Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

James Michael Nestor

Samuel Edward Penn

The invention includes a three-position switch having a keycap connected to a housing for pivotal movement, and slidable movement in a vertical direction. The keycap is connected to the housing so that the keycap may be rocked to a first position in which one end of the keycap is depressed closing a first circuit. The keycap may also be rocked to a second position in which a second end of the keycap is depressed closing a second circuit. The keycap may also be pushed downwardly so that both ends of the keycap are depressed closing the first and second circuits simultaneously.

Three function rocker/push switch

A switch combines the benefit of the audible sound produced by ball and spring and metallic contact switches, with the simple, inexpensive, easy to assemble nonmetallic collapsible dome switches. A keycap with an audible lock arm having a ridge thereof for engaging at least one nub formed on the housing is provided allowing the keycap to be moved to at least a first and second position and locked. As the keycap is moved, the ridge moves over the nub producing an audible sound. Inexpensive and easy to assemble collapsible dome structures with electrically conductive pellets carried on an underside are used to close circuits on an underlying substrate.

Growing community of inventors

Niles, OH, United States of America

James Michael Nestor