GB2487897A

GB2487897A - Hanger device for a wall mounted face plate

Info

Publication number: GB2487897A
Application number: GB1021526.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mervyn Alfred Porter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-20
Filing date: 2010-12-20
Publication date: 2012-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-20
Also published as: GB201021526D0; GB2487897B

Abstract

A hanger device (1) is adapted for use with a face plate of a wall mounted electrical accessory such as a light switch. The device (1) comprises a supporting member (2) with a lip (3) at one end of the supporting member (2). The lip (3) engages with the edge of the face plate so that the face plate clamps the hanger device (1) to the wall. An electrical device such as a temperature sensor, PIR movement sensor, or a smart meter, may be fixed to or integrated with the supporting member (2).

Description

AEANGLfttXE\1cE.

Field of the invention

The invention relates to hanger devices and in particular to hanger devices which are used in association with conventional light switches.

Back groundtQtheinvenUan A known means of installing sensing electronic devices within a conventional room is to attach them directly on to wall, vIa self adhesive sticky pads. Other attachment means are to attach the devices directly on to the walk surface via drifting and screwing via raw plugs, pinning or attaching conventional hook devices.

The sticky pads have the disadvantage in that they inherently fall off the wall over a prolonged period of time, and in doing so often cause damage to the paint work of the wall as they become unattached.

Drilling and screwing, pinning and hook devices have the common disadvantage in that they damage the surface of the walL which undesirable and inconvenient.

It is the intention of the claimed invention to alleviate, mitigate or eliminate the above stated disadvantages.

£ummarysttbtinventiQn In a broad independent aspect the invention provides A hanger device, adapted for use with a face plate of a wall mounted electrical accessory, comprishig a supporting member with a lip member disposed substantially at one end of said supporting member; wherein said lip member engages with an edge portion of said face plate and the fastening of said face plate to a wall damps said hanger device to said walL This configuration provides a means of hanging an electronic sensing device, such as a digital thermometer, smart meter, movement detector (P1k) or the Like in close proximity to a facia plate of an electrical accessory, such as a conventional domestic light switch. Every room has a light switch in close proximity to the door way into the room, which is in easy reach of the person who enters the room. Therefore, the light switches provide the ideal positioning for any electronic sensing devices to determine if any of the doors and/or windows are not dosed, by detecting any temperature differentiations, such as drafts, within the room that may occur due to an open door and/or window.

Preferably5 said first lip member substantiaUy extends across the width of said hanger device. This provides the hanger device with an attachment means which provides the most surface to surface contact with the facia of a conventional light switch or the like.

The lip extending across the width of hanger device prevents any lateral and/or rotational movement hanger device in relation to the facia, Preferably, said first lip member further comprises a perpendicular edge which protrudes from said supporting member, which in use engages said inner surface of said second Lip.

This provides the hanger device with an attachment means, which provides the most surface to surface contact with the facia of a conventional light switch or the like. The perpendicular edge prevents any horizontal movement of the hanger device.

Preferably, said supporting member further comprises an aperture, which in use; facilitates the attachment of an electronic device to said supporting member. This enables an electronic device, which is screwed, pinned; hooked or the like to be fixed to a wall, The aperture provides an ideal means of screwing, pinning, hooking an electronic device to a supporUng surface, which is adjacent to the wall, wfthout actually making contact wfth the walL Preferably, said supporting device further comprises a portion of roughened surface, which in use, facilitates the attachment of an electronic device to said supporting member. This enables an electronic device, with an attached self adhesive sticky pad, to be attached adjacently to a wall The roughened surface provides an ideal surface for the adhesive of the pad to key into.

Preferably said first lip further comprises a curvature, which in use, facilitates the engagement of said first lip to said second Lip, wherein said second lip incorporates a curvature. This configuration enables the hanger device to be attached and suspended from a circular shaped facia of a domestic Oght switch or the like.

Preferably, a hanger device further comprising a third lip incorporating a curvature is disposed at the opposite end portion of said supporting member in relation to said first tip and protrudes from said supporting member in a opposite direction in relation to said first lip. This configuration enables the hanger device to be attached and suspended from a conventional square shaped or circular shaped facia of a domestic light switch or the like.

Preferably? said supporting member further comprises a supporting a rib member. This increases rigidity of the supporting member and substantially strengthens the support member.

Preferably; said supporting member further comprises a stud member, which in use, cooperates with an aperture within an electronic device to facilitate the attachment of said electronic device to said supporting member. This configuration enables the attachment of an electronic device that incorporates a conventional fixing lug member, Preferably, said electronic device is integral to said supporting member. This configuration enables an electronic device, such as sensing electronic device, to be supplied with the hanger device. The hanger device may be either separable or integral to the electronic device.

Brief descrjtjaLEures Figure 1 shows a front plan view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 3 shows a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, incorporating a Locating stud.

Figure 4 shows a front plan view of the preferred embodiment of the invention incorporating an electronic device.

Figure 5 shows a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, incorporating a convexed upper lip.

Figure 6 shows a front pan view of the preferred embodiment with the invention, hung underneath a conventional dual gang light switch, whilst supporting an electronic device.

Figure 7 shows a typical smart meter.

Figure 3 shows a typical temperature logger.

Figure 9 shows a typical energy Loss sensor.

Detlles.LddptiQastthtFipures Now turning to the Figures, Figure 1 shows a hanger device that is generally indicated by 1. The hanger device I is substantially a rectangular supporting bracket, which extends substantially along a vertical axis Ak The hanger device I incorporates a rectangular supporting member 2, which is formed from a plastics material. A protruding lip member 3 is located along the upper edge of the supporting member 2 and extends substantially along the width of hanger device 1. An aperture 4 is located below the central portion of the supporting member 2.

Figure 2 shows a side plan view of the hanger device 1, which incorporates the supporting member 2 and the protruding upper lip 3 that is aligned wfth the upper edge of supporting member 2. The upper lip 3 incorporates a perpendicular 5 edge relative to the supporting member 2. The thickness of the supporting member 2 is substantially thin to provide flexibility, as well as support.

Figure 3 shows the same hanger device t as shown in Figure 2, but with an additional stud member 6. The stud member 6 further incorporates a mushroomed head 7 with a convexed outer surface. The mushroomed head 7 is located on a cylindrical supporting portion 8, which extends perpendicularly from the supporting member 2 of the hanger device 1. The cylindrical supporting portion supports the mushroomed head 7 at a predetermined distance away from the supporting member 2.

Figure 4 shows a front plan view of the hanger device which is generally indicated by 10.

The hanger device 10 is similar to the hanger device I shown in Figures 1 and 2, but incorporates an integral electronic device 11 such as a sensing device for sensing temperature, smart meters or passive infrared (P R) movement detectors. The electronic device 11 is incorporated onto the lower portion of the supporting member 12. The bottom edge of the electronic device 11 is aligned with the bottom edge of the supporting member 12. A protruding tip 13 is located along the top edge of the supporting member 12. The electronic device 11 incorporates an electronic display 14 and an array of buttons 15.

Figure 5 shows a side plan view of the hanger device 10, which incorporates the supporting member 12 and the protruding upper lip 13, which is aligned with the upper edge of the supporting member 12. The upper lip 13 incorporates a convexed outer surface relative to the supporting member 12. The supporting member 12 incorporates an integral device 11.

Figure 6 shows the hanger device 10 attached to a conventional dual gang domestic light switch 20 which incorporates two rocker type light switches 21. The light switch 20 incorporates an outer rim 22, which is located about the periphery of the rear surface of the switch 20. The lip 13 of the hanger device 10 is located upon the inner edge of the bottom portion of the outer rim 22. The Eight switch 20 incorporates two fixing holes 23, for two fixhig screws, which secures the Ught switch to a walL The hanger device 10 is clamped and held into position, between the light switch 20 and the wall.

Figure 7 shows a typical Smart meter 30, which may he utilised as the electronic device for use with the hanger devices I or 10.

Figure 8 shows a typical Temperature Logger 40, which may be utiUsed as the electronic device for use with the hanger devices 1 or 10. The Logger has an integrated bracket 41 centrally attached to the upper portion of the logger, which incorporates a substantially keyhole shaped aperture 42 that cooperates with a stud located on the supporting member 12 of the hanger device 1 or 10.

Figure 9 shows a typical Energy Loss Sensor 50, which may be utilised as the electronic device for use with the hanger devices I or 10.

In use, the upper lip of hanger device is located under the outer rim of the front facia of an electrical accessory, such as a conventional domestic Light switch, switched spur fused or unfused, blank face plate, a mains electrical socket or the like, The upper 1ip engages with the inner surface of the rim, in a substantially hook like configuration. The upper lip substantially extends across the width of the hanger device, which prevents any lateral or rotational movement of the hanger device in relation to the electrical accessory. The outer surface of the lip may incorporates perpendicular edge, which provides the most surface contact with the outer rim's surface and augments the attachment of the hanger device to the outer rim of the facia. The hanger device is clamped in to position, when the front facia is secured into position, typically through the use of fixing screws. The outer rim of the facia locates against the outer front surface of the supporting member, of the hanger device and applies a clamping pressure when the fixing screws secure the front facia into position. The applied pressure from the front facia clamps the hanger device against a walL The hanger device extends axially downwards from the front facia for predetermined distance. The hanger device may also extend axially about the front facia by a predetermined distance, either horizontally or axially from the front facia, by ensuring the upper lip of the hanger is aligned with the inner surface of the outer rim, whilst being clamped to the wall, The thickness of the supporting member is kept to a minimum to provide the necessary support, without lifting or displacing the portion of the facia's outer rim that engages with the hanger device, f the thickness of the supporting member is excessive, it may cause structural damage to the front facia, The supporting member of the hanger device incorporates an aperture, which may substantially be in the form of a keyhole shape, to enable the fixing of an electronic device to the hanger device via a screw or bolt. This prevents the user from having to drill and plug, pin or hook the electronic device directly on to the wall, As the direct attachment of the electronic device damages the surface of the wall and is therefore undesirable. The supporting member wilt support the electronic device adjacently to the walL therefore enabling the electronic device to function as if it was attached directly to the wall.

n an alternative embodiment to the invention, the supporting member may incorporate in addition to the aperture, or as an alternative to the aperture, a portion of roughened surface. The roughened surface facilitates the attachment of an electronic device, which incorporates a self adhesive sticky pad, whereby the adhesive of the sticky pad keys to the roughened surface portion of the supporting member.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the hanger device is supplied with an integrally attached electronic device, which may be attached during the manufacturing of the hanger device, via either moulding, one or more adhesives, welding or the like.

Alternatively8 the electronic device may incorporate one half of a fastening device, such as a male / female snap fitting means or the like, and the supporting member of the hanger device incorporate the other mating half of the device.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the hanger device incorporates a supporting member with a stud attachment member. The stud attachment member cooperates with a mating attachment member associated with an electronic device, which facilitates the attachment of the electronic device to the supporting member. The mating attachment member is typically an attachment lug that incorporates a keyhole shaped aperture as shown by 41 and 42 in Figure 8. The stud is typicalLy formed from a plastics or metallic materially. The stud may also be formed as an integral part of the hanger device, i.e. via a moulding process.

hi another alternative embodiment of the invention, the hanger device is supplied with a second tip which extends along the Lower edge of its supporting member, which is opposite the first Up that extends along the upper Up of the supporting member. The second Up protrudes from the rear side of the supporting member, in the opposite direction to the first Up. The second lip incorporates a curvature, which enables the hanger device to cooperate with a circular front facia of a conventional light accessory, such as light switch.

By having a straight edge along the first lip and curved edge along the second lip? the user has option of fitting the hanger device to either a circular front facia or square / rectangular front facia, without having to purchase to separate devices.

hi another alternative embodiment of the invention, the hanger device incorporates a supporting member? which incorporates one or more ribbed members. The ribbed members provide the supporting member with more support and rigidity.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the hanger device incorporates an upper Lip, which incorporates an elongated convexed surface. The convexed surface facilitates the attachment of the hanger to the front facia of an electronic assembly, where only a small gap can be achieved underneath the front facia and would therefore not be possible to the hanger device if other lip configurations were utilised, In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the hanger device incorporates an upper lip, which incorporates an elongated concaved surface, The concaved surface facilitates the attachment of the hanger device to the front facia of an electronic assembly, whereby the recess provided by the concave surface would minimise the face plate protrusion from the wall due to the thickness of the material of the supporting member.

In another embodiment of the invention, the hanger device may be supplied with an shaped gasket? which is of the same thickness as the material trapped by the light switch, to hide any gaps between the front facia of the electrical accessory and wall/mounting back box.

Claims

claims 1. A hanger device, adapted for use with a face plate of a wall mounted electrical accessory3 comprising a supporting member with a lip member disposed substantially at one end of said supporting member; wherein said lip member engages with an edge portion of s&d face plate and the fastening of said face plate to a wall clamps said hanger device to said wall.
2. A hanger device according to claim 1, wherein said first lip member substantially extends across the width of said hanger device.
3. A hanger device according either of the preceding claims, wherein said first lip member further comprises a perpendicular edge which protrudes froni said supporting member, which in use engages said inner surface of said second lip.
4. A hanger device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said supporting member further comprises an aperture, which in use, facilitates the attachment of an electronic device to said supporting member.
5. A hanger device according to any of the preceding claims wherein said supporting device further comprises a portion of roughened surface, which in use, facilitates the adhesion of an electronic device to said supporting member, 6. A hanger device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first lip further comprises a curvature, which in use, facilitates the engagement of said first lip to said second lip, wherein said second Up incorporates a curvature.7. A hanger device according to claims I to 5, further comprising a third lip incorporating a curvature is disposed at the opposite end portion of said supporting member in relation to said first lip arid protrudes from said supporting member in a opposite direction in relation to said first lip 8. A hanger device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said suppornng member further comprises a supporting a rib member.9. A hanger device according to any of the claims I to 3 and 6 to 8, wherein said supporting member further comprises a stud member, which in use, cooperates with an aperture within an electronic device to facilitate the attachment of said electronic device to said supporting member.IC. A hanger device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said electronic device is integral to said supporting member.ii. A hanger device according as substantially here inbefore described by the text and/or illustrated by the Figures.AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS1. A hanger device, adapted for use with a face pLate of a walL mounted eLectrical accessory, comprising a supporting member with a Lip member disposed substantiaLly at one end of said supporting member; said Lip member engages with an edge portion of said face plate and the fastening of said face plate to a wall clamps said hanger device to said walL; wherein said supporting member further comprises a stud member, which in use, cooperates with an aperture within an electronic device to faciLitate the attachment of said electronic device to said supporting member.2. A hanger device according to cLaim 1 wherein said stud member further comprises a mushroom shaped head.3. A hanger device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cyLindricaL supporting member which projects perpendicularly from said supporting member at a first end; and retains said mushroom shaped head at an opposite second end. c\J4. A hanger device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said supporting member is formed from a thin pLastics material, which in use, facilitates the flexing of said hanger device in relation to where said face plate clamps said device to said walL.5. A hanger device according to cLaim 1, wherein said first Lip member substantially extends across the width of said hanger device.
6. A hanger device according either of the preceding claims, wherein said first lip member further comprises a perpendicular edge which protrudes from said supporting member, which in use engages said inner surface of said second Lip.
7. A hanger device according to any of the preceding cLaims, wherein said supporting member further comprises an aperture, which in use, faciLitates the attachment of an eLectronic device to said supporting member.
8. A hanger device according to any of the preceding cLaims wherein said supporting device further comprises a portion of roughened surface, which in use, faciLitates the adhesion of an eLectronic device to said supporting member.
9. A hanger device according to any of the preceding cLaims, wherein said first Lip further comprises a curvature, which in use, faciLitates the engagement of said first Lip to said second Lip, wherein said second Lip incorporates a curvature.
10. A hanger device according to cLaims 1 to 5, further comprising a third Lip incorporating a curvature is disposed at the opposite end portion of said supporting member in reLation to said first Lip and protrudes from said supporting member in an opposite direction in reLation to said first Lip.
11. A hanger device according to any of the preceding cLaims, wherein said supporting (sJ member further comprises a supporting a rib member. c\J12. A hanger device according to any of the previous cLaims, wherein said eLectronic device is integraL to said supporting member.13. A hanger device according as substantiaLLy hereinbefore described by the text and/or iLLustrated by the Figures.