Patent Publication Number: US-6987233-B2

Title: Push-button type electrical switch having secondary conductive pathway to ground

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/804,701, filed Mar. 12, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,590,176. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to electrical switches and, more particularly, to a push-button type electrical switch. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Push-button type switches are utilized in thousands of applications. One common application for push-button switches is as an input device for a gaming machine. For example, a gaming machine may include a plurality of push-buttons permitting a user to indicate a input, such as to “hold” a card, place a “bet” of a monetary amount, “deal” cards or the like. 
   In the gaming machine environment, the push-buttons are generally mounted to a portion of the gaming machine housing, such as a metal panel. One problem with these buttons is that they are subject to electrostatic discharge (ESD). A user of the machine may carry an electric charge, such as developed by walking across carpeting in a casino. When the user touches a button of the gaming machine, the path to ground through the button is through the electrical circuitry thereof, including the switch. Thus, the ESD is released through the circuitry of the button. This discharge may harm the switch of the button and may even travel through the gaming machine circuitry to a controller, such as a gaming machine processor. The discharge may damage this circuitry or interfere with the operating of the game for a short period of time. In either event, the discharge causes harm. 
   During the lifetime of the gaming machine, the buttons of the machine may be used tens of thousands of times. It is therefore important to provide a push-button switch which will accept a high duty cycle and has a long-life. Among other things, components of a button may need to be replaced in order to maintain the button, or else the entire button must be replaced. 
   In many instances, gaming machines are located in areas of reduced illumination. The reduced illumination makes it easier for a player of the game to view information presented on a video display of the gaming machine. On the other hand, the reduced illumination makes it difficult for a player to observe other aspects of the gaming machine, such as the location of push-buttons. It is desirable to provide a button which is easy to see and use. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a push-button actuatable electrical switch. 
   In one embodiment, the push-button electrical switch includes a body having a first end and a second end. An actuator is associated with the body. A push-button is mounted to the actuator and extends from the first end of said body. An electrical switch is provided having a switch button for activating the switch. A mount is adapted to support a lamp and the electrical switch. The mount is connected to the body. 
   In one embodiment, the body includes at least one latch extending outwardly from the bottom end of the body in a direction generally opposite the top end. The mount includes a surface for engagement by the at least one latch for connecting the mount to the body in position such that movement of the actuator with the push-button causes said switch button to be activated. 
   In one embodiment, two latches extend outwardly from stop segments located in an interior area of the body at its bottom end. The mount includes a passage through which one of the latches extends, and a recessed or cut-away area along which the other latch extends. The latches both include catches which engage a bottom surface of a main portion of the mount when the mount is engaged with the body. The latches are moveable to a position in which the catches are released, allowing the mount to be disconnected from the body, such as for replacement of the lamp. 
   In one embodiment, at least a portion of the body adjacent the push-button is transparent and illuminated by the lamp. In one embodiment, the body includes a wall defining a cavity at its top end. The push-button is located at least partially in the cavity. The wall includes a flange which extends outwardly from the push-button, this flange being illuminated. In one embodiment, the lamp is located in an interior portion of the body. The entire body is transparent, transmitting light emitted by the lamp, including to the areas of the body adjacent the push-button. 
   In another embodiment, an electrically conductive pathway is defined through the body to a support structure whereby electrical discharges are routed to ground rather than through the lamp and electrical switch. In one embodiment, the conductive pathway is defined by conductive material in or on the body. The conductive material may comprise conductive carbon particles embedded in plastic forming the body. In one embodiment, the pathway is defined through other portions of the body or a switch, such as an adapter or lock nut connected to the body and in contact with a support surface to which the push-button actuatable electrical switch is mounted. 
   In one embodiment, the lens cap has one or more notches formed in the exterior surface. An additional aspect of the invention is a tool for use in removing the lens cap and the bulb which is located under the lens cap. In one embodiment, the tool has a first end having a head for engaging the notch in the lens cap. Upward force applied to the lens cap using the tool effects removal of the lens cap from the remainder of the switch. The tool has a second end formed as a sleeve for engaging a bulb. In one embodiment, the sleeve comprises a plurality of independently movable tines. After the tines are located over a bulb, a slider is extended over the tines, compressing them inwardly against the bulb. Upward force applied to the tool removes the bulb from its socket in the switch. 
   Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a push-button electrical switch of the invention mounted to a support structure in the form of a gaming machine housing; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the push-button electrical switch illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3(   a ) is a cross-sectional view of a body of the push-button electrical switch illustrated in  FIG. 1  along with a portion of an engaged lamp/switch mount connected thereto; 
       FIG. 3(   b ) is a perspective view of the body of the push-button electrical switch looking in a direction from a bottom end towards a top end thereof; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a lamp/switch mount of the push-button electrical switch of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the push-button electrical switch illustrated in  FIG. 1  taken along a plane perpendicular to the support structure; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a tool in accordance with the invention utilized to remove a lens cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the tool of  FIG. 6  utilized to remove a bulb of the push-button electrical switch of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is a push-button type electrical switch. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. 
   In general, the invention is a push-button type electrical switch. The switch includes a push-button for actuating an electrical switch. In one embodiment, the push-button electrical switch has a light or lamp for illuminating a portion of a body or housing of the push-button electrical switch adjacent at least a portion of the push-button, thereby permitting easy identification of the location of the push-button by a user. In one embodiment, the push-button electrical switch has a configuration which promotes ease of assembly and disassembly. In one embodiment, the switch has one or more conductive body portions for transmitting electric discharges therethrough to a remote location, such as a supporting structure to which the body is mounted. 
   A push-button electrical switch  20  of the invention will first be described generally with reference to  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, the push-button electrical switch  20  may be mounted to a support structure. As illustrated, the push-button electrical switch  20  is mounted to a support structure, such as a panel or housing  22  of a gaming machine. In general, the push-button electrical switch  20  includes a push-button lens cap  24  extending from a top portion or end of a button body or housing  26 . The body or switch includes an adapter  28  and lock nut  30 . As illustrated, the adapter  28  and lock nut  30  are associated with an exterior portion of the body  26 . The adapter  28  may be formed integral with the body  26 . A lamp/switch mount  32  is connected to the body  26  and extends from a bottom portion or end thereof generally opposite the push-button lens cap  24 . An electrical switch  34  is connected to the lamp/switch mount  32 . 
   In the arrangement illustrated, the housing  22  comprises a metal panel forming a portion of a body or housing of the gaming machine. The housing  22  has an aperture therethrough. Preferably, the body  26  extends through the aperture. The aperture is larger than the portion of the body  26  which extends therethrough, but is smaller in dimension than the adapter  28 . The adapter  28  is positioned over the body  26  adjacent a top side of the housing  22 , obscuring the aperture through which the body extends. The lock nut  30  is affixed to the body  26  from the bottom side of the housing  22 . In this manner, the housing  22  is positioned between the adapter  28  and the lock nut  30 , securing the push-button electrical switch  20  to the housing  22 . 
   As detailed below, the push-button lens cap  24  extends outwardly from the body  26  for engagement by a user thereof, such as by a player of the gaming machine. When depressed or pushed by a user, the push-button lens cap  24  is arranged to activate/actuate the electrical switch  34 . Leads extend from the electrical switch  34 , and wires may be connected to the leads and extend to another device, whereby the signal from the electrical switch  34  is used as an input to that device. 
   The components and construction of the push-button electrical switch  20  will now be described in detail. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the body  26  serves a supporting/housing function and includes a wall having inner and outer surfaces. In one embodiment, the body  26  is generally tubular and has a top or proximal end  36  and a bottom or distal end  38 . A passage  40  extends through the body  26 . As illustrated, at its top end  36 , the body  26  is generally square, thus defining a generally square periphery of the passage  40 . The body  26  may have a variety of other shapes at this location, such as round or rectangular. Preferably, the bottom end of  38  of the body  26  is generally cylindrical, thus defining a generally circular periphery of the passage  40  at that location. 
   In one or more embodiments, an outer surface of the body  26  is threaded at its bottom end  38 . The threads extend upwardly towards the top end  36 . The threads are adapted to accept mating threads on the lock nut  30 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ), the body  26  defines an upper cavity  42  for accepting at least a portion of the push-button lens cap  24 . The upper cavity  42  forms a portion of the passage  40  through the body  26 . As illustrated, when the push-button lens cap  24  is generally square in peripheral shape, so is the upper cavity  42 . As described above, the body  26  defines a periphery around the upper cavity  42  which is also generally square. As illustrated, the body  26  includes an outwardly extending flange  44  in this location. As noted above, the push-button lens cap  24  may be other than square, in which case the body  26  at this location is as well, for example round or rectangular. 
   A middle cavity  46  is positioned below the upper cavity  42  and also forms a portion of the passage  40 . The middle cavity  46  is preferably cylindrical in shape, and has a diameter which is less than the maximum dimension of the upper cavity  42 . As a result of the change in size and shape between the upper and middle cavities  42 , 46 , a ledge  48  is defined. As detailed below, the ledge  48  serves as a stop to limit the travel of the push-button lens cap  24  downwardly into the body  26 , and serves as a support for a spring. 
   A lower cavity  50  is positioned below the middle cavity  46  and also forms a portion of the passage  40 . The lower cavity  50  is also preferably generally cylindrical in shape. As illustrated, a stop extends inwardly dividing at least a portion of the middle and lower cavities  46 , 50 . Referring to  FIG. 3(   b ), the stop comprises four wall or stop segments  51 . 
   As described above, a push-button lens cap  24  is associated with the body  26 , and preferably is located at the top end  36  thereof. At least a portion of the push-button lens cap  24  is adapted to extend from the top end  36  of the body  26  for engagement by a user. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the push-button lens cap  24  comprises a generally square member having a top surface and one or more sides or members extending downwardly therefrom. The push-button lens cap  24  may have a variety of other shapes, including rectangular and circular. 
   The push-button lens cap  24  is associated with an actuator  52 . The actuator  52  has a first end shaped to accept the push-button lens cap  24  there over. When the push-button lens cap  24  is square, preferably so is the first end of the actuator. Likewise, when the push-button lens cap  24  has other shapes such as rectangular or circular, the first end of the actuator  52  may be as well. Notably, the first end of the actuator  52  and the push-button lens cap  24  need not be the same shape, as long as the connecting function between the two is facilitated. As illustrated, one or more tabs  53  are located on the outside of the first end of the actuator  52  for use in securing the push-button lens cap  24  to the actuator  52 . 
   The actuator  52  has a generally cylindrical main portion adapted to fit within the middle cavity  46  of the body  26 . Preferably, three legs  54   a,b,c  extend downwardly from the periphery of the main portion of the actuator  52  in a direction opposite its first end. A pair of the legs  54   a , 54   c  are preferably located about 180 degrees apart. The third leg  54   b  is positioned there between. As illustrated, the third leg  54   b  is preferably located nearer one of the legs  54   c  than the other of the legs  54   a.    
   The opposing legs  54   a , 54   c  each have a catch  56  extending outwardly therefrom. Preferably, each catch  56  extends in a direction generally radially out in a direction perpendicular to an axis extending through the actuator. Referring to  FIG. 1 , when the actuator  52  is positioned in the body  26 , the legs  54   a,b,c  extend through spaces between the stop segments  51  of the body  26 . When so positioned, the catches  56  engage a lower rim of the body  26 , preventing further upward movement of the actuator  52 . 
   A foot  58  is located on the end of the third leg  54   b . As described in more detail below, the foot  58  is adapted to engage a button of the electrical switch  34  for actuating the switch. As illustrated, the foot  58  extends radially inward from the third leg  54   b.    
   A spring  60  is positioned inside of the body  26  and engages both the body  26  and the actuator  52 . In a preferred embodiment, the spring  60  is a helical spring. A first end of the spring  60  rests against the top surface of the stop segments  51  of the body  26 . The second end of the spring  60  is positioned within the actuator  52  and rests against a stop  61  therein. So arranged, the spring  60  has the natural tendency to urge the actuator  52  upwardly to the point where further upward travel is limited by the catches  56 . The urging of the actuator  52  upwardly also urges the push-button lens cap  24  attached thereto upwardly. When pressed by a user, the push-button lens cap  24  moves the actuator  52  downwardly against the biasing force of the spring  60 , compressing the spring. 
   The lamp/switch mount  32  is connected to the body  26  at its bottom end  38 . The lamp/switch mount  32  will now be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 4 . The lamp/switch mount  32  has a generally disc-shaped main portion  62 . The main portion  62  has three cut-out areas  64   a,b,c  permitting passage of the legs  54   a,b,c  of the actuator  52  therethrough. 
   A passage  66  extends generally centrally through (i.e., along a central axis extending generally perpendicular to a plane in which the main portion  62  extends) the main portion  62 . A lamp stand  68  extends upwardly from a top surface of the main portion  62  and downwardly from a lower surface of the main portion, defining a generally lower closed end. In general, the lamp stand  68  forms extended portions of the passage  66  for accepting therein a lamp  70  (see  FIG. 2 ). First and second contacts  72   a,b  are also located in the passage  66 . The first and second contacts  72   a,b  contact leads or contacts on the lamp  70 . The contacts  72   a,b  extend through the lower closed end of the lamp stand  68  for connection to appropriate power wires for powering the lamp. 
   A switch mount  74  extends below the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . The switch mount  74  is offset from the central axis. In one embodiment, the switch mount  74  extends from the lamp stand  68 . The switch mount  74  includes first and second spaced pins  76   a,b . A lock  78  extends downwardly from the main portion  62 . The lock  78  is spaced apart from the pins  76   a,b , defining a space in which the electrical switch  34  may be located. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the electrical switch  34  has a generally closed housing  80 . The electrical switch  34  may have a variety of shapes and configurations. As illustrated, the housing  80  is generally rectangular. First and second passages  82   a , 82   b  extend through the housing  80  from side to side. The passages  82   a,b  are adapted to accept the first and second pins  76   a , 76   b  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . 
   A button  84  extends upwardly from a top surface of the housing  80 . The button  84  preferably actuates an electrical switch within the electrical switch  34 . In one embodiment, the electrical switch  34  is a two-position switch. The workings of such electrical switches  34  are well known. As is common in such a two-position electrical switch  34 , the electrical switch  34  includes three leads or contacts  86   a,b,c . The position of the electrical switch  34  determines which of the leads are “hot” (one being for ground). 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , when the electrical switch  34  is mounted to the lamp/switch mount  32  the pins  76   a,b  extend into the passages  82   a,b . The lock  78  presses against the opposite side of the housing  80  of the electrical switch  34 , maintaining the pins  76   a,b  in engagement with the passages  82   a,b , securely mounting the electrical switch  34 . 
   When so mounted, the foot  58  of the third leg  54   b  of the actuator  52  is positioned adjacent the button  84  of the electrical switch  34 . When a user depresses the push-button lens cap  24 , the actuator  52  is moved downwardly, causing the foot  58  to engage the switch button  84 . This actuates the electrical switch  34 . 
   Most importantly, in accordance with the invention there is provided an advantageous mounting arrangement for removably connecting the lamp/switch mount  32  to the body  26 . Referring to  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ), first and second latches  88 , 90  extend from the bottom end  38  of the body  26 . The latches  88 , 90  extend from the stop segments  51  of the body  26 . Each latch  88 , 90  generally comprises a member extending outwardly from the stop segment and includes a catch. As illustrated, the latches  88 , 90  are positioned generally 180 degrees apart, with the catches facing generally in the same direction. 
   The lamp/switch mount  32  includes a passage  92  through the main portion  62 . The passage  92  accepts the latch  90  therethrough. A cut-out or recess  94  is provided in the periphery of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3(   a ), the lamp/switch mount  32  is arranged to be mounted in abutting relationship to the stop segments  51  at the bottom end  38  of the body  26 . The top surface of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32  is abutted against the lower surface of the stop segments  51  of the body  26 . In this position, the latch  90  extends through the passage  92  in the lamp/switch mount  32 , with the catch of the latch  90  engaging the lower portion of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . At the same time, the latch  88  extends along the cut-out area  94  in the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 , with the catch thereof also engaging the lower portion of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . 
   Preferably, as illustrated in  FIG. 3(   a ), the latches  88 , 90  are arranged to press the lamp/switch mount  32  both upwardly against the stop segments  51 , and radially outwardly against the inside wall of the body  26  at its bottom end  38 . Importantly, the latches  88 , 90  are slightly flexible, permitting a user to bend them out of engagement with the lamp/switch mount  32 , thereby permitting the lamp/switch mount  32  to be removed from engagement with the body  26 . 
   In one or more other embodiments, other means may be provided for removably securing the lamp/switch mount  32  to the body  26 . Preferably, the securing means includes at least one member which is accessible by a user for manipulation in unlocking or removing the lamp/switch mount  32  from the body  26 . There may be only a single latch or more than one latch. The latch(es) may engage the lamp/switch mount  32  in a variety of manners. For example, the lamp/switch mount  32  need not include passages or cutout areas. The lamp/switch mount  32  may include a trough in the lower surface or in a side surface for engagement by a portion (such as a catch) of the latch(es). In one embodiment, a threaded rod may extend from the body  26  and through a passage/slot in the lamp/switch mount  32 . A nut may be threaded onto the rod to engage the lamp/switch mount  32  with the body  26 . 
   In one embodiment, the latches  88 ,  90  may extend form the wall forming the body  26  instead of or in addition to the stop segments  51 . In another embodiment, rotating lock members may be associated with the body  26  and moved into a locking position when the lamp/switch mount  32  is pressed into engagement therewith, and rotated out of the locking position to permit removal/disconnection of the lamp/switch mount  32  from the body  26 . In general, it is desired that a release for the locking mechanism be accessible to the user. 
   The various components of the push-button electrical switch  20  may be constructed from a wide range of materials. In one embodiment, the push-button lens cap  24 , actuator  52 , body  26 , adapter  28 , lock nut  30 , and lamp/switch mount  32  comprise plastic or a similar material conveniently constructed in a molding or extrusion process. The contacts  72   a , 72   b  and spring  60  preferably comprise metal members. In one or more embodiments, the various components may have a variety of colors. 
   In one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the body  26  around the push-button lens cap  24  is arranged to illuminate or be illuminated. In this manner, the location of the push-button lens cap  24  may be easily identified by a user. In a preferred embodiment, the body  26  is constructed from a transparent or generally transparent material, such as clear plastic, instead of traditional black polypropylene. Light emitted by the lamp  70  passes through the body  26 , thereby illuminating the body  26 , including the peripheral portion thereof at the top end  36  around the push-button lens cap  24 . 
   In one embodiment, to provide significant contrast between the push-button lens cap  24  and the body  26 , the push-button lens cap  24  is arranged to generally not transmit light emitted by the lamp  70 . In one embodiment, the push-button lens cap  24  may be constructed of an opaque material. In another embodiment, a shield, such as plastic plate, may be located within the push-button lens cap  24 . In this embodiment, the push-button lens cap  24  is generally not illuminated, but the surrounding body  26  is, whereby the illuminated body  26  generally serves to identify the extent/location of the push-button lens cap  24 . In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a legend plate  96  is located inside of the push-button lens cap  24 . The legend plate  96  may have lettering printed thereon which is readable through the push-button lens cap  24 . For example, the legend plate  96  may be printed with “deal/draw,” “bet one” or other words, numbers or symbols. In one embodiment, the legend plate  96  permits light illuminated by the lamp  70  to pass therethrough to render the lettering or other printing more visible. For example, the legend plate  96  may be a plastic plate of any of a variety of colors (even clear) having printing, such as black or other colored lettering. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the push-button electrical switch  20  is arranged to divert or ground electro-static discharge (ESD). In one or more embodiments of the invention, one or more of the components of the push-button electrical switch  20  are adapted to conduct electrical energy to the housing  22  of the gaming machine or other support structure or remote location, and away from the circuitry of the lamp  70  and electrical switch  34 . 
   In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a path of electrical conduction P is defined from an external portion of the push-button electrical switch  20  to the housing  22  or other grounding element. In one or more embodiments, this pathway is defined by an electrically conductive material located in the push-button electrical switch  20 . In one embodiment, the body  26 , adapter  28 , and/or lock nut  30  are constructed from plastic having a conductive carbon material  96  interspersed therein (see  FIGS. 3A and 5 ). The interspersed conductive carbon  96  defines a pathway through the component to the housing  22  or other ground. Preferably, sufficient conductive carbon is provided that the path of least resistance to the electrical energy is defined through the component to ground rather than through the component to the electrical switch  34  or lamp  70 , and thereon to the associated circuitry. 
   It will be appreciated that in order to provide an effective pathway P to ground, the housing  22  or other supporting structure may need to be specially configured. In one embodiment, the housing  22  may comprise a metal panel which is painted (such as powder coated). In such an embodiment, it is preferred that an area of contact be provided between the body  26 , adapter  28 , lock nut  30  or other component of the push-button electrical switch  20  directly with the metal of the housing  22 . 
   In one embodiment, a metal strip or the like may be connected to the push-button electrical switch  20 , such as sandwiched between the adapter  28  and housing  22  or lock nut  30  and housing  22 , with the metal strip extending to ground. 
   In another embodiment, the pathway P through the push-button electrical switch  20  to ground may comprise other than dispersed particles  96 . In one embodiment, a wire may be embedded in the body  26  and extend from a top outer surface thereof to an contact with ground, such as the interface with the housing  22 . Other interspersed materials may be used. An advantage of the interspersed material is that the location or proximity of the user&#39;s touch or approach to the push-button electrical switch  20  need not then coincide with a specific location of the path to ground (as in the case of an embedded wire), since multiple paths to ground are provided. 
   In other embodiments, a layer of conductive material may be located on the one or more components of the push-button electrical switch  20 . For example, a thin layer of conductive metal may be deposited on the exterior of the body  26  and/or adapter  28 . 
   In one embodiment, the push-button lens cap  24  may be conductive. In such event, it is desired that the actuator  52  be insulating so that electrical energy is transferred from the push-button lens cap  24  through the body  26  to ground, and not to the switch/lamp circuits. 
   Assembly and use of the push-button electrical switch  20  of the invention will now be described. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the lamp  70  is installed into the lamp/switch mount  32  along with the contacts  72   a,b . The electrical switch  34  is connected to the lamp/switch mount  32 . 
   The push-button lens cap  24  is connected to the actuator  52 . The spring  60  is inserted into the top end  36  of the body  26  and the actuator  52  is guided over the top end of the spring. The actuator  52  is pressed downwardly, compressing the spring  60  until the catches  56  of the legs  54   a , 54   c  of the actuator  52  engage the bottom end  38  of the body  26 . 
   The lamp/switch mount  32  is then connected to the body  26 . As described above, the lamp/switch mount  32  is aligned with the legs  54   a,b,c  and latches  88 , 90  and is pressed upwardly. The legs  54   a,b,c  extend through the recesses  64   a,b,c  in the lamp/switch mount  32 . The latch  90  extends through the passage  92 , and the latch  88  extends along the cut-out  94 . Upon further upward movement, the catches on the latches  88 , 90  extend over the bottom surface of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 , locking it to the body  26 . 
   The push-button electrical switch  20  may be conveniently mounted to the housing  22 . First, the adapter  28  is extended over the bottom end  38  of the body  26  and is moved upwardly as far as possible. Next, the bottom end  38  of the body  26  is passed through an aperture in the housing  22  until the adapter  28  rests upon or abuts the housing  22 . The locking nut  30  is then engaged with the threads on the outer surface of the body  26  from the bottom end  38 . The locking nut  30  is threaded upwardly until it engages the housing  22 . 
   Appropriate wiring (not shown) is attached to the contacts  72   a , 72   b  for providing power to the lamp  70 . Appropriate wiring (not shown) is also attached to the leads  86   a,b,c  of the electrical switch  34 . 
   In use, a user depresses the push-button lens cap  24 . The push-button lens cap  24  moves the actuator  52  downwardly against the force of the spring  60 . Sufficient downward movement causes the foot  58  of the leg  54   b  to engage the switch button  84 , actuating the electrical switch  34 . Upon release of the user-applied pressure or force, the spring  60  moves the actuator  52  and push-button lens cap  24  upwardly. 
   A significant advantage of the push-button electrical switch  20  is that an electro-static discharge (ESD) from the player is routed away from the circuitry of the push-button electrical switch  20 , avoiding many problems. In accordance with the invention, when a player touches (or comes sufficiently close to the push-button electrical switch  20  that a discharge may arc through the air space and bridge to the switch) the push-button electrical switch  20 , the discharged electrical energy is routed to the housing  22  or a remote location, grounding the discharge. In the preferred embodiment, the discharge is routed through the conductive material in the body  26 , adapter  28  and/or lock nut  30  to the housing  22 . This path routes the electrical energy away from the lamp circuit or the switch circuit. 
   In accordance with the invention, a push-button electrical switch  20  is provided which is simple to assemble and disassemble. In particular, replacement of the lamp  70  is facilitated. In the event the lamp  70  burns out and needs replacing, the lamp/switch mount  32  is easily disengaged from the body  26 , providing access to the lamp  70  for replacement. In order to disengage the lamp/switch mount  32 , a user need only bias the catches of the latches  88 , 90  out of engagement with the lamp/switch mount  32 . Then, the user may move the lamp/switch mount  32  downwardly with respect to the body  26  for access to the lamp  70 . 
   As another aspect of the invention, the push-button electrical switch  20  has an illuminated body  26  surrounding the user-actuatable push-button lens cap  24 . The illuminated body  26  aids in defining to a user the location of the push-button lens cap  24 . 
   Another aspect of the invention will be described primarily with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, a tool  100  is provided for removing the lens cap  24  of the push-button electrical switch  20  and for removing and replacing the lamp  70 . 
   Referring first to  FIG. 6 , the tool  100  has a body  102 . As illustrated, the body  102  is generally rod or cylinder shaped. The body  102  may have a variety of shapes. The body  102  may be constructed of a variety of materials. In a preferred embodiment, the body  102  is constructed of metal, such as brass. Other materials, such as stainless steel and plastic, may be used. 
   The body  102  has a first end  104  and a second end  106 . In one embodiment, the first end  104  includes a means for removing the lens cap  24 . As illustrated, this means comprises a slotted-head  108 . The head  108  has a first end connected to the body  102 , and a second end positioned outwardly from the body  102  for engaging a lens cap  24 . As illustrated, the head  108  is curved, with the second end oriented at generally a ninety (90) degree angle with respect to the first end. The head  108  may have other shapes. For example, the head  108  may extend outwardly from the body  102  generally parallel to the body  102  along an axis therethrough, or the head  108  may be straight but extend outwardly from the body  102  at an angle. 
   In general, the second end of the head  108  is generally thin, having a thickness much less than its width. The head  108  is preferably sufficiently rigid to withstand the amount of force necessary to remove the lens cap  24  without deforming or breaking. The head  108  may be constructed of a variety of materials, and is preferably constructed of metal. 
   The head  108  is sized to engage a notch  110  formed in the exterior of the lens cap  24 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the lens cap  24  is preferably formed with one or more notches  110  located in the exterior thereof. In the embodiment illustrated, notches  110  are formed in all four sides of the lens cap  24 . In other embodiments, notches  110  may be formed in fewer of the sides. 
   In one embodiment, each notch  110  comprises a recessed area in the surface of the lens cap  24 . The notch  110  may be formed when the lens cap  24  is molded or may be machined into the surface of the lens cap  24 . Though the notch  110  may extend entirely through the lens cap  24 , it is preferably formed only in the surface. In this manner, no passages are formed in the lens cap  24  which would permit dirt, liquid or the like to pass into the interior of the switch. 
   As illustrated, each notch  110  is formed as an elongate slot in the lens cap  24 . Each notch  110  is preferably located on the lens cap  24  in a position where the notch  110  is accessible when the push-button electrical switch  20  is assembled. In particular, each notch  110  is located a sufficient distance vertically above the bottom edge of the lens cap  24  so that it is accessible above the top of the body  26 . It is desired, however, that each notch  110  be located close to the body  26  when the push-button electrical switch  20  is assembled so that the notch  110  is not so apparently visible to the user of the push-button electrical switch  20 . 
   In this configuration, it will be appreciated that the size of the head  108  of the tool  100  is selected so that it will engage the notch  110 , both when considering the height and width of the notch  110 . Preferably, the height of the notch  110  is slightly greater than the thickness of the head  108 . In addition, it will be appreciated that the depth of the notch  110  is preferably sufficient to permit the head  108  to be located in and engage the notch  110  with sufficient security to permit application of force to the lens cap  24  via the head  108  to permit removal of the lens cap  24 . 
   In use, a user engages the head  108  of the tool  100  with one of the notches  110  in the lens cap  24 . The user applies an upward force to the tool  100 , and thus the lens cap  24 . This force removes the lens cap  24  from the actuator  52 . 
   As described, the actuator  52  may include tabs  53 . These tabs  53  engage mating tabs  112  located on the interior of the lens cap  24 . Downward force causes the tabs  112  on the lens cap  24  to move past the tabs  53  on the actuator  52 , locking the lens cap to the actuator. Upward force applied by the tool  100  releases the tabs  112  on the lens cap  24  from the tabs  53  on the actuator  52 . Of course, the lens cap  24  may engage the acuator  52  in other manners, and the tool  100  may similarly be used to disengage the lens cap  24 . 
   Once the lens cap  24  is removed, it may be replaced with another lens cap  24 , such as in the case of damage. In addition, the interior of the push-button switch  20  is accessible, including the lamp  70 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , the tool  100  is preferably also configured for use in removing the lamp  70 . As illustrated, the second end  106  of the tool  100  is formed as a sleeve, thus defining an interior space or passage  114 . In a preferred embodiment, the space or passage  114  is defined by a plurality of tines  116  comprising the second end  106  of the tool  100 . The tines  116  are separated by longitudinal slots  118 , permitting the tines  116  to move independently of one another. 
   In the embodiment illustrated, the tines  116  and slots  118  extend parallel to the body  102  of the tool. As illustrated, the tines  116  comprise a portion of the body  102 . 
   The number of tines  116  and their configuration may vary. As illustrated, four tines  116  are provided. There may be as few as two or three or more than four. 
   In their resting or unbiased position, the tines  116  preferably extend radially outward from the body  102  of the tool  100 . In the embodiment illustrated, each tine  116  has a first end which is connected to the body  102  and a second free end. The second or free end of the tine  116  is located radially outward of the first end. In this position, the passage  114  is large enough to accept a bulb  70 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
   The tool  100  preferably includes means for biasing the tines  116  into a position in which the tool  100  engages a bulb  70 . As illustrated, a slider  120  is mounted on the exterior of the body  102  of the tool  100 . The slider  120  comprises a cylinder which is movable along the tool  100 . 
   In one embodiment, a stop  122  is located on the body  102  towards the first end  104 . As illustrated, the stop  122  also serves as a handle when the first end of the tool  100  is being used to remove a lens cap  24 . As such, the stop  122  comprises a member of increased radial dimension for gripping by a user. The stop  122  may have a variety of other shapes and sizes, including as the form of a tab or ridge extending around the body  102 . The stop  122  limits the travel of the slider  120  along the body  102  in the direction of the first end  104 . 
   When the slider  120  is in a retracted position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the tines  116  are in their unbiased or resting position. The slider  120  may be moved, however, to a position in which it extends over and engages the tines  116 . In such a position, the slider  120  compresses the tines  116  inwardly. Thus, the slider  120  preferably has an interior dimension sized to permit it to travel over the main part of the body  102 , but engage at least a portion of the tines  116  which extend radially outwardly. 
   A user may utilize the tool  100  to remove and replace a bulb  70 . Once the lens cap  24  is removed, the user locates the sleeved second end  116  of the tool  100  over the bulb  70 . The user then moves the slider  120  downwardly along the body  102  over the tines  116 . This causes the tines  116  to be pressed inwardly against the bulb  70 , gripping it. The user may then pull the bulb  70  out of the lamp stand  68 . 
   The user may replace a bulb, such as a burned out or broken bulb, by removing it and replacing the bulb with a new one. The new bulb may be installed by located it in the tines  116 , locking it into place with the slider  120 , and then pressing the bulb into the stand  68 . 
   The configuration of the push-button electrical switch  20  and the tool  100  of the invention has numerous advantages. In the prior art, replacement of the bulb required, as in the case of an installation such as that illustrated in  FIG. 5 , access to the bulb mount. As illustrated, the bulb mount may be located under the mounting surface, such as a metal panel. Access to the underside of the mounting panel may be difficult. For example, if the mounting panel comprises a metal wall of a gaming machine, access to the underside requires access to the interior of the gaming machine. In order to prevent tampering and to comply with gaming laws, this may require that only particular authorized personnel open the gaming machine. Thus, maintenance of the machine may be delayed or may be expensive. 
   Of course, the tool of the invention may have a variety of alternate configurations. First, more than one tool may provide the functionality described. For example, one tool may have the slotted head and a second, separate tool the bulb-engaging sleeve. The orientation of the head and sleeve may vary. For example, the tool may be “L”-shaped and have these components at the ends thereof. The head and sleeve may be detachable from the body of the tool. For example, the tool body may define a housing or space at each end. The head may be connected to a shaft which in one position is connected to the body so that the head is located inside the space, and in another where the position of the shaft is reversed and connected to the body so that the head is accessible. The sleeve may similarly be connected to a separate element which can be connected to the body. 
   The tool could include other means for engaging a bulb. For example, instead of comprising tines, the sleeve could include a flexible rubber or other high friction element which may be pressed over the bulb and engage it. An advantage of the tool of the invention is that a bulb may not only be engaged, but may be released, permitting a bulb to be installed into the switch and then be released. 
   The head of the tool may be retractable. For example, the head may be connected to a button which may be moved linearly, permitting the head to be retracted into a space within the body or extended outwardly therefrom for use. 
   The tool of the invention could also be configured to engage more than one portion of the lens cap. For example, a first end of the tool could be configured as a pair of movable calipers each having a head for engaging notches on opposing sides of the lens cap. 
   The lens cap may also include a feature other than a notch for engagement with a tool or other element in application of force to remove it. For example, a rib or ridge could extend outwardly from the outside of the lens cap. The head of the tool could then be positioned under the rib or ridge and the upward force be applied to the rib or ridge. This embodiment has the disadvantage, however, that the rib or ridge may interfere with the normal travel of the button up and down with respect to the body of the switch. 
   It will be appreciated that the tool and the lens cap configuration may be applied to switches having other configurations. The tool and lens cap configuration have particular utility with respect to switches where the bulb is difficult to access, such as when connected to a gaming machine or similar housing and the bulb can otherwise only conveniently be removed by accessing the bottom portion of the switch. 
   In accordance with the invention, the bulb may easily replaced from the top side of the switch and the mount, such as gaming machine housing, to which it is connected. As described, the lens cap is removed and the bulb is easily extracted from the top of the switch. 
   It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.