Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to pushbutton actuators. More particularly, the invention encompasses a pushbutton 2 position twist release switch with integral LED and actuator. The invention also includes a pushbutton 3 position momentary switch with an integral LED and actuator. Another embodiment of the invention relates to a pushbutton 3 position maintained switch with an integral LED and actuator. The invention also includes various embodiments of the inventive pushbutton actuator of this invention. The inventive pushbutton also comprises a pushbutton knob that has ridges for the transmission and scattering of light for the LED in the module.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The instant patent application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/973,883, filed on Sep. 20, 2007, titled “Pushbutton 2 Position Twist Release With Integral LED Actuator,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/973,873, filed on Sep. 20, 2007, titled “Pushbutton 3 Position Momentary With Integral LED Actuator,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/973,868, filed on Sep. 20, 2007, titled “Pushbutton 3 Position Maintained With Integral LED Actuator,” the entire disclosures of each are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to pushbutton actuators. More particularly, the invention encompasses a pushbutton 2 position twist release switch with integral LED and actuator. The invention also includes a pushbutton 3 position momentary switch with an integral LED and actuator. Another embodiment of the invention relates to a pushbutton 3 position maintained switch with an integral LED and actuator. The invention also includes various embodiments of the inventive pushbutton actuator of this invention. The inventive pushbutton also comprises a pushbutton knob that has ridges for the transmission and scattering of light for the LED in the module. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Pushbutton switches are well known in the art. A typical pushbutton switch has a plunger guide housing in which a plunger can be manually moved in an axial direction against the force of a return spring. The pushbutton switch can be secured my means of a securing device, such as, screws, and are known to contain at least one moving contact. Several control elements can also be provided with these switches, and these control elements can be arranged, for example, in series in the direction of the motion of the plunger, so that the moving contacts can be brought from one switching position into another switching position. The control elements can also be designed so that a return spring can act on the actuator which presses the actuator against one end position, which could be, for example, a “rest position,” and then by manually pressing the plunger again the plunger moves the actuator from the “rest position,” against the force of the return spring into another end position, which could be, for example, a “working position.” 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,144 (Markus Kleeb), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a pushbutton switch that has a plunger guide housing in which a plunger is displaceably guided and on which control elements are detachably mounted on different sides of the plunger axis. Each control element is pushed onto a guide extending parallel to the direction of motion of the plunger and is held by a locking bolt which is rotatably mounted in the plunger guide housing. In each control element housing is mounted a spring-loaded actuator for displacement transverse to the direction of motion of the plunger, so that it can be moved by pressing the plunger from a rest position into a working position. This design has the effect that the forces produced primarily by the return springs of the actuators and transmitted over the actuators in their working position, do not exert a great force on the plunger extending parallel to the direction of motion of the plunger. 
     US Patent Publication No. 20070051602 (Jun-Ming Tan), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a sealed pushbutton switch (1) includes an insulative housing (2), a number of fixed contacts (7), an actuator (3) moveably retained in the insulative housing, a moveable contact (6) fastened to the actuator and including a pair of elastic beams (62) each provided with a contact portion (621) contactable to corresponding fixed contacts to establish a reliable electrical connection between the fixed contacts, and a spring (5) mounted below the actuator. When the actuator is pushed, the moveable contact has an agile movement to break the electrical connection between the moveable contact and the fixed contacts. 
     Thus, a need exists for an improved pushbutton actuator switch. 
     This invention overcomes the problems of the prior art and provides an inventive pushbutton actuator switch. 
     PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a novel pushbutton actuator switch. 
     Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a novel pushbutton switch having an integral LED and actuator. 
     Another purpose of this invention is to provide a pushbutton switch with a twist release and having an integral LED and actuator. 
     Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a pushbutton switch having a two position twist release with an integral LED and actuator. 
     Still yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a pushbutton switch having a two position maintained switch with an integral LED and actuator. 
     Another purpose of this invention is to provide a pushbutton switch having a two position momentary switch with an integral LED and actuator. 
     Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a pushbutton switch having a three position momentary switch with an integral LED and actuator. 
     Still yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a pushbutton switch having a three position maintained switch with an integral LED and actuator. 
     Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a pushbutton switch having a light with an integral LED and actuator. 
     Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a pushbutton actuator, comprising:
     (a) a push-pull body, wherein said push-pull body has a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion comprises of a substantially hollow cylindrical body, and said second portion comprises a substantially flat portion;   (b) at least one anti-rotational tab, wherein a portion of said tab is secured to said first portion and wherein a portion of said tab is secured to said second portion;   (c) a detent bearing, wherein said flat portion having an area to accommodate said detent bearing;   (d) a knob, wherein said first portion having an area to accommodate said knob;   (e) an actuator, wherein at least a portion of said actuator is enveloped within a hollow portion of said push-pull body,   (f) a module, wherein a portion of said module passes through said detent bearing, said first and said second portion of said push-pull body, and is in proximate contact with said actuator, and thereby forming said pushbutton actuator.   

     In another aspect this invention comprises a pushbutton actuator, comprising:
     (a) a push-pull body, wherein said push-pull body has a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion comprises of a substantially hollow cylindrical body, and said second portion comprises a substantially flat portion;   (b) at least one anti-rotational tab, wherein a portion of said tab is secured to said first portion and wherein a portion of said tab is secured to said second portion;   (c) a detent bearing, wherein said detent bearing has at least one vertically oriented opening to accommodate a vertical movement of a pusher, and at least one longitudinally oriented opening to accommodate a longitudinally oriented spring, and wherein said push-pull body has an area to accommodate said detent bearing;   (d) a knob, wherein said first portion having an area to accommodate said knob;   (e) an actuator, wherein at least a portion of said actuator is enveloped within a hollow portion of said push-pull body,   (f) a module, wherein a portion of said module passes through said detent bearing, said first and said second portion of said push-pull body, and is in proximate contact with said actuator, and thereby forming said pushbutton actuator.   

     In yet another aspect this invention comprises a pushbutton actuator, comprising:
     (a) a push-pull body, wherein said push-pull body has a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion comprises of a substantially hollow cylindrical body, and said second portion comprises a substantially flat portion;   (b) at least one anti-rotational tab, wherein a portion of said tab is secured to said first portion and wherein a portion of said tab is secured to said second portion;   (c) a detent bearing, wherein said flat portion having an area to accommodate said detent bearing;   (d) a knob, wherein said first portion having an area to accommodate said knob;   (e) an actuator, wherein at least a portion of said actuator is enveloped within a hollow portion of said push-pull body,   (f) a module, wherein a portion of said module passes through said actuator, said detent bearing, said first and said second portion of said push-pull body, and is in proximate contact with said knob, and wherein said detent bearing is in proximate contact with said module, and thereby forms said pushbutton actuator.   

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the invention that are novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Furthermore, like numbers represent like features in the drawings. The invention itself, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch having a two position twist release switch with an integral LED Module and actuator which is used to illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator along with a pusher and a spring according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged sectional side view of an exemplary actuator along with a pusher and a spring as assembled inside a push-pull body according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary push-pull body according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary push-pull body according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing along with a pusher and a spring according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged sectional perspective view of an exemplary actuator along with a pusher and a spring as assembled inside a push-pull body according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch having a two position maintained switch with an integral LED and Actuator which is used to illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator along with a pusher and a spring according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch having a two position momentary switch with an integral LED and Actuator which is used to illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch having a three position momentary switch with an integral LED and Actuator which is used to illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch having a three position maintained switch with an integral LED and Actuator which is used to illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator according to the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator along with a spring and actuator cap according to the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch having a light with an integral LED which is used to illustrate a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary tab washer from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary tab washer from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10 &amp; 13 . 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10 &amp; 13 . 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged side perspective view of an exemplary actuator according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 28  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary spring according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 29  is an enlarged side perspective view of an exemplary actuator and spring according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 30  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator along with a pusher and a spring according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 31  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator along with a pusher and a spring according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 32  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 33  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 34  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 35  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 36  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary inventive button to be used with the embodiments of this invention. 
         FIG. 37  is an enlarged detailed rear view of an exemplary inventive button to be used with this invention according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 36 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch  23 , having a two position twist release switch with an integral LED and Actuator which is used to illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The pushbutton switch  23 , as illustrated in detail in  FIGS. 1 through 9 , has a knob or button  10 , with or without markings  11 . The knob or button  10 , is preferably a mushroom head type button  10 . The button  10 , is preferably a twist-and-turn type of a button. At least one gasket or O-ring  12 , separates the button  10 , from Actuator  14 . The pushbutton switch  23 , has an actuator  30 , which is guided by the push-pull body  40 . A plurality of O-ring or gasket  16  is mounted on the actuator  30  to provide a seal between the actuator  30 , and the body  40 . The spring  18 , between the actuator  30 , and the body  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  28  and  29 , provides torsional and axial forces. Washer  22 , washer  24 , gasket  26  are provided between the locknut  14 , and the push-pull body  40 . The pushbutton switch  23 , also has a detent bearing  50 , that is between the push-pull body  40 , and a module  75 . The module  75 , has at least one LED  70 , and at least one first power connection  72 , and at least one second power connection  74 . The push-pull body  40 , has at least one first flat guide surface  47 , and at least one second flat guide surface  147 , and wherein at least one of the first flat guide surface  47 , terminates at an anti-rotational notch or tab  49 . The washer  22 , preferably has at least one guiding notch or bent tab  19 , and at least one guiding tab  13 , that can guide along one of the peripheral surfaces of the push-pull body  40 , such that, bent tab  19 , guides along the first flat guide surface  47 , and the guiding tab  13 , guides along the second flat guide surface  147 , and secures the gaskets  26 , and the washer  24 , to the push-pull body  40 . It should be appreciated that the second flat guide surface  147 , is preferably a substantially flat smooth area or surface and preferably there are no threads. Additionally, in order to prevent the rotation of the washer  24 , and the gasket  26 , it is preferred that the washer  24 , has at least one guiding notch  27 , and that the gasket  26 , has at least one guiding notch  29 . It should be appreciated that the bent tab  19 , faces the push-pull body  40 , and during assembly passes through the guiding notch  27 , and the guiding notch  29 , before coming to rest adjacent or near anti-rotational tab  49 . 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator  30 , along with at least one pusher  60 , and at least one pusher spring  69 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The pusher  60 , has round base or end  62 , which accommodates one end of the pusher spring  69 , and a center base  64 , which abuts one end of the spring  69 . The pusher  60 , has a male portion  66 , which extends from the center base  64 , and ends in a round or contoured end  68 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the actuator  30 , cap end  80 , and a substantially cylindrical portion  89 . The substantially cylindrical portion  89 , has a substantially inverted L-shaped channel  35 , and a substantially P-shaped channel  36 . The inverted L-shaped channel  35 , is defined by a back wall or stop  31 , and a front wall or stop  39 , and a first or back channel stop  32 , a mid-ramp  33 , a second or front channel stop  34 , and a side-ramp  35 . The P-shaped channel  36 , has a center island  37 , and a back stop  81 , so as to force a component to move in a P-shaped movement. However, for some applications one could have a Q-shaped channel  36 , as more clearly seen in  FIG. 31 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the contoured end  68 , of the pusher  60 , can move in a somewhat P-direction, by starting at the first or back channel stop  32 , moving up the mid-ramp  33 , into the second or front channel stop  34 , moving up the side-ramp  38 , over to the cylindrical portion  89 , and then back into first or back channel stop  32 , as the P-shaped channel  36 , only allows movement in a front and back direction or a square direction, and thus the pusher  60 , once in the inverted L-shaped channel  35 , would either stop a back stop  32 , or front stop  39 , or the component carrying the pusher  60 , will be stopped by the back stop  81 . 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged sectional side view of an exemplary actuator  30 , along with at least one pusher  60 , and at least one spring  69 , as assembled inside a push-pull body  40 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 3 , one can also clearly see that one of the flat guide surface  47 , terminates at the anti-rotational notch or tab  49 , of the push-pull body  40 . The sectional side view of  FIG. 3 , also shows the contoured end  68 , of the pusher  60 , resting inside the front stop  39 , of the inverted L-shaped channel  35 , while the pusher  60 , and the spring  69 , are contained inside a spring channel  44 , in the push-pull body  40 . During assembly the gasket  26 , having notch  29 , is slid along the flat surface  47 , and positioned over the tab  49 . Next the washer  24 , having notch  27 , is slid along the flat surface  47 , and positioned over the tab  49 . This is followed by placing the washer  22 , having the notch  29 , which is then slid along the flat surface  47 , and positioned over the tab  49 . Because each of the notches  29 ,  27  and  19 , rest and are nested on the tab  49 , the tab  49 , acts as an anti-rotational device and prevents the rotation of the components, such as, for example washer  22 , washer  24 , and the gasket  26 . 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing  50 , from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The detent bearing  50 , has a substantially central hole or opening  55 , having at least one track or channel  53 . The detent bearing  50 , preferably has at least one pusher support  56 , have an opening or hole  54 , and a brace  58 , to guide the center base  66 , along with the pusher spring  69 . The detent bearing  50 , also has at least one extension or wing  52 , that guides and secures the detent bearing  50 , inside a corresponding channel or opening  42 , in the push-pull body  40 . The central opening  55 , preferably has at least one track or protrusion or channel  53 , that guides and secures the P-shaped channel  36 , in the actuator  30 . For some applications the push-pull body  40 , has a hole or opening  116 , to securely accommodate the end  115 , of the spring  13 , as clearly seen in  FIG. 28 . 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing  50 , from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . For some applications one could have a side brace  57 , to support the brace  58 . 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary push-pull body  40 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  The push-pull body  40 , preferably has at least one channel or opening  42 , to guide and secure the corresponding extension or wing  52 , of the detent bearing  50 . The push-pull body  40 , also has at least one opening or channel  44 , to guide and secure a portion of the pusher  60 , and the pusher spring  69 , such that, the brace  58 , of the detent bearing  50 , rests against a face  48 , in the push-pull body  40 . The central opening  45 , preferably has at least one tab or protrusion  43 , that guides and secures the P-shaped channel  36 , in the actuator  30 . 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary push-pull body  40 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing  50 , along with a pusher  60 , and a spring  69 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged sectional perspective view of an exemplary actuator  30 , along with a pusher  60 , and a spring  69 , as assembled inside a push-pull body  40 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch  123 , having a two position maintained switch with an integral LED and Actuator which is used to illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. The pushbutton switch  123 , is similar to the pushbutton switch  23 , except that the actuator  130 , and the actuator spring  118 , are different then ones illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Knob or button  110 , is preferably a mushroom head type button  110 . The button  110 , is preferably a push-pull type of a button. As one can see that the button  110 , does not have any markings  11 , such as, arrows  11 , which would indicate twist-type or rotational motion, therefore, this type of a button  110 , is more likely to be a pull-type or push-type or a push-pull-type button  110 . 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator  130 , along with a pusher  60 , and a spring  69 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The actuator  130 , having a central opening  185 , has an cap end  180 , and a substantially cylindrical portion  189 . 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator  130 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  the substantially cylindrical portion  189 , has a substantially inverted I-shaped channel  135 , and a first channel  136 , and a second channel  137 , wherein at least a portion of the first channel  136 , is connected to at least a portion of the second channel  137 . The I-shaped channel  135 , is defined by a back wall or stop  131 , and a front wall or stop  139 , and a first or back channel stop  132 , a first or back ramp  133 , a second or front ramp  138 , and a second or front channel stop  134 . The second channel  137 , and a back stop  181 , so as to force a component to move in forward, backward and side motion only. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the contoured end  68 , of the pusher  60 , can move in a forward and backward direction only, as it can start at the first or back channel stop  132 , moving up the back-ramp  133 , over the front ramp  138 , and into the second or front channel stop  134 , or back into the first or back channel stop  32 , as the I-shaped channel  136 , only allows movement in a front and back direction or in a sideways direction, but the pusher  60 , once in the I-shaped channel  135 , would either stop at the back stop  132 , or at the front stop  139 , or the TAB  43  on the Body  40 , will be stopped by the back stop  181 , in the second channel  137 . 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch  125 , having a two position momentary switch with an integral LED and actuator  130 , which is used to illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. The pushbutton switch  125 , is similar to the pushbutton switch  123 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , except that the detent bearing  50 , is inserted inside the push-pull body  40 , without the pusher  60 , or the spring  69 , this allows the pushbutton switch  125 , to be engaged momentarily while force is being exerted on the button or knob  110 , as the actuator spring  118 , will bring the pushbutton switch  125 , back to its original position of being either engaged or disengaged, depending on how the pushbutton switch  125 , is being used. 
       FIG. 14  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch  223 , having a three position momentary switch with an integral LED and actuator  230 , which is used to illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this fourth embodiment the knob I  10 , when pushed or pressed would engage the assembly  223 , for a moment and once the force of pushing or pressing is removed the assembly  223 , would revert to its previous state. A more detailed view of the inventive actuator  230 , can be seen in  FIG. 35 , and the discussion appears in the text related to  FIG. 35 . For the ease of understanding the second pusher  60 , with pusher spring  69 , that goes into hole  54 , in the detent bearing  250 , is not shown. 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch  225 , having a three position maintained switch with an integral LED and actuator  240 , which is used to illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this fifth embodiment the knob  110 , when pushed or pressed would engage the assembly  225 , for a moment and once the force of pushing or pressing is removed the assembly  225 , would maintain it current position and not revert to its previous state. A more detailed view of the inventive actuator  240 , can be seen in  FIG. 16 ,  FIG. 17 , and  FIG. 34 , and the discussion appears in the text the corresponds to  FIGS. 16 ,  17 , and  34 . For the ease of understanding the second pusher  60 , with pusher spring  69 , that goes into hole  54 , in the detent bearing  250 , is not shown. 
       FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator  240 , according to the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The actuator  240 , has a central hole or opening  285 , a substantially cylindrical portion  289 , having a channel  235 , that terminates at a notch  231 , proximate to a brace  238 . The brace  238 , could have a side brace  237 . The channel  235 , allows the pusher  60 , to move forward, backward and sideways in the channel  235 . 
       FIG. 17  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator  240 , along with a side spring  269 , and a actuator cap  280 , according to the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 18  is an exploded view of an exemplary pushbutton switch  323 , having a light with an integral LED and actuator which is used to illustrate a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The components for the Pilot Light  323 , are similar to the ones illustrated earlier except that the button or knob  310 , and the push-pull body  340 , are different. The push-pull body  340 , does not have a anti-rotational notch or tab  49 , however, that feature can now be done using a tab washer  22 , as more clearly seen with reference to  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 20 . Locknut  14 , is threaded on to the threads of push pull body  340 . Knob  310 , which is also called a lens  310 , is threaded into the locknut  14 , from the right side or end. Once installed, unlike the previous switches, there is no relative movement between the lens  310 , and the locknut  14 . 
       FIG. 19  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary tab washer  22 , from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 18 . The tab washer  22 , has a central opening  315 , having at least one tab or notch  13 . The tab washer  22 , preferably has at least one tab  19 , that is preferably bent out of the inner peripheral material of the tab washer  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . The base of the tab  19 , guides along the flat surface  147 , and passes through notches  27  and  29 , in the washer  24 , and gasket  26 , respectively. Because the tab  19 , sits on the flat surface  147 , it acts as an anti-rotational device and prevents the rotation of the components, such as, for example washer  22 , washer  24 , and the gasket  26 . 
       FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary tab washer  22 , from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 21  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing  50 , from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 22  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing  50 , from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 23  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing  150 , from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 24  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing  150 , from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 25  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing  250 , from a front side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 26  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary detent bearing  250 , from a back side according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 27  is an enlarged side perspective view of an exemplary actuator  30 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The actuator  30 , preferably has at least one hole or opening  121 , to accommodate one end of the spring  13 , and to prevent the spring  13 , from rotating. 
       FIG. 28  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary spring  13 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . It is preferred that a first end  113 , of the spring  13 , is bent inwardly, and is at an angle to the radial plane of the spring  13 , while the second end  115 , is bent upwardly, and is almost perpendicular to the radial plane of the spring  13 . 
       FIG. 29  is an enlarged side perspective view of an exemplary actuator  30 , and the spring  13 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , such that the first end  113 , is inside the hole or opening  121 , and thus the spring  13 , is prevented from rotating. The spring  13 , will of course have lateral movement but no appreciable rotational movement. 
       FIG. 30  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator  330 , along with a pusher  60 , and a spring  69 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , where the actuator  330 , is similar to the actuator  30 , but the layout is a little bit different, for example, the actuator  330 , does not have a back stop  31 , but rather a ramp  132 , for the passage of the pusher  60 , and then a back stop  189 , to prevent the pusher  60 , from sliding back out of the actuator  330 . The actuator  330 , also has a wall area  140 , having a backstop  81 , which is similar to the back stop  81 , discussed with reference to  FIG. 2 . The actuator  330 , can be used in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , as a replacement for actuator  30 . 
       FIG. 31  is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary actuator  330 , along with a pusher  60 , and a spring  69 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 30 . The channel  36 , is a Q-shaped channel  36 , with a center island  37 , a back stop  81 , and a wall area  140 . 
       FIG. 32  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator  130 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 33  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator  130 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 34  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator  230 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 . As stated earlier that the actuator  230 , has a central hole or opening  285 , and a substantially cylindrical portion  289 , having a channel  245 , that terminates at a notch  231 , proximate to a brace  238 . The brace  238 , could have a side brace  237 . The channel  245 , allows the pusher  60 , to move forward, backward and sideways in the channel  245 . The actuator  230 , has an area  242 , which is defined by a first sloping wall  246 , and a second sloping wall  244 . The actuator  230 , could have a substantially radially flat area  243 , adjacent the second sloping wall  244 . Basically, the outer cylindrical surface of the actuator  230 , forms three zones, the first zone is formed by the surface  244 , which allows the pusher  60 , to ride up momentarily while there is force on the knob  10 ,  10 ,  310 ,  350 , the second zone is formed by the surface  242 , which is also the default zone  242 , as the pusher  60 , resides there and is held there, especially, due to the force of the pusher springs  69 , and the third zone is formed by the positive sloping wall  246 , which allows the pusher  60 , to ride up momentarily while there is force on the knob  10 ,  110 ,  310 ,  350 . However, as one can appreciate that the channel  245 , allows an unimpeded movement of the pusher  60 , from zone to zone. The channel  245 , also allows the sideways movement of the pusher  60 , into zone two  242 . 
       FIG. 35  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary actuator  240 , according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 . As stated earlier that the actuator  240 , has a central hole or opening  285 , and a substantially cylindrical portion  289 , having a channel  235 , that terminates at a notch  231 , proximate to a brace  238 . The brace  238 , could have a side brace  237 . The channel  235 , allows the pusher  60 , to move forward, backward and sideways in the channel  235 . The actuator  240 , has a sloping wall  233 , such that it forms a first area or valley  232 , and a second area or valley  234 , such that the first area  232 , is defined with the sloping wall  233 , and a wall  236 , and that the second area  234 , is defined by the sloping wall  233 , and a wall  239 . Basically, the outer cylindrical surface of the actuator  240 , forms three zones, the first zone is formed by the surface  234 , which allows the pusher  60 , to stay in place when the force from the knob  10 ,  110 ,  310 ,  350 , moves it into the first zone, the second zone is formed by the surface  232 , which is also the default zone  232 , as the pusher  60 , resides there and is held there, especially, due to the force of the pusher springs  69 , and the third zone is formed by the positive sloping wall  236 , which allows the pusher  60 , to ride up momentarily while there is force on the knob  10 ,  110 ,  310 ,  350 . The first zone  234 , is separated from the second zone  232 , by the sloping wall  233 , which forces the pusher head to either move and stay inside zone one or move and stay inside zone two. However, as one can appreciate that the channel  235 , allows an unimpeded movement of the pusher  60 , from zone to zone. The channel  235 , also allows the sideways movement of the pusher  60 , into either zone one  234 , or zone two  232 . 
       FIG. 36  is an enlarged perspective detailed view of an exemplary inventive button  350 , to be used with the embodiments of this invention. The button  350 , preferably has a mushroom type shape  352 , and preferably on the outer surface could have markings  354 . The button  350 , could also be provided with knurls or ridges  356 , which would preferably run along the outer peripheral surface of the button  350 , and would make it easier to grip the button  350 , especially during operations. The button could also have a body  358 , having a hollow interior or a blind hole  360 . 
       FIG. 37  is an enlarged detailed rear view of an exemplary inventive button  350 , to be used with this invention according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 36 . As one can clearly see that on the inside surface of the hollow interior or blind hole  360 , the body  358 , could be provided with interior knurls or ridges or splines  366 . The interior knurls or ridges or splines  366 , would help in scattering the light received from an LED in the LED module  75 , especially, when the button  350 , is made from a material that is transparent or translucent. 
     The button  350 , could also be used in embodiments that require a push-pull type button  350 , however, for those situations one would most probably not need the knurls or ridges  356 , or the markings  354 , that indicate a twist-type or rotational motion. 
     The actuator  30 , is preferably made of an electrically insulating material, wherein the electrically insulating material is selected from a group comprising, Teflon, nylon, plastic, composite material, and combination thereof, to name a few. 
     The tab or notch  49 , in the push-pull body  40 , to accommodate the washers  22 ,  24 , and gaskets  26 , is preferably has a shape which is selected from a group comprising, a trapezoidal shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, and combination thereof, to name a few. 
     The locknut  14 , is preferably made from material selected from a group comprising, stainless steel, steel, metallic material, plastic, rubber, composite, and combination thereof, to name a few. 
     The washer  22  or washer  24 , is preferably made from material selected from a group comprising, stainless steel, steel, metallic material, plastic, rubber, composite, and combination thereof, to name a few. 
     The gasket  12  or gasket  26 , is preferably made from material selected from a group comprising, stainless steel, steel, metallic material, plastic, rubber, composite, and combination thereof, to name a few. 
     The detent bearing  50 , is preferably made from material selected from a group comprising, stainless steel, steel, metallic material, plastic, rubber, composite, and combination thereof, to name a few. 
     The push-pull body  40 , is preferably made from material selected from a group comprising, stainless steel, steel, metallic material, plastic, rubber, composite, and combination thereof, to name a few. 
     The actuator  30 , is preferably made from material selected from a group comprising, stainless steel, steel, metallic material, plastic, rubber, composite, and combination thereof, to name a few. 
     While the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.