US2276413A - Switch mechanism - Google Patents

Description

March 17, 1942. C. w. MOORE 2,276,413

SWITCH MECHANISM Filed Oct. '7, 1941 6 SheetS-Sheet l f4 26 15 7 v WW my' March 17, 1942. Q w, MQQRE 2,276,413

SWITCH MEGHANISM Filed Oct. 7, 1941' 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 17, 1942. C, w; MOORE 2,276,413

SWITCH MECHANISM Filed oct. 7, 1941 e sheets-sheet 5 All yxvlmch 17, 1942. C, gv, MOORE 2,276,413

SWITCH MECHANISM Fi1ed oct. '7, 1941 e sheets-sheet 4 March 17, 1942. c, W, MOORE 2,276,413

SWITCH MECHANISM Filed Oct. '7, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 17, 1942. c. w. MOORE SWITCH MECHANISM 6l Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 7, 1941 rfffar 69 Patented Mar. 17, 1942 SWITCH MECHANISM Clarence W. Moore, Roslyn, Pa., assigner to United Specialties Cm, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Application Gctober 7, 19M, Serial No. 413,987

(Si. 25d-59) 21 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in electric switch mechanisms adapted for use inl conjunction withdirection indieating signal systems for automobiles and like vehicles, and relates more particularly to switch mechanisms wherein the direction signal is set manually prior to making a turn, remains set during the making of such turn, and then is discontinued or canceled automatically upon the resumption of a straight course after the turn has been made.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a switch mechanism of the type described embodying various novel and improved features of construction and operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch mechanism of the stated character which is yieldably maintained in the on positions by means releasable in response to actuation of a manual operator thereby permitting manual cancelation of the signal apart and independently of automatic cancelation thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel switch mechanism of the character set forth wherein the switch actuating means is spring biased to off position.

closure in Figure 7.

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch mechanism of the type described which is of relatively simple, foolproof and compact construction and capable of being installed readily on an automobile or like vehicle.

These and other objects and the various features and details of the construction and operation thereof are hereinafter fully set forth and described and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a view in perspective showing a direction signal switch embodying the present invention associated with the steering mechanism of anautomobile or the like.

Figure 2 is a view in section taken on line 22, Figure 1, showing the direction switch set for a. left hand turn of the vehicle.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the switch being returned to neutral or off position.

Figure 4 is a plan view showing the switch attached to and associated with the steering column of an automobile.

Figure 5 is a view in section taken on line 5-5,v Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a view in section taken on line 64-6, Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a view in section taken on line Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section taken cn line 9-9, Figure 7.

Figure l0 is an exploded view in perspective of the switch plate and associated turning member.

Figure 11 is an enlarged top plan view of the switch actuating and automatic cancelation mechanism showing the parts thereof in neutral or "off position.

Figure l2 is a right hand end elevation View of the disclosure in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is an inverted plan view of the mechanism shown in Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view in plan of the mechanism shown in Figure 11 but showing the same with the parts set for a left hand turn signal indication and illustrating the manner in which the switch mechanism operates during the making of such turn'whereby automatic cancelation of the left hand turn signal is prevented prior to completion of the turn. y

Figure 15 is a view in section similar to Fig- 'ure 5 showing a modified form of switch mechanism embodying the present invention and in association with the steering column of an automobile or like vehicle.

Figure 16 is a view in section taken on line lli-I6, Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16 showing the switch mechanism being returned to neutral or off position.

Figure 18 is a fragmentary View in plan of a portion of the mechanism shown in Figure 16, wherein certain elements are shown in dot-anddash lines to better illustrate the details of the construction and operation of the means for latching the mechanism in one of the on positions thereof.

Figure 19 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the mechanism similar to Figure 16 but illustrating the switch mechanism in neutral or off position.

Figure 20 is a view in section taken on line 2li-20, Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a view in section taken on line 2|2|, Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a view in section on line 22-22, Figure 20.

Figure 23 is a view in section similar to Figure 15 but substantially enlarged to better illustrate the various features of the construction thereof.

Figure 24 is a view in section taken on line Z4-24. Figure 23; and

Figure 25 is a Adiagrammatical view of the electrical circuit for a direction indicating signal system comprising the switch of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 to 14 thereof, the switch mechanism there illustrated comprises a base member I which is concaved at one end 2 to receive the steering column or post 3 of an automobile or like vehicle. The base member I is secured to the column 3 by a strap 4 which encircles the column and is fastened, for example, by welding or the like, to upstanding lugs 5 at the concave edge portion of said base I as shown in Figures 2 to 4. The base member I is secured within a housing 6 by means of screws or the like I which are threaded through the upstandlng side flange portions 8 of said base I. and this housing 6 has an opening 9 therein through which passes the automobile steering column 3.

Referring now to the construction of the switch mechanism, a contact plate IIJ of suitable insulating material is secured upon the base I and is spaced thereabove by means of suitable spacers Il. Above this contact plate I0 is a bridge member I2 having depending leg portions I2a provided with feet I 2b which rest upon said contact plate I0, and this bridge member I2 and the contact plate I0 are permanently secured together 'and to the base member I by means of rivets I3 and I4, respectively, the rivets I3 securing the feet I2b of the bridge member I2 directly to the contact plate I0, while the rivets I4 pass through said contact plate, bridge member and the base I securing these parts and the spacers II in the relation shown in Figure 2, the said spacers II having a generally U-shaped central portion Ila in which the rivets I4 are disposed thus preventing displacement of the spacers.

Projecting upwardly through suitable openings in the contact plate III are electrical contact terminals I5, I6 and I1, and these contact terminals are pressed from sheet metal and positioned in suitable openings formed in the contact plate I0 where they lare secured by any suitable means such as rivets I8. The construction and arrangement of these contact terminals with respect to the contact plate II) and the manner in which they are secured therein are shown in Figure 9 of the drawings.

FiXedly secured at its lower end to the contact plate I0 is a stud I3, and rotatably mounted on said stud I9 above the contact plate I0 is a switch plate having at its periphery downwardly pressed-out contact elements 2|, 22 and 23 arranged for selective contact with the aforesaid contact terminals I5, I6 and I1 of the contact plate I0. The contact I6 is of suiciently large surface area that the contact 22 of the switch plate 20 is always in engagement therewith within the limits of movement of the said switch plate as hereinafter described.

The switch contacts of the switch reside more or less at one side of the switch plate 20 and in order to insure good contact thereby and also to prevent rocking of said switch plate, the same is eccentrically mounted about the stud I9. In addition, the plate 20 is urged downwardly by means of a coil spring or the like 24 and this spring likewise is eccentrically mounted about the stud I9 and is held in such relation by means of the pressed up portion 20a o1' plate 20 and by a boss 25a at the underside of an overlying member 25.

'This member 25 is of dielectric material and is rotatably mounted and retained upon the stud I9 by the head portion I9a at the upper end of the latter. Projecting from diametrically opposite sides of the dielectric member 25 are depending lugs 26 which more or less loosely engage correspondingly ormed slots 21 in the previously described switch plate 20 (see Figure 10) whereby rotation imparted to the member 25 is in turn imparted to said switch plate 20.

Overlying the member 25 and underlying the bridge member I2 is a plate 28 which is rotatably mounted on a stud 29 xedly secured in said bridge member I2, and this plate 28 is provided with diametrically arranged depending lugs 30 which engage slots or notches 3| in the periphery of said member 25 whereby rotation of the plate 28 is imparted to the member 25 and by the latter to the switch plate 20 as aforesaid. This construction may best be understood by reference to Figures 5. l0 and l2 of the drawings. Rotary movement or rotation is imparted manually to the plate 28 by means of a handle or like 32 which extends laterally through a slot 33 in the housing 6 and has its inner endV threaded into the depending bracket portion 28a of said plate 28 which is located at the outer side or end of said plate as shown in Figure 5.

A lug 34 projects upwardly from the plate 28 and moves therewith within an arcuate recess 35 formed in the overlying portion of the bridge I2. Thus the end edge pOrtions 36 and 31 of the recess 35 function as stops to limit movement of the lug 34 and consequently limit the extent of rotation of the plate 28 and the switch member 25 and plate 20 actuated thereby as aforesaid. The two extreme positions of movement of the plate 20 and the associated switch member 25 and plate 20, as limited by the stops 36 and 31, constitute the two on positions of the switch mechanism while the single oi" position thereof resides midway between the said two on positions and hence is within the limit of movement of the switch parts.

For the purpose of preventing the switch parts from passing through the neutral off position to the other on position when the switch is actuated to said off position from one of the on positions, there is provided a centering device which operates not only to tend to urge the switch parts to oil position, but which also tends to oppose movement of said parts past the 01T position to the other on" position. This mechanism comprises a pair of arms 38, 38 pivotally mounted upon the stud 29 above the bridge member I2. and extending outwardly from said stud in the direction of the handle 32. The outer ends of the arms 38, 38 are connected together by means of a coiled spring 39 which lends to pull the said arms together. However` these arms 38, 38 are positioned at respectively cppcsite sides of the lug 34 on plate 28 as well as at opposite sides of a lug 40 which projects upwardly from the bridge member I2 (see Figures 2, 3, 11 and 13), and sincer the lug 40 is fixed and the lug 34 movable, the spring tensioned arms 38, 38 tend to urge the movable lug 34 into alignment with the lug 40, or, in other words, the oiT position of the mechanism.

As shown in Figures 2. 3, ll, 13 and 14, the opposite side edge portions 4I, 41a of the periphery of plate 28 comprise portions of the circumference of a true circle of fixed radius and the the steering column 3 of the vehicle is formed y to provide spaced correspondingly arranged substantially flat surface portions 42, 42a which terminate inwardly thereof in recesses or detents Pivotally mounted beneath the bridge member I2 upon a common pivot or stud 44 secured in said bridge I2 is a pair of levers 45, 45a, and the said stud 44 passes through these levers 45, 45a at a point between inner and outer end portion 46, 46a and 41, 41a respectively. The levers are arranged substantially cross-wise of each other at the stud 44 and their outer end portions 41, 41a thus extend in opposite directions both with respect to each other and with respect to their inner end portions 46, 45a.

The outer extremities of the levers 45, 45a are upwardly offset above the bridge member I2 and curve slightly awayxfrom the steering column 3 as shown in Figures-l2 and 13 of the drawings. An arcuate shaped slot 48, 48a is formed in this upwardly oiset end portion of each of the levers 45, 45a and slidable in such slots are pins 49, 49a on the upper ends of which and above the outer end portions of the levers there are rotatably mounted suitable actuator elements G, 50a in the form of disks. Positioned more or less loosely about the pins 49, 49a and between the lever end portions and the overlying elements 50, 56a are relatively thin members 5I, 5Ia and these are connected together by means of a coil spring 52 of proper tension so that normally the pins 49, 48a and their elements 50, 50a are held at the base end of the slots 48, 48a as best shown in Figures l1 and 13 of the drawings.

The extremities of the inner end portions 46, 46a of the levers 45, 45a are adapted to engage and ride upon the peripheral edge portion of the plate 28 previously described, and depending from the inner end portions 46, 46a of the levers are lugs 53, 53a engaged respectively by the opposite end portions of a spring 54 which has its intermediate portion. coiled about the stud 44. Thus the arrangement is such that the spring 54 tends constantly to urge the levers 45, 45a in respectively opposite directions about the stud 44, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 13, and to urge the extremities of the inner end portions 46, 46a of said levers into engagement with the adjacent peripheral edge portions of the plate in the manner shown.

In the neutral or off position of the mechanism (see Figures ll and 13) the extremities of l the inner ends of the levers 45, 45a are in engagement with the circumferential peripheral edge portions 4I, 4Ia of the plate 28 which operates to hold said levers apart against the action of their spring 54, and in this position of the levers 45, 45a their outer end portions 41, 41a are retracted so that the disk elements 5U, 53a carried thereby are removed from the path of travel of a pair of lugs 55, 55 which depend from a collar 56 carried by and rotatable with the steering wheel and its shaft or column 3.

Before describing in detail the operation of the various parts of the switch when actuated to either of the on" positions of the mechanism, it is advisable-to describe briey the electrical circuit and signal system with which the switch mechanism of the present invention may be employed. This system is shown in Figure of the drawings and is relatively simple, comprising, in addition to the switch mechanism, a battery or other source of electrical current E, and a pair of lamps L and R for indicating respectively a turn in the left or right hand direction. 'Ihese lamps are usually mounted at or upon either or both the frontA or rear of the 'vehicle so as to be readily visible to the driver of a vehicle travelling behind, or approaching-in the opposite direction. As shown in said Figure 25, the contact I6 is connected to one side of the battery E while the contact I5 is connected A to the lamp L and the contact I'I to the lamp R,

the saidl lamps and the other side of the battery E being grounded to the vehicle chassis or body in the usual manner.

As previously stated, the contact 22 of switch plate 20 at all times is in engagement with the line contact I6 and the arrangement of the switch contacts and extent of movement of the switch as limited by the stops 36 and 3l, previously described, i's such that, when the switch is actuated by the handle 32 tothe on position shown in Figure 2 to indicate a left hand turn, the contact 2i of said switch plate 20 engages the contact I5 to complete the circuit from the battery E through contact I6, plate 2li and contacts 2l and I5 to the lamp L. On the other hand,

. by moving the switch to the other on position,

that is, for a right hand indication, the contact 23 of the plate 20 will engage the contact Il thereby completing the circuit from line contact I6 through plate 2B and contacts 23 and I'I to the lamp R.

In addition to the foregoing, upon actuation of the switch as aforesaid to the on position'to indicate a left hand turn, the plate 28 will be i rotated in a counterclockwise direction (with respect to said Figures 2 and 14) whereupon the lever likewise will be permitted to pivot in counterclockwise direction under the action of the spring 54 and the inner end portion of said lever will travel along the periphery of said plate 28 from the edge portion 4I along edge portion 42 and into engagement with the recess or detent 43 thereby latching the plate 28, the associated switch mechanism and the lever 45 in the on position as shown in Figure 2. Actuation of the switch into this one on position has no eiect upon the other lever 45a and the inner end thereof merely rides back along the other peripheral edge portion 4Ia of the plate 28.

When the lever 45 is thus caused to pivot in a counterclockwise direction, as aforesaid, upon actuation of the switch to on position for a left hand turn, this serves to project the disk element outwardly and into the path of travel oi' the lugs 55, 55 on the collar 56 that is carried by the steering post or column 3, the other disk element 50a of the other lever 45a remaining removed from the path of travel of said lugs as previously described (see Figure 2).

Now with the switch mechanism thus positioned, if the vehicle steering mechanism is turned to the lei't in accordance with the intention indicated by this left hand setting of the switch and signal system, the lugs 55, 55, travelling in a counterclockwise direction with said steering mechanism, will have no effect upon the switch since as the lugs 55, engage the projected disk element 50 the latter will be actuated along slot 48 against the tension of the spring in the manner shown in Figure 14 and thereby permit the lugs to pass the disk element 50 without resultant operation of the switch.

However, after the left turn has been made and the vehicle then straightened out by a right hand or clockwise turning of the steering mechanism, one or the other of the lugs 85, 55 moving in a like direction will engage the disk element 50 to actuate it and its lever 45 also in a clockwise direction sufficient to release the inner end 46 of said lever from the recess or detent 43 of the plate 28 as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, whereupon the spring 39, acting through the arms 38,- 38 and lugs 34 and 40, causes the plate 28 and associated parts of the mechanism to pivot or rotate into the neutral or oiP' position shown in Figures 11 and 13, thereby automatically discontinuing the signal and resetting the switch mechanism for further use.

Also, by this construction and arrangement of the switch mechanism, it will be seen that, with the device set as aforesaid for a left hand turn, should the vehicle be turned to the right in a direction contrary to that indicated by the signal, the initial right hand turning of the steering wheel will operate as above to quickly cancel the inconsistent or incorrect signal.

It should be apparent that inthe case of the setting of the mechanism for indicating a right hand turn, the operation of the device is the same as that above set forth except that the lever 45a and its disk 50a are involved, and the various operations are effected by movements of the steering wheel in directions opposite those given above for the left hand signal position of the said device.

A modied form of the switch mechanism embodying the present invention is shown in Figures 15 to 25, inclusive, of the drawings, and referring to these figures, the switch there illustrated comprises a base 60 of generally arcuate shape adapted for disposition concentrically adjacent the steering column or post 6| of an automobile or like vehicle. This base member 69 is secured within a housing 62 and this housing is of a corresponding generally arcuate configuration and includes an annular collar portion 63 constructed and arranged to embrace the tu- -bular column 64 which encases the steering shaft 6| in the manner shown in Figures 15, 16 and 17 of the drawings.

Secured upon the base plate 60 is a contact plate 65 of suitable insulating material and this plate 65 is spaced above the base 60 by means of suitable spacing sleeves 66. Above the contact plate B is a bridge member 61 having depending leg portion 61a provided with feet 61h which rest upon the base plate 69 and this bridge member 61 is permanently secured thereto by means of screws or the like 68. Projecting upwardly through suitable openings in the contact plate 65 and constructed and arranged as in the case of the contact plate I0 in the form of switch previously described are electrical contact terminals 69, 10 and 1|.

Extending vertically through and rotatably mounted with respect to the housing 62, base member 60, contact plate 65 and the bridge member 61, is a shaft 12 which projects below the bottom of said housing 62 and has secured thereon one end of a manual operating handle 13. Mounted upon this shaft 12 and above the contact plate 65 is a switch plate 14 which carries at its under side a pair of contact elements 15 and 16 arranged for selective contact with the aforesaid contact terminals 69, 10 and 1| of the plate 65. As in the case of the form of switch previously described, the contact 10 is of sumciently large area that the contact-15 of switch plate 14 is always in engagement therewith with the This plate is keyed to the shalt 12 for rotation therewith and is disposed above switch plate 14 and beneath the bridge member 61 as best shown in Figure 23 of the drawings. Thus manual operation of the handle 13 in either direction serves to rotate the shaft 12, the plate 88 and, in turn, the switch plate 14.

Projecting upwardly from opposite ends of the plate 80 are lugs 8|, 8|a and these are disposed and move within arcuate slots 82, 82a formed in the bridge member 61, the end edge portions of said slots 82, 82a functioning as stops to limit movement of the lugs 9|, Bla, and consequently the extent oi' rotation of the plate 80 and switch plate 14 (see Figure 22). The two extreme positions of movement of plate 80 and the associated switch plate 14, as determined by the aforesaid slots 8|, 8|a, constitute the two on" positions of the switch mechanism, while the single neutral or 01T position thereon resides midway between the two said on positions and hence is then within movement of the switch parts.

Pivotally mounted upon the shaft 12 above the bridge member 61, upon a bearing or sleeve 12a, is a pair of levers 83, 83a and these normally extend approximately at right angles to each other and have their outer end portions 84, 84a respectively, upwardly oiset and disposed in positions overlying the aforesaid slots 82, 82a. Secured upon the outer end portions 84, 84a of the levers by means oi pins 85, 85a are suitable actuator elements 86, 86a and these elements having arcuate slots 81, 81a therein through which said pins 85, 85a extend so that the elements 86, 86a are relatively slidable with respect to the levers 83, 83a. These actuator elements 86, 86a are connected together by means of a coil spring 88 of proper tension which operates constantly to draw or pull the said elements 86, 86a toward `each other With the pins 85, 85a residing at the remote or outer limit oi! their slots 82, 82a as shown in Figures 19 and 2O of the drawings.

The inner or pivot ends of the levers 83, 83a terminate in downwardly turned lugs 89, 89a and the said levers are normally spring urged in the directions indicated by the arrows in Figure 24 to the full limit of their movement in such directions as positively limited by engagement of their respective lugs 89, 89a with the adjacent edge 90 of the bridge member 61 as best shown in Figures 22 and 24, which illustrate the neutral or oil position of the switch mechanism. The levers 8-3, 83a are biased or urged as aforesaid by means of a spring 9| which has its midportion coiled around the bearing or sleeve 12a, and its end portions extending in generally opposite directions into engagement with suitably shaped lugs 92, 92a on the said levers, respectively (see Figures 23 and 24). Y

Pivotally mounted by means of rivets or the like 93, 93a upon the bridge member 61 outwardly beyond the slots 82, 82a therein are latch members 94, 94a having upstanding flanges 95, 95a constructed and arranged to engage inwardly against the actuator elements 86, 86a under the influence of a spring 96 which connects said latch members 94, 94a. As best illustrated in Figure 22, the inner edges of these latch members 94, 94a

are provided with notches 91, 91a, and these are normally disposed in overlying relation with respect to the slots 82, 82a and in the path of movement of the lugs 8|, 8|a of plate 88 which project through said slots as previously described.

With the switch mechanism, including the levers 83, 83a, in the neutral or off position as previously described and shown in Figures 22, 23 and 24, the actuator elements 86, 86a are removed from the path of travel of a pair of lugs 98, 98 which depend from and rotate with the steering wheel 99 of the vehicle in the manner shown, for example, in Figures 15 and 19 of the drawings.

The electrical circuit and signal system with which the present form of switch is employed may be identical to that previously described herein, in which case the contact 10 is connected to one side of the battery E while the contact 69 is connected to the lamp L and the contact 1l to the lamp R. The contact 15 of the switch plate 14 is at all times in engagement with the line contact 10 and upon actuation of the switch mechanism by the handle 13 to the on position shown in Figure 16 to indicate a left hand turn, the contact 16 of said switch plate 14 engages the contact 69 to complete the circuit. from the battery E through contact 69, plate 14 and contacts 15 to the lamp L. On the other hand, by moving the switch mechanism to the other lon position, that is for a right hand signal indication, the contact 16 of plate 14 will engage contact 1l thereby completing the circuit from line contact 10 through plate 14 and contacts 1I and 16 to the lamp R.

In addition to the foregoing, upon actuation of the switch as aforesaid to the on position to indicate a left hand turn, rotation )of the plate 80 will take place in a counterclockwse direction causing its lug 8| to move in a like direction in the slot 82 of the bridge member 61 where it engages over the notch 91 of latch member 94 as shown in Figure 18 of the drawings. Actuation of plate 80 as aforesaid operates also, through engagement of the lug 89 of the lever 83, to rovtate the latter likewise in a kcounterclockwise direction in which position it is latched along with the plate 80 by engagement-of the lug 8| over the notch 91 of the latch member 94.

Upon actuation of the lever 83 in this manner and direction, the actuator element 86 carried thereby is projected outwardly and into the path of travel of the lugs 98, 98 carried by the steering wheel of the vehicle, the other actuator element 86a remaining removed from the path of travel of said lugs 98, 98 in the normal position thereof previously described (see Figures 16 and 18).

Now with the switch mechanism thus posi- Itioned, if the vehicle steering wheel is turned to the left in accordance with the intention indicated by the left hand setting of the switch and signal system, the lugs 98, 98 travelling in a counterclockwise direction will have no effect upon the switch since, as the said lugs 98, 98 engage the projected actuator element 86, the latter, by reason of its slot 81, will merely be pushed out of the way against the action of the spring 88 thereby permitting the said lugs 98, 98 to pass the element 86 without resultant operation of the switch mechanism.

However, after the left turn has been made and the vehicle then straightened out by a right hand or clockwise turn of the steering mechanism, one of the other lugs 98, 98 moving in a like direction will engage the actuator element further use. Operation of the device for signaling f a right hand turn is the same as that above set forth except that the lever 83a and its actuator element 86a, together with corresponding asso-- ciated parts, are involved and the various operations are effected by movement of the steering wheel in directions opposite those just described for the left hand signal indicating position of the device.

As is the case with the form of switch initially described herein, the construction and arrangement of the present form of switch is such that when the device is set to indicate a turn in a given direction should the vehicle then be turned `in a direction opposite to that indicated, the

initial turning of the steering wheel in that direction will operate immediately to cancel the inconsistent or incorrect signal.

The construction and arrangement of the switch mechanisms herein described is such that there will result no interference with the manual operation of the switch, and the operator of the vehicle, therefore, is able manually to operate and set the switch at will regardless of the relative positionsrof the steering mechanism lugs with respect to the switch actuator elements.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the several mechanisms of the present invention pro.

vide vehicle direction signal switches wherein the manually set signa-l remains set during the mail;- ing of the indicated turn and then is automatically discontinued and the mechanism reset for further use, while at the same time effectively providing for discontinuance of the signal in the event the vehicle is turned in a direction opposite to that indicated by the signal. The switch mechanisms are further characterized by features of construction whereby manual cancelation of the signal may be effected apart and independently of automatic cancelation thereof and wherein the switch mechanism is springbiased to the neutral or olf positions. Additionally, the switch mechanisms of the present invention are relatively simple and of foolproof compact construction.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been herein illustrated and described, it is not intended to limit said invention to this disclosure but that changes and modifications may be made and incorporated within the scope of the annexed claims.

I claim:

1. A switch of the type described comprising a rotatable switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a pair of spring biased levers rotatably mounted with their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions respectively, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, and

mechanism for rotating the switch plate operable also upon movement in one direction to'cause one of said levers only to move to its projected position and upon movement in the opposite direction to cause the other of said levers only to move to its projected position, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will affect actuation'of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and when the other of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in the opposite. direction only will affect actuation of the mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said other lever to return to its retracted position.

2. A switch of the type described comprising a rotatable switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contactterminals, a pair of spring biased levers rotatably mounted about a common pivot with their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions respectively, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, mechanism for rotating the switch plate operable also upon movement inone direction to cause one of said levers only to move to its projected position and upon movement in the opposite direction to cause the other of said levers only to move to its projected position, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will aiect actuation of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and when the other of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will affect actuation of the mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said other lever to return to its retracted position, and a member for manually operating the mechanism.

3. A switch of the type described comprising a rotatable switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a pair of spring biased levers rotatably mounted withl their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions respectively, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, and mechanism for rotating the switch plate operable also upon movement in one direction to cause one of said levers only to move to its projected position and upon movement in the opposite direction to cause the other of said levers only to move to its projected position, said mechanism including means for latching said switch plate and levers in the positions to which moved, and said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will affect actuation of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and when the other of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in the opposite ecrans direction only will aliect actuation of the mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said other lever to return to its retracted position.

4. A switch of the type described comprising a rotatable switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a pair of spring biased levers rotatably mounted about a'common pivot with their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions respectively., actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, mechanism for rotating the switch plate operable also upon movement in' one direction to cause one of said levers only to move to its projected position and upon movement in the opposite direction to cause the other of said levers only to move to its projected position, said mechanism including means for latching said switch plate and levers in the positions to which moved, and said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will aiect actuation of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and when the other of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will affect actuation of the mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said other lever to return to its retracted position, and a member for manually operating the mechanism.

5. A switch of the type described comprising a rotatable switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a pair of spring biased levers rotatably mounted with their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions respectively, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for pivotal and sliding movement with respect to said levers, spring means biasing said actuator elements to .predetermined positions relative to the levers, mechanism for rotating the switch plate operable also upon movement in one direction to cause one of said levers only to move to its projected position and upon movement in the opposite direction to cause the other of said levers only to move to its projected position, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will affect actuation of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and .when the other of said levers is projected actuation oi its actuator element in the opposite direction only will affect actuation of the mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said other lever to return to its retracted position, and a member for manually operating the mechamsm.

6. A switch of the type described comprising a rotatable switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a pair of spring biased levers rotatably mounted with their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions respectively, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for pivotal and sliding movement with respect to said levers, spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, mechanism for rotating the switchlplate operable also upon movement in one direction to cause one of said levers only to move to itsv projected position and upon movement in the opposite direction to cause the other of said-levers only to move to its projected position, said mechanism including means for latching said switch plate and levers in the positions to which moved, and said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will alect -actuation of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and when the other of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will affect actuation of the mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said other lever to return to its retracted position, and a member for manuallyl operating the mechanism.

7. A switch of the type described comprising a rotatable'switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationarycontact terminals, a rotatable member movable in opposite directions for rotating said switch plate, a member for manually operating said rotatable member, a o pair of pivotally mounted spring biased levers having their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions respectively with their inner ends normally engaging said rotatable member and arranged so that upon rotation of the rotatable member in one direction one of said levers only is caused to move to its projected position and upon rotation of said rotatable member in the opposite direction the other of said levers only is -caused to move to its projected position, and actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for movement relative to said levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will affect actuation of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and when the other of said levers is projected l actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will affect' actuation of the mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said other lever to return to its retracted position.

8. A switch of the type described comprising a rotatable switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a rotatable member movable in opposite directions for rotating said switch plate, a member .for manually operating said rotatable member, a pair of pivotally mounted spring biased levers having their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions respectively with their inner ends normally engaging said rotatable member and arranged so that upon rotation of the rotatable member in one direction one of said levers only is caused to move to its projected position and upon rotation of said rotatable member in the opposite direction the other of said levers only is caused to move to its projected position, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for movement relative to said levers, and spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will affect actuation of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and when the other of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will affect actuation of the mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said other lever to return to its retracted position.

9. A switch of the type described comprisin-g a rotatable switch plate having contacts cooperate with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a member bridging the switch plate,I a pair of spring biased levers rotatably mounted on said bridge member with their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and Iprojected positions respectively, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, and mechanism at the underside of the bridge member between it and said switch plate for rotating the latter' and operable also upon movement in one direction to cause one of said levers only to Imove to its projected position and upon movement in the opposite direction to cause the other of said levers only to move to its projected position, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will affect actuation of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and when the other of said levers is projected actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will affect actuation of the mechanism to .operate the switch plate and cause said other lever to return to its retracted position.

10. A switch of the type described comprising a rotatable switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a member bridging the switch plate, a rotatable member mounted at the underside of said bridge member and movable in opposite directions for rotating said switch plate, a member for manually operating said rotatable member, a pair of pivotally mounted spring biased levers on the bridge member having their outer ends arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions respectively with their inner ends normally engaging said rotatable member, said levers being arranged so that upon rotation of the rotatable member in one direction one of said levers only is caused to move to its projected position and upon rotation of said rotatable member in the opposite direction the other of said levers only is caused to move to its projected position, and actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for movement relative to said levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is in projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will affect actuation of said mechanism to operate the switch plate and cause said one lever to return to its retracted position and when the outer of said levers is in projected position actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will affect actuation of the mechanism to operate the switch plate and position.

l1. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts cooperable with a -inner ends engaging the adjacent peripheral surface of the rotatable member, said rotatable member having recesses lpredeterminedly located in the periphery thereof and said rotatable mem# ber and the levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of saidlevers is caused to pivot and engage its inner end in the adjacent peripheral recess of the rotatable member to latch the latter and such lever in the position to which moved with the outer end of the lever disposed in a projected position, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is latched l in projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will operate to disengage said lever from the rotatable element thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the lever to retracted position and when the other of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will operate to disengage said other lever from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the said other lever to its retracted position.

12. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a rotatable member, means for manually rotating said rotatable member in opposite directions, connections between the rotatable member and the switch plate for rotating the latter to operate the switch, a pair of levers rotatably mounted upon a common pivot and disposed crosswise of each other at said pivot with their inner ends engaging the adjacent peripheral surface of the rotatable member, spring means biasing said levers in respectively opposite directions so that their inner ends are maintained at all times in engagement 3 with the periphery of said rotatable member and travel along the said periphery when the member is rotated, said rotatable member having recesses predeterminedly located in the periphery thereof in the paths of travel of the inner ends of the levers and said rotatable member and the levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of said levers is caused to pivot and engage its inner end in the adjacent peripheral recess of the rotatable member to latch the latter and such lever in the position to which moved with the outer end of the lever disposed in a projected position, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, and spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that I' cause said other lever to return to its retracted when one of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will operate to disengage said le- .ver from the rotatable element thereby causing 4the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the lever to retracted position and when the other of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will operate to disengage said other lever from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return. the said other lever to its retracted position.

13. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a rotatable member, means for manually rotating said rotatable member in opposite directions, means for positively limiting movement of said rotatable member, connections between the ro tatable member and the switch plate for rotating the latter to operate the switch, a pair of levers rotatably mounted upon a common pivot and disposed crosswise of each other at said pivot with their inner ends engaging the adjacent peripheral surface of the rotatable member, spring means biasing said levers in respectively opposite directions so that their inner ends are maintained at all times in engagement with the periphery of said rotatable member and travel along the said periphery when the member is rotated, said rotatable member having recesses predeterminedly located in the periphery thereof in the paths of travel of the inner ends of the levers and said rotatable member and the levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of said levers is caused to pivot and engage its inner end in the adjacent peripheral recess of the rotatable member to latch the latter and such lever in the position to which moved with the outer end of the lever disposed in a projected position, actuator elements carriedby the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, and spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will operate to disengage said lever from the rotatable element thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the lever to retracted position and when the other of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will operate to disengage said othery-.lever from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotatend actuate the switch plate and return the said other lever to its retracted position.

14. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a member bridging said switch plate, a rotatable member pivotally mounted at the underside of said bridge member and between it and said switch plate, means for manually rotating said rotatable member in opposite directions, connections between the rotatable member and the switch plate for rotating the latter to operate the switch, a pair of levers rotatably mounted on the bridge member upon a common pivot and disposed crosswise of each other at said pivot with their inner ends engaging the adjacent peripheral surface of the rotatable member and their outer ends located beyond said bridge member, spring means biasing said levers in respectively opposite directions so that their inner ends are maintained at all times in engagement with the periphery of said rotatable member and travel along the said periphery when the member is rotated, said rotatable member having recesses predeterminedly located in the periphery thereof in the paths of travel of the inner ends of the levers and said rotatable member and the levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the :rotatable member in either direction one or the other of said levers is caused to pivot and engage its inner end in the adjacent peripheral recess of the rotatable member to latch the latter and such lever in the position to which moved with the outer end of the lever disposed in a projected position with respect to the bridge member, actuator elements carried by the levers at -their'outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, and spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will operate to disengage said lever from the rotatable element thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the lever to retracted position and when the other of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will operate to disengage said other lever from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the said other lever to its retracted position 15. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts oooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a member bridging said switch plate, a rotatable member pivotally mounted at the underside of said bridge member and between it and said switch plate, means for manually rotating said rotatable member in opposite directions, a lug projecting from the rotatable member and movable therewith between stop portions on the bridge member for limiting movement of said rotatable member, connections between the rotatable member and the switch plate for rotating the latter to operate the-switch, a pair of spring biased levers rotatably mounted at the r upper side of the bridge member upon a common pivot and disposed crosswise of each other at said pivot with their inner ends engaging the adjacent peripheral surface of the rotatable member and their outer ends located beyond said bridge member, said rotatable member having recesses predeterminedly located in the periphery thereof, and said rotatable member and the leversfbeing constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of said levers is caused to pivot and engage its inner end in the adjacent peripheral recess of the rotatable member to latch the latter and such lever in the position to which moved with the outer end of the lever disposed in a projected position with respect to the bridge member, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, and

spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined pcsitions relative to the levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of itsv actuator element in one direction only will operate to disengage said lever from the rotatable element thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the lever to retracted position and when the other of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will operate to disengage said other lever fromA the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the said other lever to its retracted position.

16. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a member bridging said switch plate, a rotatable member pivotally mounted at the underside of said bridge member and between it and said switch plate, means for manually rotating said rotatable member in opposite directions, a lug projecting from the rotatable member and movable therewith between stop portions on the bridge member for limiting movement of said rotatable member, connections between the rotatable member and the switch plate for rotating the latter to operate the switch, a pair of levers rotatably mounted at the upper side of the bridge member upon a common pivot and disposed crosswise of each other at said pivot with their inner ends engaging the adjacent peripheral surface of the rotatable member and their outer ends located beyond said bridge member, spring means biasing said levers in respectively opposite directions so that their inner ends are maintained at all times in engagement with the periphery of said rotatable member and travel along the said periphery when the member is rotated, said rotatable member having recesses predeterminedly located in the periphery thereof in the paths of travel of the inner ends of the levers, and said rotatable member and the levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of said levers is caused to pivot and engage its inner end in the adjacent peripheral recess of the rotatable member to latch the latter and such lever in the position to which moved with the outer end of the lever disposed in a projected position with respect to the bridge member, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, and spring means biasing said actuator elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will operate to disengage said lever from the rotatable element thereby causing the latter `to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the lever to retracted position and when the other of said levers is latched invprojected position actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will operate to disengage said other lever from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the said other lever to its retracted position.

17. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a rotatable member adjacent said switch plate mounted for movement in opposite directions, means for manually rotating said rotatable member and the switch plate to operate the switch, a pair of pivotally mounted spring biased levers arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions with their inner ends normally engaging the rotatable member and their outer ends diverging with respect to each other, said rotatable member and said levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of the levers is caused to pivot to its projected position, latch means operable to engage said rotatable member and retain the latter, the switch plate and levers in the positions to which moved, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and movable relative to the levers, said levers, their actuator elements and said latch means being constructed and arranged so that when either oi the levers is moved to and latched in its projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only operates to disengage the latch means from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and operate the switch and return said lever to its retracted position.

18. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a rotatable mcmber adjacent said switch plate mounted for movement in opposite directions, means for manually rotating said rotatable member and the switch plate to operate the switch, a pair of pivotally mounted spring biased levers arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions with their inner ends normally engaging the rotatable member and their outer ends diverging with respect to each other, said rotatable member and said levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of the levers is caused to pivot to its projected position, latch means operable to engage said rotatable member and retain the latter, the switch plate and levers in the positions to which moved, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and movable relative to the levers, means normally biasing said latch means into the path of movement of said actuator elements, said levers, their actuator elements and said latch means being constructed and arranged so that when either of the levers is moved to and latched in its projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only operates to actuate the latch means and disengage the same from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and operate the switch and return said lever to its retracted position.

19. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a member bridging said switch plate, a rotatable member adjacent said switch plate at the underside of said bridge member and mounted for movement in opposite directions, means for manually rotating said rotatable member and the switch plate to operate the switch, lugs on the rotatable member and movable within a pair of slots. in the bridge member for limiting rotary movement of said rotatable member and the switch plate, a pair o! pivotally mounted spring biased levers arranged for movement between retracted and projected positions with their inner ends normally engaging the rotatable member and their outer ends diverging with respect to each other, said rotatable member and said levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of the levers is caused to pivot to its projected position, a latch member pivotally mounted adjacent each oi the slots in said bridge member and operable one at a time to engage said rotatablemember and retain the latter, the switch plate and one of said levers in the positions to which moved, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and movable relative to the levers, said levers, their actuator elements and said latch means being constructed and arranged so that when either of the levers is moved to and latched in its projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only operates to disengage the latch means from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and operate the switch and return said lever to its retracted position.

20. A switch of the type described comprising a switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a member bridging said switch plate, a rotatable member adjacent said switch plate at the underside of said bridge member and mounted for movement in opposite directions, means for manually rotating said rotatable member and the switch plate to operate the switch, lugs on the rotatable member and movable within a pair oi slots in the bridge member for limiting rotary movement of said rotatable member and the switch plate, a pair o! pivotally mounted spring biased levers arranged for movement between retracted and prol iected positions with their inner ends normally engaging the rotatable member and their outer ends diverging with respect to each other, said rotatable member and said levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of the levers is caused to pivot to its projected position, a latch member pivotally mounted adjacent each of the slots in said bridge member and operable one at a time to engage said rotatable member and retain the latter, the switch plate and one oi.' said levers in the positions to which moved, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and movable relative to the levers, means normally biasing said latch means into the path of movement oi' said actuator elements, said levers, their actuator elements and said latch means being constructed and arranged so that when either of the levers is moved to and latched in its projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only operates to actuate the latch means and disengage the same from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and operate the switch and return said lever to its retracted position.

2l. A switch of the type described comprising a `switch plate having contacts cooperable with a plurality of stationary contact terminals, a member bridging said switch plate, a rotatable member pivotally mounted at the underside of said bridge member and between it and said switch plate, means for manually rotating said rotatable member in opposite directions,y a lug projecting from the rotatable member and movable therewith between stop portions on the bridge member for limiting movement of said rotatable member, another lug projecting from said bridge member intermediate the said stop portion thereof, a pair of spring biased pivotally mounted arms arranged at opposite sides of the lugs on the rotatable and bridge members and cooperable with said lugs to urge said rotatable member and its lug to a neutral position with respect to the stop portions of the bridge member, connections between the rotatable member and the switch plate for rotating the latter to operate the switch, a pair of spring biased levers rotatably mounted at the upper side of the bridge member with their inner ends engaging the adjacent peripheral surface of the rotatable member and their outer ends located beyond said bridge member, said rotatable member having recesses predeterminedly located in the periphery thereof, and said rotatable member and the levers being constructed and arranged so that upon movement of the rotatable member in either direction one or the other of said levers is caused to pivot and engage vits inner end in the adjacent peripheral recess of the rotatable member to latch the latter and such lever in the position to which moved with the outer end of the lever disposed in a projected position with respect to the bridge member, actuator elements carried by the levers at their outer ends and mounted for relative movement with respect to said levers, and spring means biasing said actuator.elements to predetermined positions relative to the levers, said levers and their actuator elements being constructed and arranged so that when one of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in one direction only will operate to disengage said lever from the rotatable element thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the lever to retracted position and when the other of said levers is latched in projected position actuation of its actuator element in the opposite direction only will operate to disengage said other lever from the rotatable member thereby causing the latter to rotate and actuate the switch plate and return the said other lever to its retracted position.

CLARENCE W. MOORE.

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