Patent Publication Number: US-7709761-B1

Title: Electrical device cradle with multiple integral support regions

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The application is related to the following co-pending applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/689,323, entitled “Actuator Assembly,” filed on Mar. 21, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,595,460; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/689,309, entitled “Toggle Flange,” filed on Mar. 21, 2007; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/689,300, entitled “Flipper Mechanism,” filed on Mar. 21, 2007; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/689,292, entitled “Slip Connection,” filed on Mar. 21, 2007, the complete disclosures of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference 
   BACKGROUND 
   The disclosure relates in general to electrical devices, such as, for example, combination devices. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a duplex style combination device. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of another perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 , with the top housing and toggle removed. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of an exploded view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of a perspective view of a bottom housing and mounting strap depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of a perspective view of a common terminal depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of a perspective view of a cradle depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of a perspective view of a joined cradle and common terminal depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of a perspective view of a flipper and spring depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 9  is an illustration of a perspective view of the flipper and contact terminals depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are illustrations of perspective views of an exemplary toggle. 
       FIG. 11  is another illustration of a perspective view of the toggle depicted in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  with a spring. 
       FIG. 12  is an illustration of a perspective view of another exemplary toggle. 
       FIG. 13  is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the upper housing depicted in  FIG. 2  and the toggle depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 14  is an illustration of the upper housing depicted in  FIG. 2  and the toggle depicted in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  are illustrations of the flipper mechanism in alternate contact positions. 
       FIG. 16  is an illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a decorator style combination device. 
       FIG. 17  is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the device of  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 18  is an illustration of a perspective view of a flipper depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 19  is an illustration of a perspective view of a spring depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 20  is an illustration of a perspective view of an actuator depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 21  is an illustration of a perspective view of the actuator of  FIG. 20  and a paddle. 
       FIG. 22  is an illustration of a perspective view of an actuator assembly. 
       FIGS. 23A and 23B  are illustrations of side views of the actuator assembly in alternate contact positions. 
       FIG. 24  is an illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a three-single pole decorator style combination device. 
       FIG. 25  is an illustration of another perspective view of the device of  FIG. 24  with the top housing and paddles removed. 
       FIG. 26  is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of some of the components of  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 27  is an illustration of a perspective view of a common terminal depicted in  FIG. 26 . 
       FIG. 28  is an illustration of a perspective view of a switch terminal depicted in  FIG. 26 . 
       FIG. 29  is an illustration of a perspective view of a cradle depicted in  FIG. 26 . 
       FIG. 30  is an illustration of a perspective view of a bottom housing depicted in  FIG. 26 . 
       FIG. 31  is an illustration of a perspective view of a bottom housing of an alternative embodiment of a three-single pole decorator style combination device. 
       FIG. 32  is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of some of the components of  FIG. 29 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an electrical device is shown as a combination device and generally referred to by the reference numeral  10  and includes a top housing  12  and a bottom housing  14  coupled thereto. A mounting strap  16  extends between or around the top housing  12  and the bottom housing  14  and in some embodiments, assists with coupling the top housing  12  to the bottom housing  14 . An opening  18  is formed in the top housing  12  for receiving an assembly screw  19  ( FIG. 2 ) that permits connection of the combination device  10  to a typical wall outlet cover plate (not shown). The top housing  12  further includes a receptacle outlet portion  20  adapted to receive a two-prong or three-prong electrical plug, and includes a switch portion  22  adapted to cooperate with a switching component, such as a toggle  24 . 
   A load terminal screw  26   a  and common terminal screws  28   a  and  28   b  are disposed on a first side of the bottom housing  14 . Similar load terminal screws  26   b  and  26   c  are disposed on the opposing side of the bottom housing  14 , along with a ground screw  30 , as is shown in  FIG. 2 . Depending upon the desired combination, each of the load terminal screws  26  may be a hot or a neutral terminal screw, and each of the common terminal screws  28  may be a neutral or hot terminal screw. The ground screw  30  is coupled to the mounting strap  16 . Guide pockets  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c  extend from the top housing  12  over the terminal screws for use when backwiring. Similar guide pockets may be found on the opposing side of the combination device  10 . 
     FIG. 2  shows an exemplary embodiment of the combination device  10  having the top housing  12  and the toggle  24  removed from the bottom housing  14 . This may be achieved by disengaging the mounting strap  16  and breaking any ultrasonic welds. Inside the bottom housing  14 , components of the combination device  10  are arranged to provide a combination of functionality. In this embodiment, the components are arranged to provide switching through the switch  22  and electrical outlet power through the receptacle outlet  20 . 
   The components of the combination device  10  include receptacle outlet components  34 , switch components  36 , and an assembly screw bore  38 . 
   The receptacle outlet and switch components  34 ,  36  are described with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIG. 3  shows the switch components  36  in an exploded view. The receptacle outlet components  34  include a receptacle terminal  40 , a common terminal  42 , and a ground contact  44 . The receptacle terminal  40  includes first receptacle contacts  46  configured to receive a first prong of an electrical plug (not shown) and extends from the first receptacle contacts  46  to a load terminal  48 . The load terminal  48  includes the load terminal screw  26   c  threadably engaged with a backwire clamp  50   a  and also threadably engaged with the receptacle terminal  40 . The common terminal  42  includes second receptacle contacts  52  configured to receive a second prong of the electrical plug (not shown) and extends from the second receptacle contacts  52  to a common load terminal  54   a  and a common load terminal  54   b . The common load terminals  54   a ,  54   b  include the common terminal screws  28   b ,  28   a  threadably engaged with backwire clamps  50   b ,  50   e  and with the common terminal  42 . The ground contact  44  is configured receive a ground prong of an electrical plug (not shown) and electrically communicates with the mounting strap  16 . 
   The switch components  36  include the toggle  24 , common terminal  42 , a cradle  56 , a flipper  58 , a spring  60 , and switch terminals  62   a ,  62   b . Load terminals  64   a ,  64   b , including backwire clamps  50   c ,  50   d  and the load terminal screws  26   a ,  26   b , electrically communicate with the switch terminals  62   a ,  62   b.    
     FIG. 4  shows an exemplary embodiment of the bottom housing  14 , which includes a receptacle portion for housing the receptacle outlet components  34  and a switch portion for housing the switch components  36 . It also includes a slot  66   a  for the switch terminal  62   a , slot  66   b  for the switch terminal  62   b , slots  66   c  and  66   d  for the common terminal  42 , and slot  66   e  for the receptacle terminal  40 . Transversely extending cradle support posts  68   a ,  68   b , which in this embodiment appear as walls, are configured to receive and support the cradle  56 . These posts include stepped levels forming a cradle boundary level  70 , a support level  72 , and a receiving level  74 . The boundary level  70  is formed to limit longitudinal or transverse movement of the cradle  56  relative to the bottom housing  14 . Accordingly, the boundary level  70  is formed to fit adjacent to sides of the cradle  56  and physically block movement of the cradle  56 . The support level  72  of the cradle support posts  68   a ,  68   b  interfaces with a bottom side of the cradle  56  when the bottom housing  14  is lying flat, as in the exemplary configuration shown. The receiving level  74  forms a gap in the support level  72 . This receiving level  72  receives a downwardly extending U-shaped portion of the cradle  56 . 
   The cradle support post  68   a  includes a low wall  76  forming a gap at one side of the boundary level  70  that allows a portion of the cradle  56  to extend to and interface with the common terminal  42 , as is described further below. Adjacent the cradle support post  68   b , the housing includes a portion formed as rubber bumpers  78  configured to dampen and cushion movement of the toggle  24 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 5 , in this exemplary embodiment, the common terminal  42  includes an outlet portion  80  and a switch portion  82 . These portions  80 ,  82  are connected by a break-off tab  84  that allows an installer to customize the combination device  10  to provide a desired functionality. For example, with the break-off tab  84  in place as shown, the receptacle outlet components  34  and the switch components  36  may be optionally wired to electrically communicate to provide selective power to the outlet components  34  through the switch components  36 . Other wiring configurations are contemplated. Alternatively, the break-off tab  84  may be removed to isolate the outlet portion  80  and the switch portion  82  of the common terminal  42 , thereby isolating the receptacle outlet components  34  from the switch components  36 . 
   The outlet portion  80  includes the second receptacle contacts  52  described above. It should be noted however, that other configurations of the second receptacle contacts  52 , as well as the first receptacle contacts  46 , are contemplated. The switch portion  82  includes a main wall  86 , a slip receiver  90 , and a bend (not shown) connecting the main wall and the slip receiver. In this embodiment, the main wall  86 , the bend, and the slip receiver  90  are all formed of a single conductive sheet, stamped and formed to create the common terminal  42 . The main wall  86  includes an upper edge  92 , a side edge  94 , and a screw receiving portion  96 , such as an aperture or a slot, for receiving the common terminal screw  28   a . In the embodiment shown, the slip receiver  90  connects to the main wall  86  at the bend and extends at an angle between 70° and 90° from the main wall  86 . Accordingly, the bend may form up to a right angle. In other embodiments, other angles both larger and smaller are contemplated. In this embodiment, the main wall side edge  94  extends less than the total height of the main wall  86 , with the side edge  94  ending at the bend. The slip receiver  90  is configured to cooperate with the cradle  56  to form a slip connection. In this embodiment, the slip receiver  90  is U-shaped and includes a first wall  98  connected to the bend and a second wall  100  configured to lie adjacent the first wall  98 . The first and second walls  98 ,  100  may be formed of a single plate and bent to form the U-shaped slip receiver  90 , thereby forming an integral bridge  99  between the first and second walls  98 ,  100 . Accordingly, the second wall  100  is not attached at its sides to the main wall, but instead connects to the first wall  98  only at the bridge  99 . In this embodiment, the second wall  100  is disposed closer to the screw receiving portion  96  than the first wall  98 , and the second wall includes a first portion  101  and a second portion  102 . The first portion  101  is formed to be substantially parallel to the first wall  98  and is spaced a first distance from the first wall  98 . The second portion  102  extends from the first portion  101  and also is substantially parallel to the first wall  98 . The second portion  102  is spaced a second distance from the first wall  98 , with the distance from the first portion  101  to the first wall  98  being greater than distance from the second portion  102  to the first wall  98 . Upper edge portions  103   a ,  103   b  of the first and second walls  98 ,  100  diverge and are flared to receive a connecting component, such as a portion of the cradle  56 , as is described below. 
   An exemplary embodiment of the cradle  56  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 6 . The cradle  56  includes a ring-like body portion  104  and a connecting portion  106 . A transition portion  108  connects the body and connecting portions  104 ,  106 . The body portion  104  includes an outer perimeter edge  110 , an inner edge  112  defining a central aperture  114 , and upper and lower surfaces  116 ,  118 . The body portion  104  is formed to include a plurality of U-shaped troughs  120   a ,  120   b  on opposing sides of the central aperture  114 . The cradle  56  is configured to fit within the bottom housing  14  so that the U-shaped troughs  120  fit within the receiving levels  74  ( FIG. 4 ), at least a portion of the lower surface  118  is configured to rest on the support level  72  ( FIG. 4 ), and the outer perimeter edge  110  lies adjacent the boundary level  70  ( FIG. 4 ). 
   The connecting portion  106  is a plate-like, rectangular-shaped conductor configured to interface with the common terminal  42 . It extends downwardly, well below the level of the body portion  104 , so that it extends away from the body portion  104  and the transition portion  108 . The transition portion  108  extends from an upper portion  122  of the connecting portion  106  to one side of the body portion  104 . When in the bottom housing  14 , the transition portion  108  extends through the gap formed over the low wall  76  in the cradle support post  68   a  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     FIG. 7  shows an exemplary embodiment of the common terminal  42  connected to the cradle  56  to form a slip connection  124 . In this embodiment, the connecting portion  106  is introduced into the top portion of the slip receiver  90 , between the diverging upper edge portions  103   a ,  103   b . As the connecting portion  90  is introduced, the first and second walls  98 ,  100  may be formed to elastically deform to separate and receive the connecting portion  106 . Thus, the first and second walls  98 ,  100  may be configured to apply an elastic returning force against the connecting portion  106 , thereby maintaining electrical contact with the connecting portion  106 . 
   Inserting the connecting portion  106  within the U-shaped slip receiver  90  provides electrical communication between the common terminal  42  and the cradle  56 . This arrangement allows displacement of the connecting portion  106  relative to the common terminal  42 , while still maintaining the electrical connection. The connecting portion  106  can be moved in any direction along its plane relative to the slip receiver  90 , including longitudinally and laterally. Because the connection is not fixed, the cradle  56  may be oriented and manipulated to fit properly within the outer housing  14  on the cradle support posts  68  while still maintaining a solid mechanical and electrical joint with the common terminal  42 . This also gives leverage to adjust the cradle  56  in the bottom housing  14 . 
   In other embodiments, the common terminal includes the connecting portion and the cradle includes the slip receiver. In some such embodiments, the slip receiver may be flipped so that the receiving portion is introduced into the slip receiver from a bottom portion, rather than from a top portion, as described. Other arrangements are contemplated. 
     FIG. 8  shows exemplary embodiments of the flipper  58  and spring  60 . The flipper  58  is U-shaped having arms  126   a ,  126   b  connected by a bridge  128 . The arms  126  include oppositely protruding engagement elements  130  having lower cradle interfacing edges  132 . The flipper  58  may be sized to fit through the central aperture  114  of the cradle  56 , while the protruding engagement elements  130  fit into the U-shaped troughs  120  in the cradle body portion  104 . Accordingly, the cradle interfacing edges  132  of the flipper  58  physically engage and electrically communicate with the upper surface  116  of the U-shaped troughs  120  of the cradle  56 . 
   The bridge  128  includes a centrally disposed electrical contact  134 . It extends through the bridge  128  and is configured to make an electrical connection on either the front side of the flipper  58  or the opposing back side (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the electrical contact  134  is a double-sided silver contact rivet. The bridge  128  includes a spring interface portion  136  protruding upwardly between the arms  126 . The spring interface portion  136  has a width W 1  at a base  138  and a width W 2  at a central region  140 . The flipper is configured to rock within the cradle to move into and out of contact with the switch terminals  62   a ,  62   b . This is explained in greater detail below. 
   The spring  60  interfaces with the flipper  58  and the toggle  24 . One end  142  attaches over the spring interface portion  136 . The spring  60  has a diameter that elastically deforms to fit over the central region  140  and that fits closely over the base  138 . Accordingly, the spring  60  may be placed over the spring interface portion  136  during assembly and held in place by the central region  140  by interference. 
     FIG. 9  shows an exemplary embodiment of the flipper  58  relative to the switch terminals  62   a ,  62   b . The switch terminals each include an arm  143   a - b  supporting an electrical contact portion  144   a - b . This contact portion  144  is arranged selective electrical contact with the electrical contact  134  of the flipper  58 . The flipper  58  is configured to rock back forth, as controlled by the toggle  24  and spring  60 , to make selective contact with either the electrical contact portion  144   a  or electrical contact portion  144   b . In some embodiments, the arm  143  is configured differently than shown. For example, in the embodiment shown, the arm  143  is configured to extend flat along the bottom housing  14 . In other exemplary embodiments, the arm  143  is configured to be perpendicular to that shown, so that the contact portion  144  is located substantially as shown, but the supporting arm  143  extends at a side of the contact portion  144 . 
   One exemplary embodiment of the toggle  24  is described with reference to  FIGS. 10-14 . The toggle  24  includes a lever portion  150 , a base portion  152 , and switching elements  154 . The lever portion  150  and at least part of the base portion  152  protrude upwardly out of the top housing  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The base portion  152  is relatively rectangular in shape, having two relatively long sides  156   a - b  and two relatively short sides  158   a - b.    
   A flange  160  protrudes outwardly from the relatively long and short sides  156 ,  158 . This flange  160  is configured to cooperate with the top housing  12  to restrict or limit visibility into the housing so that any arcing and sparking within the housing is less visible to a person flipping the toggle  24 . The flange  160  protrudes outwardly from a bottom edge  159  ( FIG. 11 ) of each of the long and short sides  156 ,  158 . On each of the long sides  156   a - b , the flange  160  extends along the bottom edge  159  for only a portion of the length of the side  156   a - b . The flange  160  increases the overall width and length of the base portion  152  of the toggle  24 . Referring to  FIG. 10A , the toggle  24 , with the flange  160  is formed to have a width W 1  and a length L 1 . 
   The switching elements  154  interface with the top housing  12  and the switch components  36  to operate the switch  22 . The switching elements  154  include pivot pins  162 , a rotation limiter  164  having stop surfaces  166 , side wall portions  168 , and a protruding spring interface portion  170 . The side wall portions  168  extend generally within a same plane as the long sides  156  of the base portion  152 , along opposing sides of the spring interface portion  170 . A cutout  172 , extending toward the lever portion  150 , is included in the side wall portions  168  and is sized to receive at least a portion of the arms  126  of the flipper  58 . 
   The pivot pins  162  extend outwardly from the side wall portions. The pivot pins  162  are cylindrical protrusions extending from opposing sides of the toggle  24  and are configured to interface with the top housing  12  to pivotally secure the toggle  24  in its operative position. The rotation limiter  164  extends on either side of one of the pivot pins  162 , and the stop surface  166  is configured to interface with the rubber bumpers  78  in the bottom housing to limit the amount of rotation of the toggle  24 . 
   The spring interface portion  170  protrudes out of the base portion  152  away from the lever portion  150  and is configured to interface with an end  174  of the spring  60 . The spring interface portion includes a center protrusion  176  and a shoulder portion  178 . The end  174  of the spring  60  extends around the center protrusion  176  and rests on the shoulder portion  178 . Reinforcement portions  180  extend along at least a part of the spring interface portion. 
   As best seen in the exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 10B , the flange  160  protrudes up to and ends at the rotation limiter  164  along one long side  156   a , and as best seen in  FIG. 10A , the flange  160  includes a first portion extending along the bottom edge  159  of the long side  156   b  and a second portion that angles from the bottom edge  159  of the base portion  152  toward the lever  150  to the pivot pin  162 . This flange  160 , in cooperation with the rotation limiter  164 , as explained above, acts as the shield to limit the visibility of arcing that may occur within the combination device  10  as the switch is flipped. 
     FIG. 12  shows another exemplary embodiment of the toggle  24 . In this exemplary embodiment, the toggle  24  may be formed to include any or all of the features described above, but in this case, the flange  160  extends along only the two relatively long sides  156   a - b  of the base portion  152 . Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the flange  160  increases the overall minimum width of the toggle  24 , but does not increase the overall length. The flange  160  in  FIG. 12  may include any of the features described above, but is shown as not extending along the relatively short sides  158   a - b.    
     FIGS. 13 and 14  show examples of the flange  160  in operation to limit or block a user&#39;s view into the combination device  10  through a toggle aperture  182  in the top housing  12 . In  FIG. 13 , the top housing  12  is shown in cross-section and includes the toggle aperture  182 . In  FIG. 14 , the top housing  12  is shown with the toggle  24  in an isometric view. Referring to both  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the top housing  12  includes a top surface  186 , a bottom surface  188 , and an aperture wall  190  that defines the toggle aperture  182 . As best seen in  FIG. 14 , the aperture wall  190  includes faces  192   a - d , with two of the aperture faces  192   a ,  192   b  being relatively shorter and two of the aperture faces  192   c ,  192   d  being relatively longer. The longer faces  192   c ,  192   d  have a length L 2  and the shorter faces have a width W 2 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , the shorter inner faces  192   a ,  192   b  are chamfered where the faces  192   a ,  192   b  meet with the bottom surface  188  of the top housing  12 . These chamfers create an interfacing surface  194  that cooperates with the flange  160  to limit the visibility to the interior of the combination device  10 . In other embodiments, the faces  192  and the bottom surface  188  form a substantially right angle, without a chamfer. Other embodiments are contemplated. 
   In use, the toggle  24  is inserted through the toggle aperture  182  in a manner to limit the visibility through the toggle aperture  182 . When flipped, the toggle  24  pivots about the pivot pins  162 , which are secured relative to the top housing  12 , until the rotation limiter  164  stops the movement of the toggle  24 . During rotation, the flange  160  moves to interface with the interfacing surface  194  of the top housing  12 . In some embodiments, the flange  160  comes into contact with the top housing  12 , while in other embodiments, it is disposed not in contact with the top housing  12 , but still limits visibility into the top housing  12  between the toggle  24  and the top housing  12 . 
   Along the long sides  156  of the toggle  24 , the flange  160  need not interface directly with the top housing  12  to limit visibility into the combination device  10 , but its location along the toggle  24  at least partially blocks the view into the housing  12  along the toggle long side  156 . This occurs because the aperture length L 2  and the aperture width W 2  are less than the toggle length L 1  and width W 1 . In embodiments employing the exemplary toggle in  FIG. 12 , the aperture width W 2  is less than the toggle width W 1  to block visibility between the top housing  12  and the base portion  152  along the long side  156   a - b . Limiting visibility may continue even when the toggle is flipped. Thus, as can be seen in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , because of the relative sizes, the top housing  12  overlaps the flange  160  to limit visibility through the aperture  182 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the flange  160  extending about the perimeter of the toggle  24  limits visibility into the combination device along at least one, two, three, or all four sides of the toggle  24 . 
     FIGS. 15A and 15B  show examples of portions of the exemplary combination device  10  in operation. The combination device  10  may be wired using methods known in the art, and current may be introduced to one or more of the terminals, such as the switch terminal  62   b . As can be seen in these side views, the flipper  58  rests in the U-shaped troughs  120  of the cradle  56 . The spring  60  extends from between the flipper arms  126  to the spring interface portion  170  of the toggle  24 . When the toggle  24  is flipped to the right position, as shown in  FIG. 15A , the spring interface portion  170  dislocates and flexes the spring  60  so that its spring force moves the flipper  58  to the right. The flipper contact  134  touches and electrically connects with the right switch terminal  62   b , electrically connecting the right switch terminal  62   b  to the common terminal  42  through the flipper  58  and the cradle  56 . 
   When the toggle  24  is moved to the left as shown in  FIG. 15B , the spring  60  dislocates and flexes to apply its spring force against the flipper  58  to move the flipper  58  into contact with the left switch terminal  62   a , thereby isolating the right switch terminal  62   b  and electrically connecting the left switch terminal  62   a  with the common terminal  42  as explained above. 
   The combination device  10  may be assembled by sliding the common terminal  42  into the bottom housing  14  so that the outlet portion  80  of the common terminal  42  is in the outlet portion of the bottom housing  14  and the switch portion  82  of the common terminal  42  is in the switch portion of the bottom housing  14 . The switch terminals  62   a ,  62   b  and the receptacle terminal  40  also may be inserted into the bottom housing  14  in their proper locations. The cradle  56  may then be introduced to the bottom housing  14  so that it rests on the cradle support posts  68 . The cradle troughs  120  may be disposed within the receiving levels of the cradle support posts  68 . The boundary levels  70  of the cradle support posts  68  assist by restricting lateral or longitudinal movement of the cradle  56  relative to the bottom housing  14 . While inserting the cradle  56 , the connecting portion  106  may be inserted into a top of the slip receiver  90  on the common terminal  42 . This provides a secure, reliable electrical connection between the cradle  56  and the common terminal  42 , but also allows the cradle  56  to be manipulated independently of the common terminal  42 . Therefore, the cradle  56  may be manipulated to fit as desired relative to the cradle support posts  68  without affecting the position of the common terminal  42 . This may help achieve better fits and may provide more reliability and consistency for flipper operation as it is partially dependent upon the fit of the cradle  56 . 
   Once the cradle  56  is properly placed and connected to the common terminal  42 , the spring  60  is placed over the spring interfacing portion  136  of the flipper  58 . Because the spring interfacing portion  136  includes a central region  140  that is wider than the base region  138 , the spring  60  may elastically deform to fit over the central region  140 . The spring  60  and flipper  58  are then introduced through the central aperture  114  of the cradle  56  so that the flipper  58  is suspended by its arms, of which the cradle interfacing edges of the flipper  58  are disposed within the troughs  120 . This provides the flipper  58  with the capability to rock back and forth to come into and out of contact with the switch terminals  62   a ,  62   b.    
   The toggle  24  may then be placed within the upper housing  12  and the upper housing  12  and the toggle  24  may then be introduced to the bottom housing  14 . During this process, the spring interface portion  170  of the toggle  24  is oriented to interface with the spring  60 . Doing so, the center protrusion  176  of the spring interface portion  170  extends into the coil spring  60  and the shoulder portion  178  contacts and supports the spring  60 . As the top housing  12  and toggle  24  are brought closer to the bottom housing  14 , the spring  60  compresses, providing a spring force against the flipper  58  and the toggle  24 . Once the top housing  12  is in place, the mounting strap  16 , or other system, may be used to securely couple the top and bottom housings  12 ,  14  together. The terminal screws and backwire clamps may be attached at any time throughout the process. 
   In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to the exemplary electrical devices shown, the electrical devices disclosed herein may be in the form of, and/or include, a wide variety of electrical devices and/or combinations thereof, including, for example, a wide variety of wiring devices, a wide variety of combination devices, a wide variety of duplex-style combination devices, a wide variety of decorator-style combination devices, one or more nightlights, one or more single-pole switches, one or more receptacle outlets, one or more dimmers, one or more three-way switches, one or more single-pole double combination switches, one or more single-pole triple combination switches, pilot lights, and other receptacles, and/or any combination thereof. 
     FIGS. 16-23B  show another exemplary embodiment of an electrical device as a combination device generally referred to by the reference numeral  200 . This combination device  200  is a decorator style combination device including two switches. Again, as explained above the principles applied to the combination device  200  may be equally applicable to other types of combination devices and such uses are contemplated. In addition, some of the components in the combination device  200  are similar to components in the combination device  10 . Description of those components above may be equally applied to components in the combination device  200 , and to reduce repetition, is not all repeated again. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the combination device  200  in  FIG. 16  includes a top housing  202 , a bottom housing  204 , and a mounting strap  206 . The top housing  202  includes two switching components, which in this embodiment are paddles  208  operable as switches to electrically connect and disconnect electrical lines. Load terminal screws  210   a - b  ( FIG. 17 ) and common terminal screws  212   a - b  are disposed in the bottom housing  204 . 
   According to an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 17  shows portions of the combination device  200  in an exploded form. Although two sets of switching components are shown, only one set is described in detail. The combination device  200  includes the paddle  208   a , a flipper  214 , a spring  216 , an actuator  218 , a cradle  220 , and a switch terminal  222 . A common terminal  224  is also included. In many respects, the common terminal  224  is similar to the common terminal described above. However, the slip terminal may be angled differently and may be formed so that the arm supported only by the bridge is disposed further from the screw receiving aperture than the arm connected to the main wall. 
   An exemplary embodiment of the flipper  214  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 18 . The flipper  214  includes arms  226   a ,  226   b  connected to each other at one end by a bridge portion  228 . The arms  226  extend relatively parallel and are substantially mirror images of each other. Each arm  226  includes an outwardly extending first engagement element  230  and an inwardly extending second engagement element  232 . The first engagement element  230  includes a lower cradle interfacing edge  234  and the second engagement element includes an actuator interfacing edge  236 . The bridge portion  228  includes an electrical contact portion  238  riveted there through. In this embodiment, the contact portion  238  is a silver contact formed on only a single side of the flipper  214 . However, in other embodiments, the flipper includes a contact disposed on both sides. A spring engaging interface  240  extends upwardly from the bridge portion  228  between the arms  226 . In this embodiment, the spring engaging interface is a rounded protrusion having a base  242  smaller than in inner diameter of the spring  216 . 
   An exemplary embodiment of the spring  216  is shown in  FIG. 19 . In this embodiment the spring includes a first end  244  configured to receive the spring engaging interface  240  of the flipper  214  and includes a second end  246  configured to engage with the actuator  218 . The second end  246  includes a cross-wire  248  extending across the diameter in a direction transverse to the longitudinally extending spring  216 . 
     FIG. 20  shows an exemplary embodiment of the actuator  218  in greater detail. The actuator  218  includes a paddle end  250  and a switch component end  252 . The paddle end  250  includes an H-shaped body having a cross member  254  connecting two substantially rectangular outer walls  256   a ,  256   b . The paddle end  250  includes an upper outer surface  258 . The outer walls  256  have a tapering portion extending from the upper outer surface  258  to inner surfaces  260 . The inner surfaces  260  meet the walls of the cross-member  254 . A fixation block  262  protrudes outwardly from the outer walls  256 . This fixation block  262  cooperates with features on the paddle  208   a  to limit movement of the actuator  218  when it is engaged with the paddle  208   a.    
   According to one exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 21  shows the actuator  218  being introduced to the paddle  208   a . Referring to  FIG. 21 , the paddle  208   a  includes an actuator receiving bore  264 . The bore  264  is formed of a wall  265  having a rectangular inner surface  266  sized to fit about the H-shaped paddle end  250  of the actuator. Beams  268  protrude inwardly from the inner surface  266 , forming receiving notches  268 . At each end of the of the bore  264 , posts  270  protrude from the wall  265 , forming a V-shaped cut-out between the posts  270  for interacting and operating the switch, as explained further below. 
   The actuator paddle end  250  fits into the bore  264 . Edges of the actuator outer walls  256  fit into the receiving notches  268  to securely hold the actuator  218  from lateral movement relative to the paddle  208   a . The fixation block  262  fits into an appropriately shaped cutout  272  in the bore walls  265 . 
   Returning now to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 20 , the switch component end  252  of the actuator  218  includes a relatively cylindrical element  274  having a flipper engagement connection  276 , a reinforcement member  278 , and a spring-receiving notch  280 . The flipper engagement connection  276  includes two substantially similar projecting U-shaped wall portions  282  disposed on opposing sides of the cylindrical element  274 . The wall portions  282  form open ends  284  extending toward the actuator paddle end  250 . 
   The spring receiving notch  280  is sized to receive the cross-wire  248  of the spring  216 . Likewise, the spring  216  and the cylindrical element  274  are sized so that the spring end  246  extends about the exterior of the cylindrical element  274 . Movement of the spring longitudinally along the cylinder is limited by the cross-wire  248  in the spring receiving notch  280 . 
   According to an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 22  shows an actuator assembly  217  including the actuator  218  in place with the flipper  214  and the spring  216 . As shown, the spring  216  extends between the actuator  218  and the flipper  214 . Lateral displacement of the spring  216  is limited by the spring engaging interface  240  and the spring receiving notch  280 . The actuator interfacing edge  236  of the second engagement element  232  fits within the flipper engagement connection  276  on the actuator  218 . Accordingly, the spring  216  biases the flipper  214  and the actuator  218  apart so that the flipper  214  and actuator  218  maintain a connected relationship. This actuator assembly  217  may be used as a sub-assembly of the combination device  200 , and may assist in the assembly process. Thus, in this sub-assembled condition, the actuator assembly  217  may be introduced into place on the cradle  220 . While this relationship may endure during a part of the assembly process, the actuator assembly may be modified later. For example, this may occur when the assembled flipper  214 , spring  216 , and actuator  218  are introduced into the bottom housing  204  so that the flipper  214  engages the cradle  220 . Downward pressure from the top housing  202  and paddles  208  may further compress the spring  216  and move the actuator  218  downward relative to the flipper  214  until the interfacing edge  236  of the flipper  214  moves out of and is located above the flipper engagement connection  276 . In this arrangement, the combination device  200  is operable to electrically switch to engage and disengage electrical contacts. 
   This is explained further with reference to  FIGS. 23A and 23B . According to an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 23A  shows a side view of the paddle  208   a , the actuator  218 , the spring  216 , and the flipper  214 . The flipper  214  interfaces with the cradle  220 , with the cradle interfacing edge  234  of the flipper disposed within a cradle trough  280 . The switch terminal  222  includes a contact  282  and is isolated from the flipper in  FIG. 23A . Thus, in  FIG. 23A , the switch is open. 
   When the paddle  208   a  is pivoted to the left, the flipper  214  is also at the left. The actuator  218  is fixed to the paddle within the bore  264  to rotate with the paddle  208   a . As explained above and as shown in  FIG. 23A , the actuator  218  and the flipper  214  are not physically engaged with each other during operation. Here, the spring  216  extends from the spring receiving notch  280  of the actuator  218  to the spring engaging protrusion  240  of the flipper. The spring force biases the flipper  214 , which rocks within the cradle trough  280 , so that the flipper is in the open position, thereby isolating the switch terminal  222 . 
   According to an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 23B  shows the components of  FIG. 23A  in a closed position. When the paddle  208   a  is pivoted to the right, the spring receiving notch  280  of the actuator  218  displaces to the right. This redirects the spring force to move the flipper  214  so that it its contact  238  creates an electrical connection with the contact  282  of the switch terminal  222 . 
     FIGS. 24-30  show another exemplary embodiment of an electrical device shown as a combination device and referenced generally with the numeral  300 . This combination device  300  is a decorator style combination device including three single pole switches. Again, as explained above the principles applied to the combination device  300  may be equally applicable to other types of combination devices and such uses are contemplated. In addition, some of the components in the combination devices described above may be similar to components in the combination device  300 . Descriptions of those components above are equally applied to components in the combination device  300 . 
   The exemplary combination device  300  in  FIG. 24  includes a top housing  302 , a bottom housing  304 , and a mounting strap  306 . The top housing  302  includes three switch components as paddles  308   a - c  operable as switches to electrically connect and disconnect electrical lines. A common terminal screw  310  and a ground screw  312  are associated with the bottom housing  304 . On the opposing side, three load terminal screws  314   a - c , shown in  FIG. 25 , allow connection to electrical lines. 
   According to an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 25  shows the combination device  300  with the top housing  302  removed so that inner components of the device  300  are visible.  FIG. 26  is an exploded view showing some of the components of the combination device  300 . The combination device  300  includes switch terminals  316   a - c , a common terminal  318 , a cradle  320 , and actuator assemblies  322   a - c.    
   The actuator assemblies  322   a - c  may be the same as or similar to the actuator assemblies shown in  FIG. 22 , including an actuator, a spring, and a flipper mechanism assembled in the manner described above. As explained above, the spring and flipper mechanism may be associated with the actuator as a sub-assembly of the combination device that may assist in the assembly process. 
   According to an exemplary embodiment, the common terminal  318 , shown best in  FIG. 27 , includes a main wall  324 , a slip receiver  326 , and a cantilevered pushwire arm  328 . The main wall  324  includes a projecting tab  330  extending from an upper edge  332 , a slot  334  formed in the upper edge  332 , and a screw receiving portion  336  configured to receive the common terminal screw  310 . In the embodiment shown, the slip receiver  326  connects to the main wall  324  at a bend  338  and extends at an angle between 70° and 90° from the main wall  324 . Accordingly, the bend  338  may form up to a right angle. In other embodiments, other angles are contemplated. 
   The slip receiver  326  is configured to cooperate with the cradle  320  to form a slip connection. In this embodiment, the slip receiver  326  is U-shaped and includes a first wall  340  connected to the bend  338  and a second wall  342  configured to lie adjacent the first wall  340 . The first and second walls  340 ,  342  may be formed of a single plate and bent to the form the U-shaped slip receiver  326 . Accordingly, the second wall  342  is not attached at its sides to the main wall  324 , but instead connects to the first wall  340  only at its end at a bridge  343 . The slip receiver may include any of the features described above with reference to the slip receiver  90 . Upper edge portions  344   a ,  344   b  of the first and second walls  340 ,  342  diverge and are flared to receive a connecting component, such as a portion of the cradle  320 , as is described below. 
   The pushwire arm  328  is configured to lie relatively flat within the bottom housing  304  and may be configured to be accessed through ports (not shown) in the bottom housing  304  to provide electrical connection to the common terminal  318 . A first end  346  of the pushwire arm  328  is connected to the main wall  324  at a bend  348 . The pushwire arm then is formed to turn and extend along and adjacent to a base of the main wall  324 . A second end  350  of the pushwire arm  328  is cantilevered from the first end  346 , and is tapered upward. The second end  350  is formed to have a V-shaped slot  352  configured to engage a wire or other connector inserted through the bottom of the bottom housing  304  to connect with the common terminal  318 . 
   According to an exemplary embodiment, one example of the switch terminals  316   a - c  is shown and described with reference to  FIG. 28 , identified as  316   a . Each of the switch terminals  316   a - c  may have any of the features of the switch terminals described above with reference to the combination device  10  and the combination device  200 . In this exemplary embodiment having three switch terminals, they are aligned along a single side of the bottom housing  304 . These switch terminals, like those described above, are configured to provide an electrical connection through the device  300 . The switch terminals in this exemplary embodiment include a main wall  354 , a silver contact arm  356 , and a cantilevered pushwire arm  358 . The main wall  354  includes a projecting tab  360  extending from an upper edge  362 , a slot  364  formed in the upper edge  362 , and a screw receiving portion  366  configured to receive the load terminal screw  314 . In the embodiment shown, the silver contact arm  356  connects to the main wall  354  at a bend  368  and includes an extension portion  370  and a hook portion  372 . The hook portion  372  is bent to lie substantially perpendicular to the extension portion  370  and to be generally parallel to the main wall  354 . A contact  374  is provided in the hook portion  372 . 
   The pushwire arm  358  is configured to be accessed through ports (not shown) in the bottom housing  304  to provide electrical connection to the switch terminal  316 . This pushwire arm  358  may be similar to the pushwire arm  328  described above, and its features will not be repeated here. 
     FIG. 29  shows an exemplary embodiment of the cradle  320  in greater detail. The cradle  320 , in this exemplary embodiment shown, includes a body portion  375  having three relatively wider cradle support regions  376   a - c  separated by two relatively narrower necks  378   a - b , extending along a central or longitudinal axis  379 . The cradle  320  also includes a transition portion  380  and a connection portion  382 . At each end  384 ,  386 , the cradle  320  includes a shoulder  388  having a width similar to that of the necks  378   a - b . A U-shaped trough  390  extends longitudinally in a relatively straight line along the axis  379  from the first end  384  of the cradle  320  to the second end  386 . 
   Each cradle support region  376   a - c  has a substantially rectangular outer shape at least partially defined by an outer perimeter  392  with a partially oval inner shape defined by an inner wall  394 . In particular, the inner shape is a rectangle having corners angled at 45°. The inner walls  394  are shaped and sized to define apertures  395  that receive the actuator assemblies  322   a - c , and the arms of the flippers are configured to rest in the trough  390  in the manner described above with reference to the combination device  200 . 
   The transition portion  380  extends from a side of one of the cradle support regions  376   c  and is bent to extend downwardly into the bottom housing  304 . The connection portion  382  is also bent from the transition portion  380  and formed to extend downwardly from the transition portion  380  into the bottom housing  304 . The connection portion  382  is formed so that an outer surface resides in or substantially parallel to a plane defined by the surface forming the end  386 . 
   The connection portion  382  extends from one of the cradle support regions  376   a  of the cradle  320  and is configured to fit into the slip receiver  326  of the common terminal  318 , thereby providing electrical connection between the two in a manner similar to that described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, because the cradle support regions  376   a - c  are integrally formed, the connection portion  382  serves as an electrical conduit for any electrical activity through the cradle  320 . In this embodiment, the connection portion  382  is a plate formed along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  379  defined by the cradle  320 . Accordingly, during assembly, the connection portion  382  may be displaced in any direction along its plane relative to the slip receiver  326 , including up, down, and side-to side or longitudinally and laterally. As explained above, this allows the cradle  320  to be more freely manipulated to fit properly within the bottom housing  304  while still maintaining a solid mechanical and electrical joint with the common terminal  318 . Further, this allows each of the three cradle support regions  376  to be connected to one common terminal  318  through a single slip connection. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the combination device  300  includes two or four or more switches. Thus, the cradle could have two or four or more cradle support regions required to support such combination devices. 
   Turning now to an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 30 , the bottom housing  304  is shown with support posts  396   a - f  configured to support the cradle  320 . In the embodiment shown, the support posts  396   a - f  extend transversely within the bottom housing  304 . The support posts  396   a  and  396   f  may be formed as integral part of the outer wall of the bottom housing  304 . The support posts  396  include adjacent levels at different heights. These include a boundary level  400 , a support level  402 , and a receiving level  404 . The boundary level  400  is formed to limit longitudinal or transverse movement of the cradle  320  relative to the bottom housing  304 . Accordingly, the boundary level  400  is formed to fit adjacent the necks  378  or shoulders  388  to physically block cradle movement. The support level  402  of the cradle support posts  396  interfaces with a bottom side of the cradle  320  when the bottom housing  304  is lying flat, as in the exemplary configuration shown. The receiving level  404  forms a gap in the support level  402 . This receiving level  404  receives the downwardly extending U-shaped trough  390  of the cradle  320 . 
   According to an exemplary embodiment,  FIGS. 31 and 32  show a portion of yet another exemplary electrical device as a combination device generally referred to by the reference numeral  450 . This embodiment may employ the top housing  304 , paddles  308 , switch terminals  316 , and actuator assemblies  322  described above, but includes a different bottom housing  452 , common terminal  454 , and cradles  456   a - c . This embodiment may include any of the detail described herein with reference to other embodiments, but only the differences are being described here. 
   In this embodiment, the cradles  456  have features similar to those described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . However, instead of having a ring-like body portion defining a central aperture, the cradles  456  are more U-shaped when viewed from above. Each leg  458  of the U-shape includes a trough  460  configured to interface with and electrically connect with a flipper. In this embodiment, each cradle is separate from each other cradle, but each includes a connecting portion  462  configured to interface with a slip receiver  464  of the common terminal  454 . In the embodiment shown, the connecting portion on two cradles  456   a - b  is disposed on the cradle right side while the connecting portion on cradle  456   c  is disposed on the cradle left side. 
   The common terminal  454  includes three slip receivers  464   a - c , each for attachment to one of the cradles  456 . As explained with reference to prior exemplary embodiments above, the slip receivers extend from and connect to a main wall  466 . As can be seen in  FIG. 32 , the slip receivers may include many or all of the same features of the slip receivers described above. 
   The bottom housing  452  includes support posts  468   a - f  configured in a manner described above. Each of these support posts  468   a - f  includes a boundary level  470 , a support level  472 , and a receiving level  474 . In this embodiment, two support posts provide support to each cradle  456 . The cradles  456  are configured to fit within the bottom housing  452  so that the U-shaped troughs  460  fit within the receiving levels  474 , and the cradles  456  are configured to rest on the support levels  472  and lie adjacent the boundary level  470 , as described with reference to other embodiments. 
   A device has been described that includes a paddle actuatable from a first position to a second position; an actuator associated with the paddle and configured to displace when the paddle is actuated from the first position to the second position; a cradle disposed adjacent the actuator and comprising a trough formed therein; a terminal in electrical communication with the cradle; and at least one of: a) an electrical slip connection between the cradle and terminal, wherein one of the cradle and the terminal comprises a connection portion and the other of the cradle and the terminal comprises a slip receiver formed therein for slidably receiving the connection portion to establish the electrical slip connection between the cradle and the terminal; and b) a plurality of integral cradle support regions formed in the cradle, the trough being formed through each cradle support region. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a spring, wherein the actuator comprises a paddle end and a switch component end, the paddle end comprising an H-shaped body and being configured to interface with the paddle, the switch component end being configured to interface with the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch component end comprises a cylindrical element comprising a flipper engagement connection for engaging the flipper and a spring-receiving notch for interfacing with the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises three cradle support regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises at least one neck extending between the plurality of cradle support regions, the neck comprising a width less than a width of the cradle support regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises a central aperture formed in each of the cradle support regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal comprises a single slip receiver and the cradle comprises a single connecting portion interfacing with the slip receiver to provide the electrical communication, and wherein each of the plurality of cradle support regions is in electrical communication with the terminal through the single connecting portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the slip receiver comprises two arms comprising diverging edge portions. In an exemplary embodiment, the slip receiver comprises first and second arms and a bridge connecting the two arms. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection portion is a rectangular plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection portion is movable along a plane within the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle is independently adjustable relative to the terminal while the connection portion is disposed within the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises a U-shaped body portion with the trough being formed in legs of the body portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of cradles and a single terminal, wherein the terminal comprises a plurality of slip receivers and each one of the plurality of cradles comprises a connection portion receivable in a respective one of the plurality of slip receivers to create the slip connections. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises three slip connections between three cradles and the terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a coil spring comprising a cross-member portion extending across an end. 
   An electrical device has been described that comprises a top housing; a bottom housing coupled to the top housing, the bottom housing comprising cradle support posts extending transversely within the bottom housing and comprising adjacent levels of a boundary level and a support level; a mounting strap associated with at least one of the top and bottom housings; a paddle associated with the top housing, the paddle being actuatable between a first and a second position; an actuator extending from the paddle, the actuator comprising a paddle end and a switch component end, the paddle end comprising an H-shaped body and being configured to interface with the paddle, the switch component end being comprising a cylindrical element comprising a flipper engagement connection formed thereon and comprising a spring receiving notch formed therein; a coil spring extending from the actuator, the spring comprising a cross member portion extending into the spring receiving notch; a U-shaped flipper mechanism comprising first and second arms connected by a bridge portion, the first and second arms each comprising an oppositely extending protruding portion, each protruding portion comprising a lower cradle interfacing edge, wherein the bridge portion comprises a spring interface portion extending between the first and second arms, the coil spring being associated with the spring interface portion, the bridge portion comprising a centrally disposed electrical contact; a switch terminal disposed in the bottom housing and comprising a screw receiving aperture and an electrical contact; a cradle disposed in the bottom housing, the cradle comprising a body portion, a transition portion, and a connection portion, wherein the body portion comprises a trough, wherein the transition portion is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion, and wherein the connection portion is a rectangular plate, and wherein the cradle is disposed to interface with the cradle support posts so that the cradle rests on the support level of the support posts and adjacent to the boundary level of the support posts, wherein the flipper mechanism is disposed in a manner that the cradle interfacing edge of the flipper mechanism extends into and contacts the trough of the body portion of the cradle, and wherein the flipper mechanism is suspended by the trough and is movable in a manner that brings the electrical contact on the bridge portion of the flipper mechanism into contact with and out of contact with the electrical contact on the switch terminal; and a common terminal comprising a main wall and a slip receiver, the main wall comprising a screw receiving aperture, the slip receiver being connected to and angled away from the main wall, the slip receiver comprising first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge, wherein the second wall is directly connected to the main wall and the first wall is supported by the second wall; wherein the connection portion of the cradle is disposed between the first and second walls of the slip receiver in a manner to complete an electrical connection between the cradle and the common terminal, the connection portion of the cradle being moveable within the slip receiver in any direction of a plane. 
   A method has been described that includes providing a paddle for an electrical switching device, the paddle being actuatable from a first position to a second position; associating an actuator with the paddle, the actuator being configured to displace when the paddle is actuated from the first position to the second position; placing a terminal and a cradle within an electrical housing, the cradle comprising a body portion comprising troughs formed therein, the terminal and cradle being in electrical communication; and at least one of the following: a) introducing a connection portion of one of the cradle and terminal to a slip receiver of the other of the cradle and terminal to establish an electrical slip connection between the cradle and the terminal; and b) aligning the cradle comprising a plurality of integral cradle support regions within the housing, the trough being formed through each cradle support region. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises introducing a spring to the switch component end of the actuator so that a cross member portion of the spring extends into a spring receiving notch in the switch component end. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises connecting the spring about a spring interface portion on a flipper mechanism; and securing the flipper mechanism to a flipper engagement connection on the actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises introducing the flipper mechanism to the cradle so that a cradle interfacing edge of the flipper mechanism extends into and contacts the trough of the cradle. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises applying a load to the actuator to compress the spring and displace the actuator relative to the flipper mechanism and disengage the flipper engagement connection of the actuator from the flipper mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises actuating the paddle from the first position to the second position to displace the actuator and the spring, the spring acting on the flipper mechanism to displace the flipper mechanism so that an electrical contact on a bridge portion of the flipper mechanism moves into contact with and out of contact with an electrical contact on a switch terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, aligning the cradle comprises orienting shoulder portions on the cradle to fit adjacent boundary levels on cradle support posts. In an exemplary embodiment, the introducing a connection portion comprises slidably inserting the connection portion between first and second walls of the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises transferring electrical current through a plurality of flippers associated with the plurality of cradle supports through a single connection with the terminal. 
   A method has been described that includes providing a paddle for an electrical switching device, the paddle being actuatable from a first position to a second position; associating an actuator with the paddle, the actuator being configured to displace when the paddle is actuated from the first position to the second position, the actuator comprising a paddle end and a switch component end, the paddle end comprising an H-shaped body and being configured to interface with the paddle, the switch component end being comprising a cylindrical element comprising a flipper engagement connection formed thereon for engaging the flipper and comprising a spring receiving notch formed therein; placing a switch terminal within an electrical housing, the switch terminal comprising an electrical contact formed thereon; placing a common terminal within the electrical housing, the common terminal comprising a main wall and a slip receiver, the main wall comprising a screw receiving aperture, the slip receiver being connected to and angled away from the main wall, the slip receiver comprising first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge, wherein the second wall is directly connected to the main wall and the first wall is supported by the second wall; placing a cradle within the electrical housing, the cradle comprising a body portion, a transition portion, and a connection portion, wherein the body portion comprises a trough, wherein the transition portion is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion, and wherein the connection portion is a rectangular plate, and wherein the cradle is disposed to interface with cradle support posts so that the cradle rests on support levels of support posts and adjacent to boundary levels of the support posts; slidably introducing the connection portion of the cradle into the slip receiver of the common terminal to create an electrical connection; introducing a spring to the switch component end of the actuator so that a cross member portion of the spring extends into the spring receiving notch in the switch component end; connecting the spring about a spring interface portion on a flipper mechanism so that the spring extends from the flipper mechanism to the actuator; securing the flipper mechanism to a flipper engagement connection on the actuator; introducing the flipper mechanism to the cradle so that a cradle interfacing edge of the flipper mechanism extends into and contacts the trough of the cradle and so that the flipper mechanism is suspended by the trough and is movable in a manner that brings an electrical contact on the bridge portion of the flipper mechanism into contact with and out of contact with the electrical contact on the switch terminal; applying a load to the actuator to compress the spring and displace the actuator relative to the flipper mechanism and disengage the flipper engagement connection of the actuator from the flipper mechanism; and actuating the paddle from the first position to the second position to displace the actuator and the spring such that spring acts on the flipper mechanism to displace the flipper mechanism so that the electrical contact on the bridge portion of the flipper mechanism moves into contact with and out of contact with the electrical contact on the switch terminal. 
   A system has been described that includes means for providing a paddle for an electrical switching device, the paddle being actuatable from a first position to a second position; means for associating an actuator with the paddle, the actuator being configured to displace when the paddle is actuated from the first position to the second position; means for placing a terminal and a cradle within an electrical housing, the cradle comprising a body portion comprising troughs formed therein, the terminal and cradle being in electrical communication; and at least one of the following: a) means for introducing a connection portion of one of the cradle and terminal to a slip receiver of the other of the cradle and terminal to establish an electrical slip connection between the cradle and the terminal; and b) means for aligning the cradle comprising a plurality of integral cradle support regions within the housing, the trough being formed through each cradle support region. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for introducing a spring to the switch component end of the actuator so that a cross member portion of the spring extends into a spring receiving notch in the switch component end. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for connecting the spring about a spring interface portion on a flipper mechanism; and means for securing the flipper mechanism to a flipper engagement connection on the actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for introducing the flipper mechanism to the cradle so that a cradle interfacing edge of the flipper mechanism extends into and contacts the trough of the cradle. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for applying a load to the actuator to compress the spring and displace the actuator relative to the flipper mechanism and disengage the flipper engagement connection of the actuator from the flipper mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for actuating the paddle from the first position to the second position to displace the actuator and the spring, the spring acting on the flipper mechanism to displace the flipper mechanism so that an electrical contact on a bridge portion of the flipper mechanism moves into contact with and out of contact with an electrical contact on a switch terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for aligning the cradle comprises means for orienting shoulder portions on the cradle to fit adjacent boundary levels on cradle support posts. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for introducing a connection portion comprises means for slidably inserting the connection portion between first and second walls of the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for transferring electrical current through a plurality of flippers associated with the plurality of cradle supports through a single connection with the terminal. 
   A system is described that includes means for providing a paddle for an electrical switching device, the paddle being actuatable from a first position to a second position; means for associating an actuator with the paddle, the actuator being configured to displace when the paddle is actuated from the first position to the second position, the actuator comprising a paddle end and a switch component end, the paddle end comprising an H-shaped body and being configured to interface with the paddle, the switch component end being comprising a cylindrical element comprising a flipper engagement connection formed thereon for engaging the flipper and comprising a spring receiving notch formed therein; means for placing a switch terminal within an electrical housing, the switch terminal comprising an electrical contact formed thereon; means for placing a common terminal within the electrical housing, the common terminal comprising a main wall and a slip receiver, the main wall comprising a screw receiving aperture, the slip receiver being connected to and angled away from the main wall, the slip receiver comprising first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge, wherein the second wall is directly connected to the main wall and the first wall is supported by the second wall; means for placing a cradle within the electrical housing, the cradle comprising a body portion, a transition portion, and a connection portion, wherein the body portion comprises a trough, wherein the transition portion is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion, and wherein the connection portion is a rectangular plate, and wherein the cradle is disposed to interface with cradle support posts so that the cradle rests on support levels of support posts and adjacent to boundary levels of the support posts; means for slidably introducing the connection portion of the cradle into the slip receiver of the common terminal to create an electrical connection; means for introducing a spring to the switch component end of the actuator so that a cross member portion of the spring extends into the spring receiving notch in the switch component end; means for connecting the spring about a spring interface portion on a flipper mechanism so that the spring extends from the flipper mechanism to the actuator; means for securing the flipper mechanism to a flipper engagement connection on the actuator; means for introducing the flipper mechanism to the cradle so that a cradle interfacing edge of the flipper mechanism extends into and contacts the trough of the cradle and so that the flipper mechanism is suspended by the trough and is movable in a manner that brings an electrical contact on the bridge portion of the flipper mechanism into contact with and out of contact with the electrical contact on the switch terminal; means for applying a load to the actuator to compress the spring and displace the actuator relative to the flipper mechanism and disengage the flipper engagement connection of the actuator from the flipper mechanism; and means for actuating the paddle from the first position to the second position to displace the actuator and the spring such that spring acts on the flipper mechanism to displace the flipper mechanism so that the electrical contact on the bridge portion of the flipper mechanism moves into contact with and out of contact with the electrical contact on the switch terminal. 
   A toggle for an electrical device has been described that includes a lever portion configured for flipping between a first and a second position; a base portion supporting the lever portion; and a flange portion extending outwardly along at least two sides of the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion is rectangular and comprises two longer sides and two shorter sides, the flange extending along the two longer sides. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange extends outwardly along four sides of the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the flange extends along a bottom edge of a first side of the at least two sides of the base portion and wherein a second portion of the flange angles along the first side toward the lever portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion of the flange ends at a pivot pin extending from the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange extends along a bottom edge of the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the toggle comprises a rotation limiter along a first of the at least two sides of the base portion, the rotation limiter being configured to mechanically interface with a housing portion to limit the rotation of the toggle, the flange extending along the first side and ending at the rotation limiter. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange portion extends along at least half of the at least two sides. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange portion increases the minimum width of the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange portion increases the minimum length of the base portion. 
   An electrical switching device has been described that includes a housing comprising a switch aperture; and a toggle extending through the switch aperture, the toggle comprising a flange portion configured in a manner that limits visibility through the switch aperture. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange portion extends outwardly along at least two sides of the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch aperture has a length and a width, and wherein the flange portion defines an outer base portion width, the base portion width being greater than the switch aperture width. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange portion defines an outer base portion length, the outer base portion length being greater than the switch aperture length. In an exemplary embodiment, the toggle flange is configured to selectively interface with an inner portion of the housing to limit the visibility. In an exemplary embodiment, the toggle comprises two outwardly extending pivot pins that interface with the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing comprises a chamfer along an inner edge of the switch aperture, the flange being configured for placement adjacent the chamfer. 
   An electrical device has been described that includes a top housing comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, and a substantially rectangular switch aperture, the switch aperture being defined by an aperture wall comprising first, second, third and fourth faces, the first and second faces comprising a length shorter than the third and fourth faces, wherein edges defined by the inner surface and the first and second faces of the aperture wall are chamfered to form an angle; a bottom housing coupled to the top housing; a toggle associated with the top housing, the toggle comprising a lever portion configured for flipping between a first and a second position, a base portion adjacent the lever portion, the base portion being substantially rectangular with first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and second sides being shorter than the third and fourth sides, the base portion comprising a bottom edge, first and second pivot pins extending oppositely outward from the base portion from the third and fourth sides, the pivot pins being cooperatively associated with the top housing in a manner that allows pivoting of the toggle between the first position and the second position, a rotation limiter along the fourth side configured to mechanically interface with a housing portion to limit the rotation of the toggle, a flange extending along the bottom edge of the third and fourth sides of the base portion, and wherein the flange on the third side of the base portion comprises a first portion extending along the bottom edge and comprises a second portion that angles along the third side toward the lever portion, and wherein the flange on the fourth side of the base portion ends at the rotation limiter, and wherein a minimum outer width of the flange and base portion is greater than a minimum width of the switch aperture, a spring interface portion extending away from the lever portion and protruding out of the base portion, the spring interface portion comprising a center protrusion and shoulder portion, side wall portions disposed on opposing sides of spring interface portion and extending substantially planar with the third and fourth sides of the base portion, the side wall portions comprising a cutout formed therein extending toward the lever; and a coil spring extending from the spring interface portion of the toggle away from the lever, the spring fitting about the center protrusion and contacting the shoulder portion. 
   A method has been described that includes providing an electrical switch housing comprising a switch aperture; inserting a toggle comprising a base portion at least partially through the switch aperture; and limiting visibility into the housing between the switch aperture and the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, limiting visibility into the housing comprises providing a flange extending outwardly from the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the inserting the toggle comprises orienting the toggle so that the flange simultaneously restricts visibility between the switch aperture and the base portion along two sides of the toggle. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises selectively contacting a chamfered edge of the switch aperture with the flange. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises contacting the housing with a motion stop extending from one side of the toggle. In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion comprises first and second shorter sides and third and fourth longer sides, the method comprising: associating pivot pins extending from opposing sides of the base portion with an inner surface of the housing; and pivoting the toggle relative the housing about the pivot pins. In an exemplary embodiment, limiting visibility into the housing between the switch aperture and the base portion is a result of shifting a flange disposed at one of the sides of the base portion to a location overlapping an associated side of the switch aperture. 
   A method has been described that includes providing an electrical switch housing comprising a substantially rectangular switch aperture, the housing comprising an outer and an inner surface, the switch aperture being defined by an aperture wall comprising first, second, third and fourth faces, the first and second faces comprising a length shorter than the third and fourth faces; inserting a toggle at least partially through the switch aperture, the toggle comprising a lever portion and a base portion, the base portion being substantially rectangular with first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and second sides being shorter than the third and fourth sides, the toggle comprising a flange disposed along a bottom edge of the base portion such that a minimum width of the toggle is greater than a minimum width of the switch aperture, and wherein the flange along the third and fourth sides is disposed adjacent the respective third and fourth faces of the housing when the toggle is in a first position to limit visibility through the switch aperture along the third and fourth faces; and flipping the toggle from a first position to a second position while continuing to limit visibility through the switch aperture along the third and fourth faces. 
   A system has been described that includes means for providing an electrical switch housing comprising a switch aperture; means for inserting a toggle comprising a base portion at least partially through the switch aperture; and means for limiting visibility into the housing between the switch aperture and the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for limiting visibility into the housing comprises means for providing a flange extending outwardly from the base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for inserting the toggle comprises means for orienting the toggle so that the flange simultaneously restricts visibility between the switch aperture and the base portion along two sides of the toggle. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for selectively contacting a chamfered edge of the switch aperture with the flange. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for contacting the housing with a motion stop extending from one side of the toggle. In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion comprises first and second shorter sides and third and fourth longer sides, the method comprising: means for associating pivot pins extending from opposing sides of the base portion with an inner surface of the housing; and means for pivoting the toggle relative the housing about the pivot pins. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for limiting visibility into the housing between the switch aperture and the base portion is a result of a means for shifting a flange disposed at one of the sides of the base portion to a location overlapping an associated side of the switch aperture. 
   A system has been described that includes means for providing an electrical switch housing comprising a substantially rectangular switch aperture, the housing comprising an outer and an inner surface, the switch aperture being defined by an aperture wall comprising first, second, third and fourth faces, the first and second faces comprising a length shorter than the third and fourth faces; means for inserting a toggle at least partially through the switch aperture, the toggle comprising a lever portion and a base portion, the base portion being substantially rectangular with first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and second sides being shorter than the third and fourth sides, the toggle comprising a flange disposed along a bottom edge of the base portion such that the minimum width of the toggle is greater than a minimum width of the switch aperture, and wherein the flange along the third and fourth sides is disposed adjacent the respective third and fourth faces of the housing when the toggle is in a first position to limit visibility through the switch aperture along the third and fourth faces; and means for flipping the toggle from a first position to a second position while continuing to limit visibility through the switch aperture along the third and fourth faces. 
   A device has been described that includes a toggle comprising a lever and a base portion; and a flipper mechanism cooperatively associated with the toggle, the flipper mechanism extending substantially away from the toggle and comprising a contact configured to contact an electrical terminal in a manner that the switch is selectively opened and closed. In an exemplary embodiment, the toggle comprises a spring interface portion extending toward the flipper mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a spring extending between the spring interface portion and the flipper mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring interface portion is integral with the toggle. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring interface portion comprises a center protrusion and a shoulder portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a spring extending between the spring interface portion and the flipper mechanism, the spring extending around the center protrusion and applying a biasing force against the shoulder portion of the toggle. In an exemplary embodiment, the toggle comprises side wall portions comprising a cutout therein for receiving the flipper mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the flipper mechanism comprises two arms and a bridge portion forming a U-shape, and wherein the toggle comprises a spring interface portion extending between the two arms. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a spring extending between the spring interface portion and the flipper mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a spring extending between and connecting to the toggle and the flipper mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a top housing and a bottom housing, the toggle extending though the top housing and the flipper mechanism extending into the bottom housing. 
   An electrical device has been described that includes a top housing comprising a switch portion; a bottom housing coupled to the top housing; a toggle associated with the top housing, the toggle comprising a lever disposed to extend out of the switch portion, a base portion adjacent the lever portion, a spring interface portion extending away from the lever portion and protruding out of the base portion, the spring interface portion comprising a center protrusion and shoulder portion, side wall portions disposed on opposing sides of spring interface portion and extending substantially planar with a portion of the base portion, the side wall portions comprising a cutout formed therein, and first and second pivot pins extending oppositely outward from the base portion, the pivot pins being corporately associated with the top housing in a manner that allows pivoting of the toggle between a first position and a second position; a coil spring extending from the spring interface portion of the toggle away from the lever, the spring fitting about the center protrusion and contacting the shoulder portion; a U-shaped flipper mechanism comprising first and second arms connected by a bridge portion, the first and second arms each comprising an oppositely extending protruding portion, each protruding portion comprising a lower cradle interfacing edge, wherein the bridge portion comprises a spring interface portion extending between the first and second arms toward the toggle, the spring interface portion comprising a base portion with a first width and comprising a central region with a second width, the second width being greater than the first width, the bridge portion comprising a centrally disposed electrical contact; a switch terminal comprising a screw receiving aperture and an electrical contact; a cradle disposed in the bottom housing and comprising a central aperture and a U-shaped trough, the flipper extending through the central aperture in a manner that the cradle interfacing edge of the flipper portion extends into and contacts the trough, and wherein the flipper mechanism is suspended by the cradle and the flipper mechanism is movable in a manner that brings the electrical contact on the bridge portion of the flipper into contact with and out of contact with the electrical contact on the switch terminal. 
   A method has been described that includes actuating a toggle comprising a lever from a first position to a second position; providing a flipper mechanism extending away from the toggle and comprising an electrical contact; and displacing the flipper mechanism as a result of the actuating the toggle from the first position to the second position, to contact an electrical terminal with the electrical contact on the flipper mechanism to selectively close the switch when the toggle is in the second position. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises actuating the toggle from the second position to the first position; and displacing the flipper mechanism away from the electrical terminal as a result of the actuating the toggle from the second position to the first portion, to selectively open the switch when the toggle is in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, displacing the flipper mechanism comprises flexing a spring extending between a spring interfacing portion of the toggle and a spring interface portion on the flipper mechanism, the spring providing a biasing force that displaces the flipper mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring is a coil spring, and wherein flexing the spring comprises moving an end of the spring with the spring interfacing portion of the toggle, the spring interfacing portion comprising a center protrusion extending into the coil spring and comprising a shoulder portion supporting the coil spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises flexing a spring that extends between a spring interfacing portion on the toggle and a spring interfacing portion on the flipper mechanism, the spring providing a biasing force that moves the flipper mechanism. 
   A method has been described that includes providing electrical current to an electrical device comprising a switch portion; actuating a toggle associated with the switch portion from a first position to a second position, the toggle comprising a lever and a spring interface portion that comprises a center protrusion and a shoulder portion, the spring interface portion extending away from the lever, wherein actuating the toggle comprises displacing the spring interface portion; flexing a coil spring connected to the spring interface portion in manner that the spring receives the center protrusion and rests upon the shoulder portion, the coil spring being arranged to flex when the toggle is actuated; displacing a U-shaped flipper mechanism connected to the spring, the flipper mechanism comprising a first and a second arm connected by a bridge portion, wherein the bridge portion comprises an electrical contact, and wherein displacing the flipper mechanism comprises moving the bridge portion with the electrical contact into contact with a switch terminal to permit electrical communication between the electrical contact and the switch terminal; flowing the current through the switch terminal into the flipper mechanism, and through the first and second arms of the flipper mechanism to a cradle comprising a central aperture and a trough formed therein for supporting the flipper mechanism, and flowing current through the cradle to a common terminal; actuating the toggle from the second position to the first position; flexing the coil spring connected to the spring interface portion of the toggle; and displacing the flipper mechanism connected to the spring to move the bridge portion with the electrical contact away from the switch terminal to stop electrical communication between the electrical contact and the switch terminal. 
   A system has been described that includes means for actuating a toggle comprising a lever from a first position to a second position; means for providing a flipper mechanism extending away from the toggle and comprising an electrical contact; and means for displacing the flipper mechanism as a result of the actuating the toggle from the first position to the second position, to contact an electrical terminal with the electrical contact on the flipper mechanism to selectively close the switch when the toggle is in the second position. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for actuating the toggle from the second position to the first position; and means for displacing the flipper mechanism away from the electrical terminal as a result of the actuating the toggle from the second position to the first portion, to selectively open the switch when the toggle is in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for displacing the flipper mechanism comprises means for flexing a spring extending between a spring interfacing portion of the toggle and a spring interface portion on the flipper mechanism, the spring providing a biasing force that displaces the flipper mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring is a coil spring, and the means for flexing the spring comprises means for moving an end of the spring with the spring interfacing portion of the toggle, the spring interfacing portion comprising a center protrusion extending into the coil spring and comprising a shoulder portion supporting the coil spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for flexing a spring that extends between a spring interfacing portion on the toggle and a spring interfacing portion on the flipper mechanism, the spring providing a biasing force that moves the flipper mechanism. 
   A system has been described that includes means for providing electrical current to an electrical device comprising a switch portion; means for actuating a toggle associated with the switch portion from a first position to a second position, the toggle comprising a lever and a spring interface portion that comprises a center protrusion and a shoulder portion, the spring interface portion extending away from the lever, wherein the means for actuating the toggle comprises means for displacing the spring interface portion; means for flexing a coil spring connected to the spring interface portion in manner that the spring receives the center protrusion and rests upon the shoulder portion, the coil spring being arranged to flex when the toggle is actuated; means for displacing a U-shaped flipper mechanism connected to the spring, the flipper mechanism comprising a first and a second arm connected by a bridge portion, wherein the bridge portion comprises an electrical contact, and wherein the means for displacing the flipper mechanism comprises means for moving the bridge portion with the electrical contact into contact with a switch terminal to permit electrical communication between the electrical contact and the switch terminal; means for flowing the current through the switch terminal into the flipper mechanism, and through the first and second arms of the flipper mechanism to a cradle comprising a central aperture and a trough formed therein for supporting the flipper mechanism, and means for flowing current through the cradle to a common terminal; means for actuating the toggle from the second position to the first position; means for flexing the coil spring connected to the spring interface portion of the toggle; and means for displacing the flipper mechanism connected to the spring to move the bridge portion with the electrical contact away from the switch terminal to stop electrical communication between the electrical contact and the switch terminal. 
   A device has been described that includes a cradle comprising a trough; and a terminal, wherein one of the cradle and the terminal comprises a connection portion and the other of the cradle and the terminal comprises a slip receiver formed therein for slidably receiving the connection portion to establish an electrical connection between the cradle and the terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises the connection portion and the terminal comprises the receiver and is configured to receive a screw. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal comprises a main wall and the receiver extends from the main wall at an angle between about 70° and 90°. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver is formed by bending a single plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver comprises two arms comprising diverging edge portions. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver comprises first and second arms and a bridge connecting the first and second arms. In an exemplary embodiment, the first arm comprises a first portion extending from the bridge and comprises a second portion extending from the first portion, the first portion being disposed a first distance from the second arm and the second portion being disposed a second distance from the second arm. In an exemplary embodiment, the first distance is greater than the second distance. In an exemplary embodiment, the first arm is supported entirely by the bridge. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver is configured to elastically deform about the bridge portion to receive the connection portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection portion comprises a rectangular plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection portion is movable along a plane within the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises a body portion defining a central aperture, the trough being formed in the body portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle is independently adjustable relative to the terminal while the connection portion is disposed within the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises a U-shaped body portion comprising legs, and wherein the trough is formed in the legs of the body portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of cradles and a single terminal, wherein the terminal comprises a plurality of slip receivers and each one of the plurality of cradles comprises a connection portion receivable in a respective one of the plurality of slip receivers. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal comprises three slip receivers for connecting with three cradles. 
   A device has been described that includes a top housing comprising a switch portion; a bottom housing coupled to the top housing; a U-shaped flipper mechanism disposed in the bottom housing and comprising a bridge portion and first and second arms connected by the bridge portion, the first and second arms each comprising an oppositely extending protruding portion, each protruding portion comprising a lower cradle interfacing edge, wherein the bridge portion comprises a spring interface portion extending between the first and second arms toward the switching component, the spring interface portion comprising a base portion with a first width and comprising a central region with a second width, the second width being greater than the first width, the bridge portion comprising a centrally disposed electrical contact; a switch terminal disposed in the bottom housing and comprising a screw receiving aperture and an electrical contact; a cradle disposed in the bottom housing and comprising a body portion, a transition portion, and a connection portion, wherein the body portion has a central aperture and a U-shaped trough, wherein the transition portion is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion, and wherein the connection portion is a rectangular plate extending away from the body portion, and wherein the flipper mechanism is disposed to extend through the central aperture in a manner that the cradle interfacing edge of the flipper mechanism extends into and contacts the trough, and wherein the flipper mechanism is suspended by the cradle and is movable in a manner that brings the electrical contact on the bridge portion of the flipper mechanism into contact with and out of contact with the electrical contact on the switch terminal; and a common terminal comprising a main wall with a screw aperture and comprising a slip receiver connected to and angled away from the main wall, the slip receiver comprising first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge, the first wall comprising a first and a second portion, the first portion being spaced a first distance from the second wall, the second portion extending from the first portion and being spaced a second distance from the second wall, the first distance being greater than the second distance, wherein the second wall is directly connected to the main wall and the first wall is supported by the second wall through the receiver bridge, wherein the connection portion of the cradle is disposed between the first and second walls of the slip receiver in a manner to complete an electrical connection between the cradle and the common terminal, the connection portion of the cradle being moveable within the slip receiver in any direction of a plane while maintaining the electrical connection, the common terminal comprising receptacle contacts disposed in a receptacle portion of the bottom housing. 
   A method has been described that includes inserting a terminal into a bottom housing; introducing a cradle into the bottom housing, the cradle comprising a body portion comprising troughs formed therein; and electrically coupling the cradle and the terminal by inserting a connector portion of one of the cradle and the terminal with a slip receiver of the other of the cradle and the terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises adjusting the connector portion within the slip receiver while manipulating the cradle into a desired position within the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, adjusting the connector portion within the slip receiver comprises sliding the connector portion in at least one of a generally longitudinal direction and a generally transverse direction in a single plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises the connection portion and the terminal comprises the receiver and a screw receiving portion, and the method further comprises introducing the connector portion through a top portion of the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises introducing a flipper mechanism into the troughs in the cradle to establish an electrical coupling between the flipper mechanism and the terminal though the connector portion and the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises elastically deforming the slip receiver to receive the connection portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastically deforming step is accomplished by inserting the connector portion between first and second walls of the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises introducing a second cradle into the bottom housing, the second cradle comprising a body portion comprising troughs formed therein; and electrically coupling the second cradle and the terminal by inserting a connector portion of one of the second cradle and the terminal with a slip receiver of the other of the second cradle and the terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises introducing two additional cradles into the bottom housing, and connecting the two additional cradles and terminal by inserting a connection portion of each of the two additional cradles into two additional slip receivers on the terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises aligning the cradle in the bottom housing so that the cradle interfaces with housing features to secure the cradle in the housing. 
   A method has been described that includes inserting a common terminal into a bottom housing of an electrical device, the common terminal comprising a main wall with a screw receiving aperture and comprising a slip receiver connected to and angled away from the main wall, the slip receiver comprising first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge, the first wall comprising a first and a second portion, the first portion being spaced a first distance from the second wall, the second portion extending from the first portion being spaced a second distance from the second wall, the first distance being greater than the second distance, wherein the second wall is directly connected to the main wall and the first wall is supported by the second wall; introducing a cradle into the bottom housing, the cradle comprising a body portion, a transition portion, and a connection portion, wherein the body portion has a central aperture and a U-shaped trough, wherein the transition portion is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion, and wherein the connection portion is a rectangular plate extending away from the transition portion; connecting the cradle and the terminal by inserting the connector portion between the first and second walls of the slip receiver in a manner to complete an electrical connection between the cradle and the common terminal; adjusting the connector portion within the slip receiver while manipulating the cradle into a desired position within the housing, comprising sliding the connector portion in both of longitudinal and transverse directions in a single plane; and introducing a flipper mechanism into the bottom housing through the central aperture of the cradle in a manner that a cradle interfacing edge of the flipper portion extends into and contacts the trough, and wherein the flipper mechanism is suspended by the cradle and the flipper mechanism is movable in a manner that brings an electrical contact on a bridge portion of the flipper into contact with and out of contact with an electrical contact on a switch terminal. 
   A system has been described that includes means for inserting a terminal into a bottom housing; means for introducing a cradle into the bottom housing, the cradle comprising a body portion comprising troughs formed therein; and means for electrically coupling the cradle and the terminal by inserting a connector portion of one of the cradle and the terminal with a slip receiver of the other of the cradle and the terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for adjusting the connector portion within the slip receiver while manipulating the cradle into a desired position within the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for adjusting the connector portion within the slip receiver comprises means for sliding the connector portion in at least one of a generally longitudinal direction and a generally transverse direction in a single plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises the connection portion and the terminal comprises the receiver and a screw receiving portion, and the system further comprises means for introducing the connector portion through a top portion of the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for introducing a flipper mechanism into the troughs in the cradle to establish an electrical coupling between the flipper mechanism and the terminal though the connector portion and the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for elastically deforming the slip receiver to receive the connection portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for elastically deforming step comprises means for inserting the connector portion between first and second walls of the slip receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for introducing a second cradle into the bottom housing, the second cradle comprising a body portion comprising troughs formed therein; and means for electrically coupling the second cradle and the terminal by inserting a connector portion of one of the second cradle and the terminal with a slip receiver of the other of the second cradle and the terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for introducing two additional cradles into the bottom housing, and connecting the two additional cradles and terminal by inserting a connection portion of each of the two additional cradles into two additional slip receivers on the terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for aligning the cradle in the bottom housing so that the cradle interfaces with housing features to secure the cradle in the housing. 
   A system has been described that includes means for inserting a common terminal into a bottom housing of an electrical device, the common terminal comprising a main wall with a screw receiving aperture and comprising a slip receiver connected to and angled away from the main wall, the slip receiver comprising first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge, the first wall comprising a first and a second portion, the first portion being spaced a first distance from the second wall, the second portion extending from the first portion being spaced a second distance from the second wall, the first distance being greater than the second distance, wherein the second wall is directly connected to the main wall and the first wall is supported by the second wall; means for introducing a cradle into the bottom housing, the cradle comprising a body portion, a transition portion, and a connection portion, wherein the body portion has a central aperture and a U-shaped trough, wherein the transition portion is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion, and wherein the connection portion is a rectangular plate extending away from the transition portion; means for connecting the cradle and the terminal by inserting the connector portion between the first and second walls of the slip receiver in a manner to complete an electrical connection between the cradle and the common terminal; means for adjusting the connector portion within the slip receiver while manipulating the cradle into a desired position within the housing, comprising sliding the connector portion in both of longitudinal and transverse directions in a single plane; and means for introducing a flipper mechanism into the bottom housing through the central aperture of the cradle in a manner that a cradle interfacing edge of the flipper portion extends into and contacts the trough, and wherein the flipper mechanism is suspended by the cradle and the flipper mechanism is movable in a manner that brings an electrical contact on a bridge portion of the flipper into contact with and out of contact with an electrical contact on a switch terminal. 
   A device as been described including a terminal; and a cradle comprising a plurality of integral cradle support regions, each cradle support region comprising a trough formed therein and being in electrical communication with the terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises three cradle support regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises at least one neck extending between the plurality of cradle support regions, the neck comprising a width less than a width of the cradle support regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises a central aperture formed in each of the cradle support regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle support regions are substantially rectangular. In an exemplary embodiment, the trough extends in a substantially straight line across the cradle. In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle comprises a shoulder formed at an end portion, the shoulder being configured to interface with a portion of an electrical housing to secure the cradle in place in the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal comprises a single slip receiver and the cradle comprises a single connecting portion interfacing with the slip receiver to provide the electrical communication, and wherein each of the plurality of cradle support regions is in electrical communication with the terminal through the single connecting portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion is a plate formed along a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the cradle. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection portion extends from a single end region of the cradle. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of flipper mechanisms in electrical contact with the trough of each cradle support region. 
   A device has been described that includes a top housing; a bottom housing coupled to the top housing, the bottom housing comprising cradle support posts extending transversely within the bottom housing that comprise a boundary level and a support level; first, second, and third paddles associated with the top housing; first, second, and third actuators extending from the respective first, second, and third paddles; first, second, and third coil springs extending from the respective first second, and third actuators; first, second, and third U-shaped flipper mechanisms associated with the respective first, second, and third coil springs, each flipper mechanism comprising first and second arms connected by a bridge portion, the first and second arms each comprising an oppositely extending protruding portion, each protruding portion comprising a lower cradle interfacing edge, wherein the bridge portion comprises a spring interface portion extending between the first and second arms, the bridge portion comprising a centrally disposed electrical contact; first, second, and third switch terminals disposed in the bottom housing, each switch terminal comprising a screw receiving aperture and an electrical contact; a single cradle comprising first and second ends and being disposed in the bottom housing, the cradle comprising a body portion, a transition portion, and a single connection portion, the body portion being formed of first, second, and third integral cradle support regions separated by a first and a second neck comprising a width less than a width of the cradle support regions such that a shoulder is formed where each cradle support region meets the first and second neck, wherein the cradle comprises a centrally formed trough extending through each cradle support region, and wherein a shoulder portion is formed at the first and second ends, wherein the transition portion is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion, wherein the connection portion is a rectangular plate, and wherein each of the first, second, and third cradle support regions comprise a central aperture, and wherein the cradle is disposed to interface with the cradle support posts so that the cradle rests on the support level of the cradle support posts and adjacent to the boundary level of the cradle support posts, wherein the first, second, and third flipper mechanisms are disposed to extend through the central aperture of each of the respective first, second, and third cradle support regions in a manner that the cradle interfacing edge of each flipper mechanism extends into and contacts the trough of each respective cradle support region, and wherein each flipper mechanism is suspended by the respective troughs and is movable in a manner that brings the electrical contact on the bridge portion of each respective flipper mechanism into contact with and out of contact with the electrical contact on the respective first, second, and third switch terminals; a common terminal comprising a main wall, a slip receiver, and a cantilevered pushwire arm, the main wall comprising a screw receiving aperture, the slip receiver being connected to and angled away from the main wall, the slip receiver comprising first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge, wherein the second wall is directly connected to the main wall and the first wall is supported by the second wall; and wherein the single connection portion of the cradle is disposed between the first and second walls of the slip receiver in a manner to complete an electrical connection between the cradle and the common terminal, the connection portion of the cradle being moveable within the slip receiver in any direction of a plane, the common terminal comprising receptacle contacts disposed in a receptacle portion of the bottom housing. 
   A method has been described that includes providing an electrical terminal; and electrically coupling a cradle to the terminal, the cradle comprising a plurality of integral cradle support regions, each cradle support region comprising a trough formed therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises placing the cradle in a housing, wherein the cradle comprises a plurality of shoulder features configured to interface with housing features to secure the cradle in the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises introducing a flipper mechanism into a central aperture formed in each of the plurality of cradle support regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises interfacing the flipper mechanism with the trough. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal comprises a slip receiver and the cradle comprises a connecting portion configured to interface with the slip receiver, and wherein electrically coupling the cradle to the terminal comprises inserting the connecting portion in the slip receiver. 
   A method has been described that includes inserting a common terminal into a bottom housing of an electrical device, the common terminal comprising a main wall, a slip receiver, and a cantilevered pushwire arm, the main wall comprising a screw receiving aperture, the slip receiver being connected to and angled away from the main wall, the slip receiver comprising first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge, wherein the second wall is directly connected to the main wall and the first wall is supported by the second wall, the second wall being disposed closer to the screw receiving aperture than the second wall; introducing a cradle into the bottom housing, the cradle comprising a body portion, a transition portion, and a single connection portion, the body portion being formed of first, second, and third integral cradle support regions separated by a first and a second neck comprising widths less than a width of the cradle support regions such that a shoulder is formed where each cradle support region meets each neck, the cradle comprising a centrally formed trough extending from a first end to the second end, the trough extending through each cradle support region, and wherein a shoulder portion is formed at the first and second ends, wherein the transition portion is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion, wherein the connection portion is a rectangular plate, and wherein the cradle support regions each comprise a central aperture, wherein introducing the cradle comprises orienting the cradle to fit between boundary levels of cradle support posts formed in the bottom housing and to fit upon support levels of the cradle support posts; electrically coupling the cradle and the terminal by inserting the connector portion between the first and second walls of the slip receiver in a manner to complete an electrical connection between the cradle and the common terminal; introducing a first, a second, and a third U-shaped flipper mechanism through the respective central aperture of the respective first, second, and third cradle support regions, each flipper mechanism comprising first and second arms connected by an integral bridge portion, the first and second arms each comprising an oppositely extending protruding portion, each protruding portion comprising a lower cradle interfacing edge, wherein the bridge portion comprises a spring interface portion extending between the first and second arms, the bridge portion comprising a centrally disposed electrical contact, wherein introducing the first, second, and third U-shaped flipper mechanisms through the respective central apertures comprises placing the first, second, and third flipper mechanisms to extend through the respective central apertures in a manner that the cradle interfacing edge of each flipper mechanism extends into and contacts the trough of each respective first, second, and third cradle support region, and wherein the first, second, and third flipper mechanisms are suspended by the cradle and are movable in a manner that brings the electrical contact on the bridge portion of the first, second, and third flipper mechanisms into contact with and out of contact with an electrical contact on respective first, second, and third switch terminals. 
   A system has been described that includes means for providing an electrical terminal; and means for electrically coupling a cradle to the terminal, the cradle comprising a plurality of integral cradle support regions, each cradle support region comprising a trough formed therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for placing the cradle in a housing, wherein the cradle comprises a plurality of shoulder features configured to interface with housing features to secure the cradle in the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for introducing a flipper mechanism into a central aperture formed in each of the plurality of cradle support regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for interfacing the flipper mechanism with the trough. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal comprises a slip receiver and the cradle comprises a connecting portion configured to interface with the slip receiver, and wherein the means for electrically coupling the cradle to the terminal comprises means for inserting the connecting portion in the slip receiver. 
   A system has been described means for inserting a common terminal into a bottom housing of an electrical device, the common terminal comprising a main wall, a slip receiver, and a cantilevered pushwire arm, the main wall comprising a screw receiving aperture, the slip receiver being connected to and angled away from the main wall, the slip receiver comprising first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge, wherein the second wall is directly connected to the main wall and the first wall is supported by the second wall, the second wall being disposed closer to the screw receiving aperture than the second wall; means for introducing a cradle into the bottom housing, the cradle comprising a body portion, a transition portion, and a single connection portion, the body portion being formed of first, second, and third integral cradle support regions separated by a first and a second neck comprising widths less than a width of the cradle support regions such that a shoulder is formed where each cradle support region meets each neck, the cradle comprising a centrally formed trough extending from a first end to the second end, the trough extending through each cradle support region, and wherein a shoulder portion is formed at the first and second ends, wherein the transition portion is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion, wherein the connection portion is a rectangular plate, and wherein the cradle support regions each comprise a central aperture, wherein the means for introducing the cradle comprises orienting the cradle to fit between boundary levels of cradle support posts formed in the bottom housing and to fit upon support levels of the cradle support posts; means for electrically coupling the cradle and the terminal by inserting the connector portion between the first and second walls of the slip receiver in a manner to complete an electrical connection between the cradle and the common terminal; means for introducing a first, a second, and a third U-shaped flipper mechanism through the respective central aperture of the respective first, second, and third cradle support regions, each flipper mechanism comprising first and second arms connected by an integral bridge portion, the first and second arms each comprising an oppositely extending protruding portion, each protruding portion comprising a lower cradle interfacing edge, wherein the bridge portion comprises a spring interface portion extending between the first and second arms, the bridge portion comprising a centrally disposed electrical contact, wherein the means for introducing the first, second, and third U-shaped flipper mechanisms through the respective central apertures comprises placing the first, second, and third flipper mechanisms to extend through the respective central apertures in a manner that the cradle interfacing edge of each flipper mechanism extends into and contacts the trough of each respective first, second, and third cradle support region, and wherein the first, second, and third flipper mechanisms are suspended by the cradle and are movable in a manner that brings the electrical contact on the bridge portion of the first, second, and third flipper mechanisms into contact with and out of contact with an electrical contact on respective first, second, and third switch terminals. 
   It is understood that the foregoing description describes examples only and the claims are intended to cover deviations from this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the screw apertures are slots configured to receive the screws. In other embodiments for example, the description of U-shaped troughs is meant to include troughs that have diverging or rounded walls. 
   Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upward,” “downward,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “left,” “right,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above. 
   In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations. 
   Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.