Frank E Freeman

US Patent:

6400246, Jun 4, 2002

Filed:

Dec 20, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/029480

Inventors:

Scott Allen Hill - Phoenix AZ
Frank Freeman - Gilbert AZ

Assignee:

Duraswitch Industries, Inc. - Mesa AZ

International Classification:

H01H 900

US Classification:

335205, 335206, 200512

Abstract:

An electrical switch, such as an automotive power window up/down switch, has an electrically conductive dual armature that is normally magnetically held in coupled engagement with a sheet magnet. The dual armature, a rectangular piece of metal, has first and second free ends. If a user applied force acts on the first free end of the dual armature, then the first free end breaks away from the sheet magnet and travels into first electrical contacts that are normally spaced from the dual armature, and the second free end functions as a fulcrum for the dual armature. Conversely, if a user applied force acts on the second free end, then the second free end breaks away from the sheet magnet and travels into second electrical contacts that are normally spaced from the dual armature, and the first free end functions as a fulcrum for the dual armature. Preferably, there is a physical barrier that prevents simultaneous actuation of the two switching functions.