Slider type push button switch with safety lockout feature

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of an improved electrical switch having advantageous or desirable features differentiating from the above discussed prior art electrical switches, as well as others; the provision of such improved electrical switch which renders inadvertent energization of a device electrically associated therewith unlikely; the provision of such electrical switch having a lockout feature; the provision of such electrical switch of the type employing push buttons to laterally move sliders for controlling contact closures with a condition precedent feature for transitioning from "off" to certain of the contact closures for particular switch operating modes; the provision of such improved electrical switch having a lockout slider movable in response to the depression of an "off" push button to a position precluding depression of at least certain of the other push buttons thereof; the provision of such electrical switch requiring two separate motions by the user when transitioning from the "off" operating mode thereof to certain other operating modes thereof; and the provision of such improved electrical switch which is simplistic in design, easily assembled and economically manufactured.
These as well as other objects and advantageous features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
In general, a multiple push button switch in one form of the invention is operable generally between a plurality of different circuit completing states and an "off" state.
Means actuated by operating the switch to its "off" state is provided for preventing direct operation of the switch to certain of the circuit completing states, and means is operable to transition the switch from its "off" state to another state thereof from which operation of the switch to any of the certain circuit completing states may be effected.
Also in general and in one form of the invention, an electrical switch is adapted to control a plurality of circuits therethrough