Patent ID: 9478372
Filing Date: 2016-10-25
CPC Classification: H01H

Claim Text:
1. A normally-open switch, comprising: a housing that defines an internal cavity; a push button that is mounted for movement with respect to the housing; a stationary terminal; a moveable terminal that includes a first portion that is rigidly secured in the housing and a second portion that extends from the first portion in a cantilever arrangement, wherein, when a distal end of the second portion of the moveable terminal is in contact with the stationary terminal, the moveable terminal completes a circuit; and one or more positive stops that engage the stationary terminal; wherein, when a force is applied to the push button, the distal end of the second portion of the moveable terminal deflects and moves in a first direction, and then makes contact with the stationary terminal, thus closing the circuit; wherein, when the force is released, the distal end of the second portion of the moveable terminal moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and breaks contact with the stationary terminal, thus opening the circuit; and wherein, the one or more positive stops apply pressure to and resist movement of the stationary terminal in the second direction, and thus maintain a predetermined position of the stationary terminal, but do not interfere with or impede the moveable terminal.