USRE22882E - Housing fob electric switches - Google Patents

Description

May 20, 1947. R, Papp Re. 22,882 HOUSING-FOR ELECTRIC SWITCHES Original Filed March 6, 1942 fij/Zay L@ fm #e www Reima! May zo, 1947 HOUSING FOR ELECTRIC SWITCHES Rudolf Popp, valparaiso, Ina., assignmu McGill Manufacturing Company, Valparaiso, Ind., a corporation of Indiana f Original No. 2,368,679, dated February 6, 1945, 4Se

riaiNo. 433,657, March 6, 1942. Application for reissue March 14, 1945, Serial No. 582,614v

15 claims. (ci. zool-mi This invention relates to electrical switches and in particular to an insulating housing therefor which is comprised of an insulating member with an open side to receive and releasably retain a complete preassembled switch or operating unit.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved electrical switch.

Another object of this invention is to provide an insulating .housing for a preassembled electrical switch which is comprised of but two insulating members retained in assembled position entirely by snap means.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a switch having a preassembled operating unit complete in itself, which by a simple hand oper- 2 following description when taken in connectionI with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of one embodiment of this invention;

ation without tools can be inserted Within an in-A sulating casing` and releasably retained therein y and then readily removed.

A further object of this invention is to provide an insulating housing for an electrical switch which entirely eliminates the insulation and A still further object of this invention is to provide an insulating housingl for an electrical switch which is rugged in construction, comprised of a minimum number of parts which are easily assembled without the use of any special jigs or the like, and adapted to have the parts thereof formed by simple machining operations, to in all provide a housing which can be economically manufactured. and then subsequently can be simply and economically handled by an electrician.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of an insulating housing adapted for assembly with a switch unitv which is completely operative when used apart from the housing.

Another feature is the provision of a one-piece insulating case and -a multi-part preassembled operating unit which can be wired up and inserted in the case and then the unit and case can be releasably assembled together merely by the manualv insertion of the unit in the case. The complete ,tion coact with certain portions of the switch unit to retain the housing and switch unit against relative movement.

Further objects, features, and advantages oi `manufacturing diiilculties inherent with metal y Fig. 1a is top perspective view of the assembled switch of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the invention shown in Fig. 1; l l

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a switch unit showing a portion of the housing means in an assembling position; l Y

Fig. 4 is a view illustrated similarly to Fig. 3 showing parts thereof in changed position;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line H in Fig. 1'; n

Fig. 6 shows a modif-led form of the invention with the member for snap connecting the housing members in an' assembling position;

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken along Y the line l--l in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen along the line 8-8 in Fig. 6; and

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a snap member for releasably connecting the housing portions of Fig. 6 in an assembly position.

Housings for` electrical switches are used so extensivelyl `at vthe present time that improvements which result in even a small saving in cost of manufacture mounts to substantial proportions when thev housings are made in large quantities.

Furthermore, this is not the only element to conthis invention will become apparent from the sider in the overall cost on a switch, for the labor cost on the installation of the switches with housings can likewise be large, and savings resulting from greater ease of installation lare extremely important. It is common practice to use metal housings with bodies and covers of snap connect- `ed type for electrical switches and particularly those having preassembled switch units or operating units insertable therein and 1 removable therefrom. However, these metal housings have .not been entirely satisfactory vbecause of the diff ficulties in completely eliminating any shorting of the switch therethrough, andthe consequent `necessity for providing `insulating lining means between the housing and the switch unit posi' tioned therein. 'Ihe cost of manufacturing the parts for these metal housings is appreciablyincreased not only because of the cost of the insulating lining material required but also by the use of separate machines for forming the housing and the linings therefor. Also special jigs are usually required in assembling the various parts of the housing. In many instances the insulating lining has to be oi'l a special material sassi which not only has satisfactory insulating qualities, but which also possesses sufllcient resilience to provide for its expanding against the side walls of the metal housing. Since some of these insulating materials are readily affected by atmospheric conditions a separate storage place for them must be provided. 'I'he overhead cost of storage is further increased because of the plurality of parts used in these housings. It is readily apparent that where a metal housing is peculiar to a particular type of switch, the cost of storage and inventory for a plurality of switch types will be appreciable. i

In. practicing the present invention there is provided an insulating housing member comprised of but two insulating members which are adapted to be snap connected in assembled position by a metal connecting member which can kbe originally handled by a single manual operation. The housing members and the connecting member are of a construction such that they may be readily formed bysimple molding and 'machining operations. As illustrated in the drawing the switch unit positioned in the housing of this invention is of a preassembled type. In other words the switch unit may be operatedl either within a housing, or entirely apart from the housing so as to broaden its application to a plurality of different operating conditions. It is to be understood. of course. that the housing can be modified. within the scope of this invention for use with other type switch umts and can be considered as a single insulating casing with an open side or face into which is inserted a completely preassembled switch unit. This is formed and insulated so that one side serves as the cover for the open face of the casing and of the lever or pull-chain type. 'Ihe actuator I6 "extends beyond a supporting member or mounting element I1 having extensions IB inserted through, corresponding apertures in the side plates II and lla for mounting the same in such plates.

such unit is snap connected into the casing by a yielding portion thereof which engages such casing. The switch unit is adapted to be re-I ceived entirely within the casing or housing member, which is oi' cup shape and provided with a slot therein to `accommodate mounting stem and actuating portion on the switch. Where a second housing member is employed, this is assembled on the switch unit and functions as a cover for the first housing member when the two members and switch unit are assembled together 'by a metal snap member which has a portion extended across the cover member. The snap member has one end for locating the second or cover member relative to the switch unit actuating portion, and another end of a construction such that it may be snap engaged with the rst housing member. 'I'he metal snap member, as well as portions of the housing members are formed to coact with certain portions on the switch unit to retain the switch unit and housing members against relative movement. The assembly operations for the housing members with the preassembled switch unit can all be very quickly and easily accomplished by hand. In assembly the housing members completely enclose the switch unit and because they are composed of molded insulating material shorting of the switch or the connections leading therefrom is entirely eliminated.

` Referring to thefdrawing, one form of the switch housing of this inventionA is shown in Figs. 1, la, and 2 with a preassembled switch unit III including like spaced insulating side plates II and IIa, and switch mechanism, indicated generalLv as I2, disposed between the side plates and supported thereon. The terminal posts I3, two 0f which are shown for the switch mechanism The housing shown in Figs. l and 2 includes a `substantially cup-shaped insulating housing member' I-S having a wall portion 2| and a continuous rim portion 22 projecting laterally therefrom. The rim portion 22 is formed with a slot 23 for receiving the supporting member I1 when the switch unit Ill is positioned within the housing member I9. Located substantially opposite from the slot 23 and at the junction of the rim portion 22 with the wall portion 2I is an opening 24 in the housing member I9 for a purpose to be later noted.

The open side 2G oi' the housing member I 9 is closed by an insulating cover or plate 21 in a manner now to be described. The housing member IB is composed of a suitable moldable insulating material. The member I9 is preferably formed by a molding process, while the cover 21 may be stamped out of insulating tlber, or it may be molded if desired. The insulating cover 21 is of a shape corresponding to the shape of the side plates II and IIa yand. is adapted to be positioned adjacent either one of said side plates in the assembly of the housing depending upon which side plate is positioned toward the open side of the member I9. For the purposes of this description the invention will be described ,with the cover 21 being positioned against the side plate Il. The surface of the cover plate 21 placed against the side plate II is formed with inset or cavity portions 28 (Fig. 5) corresponding to the lugs Il and capable of receiving the same. 'I'he cavities 2B do not extend entirely through the cover 21, and in fact, each constitutes a pressed or'formed cavity, with the top 28' thereof 'extending above the face surface of the cover by a pressing or forming operation. Therefore the tops 28' provide insulating covers for the ends Il of the terminal posts I3. Apertures 29 extending completely through the cover plate 21 receive the extensions I8 on the supporting member I1 and are subsequently covered by a connecting strap member III as will be explained. It is seen, therefore, that by virtue of the cooperating construction of the cavities and apertures in the cover 21 relative to the side plate Il, and the strap 30 the plate 21 is located and retained in a superposed relation on the side plate II and in flush engagement therewith. Y y

Prior to the insertion of the switch unit I0 within the housing member I9, the cover 21 is releasably retained in its superposed position on the side plate II, *by `an assembly element comprising a connecting or snap member 30 of substantially U shape having -an intermediate body portion and end portions 32 and 33. The end V33 includes a spacing portion 34 (Figs. l

inwardly with reference to the legs 36. The end portion 32 has a bumped-out lug 38 between the ends thereof and a snap portion 38 near the free end 4I thereof.

With the cover 21 superposed on the side plate II in the manner above described. the legs 38 on the connecting member 30 are placed in a straddling position relative to the supporting member I1, with the end portion 32 of the connecting member tilted away from the cover 21. With the legs 36 in this straddling position the connecting member 30 is moved upwardly, as viewed in Fig. 3, to its position indicated in Fig. 4. The spacing portion 34 projects laterally of the body portion a distance substantially equal to the combined transverse dimensions of the being received ni the slot za. f As best shown in Fig. 1 the wall portion or bottom 2| of .the housing member |18 is formed with recesses or cavities 44 corresponding to the lugs I4 and extensions I8 projecting from the side plate IIa to locate Prior to the switch unit relative to the wall 2 I. the positioning of the switch unit III within the housing member I8 the end portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is located in a guiding groove `48 formed on the inner periphery of the rim portion 2li of the housing member and exside plate II and cover 21, with this lateral dimension also defining the spacing of the extensions 31 on the legs 38 laterally away from the body portion. As the connecting member is urged into an assembled position preparatory to snapping it on to the switch unit the extensions 31 are moved into an engaged position porting vmember I1 by the legs 3B the end portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is located in a transversely extending groove 43 formed in the periphery of the cover 21 opposite the apertures 23 therein. On inward movement of the member 30 providing for the clamping together of the side plate II with the cover 21, the end portion 32 of the member 3|) travels in the groove 43 until the lug 38 on the 'end portion 32 is at the groove 43 and at the outer surface or side of the cover 21 (Fig. 3). Since the connecting member'30 is substantially anchored at its end 33 by the engagement of the legs 36 about the cover 21 and side plate II, the end portion 32 is pivotally movable, by pressing to the left thereon as viewed in Fig. 3, to in turn'move the lug 38 from its position shown in Fig. 3 to its position illustrated in Fig. 4. Since the lug 38 is spaced from the body portion a distance substantially equal to the lateral dimension of the spacing portion 34 and because of the flexibility of the end portion 32, the lug 38 is snapped into its position against the inner surface 42 of the side plate II. From a. consideration of Fig. 4, therefore, it is seen that the cover 21 is held in a su erposed position against the side plate II by th `cooperating action of the ends 32 and 33 of `the connecting member 30, with the side plate II and cover 21, while the cover 21 is likewise positioned by the lugs I4 and I8 extending into the cavities 28 and apertures 2-8 respectively.

This insures the original accurate positioning of the cover 21 on the switch and the retention A tended transversely thereof in alignment with the opening 24. On insertion oi' the preassembled switch unit within the housing member I8 the snap portion 38 is projected within the opening 24 with the shoulder thereon in snap engagement with the shoulder portion 41 at such opening (Fig. 2). The housing I9 and cover 21, therefore, are snap engaged in assembly position and about the switch unit I 0 to completely enclose the same. Corresponding recessed or cut away portions 48, 49 and 5l are provided in the cover 21, side plates II and IIa, and housing member I8, respectively, to 1 permit the extension through the housing of conductors for connecting the switch-mechanism to connections outside of the housing. A mounting means such as the nut 52 may be threadably engaged with the mounting element or stem I1 to support the housing and switch assembly on a support such as a canopy or the like. As is to be noted from Fig. 2 the spacer portion 34 serves as a flat metal backing against which a washer can be drawn, or this portion will engage a wall of the canopy or the like. v

It is to be noted that the terminal screws 53 in the terminal posts I3 may be located on the terminal posts anywhere between the side plates II and II a without in any manner interfering with the operation of the switch unit I0 or its positioning in the housing. The side plates II and Ila are similarly formed and adapted for assembly with either the wall portion 2| or the cover 21 so that either side of the switch unit IU may be initially inserted within the housing mem-ber I9. Relative movement between the housing and switch unit is eliminated by the engagement of the side plates II and IIa with the end wall 2| and cover 21, respectively, the positioning of theend portion 32 of the connecing member 30 within the guiding groove 48, and

the insertion of the mounting portion I1 within` cover 21 is ush with the. top surface of the rim.l

The housing portions thus completely enclose the switch mechanism ,to entirely insulate the same. tively small, and with the cover 21 fitting entirely within the housing member I 9, the overall dimensions of the housing and switch assembly are only slightly greater than the overall dimensions of the switch unit IIl alone. A compact and neat appearing housing is thus provided for the switch unit. l

Referring to Figs. 6-9 there is shown a modified form of housing for the switch unit I0, the housing being illustrated as including an insulating housing member I8' and an insulating cover 21 therefor. The housing member I9' (Figs. 6 and 8) is of substantially cup-shape having an end wall portion 2| integrally formed with a continuous rim portion 22'. The rim 22' isjormed with a slot 23' (Fig. 7) for receiving Since the thickness of the housing is rela..

Adjacent each side of the slot 23'and extending transversely of the rim portion 22 are grooves 59 having catch portions indicated at V59 in the bottom' of each thereof. Arranged substantially opposite from the slot 23 and in the rim portion 22' is a third transversely extending groove 6I (Figs. 6 and 8) having a catch portion i2 provided therein. The cover 21' for the housing l member I9' is of fiat form and adapted to be received within the confines of the rim portion 22.

In the assembly of the housing about the switch unit HI the switch unit I is inserted within the housing' member I9 with the mounting portion I1 at the slot 23 in the rim portion 22'. With the switch unit III in this position, the cover 21 is placed against the side plate Il of the switch unit and within the confines of the rim portion 22', the outer surface 56' of the cover 21 being flush with the end 51 of the rim portion 22. The cover 21' is retained in this assembly position with the housing member I9' by means of a metal connecting or snap member 63 of substantially U-shape having laterally extending end portions 64 and 66 (Fig. 9). The end portion 66 is comprised o! a pair of spaced legs 61 each of which has a snap portion 68 at the free end thereof. The end portion 64 is comprised of a single extension having a snap portion 69 thereon.

In the assembly of the connecting member 63 with the housing each leg v81 is located in a corresponding one of the grooves 58 to each side of the slot 23', while the end portion 64 is positioned at the groove 6|, this initial assembly position of the connecting member 63 being shown in Fig. '7. On pushing of the connecting member 63 downwardly, as viewed in Fig. '7, the snap portions 68v on the legs 61 are .moved into snap engagement with the catch portion 59 in a corresponding groove 58, while the snap portion 69 on the end portion 64 is moved into snap engagement with the catch portion 62 in the groove 6|. By virtue of this snap engagement of the connecting member with the housing member I9, and the extension of the connecting member above the cover 21 the housing member and cover are releasably connected together to completely enclose the switch unit I0. Conductors for 'connecting the switch mechanism to connections outside of the housing are `adapted to be inserted into the housing through corresponding openings 1i, 12, and 49 formed in the housing member I9', cover 21', and side plates Il and I la, respectively. n

From a consideration of the above description and drawing, therefore, it is seen that the invention provides a completely insulating housing for a switch unit which is retained in assembly position entirely by snap engaging means whereby to completely eliminate the use of securing screws or the like. The parts comprising the housing are easily molded or stamped by the use of simple molds or dies. There are no projections on the casing, for instance, so that the parts of the molds may be constructed to be separated from the casings in a straight line motion and the casings can be removed from the molds in a straight line motion. The snap member for releasably retaining the housing parts in assembly is composed of sheet metal, and designed so as to be easily formed Iby a stamping or pressing operation.

the switch unit with the housing, namely, the initial insertion oi either side of the switch" unit within the housing and the side tolerances permitted for the location of, the terminal screws 'and the terminal'posts relative to the housing.

the same general housing construction may be used for a plurality of types of switch units. .'I'his exibility in the application of the housing and the three part construction thereof reduces stor.. age space and hence storage costs to a minimum.

Further Savings in the overall cost o! the insulating housing as compared to metal housings results from the fact that its assembly is very simple and can be accomplished without the use of any special jigs or the like. By virtue of the housing being snap connected in assembly position it can be completely assembled with the switch unit right at the storage bins. Assembly can be accomplished simply by holding the casing in one hand and inserting the preassembled switch unit in the casing with the other hand and pressing inwardly to snap connect the parts. Disassembly is just as simple and is accomplished by pressing in of the portion 39 or lifting of the portion 69. The molded construction of the housing also provides appreciable savings over metal housings because of the savings in the initial costs of material and the complete elimination of any insulating linings.

Although the invention has been described with specific reference `to several preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to beso limited since changes and modiiication in the parts and in their general arrangement can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An insulating housing for a preassembled switch mechanism open at one side and having a catch portion on the inside thereof, said switch mechanism being insertable into said housing and having an insulating portion receivable within said open side to close the same when the mechanism is in position in the housing. .andmeans carried on said switch mechanism for vsnapengaging said housing to releasably retain the mechanism in the housing including a yieldable snap portion snapped into retaining position with said catch portion on insertion of said switch mechanism into said housing, and accessibleon the outside of the housing for movement to release the mechanism from the housing for separation therefrom.

2. A housing for a, preassembled electrical switch mechanism, said switch mechanism having an extending portion, and said housing including a substantially' cup-shaped insulating member having an annular cavity therein with a side wall, said side wall having a. slot in one portion and a catch portion on an oppositely located portion thereof, with said extending portion being receivable in said slot'I when the switch mechanism is positioned within said insulating member, an insulating cover for said insulating member adapted to be positioned within said cavity to close the same when the switch mechanism is in position in the housing, means for snap-engaging said insulating member and cover in assembly position including a iiat metal member having one portion extending across said cover, a second portion for locating the snap member relative to said catch portion, and a snap portion for snap engagement with said catch portion of the housing, with said metal member being cfa width substantially equal to the transverse dimension of said extending portion.

3. A housing for a preassembled electrical switch unit having an operating portion projecting therefrom and at least two conductors thereon for extending through the housing to connections outside said housing, said housing including a substantially cup-shaped insulating housing member with an open side and a side wall having a slot therein for receiving said operating porrtion when the switch unit is positioned within said housing member, said side wall having a catch portion thereon located substantially opposite said slot, an insulating cover for said housing member adapted to be positioned at said open vside within th'e contines of said side wall and against said switch unit, means for retaining said housing member and cover in assembled 'positions end for straddling said extending portion to locate said metal member relativeA to said catch portion. and a snap portion at the other end thereof adapted for snap engagement with said catch portion, with said cover and housing member having corresponding openings therein spaced from said metal member for receiving said conductors, with the openings in said cover being inthe periphery thereof.

4. A housing for enclosing a preassembled switch mechanism, said housing including a walled insulating housing member open at one side and having a substantially closed opposite side, with a wall of said housing having a catch portion thereon, and means for closing the open side of said housing member including a locking portion and a cover portion for closing said open side, said locking portionincluding an integral resilient extension projecting within said housing member with its outer free end positioned adjacent said catchportion, a shoulder on said outer end, said outer end, when said open side is being closed, being movable in a direction substantially normal to said opposite side to releasably lock said shoulder with said catch portion, i

with movement of said outer end in a direction substantially parallel to said opposite side releasing said extension from said housing member, und said housing member being provided with an opening therein to permit manual manipulation of said outer end.

5. A housing for enclosing a preassembled.

.iwitch mechanism, said housing including a walled insulating housing member open at one side and having a substantially closed opposite side, with the wall of said housing member having a transverse groove therein with a catch portion adjacent one end thereof, and means for closing the open part of said housing member including a locking portion and a cover portion receivable within said open side so as to be substantially flush with th'e wall of said housing member at said open side when the switch mechanism is in position within said housing, said locking portion including an extension substantially normal to `said opposite side `having a shoulder adjacent the outer end thereof, said extension being guidably movable in said groove, on locking of said cover and housing member, to releasably lock said shoulder-with said catch portion, said extension 6. An insulating housing for completely enclosing a preassembled switch mechanism, said housing including an insulating housing member open l at one side and having a catch portion thereon, an insulating cover to close said one side when said switch mechanism is in position in said housing-member, and means for supporting said cover on said 'switch mechanism including a locking is portion, with said locking portion being insertable with said switch mechanism into said housing member to engage said catch portion and releasably lock said cover and housing member together, said locking portion being accessible from the outside of said housing for movement relative to said housing to release said switch mechanism for separation from the housing.

7. A housing for enclosing a preassembled switch mechanism, said housing including a walled insulating housing member open at one side and having an aperture extending through the wall thereof, and means for closing the open side.

of said housing member including a cover portion and a locking portion, said locking portion including an extension substantially at right angles with .the cover portion having a shoulder adjacent the oute'r end thereof, said extension being insertable'within said housing upon positioning of said cover portion at the open side, said shoulder engaging the edge of said aperture on the inside of said housing member, and being pushable inwardly of the housing member to release the extensionirom said housing member.

8. `An insulating housing for ya, preassembled electrical switch unit having a side portion, said housing including an insulating housing member having a wall por-tion and a rim portion extending laterally from said wall portion, with one of said rim and wall portions having an opening extending therethrough, an insulating cover for said housing member adapted to be superposed on said side portion, and in a housing closing position when the switch unit is in position in the housing member, and means for locking said housing member and coverin assemblyvrelation including a locking portion and means for holding said cover and side portion together in said superposed relation, said locking portion on positioning of said switch unit Within said housing member being movable within said housing member toward said opening into locking engagement with the housing member at said opening4 and being pushable inwardly of the housing Imember at said opening for release from said housing member.

9; An insulating housing for an electrical switch unit, said housing including an insulating housing member having a wal] portion and a rim portion extending laterally from said wall portion having a pair of oppositely disposed transversely extending grooves therein, with each of said grooves having a. catch portion therein, an insulating cover for said housing member adapted to be received Within the contines of said rim portion when said switch unit is in position in the housing, and means for locking said housing member and cover in assembly position having an intermediate portion extending across said cover, and a plurality of extensions substantially '(5 normal to said intermediate portion correspond- 11 lng to said transverse grooves, with each of said extensions having a locking portion adjacent the outer end thereof for locking engagement with a corresponding catch portion when said locking means is moved in a direction substantially normal to said wall portion, said outer ends of the extensions being within the conines oi.' said wall portion. with movement of one of said extensions outwardly irom said housing member releasing said locking means from said housing member. v

10. A housing for a preassembled electrical switch unit having an actuating portion projecting outwardly therefrom, said housing -including a substantially cup-shaped insulating housing member having a rim portion with a slot therein for receiving said actuating portion when said switch unit is positioned within said housing member, said rim portion having a transverse groove therein to each side of said slot, and a third transverse groove located in the portion thereof oppositel said slot, with each of said three grooves having a catch portion therein, an insulating cover for said housing member, and means for locking said housing member and cover in assembly position including a flat substantially U-shaped metal member having a width substantially equal to the transverse dimension of said actuating portion, said metal member having the intermediate portion thereof extended across/said cover, and one end portion formed with a pair of spaced legs adapted to be received in a corresponding groove to each side of said slot, with the opposite end portion of said metal member being receivable in said third groove, with each of said legs and opposite end portion oiY said metal member having a shoulder portion thereon for releasably engaging a catch por tion in a corresponding groove, and said one end and opposite end portions being substantially within the peripheral confines of said housing member.

11. A switch assembly housing comprising a cup-shaped housing member adapted to receive the switch assembly therewithin and having a shoulder along one wall thereof, a connecting member including an end portion insertable within said yhousing member with said switch assembly and provided with locking means emigageable with said shoulder to anchor one end of said connecting member to said housing, said connecting member including a second portion extending transversely across the open side of said housing member to embrace said switch asv therethrough for permitting manual disengagement of said locking means and said shoulder, said connecting member including a second portion extending transversely across the open side of said housing member to embrace said switch assembly and thus retain said switch assembly within said housing member, and means anchor.- ing the opposite end oi' said connecting member. 13. An insulating housing for a preassembled switch mechanism comprising, in combination,

an insulating housing member open at one side to receive said switch mechanism therewithin and provided with a shoulder portion, and means for lochng said mechanism within said housing member including a connecting member provided with an end portion insertable with said switch mechanism into said housing member to engage said shoulder portion, said end portion being accessible from the outside of said housing for movement relative to said housing to release said switch mechanism for, separation from said housing.

14. An insulating housing for completely en- .closing a preassembled switch mechanism which is provided with a side plate at one side thereof, said housing including an insulating housing member having an open side for receiving said switch mechanism therewithin with said side plate facing toward said open side, an insulating cover plate lying nat against said side plate, a connecting member extending transversely across the outer surface oi' said cover plate, said connecting member being provided at one end with at least one leg which embraces the edges of said cover and side plate to maintain the same in assembled engagement, said assembly element being provided at its other end with an end portion which is insertable within said housing member with said mechanism, and means including co.

acting parts oi' said end portion and said housing member for releasably locking said other end of said element to said housing member.

15. lA housing for aA preassembled electrical switch unit having a mounting element extending therefrom adapted for use in mounting a switch included in such unit on a support or the like, said housing -comprising an insulating housing member having an open side for detachably receiving said switch unit therewithin and being provided with a side wall having an opening for receiving said mounting element, an assembly having one portion thereof disposed adjacent said mounting element and having another portion adapted to extend over a substantial portion of REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,633,005 Despard June 21, 1927 1,759,435 Chryst i-- May 20, 1930 2,143,158 Lefkowitz Jan. 10, 1939 2,209,104 Popp et al. July. 23, 1940

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