GB2420229A - A decorative light switch cover - Google Patents

A decorative light switch cover Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2420229A
GB2420229A GB0521408A GB0521408A GB2420229A GB 2420229 A GB2420229 A GB 2420229A GB 0521408 A GB0521408 A GB 0521408A GB 0521408 A GB0521408 A GB 0521408A GB 2420229 A GB2420229 A GB 2420229A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
light switch
faceplate
attachment plate
mounting
decorative cover
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0521408A
Other versions
GB0521408D0 (en
Inventor
Seamus Meegan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of GB0521408D0 publication Critical patent/GB0521408D0/en
Publication of GB2420229A publication Critical patent/GB2420229A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/14—Fastening of cover or lid to box
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/04—Cases; Covers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H23/14—Tumblers

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a decorative cover (1) for mounting on a light switch (16), comprising an attachment plate (8), mountable on a front face of the light switch; a decorative faceplate (2), having a front wall (3) and a plurality of side walls (4); and actuating means to allow the switch mechanism (22) of the light switch to be actuated. The faceplate (2) is mountable on the attachment portion (8) and includes means for adjusting the spacing of the faceplate relative to the attachment plate whereby the depth of the light switch cover (1) can be varied to accommodate light switches of different depths.

Description

A Decorative Light Switch Cover
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a decorative cover for a light switch, and in particular to a cover for a light switch which may be fitted over an existing cover.
Back2round to the Invention In general, standard light switches are white in colour, square or oblong in shape, formed from plastic and are relatively aesthetically unattractive. It is often desirable to replace the standard square, white light switch faceplate with one which is more decorative and more in tune with the decor of the room in which it is installed. For example, an antique effect metal faceplate might be desirable in a room decorated in a period style, whereas a brightly coloured plastic faceplate might be more in keeping in a small child's room. It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative faceplate or cover for a lightswitch which may be produced in a variety of shapes, colours, designs and finishes, to allow a person to select one which he or she finds aesthetically pleasing and/or in keeping with the decor of the room in which it is to be used.
A number of alternative faceplates are available which provide such a solution.
However, these faceplates generally require that the existing faceplate by removed and the replacement affixed to the switch box by means of screws. Thus, in order to replace the existing faceplate with an alternative of this type, a person must have the tools, skill and inclination to remove the existing light switch faceplate with a screwdriver and screw the replacement into place.
It would be advantageous to provide a light switch cover, which could be fitted over the existing faceplate without the need to remove the existing faceplate and without the need for screwing in place. This requires that the switch mechanism of the existing light switch is operable via the cover.
Additionally, known light switch casings tend to vary in depth, that is, the distance by which they project from the wall on which they are mounted. It would also be advantageous for a light switch cover to be capable of being fitted to existing light switches of various depths, so that the fact that the switch had been covered was not obvious.
Object of the Invention An object of the invention is to provide a decorative cover for mounting on a light switch which may be fitted without removing the existing faceplate. Another object of the present invention is to provide a light switch cover for mounting over an existing light switch that is capable of accommodating light switches of various depths.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides a decorative cover for mounting on a light switch, comprising an attachment plate, mountable on a front face of the light switch; a decorative faceplate, having a front wall and a plurality of side walls; and actuating means to allow the switch mechanism of the light switch to be actuated; wherein said faceplate is mountable on the attachment portion and includes means for adjusting the spacing of the faceplate relative to the attachment plate whereby the depth of the light switch cover can be varied to accommodate light switches of different depths.
The arrangement above does not require any special tools and may be fitted directly over the existing light switch. Furthermore, the arrangement described above, including an attachment plate and a faceplate, allows the cover to be adapted to light switches of different depths. This is done by varying the position of the decorative faceplate relative to the attachment plate mounted on the existing light switch. This provides the advantage of allowing the cover to be fitted to light switches of various depths without it being obvious that the original light switch has been covered. A further advantage of this system is that once an attachment plate has been mounted on the light switch, decorative faceplates may be easily interchanged without need to remove the attachment plates.
Preferably, the adjusting means comprises ratchet means arranged to hold the faceplate in selected position relative to the attachment plate and releasable to permit the faceplate to be detached from the attachment plate. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ratchet means comprises a least one serrated member arranged on said attachment plate; at least one pawl member arranged on said faceplate to co-operate with the serrated member; wherein the paw! member is adjustably engageable with the serrated member to hold the faceplate in a selected position relative to the attachment plate, and disengageable from the serrated member to permit the faceplate to be removed from said attachment plate. Optionally, the pawl member is serrated.
The ratchet means allows movement of the faceplate relative to the attachment plate in one direction only, that is, towards one another. When the attachment plate is mounted on a light switch, this has the effect of only permitting movement of the faceplate towards the light switch. The serrations are arranged so as to prevent movement of the faceplate away from the light switch, unless the pawl member is first disengaged from the serrated member. This may be done by exerting a slight rotational force on the faceplate in an anti-clockwise direction, thereby disengaging the serrated member and pawl member and allowing the faceplate to be removed. This ensures that the faceplate will not be accidentally knocked off the light switch in use, and will be retained in place until the user wishes to remove or change it.
Preferably, the attachment plate in mountable on the front face of the light switch by means of adhesive. Suitably, the adhesive is provided in the form of double sided adhesive tape.
According to an optional feature of the present invention, the attachment plate further comprises a pair of locator rings for alignment with a pair of screw heads on the front face of the light switch to allow the attachment plate to be accurately positioned on the front face of the light switch. This ensures that the cover is fitted correctly without need for a spirit level or other tools.
Optionally, the actuating means is integrally formed with said attachment plate and said faceplate provides access to said actuating means. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating means comprises a pair of buttons, wherein each button may be used to actuate one end of a rocker light switch. In alternative embodiments, the actuating means may be used to actuate a dimmer or toggle light switch.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an attachment plate and actuating means of the light switch cover according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the attachment plate and actuating means of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a decorative faceplate of a light switch cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the decorative faceplate of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the light switch cover according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 6A is a cross-sectional elevation of the light switch cover according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 6B is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 6A; Figure 7 is a front elevation of the light switch cover according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the light switch cover according to the first embodiment of the invention in position on a light switch; Figure 9 is a cutaway front perspective view of the light switch cover according to the first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a light switch cover according to a second embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
Figures 1 to 9 of the drawings show a decorative light switch cover I according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of the light switch cover is intended for use over a standard rocker light switch.
Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings show the attachment plate 8 of the light switch cover 1.
The attachment plate 8 is mountable on the front face of a light switch 16. In the embodiment shown, actuating means 9 are integrally formed with the attachment plate 8. The attachment plate comprises a pair of locator rings 10 for alignment with a pair of screw heads on the front face of the light switch to allow the attachment plate to be accurately positioned on the front face of the light switch 16. The locator rings 10 may be easily located over the screw heads of an existing light switch to allow the light switch cover to be aligned with the existing switch. The attachment plate further comprises a pair of flexible projections 20. The attachment plate 8 is also formed with a pair of inwardly projecting flanges 17, that is, projecting towards the light switch in use.
Each flange 17 includes a serrated member 18, which is formed with a series of ridges or serrations 19. These can be seen in more detail in Figure 6B.
The actuating means 9 allows the switch mechanism 22 of the light switch 16 to be actuated by a user. The actuating means 9 comprises a pair of buttons 13, each of which is mounted on a projecting rigid arm member 14. Each of the arm members 14 is flexibly connected to the attachment plate 8 at a connection region 15. The arm members may also be inherently flexible. In the embodiment shown, the arm members 14 and connection regions 15 are integrally formed with the attachment plate 8. The connection region 15 is capable of flexing so that the buttons 13 are permitted to move inwardly, that is, towards the light switch 16. The actuating means further comprises a pair of spring elements 23. Each arm element 14 is spring-biased by the spring element 23 in order to ensure that the buttons 13 return to their correct positions when the switch 22 is actuated. In use on a light switch 16, each button will be used to actuate one end of a rocker switch. One of the buttons will be urged outwards by one end of the rocker switch 22 of the light switch (depending on whether the light is on or off). Pressing the outwardly urged button inwards actuates the light switch to turn on (or off) the light.
This has the effect of reversing the position of the rocker switch, thus urging the other button outwards.
Figures 3 and 4 show the faceplate 2 of the light switch cover 1. The faceplate includes a front wall 3 and a plurality of side walls 4. The faceplate is adjustably mountable on the attachment plate 8 to cover the light switch. The front wall 3 of the faceplate 2 is formed with a pair of apertures 5. In use, these apertures provide access to the actuating means 9. The inner surface 6 of the faceplate is provided with two projections 7, located on opposing sidewalls, diagonally offset from one another. Each projection 7 includes a serrated pawl member 11 comprising a series of ridges or serrations 12.
These serrations can be seen in more detail in Figure 6B. The pawl members 11, together with the serrated members 18 on the attachment plate, form a ratchet means arranged to hold the faceplate in a selected position relative to said attachment plate and releasable to permit the faceplate to be detached from the attachment plate.
Figures 5 to 9 show the light switch cover I in use on an existing rocker light switch 16.
To assemble the cover over the light switch, the attachment plate 8 is first mounted on the front face of the light switch 16. The locator rings 10 are positioned over the screw heads of the existing light switch to align the attachment plate with the light switch.
The attachment plate 8 is then fixed in position on the fascia of the existing light switch by means of an adhesive, for example, double sided adhesive tape. The faceplate 2 is then adjustably mounted on the attachment plate 8. The apertures 5 in the faceplate are dimensioned to accommodate the buttons 13 and thus provide access to the actuating means 9. The flexible projections 20 and flanges 17 of the attachment plate provide an interference fit with the projections 7 on the faceplate. Furthermore, the serrated members 18 on the flanges 17 of the attachment plate 8 and the (serrated) pawl members 11 on the projections 7 of the faceplate 2 co-operate to form a ratchet means.
The co-operating sets of serrations form a ratcheting mechanism whereby the depth of the light switch cover can be varied to accommodate existing light switches of different depths. This allows cover to be attached in such a way that it is not apparent that the existing light switch has been covered. The pawl members 11 are adjustably engageable with the serrated members 18 to hold the faceplate in a selected position relative to said attachment plate, and disengageable from said serrated members to permit the faceplate to be removed from said attachment plate.
When the faceplate 2 is mounted on the attachment plate 8, the flexible projections 20 urge the serrations 12 into contact with the serrations 19. The serrations 12 (on pawl member 11) engage the serrations 19 and hold the faceplate in a selected position relative to the attachment plate. The ratcheting arrangement of the serrations means that movement of the faceplate is permitted in one direction only, that is, towards the existing light switch. Thus, the position of the faceplate may be adjusted in an inward direction simply by pushing the faceplate towards the light switch until the desired position is reached. Adjustment of the faceplate in an outward direction or removal of the faceplate may be achieved by grasping the faceplate and exerting a slight rotational force on it in an anti-clockwise direction. This disengages the serrations 12 on paw! members 11 from the serrations 19 and allows the faceplate to be moved away from the attachment plate. The faceplate may thus be removed from the attachment p!ate 8 entire!y. Alternatively, once the desired position has been reached the rotational force may be removed, allowing the two sets of serrations to re-engage with one another, thereby ho!ding the faceplate in its new position.
Figure 10 shows a decorative light switch cover 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the attachment plate 108 and actuating means 109 are separately formed. The faceplate 2 is formed with a single aperture 105. This embodiment of the invention is intended for use with a rotary light switch 116, for example, a dimmer switch. The attachment plate is formed with a single aperture 130.
As with the first embodiment, the light switch cover is provided with ratchet means arranged to hold the faceplate in selected position relative to said attachment plate and releasable to permit the faceplate to be detached from the attachment plate. The ratchet means is as described for the first embodiment.
The attachment plate 108 is mounted on the light switch 116 as before. The faceplate 102 is then adjustably mounted on the attachment plate 108 and held in the selected position by the ratchet means. The apertures 105 and 130 allow the actuating means to be mounted on the rotary switch mechanism 122 of the switch 116 to allow the light switch to be actuated by a user.
The light switch cover of the present invention may be formed from a number of materials, including plastics such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and PC/ABS (Polycarbonate Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and metal. Additionally, the various components of the cover may be formed from different materials, for example, the attachment plate may be injection moulded from plastic and the faceplate and actuating means may be formed from metal.
The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims (9)

  1. Claims 1. A decorative cover for mounting on a light switch, comprising:
    an attachment plate, mountable on a front face of the light switch; a decorative faceplate, having a front wall and a plurality of side walls; and actuating means to allow the switch mechanism of the light switch to be actuated; wherein said faceplate is mountable on the attachment portion and includes means for adjusting the spacing of the faceplate relative to the attachment plate whereby the depth of the light switch cover can be varied to accommodate light switches of different depths.
  2. 2. A decorative cover for mounting on a light switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjusting means comprises ratchet means arranged to hold the faceplate in selected position relative to said attachment plate and releasable to permit the faceplate to be detached from the attachment plate.
  3. 3. A decorative cover for mounting on a light switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ratchet means comprises: a least one serrated member arranged on said attachment plate; at least one pawl member arranged on said faceplate to co-operate with the at least one serrated member; wherein said pawl member is adjustably engageable with the serrated member to hold the faceplate in a selected position relative to the attachment plate, and disengageable from the serrated member to permit the faceplate to be removed from the attachment plate.
  4. 4. A decorative cover for mounting on a light switch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one pawl member is serrated.
  5. 5. A decorative cover for mounting on a light switch as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the attachment plate in mountable on the front face of the light switch by means of adhesive.
  6. 6. A decorative cover for mounting on a light switch as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the attachment plate further comprises a pair of locator rings for alignment with a pair of screw heads on the front face of the light switch to allow the attachment plate to be accurately positioned on the front face of the light switch.
  7. 7. A decorative cover for mounting on a lightswitch as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuating means is integrally formed with said attachment plate and said faceplate provides access to said actuating means.
  8. 8. A decorative cover for mounting on a lightswitch as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuating means comprises a pair of buttons and each button may be used to actuate one end of a rocker light switch.
  9. 9. A decorative cover for mounting on a light switch substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, one or more of Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.
    I 0.A decorative cover for mounting on a light switch substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.
GB0521408A 2004-11-15 2005-10-21 A decorative light switch cover Withdrawn GB2420229A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IE20040763A IES20040763A2 (en) 2004-11-15 2004-11-15 A decorative light switch cover

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0521408D0 GB0521408D0 (en) 2005-11-30
GB2420229A true GB2420229A (en) 2006-05-17

Family

ID=35458397

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0521408A Withdrawn GB2420229A (en) 2004-11-15 2005-10-21 A decorative light switch cover

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2420229A (en)
IE (1) IES20040763A2 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2906652A1 (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-04 Simon Sa Socket based electrical device for e.g. office, has covers including edges with projections interlocked under edge of plate so that covers are stacked on plate, where covers have chromatic finishing entirely different from that of plate
RU177337U1 (en) * 2015-12-17 2018-02-16 Асеа Браун Бовери, С.А. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION KIT

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1363423A (en) * 1971-10-20 1974-08-14 British Insulated Callenders Fittings for wiring of buildings
GB1422963A (en) * 1972-02-19 1976-01-28 Midland Electric Mfg Co Ltd Electric accessories
GB2116121A (en) * 1982-02-27 1983-09-21 Manger And Son Limited J Cover for wall-mounted electrical switches
GB2211997A (en) * 1987-11-04 1989-07-12 Susan Alicia Small A light switch cover
GB2266408A (en) * 1992-04-21 1993-10-27 David Ramsay Sibbald A decorative cover for a light switch
GB2287126A (en) * 1994-02-08 1995-09-06 Seddon Vivien Marie A switch
US5675125A (en) * 1996-02-12 1997-10-07 American Tack & Hardware Co., Inc. Screwless outlet box covering
US5811729A (en) * 1996-05-02 1998-09-22 Rintz; William J. Light switch cover
WO2002061778A1 (en) * 2001-01-31 2002-08-08 Robert William James Decorative cover for light or power switch
GB2380858A (en) * 2001-10-03 2003-04-16 Daniel Unthank Decorative light switch
US6608253B1 (en) * 1996-05-02 2003-08-19 William J. Rintz Light switch assembly
GB2406440A (en) * 2003-05-08 2005-03-30 George Oldman Sandison Light switch cover system

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1363423A (en) * 1971-10-20 1974-08-14 British Insulated Callenders Fittings for wiring of buildings
GB1422963A (en) * 1972-02-19 1976-01-28 Midland Electric Mfg Co Ltd Electric accessories
GB2116121A (en) * 1982-02-27 1983-09-21 Manger And Son Limited J Cover for wall-mounted electrical switches
GB2211997A (en) * 1987-11-04 1989-07-12 Susan Alicia Small A light switch cover
GB2266408A (en) * 1992-04-21 1993-10-27 David Ramsay Sibbald A decorative cover for a light switch
GB2287126A (en) * 1994-02-08 1995-09-06 Seddon Vivien Marie A switch
US5675125A (en) * 1996-02-12 1997-10-07 American Tack & Hardware Co., Inc. Screwless outlet box covering
US5811729A (en) * 1996-05-02 1998-09-22 Rintz; William J. Light switch cover
US6608253B1 (en) * 1996-05-02 2003-08-19 William J. Rintz Light switch assembly
WO2002061778A1 (en) * 2001-01-31 2002-08-08 Robert William James Decorative cover for light or power switch
GB2380858A (en) * 2001-10-03 2003-04-16 Daniel Unthank Decorative light switch
GB2406440A (en) * 2003-05-08 2005-03-30 George Oldman Sandison Light switch cover system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2906652A1 (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-04 Simon Sa Socket based electrical device for e.g. office, has covers including edges with projections interlocked under edge of plate so that covers are stacked on plate, where covers have chromatic finishing entirely different from that of plate
RU177337U1 (en) * 2015-12-17 2018-02-16 Асеа Браун Бовери, С.А. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION KIT

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IES20040763A2 (en) 2006-05-17
GB0521408D0 (en) 2005-11-30

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