Patent ID: 7112751

Claim:
A switch mechanism for use in a power tool having a motor, a handle and at least two operable directions comprising: a first switch movable between an ON position and an OFF position to selectively actuate said motor; a second switch to select between said directions, said second switch further comprising a neutral position in which neither of said directions is selected, said second switch being positioned across said handle in opposed relation to said first switch; a first abutment extending from said first switch; a second abutment extending from said second switch; said first and second abutments extending generally toward one another in generally opposed, parallel relationship, said second abutment being displaceable by movement of said second switch between a first position in which said first and second abutments are in end to end contact when said second switch is in said neutral position, and second and third positions in which said first and second abutments are in side to side contact when said second switch is in a position other than said neutral position; said end to end contact preventing displacement of said first switch to said ON position until said second switch is displaced to a position other than said neutral position; and, said side to side contact preventing displacement of said second switch to said neutral position until said first switch is displaced to said OFF position.