GB2574399A

GB2574399A - Switch adaptor

Info

Publication number: GB2574399A
Application number: GB1809080.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Watson Allison Graeme
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-04
Filing date: 2018-06-04
Publication date: 2019-12-11
Also published as: GB201809080D0

Abstract

A switch adaptor 10 for assisting the operation of a wall-mounted switch (36, figure 3) comprises a mounting element 12 for fixedly mounting on the wall-mounted switch, a rotating or sliding actuator 34 supported by the mounting element at two support points 40, and an extension element 42 extending from the actuator so that movement of the extension element causes the rotating or sliding actuator to move along and actuate the control element of the wall-mounted switch. The actuator may be a rotatable element such as a cylinder that is rollable along at least part of the control element, and may be mounted to a shaft or axle 38. The mounting element may include two opposing channels 28 for slidably receiving opposing ends of the shaft. The extension element may attach to the shaft, and may be forked so as to attach to the shaft on either side of the actuator. The extension element may be pivotable about the actuator for allowing movement of the element away from a wall. The mounting body may be U-shaped. The mounting element may be removably attached via suction cups (26, figure 3) to a faceplate of the wall-mounted switch.

Description

Switch Adaptor

The present invention relates to a switch adaptor for assisting the operation of a preinstalled wall-mounted switch unit. The invention further relates to a switch adaptor system and a method of retrofitting a switch adaptor.

Switches, switch units or user controls for user operation or activation of electrical devices or electrical supply are typically mounted on walls in domestic, commercial and industrial settings. In the case of controls for operating lighting, known as light switches, these are conventionally mounted at or around a height of 1.2 m above floor level in domestic settings in the UK.

Persons who have a reach above floor level which is less than average may therefore be prevented or limited from operating said light switches. Such persons may include children, wheelchair users, and persons of short stature. Additionally, persons with joint discomfort may be prevented or limited from raising their arm to operate said light switches.

Additionally, electrical outlets which have switches are typically mounted at a height of 0.4 m above the floor level in UK domestic settings. Such a low height might be problematic for elderly persons, or those with disabilities, to reach in order to operate.

Furthermore, switches can require manual dexterity and/or the application of inward force, which may be difficult for those with arthritis.

It is known to provide conventional switch adaptors in the United States to allow manual operation of the switch below the height of installation of the switch. However, to install such adaptors it is required to unscrew both screws of a faceplate of the switch. Such installation is unacceptable in the UK, given that removal of the faceplate of a light switch by an unqualified person without supervision may be considered to be in contravention of government regulations, such as British Standard 7671.

Additionally, such typical switch adaptors have a housing which moves relative to the faceplate, resulting in wear on and ultimately failure of the attachment of the faceplate to the housing.

In the United States, light switches are typically toggle switches having a “snap action” and being pushable or pullable upwards or downwards, allowing for ease of actuation by typical switch adaptors. In the UK and elsewhere in Europe, such actuation by pushing and pulling is generally not possible, given the widespread use of rocker switches.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch adaptor for assisting operation of a pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit, the switch adaptor comprising: a mounting element for overlying the pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit and being fixed relative thereto; an actuator including a rotatable element for operable movement along a control element of the switch unit, the actuator supported by the mounting element at at least two support points; and an extension element extending from the actuator so that moving the extension element causes the rotatable element to operably move along said control element of the switch unit.

The switch adaptor allows for the in-use light switch to be operated via the extension element. The mounting element being fixed relative to the switch unit prevents wear and/or failure of the attachment means, providing an adaptor with a longer lifespan. The actuator being supported at two support points, rather than by only a single support point, provides greater structural support to the actuator. Therefore, if the control is stiff or difficult to operate, the actuator will have a greater opportunity of operating it without failing.

Preferably, the actuator is a rotatable element which is rollable along at least part of the control element. A rotatable element enables a rocker switch, which typically requires inward motion to operate, to be operated by vertical motion.

Advantageously, the rotatable element may be rotatably mounted to a shaft which extends through an axial extent thereof. The shaft enables the rotatable element to have a moving force applied to it without engaging the rotatable element itself.

Beneficially, the mounting element may include a channel for slidably receiving the shaft. In a preferable embodiment, the mounting element may include two opposing channels, each channel for receiving opposing ends of the shaft. Two opposing channels enable the shaft to be supported at two support points.

Preferably, the extension element is attachable to the shaft. Attaching the extension element to the shaft, rather than the rotatable element itself enables the rotatable element to rotate or roll along the control element.

Additionally, the extension element may be forked and is attachable to the shaft either side of the rotatable element. Attaching the extension element either side of the rotatable element enables the extension element to more equally distribute force to the shaft.

Advantageously, the rotatable element may be a cylindrical roller. A cylindrical roller, rather than a ball, is prevented or limited from rolling in directions away from the intended linear direction

Beneficially, the extension element may depend from the actuator. Hanging down from the actuator enables the actuator to be directly moved by moving the extension element.

Optionally, the extension element may be pivotable about the actuator for allowing movement of the extension element away from the wall. Pivotable attachment of the extension element to the actuator enables the extension element to be moved or directed away from the wall, and therefore may be more easily manually engageable.

In a preferable embodiment, the mounting element may include a mounting body, the mounting body having an opening via which the extension element is extendable. Preferably, the mounting body may be U-shaped or substantially U-shaped so as to be mountable adjacent to three edges of the control element. The opening allows for the extension element to depend directly downwards from the actuator. This enables the extension element to lie in the plane of the mounting body and therefore may reduce a total depth of the mounting body from the wall.

Advantageously, the mounting element may be for removable attachment to a faceplate of the wall-mounted switch unit. Attachment to the faceplate rather than the wall itself may prevent or limit damage to the surrounding wall.

Beneficially, the mounting element may include suction cups for releasable engagement with a faceplate of the pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit. Suction cups provide the option for tool-less releasable engagement.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a switch adaptor system comprising: a wall-mounted switch unit; and a switch adaptor according to a first aspect of the present invention, operably connected to the switch unit.

Preferably, the mounting element of the switch adaptor may be fixed relative to a faceplate of the switch unit. The mounting element being fixed relative to the switch unit prevents wear and/or failure of the attachment means, providing an adaptor with a longer lifespan.

Optionally, the control of the switch unit may be a rocker switch. Rocker switches are those found most commonly within the UK.

Beneficially, the system further comprises a wall, the switch unit being mounted on the wall between 0.8 m and 1.6 m above a floor level.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of retrofitting a switch adaptor according to a first aspect of the present invention, to a preinstalled wall mounted switch unit, the method comprising attaching the mounting element at or adjacent to the switch unit so that the mounting element overlies the switch unit and the actuator is engageable with the control element of the switch unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a switch adaptor for assisting operation of a pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit, the switch adaptor comprising: a mounting element for overlying the pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit and being fixed relative thereto; an actuator supported by the mounting element at at least two support points for operable movement along a control element of the switch unit; and an extension element extending from the actuator so that moving the extension element causes the actuator to operably move along said control element of the switch unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch adaptor for assisting operation of a pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit, the switch adaptor comprising: a mounting element for overlying the pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit and being fixed relative thereto; an actuator including a rotatable element for operable engagement of a control element of the switch unit, the actuator supported by the mounting element; and an extension element extending from the actuator so that moving the extension element causes the rotatable element to operably engage said control element of the switch unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch adaptor for assisting operation of a pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit, the switch adaptor comprising: a mounting element having an overlying portion for overlying a control of a the pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit and fixedly attachable at or adjacent to the switch unit; an actuator slidably supportable by the mounting element at the overlying portion at at least two support points, for operable movement along a control element of the switch unit; and an extension element extending from the actuator so that moving the extension element drives the actuator to operably move along said control element of the switch unit.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front perspective representation of an embodiment of a light switch adaptor in accordance with the first, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a rear perspective representation of the light switch adaptor of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the light switch adaptor of Figure 1 mounted on an in-use wall switch unit with a control in an “off’ condition; and

Figure 4 shows the representation of Figure 3 with the control in an “on” condition.

Referring to the Figures there is shown a switch adaptor 10 comprising a mounting element 12 for fiexedly overlying the pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit 14. The mounting element 12 preferably overlies a switch-unit faceplate 16. Overlying here is defined as lying or sitting on top of, over of or covering, and therefore the mounting element 12 may or may not engage the switch unit faceplate 16. The mounting element 12 includes a mounting body 18. The mounting body 18 is preferably thin, such that it may be considered to be a plate, and has an opening 20 which extends through a lateral extent of the mounting body 18. The opening 20 here is an elongate cut-out from an edge of the mounting body 18, which may be considered to be an overlying portion of the mounting element 12. The cut-out and/or opening 20 results in the mounting body 18 being U-shaped or substantially U-shaped. The mounting body 18 preferably has a front surface 22 and a rear surface 24.

Although described as being U-shaped, it will be appreciated that the mounting body may in fact have any other shape or form and/or there may be no opening. It will be appreciated that for ease of manufacture, the mounting body may be formed in two parts or halves, for example a front or facing part and a rear part. In this case the two parts may be attachable via clipping together and/or an interference fit.

The mounting element 12 preferably further comprises a plurality of attachment members 26 or other attachment means, which here include at least one suction cup 26. There are four suctions cups 26 positioned on the rear surface 24 of the mounting body 18 and the suction cups 26 are positioned so as to be spaced apart and engage each of the four corners of a switch unit faceplate 16.

Although suction cups are described, it will be appreciated that other attachment members may be considered. For example, the attachment members may include fasteners such as screws, as will be better understood hereafter. Alternatively, the mounting element may be attachable to the switch unit via an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or via clamping means.

The mounting element 12 preferably further includes a channel 28, groove, slider, slot or actuator receiving means. Here there are two channels 28, each channel 28 extending into an opposing lateral side wall 30 of the opening 20. The channels 28 extend along a longitudinal extent of the side wall 30 of the opening 20. Alternatively, there may be a single continuous channel which extends between both side walls. In the case that the mounting body is formed from two parts, the two parts may attach together to form a channel therebetween.

The switch adaptor 10 further comprises an actuator 32. The actuator 32 preferably includes a control engagement element 34 for engaging a control element 36 or user control element of the switch unit 14. The control engagement element 34 is in this embodiment a rotatable element although it will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the control engagement element to be rotatable in order to engage the control. Here the control engagement element 34 is curvate and cylindrical and thus may be considered to be a roller. Whilst the control engagement element is described as being a roller, it will be appreciated that it may alternatively be a wheel or a ball. Alternatively, the control engagement element may in fact be facetted and may therefore take the form of a slider.

The actuator 32 preferably includes a shaft 38 or axle on which the control engagement element, being the rotatable element 34, is mounted. Given that the control engagement element 34 or rotatable element is a cylinder, the shaft 38 extends through an axial extent of the cylinder. The shaft 38 is slidably receivable in each of the channels 28 and thereby extends therebetween. To allow rotation of the control engagement element 34, the control engagement element 34 may be rotatably mounted on the shaft 38 and/or the shaft 38 may be rotatably received in the channels 28.

The actuator 32 is supported at two support points 40 or positions by the mounting element 12 and is therefore not cantilevered to the mounting element 12. The support points 40 of the actuator 32 are here at a control-adjacent portion or switch overlaying portion of the mounting element 12. The support points 40 are preferably horizontally aligned so that they are aligned in a direction transverse or substantially transverse to a vertical direction or a longitudinal direction of the control element 36. The shaft 38 may be supported within the channel 28 by the walls of the channel 28. Alternatively or additionally, the shaft 38 may be supported by at least one stepped element, catch or indentation positioned within the mounting body 18.

An extension element 42 extends from the actuator 32 so that moving the extension element 42 causes the actuator 32 to operably move along said in use control element 36 of the switch unit 14. The extension element 42 is preferably elongate and is more preferably a rod. Here the extension element 42 is attached to the shaft 38 of the actuator 32 and more preferably the extension element 42 is at least in part forked so that it engages the shaft 38 on either side of the control engagement element 34.

Additionally, the extension element 42 may be pivotable relative to the mounting element

12. This may be achieved by the extension element 42 being pivotably attachable to the actuator 32 and here the shaft 38. Alternatively, the extension element 42 may be fixedly attachable to the shaft 38 and the shaft 38 rotatable relative to the mounting element 12. In this case the control engagement element 34 would be rotatable relative to the shaft 38.

The extension element 42 preferably has a handle element 44 for in use grasping and/or engagement. The handle element 44 is at an end of the extension element 42 which opposes that to which it is connected to the actuator 32. The handle element 44 preferably extends in a plane lateral to the longitudinal extent of the extension element 42 and may be a plate or disc. Although the handle element 44 is described and shown it will appreciated that this handle element may not be included. The extension element may therefore not have a distinct handle and a longitudinal extent of the extension element may in use be handled directly.

In use, the switch adaptor 10 may be mounted to the preinstalled wall-mounted switch unit 14, which may be mounted on a wall 46 between 0.8 m and 1.6 m above a floor level. The switch adaptor 10 is therefore retrofitted to the preinstalled wall-mounted switch unit

14.

First, the mounting element 12, and more specifically the attachment members 26, are removably attached to the faceplate of the switch unit 14, to which the adaptor 10 is to be mounted. To achieve this, the suction cups 26 are engaged with the faceplate 16. Given that switch faceplates are typically formed form an impermeable material, a vacuum is maintainable within the suction cups once they have been engaged with the faceplate 16. Therefore, the suction cups 26 may strongly attach to the faceplate 16. Although removably attached, the mounting element 12 is preferably fixed to the faceplate 16 so that it is not readily moveable relative thereto. Therefore, during normal operation of the adaptor 10, the mounting element 12 may not move relatively to the faceplate 16, although it may be removed, preferably toollessly removed, from the face plate 16 as desired.

The mounting element 12 is preferably mounted so that the actuator 32 is engageable with the control element 36 of the switch. More preferably the mounting element 12 is mounted so that the mounting body 18 is orientated so that the opening 20 of the mounting body 18 faces the direction in which the extension element 42 extends or is to extend. For example, if the adaptor 10 is mounted to a light switch then the extension element 42 is to depend from the actuator 32. Therefore, the opening 20 faces downwards or downwardly and the U-shaped mounting body is positioned around or at three sides of the control element 36. The mounting element 12 is fixed relative to the wall, the switch unit 14 and/or the faceplate 16 of the switch unit 14.

Whilst the attachment members 26 are here described and shown as being attached to the faceplate 16, it will be appreciated that the attachment members may be attached to the wall on which the switch unit is mounted at or adjacent to the switch unit. Alternatively, if installing in the UK, a qualified electrician may unscrew the screws or bolts which attach the faceplate to the remainder of the switch unit. Fasteners, which are preferably longer than those originally used to affix the faceplate, may be inserted through suitable apertures in the mounting body and these fasteners may be attached to the faceplate, securing the faceplate and the mounting element in place. It will be appreciated that if national regulations do not require a qualified electrician to carry out such work, then a qualified electrician will not be required. Alternatively, if two screws affix the faceplate, it will be appreciated that only one screw may be removed and replaced to fix the adaptor to the switch unit.

Having mounted the adaptor 10, the adaptor 10 may then be used to operate the switch. The extension element 42 depends from the actuator 32 and extends along and/or through the opening 20 of the mounting body 18. Therefore, the extension element 42 may be considered to extend at least in part within a plane of the mounting body 18.

Referring to Figure 3, the control element 36 is in a position typically associated with an “off’ condition of the light switch. Therefore, the actuator 32 is above the control element 36. Here the control element 36 is a rocker switch and the actuator 32 is positioned so that it is adjacent and/or facing a plane or engagement surface 48 of the control element 36. Whilst described as a rocker switch, it will be appreciated that the control element may be any other kind of switch, for example a push button switch.

The extension element 42 can then be moved downwardly or away from the switch unit

14. The actuator 32 moves, preferably linearly, in this downward direction and the control engagement element 34 engages the control element 36 and operably moves along the control element 36. This movement may preferably include rotation and therefore the control engagement element 34 may roll along the control element 36. The shaft 38 of the actuator 32 preferably slides downwardly along or in the channel 28. Given that the control element 36 is here a rocker switch, the control element 36 engagement element 34 applies an inward force to the outwardly protruding part of the control element 36 which depresses it and forces the switch to rock to an “on” position. This is as the actuator 32 moves linearly at a constant distance away from the switch and therefore applies an inward force to the part of the control element 36 which extends further from the switch than a control engaging surface 50 of the actuator 32. It will be appreciated that the control engagement element 34 does not operably or engageably extend along an entire length of the control element 36, although this may be considered in other arrangements. It will be appreciated that the movement of the actuator may not be linear and may instead be arcuate.

The actuator 32 thereby moves below the control element 36, although given the rock of the switch, the actuator 32 still faces a plane of engagement surface 48 of the switch. To turn the switch off, the extension element 42 may be moved towards the switch unit 14 or upwards. This causes the control engagement element 34 to operate the switch in a similar way as previously described.

If the extension element 42 is pivotable relative to at least part of the actuator 32, the extension element 42 may be pivoted such that a lower or distal end of the extension element 42 is moved away from the wall. This may allow for easier holding and operation of the extension element 42.

Should the extension element 42 include the handle element 44, which may extend radially outwardly from the body of the extension element 42, this may be engaged by the user, for example by pushing on the handle element 44 downwardly. This prevents or limits the requirement for the handle or extension element to be gripped, which may be difficult for those with impaired motor skills, for example those with arthritis.

If the adaptor 10 is to be mounted to a power outlet switch, typically mounted towards the floor level of the wall, for example within 0.4 m of the floor level, the adaptor 10 may be mounted in reverse, such that the opening 20 of the mounting body 18 faces upwards. The extension element 42 would therefore extend upwardly. To prevent the extension element 42 from falling, a holder, such as a bracket, may be installed onto the wall to hold the extension element 42. The adaptor 10 may otherwise be used in a similar or identical way to as previously described.

The or part of the switch adaptor 10, such as the mounting body 18 or the rotatable element 34, is preferably at least in part made from plastics, although it will be appreciated that it may be formed from any other material.

The actuator 32 may require a catch or a locking or latching means to prevent the actuator 32 from operating the control element 36 under the effect of gravity when the actuator 32 is above the control element 36. Whilst the channels are here shown as being linearly aligned with a longitudinal extent of the side walls of the opening, it will be appreciated that each channel may have at least one turn so that it extends with a lateral extent of the side walls of the opening at either end of the channel, and particularly at an upper end of the channel. This change in direction of the channel would allow for the shaft of the actuator to be supported at an upper end by the turn and therefore not fall through a longitudinal extent of the channel, operating the switch without intention of the user.

Additionally or alternatively, it will be appreciated that the actuator may have an operable return to allow operation of the switch without application of vertical movement. For example, the actuator or extension element may be attached to the mounting element via a spring. When the extension element is moved downwards to operate the control element, the spring may extend so that the extension element is biased to return upwards. A catch may lock the extension element in the downward condition. When the catch is released, the extension element and actuator may move upwards via the spring and operating the control element. This would result in the adaptor only being required to be manually operated in one direction.

Whilst the adaptor is described as having a rotatable or rolling control engagement element to allow for a rocker switch to be operated by vertically aligned motion, it will be appreciated that the adaptor may be formed so as to allow operation via other forms of motion. For example, the actuator may comprise an upper cam, at an upper part of the control element, and a lower cam at a lower part of the control element. Each cam is rotatably attachable to and about the extension element such that the cams have an axis of rotation aligned with a longitudinal extent of the extension element, preferably in a vertical direction.

Each cam may have a control engagement element or nose which protrudes radially from a body of the cam, for example the cams may be egg-shaped or ovular with one axis of symmetry. The upper cam is operably positioned relative to the control element such that control engagement element or nose is engageable with the upper part of the control element, when the upper part of the control element protrudes outwardly from the faceplate in an “on” condition. When the control element is in the “off’ condition, the upper cam is not engageable with the control element. Similarly, the lower cam is operably positioned relative to the control element such that it is engageable with the lower part of the control element when the lower part of the control element protrudes outwardly from the faceplate in an “off’ condition. When the control element is in the “on” condition, the lower cam is not engageable with the control element. The cams may be misoriented or offset relative to one another such that the control engagement elements point in different direction. For example, the control engagement elements may be offset by 180 ⁰

In use, when the control engagement element is in the “off’ condition, the extension element may be rotated or twisted, which in turn rotates the cams. The control engagement element of the lower cam may therefore engage the lower part of the control element and depress said part of the control engagement element into and “on” condition. As the extension element is further rotated the control engagement element of the lower cam moves away from the control element and the control engagement element of the upper cam moves towards the upper part of the control element, which is now protruding outwardly. The upper cam engages the upper part of the control element and depresses it inwardly, so that the control switches to the “off’ condition. So that the cams do not jam or become stuck on the edge of the control element, the cams may preferably be curvate so as to be able to ease over or across the edge of the light switch. Additionally or alternatively, the cams may be deformable or substantially deformable, so as to deform and thereby move across the edge of the light switch.

In this way the light switch is operable by the adaptor through rotatable motion of the extension element.

Alternatively, the actuator may have a pivotable control engagement element which is attached to the extension element. In this case, the pivot of the control engagement element would be between the control engagement element and the extension element. In this way, if the extension element is pivoted away from the wall, the control engagement element pivots towards the wall and thus the control of the switch. A swing or arc of the control engagement element is preferably such that it will operably move along the extent of the control element. It would apply inward force to the outwardly protruding part of the control and depress it. In this way the rocker switch may be operated via swinging or levering the extension element, rather than pushing the rocker switch as is typically required. This may be of greater convenience to someone who is unable to grip the extension element and provide manual downward force. The rocker switch may therefore be considered to be adapted to requiring the action similar to a lever or toggle switch.

Whilst the switch adaptor is described and show as being for operating one control of a switch unit, it will be appreciated that for switch units having multiple controls, for example two gang or three gang switches, there may be multiple actuators and extension elements operating individual controls.

It is therefore possible to provide a switch adaptor to allow a switch to be operated remote from the switch, and at a lower level than the switch is mounted. The switch adaptor is attachable to the switch unit so that a faceplate of the switch is not required to be adapted. A roller or rotatable element enables the operation of a rocker switch via vertical motion.

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 do 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 5 any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A switch adaptor for assisting operation of a pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit, the switch adaptor comprising:

a mounting element for overlying the pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit and being fixed relative thereto;

an actuator including a rotatable element for operable movement along a control element of the switch unit, the actuator supported by the mounting element at at least two support points; and an extension element extending from the actuator so that moving the extension element causes the rotatable element to operably move along said control element of the switch unit.

2. A switch adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator is a rotatable element which is rollable along at least part of the control element.

3. A switch adaptor as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotatable element is rotatably mounted to a shaft which extends through an axial extent thereof.

4. A switch adaptor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mounting element includes a channel for slidably receiving the shaft.

5. A switch adaptor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the mounting element includes two opposing channels, each channel for receiving opposing ends of the shaft.

6. A switch adaptor as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the extension element is attachable to the shaft.

7. A switch adaptor as claimed in claim 6, wherein the extension element is forked and is attachable to the shaft either side of the rotatable element.

8. A switch adaptor as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the rotatable element is a cylindrical roller

9. A switch adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension element depends from the actuator.

10. A switch adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension element is pivotable about the actuator for allowing movement of the extension element away from the wall.

11. A switch adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting element includes a mounting body, the mounting body having an opening via which the extension element is extendable.

12. A switch adaptor as claimed in claim 11, wherein the mounting body is U-shaped or substantially U-shaped so as to be mountable adjacent to three edges the control.

13. A switch adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting element is for removable attachment to a faceplate of the wall-mounted switch unit.

14. A switch adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting element includes suction cups for releasable engagement with a faceplate of the pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit.

15. A switch-adaptor system comprising:

a wall-mounted switch unit; and a switch adaptor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, operably connected to the switch unit.

16. A switch-adaptor system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the mounting element of the switch adaptor is fixed relative to a faceplate of the switch unit.

17. A switch-adaptor system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the control of the switch unit is a rocker switch.

18. A switch-adaptor system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the system further comprises a wall, the switch unit being mounted on the wall between 0.8 m and 1.6 m above a floor level.

19. A method of retrofitting a switch adaptor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 to a pre-installed wall mounted switch unit, the method comprising attaching the mounting element at or adjacent to the switch unit so that the mounting element overlies the switch unit and the actuator is engageable with the control element of the switch unit.

20. A switch adaptor for assisting operation of a pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit, the switch adaptor comprising:

an actuator supported by the mounting element at at least two support points for operable movement along a control element of the switch unit; and an extension element extending from the actuator so that moving the extension element causes the actuator to operably move along said control element of the switch unit.

21. A switch adaptor for assisting operation of a pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit, the switch adaptor comprising:

an actuator including a rotatable element for operable engagement of a control element of the switch unit, the actuator supported by the mounting element; and an extension element extending from the actuator so that moving the extension element causes the rotatable element to operably engage said control element of the switch unit.

22. A switch adaptor for assisting operation of a pre-installed wall-mounted switch unit, the switch adaptor comprising: a mounting element having an overlying portion for overlying a control of the preinstalled wall-mounted switch unit and fixedly attachable at or adjacent to the switch unit;

an actuator slidably supportable by the mounting element at or adjacent to the

5 overlying portion at at least two support points, for operable movement along a control element of the switch unit; and an extension element extending from the actuator so that moving the extension element drives the actuator to operably move along said control element of the switch unit.