GB2396965A

GB2396965A - Switch device

Info

Publication number: GB2396965A
Application number: GB0300009A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Kennedy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-01-03
Filing date: 2003-01-03
Publication date: 2004-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-03
Also published as: GB2396965B; GB0300009D0

Abstract

The device is for aiding in locating and operating a pull cord switch and consists of a wall bracket 1 that extends from the wall fitted with a small hinge 3 and an extended arm 2. The light cord 5 and knot 5a passes through the hole 8 in the top of the extended arm 2, the cord is then guided by the slot 8a to a recess 8b on the underside of the arm 2, locating the knot in the recess secures the pull cord 5 to the arm. When the knot 5a is set correctly the pull cord 5 is taut with the arm 2 sitting out horizontally from the wall. Using one's finger, the extended arm 2 is pressed downwards which will then switch on the light, the extended arm is then returned to its horizontal position by the action of the ceiling or wall light switch 6 return spring. By pressing down on the extended bracket a second time will switch off the light.

Description

1 PANEL A 1 2396965

THE EASY SWITCH

| Technical This invention relates to a device for easy locating and operating a ceiling or wall field I pull switch cord that my be used for switching on and off any electrical appliance.

I Background] Pull switches are normally operated by a cord which is attached to the mechanism of the switch, when the cord is puled it compresses a return spring in the switch at the same time it triggers the mechanism of the switch closing a set of contact points this intern makes an electrical circuit, the cord is then returned to the neutral position by the return spring ready to be puled again when the switch is required to be switched to the off position disengaging the electrical circuit. This type of switch is normally used in the home, for example switching on and off a bathroom light, extractor fan, or an alarm system, the user my have wet hands therefor the pull cord type switch is very safe to use as it keeps a persons wet hands well away from electricity.

Unfortunatly this type of switch does have its disadvantage. When used for controlling a light the hanging pull cord can prove difficult to locate in the dark, even if the user is familiar with its location. This can cause panic especially if it is controlling a bathroom light that you normally have to find in a hurry. It could also be impossible for a child to find or for an elderly person who my have found the pull cord but has a problem gripping it, even with dry hands.

* ** ** * * * * * ** ** ** * * * ** ** * I Essential According to the Present invention there is provided a device to be used for aiding Technical a person to locate and operate a light pull cord in a darkened room. The Easy Switch features! can be fabricated from any suitable material such as plastic or wood. It consist of a wall bracket that can be secured to a wall by screws or adhesive contact, the wall bracket has a hinged arm attached to it which allows the arm to bend downwards from a horizontally position, the extended arm has a hole and slot through it to allow the knotted end of a pull cord to pass through the arm, the cord is then guided by the slot to a recess on the underside of the arm for the knot to fits into, securing the pull cord to the extended arm. The position of the knot sets the length of cord required to hold the hinged arm horizontally out from the wall. It is now possible for a person using one finger to press down on the end of the extended arm to switch on and offa light. The extended arm is then returned to its horizontal position by the action of the light switch return spring. Any adjustment can simply be made to set the horizontal position of the arm by shortening or lengthening the pull cord with a newly tied knot. Incorporating a fluorescent coating to the switch would add a further element of convenience to the device, particularly for those with poor eyesight. The arm could also be fashioned with decorative images such as a dolphin for use in a bathroom or a Mickey Mouse for use in a child's room.

With this configuration, The Easy Switch would greatly facilitate the process of locating and operating a light cord when entering a darkened bathroom or were pull switches are operated by a hanging cord. Rather then fumbling about, waving one's hand in the air hoping to strike the hanging cord, one would simply press downward on the arm to illuminate the room or in an emergency set off en alarm system.

se e e

I PANEL B I

I Example 1 A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective The Easy Switch wall bracket with a small hinged extended arm in a horizontal position connected to the pull cord from a ceiling switch.

Figure 2 shows a typical hole and slot in the extended arm of The Easy Switch, for passing the knotted end of a switch cord through, the slot then guides the cord and knot to a recess on the under side of the arm for securing the cord to the arm.

Figure 3 shows a Dolphin used as a decorative motive for The Easy Switch arm.

** ** * *** ** * * ** ** ** ** * * * * * * Referring to the drawings the following description relates to The Easy Switch operating a bathroom light.

Figure I shows a typical set up of the easy switch. The wall mounting bracket 1 can be attached to a wall by means of two sided adhesive strip 10, or can be secured in position by screws 4, another means not shown is to use mastic or silicon. A small hinge 3 is used to connect an extended arm 2, in the case of the easy switch being made from plastic moulding of say a Dolphin Fig 3 then the hinge 3a could be a flexible section of the decorative image. The hinge Fig 1-3 or flexible section Fig 3-3a allows the extended arm Fig 1-2 to bend downwards from a horizontal position, it will then return to its horizontal position by means of the flexible joint section Fig 3-3a returning to its normal shape, or if a standard hinge Fig 1-3 is used then the return spring in the ceiling or wall switch 6 will return the arm to the horizontal position. The pull cord 5 is connected to the extended arm 2 or 2a by passing the knotted end of the cord Fig 2-Sa through the hole 8 then sliding the cord along the slot 8a will locate the knot in the recess 8b on the underneath side, this stops the cord from pulling out. Adjustment can be made by simply moving the position of the knot 5a up or down the cord 5 untill the extended arm 2 or 2a is horizontal, with the pull cord taut Fig 1. All that one has to do to switch on and off a light is then press downwards on the end of the extended arm 2 or Fig 3-2a. To facilitate the location of the easy switch the end portion of the arm 2 or 2a could have a fluorescent coating Fig 3-7.

Claims

:: ::. ce. Àe c:e 4 4 4 4 4 C CLAIMS

1. A device to be used for aiding in the routine process of locating and operating a light pull cord in a darkened room.

2. A device that consists of a wall bracket with a hinged arm portion that can bend downwards up to 90 from the horizontal position.

3. A device as in claim I & 2 which has a flexible section between the vertical wall bracket and the horizontal arm portion that allows the arm portion to bend downwards.

4. A device as in claim 1-2 & 3 which has a flexible section that distorts to allow the arm to bend downwards, when the arm is released it returns to its original shape with the arm in a horizontal position.

5. A device as in previous claims which has a hole and adjoining slot through the top of the arm to allow the knotted end of a pull cord to pass through, then sliding the cord along the slot guides the knot into a recess on the under side of the arm for securing the pull cord to the arm.

6. A device as in previous claims that allows a person to press down on the end portion of the arm which then pulls on the switch cord, switching on or off a electrical switch.

7. A device as in previous claims that the arm can be embellished with decorative images such as a dolphin for use in a bathroom or a Mickey mouse for use in a child's room.

8. A device as in previous claims that can be used for pulling a switch cord for switching on and off an electrical appliance.

9. A device as in previous claims that the arm or decorative image incorporates a fluorescent coating which aids in locating the switch arm.

10. A device as in previous claims that the wall bracket can be fixed in place by screws, or adhesive.

A device as in previous claims that can be made from wood, plastic injection moulding, or any suitable material.