US3737605A - Switch seal - Google Patents

Switch seal Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3737605A
US3737605A US00132469A US3737605DA US3737605A US 3737605 A US3737605 A US 3737605A US 00132469 A US00132469 A US 00132469A US 3737605D A US3737605D A US 3737605DA US 3737605 A US3737605 A US 3737605A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
panel
shaft
switch
seal
collar
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 - Lifetime
Application number
US00132469A
Inventor
A Tobey
A Wood
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
US Department of Navy
Original Assignee
US Department of Navy
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by US Department of Navy filed Critical US Department of Navy
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3737605A publication Critical patent/US3737605A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/04—Cases; Covers
    • H01H13/06—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof casings
    • H01H13/063—Casings hermetically closed by a diaphragm through which passes an actuating member

Definitions

  • the present invention has the advantages that it can fit into a very small area below the push button switch, that it assumes the shape of the depressed area of the switch panel and that it can be made to fit switch panel applications where extreme fit problems occur.
  • the device provides a simple, inexpensive solution to the leakage problem mentioned above.
  • the general purpose of this invention is to provide a seal means which can prevent water from leaking into action entry panels and damaging electronic functions.
  • the present invention provides a seal with a collar means which fits tightly around the shaft connected to a diaphram means having a reinforced edge which expands outwardly to seat in the depressed portion below the switch without requiring clamping.
  • the principal object of the invention is to provide a switching seal which will prohibit moisture from leaking into action entry panels.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide a switch seal which assumes the shape of the depressed area of the switch.
  • FIG. 1 in cross-section, shows an undepressed push button switch with the switch seal installed in position
  • FIG. 2 in cross-section shows the same push button switch in the depressed position
  • FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the switch seal alone in the undepressed condition.
  • FIG. 3 shows switch seal 14 in full section, the switch seal comprises a collar means 16, which fits snuggly around shaft 11, of the push button. Collar 16 connected to a bell shaped diaphram having an edge 20. Edge 20 is reinforced by a spring steel wire 22. It is noted that another reinforcing material could be utilized. In addition the edge could be made thick enough to have inherent strength to provide a seal.
  • the collar 16 is a silicone rubber collar which fits tightly around the shaft 11 of the push button switch. The diaphram does not resist the push button required force for closing the switch.
  • the spring steel wire 22, is collapsed by squeezing the spring toa smaller diameter than the recess 13 in which the push button rests.
  • the seal 14, is then fit into the recess 13 and released.
  • the spring wire 22 forces itself against the sides of the recess 13, thereby providing a water tight seal. Such seal will resist minor pressure differential fluctuations encountered in operation.
  • a radially outward panel engaging means biased to circumferentially engage said depressed portion of said panel and being retained in engagement solely by friction;
  • said inter-connecting means collapses and simultaneously biases the entire circumference of said collar means circumferentially inward and said panel engaging means circumferentially outward to enhance the seal around the entire circumference of said collar and the entire circumference of said panel engaging means.

Abstract

This invention is a switch seal for push button type electrical switches to prohibit water from leaking into entry panels and damaging electronic functions.

Description

United States Patent [191 Tobey et al.
[ 51 -June5, 1973 [54] SWITCH SEAL [75] Inventors: Albert E. Tobey, Fullerton; Alvis W.
Wood, Mission Viejo, both of Calif.
[73] Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, DC.
22 Filed: Apr. 8, 1971 21 App1.No.: 132,469
[52] US. Cl. ..200/168 G, 277/212 FB [51] Int. Cl. ..H0lh 9/02 [58] Field of Search ..277/95, 212 PB;
200/159 R, 168 G, 172 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Meyer ..200/16 D 1,779,018 10/1930 Smallwood et a1 ..277/212 C 2,305,265 12/1942 LeTourneau'. ....277/212 FB 3 ,326,559 6/1967 Persons ..277/95 3,588,423 6/1971 i-iallerberg ..200/168 G FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,525,506 l/l970 Germany ..277/206 636,395 3/1962 Italy ..277/212 FB Primary Examiner-Meyer Perlin Assistant ExaminerRonald C. Capossela AttorneyR. S. Sciascia and 0. E. Hodges [57] ABSTRACT This invention is a switch seal for push button type electrical switches to prohibit water from leaking into entry panels and damaging electronic functions.
8 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEU JUN 5 I975 3. 7 37. 605
INVENTORS BERT 15'. T0857 W5 W. W000 ATEOR/VEY SWITCH SEAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION At present the leakage of water into action entry panels causing damage to vital electronic functions has been a problem. Presently available push button switch seals retain water in the upper panels. Presently available seals are complex and require clamping means such as bolted flanges.
The present invention has the advantages that it can fit into a very small area below the push button switch, that it assumes the shape of the depressed area of the switch panel and that it can be made to fit switch panel applications where extreme fit problems occur. The device provides a simple, inexpensive solution to the leakage problem mentioned above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The general purpose of this invention is to provide a seal means which can prevent water from leaking into action entry panels and damaging electronic functions. To attain this desired result, the present invention provides a seal with a collar means which fits tightly around the shaft connected to a diaphram means having a reinforced edge which expands outwardly to seat in the depressed portion below the switch without requiring clamping.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The principal object of the invention is to provide a switching seal which will prohibit moisture from leaking into action entry panels.
It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a switch seal which has the ability to fit into very small areas below push button switches.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a switch seal which assumes the shape of the depressed area of the switch.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a switch seal which requires no initial preload to the switch action.
In addition, it is another object of the instant invention to provide a switch seal which can be made to fit switch panel applications where extreme fit problems occur. 1
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 in cross-section, shows an undepressed push button switch with the switch seal installed in position;
FIG. 2 in cross-section, shows the same push button switch in the depressed position; and
FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the switch seal alone in the undepressed condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 3 shows switch seal 14 in full section, the switch seal comprises a collar means 16, which fits snuggly around shaft 11, of the push button. Collar 16 connected to a bell shaped diaphram having an edge 20. Edge 20 is reinforced by a spring steel wire 22. It is noted that another reinforcing material could be utilized. In addition the edge could be made thick enough to have inherent strength to provide a seal. In the preferred embodiment the collar 16 is a silicone rubber collar which fits tightly around the shaft 11 of the push button switch. The diaphram does not resist the push button required force for closing the switch. The spring steel wire 22, is collapsed by squeezing the spring toa smaller diameter than the recess 13 in which the push button rests. The seal 14, is then fit into the recess 13 and released. The spring wire 22 forces itself against the sides of the recess 13, thereby providing a water tight seal. Such seal will resist minor pressure differential fluctuations encountered in operation.
It is understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction shown and described, for obvious modifications will occur to persons skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
What is claimed is:
1. A moisture tight push button seal assembly of the type in which the shaft of a switch is restricted to longitudinal movement and passes through a panel member and where the button of said switch fits into a'complementary depressed portion of said panel, comprising:
a panel member;
a depressed portion of said panel;
a shaft passing through said panel member and means to allow the shaft to move only in the longitudinal direction;
a radially inmost collar tightly surrounding said shaft and fixed to move longitudinally with said shaft;
a radially outward panel engaging means biased to circumferentially engage said depressed portion of said panel and being retained in engagement solely by friction;
a means inter-connecting said panel engaging means and said collar which, upon inward longitudinal movement of said shaft, said inter-connecting means collapses and simultaneously biases the entire circumference of said collar means circumferentially inward and said panel engaging means circumferentially outward to enhance the seal around the entire circumference of said collar and the entire circumference of said panel engaging means.
2. A switch seal as in claim 1, wherein said collar means, said panel engaging means and said diaphram are made of silicone rubber.
3. A switch sea] as in claim 2 wherein said panel engaging means is reinforced with spring steel wire.
4. A switch seal as in claim 3, wherein said interconnecting means is bell shaped.
5. A switch seal as in claim 3, wherein said spring steel wire is circumferentially compressible.
6. A switch seal as in claim 3, wherein said spring steel wire further reinforces and biases the panel engaging means circumferentially into engagement with the depressed portion of the panel.
7. A switch seal as in claim 1, wherein said shaft includes a flange means which further fixes the collar means with respect to said shaft.
8. A switch seal as in claim 7, wherein said flange means is a push button at the end of said shaft.

Claims (8)

1. A moisture tight push button seal assembly of the type in which the shaft of a switch is restricted to longitudinal movement and passes through a panel member and where the button of said switch fits into a complementary depressed portion of said panel, comprising: a panel member; a depressed portion of said panel; a shaft passing through said panel member and means to allow the shaft to move only in the longitudinal direction; a radially inmost collar tightly surrounding said shaft and fixed to move longitudinally with said shaft; a radially outward panel engaging means biased to circumferentially engage said depressed portion of said panel and being retained in engagement solely by friction; a means inter-connecting said panel engaging means and said collar which, upon inward longitudinal movement of said shaft, said inter-connecting means collapses and simultaneously biases the entire circumference of said collar means circumferentially inward and said panel engaging means circumferentially outward to enhance the seal around the entire circumference of said collar and the entire circumference of said panel engaging means.
2. A switch seal as in claim 1, wherein said collar means, said panel engaging means and said diaphram are made of silicone rubber.
3. A switch seal as in claim 2 wherein said panel engaging means is reinforced with spring steel wire.
4. A switch seal as in claim 3, wherein said interconnecting means is bell shaped.
5. A switch seal as in claim 3, wherein said spring steel wire is circumferentially compressible.
6. A switch seal as in claim 3, wherein said spring steel wire further reinforces and biases the panel engaging means circumferentially into engagement with the depressed portion of the panel.
7. A switch seal as in claim 1, wherein said shaft includes a flange means which further fixes the collar means with respect to said shaft.
8. A switch seal as in claim 7, wherein said flange means is a push button at the end of said shaft.
US00132469A 1971-04-08 1971-04-08 Switch seal Expired - Lifetime US3737605A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13246971A 1971-04-08 1971-04-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3737605A true US3737605A (en) 1973-06-05

Family

ID=22454208

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00132469A Expired - Lifetime US3737605A (en) 1971-04-08 1971-04-08 Switch seal

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3737605A (en)

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3876851A (en) * 1974-01-11 1975-04-08 Jay El Products Inc Sealed mounting for pushbutton switch
US4023002A (en) * 1976-01-14 1977-05-10 Timex Corporation Pusher and switch device for electronic watch
US4031348A (en) * 1975-11-20 1977-06-21 Microma Incorporated Push-button assembly switch for watches
JPS545076U (en) * 1977-06-14 1979-01-13
US4289070A (en) * 1979-06-26 1981-09-15 Cosco Industries, Inc. Rubber stamp
US4458888A (en) * 1981-02-10 1984-07-10 Woco Franz-Josef Wolf & Co. Dampening device
US4593264A (en) * 1983-10-19 1986-06-03 Engle Edgar R Trailer hitch signaling device
US4789164A (en) * 1984-10-25 1988-12-06 Raychem Corporation Sealing device
US5258592A (en) * 1991-05-24 1993-11-02 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Waterproof switch apparatus for electronic device
US20180352928A1 (en) * 2014-01-07 2018-12-13 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Waterproof case
USD903685S1 (en) 2019-03-29 2020-12-01 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Electronic case
USD924863S1 (en) 2018-09-11 2021-07-13 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Phone case
US11076028B2 (en) 2019-08-30 2021-07-27 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Switch assembly for engaging a switch of an electronic device
USD931845S1 (en) 2020-02-11 2021-09-28 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic communications device
USD932479S1 (en) 2020-02-11 2021-10-05 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic communications device
USD933075S1 (en) 2019-06-26 2021-10-12 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for a mobile communication device
USD941297S1 (en) 2020-02-28 2022-01-18 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Bumper for electronic device
USD942438S1 (en) 2020-02-28 2022-02-01 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Bumper for electronic communications device
USD958146S1 (en) 2019-06-20 2022-07-19 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic device
USD974330S1 (en) 2019-06-26 2023-01-03 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic device
USD984449S1 (en) 2020-02-28 2023-04-25 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic device
USD984425S1 (en) 2018-09-11 2023-04-25 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Mobile phone protection case

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1779018A (en) * 1927-07-28 1930-10-21 Graeme T Smallwood Receptacle closure
US2305265A (en) * 1942-05-01 1942-12-15 Letourneau Inc Sealing boot assembly
US3222467A (en) * 1963-06-24 1965-12-07 Gen Motors Corp Cam centered electric switch with moisture-proof sealing means
US3326559A (en) * 1964-08-13 1967-06-20 Joseph A Fenlon Rotary seals
DE1525506A1 (en) * 1965-05-25 1970-01-08 Automotive Prod Co Ltd Sealing cap for connection arrangements, e.g. Ball joint connections for motor vehicles
US3588423A (en) * 1969-06-09 1971-06-28 Hi Tek Corp Sealed switch arrangement

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1779018A (en) * 1927-07-28 1930-10-21 Graeme T Smallwood Receptacle closure
US2305265A (en) * 1942-05-01 1942-12-15 Letourneau Inc Sealing boot assembly
US3222467A (en) * 1963-06-24 1965-12-07 Gen Motors Corp Cam centered electric switch with moisture-proof sealing means
US3326559A (en) * 1964-08-13 1967-06-20 Joseph A Fenlon Rotary seals
DE1525506A1 (en) * 1965-05-25 1970-01-08 Automotive Prod Co Ltd Sealing cap for connection arrangements, e.g. Ball joint connections for motor vehicles
US3588423A (en) * 1969-06-09 1971-06-28 Hi Tek Corp Sealed switch arrangement

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3876851A (en) * 1974-01-11 1975-04-08 Jay El Products Inc Sealed mounting for pushbutton switch
US4031348A (en) * 1975-11-20 1977-06-21 Microma Incorporated Push-button assembly switch for watches
US4023002A (en) * 1976-01-14 1977-05-10 Timex Corporation Pusher and switch device for electronic watch
JPS545076U (en) * 1977-06-14 1979-01-13
US4289070A (en) * 1979-06-26 1981-09-15 Cosco Industries, Inc. Rubber stamp
US4458888A (en) * 1981-02-10 1984-07-10 Woco Franz-Josef Wolf & Co. Dampening device
US4593264A (en) * 1983-10-19 1986-06-03 Engle Edgar R Trailer hitch signaling device
US4789164A (en) * 1984-10-25 1988-12-06 Raychem Corporation Sealing device
US5258592A (en) * 1991-05-24 1993-11-02 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Waterproof switch apparatus for electronic device
US20180352928A1 (en) * 2014-01-07 2018-12-13 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Waterproof case
US11844407B2 (en) * 2014-01-07 2023-12-19 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Waterproof case
USD924863S1 (en) 2018-09-11 2021-07-13 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Phone case
USD984425S1 (en) 2018-09-11 2023-04-25 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Mobile phone protection case
USD903685S1 (en) 2019-03-29 2020-12-01 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Electronic case
USD958146S1 (en) 2019-06-20 2022-07-19 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic device
USD933075S1 (en) 2019-06-26 2021-10-12 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for a mobile communication device
USD974330S1 (en) 2019-06-26 2023-01-03 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic device
US11622032B2 (en) 2019-08-30 2023-04-04 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Switch assembly for engaging a switch of an electronic device
US11076028B2 (en) 2019-08-30 2021-07-27 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Switch assembly for engaging a switch of an electronic device
USD932479S1 (en) 2020-02-11 2021-10-05 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic communications device
USD931845S1 (en) 2020-02-11 2021-09-28 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic communications device
USD941297S1 (en) 2020-02-28 2022-01-18 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Bumper for electronic device
USD942438S1 (en) 2020-02-28 2022-02-01 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Bumper for electronic communications device
USD984449S1 (en) 2020-02-28 2023-04-25 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic device

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3737605A (en) Switch seal
US3181834A (en) Biased seal structure for ball valves
US2740023A (en) Push button switch
US3525361A (en) Quick disconnect coupling
FR2327459A1 (en) SEALING DEVICE FOR STOPPERS
KR950009033A (en) Non-spill type double valve system
AU7374587A (en) Device for suppressing pressure surges in pipe systems, in particular plumbing installations.
US3626770A (en) Back-up seal for bellows
CA2071450A1 (en) Pig-compatible three-way butterlfy valve
US3185435A (en) Valve construction
US3038485A (en) Butterfly supported frangible disc valve
DE3664101D1 (en) Insulated canister provided with an elastic sealing
US3806134A (en) Seal for a pneumatic actuator
US3430801A (en) Closure for a high pressure vessel
SE8505883L (en) reducing valve
US3561826A (en) Hermetically-sealed transfer unit
GB1334592A (en) Flexible duct assemblies
SU979777A1 (en) Flexible reinforcnd hose
US2444113A (en) Fluidtight seal for flexible members
US3380745A (en) Rod seal
SU1180616A1 (en) Gate valve
KR870009144A (en) Hydraulic booster device
KR970702461A (en) Pipe coupling for plastic tubes
GB906958A (en) Improvements in fluid-tight packing rings
US2031440A (en) Bellows thermostat with flexible connecting means