BUTT-SET WITH WATERPROOF AND AMBIDEXTROUS SWITCH
An ambidextrous waterproof switch is provided for activating different modes of a butt-set. The switch is symmetrical about the midplane of the butt-set and therefore allows the technician to use the butt-set with either hand. The switch allows tactile or visual sensing of the position of the switch.
1 . A butt-set comprising:
a housing having a key extending therefrom, said housing defining a midplane;
a switch body mounted on said housing and moveable relative to said housing, said switch body having a keyway, said key of said housing being positioned within said keyway;
a detent member having a flexible wall, said detent member attached to said switch body;
a cover for securing said switch body to said housing, said cover including a an engagement for engaging with said flexible wall of said detent member; and
wherein when said switch body is in a neutral position, said switch body is symmetrical about the midplane of the housing, and when said switch body is in a non-neutral position, said switch body is not symmetrical about the midplane of the housing.
2 . A butt-set as defined in claim 1 , wherein said switch body further comprises a recess for receiving said detent member.
3 . A butt-set as defined in claim 1 , wherein said switch body further comprises a magnet and said housing further includes a sensor for interaction with said magnet.
4 . A butt-set as defined in claim 1 , wherein said housing includes a wall having first and second ends, said switch body is generally U-shaped and includes a first arm extending proximate said first end of said wall and a second arm extending proximate a second end of said wall.
5 . A butt-set was defined in claim 4 , wherein a first activation location is provided on said first arm of said switch body and a second activation location is provided on said second arm of said switch body.
6 . A butt-set as defined in claim 5 , wherein one of a finger bump and a finger detent is provided at each of said first and second activation locations.
7 . A butt-set as defined in claim 1 , wherein said key of said housing is cylindrically-shaped.
8 . A butt-set as defined in claim 7 , wherein said switch body is generally annularly-shaped and a first activation location is provided on a perimeter of said switch body, and a second activation location is provided a perimeter of said switch body.
9 . A butt-set as defined in claim 8 , wherein finger indentations are provided at said activation locations.
10 . A butt-set as defined in claim 9 , wherein said engagement on said cover includes a plurality of notches aligned along an arc to receive said detent member.
11 . A butt-set as defined in claim 1 , wherein said engagement on said cover includes a plurality of notches aligned along an arc to receive said detent member.
12 . A butt-set as defined in claim 1 , wherein said engagement on said cover includes a plurality of notches linearly aligned to receive said detent member.