Double-throw switch with positive stops for preventing movement of the stationary contacts

A double-throw switch, comprising:

• a housing that defines an internal cavity;
• a push button that is mounted for movement with respect to the housing;
• a first stationary terminal;
• a second stationary terminal;
• a moveable terminal that, when in contact with the first stationary terminal, closes a first circuit, and when in contact with the second stationary terminal, closes a second circuit;
• an internal post member that extends between the push button and the moveable terminal, wherein an opening is defined by the first stationary terminal, and the internal post member passes through the opening defined by the first stationary terminal to engage the moveable terminal;
• a first set of one or more positive stops that engages the first stationary terminal;
• and
• a second set of one or more positive stops that engages the second stationary terminal;
• wherein, when a force is applied to the push button, the push button rotates and forces the internal post member to move downward and apply pressure to the moveable terminal, causing (a) the moveable terminal to break contact with the first stationary terminal, thus opening the first circuit, and (b) the moveable terminal to make contact with the second stationary terminal, thus closing the second circuit;
• wherein, the first set of one or more positive stops applies pressure to and maintains a predetermined position of the first stationary terminal, but does not interfere with or impede the moveable terminal;
• and
• wherein, the second set of one or more positive stops applies pressure to and maintains a predetermined position of the second stationary terminal, but does not interfere with or impede the moveable terminal.

A double-throw switch, comprising:

• a housing that defines an internal cavity;
• a push button that is mounted for movement with respect to the housing;
• a first stationary terminal;
• a second stationary terminal, including a first portion that is rigidly secured in the housing and serves as a blade connector, along with a second portion that extends from the first portion;
• a moveable terminal that, when in contact with the first stationary terminal, closes a first circuit, and when in contact with the second stationary terminal, closes a second circuit;
• a first set of one or more positive stops that engages the first stationary terminal;
• and
• a second set of one or more positive stops that engages the second portion of the second stationary terminal;
• wherein, when a force is applied to the push button, (a) the moveable terminal breaks contact with the first stationary terminal, thus opening the first circuit, and (b) the moveable terminal makes contact with the second stationary terminal, thus closing the second circuit;
• wherein, the first set of one or more positive stops applies pressure to and maintains a predetermined position of the first stationary terminal, but does not interfere with or impede the moveable terminal;
• wherein, the second set of one or more positive stops applies pressure to and maintains a predetermined position of the second portion of the second stationary terminal, but does not interfere with or impede the moveable terminal;
• and
• wherein the second portion of the second stationary terminal has a T-shape with a narrow central portion and a wide distal end, such that a respective positive stop of the first set passes on either side of the narrow central portion without contacting the second stationary terminal.

A double-throw switch, comprising:

• a housing that defines an internal cavity;
• a push button that is mounted for movement with respect to the housing;
• a first stationary terminal;
• a second stationary terminal;
• a moveable terminal that includes a first portion that is rigidly secured in the housing and a second portion that extends from the first portion in a cantilever arrangement, wherein, when a distal end of the second portion of the moveable terminal is in contact with the first stationary terminal, the moveable terminal closes a first circuit, and when the distal end of the second portion of the moveable terminal is in contact with the second stationary terminal, the moveable terminal closes a second circuit;
• a first set of one or more positive stops that engages the first stationary terminal;
• and
• a second set of one or more positive stops that engages the second stationary terminal;
• wherein, when a force is applied to the push button, the distal end of the second portion of the movement terminal deflects and moves in a first direction, such that (a) the moveable terminal breaks contact with the first stationary terminal, thus opening the first circuit, and (b) the moveable terminal makes contact with the second stationary terminal, thus closing the second circuit;
• wherein, the first set of one or more positive stops applies pressure to and resists movement of the first stationary terminal in the first direction, and thus maintains a predetermined position of the first stationary terminal, but does not interfere with or impede the moveable terminal;
• and
• wherein, the second set of one or more positive stops applies pressure to and resists movement of the second stationary terminal in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and thus maintains a predetermined position of the second stationary terminal, but does not interfere with or impede the moveable terminal.