US2169161A - Foot-controlled directional light switch - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 8, 1939. w s, OVERLY 2,169,161

FOOT CONTROLLED DIRECTIONAL LIGHT SWITCH Filed Jan. 26, 1937 TfZZer f fverlg,

INVENTOF! AWORN EYS Patented Aug. 8, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOOT-CONTROLLEDI DIR-ECTIONAL LIGHT SWITCH 1 Claim.

This invention relates to foot controlled directional signal switches and has for an object to provide a switch of this type which will be so constructed as to be conveniently located near the bottom of the accelerator pedal so that the driver may simply shift his heel to the right or to the left to move the switch to circuit closing position for energizing respectively the right or the left directional signal light.

A further object is to provide a device of this character which will be formed of a few simple strong and durable parts, which will be inexpensive to manufacture and install and which will not easily get out of order.

With the above and other objects in view the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter fully described and claimed, it being understood that various modifications may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claim without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

In the accompanying drawing forming part of this specification,

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view through a switch constructed in accordance with the invention in applied position adjacent to the bottom of an accelerator pedal.

Figure 2 is a top` plan view of the switch.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the switch.

Referring now to the drawing in which like characters of reference designate similar parts in the various views, I0 designates the iioor board of an automobile and II designates the ac-V celerator pedal, these parts being conventional.

In carrying out the invention a base I2 of insulating material is provided on opposite sides of its central portion with recessed portions I3 and I4 upon the bottom of which are located respective conductor strips I5 and I6 terminating in switch contact points I1 and I 8.

A metal top plate I9 of resilient material, and of the general shape shown in Figure 2, is secured at its center to the center of the base by means of a binding post 20. The ends of the plate overlie the conductor strips I5 and I6 and are provided respectively with contact points 2| and 22 adapted to respectively engage the underneath contact points I'I and I8 when the top plate is deformed downwardly by pressure of the drivers foot to the right or left of the accelerator pedal I I, and close respective circuits to the right or left directional signal lamps 23 and 24.

A binding post 25 is connected to one end of the (Cl. 20D- 59) conductor strip I5 and secures the strip in place. A conductor wire 26 is connected to the binding post and is connected to the right turn signal lamp 23. Likewise a binding post 21 secures one end of the conductor strip I6 of the base and to this binding post is secured a conductor wire 2G which is connected to the left turn signal lamp 2li. A conductor Wire 29 is connected to the center binding post 20 and to the battery 30.

The base is provided at the ends with perforalo tions 3l to receive attaching screws 32 which may be advanced into the floor board I0 on opposite sides of a recess 33 formed adjacent to the bottom of the accelerator pedal to receive the base I 2.

In operation when the driver intends to make a l5 right turn the heel is shifted to the right without removing the foot from the accelerator pedal to depress the top plate I9 and move the contact point 2I into circuit closing position with the contact point II. Should the driver intend to 20 make a left turn the heel is shifted to the left without removing the foot from the accelerator pedal to depress the top plate I9 to move the contact point 22 into circuit closing position with the contact point I8. In either case current will low from the battery through the center binding post 20, top plate I9, and contact points which are in circuit closing position, to the respective turn signal lamp.

From the above description it is thought that 30 the construction and operation of the invention will be fully understood without further explanation.

What is claimed is.

A switch of the class described comprising a base formed of a block of insulating material provided in the top face on opposite sides of its cen tral portion with recesses, conductor strips on the bottom of the recesses, upstanding contact points on the outer ends of the strips, binding posts en- .m gaged with the inner ends of the strips and projecting through the bottom of the base, for securing the strips to the base, a spring metal plate forming a combined circuit closer and cover for the open topsy of said recesses, said plate being 45 adapted to be deformed at the ends downwardly into said recesses, depending contact points on the ends of said plate confronting the iirst named Contact points, and a binding post engaged. through the center of the plate and projecting to through the bottom of the base between the iirst nemed binding post for securing the plate to the base.

WALTER S. OVERLY.

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