Field of the Invention:
The present invention generally relates to the field of switches. Particularly, the present invention relates to an emergency switch for use in automobile applications.
Background of the Invention:
In general, vehicles are equipped with a variety of control switches for horn, winker, dimmer, start etc. Increasingly, emergency switch is being disposed on the vehicles. The purpose of disposing an emergency switch is to enable a user (which may be a person driving the vehicle or a person who may be passenger or any person who may be even passing-by) to actuate the switch. In response to detecting actuation of the emergency switch, a variety of actions can be initiated. For instance, a call may be automatically placed on one or more pre-stored numbers which may be belong to family members or friends. By way of another example, a text message may be automatically placed on one or more pre-stored numbers which may be belong to family members or friends. By way of yet another instance, a call may be automatically placed or a text message may be automatically sent to rescue control centre or hospital or ambulance or police.
Disposing an emergency switch on the handle bar of a two wheeled vehicle or a muti-terrain vehicle or similar vehicles has however been a challenge. One of the traditional mechanisms adopted to dispose an emergency switch on the handle bar of a two wheeled vehicle includes providing a structure that can be mounted on the handle bar structure accommodates only the emergency switch. Reference in this regard may be made to dguard® which is being made available by DIGADES GmbH. Some of the disadvantages of this kind of emergency switch include the high probability of accidental (or un-intended) actuation of the emergency switch. The high costing of the emergency switch, as the emergency switch is accommodated in a separate structure. The space constraints to accommodate the separate structure on the handle bar, which is already having limited space. Apart from the above, the internal design of the emergency switch cannot be customized to accommodate different types of switching elements, depending upon cost, current rating etc.

Reference may be made to BMW R 1250 GS which incorporates another traditional handle bar mounted structure that incorporates an emergency switch. The handle bar mounted structure incorporated in BMW R 1250 GS includes a cover which may be opened to gain access to the emergency switch and closed to restrict access to the emergency switch. Some of the disadvantages of this kind of emergency switch include high costing of the emergency switch, as the emergency switch is accommodated in a separate structure. The space constraints to accommodate the separate structure on the handle bar, which is already having limited space. Apart from the above, the internal design of the emergency switch cannot be customized to accommodate different types of switching elements, depending upon cost, current rating etc.
Thus, there exists a need to provide an emergency switch that can address one or more disadvantages as described above. For instance, there is still a need to provide an emergency switch which is simple in terms of its construction, which is easy to manufacture, which can be manufactured at a reasonable price, and which occupies less space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
The present invention relates to an emergency switch (100) comprising a housing (102), the housing (102) being divided into a first chamber (104) and a second chamber (106); a switching element (108) disposed in the first chamber (104); a cap (110) which is pivotable between a first position where the cap (110) at least partially restricts access for actuating the switching element and a second position where the cap (110) provides access for actuating the switching element (108); the cap (110) being joined to the housing at about a top internal position of the second chamber (106); the cap defining a first position restriction aperture (112) corresponding to the first position and a second position restriction aperture (114) corresponding to the second position; and a restriction mechanism (116) positioned

within the second chamber (106), the restriction mechanism (116) being adapted to co-operate with the first position restriction aperture (112) to hold the cap in the first position, the restriction mechanism (116) being further adapted to cooperate with the second position restriction aperture (114) to hold the cap in the second position.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference
will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the
accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally
similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed
description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further
illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance
with the present invention where:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the emergency switch (100) in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the emergency switch (100) comprising a micro
switch (122) as the switching element in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the emergency switch (100) of Figure 2 wherein the
cap is in the first position where the cap at least partially restricts access for actuating the
switching element;
Figure 4illustratesa sectional view of the emergency switch (100) of Figure 2 wherein the
cap is in the second position where the cap allows access for actuating the switching
element;

Figure 5illustratesa sectional view of the emergency switch (100) of Figure 2 wherein the
cap is in the second position and wherein the switching element is in actuated state;
Figure 6illustrates a sectional view of the emergency switch (100) comprising a set of fixed
contacts and a moving contact operably connected to the knob member in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6illustrates a sectional view of the emergency switch (100) comprising a set of fixed
contacts and a moving contact operably connected to the knob member in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7illustrates a sectional view of the emergency switch (100) comprising a set of fixed
contacts and a moving contact mounted on a carrier which is operably connected to the knob
member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8illustrates a sectional view of the emergency switch (100) in a non-actuated state
comprising a set of fixed contacts and a moving contact disposed in the housing and wherein
the moving contact is adapted to be actuated by the knob member in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 9illustrates a sectional view of the emergency switch (100) shown in Figure 8 in an
actuated state.
It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
Detailed Description of the Invention:

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other

components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", "connected to", "operably connected to", "operatively connected to" are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms "connected to" and "connected with" are used synonymously.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1, which is an exploded view of the emergency switch (100), the emergency switch (100) can be seen to be comprised of a housing (102), the housing (102) being divided into a first chamber (104) and a second chamber (106); a switching element (108) disposed in the first chamber (104); a cap (110) which is pivotable between a first position where the cap (110) at least partially restricts access for actuating the switching element (108)and a second position where the cap (110) provides access for actuating the switching element (108); the cap (110) being joined to the housing (102) at about a top internal position of the second chamber (106); the cap (110) defining a first position restriction aperture (112) corresponding to the first position and a second position restriction aperture (114) corresponding to the second position; and a restriction mechanism (116) positioned within the second chamber (106), the restriction mechanism (116) being adapted to co-operate with the first position restriction aperture (112) to hold the cap (110) in the first position, the restriction mechanism (116) being further adapted to cooperate with the second position restriction aperture (114) to hold the cap (110) in the second position.
In an embodiment of the invention, the cap (110) is being joined to the housing (102) via a shaft (118) and a torsion spring (120), the torsion spring (120) is adapted to provide the restoring force to the cap (110) to move the cap (110) from an intermediate location to the first position.
Now referring to Figures 2 to 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the switching element (108) comprises a micro-switch (122) with an operating member (124) and a knob member (126) adapted to transfer an actuating force to the operating member (124). In an embodiment of the invention, the housing (102) comprises a locking member (128) to securely hold the micro-switch (122) within the housing (102).
In an embodiment of the invention, the locking member (128) is provided with projections (130) onto which side walls (132) of the knob member (126) glides over snugly such that the projections (130) acts as a barrier in preventing the gliding away of the knob member (126) from the locking member (128). In an embodiment of the invention, a resilient member

(134) is disposed between the top surface of the locking member (128) and the knob member (126) and is adapted to provide restoring force to the knob member (126). In an embodiment of the invention, the restriction mechanism comprises a ball-spring mechanism or a cam-spring mechanism (136, 138).
It can be seen that to actuate the switching element, the cap has to be moved from the first position to the second position. The restriction mechanism (116) co-operates with the first position restriction aperture (112) to hold the cap (110) in the first position. Once the user moves the cap from the first position to the second position, the restriction mechanism (116) cooperates with the second position restriction aperture (114) to hold the cap (110) in the second position. Thus, the user is not required to keep on holding the cap in the second position. Once the cap gets parked in the second position, the cap does not automatically return to the first position. However, if the user provides a marginal actuation and displaces the cap from the second position towards the first position or in other words, brings the cap to any intermediate location which is between the first and the second positions, the torsion spring is adapted to provide the restoring force to the cap (110) to move the cap (110) from the intermediate location to the first position. Thus, the efforts required to be made by the user are minimized. Furthermore, by providing the cap, the probability of accidental (or un-intended) actuation of the emergency switch is substantially reduced.
Since the cap (110) gets parked in the first position, by pressing the cap itself, the switching element (108) cannot be actuated. Thus, to actuate the switching element (108), physical contact with the switching element (108) per se is required. By merely pressing the cap which is parked in the first position, the switching element cannot be actuated. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, movement of the cap from the first position to the second position becomes essential for actuating the switching element (108).
In an embodiment of the invention, the cap (110) is constructed such that it does not completely block access to the switching element (108). For example, the cap may be provided with a through hole which provides access to the switching element. The advantage of providing such a through hole in the cap is that the user can access the

switching element (108) and press the switching element (108) per se via the through hole even if the cap (110) is in the first position (thus, the need to move the cap from the first position to the second position is not essential in this embodiment). Thus, not only the probability of accidental (or un-intended) actuation of the emergency switch is substantially reduced, but at the same time, there is made available a provision for pressing the switching element (108) per se even if the cap (110) is in the first position.
Now referring to Figure 6, in an embodiment of the invention, the switching element (108) comprises a knob member (126) receiving an actuating force and a restoration force, at least one fixed contact member (140), a moving contact member (142) operably connected to the knob member (126) and exhibiting movement in response to the knob member (126) receiving the actuating force and the restoration force, the moving contact member (142) being adapted to selectively come in contact with the at least one fixed contact member (140), and a resilient member (134) for providing the restoration force to the knob member (126).
Now referring to Figure 7, in an embodiment of the invention, the moving contact member (142) is connected to the knob member (126) via a carrier (144) and the at least one fixed contact member (140) is disposed in the first chamber (104) of the housing (102).
Now referring to Figures 8 and 9, in an embodiment of the invention, the switching element (108) comprises a knob member (126) receiving an actuating force and a restoration force, at least one fixed contact member (140); a deformable contact member (146) adapted to be actuated by the knob member (126) and exhibiting deformation in response to being actuated by the knob member (126), the deformable contact member (146) being adapted to selectively come in contact with the at least one fixed contact member (140), and a resilient member (134) for providing the restoration force to the knob member (126). It can be seen that in this particular embodiment, the deformable contact member (146) and the at least one fixed contact member (140) is disposed in first chamber (104) of the housing (102). The deformable contact member (146) is not operatively coupled to the knob member (126), but can be actuated by the knob member (126).

Referring to Figures 6 to 9, in an embodiment of the invention, at least one side wall of the housing (102) is provided with projections (148) onto which side walls (132) of the knob member (126) glides over snugly such that the projections (148) acts as a barrier in preventing the gliding away of the knob member (126) from the housing (102). Thus, ingress of foreign particles and contaminants inside the first chamber is restricted, which tends to increase the life span of the emergency switch.
It may be noted that the micro switch (122) may have a variety of constructions. By way of example, the micro switch (122) may have a construction as shown in sectional views illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 and which has been described in detail in Applicant's co-pending Indian Patent Application No. 202011017499, contents of which are being incorporated herein. By way of another example, the micro switch (122) may have a construction as shown in sectional views illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 and which has been described in detail in Applicant's co-pending Indian Patent Application No. 202011017499, contents of which are being incorporated herein. By way of yet another example, the micro switch (122) may have a construction as shown in sectional views illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 and which has been described in detail in Applicant's co-pending Indian Patent Application No. 20201002998, contents of which are being incorporated herein.By way of still another example, the micro switch (122) may have a construction as shown in sectional views illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 and which has been described in detail in Applicant's co-pending Indian Patent Application No. 20201002998, contents of which are being incorporated herein.
The emergency switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention can be made as part of a conventional handlebar switch console or may be disposed on a front cowl without having the need to providing a separate structure. Thus it overcomes the disadvantages associated with the traditional switches described in the background section.
Thus, it can be seen that a variety of constructions for the witching element (108) can be adopted for example, depending upon cost, current rating, size, operating pressure, etc.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

WE CLAIM:

1. An emergency switch (100) comprising:
a housing (102), the housing (102) being divided into a first chamber (104) and a second chamber (106);
a switching element (108) disposed in the first chamber (104);
a cap (110) which is pivotable between a first position where the cap (110) provides access for actuating the switching element (108) and a second position where the cap (110) at least partially restricts access for actuating the switching element (108); the cap (110) being joined to the housing (102) at about a top internal position of the second chamber (106); the cap (110) defining a first position restriction aperture (112) corresponding to the first position and a second position restriction aperture (114) corresponding to the second position; and
a restriction mechanism (116) positioned within the second chamber (106), the restriction mechanism (116) being adapted to co-operate with the first position restriction aperture (112) to hold the cap (110) in the first position, the restriction mechanism (116) being further adapted to cooperate with the second position restriction aperture (114) to hold the cap (110) in the second position.
2. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap (110) is being joined to the housing(102) via a shaft (118) and a torsion spring (120), the torsion spring (120) is adapted to provide the restoring force to the cap (110) to move the cap (110) from an intermediate location to the first position.
3. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching element (108) comprises a micro-switch (122) with an operating member (124) and a knob member (126) adapted to transfer an actuating force to the operating member (124).
4. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing (102) comprises a locking member (128) to securely hold the micro-switch (122) within the housing (102).

5. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking member (128) is provided with projections (130) onto which side walls (132) of the knob member (126) glides over snugly such that the projections (130) acts as a barrier in preventing the gliding away of the knob member (126) from the locking member (128).
6. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 4, wherein a resilient member (134) is disposed between the top surface of the locking member (128) and the knob member (126) and is adapted to provide restoring force to the knob member (126).
7. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the restriction mechanism comprises a ball-spring mechanism or a cam-spring mechanism (136, 138).
8. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching element (108) comprises a knob member (126) receiving an actuating force and a restoration force, at least one fixed contact member (140), a moving contact member (142) operably connected to the knob member (126) and exhibiting movement in response to the knob member (126) receiving the actuating force and the restoration force, the moving contact member (142) being adapted to selectively come in contact with the at least one fixed contact member (140), and a resilient member (134) for providing the restoration force to the knob member (126).
9. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 8, wherein the moving contact member (142) is connected to the knob member (126) via a carrier(144) and the at least one fixed contact member (140) is disposed in the first chamber (104) of the housing (102).
10. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching element (108) comprises a knob member (126) receiving an actuating force and a restoration force, at least one fixed contact member (140); a moving contact member (142) adapted to be actuated by the knob member (126) and exhibiting movement in response to being

actuated by the knob member (126), the moving contact member (142) being adapted to selectively come in contact with the at least one fixed contact member (140), and a resilient member (134) for providing the restoration force to the knob member (126).
11. The emergency switch as claimed in claim 10, wherein the moving contact member (142) and the at least one fixed contact member (140) is disposed in first chamber (104) of the housing (102).
12. The emergency switch as claimed in claims8 to 11, wherein at least one side wall of the housing (102) is provided with projections (148) onto which side walls (132) of the knob member (126) glides over snugly such that the projections (148) acts as a barrier in preventing the gliding away of the knob member (126) from the housing (102).