GB2266408A

GB2266408A - A decorative cover for a light switch

Info

Publication number: GB2266408A
Application number: GB9208613A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Ramsay Sibbald
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-04-21
Filing date: 1992-04-21
Publication date: 1993-10-27
Also published as: GB9208613D0

Abstract

A decorative cover for a light switch comprises an anchor element 14, mountable on a switch plate 11 of the light switch, and an infill element 20 mountable in an opening 17 of the anchor element 14. The anchor element 14 leaves the fixing screws 12 for the light switch and a switch operating element 13 exposed, whilst the infill element 20 covers the screws 12 but leaves the switch element 13 exposed. <IMAGE>

Description

A Decorative Cover for a Light Switch This invention relates to decorative covers for light switches including dimming switches.

Although there are light switches now on the market with specific surface finishes, the vast majority of switches in existence in this country are rectangular and white. This makes them particularly unsusceptible to any attempt to blend them into the decoration or otherwise make them less obtrusive.

The present invention consists in a decorative cover for a light switch having a switch element mounted in a switch plate secured by fixing screws, comprising an anchor element mountable on an existing light switch plate with an opening, which exposes the switch element and the fixing screws when in position, and an infill element mountable in the opening to cover a substantial portion of the switch plate whilst leaving the switch element operable.

With this arrangement the anchor element can be securely mounted on the switch element and because it exposes the fixing screws, it will not interfere with the maintenance of the light. However the fixing screws are themselves unsightly and the provision of the infill element enables them to be hidden. It will be understood that by suitable choice of the material, cover and texture of the anchor element and the infilling element a large number of visual appearances can be achieved to either blend or or contrast with the decoration in the room. Equally the infill can be moulded in a large number of different shapes to meet different tastes.

The cover may further comprise means for securing the anchor element on the switch plate. The securing means may be for example a self-adhesive pad or pads or it may include formations engageable on the fixing screws of the face plate.

Preferably the infill element is snap fitted or is a sliding fit in the anchor element.

Although the invention has been defined above it is to be understood it includes any inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description.

The invention may be performed in a number of ways and specific embodiments of which will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a light switch and cover assembly; and Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view showing alternative forms of infill suitable for alternative forms of switch.

Referring to Figure 1 a light switch generally indicated at 10 includes a switch plate 11 having fixing screws 12 and switch elements 13. An anchor element 14 is provided for mounting on the switch plate so that its face 15 and sides 16 cover the peripheral portions of the switch plate 13. The anchor plate has an opening 17 which is large enough to expose the screws 12 and switch elements 13. A dependent annulus 18 is provided around the inner side of the opening 17 and has slots 19 spaced around it. An infill element 20 is provided for snap fitting engagement in the opening 17 by means of projections 21 which locate in respective slots 19. An infill can have any appropriate surface configuration provided that it enables the switch elements 13 to be operated.

Thus in the example shown in the drawings the infill 20 has a channel 22 extending across its face and an opening 23 in the central portion of the base of the channel 24 into which the switch elements 13 locate. The presence of the channel makes it easy for the switch elements 13 to be operated by passing one's finger across them, but it is not essential. In some instances it may be desirable to provide a flexible membrane over the opening 23 so that the switch 10 is completely covered but still operable.

As can be seen in Figure 1 the anchor element 14 is conveniently located by means of double sided adhesive pads 25 but any other suitable securing system could be used.

For example formations may be provided on the anchor element which could lock beneath the heads of the fixing screws 12 if they were first part-way unscrewed.

If for any reason it is necessary to remove the switch plate, this can of course be done simply be removing the infill element 20. This means that the anchor element can be very securely attached to the switch plate and is not likely to be knocked off or displaced during normal use. As well as being a decorative cover, the device considerable reduces the chances of young children gaining access to the live part of the switch 10 by unscrewing the fixing screws 12.

Turning to Figure 2 it can be seen that the cover on Figure 1 can be used on single or double pole-like switches or single dimers. An alternative construction of the infill element 20 for use with triple pole or double dimmers is shown at 26.

Claims

1. A decorative cover for a light switch having a switch element mounted in a switch plate secured by fixing screws, comprising an anchor element mountable on an existing light switch plate with an opening, which exposes the switch element and the fixing screws when in position, and an infill element mountable in the opening to cover a substantial portion of the switch whilst leaving the switch element operable.

2. A cover as claimed in Claim 1 further comprising means for securing the anchor element to the switch plate.

3. A cover as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the securing means is a self-adhesive pad or pads.

4. A cover as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the securing means includes formations engageable on the fixing screws of the switch plate.

5. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the infill element is snap-fittable on or is a sliding fit in the anchor element.

6. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the infill element has a contrasting colour and/or texture with respect to the anchor plate.

7. A decorative cover for a light switch having a switch element mounted in a switch plate, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.