U.S. patent number 3,619,475 [Application Number 05/031,302] was granted by the patent office on 1971-11-09 for escutcheon module.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Switchcraft, Inc.. Invention is credited to James R. Bailey.
United States Patent |
3,619,475 |
Bailey |
November 9, 1971 |
ESCUTCHEON MODULE
Abstract
This invention provides an escutcheon module for framing
individual pushbuttons in a panel window. A module provides a frame
about each pushbutton with the bottom of such module being caught
at the inside surface of a panel upon which a pushbutton device is
mounted and through which individual pushbuttons may project.
Inventors: |
Bailey; James R. (Chicago,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Switchcraft, Inc. (Cook County,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
21858691 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/031,302 |
Filed: |
April 23, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/53; 200/296;
D13/164; 174/66; 200/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02B
1/044 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H02B
1/015 (20060101); H02B 1/044 (20060101); H05k
005/03 () |
Field of
Search: |
;174/53,66
;200/168D,168G,168K,168H ;D26/13,13.2,13.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Askin; Laramie E.
Assistant Examiner: Tone; D. A.
Claims
I claim:
1. In combination, a multipushbutton operated device having a flat
flanged portion through which a row of longitudinally movable
similar pushbuttons extend in laterally offset parallel relation
with such pushbuttons aligned along a line corresponding to the
length of such flange, each such pushbutton having a rectangular
section perpendicular to the pushbutton length with adjacent
pushbuttons in a row being spaced from each other along the length
of such flanged portion, a panel plate having front and rear faces
and having a rectangular window therethrough, said rectangular
window having its length predetermined to accommodate a row of
pushbuttons to extend through the panel window, the length of such
panel window extending parallel to the length of the flange, said
panel window being disposed so that the panel rear face is parallel
to and opposite the flat flanged portion, the width of said panel
window being somewhat greater than the width of each pushbutton of
the aligned row of pushbuttons, said differences in width between
the panel window on the one hand and each rectangular pushbutton
being due generally to the fact that different suppliers provide a
panel on the one hand and pushbutton operated device and have
different spacings; and a molded plastic module sleeve for each
pushbutton, such plastic sleeve having flat inside smooth walls to
define a rectangular passageway through which a rectangularly
shaped pushbutton extends, said plastic sleeve having smooth, flat
outer side faces from one sleeve end toward but short of the other
sleeve end, said other sleeve end being normally positioned between
opposed faces of the panel and flanged portion, said one end of
said sleeve being beyond the front face of the panel with the free
end of the pushbutton being always beyond the one sleeve and
available for actuation, said other sleeve end having lateral,
outwardly projecting locking portions from two opposed outer sleeve
faces, said two opposed outer sleeve faces lying in parallel planes
extending along the length of the window and said other sleeve end
locking said sleeve against removal thereof through said panel
window, said panel and flanged portion of said pushbutton operated
device being rigidly secured together, a sleeve filling gaps about
the sides of a pushbutton, a plastic sleeve being molded to
accurate dimensions for providing a finished appearance about each
pushbutton projecting through the panel, and means maintaining said
panel and pushbutton operated device in predetermined relation to
lock each plastic sleeve about its corresponding pushbutton.
2. The construction according to claim 1 wherein a sleeve module
has a generally flat barrier wall portion extending from the free
end of said one sleeve and in a direction away from the flanged
other sleeve end, said barrier wall extending in a direction
generally parallel to the panel window width from one of the sleeve
side walls extending along the panel window width, said sleeve top
at said one end otherwise being smooth and flat, so that when two
adjacent pushbuttons are provided with sleeve modules, a barrier
wall between the free pushbutton portions can prevent accidental
operation of two adjacent pushbuttons.
3. The construction according to claim 2 wherein said barrier
member has at least the bottom portion thereof where it extends
from the one sleeve end top overhanging laterally toward an
adjacent sleeve end top portion.
Description
This invention relates to an escutcheon module for use in a panel
cut out or window in which there is disposed a pushbutton or push
rod forming part of a device operated by one or more pushbuttons or
push rods.
It is common practice to mount electrical pushbutton type of
switches or other devices in the window of a panel. Such a panel
mounting is desirable for a number of reasons, among which are
improved appearance from the front of a panel, and when properly
mounted, to fill the entire space between the sides of a push rod
on the one hand and the edges of a panel window on the other hand.
The closure of such a space, this requiring a snug sliding fit
between the sides of a push rod and the window edges, serves to
prevent dirt and foreign objects from passing through the outside
of the panel through the panel window and into the switch device.
It is impractical to fabricate a panel window and a one or more
pushbutton actuated device so that said pushbuttons or push rods
will provide the snug fit referred to above. For one thing,
manufacturers of pushbutton operated devices make such devices to
various tolerances and dimensions. Furthermore, panel windows
cannot economically be provided with windows whose dimensions are
determined only at the last minute. As a rule, various size panels
are available with windows of predetermined length and width.
The present invention provides a simple escutcheon module
construction which is individual to one push rod and to one panel
window in which a push rod can operate. Because of the individual
application of an escutcheon module to a push rod, it is simple to
equip a multibutton device such as a gang switch having a number of
stations, each of which has its own pushbutton, and dispose the
device and the escutcheon modules in one window having a standard
or predetermined width and having any desired length to accommodate
a predetermined number of stations. The escutcheon module
contemplated by the present invention may be readily applied to
individual pushbuttons prior to the mounting of the entire switch
device in a panel. The mounting of such switch device or devices in
a panel serves to lock the individual escutcheon module in
position.
The construction of the individual escutcheon modules is so simple
as to minimize tooling costs and involves the fabrication of
molding dies for handling plastic materials.
The new escutcheon modules may be easily molded in any desired
plastic, such as nylon, polystyrene or any other desired material
to provide a dimensionally accurate construction so that clearances
between parts may be minimized. In connection with the selection of
plastic, certain materials, of which nylon is an example, have a
self-lubricating property in which case very small clearances
between relatively movable parts become possible without excessive
friction between such parts. Where one or more switch constructions
have molded plastic button portions around which an escutcheon
module may be disposed, molding accuracy and color coding of both
buttons and escutcheon modules achieves precision and smooth
operation without substantial costs.
The invention in general provides for a molded flanged sleeve whose
shape is such as to permit the disposition of the new escutcheon
module over an appropriately dimensioned and shaped push rod or
pushbutton in such a way that the flange at one end of such sleeve
extends outwardly and is furthest from the free end of such
pushbutton or push rod. The exterior of such sleeve is shaped to
fit snugly within a panel window whose length is at least that of
one station, or where longer panel windows are present, whose
length will only take up one station of the window length. The
construction of each escutcheon module at the flanged end is such
that longitudinally adjacent modules can fit snugly together with
the module flange cooperating only with edge portions along the
length of a panel window. The new module may thus fit within a
panel opening or window to take up the number of switch or button
positions for filling the entire panel window.
In a modified construction, a barrier portion integral with a
module functions to separate the region between two adjacent
buttons so that functional separation of such buttons is provided.
Such modified module has a barrier so constructed and located that
said barrier portion also functions to cover the joint between
adjacent modules and enhances the appearance of an array of modules
so that a generally unitary escutcheon construction is
suggested.
The invention will now be described in connection with drawings
wherein exemplary forms of structures embodying the invention will
be described, it being understood that additional modifications may
be made without departing from the scope of the invention except as
defined by the appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings,
FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view showing embodiments of the
new escutcheon modules disposed between pushbuttons and a panel
prior to assembly;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of one form of escutcheon modules in
assembled relation to a panel;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but showing a modified
escutcheon module; and
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view, with certain parts cut
away, and two adjacent modules spaced to illustrate the
relationship between two forms of modules.
The escutcheon modules embodying the present invention are
applicable to any type of pushbutton device, it being understood
that such device includes as a part of its construction a frame
portion in which are mounted pushbuttons adapted for movement
longitudinally of such buttons through windows or openings in such
frame portion for longitudinal movement in a direction
perpendicular to the plane of such frame portion. An example of
such pushbutton construction supported in a suitable frame with
which the new escutcheon module may be used is illustrated in the
copending application of James R. Bailey and Kurt Lutzenberger,
Ser. No. 761,174, filed Sept. 20, 1968, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,517,140
granted June 23, 1970, assigned to the same assignee as the instant
application. Insofar as the present invention is concerned, the
structural details of a pushbutton operated device are of no
importance and instead of the pushbutton construction defined in
the above-identified application, such pushbutton constructions as
disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 2,831,075 to Dumke et al., and No.
2,935,577 to Dumke et al., all assigned to the present assignee,
may be used. For present purposes therefore, it is only necessary
to show a frame having flanged portion 10 carrying any desired
pushbutton operated mechanism and having windows 11 in such flanged
portion through which pushbuttons 12 may project.
In the structures disclosed in each of the above-identified U.S.
patents, the pushbuttons identified by numerals 44 in the '075
patent consist of flat metal strips carrying molded pushbuttons at
the free ends of such push rods for actual operation of the
mechanism. In such patents, any panel mounting would probably
involve spacing of the pushbutton mechanism rearwardly of a panel
for mounting so that the molded pushbuttons only would be exposed
at the front of a panel.
For purposes of the present invention, the round molded pushbuttons
of the patents would be replaced by rectangular molded pushbuttons
so that a pushbutton as viewed from a panel would be rectangular
rather than round. Insofar as the type of pushbutton to which the
present invention may be applied, the general pushbutton structure
disclosed in the above-identified U.S. Pat. No. 3,517,140 is
desirable to realize the full advantages of the present escutcheon
module invention. This involves a pushbutton preferably of molded
material having a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the
front of a panel and extending for a sufficient distance so that
the rectangularly shaped pushbutton appears irrespective of whether
the pushbutton is in its outermost or innermost position.
Flanged portion 10 of the device to be mounted may have as many
button operating stations as required, such stations being disposed
in a line along the length of flanged portion 10 and will generally
be provided with suitable apertures just beyond the line of
stations for mounting such device to be disposed rearwardly of
panel 15. As a rule, panel 15 will have window 16 and mounting
apertures 17 and 18 for accommodating mounting bolts 19 to extend
into the mounting apertures of flanged portion 10. Window 16 of
panel 15 will usually have a standard width and will have a length
corresponding to the number of stations of the pushbutton device to
be secured. For example, if a five-station gang switch is to be
mounted, each station will be provided with its individual
pushbutton to extend the full length of window 16 of panel 15, the
length dimension of the window being along the line between
mounting apertures 17 and 18.
The width of window 16 will be sufficient to accommodate the width
or dimension of a rectangular pushbutton plus some room to spare.
Rectangular pushbutton 12 loosely fits in window 11 of flanged
portion 10, along either window dimension, the clearance depending
upon the manufacturer. No attempt has been made to show the
mounting of pushbutton 12 in its pushbutton device. In any case,
the dimension of pushbutton 12 transverse of the length of flanged
portion 10 will usually be substantially less than the width of
panel window 16 so that when flanged portion 10 is secured to panel
15, window 16 in the panel will usually have a gap on each side of
a pushbutton along the width dimension of window 16. In addition,
adjacent pushbuttons 12 along the length of window 16 have a
separation therebetween which also creates a gap between adjacent
pushbuttons in window 16 along the window length.
In accordance with the present invention, escutcheon module 20 is
provided. Such escutcheon module essentially consists of sleeve
portion 21 extending from top outer end 22 (as viewed in elevation
from a side of a module) toward a lower flanged portion terminating
in bottom face 24. The lower portion of sleeve 21 has laterally
extending flanges 23 on only two opposed sides 23a extending along
the length of panel window 16. The module sleeve exterior has
remaining opposed flat side faces 25 which, in the installed
position of a module, extend across the width of window 16, such
remaining flat faces permitting adjacent modules to be in close
contact. Modules molded from plastic may be accurately dimensioned
so that two adjacent modules disposed in face-to-face relation can
have such a good fit that the separation between adjacent module
sleeves will be hardly visible.
Each module 20 is adapted to fit well in a unit length of window 16
providing that the module is correctly disposed within a window. As
a rule, the length of a module which should extend along the unit
length of window 16 of a panel will be selected to be substantially
different from the width of a module which dimension should extend
along the width of window 16. As a rule, the separation between
adjacent pushbuttons along the length of window 16 will be small
enough and the difference of width and length dimensions of a
module great enough so that it will be impossible to position a
module incorrectly except that a module may be upside down, with
flanges 23 above panel 15.
A module should always be disposed so that flanges 23 will be below
at the rear or inside face of panel 15 with top face 22 of the
sleeve extending through window 16 above or beyond the front face
of panel 15. It is understood that all modules must be positioned
about the respective pushbuttons prior to the attachment of the
device to panel 15.
Each module 20 has inner rectangularly shaped passage 27 accurately
dimensioned to provide a snug sliding fit about correspondingly
shaped and dimensioned pushbutton 12. The thickness of the four
walls of module 20 should be sufficient to fill whatever spaces or
gaps there may be about each pushbutton 12. Bottom face 24 of a
module is generally flat and can rest upon a flat surface of
flanged portion 10. The thickness or height of flanged portion 23
of a module sleeve (this dimension will be parallel to the sleeve
height between faces 23 and 24) should be large enough to fit
between the opposing faces of frame portion 10 and the bottom face
of panel 15 when the two are firmly attached.
To space flanged portion 10 from the rear or inner face of panel 15
by a desired distance, embossings 28 on frame portion 10 are
provided to register with apertures 17 and 18 of panel 15. Instead
of such embossings, spring clips for engagement by threads of bolts
19 may be provided. In any event, each module 20 when properly
positioned over a push rod 12 will be locked between panel 15 and
frame portion 10 by flanges 23.
An array of pushbuttons each provided with an escutcheon module
extending along the length of panel window 16 functions to render
all free ends of pushbuttons 12 readily accessible for manual
operation. In the event that partitions between adjacent
pushbuttons 12 along the length of panel window 16 are desired,
modified module 20' is provided. Such modified module differs from
module 20 in that upstanding barrier portion 30 is provided at one
end face 25 of the module body or sleeve. Barrier portion 30
extends beyond top face 22 away from flanges 23 of the sleeve for
any desired distance.
The height of barrier wall portion 30 (this dimension is parallel
to the module height between top 22 and bottom 24) may be as
desired. Conveniently, the height of barrier portion 30 may be
something less than the height of the free end of pushbutton 12
above top face 22 of a module when the pushbutton is in its up or
outermost position so that a series of pushbuttons along the length
of window 16 of panel 15 will have the top of each barrier 30
disposed somewhat below the tops of pushbuttons 12 when in the up
position. Thus barrier 30 will separate adjacent pushbuttons
without reducing accessibility of each of such adjacent pushbuttons
for operation. In the down or in position of a pushbutton, the
barrier top may be above the free end of pushbutton 12. However,
this is a matter of individual preference.
Barrier wall portion 30 extends along the direction of travel of
the module body in panel window 16 for proper positioning of the
module. The shape of barrier portion 30 is not important. From base
31, barrier wall portion 30 may taper in thickness until the top is
reached. Preferably, barrier wall 30 extends for about one-half of
its thickness laterally beyond adjacent end face 25 to overhang.
Base portion 31 of the barrier wall serves to cover part of an
adjacent module free of a barrier wall portion. Thus, in case of
two adjacent escutcheon modules, each one being provided with
barrier wall 30, there will be a full station separation between
adjacent barriers 30. The advantages of such an offset barrier wall
30 are esthetic in that bottom portion 31 of a barrier will serve
to cover where the opposing end faces 25 of adjacent modules meet,
as well as guiding a finger to one pushbutton.
As a rule, it will not be necessary or even desirable to have a
modified module containing barrier wall 30 at an end position in
window 16 of panel 15. Where a row of adjacent pushbuttons 12 are
to be provided with individual escutcheon modules, one module may
be of the type previously described, free of barrier 30 to be at an
end of window 16, while all remaining modules may be of the type
having barrier 30, the arrangement being such that at the end of
the modules in window 16 there will not be any barrier 30, all
barriers 30 being located between adjacent module ends as
distinguished from a module end located at an end of window 16.
Instead of having wall portion 30 overhang beyond face 25 of a
module along the length of a module, it is possible to have the
barrier outer face extend from a flush position with respect to
face 25 and eliminate overhang completely. In such case, two
adjacent modules may each be provided with opposed barrier wall
portions so that the line of separation between the adjacent
barrier wall portions extends along the sides to the top of such
adjacent wall portions, thus making each barrier wall one-half of a
barrier wall portion unit extending from the adjacent end portions
of adjacent modules. However, such an arrangement does not present
any advantages over the construction illustrated in the drawings
and may impair the strength of such thin barrier portions so that
breakage may occur. As shown, modules may be intermixed insofar as
barriers are concerned. Escutcheon modules in various colors may be
provided.
* * * * *