Switch device with automatic neutral point restoring position and releasably lockable nonneutral position

An electrical switch comprising:

• an operating knob movable to at least a neutral position, an automatic neutral point restoring position and a releasably lockable nonneutral point position;
• a primary selector member coupled to the operating knob;
• first and second secondary selector members, movable independently of the primary selector member but being disposed respectively to be urged in opposed first and second directions by the primary selector member when the primary selector member is moved in one of the first and second directions, each secondary selector member having a cam portion;
• a locking member having first and second rod portions extending in a third direction, the first and second rod portions having respective and opposed first and second slanted surfaces, the first and second slanted surfaces being respectively disposed to engage with the cam portions of the first and second secondary selector members such that when one of the first and second secondary selector members moves in a respective one of the first and second directions, the locking member will be urged to move in the third direction;
• and
• solenoid means operatively coupled to the locking member for moving the locking member in the third direction.

A switch device having an automatic neutral point restoring operation and an automatic nonneutral point locking operation, comprising:

• a primary selector member movable between a neutral position and a nonneutral position;
• a secondary selector member movable between a neutral point and a nonneutral point independently of the primary selector member, the secondary selector member being biased toward the neutral point and being disposed to engage with the primary selector member such that when the primary selector member is moved from the neutral position to the nonneutral position, the secondary selector member will be urged from the neutral point toward the nonneutral point;
• and
• a moveable locking member, engagable with the secondary selector member, for releasably holding the secondary selector member at the nonneutral point.