US 6,982,392 B1
Water resistant actuating mechanism for plunger type switches
Philip M. Burger, Olathe, Kans. (US)
Assigned to Burger & Brown Engineering, Inc.,
Filed on May 06, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/124,489.
Int. Cl. H01H 9/04 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 200—302.1 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An actuating mechanism for a plunger-type switch having alternative open and closed conditions and having a plunger moveable between an extended position and a retracted position whereby said switch condition is changed by the movement of the plunger; said actuating mechanism comprising:
a) a housing having an upper surface; said housing being adapted to receive a plunger-type switch;
b) a spring having a first spring end, a second spring end and a middle portion; said spring being positioned within said housing such that said first spring end is positioned in closely spaced relation to the plunger of a plunger-type switch received within said housing with the plunger in the extended position; said middle portion of said spring bowing above said housing upper surface through a spring receiving hole in said housing such that the application of a force to said middle portion of said spring and directed toward said housing upper surface compresses said spring, advancing said first spring end toward the switch received within said housing a distance sufficient to move the switch plunger to the retracted position and upon removal of the force said first spring end advances away from the switch a distance sufficient to allow the switch plunger to move to the extended position; and
c) a flexible sealing member secured to said housing upper surface and extending over said spring and enclosing said spring receiving hole.