BI-DIRECTIONALLY ACTUATED SWITCH MECHANISM
United States Patent 3854016
A microphone allowing actuation and operation when seated on a desk or hel in a hand includes a base member having a horizontal section and a vertical section joined along a first line. A transducer is secured in the base member for converting audio signals to electrical signals. An actuator is pivotally secured to the base member and includes a first horizontal section joined to a second vertical section each extending radially from the junction. The actuator is pivotal from a first position about said pivot point in one direction to a second position and from the first position in the opposite direction to a third position. A cam is secured to the actuator. A switch is coupled to the cam and operative in response to the actuator being pivoted to one of the second or third positions to actuate.
US Patent References:
Telephone handset switch
Graham et al. - May 1935 - 2002504
Manually operable switch for automatic telephone system
Simmons - December 1958 - 2864900
Rocker-type switch with integral spring and c-shaped contact construction
Passarelli - April 1965 - 3178522
MICROPHONE AND SWITCH ASSEMBLY
Maki - January 1970 - 3488456
Telephone handset switch
Graham et al. - May 1935 - 2002504
Manually operable switch for automatic telephone system
Simmons - December 1958 - 2864900
Rocker-type switch with integral spring and c-shaped contact construction
Passarelli - April 1965 - 3178522
MICROPHONE AND SWITCH ASSEMBLY
Maki - January 1970 - 3488456
Inventors:
Cook, John N. (Crystal Lake, IL)
Madalinski Jr., Charles L. (Schaumburg, IL)
Madalinski Jr., Charles L. (Schaumburg, IL)
Application Number:
05/387975
Publication Date:
12/10/1974
Filing Date:
08/13/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Motorola, Inc. (Chicago, IL)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
200/6B, 200/329
International Classes:
H01H19/60; H01H23/14; H01H19/00; H01H23/00; H01H19/20; H04R1/02
Field of Search:
179/167 200/6B,6BB,67G,61.58R,153K,153C,157
Primary Examiner:
Cooper, William C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Rauner, Vincent Parsons Eugene J. A.
Claims:
I claim
1. A switch mechanism including in combination; actuator means, pivot means secured to said actuator means, said actuator means being pivotal from a first position about said pivot means in one direction to a second position, and from said first position in the opposite direction to a third position, cam means including a V-shaped surface secured to said actuator means, cam follower means engaged on the notch side of said V-shaped surface of said cam means for relative movement there between and being deflected substantially perpendicular to pivotal motion of said actuator means, and switch means coupled to said cam follower means and identically operative in response to said actuator means being pivoted to one of said second and third positions to actuate.
2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said actuator means includes; a central junction area secured to said pivot means, a first leg portion secured to said central junction area and extending in a first direction radially away from said junction area, and a second leg secured to said central junction area and extending in a second direction radially away from said junction area.
3. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein said cam means is secured to one of said first and second legs and said V-shaped cam surface extends substantially transversely outwardly from said leg, said cam follower means being positioned in the notch of said V-shaped cam surface and being operative to move substantially in one direction upon movement of said actuator means from said first position to said second position and being operative to move substantially in the same direction upon movement of said actuator means from said first position to said third position.
4. The mechanism of claim 3 wherein said switch means includes first and second contact means, said first contact means including flexible portions extending transverse to a plane formed by said V-shaped cam surface and being positioned adjacent said V-shaped cam surface, said cam follower being operative upon movement of said actuator means to one of said second and third positions to bear against said flexible portions and flex the same for changing the relationship of said first and second contact means to one another.
5. A microphone allowing actuation and operation when seated on a desk or held in a hand including in combination:
6. The microphone assembly of claim 5 wherein said cam means is secured to said first vertical portion and includes a V-shaped cam surface extending substantially transversely outwardly from said second vertical section.
7. The microphone of claim 6 wherein said switch means includes cam follower means, said cam follower means being positioned adjacent said V-shaped cam surface and operative upon movement of said actuator means from said first position to one of said second and third positions to follow said cam surface.
8. The microphone of claim 7 wherein said switch means includes first and second contact means, said first contact means including flexible portions extending transverse to a plane formed by said V-shaped cam surface and being positioned adjacent said V-shaped cam surface, said cam follower being operative upon movement of said actuator means to one of said second and third positions to bear against said flexible portions and flex the same for changing the relationship of said first and second contact means to one another.
1. A switch mechanism including in combination; actuator means, pivot means secured to said actuator means, said actuator means being pivotal from a first position about said pivot means in one direction to a second position, and from said first position in the opposite direction to a third position, cam means including a V-shaped surface secured to said actuator means, cam follower means engaged on the notch side of said V-shaped surface of said cam means for relative movement there between and being deflected substantially perpendicular to pivotal motion of said actuator means, and switch means coupled to said cam follower means and identically operative in response to said actuator means being pivoted to one of said second and third positions to actuate.
2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said actuator means includes; a central junction area secured to said pivot means, a first leg portion secured to said central junction area and extending in a first direction radially away from said junction area, and a second leg secured to said central junction area and extending in a second direction radially away from said junction area.
3. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein said cam means is secured to one of said first and second legs and said V-shaped cam surface extends substantially transversely outwardly from said leg, said cam follower means being positioned in the notch of said V-shaped cam surface and being operative to move substantially in one direction upon movement of said actuator means from said first position to said second position and being operative to move substantially in the same direction upon movement of said actuator means from said first position to said third position.
4. The mechanism of claim 3 wherein said switch means includes first and second contact means, said first contact means including flexible portions extending transverse to a plane formed by said V-shaped cam surface and being positioned adjacent said V-shaped cam surface, said cam follower being operative upon movement of said actuator means to one of said second and third positions to bear against said flexible portions and flex the same for changing the relationship of said first and second contact means to one another.
5. A microphone allowing actuation and operation when seated on a desk or held in a hand including in combination:
6. The microphone assembly of claim 5 wherein said cam means is secured to said first vertical portion and includes a V-shaped cam surface extending substantially transversely outwardly from said second vertical section.
7. The microphone of claim 6 wherein said switch means includes cam follower means, said cam follower means being positioned adjacent said V-shaped cam surface and operative upon movement of said actuator means from said first position to one of said second and third positions to follow said cam surface.
8. The microphone of claim 7 wherein said switch means includes first and second contact means, said first contact means including flexible portions extending transverse to a plane formed by said V-shaped cam surface and being positioned adjacent said V-shaped cam surface, said cam follower being operative upon movement of said actuator means to one of said second and third positions to bear against said flexible portions and flex the same for changing the relationship of said first and second contact means to one another.
Description:
BACKGROUND
Microphones including a push-to-talk switch are employed for actuating radio transmitters employed in fixed and mobile applications. In mobile applications, the microphone is generally held in hand with the push-to-talk switch being actuated by the thumb or index finger. In a fixed application, the microphone is seated on a stand and the push-to-talk switch is mounted in the base of the stand. This allows the operator to actuate the switch without lifting the entire microphone. Under certain circumstances, however, it is necessary for an operator at a fixed location to communicate via the radio transmitter while in a standing position. In such instances, the operator must pick up the microphone and stand; and use two hands, one to actuate the push-to-talk switch and the other to hold the microphone and stand. If the operator must use a hand for another purpose, it becomes quite difficult to actuate the push-to-talk switch and communicate via the radio transmitter.
SUMMARY
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an improved microphone including a push-to-talk switch which allows simple actuation and operation when seated on a desk or held in a hand.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved switch mechanism which allows switch actuation via operation in either one of two directions.
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved microphone structure including a push-to-talk switch which can be actuated in either a horizontal or vertical direction.
In practicing this invention, a microphone is provided which includes a base member having horizontal section and vertical section that are joined generally along a first line. A transducer is secured in the base member for converting audio signals to electrical signals. An actuator is pivotally secured to the base member with its pivotal axis parallel to the first line and includes a first horizontal section joined to a second vertical section each extending radially from the junction. The actuator may be pivoted from a first position about the pivotal axis in one direction to a second position and from the first position in the opposite direction to a third position. A cam is secured to the actuator and includes a V-shaped cam surface extending substantially transversely outwards from the second vertical section. A switch is positioned in contact with V-shaped cam surface and is operative in response to the actuator being pivoted to one of the second and third positions to actuate .
THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bi-directionally actuated switch mechanism of this invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a microphone including the switch mechanism of this invention;
FIG. 3 is a pictorial view showing the microphone being operated while seated on a desk; and
FIG. 4 is a pictorial drawing showing the microphone being operated while held in hand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, bi-directionally actuated switch mechanism 10 includes an actuator 11 having a first leg 12 and second leg 13. In the preferred embodiment, actuator 11 is formed of plastic. Legs 12 and 13 are joined at a central junction area 14 which generally forms a line. Legs 12 and 13 are formed in the shape of rectangular plates with each extending radially away from the central junction area. In the preferred embodiment, plates 12 and 13 form an obtuse angle with respect to one another. Pivot fingers 16 and 17 are formed at a central pivot area 14. These pivot fingers each have a pivot mounting hole 18 extending therethrough. A pivot pin 19 extends through pivot apertures 18 in pivot fingers 16 and 17, and pin 19 is parallel to the line generally formed by the junction of legs 12 and 13. Pivot pin 19 also serves generally as the pivotal axis for actuator 11.
A mounting bracket 21 includes a mounting finger 22 having an aperture 23 therethrough. Only one-half of mounting bracket 21 is shown in FIG. 1. The entire bracket is shown in FIG. 2. The other half of mounting bracket 21 is mounted to another actuator. Pivot pin 19 extends through both actuators and both apertures in bracket 21. A switch 25 is secured to mounting bracket 21 and extends substantially parallel to leg 12 of actuator 11. Switch 25 includes connection tabs 26 for connecting the switch contacts to the transmitter circuitry. Connecting tabs 26 are connected to or attached to contacts 27. Contacts 27 are resilient metal strips which can be pressed together to provide a contact closure, or which may be normally in contact with one another and allowed to move apart when one metal strip is pushed away from another metal strip. A cam follower 29 is secured at an end of switch contacts 27 and includes a U-shaped cam follower section 30.
Cam surface 30 of cam follower 29 is positioned such that it rests normally in the center or lowest depression area of U-shaped or V-shaped cam surface 35 on cam 36.
Cam 36 is secured to the rear face of leg 12 on actuator 11 such that the V-shaped cam surface 35 extends substantially transversely outwardly from the leg. In the preferred embodiment, cam surface 35 extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of leg 12. V-shaped cam surface 35 in the preferred embodiment is formed by cutting a U-shaped or V-shaped notch in one side of a rectangular or square plate 36 which is secured to leg 12. It is to be understood, however, that a cam of any configuration may be used as long as it has a V-shaped cam surface.
In operation, actuator 11 is maintained in a first position such that a cam follower 29 is seated in the lowest portion of V-shaped cam surface 35. Actuator 11 may be rotated from this first position about the pivot pin 19 in one direction to a second position by pressing downwardly at leg 13. This movement will cause cam follower 29 to ride up along that portion of cam surface 35 farthest away from the rear surface of leg 12. As cam follower 29 rides up along cam surface 35, it will deflect at an angle substantially perpendicular to the motion of cam surface 35 and bear against contacts 27 on switch 25 until the contacts either close or open, actuating the associated transmitter. Actuator 11 may also be rotated from the first position in the opposite direction about pivot pin 19 to a third position by pushing in a horizontal direction against leg 12. This will cause cam follower 29 to ride up on that portion of V-shaped cam surface 35 closest to the rear surface of leg 12. As cam follower 29 rides up on cam surface 35, it will cause the cam follower 29 to deflect again at an angle substantially perpendicular to the motion of cam surface 35 and bear against contacts 27 in the same manner as when actuator 11 was rotated from the first to the second position. The deflection of cam follower 29 will cause contacts 27 to open or close, as the case may be, in order to actuate the associated radio transmitter.
Referring to FIG. 2, a microphone adopted for using the bi-directionally actuated switch mechanism includes a base member 40 having a horizontal base section 41 and vertical section 42. The horizontal and vertical sections are joined at a junction 43 such that a major surface of the vertical section 42 generally forms a line with the horizontal section 41. A mounting board 44 is secured to the vertical portion 42 of base member 40. Mounting board 44 may include a transducer 45 for converting the audio signals to electrical signals, and it may also include additional electrical components 46 necessary for proper operation of the microphone. Mounting bracket 21 is secured via screws 47 to component board 44. Mounting bracket 21 is positioned such that apertures 23 in fingers 22 are located approximately at the junction 43 of members 41 and 42 and such that apertures 23 generally define a line which is parallel to the line formed by the major surface of vertical section 42 and horizontal section 41. Two switches 25 previously described are mounted to mounting bracket 21. Two actuators 11 are secured to mounting member 21 via pivot pins 19 as shown and described with reference to one actuator in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 3, the microphone can be placed on a desk and actuated by a person seated at the desk by depressing leg 13 and causing actuator 11 to pivot about pivot pin 19 in one direction from a first position to a second position. Referring to FIG. 4, the microphone can be held in the hand and leg portion 12 of either actuator 11 may be pushed vertically or in the opposite pivotal direction about pivot pin 19 from a first position to a third position. This will also cause actuation of the push-to-talk switch.
As can be seen, an improved microphone has been provided which allows simple and easy one-handed operation while placed on a desk or held in a hand. The microphone includes a switch mechanism which will allow switch actuation by actuator movement in either one of two directions.
Microphones including a push-to-talk switch are employed for actuating radio transmitters employed in fixed and mobile applications. In mobile applications, the microphone is generally held in hand with the push-to-talk switch being actuated by the thumb or index finger. In a fixed application, the microphone is seated on a stand and the push-to-talk switch is mounted in the base of the stand. This allows the operator to actuate the switch without lifting the entire microphone. Under certain circumstances, however, it is necessary for an operator at a fixed location to communicate via the radio transmitter while in a standing position. In such instances, the operator must pick up the microphone and stand; and use two hands, one to actuate the push-to-talk switch and the other to hold the microphone and stand. If the operator must use a hand for another purpose, it becomes quite difficult to actuate the push-to-talk switch and communicate via the radio transmitter.
SUMMARY
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an improved microphone including a push-to-talk switch which allows simple actuation and operation when seated on a desk or held in a hand.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved switch mechanism which allows switch actuation via operation in either one of two directions.
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved microphone structure including a push-to-talk switch which can be actuated in either a horizontal or vertical direction.
In practicing this invention, a microphone is provided which includes a base member having horizontal section and vertical section that are joined generally along a first line. A transducer is secured in the base member for converting audio signals to electrical signals. An actuator is pivotally secured to the base member with its pivotal axis parallel to the first line and includes a first horizontal section joined to a second vertical section each extending radially from the junction. The actuator may be pivoted from a first position about the pivotal axis in one direction to a second position and from the first position in the opposite direction to a third position. A cam is secured to the actuator and includes a V-shaped cam surface extending substantially transversely outwards from the second vertical section. A switch is positioned in contact with V-shaped cam surface and is operative in response to the actuator being pivoted to one of the second and third positions to actuate .
THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bi-directionally actuated switch mechanism of this invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a microphone including the switch mechanism of this invention;
FIG. 3 is a pictorial view showing the microphone being operated while seated on a desk; and
FIG. 4 is a pictorial drawing showing the microphone being operated while held in hand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, bi-directionally actuated switch mechanism 10 includes an actuator 11 having a first leg 12 and second leg 13. In the preferred embodiment, actuator 11 is formed of plastic. Legs 12 and 13 are joined at a central junction area 14 which generally forms a line. Legs 12 and 13 are formed in the shape of rectangular plates with each extending radially away from the central junction area. In the preferred embodiment, plates 12 and 13 form an obtuse angle with respect to one another. Pivot fingers 16 and 17 are formed at a central pivot area 14. These pivot fingers each have a pivot mounting hole 18 extending therethrough. A pivot pin 19 extends through pivot apertures 18 in pivot fingers 16 and 17, and pin 19 is parallel to the line generally formed by the junction of legs 12 and 13. Pivot pin 19 also serves generally as the pivotal axis for actuator 11.
A mounting bracket 21 includes a mounting finger 22 having an aperture 23 therethrough. Only one-half of mounting bracket 21 is shown in FIG. 1. The entire bracket is shown in FIG. 2. The other half of mounting bracket 21 is mounted to another actuator. Pivot pin 19 extends through both actuators and both apertures in bracket 21. A switch 25 is secured to mounting bracket 21 and extends substantially parallel to leg 12 of actuator 11. Switch 25 includes connection tabs 26 for connecting the switch contacts to the transmitter circuitry. Connecting tabs 26 are connected to or attached to contacts 27. Contacts 27 are resilient metal strips which can be pressed together to provide a contact closure, or which may be normally in contact with one another and allowed to move apart when one metal strip is pushed away from another metal strip. A cam follower 29 is secured at an end of switch contacts 27 and includes a U-shaped cam follower section 30.
Cam surface 30 of cam follower 29 is positioned such that it rests normally in the center or lowest depression area of U-shaped or V-shaped cam surface 35 on cam 36.
Cam 36 is secured to the rear face of leg 12 on actuator 11 such that the V-shaped cam surface 35 extends substantially transversely outwardly from the leg. In the preferred embodiment, cam surface 35 extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of leg 12. V-shaped cam surface 35 in the preferred embodiment is formed by cutting a U-shaped or V-shaped notch in one side of a rectangular or square plate 36 which is secured to leg 12. It is to be understood, however, that a cam of any configuration may be used as long as it has a V-shaped cam surface.
In operation, actuator 11 is maintained in a first position such that a cam follower 29 is seated in the lowest portion of V-shaped cam surface 35. Actuator 11 may be rotated from this first position about the pivot pin 19 in one direction to a second position by pressing downwardly at leg 13. This movement will cause cam follower 29 to ride up along that portion of cam surface 35 farthest away from the rear surface of leg 12. As cam follower 29 rides up along cam surface 35, it will deflect at an angle substantially perpendicular to the motion of cam surface 35 and bear against contacts 27 on switch 25 until the contacts either close or open, actuating the associated transmitter. Actuator 11 may also be rotated from the first position in the opposite direction about pivot pin 19 to a third position by pushing in a horizontal direction against leg 12. This will cause cam follower 29 to ride up on that portion of V-shaped cam surface 35 closest to the rear surface of leg 12. As cam follower 29 rides up on cam surface 35, it will cause the cam follower 29 to deflect again at an angle substantially perpendicular to the motion of cam surface 35 and bear against contacts 27 in the same manner as when actuator 11 was rotated from the first to the second position. The deflection of cam follower 29 will cause contacts 27 to open or close, as the case may be, in order to actuate the associated radio transmitter.
Referring to FIG. 2, a microphone adopted for using the bi-directionally actuated switch mechanism includes a base member 40 having a horizontal base section 41 and vertical section 42. The horizontal and vertical sections are joined at a junction 43 such that a major surface of the vertical section 42 generally forms a line with the horizontal section 41. A mounting board 44 is secured to the vertical portion 42 of base member 40. Mounting board 44 may include a transducer 45 for converting the audio signals to electrical signals, and it may also include additional electrical components 46 necessary for proper operation of the microphone. Mounting bracket 21 is secured via screws 47 to component board 44. Mounting bracket 21 is positioned such that apertures 23 in fingers 22 are located approximately at the junction 43 of members 41 and 42 and such that apertures 23 generally define a line which is parallel to the line formed by the major surface of vertical section 42 and horizontal section 41. Two switches 25 previously described are mounted to mounting bracket 21. Two actuators 11 are secured to mounting member 21 via pivot pins 19 as shown and described with reference to one actuator in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 3, the microphone can be placed on a desk and actuated by a person seated at the desk by depressing leg 13 and causing actuator 11 to pivot about pivot pin 19 in one direction from a first position to a second position. Referring to FIG. 4, the microphone can be held in the hand and leg portion 12 of either actuator 11 may be pushed vertically or in the opposite pivotal direction about pivot pin 19 from a first position to a third position. This will also cause actuation of the push-to-talk switch.
As can be seen, an improved microphone has been provided which allows simple and easy one-handed operation while placed on a desk or held in a hand. The microphone includes a switch mechanism which will allow switch actuation by actuator movement in either one of two directions.