically and visually indicate the tripped position.Also, an actuator is supported within the case of the circuit breaker and pivoted by the linkage mechanism (only when the latter is electrically tripped). During manual opening and closing of the circuit breaker contacts, the linkage mechanism does not pivot the actuator.Pivoting of the actuator (upon electrical tripping of the linkage mechanism) causes the actuator to engage and activate an auxiliary switch.When the circuit breaker handle is moved to the "off" position from the "tripped" or central position, the linkage mechanism simultaneously releases the actuator and the auxiliary switch is deactivated.

Abstract: A toggle switch having a molded insulating frame mounting a snap-in bushing secured thereto for snap-in mounting of the switch in a hole in a mounting pane. This bushing pivotally retains the toggle lever for operating the switch contacts within the base. This frame includes a pair of depending legs between which the insulating switch base is snap-in mounted and retained. This frame has integrally molded therewith a pair of oppositely disposed resilient back-up elements for pressing against the back of the panel, these elements having at their ends ramped riser bars for accommodating a range of different panel thicknesses while retaining the switch against significant movement on the panel during toggle lever operation.

Abstract: An improved manually actuatable electric keyboard switch and retainer capable of being easily removed and reoriented or replaced to provide a different function.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a tubular body having a sleeve portion defining an axially extending bore and adapted for insertion into an aperture of a support such as a vehicle door framing member. An annular collar on the sleeve portion is engageable with the support to limit insertion of the sleeve portion into the support. A plunger assembly includes a plunger guide member supported within the bore and a plunger rod extending through the sleeve portion bore and the guide member. A head portion is provided on either the plunger rod or the guide member adjacent the end of the sleeve portion and is adapted to engage and cause axial collapse and radial expansion of the sleeve portion to mount the tubular body on the support. A coil compression spring encircles the plunger rod and acts to move the plunger rod axially and carry an electrical contact mounted thereon into switch closing engagement with the tubular body or the guide member.

Abstract: The snap-in mounting means includes a ring-like retainer member disposed in an annular groove provided near the outer end of an elongated bushing which extends from a switch frame member on a switch base of an electrical toggle switch assembly and pivotally supports a toggle lever for actuating switch contacts housed in the switch base. The retainer member is radially compressible and expandable in the bushing groove between a normally expanded position where its outer dimension is larger than the dimension of the mounting hole in a support panel on which a switch assembly is to be mounted and a compressed position where it can pass through the mounting hole.As the bushing is initially inserted into the mounting hole from the rear of the panel during mounting, a portion of the retainer member engages the rim of the mounting hole and it is cammed thereby to the compressed position inside the groove.

Abstract: A toggle switch having a molded insulating frame including a pair of depending legs between which the insulating switch base is snap-in mounted and retained. The frame includes a bushing having a resilient collar for snap-in mounting of the switch in a hole in a mounting panel. This bushing pivotally retains the toggle lever for operating the switch contacts within the base. The legs of the frame are inwardly curved and tapered so that bases of varying tolerances may be retained thereby rigidly and securely.

Abstract: A toggle switch having a snap-in bushing for mounting in a hole in a panel. A one-piece foldable housing has slots for the switch parts. These parts are assembled in one housing half and the other housing half is folded over and sonically bonded to the first half. Quick-connect terminals are provided by a hinged door on one housing half that allows the terminals to be pivoted up, an insulated conductor pair inserted therebelow and the door pinched shut by pliers or the like whereby the connectors pierce the insulation to make the connections. Resilient stationary contacts and a spherical movable contact provide snap-action closing and opening of the contacts.

Abstract: The snap-in arrangement includes a resilient locking flange and a resilient skirt located on the outer end of and extending from the opposite sides of a bushing which extends from a switch frame mounted on a switch base of an electrical toggle switch assembly and pivotally supports a toggle lever for actuating switch contacts housed on the switch base. The locking flange, which terminates in a lip, is first inserted through a square or rectangular support panel mounting hole and is hooked over one edge of the hole. The lip abuts the front of the panel and cooperates with a ridge provided on the bushing body and adapted to abut the back of the panel to secure one side of the bushing on the panel. The switch assembly is thereafter rotated relative to the back of the panel so that the outer portion of the skirt can be squeezed through the mounting hole and the skirt thereafter returns toward an undeflected condition.

Abstract: A manually actuable keyboard switch is provided having two opposite relieved openings in its base portion so that when it is inserted into an aperture in a keyboard switch retainer having two tabs outwardly extending and depending from opposite sidewalls of the aperture, the tabs spring into their original positions and within said relieved openings to hold said keyboard switch therein.

Abstract: The snap-in mounting means includes a ring-like retainer member disposed in an annular groove provided near the outer end of an elongated bushing which extends from a switch frame member on a switch base of an electrical toggle switch assembly and pivotally supports a toggle lever for actuating switch contacts housed in the switch base. The retainer member is radially compressible and expandable in the bushing groove between a normally expanded position where its outer dimension is larger than the dimension of the mounting hole in a support panel on which a switch assembly is to be mounted and a compressed position where it can pass through the mounting hole.As the bushing is initially inserted into the mounting hole from the rear of the panel during mounting, a portion of the retainer member engages the rim of the mounting hole and it is cammed thereby to the compressed position inside the groove.

Abstract: A mount for attaching a device such as a multiple switch within a hole in a panel. A first part has a lip for laying upon the front of the panel and also a pair of spaced hook arms. A second part is attached to the device behind the panel and has an opening for receiving the hook arms. These resiliently enter the opening in the second part and hold the device securely but removably to the panel. Screws or tools are not required. Deformable ears on the second part bear against the back of the panel to secure the assembly, and the ear structure accommodates a range of panel thicknesses.

Abstract: The snap-in means includes a snap-in member carried in a recess provided in the outer end portion of a bushing which extends from a switch frame mounted on a switch base of an electrical toggle switch asembly and pivotally supports a toggle lever for actuating switch contacts housed in the switch base. The snap-in member, which is preferably molded from a synthetic plastic material, is adapted for mounting the switch assembly in a support panel mounting hole and includes a radially compressible locking flange having a lower or inner edge which engages the front side of the panel upon insertion of the outer end portion of the bushing through the panel mounting hole. The snap-in member also includes a radially extending, generally annular ridge having a bearing surface which is engageable with the backside rim of the panel mounting hole and cooperates with the locking flange to securely hold the switch assembly on the support panel.

Abstract: Multiple sets of parallel flat resilient conductive switch blades arranged side-by-side support opposed contact pairs and in turn are cantilever supported by engagement of each blade at a position remote from its contact area in an insulating wall of a relatively rigid support frame. One of the blades of each pair is moved by actuator means engaging the end remote from the point of support. The actuator means rotatably supported on the frame provides a slot which closely engages the ends of at least some of the blades essentially in the plane of the slot so that actuator rotation opens and closes supported contacts.

Abstract: An electrical toggle switch assembly adapted for mounting from the rear of a bulkhead or support panel includes a bushing which pivotally supports an actuating lever and is inserted into a mounting hole in the panel. Secured on the outer peripheral surface of the bushing is a retainer made from an oriented fiber material including a plurality of short, relatively stiff, normally straight fibers which slant downwardly at an acute angle, preferably less than 45.degree., and normally extend outwardly from the bushing beyond the inner periphery of the panel mounting hole. As the bushing is pressed through the mounting hole, the fibers are deflected inwardly and a portion thereafter spring back to their normally extended position and grip the front of the panel in the area surrounding the mounting hole to hold the switch assembly on the panel.

Abstract: The snap-in assembly includes a split or snap ring which is releasably held within an annular groove provided in the outer end portion of an elongated bushing, pivotally supporting an actuating lever of an electrical toggle switch, by a retainer including a sleeve or collar encircling and releasably engaging the snap ring. As the outer end portion of the bushing is inserted through the hole of a support panel during mounting, a portion of the retainer abuts the back of the panel and continued axial movement of the bushing relative to the retainer causes the snap ring to become disengaged from the sleeve or collar and move radially outwardly toward its normally expanded position where it overlies a front portion of the panel surrounding the mounting hole. The snap ring is held in tight engagement with the front of the panel by a backup spring which urges the bushing in an axial direction away from the backside of the panel.

Abstract: A manually disassemblable push-button and switch unit assembly for a merchandising machine in which an elongated frame is formed with a plurality of spaced recesses open at the top and at the side of the frame and with a plurality of openings extending through the frame from the top to the bottom and disposed between the respective recesses to permit respective switch units to be inserted into the recesses through the side openings thereof with their actuating elements accessible through the top openings of the recess and with the switch units held in position by laterally extending spring fingers on the frame. Resilient fingers on a push-button extend through the frame openings at the sides of the recess so as to mount the push-buttons over the top openings of the recesses and for limited movement toward and away from the switch units to operate the actuating elements thereof.

Abstract: The snap-in arrangement includes a retainer slidably mounted on a bushing extending from a switch frame mounted on the switch base of an electrical toggle switch and pivotally supporting a toggle lever for actuating switch contacts housed in the switch base. The bushing is adapted to be inserted through an aperture in a support panel and has a main body, an enlarged outer end portion including an annular ledge extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, an annular slot in the underside of the ledge, and an inner end portion of a reduced diameter. The retainer has an annular base slidably mounted on the inner end portion of the bushing and a plurality of resilient fingers connected to and normally extending axially in an outwardly diverging direction from the retainer base with the free ends thereof extending radially outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the enlarged end portion of the bushing. The free ends of the fingers are releasably held in the bushing slot prior to mounting.

Abstract: A receptacle for wired push-button switches used to actuate appliances adapted for inclusion in walls under construction, having an elongated tubular body; a removable plug disposed in one end of the body, the plug having an aperture adapted to accept wires threaded therethrough; a flange mounted on the end of the body opposite to the plugged end in circumscribing relation to the body; a mounting plate connected to the flange disposed substantially parallel to the axis of the body and offset therefrom whereby the receptacle serves as a temporary tie-off for wiring and as a permanent receptacle for a push-button switch proper.

Abstract: A round plastic bushing and frame for an electric switch wherein the bushing has a flared collar that is radially squeezed when it is pressed through a round hole from the back of a mounting panel and spreads out in front so that its edge locks the bushing to the panel for great strength retention. A pair of integral spring fingers press against the back of the panel to keep the collar tight against the front of the panel. The integral frame has a pair of parallel arms that hug the switch base and are terminated in hooks that engage notches on opposite sides thereof to secure the integral bushing and frame to the base.In a first version where the bushing and frame cannot be molded integrally into final form, the collar is molded as a radial flange on the projecting end of the bushing and, after removal from the mold, is formed into a frusto-conical collar around the tip of the bushing for snap-in mounting.