US3746809A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hammer operated switch construction
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-02-10
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Granted: 1973-07-17
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Expires: 1992-02-10
Abstract
Abstract A switch construction including a base with at least a pair of stationary contacts on the base and at least one movable contact pivotally mounted on the base for movement relative to the stationary contacts. A hammer is provided for engaging the movable contact to achieve the movement of the movable contact. This hammer includes a first portion engaging the movable contact on one side or the other of the pivot axis of the movable contact. The hammer includes striking portions on opposite sides of the first portion with the striking portions alternately engaging oppositely extending sections of the movable contact. A ridge is defined at the pivot axis of the movable contact, and the first portion of the hammer is initially forced against this ridge during switch actuation and thereafter the first portion moves rapidly over the ridge at the same time as a striking portion of the hammer engages the movable contact.
Inventors
- 👤 M Gaber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:27
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H23/00; H01H23/02; H01H23/12; H01H23/16; H01H23/166
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
258 words
In a switch construction including a base, at least a pair of stationary contacts associated with the base, and at least one additional contact movable relative to the stationary contacts whereby the movable contact can be brought into and out of bridging relationship with the stationary contacts, said movable contact comprising an elongated member pivotally supported on said base, the improvement in means for controlling the movement of the stationary contact comprising a hammer positioned on said movable contact, said hammer including a first portion engaging said movable contact adjacent the pivot axis of the movable contact, and striking portions on said hammer located on opposite sides of said first portion, drive means including means for moving the striking portions of the hammer into engagement with the movable contact for thereby changing the position of the movable contact relative to the stationary contacts, a ridge defined by said movable contact At the pivot axis location, and first and second seats defined on opposite sides of said ridge for supporting said first portion of said hammer, said drive means also including means operating to shift said first portion of said hammer from a first seat on one side of the contact member pivot axis to the second seat, said first portion of said hammer engaging said ridge when supported by a seat whereby said ridge initially resists changing of the position of said first portion, said first portion moving over said ridge substantially simultaneously with movement of the stroking portions of the hammer into engagement with said movable contacts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
258 words
In a switch construction including a base, at least a pair of stationary contacts associated with the base, and at least one additional contact movable relative to the stationary contacts whereby the movable contact can be brought into and out of bridging relationship with the stationary contacts, said movable contact comprising an elongated member pivotally supported on said base, the improvement in means for controlling the movement of the stationary contact comprising a hammer positioned on said movable contact, said hammer including a first portion engaging said movable contact adjacent the pivot axis of the movable contact, and striking portions on said hammer located on opposite sides of said first portion, drive means including means for moving the striking portions of the hammer into engagement with the movable contact for thereby changing the position of the movable contact relative to the stationary contacts, a ridge defined by said movable contact At the pivot axis location, and first and second seats defined on opposite sides of said ridge for supporting said first portion of said hammer, said drive means also including means operating to shift said first portion of said hammer from a first seat on one side of the contact member pivot axis to the second seat, said first portion of said hammer engaging said ridge when supported by a seat whereby said ridge initially resists changing of the position of said first portion, said first portion moving over said ridge substantially simultaneously with movement of the stroking portions of the hammer into engagement with said movable contacts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A construction in accordance with claim 1 including extensions defined by said movable contact, means defined by said base receiving said extensions and thereby confining said movable contact, said receiving means being dimensioned to be slightly larger than the size of said extensions whereby said movable contact is free to shift relative to the stationary contacts during operation of the switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
86 words
A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said drive means includes a spring loaded piston pivotally movable relative to said hammer, the force supplied by said piston against said hammer acting to retain said movable contact in position relative to said stationary contacts, actuation of the switch operating to force said first portion of said hammer into engagement with said ridge, said spring loaded piston being adapted to yield on continued operation of the switch to permit movement of said first portion over said ridge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
A construction in accordance with claim 3 including flipper means associated with said piston, and an actuating rocker for the switch, said rocker defining a hollow chamber for receiving said flipper means and piston, the dimensions of said chamber exceeding those of the chamber whereby relative movement of the flipper within the chamber can be accomplished.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein said piston is movable within a bore defined by said flipper, said spring being positioned within said bore for urging said piston outwardly in the direction of said contact.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein said flipper means comprises a main body portion and an integrally formed tapered end portion for engagement with said hammer, and a spring normally urging said flipper toward said hammer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
A construction in accordance with claim 4 including a pin interconnecting the end of said piston and said hammer whereby a fixed pivot axis between said piston and hammer is provided.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein said hammer and piston define mating curved surfaces in engagement with each other, said surfaces being maintained in engagement during relative movement between the piston and the hammer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A construction in accordance with claim 6 wherein said hammer defines a recess for receiving said end of said flipper, said end being pivotally movable within said recess.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said stationary contacts comprise a central contact, the central portion of said movable contact bearing against said stationary contact to provide a common terminal for the switch construction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-16 | 1977-01-15 | 1977-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-16 | 1981-01-15 | 1981-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-16 | 1985-01-15 | 1985-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |