GB2264462A - Lite and power decor for do-it-yourself or professional installation - Google Patents

Abstract

Lite and power decor is a do-it-yourself product designed to provide a simple and safe-to-install finger plate/decorative trim which fits beneath and around light or power switches (single and double versions). The identical components (A) of which there are two, are designed to be interlocked and then trapped beneath the existing switch face plate (C) when the face plate of the switch is secured to the wall by its two securing screws. Following this installation, the trim plate (B) is simply pushed (snapped) into its recess (D) to complete the assembly. <IMAGE>

Description

LITE AND POWER DECOR FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF OR PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION PATENT APPLICATION DESCRIPTION, CLAIMS, ABSTRACT AND DRAWINGS - DESCRIPTION The invention relates to a 'Do-It-Yourself' product designed to provide a simple, cost-effective, high quality finger plate and decorative trim for use in conjunction with any standard 220/240 volt light or power wall mounted control switch whether single or double in size.

The purpose of providing two identical interlocking halves (item 'A' on drawing) is as follows: Apart from the reduced tooling costs, this design allows the end user the facility, convenience and safety of effecting installation without the need to fully remove the light, power, telephone or aerial switch, to which the invention is being fitted. The invention is therefore unique and superior to existing/comparable designs which are solid (one-piece) in construction (usually injection moulded) and by virtue of their design inferior because they embody a fixed aperture through which the light or other switch must first be passed with the wires preferably still attached, prior to securing by the normal means of the switches two machined securing screws.

In the case of installing existing one-piece versions, in many instances it is found, the wires connected to the switch will require to be disconnected fully to effect installation because the terminal block attached to the rear of the switch is of a greater dimension (thickness/depth) to the aperture through which the switch has to pass, i.e. the fixed aperture in the trim plate.

Typically this difficulty arises when the switch concerned incorporates a dimmer control and/or is multi-circuited in which respect modern copper/alloy wiring is notoriously inflexible. In such cases this design defect facilitates the need to disconnect all the wiring connections, it is then necessary to pass those wires through the trim plate aperture and re-connect before full installation can be completed. Additionally, it is often found that the wiring to switches is too short to provide sufficient access to fit the existing types of trim plate without disconnection of the wiring supply and subsequent re-connection, as already described.

These means of installing the comparable/existing equivalent when assessed alongside the new invention confirms the increased risk of incorrect re-assembly and the increased possibility of loose or defective connections arising from removal or incorrect replacement, any of which faults could precipitate short circuits, power failure, electrical shocks and any attendant fire or safety hazard. These faults are endemic in existing alternatives but are fully avoided in the new invention as fully described overleaf.

- CONSTRUCTION/ASSEMBLY DETAIL In order to fully secure the two identical halves to each other ('A') they are designed and manufactured to interlock in the two positions adjacent to the 45 degree mitre. When this has been done the assembly provides a small rebated section ('C') which becomes trapped and rests directly beneath the switch face plate upon re-tightening the switch to the wall socket after fitting.

As a third and final measure item (B) provides a decorative finishing trim which snaps into a locking position on top of and within the recessed location provided by the main assembly ('A').

This has the effect of holding the entire assembly together for complete security and at the same time provides a clean and attractive visual appearance particularly where the mitred sections join together, and as a result of final assembly become hidden from view - PRODUCTION MEDIUM AND MATERIALS Whilst the design permits production and fabrication by varied means, e.g. - stamping, machining, casting or moulding of the components, it is most appropriate to employ injection moulding as the preferred manufacturing technique due to the volume, quality and cost requirements likely to be encountered or specified to achieve cost effective production and acceptable retail pricing to consumers.

Though timber, resin, glass or metal based materials could be employed in the manufacture of the inventions components the favoured material will undoubtedly be of the plastic, P.V.C. or nylon based varieties and will therefore almost certainly be utilised to construct the two halves (A). It is possible that the face plate (B) will be infinitely varied as to material construction so as to provide any decor element which is required or even fashionable for the sake of design appearance or functionality viz, natural or moulded wood, brass, plaster, resin, glass, fibre-glass, ceramic, porcelain or any other relevant material which can be fashioned to the tolerances demanded.

General examples of the type (class) of variation which can be adopted for the face plate (B) are: 1. Classical design detail eg Roman/Victorian etc.

2. Moderne -eg Abstract, Art Nouveau etc.

3. Natural wood eg Pine/Mahogany etc.

4. Decorated brass or plated metal 5. Mirrored Glass (possibly with tint variations) 6. Light Sensitive reflective material for rapid location of switch in the dark e.g. safety and convenience for all especially the aged, children or poor sighted.

7. Item 6 above as applied to commercial/industrial security needs eg Hotels/Motels/Guest Houses/Hospitals etc.

8. A clear perspex version of the trim plate (B) manufactured without the locating plugs would allow matching fabric (e.g.

curtain material) or wallpaper to be displayed in full coordination with any decor. Though in this application the trim plate (B) would require slight modification to its outer edges so that they snapped into position more firmly within the recess (D).

Claims (1)

1. LITE AND POWER DECOR

   FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF OR PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION PATENT APPLICATION CLAIMS - CLAIM 1 The new invention is designed to overcome the difficulties outlined within the description by the novelty of eliminating any requirement to completely remove the screws already securing the switch to its corresponding wall socket, a partial loosening is all that is required to achieve installation. These means also ensure that the need to disconnect and re-connect wiring is completely eliminated thereby providing a higher margin of safety against error or any associated hazard. Additionally, installation of the new invention is also simpler and more quickly effected and therefore of particular benefit to the handyman/do-it-yourself enthusiast.

   - CLAIM 2 When produced to the larger size which would be required the new invention as described in claim (1), also allows an opportunity to cater for a matching finger plate/decorative trim to accommodate double light or power switches. Prior to the new invention, no product has been found to exist which catered for this particular application. As a result the new invention also provides the flexibility to produce versions of the basic design which will fit all standard types of electrical wall mounted switches found to be installed for lighting or power supply in conformance with current regulations in the U.K.

   - CLAIM 3 As a bonus to the claims in the preceding sections (1) and (2) this arrangement also confers the opportunity to harmonise this aspect of decor to individual end users taste by offering a variety of interchanging trim plates and covering a range of styles and/or finishes. Decoration not usually being an element widely catered for in the production of most types of switch or existing trim plates Variations as to final size will also allow equivalent versions to be manufactured for foreign markets when the differing, but precise, local requirements can be accommodated by appropriate modification to size but consistent in concept and method of assembly.