US Patent 7285738 Control knob and control panel

A control knob for a control panel assembly having a panel to which a push-and-turn switch assembly is mounted, with the switch assembly having a stem axially movable and rotatable to effect actuation of the switch assembly. The control knob has a cap and a skirt. The cap is axially immobile relative to the stem, and the skirt is coupled with the stem for axial movement therewith. The skirt is axially moveable relative to the cap. An axial force acting on the cap is not transferred to the stem and an axial force acting on the skirt will cause axial movement of the stem.