Push button switch

A push button switch comprising:

• a housing;
• a push button movably supported on the housing;
• a contact rocker member mounted in the housing pivotally between first and second positions;
• an elongate spring having a first anchored end and a second end connected to the rocker member, the push button being operable upon actuation thereof to apply to the elongate spring a force which is applied substantially transversely to the direction of elongation of the spring, thereby to cause the rocker member to pivot into its second position, the elongate spring being adapted to apply a return force to cause the rocker member to pivot from its second position into its first position;
• a control member connecting the push button to the housing and comprising an engagement portion, said control member including an arm mounted on the push button, said arm carried on a spindle rotatably mounted in said push button, and wherein spring biassing means engages said spindle;
• and arresting means on said housing, adapted to co-operate with said engagement portion on said control member to hold said push button in a position in which said rocker member is held in its said second position, against the return force of said elongate spring, until reactuation of said push button causes said engagement portion of said control member to disengage from said arresting means, whereby said rocker member is pivoted back into its first position by the force of said elongate spring said arresting means comprising a guide groove arrangement having a portion adapted to provide the arresting action upon engagement of said engagement portion of said control member therewith, and a spring biassing means engaging said control member to urge said engagement portion of said control member into said guide groove arrangement.