Two-motion switch for cordless lawnmower

An electric motor-driven device of the type designed principally for outdoor use and including means to prevent inadvertent actuation, said device comprising a movable output member, a motor for driving said movable output member, means for connecting said motor to a source of power, a switch controlling said connecting means, and a switch actuating mechanism comprising a switch-actuating lever movable between a first position in which said switch is off, a second position in which said switch is off, and a third position in which said switch is on;

• a housing;
• an aperture in said housing for receiving said lever in said first position, said aperture having a shape corresponding to that of said lever to prevent direct access to said lever when said lever is in said first position;
• and means extending within said housing permitting access to a portion of said lever enclosed when said lever is in said first position to enable an operator to move said lever from said first position towards said second position;
• and biasing means normally urging said lever into said first position.

An electric motor-driven device of the type designed principally for outdoor use and including means to prevent inadvertent actuation, said device comprising a movable output member, a motor for driving said movable output member, means for connecting said motor to a source of power, a switch controlling said connecting means, and a switch actuating mechanism comprising a switch-actuating lever movable between a first position in which said switch is off, a second position in which said switch is off, and a third position in which said switch is on;

• a housing;
• an aperture in said housing for receiving said lever in said first position, said aperture having a shape corresponding to that of said lever to prevent direct access to said lever when said lever is in said first position;
• and means extending within said housing permitting access to a portion of said lever enclosed when said lever is in said first position to enable an operator to move said lever from said first position towards said second position;
• and biasing means normally urging said lever into said first position;
• a portion of said housing being positioned to restrict access by the operator to said lever by way of said enabling means so that the operator cannot move said lever from said first position to said third position by way of said enabling means;
• said enabling means comprising an access aperture extending through said housing between the bottom of said lever-receiving aperture and another surface of said housing.

A cordless electric lawn mower comprising a movable blade, a motor for driving said movable blade, a battery for enabling energization of said motor, a switch controlling the connection of said battery to said motor, a switch-actuating mechanism for limiting the possibility of accidental energization of said blade, a handle for engagement by an operator;

• said switch operating mechanism comprising a housing mounted on said handle;
• means for mounting said switch within said housing;
• a switch-actuating lever;
• a grip surface on said handle;
• said lever being configured to be retained against said grip surface during use of said device by an operator;
• said lever being biased away from said grip surface toward an intermediate position wherein said switch is off and said lever is disposed externally of said housing, and toward a safety position wherein said switch is off and said lever is located entirely within said housing;
• said housing being shaped to receive said lever in a close fitting manner to prevent operator access thereto when said lever is in said safety position;
• and independent means extending through said housing for enabling an operator to move said lever only from said safety position to said intermediate position.