NZ792049A - Moisture resistance for electrical plate system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrical plate system and method for providing moisture-resistance in moist environments. In some forms, the system comprises a base unit for mounting to a surface, the base unit comprising at least one base aperture for accessing a base switch interface, and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed over the at least one base aperture. In other aspects, there is also provided a cover unit connected to the base unit, the cover unit comprising at least one cover switch interface for interfacing with a corresponding base unit interface of the base unit. There is also disclosed a base unit switch part for use in the system. permeable sheet disposed over the at least one base aperture. In other aspects, there is also provided a cover unit connected to the base unit, the cover unit comprising at least one cover switch interface for interfacing with a corresponding base unit interface of the base unit. There is also disclosed a base unit switch part for use in the system.

Description

MOISTURE ANCE FOR ELECTRICAL PLATE SYSTEM PRIORITY This application claims priority from Australian ional Patent Application No. 2016903986 filed on 30 September 2016. The entire content of this provisional application is hereby incorporated by nce.

DIVISIONAL This application is a divisional application of New Zealand Patent Application No 735965. The entire content of this parent application is hereby incorporated by reference.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE The following publications are referred to in the present application: PCT/AU12014/000545 entitled rical Connector, System and Method” PCT/AU12014/000544 ed “Batten Holder, Connector, System and Method” PCT/AU12011/001675 entitled “Touch Switch” entitled “General Power Outlet and Remote Switch Module” PCT Application No. published as WO2012/068635 ed “USB Outlet Charger” Australian Patent Application No 2015275225 entitled “Electrical System, Apparatus and Method”; Australian Patent Application No 2015275226 entitled tive Power Transfer In an Electrical Outlet”; Australian Patent Application No 2015275232 entitled “Connection System and Method for Electrical Outlets”; Australian Patent Application No 2015275227 entitled “Switch ly, System and Method”; Australian Patent Application No 2015275234 entitled “Push Button Switch Assembly And Operational Part”; Australian Patent Application No 2015275233 entitled “Switch Assembly with Rotatable ional Part”; Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016903983 entitled “Electrical Outlet Faceplate and ”, filed on 30 September 2016; Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016903982 entitled “Electrical Outlet Faceplate and System” filed on 30 September 2016; Australian Provisional Patent ation No. 2016903986 entitled “Moisture Resistance for Electrical Plate System” filed on 30 September 2016; Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2592 entitled rical Device With Light Emitting Diode” and Australian Patent Application No. 2016235020 entitled “Connectors For Electrical System” filed on 30 September 2016; All in the name of Schneider Electric (Australia) Pty Limited.

The entire content of each of these documents is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present application relates to electrical wall box ements, power outlets and faceplates.

BACKGROUND Many buildings have one or more electrical outlets, wall boxes and/or switch plate lies which allow a user in the building to access ical power to operate electrical devices such as vacuum cleaners, computers or televisions, or to control one or more ical devices such as lights.

Some of these outlets and/or switch assemblies are used in environments in which there is moisture t, such as in bathrooms, pool areas, and kitchens. It is accordingly useful to be able to reduce the likelihood of ingress of moisture into the electrical system where moisture contact with exposed parts may lead to electrocution of a user.

SUMMARY According to a first , there is provided a base unit a base unit for mounting to a surface, the base unit comprising at least one base aperture for accessing a base switch interface; and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed over the at least one base aperture.

In some embodiments, the base unit comprises a plurality of base apertures for accessing respective base switch interfaces and n each base aperture has a flexible moistureimpermeable sheet disposed thereover.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of base apertures has the same flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed thereover.

In some embodiments, the base unit further comprises a base unit switch part, comprising the base switch ace, connected to the base unit.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of base apertures has a respective base switch interface connected to the base unit.

In some embodiments, the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet is supported by a support frame and the support frame is connected to the base unit.

In some embodiments, the base unit comprises a grid plate.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a system comprising the base unit of the first aspect and a cover unit ted to the base unit, the cover unit comprising at least one cover switch interface for interfacing with a corresponding base unit interface of the base unit. ing to a third aspect, there is provided a base unit switch part comprising: a base switch interface; a functional part lled by the base switch interface; and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed over the base switch interface.

According to a fourth , there is provided a cover unit sing: a cover switch interface for engaging with a corresponding base unit interface; and a moisture-impermeable sheet disposed over the cover switch interface.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a switch assembly comprising a base unit switch part, the base unit switch part comprising a functional part and a base switch interface for controlling the onal part; a cover switch interface for engaging with the base switch interface; and a le moisture-impermeable sheet disposed between the cover switch interface and the base switch interface.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a system comprising: a base unit comprising a base unit switch part comprising a base unit switch part, the base unit switch part comprising a functional part and a base switch ace for controlling the onal part; a cover unit ted to the base unit, the cover unit comprising a cover switch interface for engaging with the base switch interface; and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed between the cover switch ace and the base switch interface.

According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a method of converting a base unit that is not moisture-resistant into a base unit that is moisture resistant, the method comprising: connecting a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over a base aperture of the base unit.

In some embodiments, the step of connecting the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet comprises connecting a sub-assembly comprising a support frame and the flexible moistureimpermeable sheet to the base unit.

In some embodiments, the step of connecting the sub-assembly ses adhering the sub-assembly to the base unit.

In some embodiment, the step of connecting the sembly comprises ultrasonically welding the sub-assembly to the base unit.

In some embodiments, the step of connecting the sub-assembly comprises snap-fitting the sub-assembly to the base unit.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises removing a cover unit prior to connecting the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture of the base unit.

In some embodiments, the method r comprises connecting a cover unit to the base unit after connecting the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture of the base unit.

BRIEF PTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the various aspects described herein will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A – shows a perspective front view of a generic ment of a base unit according to one ; Figure 1B – shows a perspective rear view of the base unit of Figure 1A; Figure 2 – shows an example of one type of power ter suitable for use with one embodiment of the base unit; Figure 3A – shows a side view of the base unit with power input; Figure 3B – shows a front perspective view of the base unit with an embodiment of a transmitter coil; Figure 3C – shows a front perspective view of the base unit with another embodiment of the itter coil; Figure 4 – shows a base unit according to another embodiment, including a base supply power output; Figure 5 – shows a perspective rear view of a cover unit according to one embodiment; Figure 6A – shows a perspective rear view of a cover unit according to another embodiment; Figure 6B - shows a perspective rear view of a cover unit according to another embodiment; Figure 7 – shows a side view of a cover unit connected to base unit to allow power and/or data to be transferred between the two units ively; Figure 8 – shows an embodiment of the base unit with a base switch interface; Figure 9A - shows a generalised exploded view of the two sub-assembly of a switch assembly according to one aspect; Figure 9B – shows a generalised exploded view of the main ents of the two sub-assemblies of the switch assembly of Figure 9A; Figure 10A - is a perspective front view of one embodiment of a switch system with assembly (push-button switch assembly) according to a first aspect; Figure 10B - is a perspective rear view of the embodiment of Figure 10A; Figure 11A - is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a switch system with switch assembly (rocker switch assembly) ; Figure 11B - is a perspective rear view of the embodiment of Figure 11A; Figure 12 - is a ctive top view of an interface included in the switch assembly; Figure 13 - is a cross-sectional view, along line A-A’ in Figure 10A, of a combination of a functional part, the interface and an operational part within the embodiment of Figure 10A; Figure 14 - is a cross sectional view of the switch system along the line A-A’ of Figure 10A including the base unit and cover unit; Figure 15 - is a cross-sectional view, along line B-B’ in Figure 11A, of a combination of a functional part, the ace and an operational part in the embodiment of Figure 11A with a ctive top view of the interface for reference; Figure 16 - is a cross sectional view of the switch system along the line B-B’ of Figure 11A including the base unit and cover unit; Figure 17A - is an exploded perspective front view of a switch assembly (a pushbutton switch assembly) according to another aspect; Figure 17B - is an exploded perspective rear view of the switch assembly according to the embodiment of Figure 17A; Figure 18A - is an exploded perspective front view of a switch assembly (a rocker switch assembly) according to another aspect; Figure 18B - is an exploded perspective rear view of the switch assembly according to the embodiment of Figure 18A; Figure 19 - shows an example of a round rocker switch being converted to a square rocker switch; Figure 20 – shows a front perspective view of a base unit with a data input; Figure 21 – shows a front ctive view of a base unit with a base data output; Figure 22 - shows a front ctive view of a base unit with a base supply power output; Figure 23 – shows a cover unit with a cover tor; Figure 24 – shows a cover unit with a cover power input; Figure 25 – shows a cover unit with a user interface; Figure 26 - shows a cover unit with a cover data input; Figure 27- shows a cover unit with a cover data output; Figure 28 - shows a cover unit with a cover switch interface; Figure 29 – shows a system according to one embodiment; Figure 30 – shows a system according to another embodiment; Figure 31A – shows a general view of a base unit with a base re; Figure 31B – shows the base unit of Figure 31A with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture; Figure 31C – shows another embodiment of the arrangement of Figure 31B; Figure 31D - shows another embodiment of the arrangement of Figure 31B; Figure 31E - shows another embodiment of the arrangement of Figure 31B; Figure 32A – shows a side view of a base unit with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base re; Figure 32B – shows a side view of another embodiment of a base unit with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture; Figure 32C - shows a side view of another embodiment of a base unit with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture; Figure 32D - shows a side view of another embodiment of a base unit with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture; Figure 32E - shows a side view of another ment of a base unit with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture; Figure 32F - shows a side view of another embodiment of a base unit with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base re; Figure 32G - shows a side view of another embodiment of a base unit with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture; Figure 33 – shows an embodiment of a base unit comprising a base unit switch part with flexible moisture-impermeable sheet; Figure 34 – sows the arrangement of Figure 33 with a cover switch interface; Figure 35 – shows a general embodiment of a switch assembly with flexible moistureimpermeable sheet; Figure 36A – shows another embodiment of a base unit with a le reimpermeable sheet; Figure 36B – shows a side view of the arrangement of Figure 36A; Figure 36C – shows a front view of the assembled base unit of Figure 36A; Figure 37A – shows another embodiment of a base unit with a flexible moistureimpermeable sheet; Figure 37B – shows the assembled base unit of Figure 37B; Figure 38 – shows another embodiment of a base unit with a flexible moistureimpermeable sheet; Figure 39A – shows a t frame for use with a base unit with a flexible moistureimpermeable sheet; Figure 39B – shows another embodiment of a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet; Figure 39C - shows r embodiment of a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet; Figure 39D - shows another embodiment of a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet; Figure 39E - shows another embodiment of a le moisture-impermeable sheet; Figure 40A – shows the assembled base unit with the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet of Figure 39B; Figure 40B - shows the assembled base unit with the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet of Figure 39C; Figure 40C - shows the assembled base unit with the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet of Figure 39D; Figure 40D - shows the led base unit with the flexible re-impermeable sheet of Figure 39E; Figure 41A – shows a front perspective view of a base unit comprising a grid plate with one base aperture with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet; Figure 41B – shows a rear ctive view of the base unit of Figure 41A; Figure 42A - shows a front perspective view of a base unit comprising a grid plate with two base apertures with a flexible re-impermeable sheet; Figure 42B – shows a rear perspective view of the base unit of Figure 42A; Figure 43A - shows a front perspective view of a base unit comprising a grid plate with three base apertures with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet; Figure 43B – shows a rear perspective view of the base unit of Figure 43A; Figure 44A – shows a front perspective view of a base unit comprising a grid plate with four base apertures with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet; Figure 44B - shows a rear perspective view of the base unit of Figure 44A; Figure 45A – shows a side view of a base unit with base unit switch part; Figure 45B – shows a rear perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 45A; Figure 45C – shows a front view of the arrangement of Figure 45A; Figure 45D – shows a front view of the arrangement of Figure 45C with a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet; Figure 46A – shows an embodiment of a system or assembly comprising a base unit and a cover unit; Figure 46B – shows the arrangement of Figure 46A without the cover unit; Figure 46C – shows the arrangement of Figure 46B without the flexible moistureimpermeable sheet; Figure 46D – shows the arrangement of Figure 46C without the cover switch interface; Figure 47A – shows a side view of a general embodiment of a base unit with le re-impermeable sheet and a cover switch interface in a first state; ] Figure 47B – shows the arrangement of Figure 47A with the cover switch interface in a second state; Figure 48A – shows a side view of another ment of a base unit with flexible moisture-impermeable sheet and a cover switch interface in a first state; Figure 48B - shows the ement of Figure 48A with the cover switch interface in a second state; Figure 49A – shows an embodiment of a base unit switch part with base switch actuator; Figure 49B – shows the base unit switch part of Figure 49A with flexible moistureimpermeable sheet; Figure 49C – shows a side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 49B; Figure 50A - shows another embodiment of a base unit switch part with base switch actuator; Figure 50B – shows the base unit switch part of Figure 50A with flexible moistureimpermeable sheet; Figure 50C – shows a side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 50B; Figure 51A – shows a general embodiment of a cover unit with cover switch interface; Figure 51B – shows the ement of Figure 51A with flexible moistureimpermeable sheet; and Figure 52 – shows a general embodiment of an assembly or system comprising a base unit, a cover unit and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet therebetween.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS In one aspect described herein, there is provided a base unit 100 for mounting to a surface and for electrical connection to a mains or supply power. Figure 1A shows a front perspective view of a general embodiment of base unit 100 and Figure 1B shows a rear perspective view of the base unit 100 of Figure 1A. In one aspect, the base unit 100 comprises a mounting region 110 for mounting the base unit 100 to the surface. In some embodiments, the surface is a wall. In some other embodiments, the surface is a floor. In some other embodiments, the surface is a wall of a box or other enclosure. In other embodiments, the surface is a frame for supporting the base unit.

In some embodiments, the base unit mounting region 110 is itself a surface which will come into t with the surface to which the base unit 100 is to be mounted. In other embodiments, the base unit mounting region 110 is a pin, tab or other connector.

As shown in Figure 1A, base unit 100 also comprises a base connector 120 for connecting the base unit to a cover unit 200 as will be described in more detail below. The base connector is shown generically in Figure 1A but can take on any form that allows connection of the cover unit to the base unit 100. Such forms include a recess for receiving a protrusion from the cover unit, a sion for being received in a corresponding recess in the cover unit, a clipping arrangement, or a magnet for attracting and retaining a region of the cover unit. In other ments, the base connector is an adhesive, or a ook connector such as a t sold under the trade mark Velcro® by Velcro Industries B.V. In this embodiment, base connector 120 can be either the loop ent of the connector or the hook component.

Base unit 100 also comprises a base supply power input 130 for electrically connecting the base unit 100 to a supply or mains power supply (see Figure 1B). In some countries, the mains, or supply power is ed as an alternating current (AC) electrical signal of about 240V (for example between about 220V and 260V) and about 50Hz frequency. In other countries, mains or supply power is ed as an AC signal of between about 100V and 130V. Some s use a frequency of about 50Hz while others use a frequency of about 60Hz. Some supply power systems are single phase and others may be three-phase. It will be understood that any electrical power that would be considered to be supply or mains power can be used.

In some embodiments, base unit 100 will also comprise a base power output 150 (see Figure 1A) for providing output power to the cover unit 200 when cover unit 200 is connected to base unit 100.

Base power output 150 can be ed by any suitable means including a direct plug/socket ement with a recess provided in base unit 100 leading to conductive elements which make electrical connection with a corresponding electrically conductive element of a cover unit power input 210 (see below), or can be provided by a radiating element that transfers power from base unit 100 to cover unit 200 by induction or other means. An example of this embodiment is described in more detail below. Any other form of power transfer can also be used.

In some embodiments, base power output 150 and base connector 120 can be provided by the same element. In one such embodiment, the connection of cover power input to the base power output 150 will also provide sufficient support to retain cover unit 200 to base unit 100 without a further additional base connector 120 or other connection arrangement.

In some embodiments, base unit 100 will also comprise a power converter 140 which converts the supply input power received at the base supply power 130 input to the output power ed by the base power output 150 to provide useable power to the cover unit 200 when in use.

In some embodiments, the base power output will be shielded, isolated, insulated, or otherwise protected so that no electrically-live element is easily accessible by a user when the base unit 100 is installed. In some embodiments, the default state of the base power output is to an OFF state and is ically isolated from the mains or supply power, and/or from the output of the power converter 140. In such an ment, only when the cover unit 200 is in place will the base power outlet be electrically connected to the mains or supply power and/or the output of the power converter 140.

Any suitable power converter circuitry can be used as will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. One example of a le power converter 140 is shown in Figure 2. There shown is power converter 140 comprising input als for connection to mains or supply power, for example 240V AC, and providing an output of 5 to 12 V DC. This output is electrically isolated from the mains or supply power. This output can be provided directly for use by the cover unit 200 via base power output 150.

In another embodiment, base power output is provided by a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger. Any suitable form of USB charger can be used, such as one described in PCT Application No. published as WO2012/068635 entitled “USB Outlet Charger”, previously incorporated by reference.

As described above, in some embodiments, base power output 150 is provided by an inductive power transfer system.

Figure 3A shows a side view of a base unit 100 for mounting to a surface, and for connection to a source of power, such as mains or supply power. In this aspect, the base unit 100 comprises base supply power input 130 provided by an input terminal block for receiving mains or supply power 50 (via, for example, Active, Neutral and earth wires), a first side 410 of an induction power transfer system 400 connected to the base supply power input 130 for receiving power from the supply power 50 and for radiating energy from a coil of the first side. In this ement, first side 410 also acts as power converter 140 in that it receives mains or supply power at its input and outputs power in a different form as will be described in more detail below.

In this embodiment, base power output 150 is provided by a coil 414 disposed, in one embodiment, around the periphery of base unit 100 as shown in Figure 3B, which shows a perspective front view of the base unit 100. In other embodiments, coil 414 is provided in a smaller region as shown in Figure 3C. In one embodiment, coil 414 is ed as a printed coil on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). This implementation s high reproducibility and reduces costs. In other embodiments, coil 414 is provided by al windings of wire around a ferrite core.

In some embodiments as shown in Figure 4, base unit 200 comprises a base supply power output 190 for providing supply power directly to an electrical device such as a heater, fan, radio, television. In this embodiment, base 100 may have two power outputs, being base power output 150 for providing output power to the cover unit 200 and base supply power output 190 for providing supply power to an external device other than the cover unit 200. In this embodiment, base supply power output 190 is connected directly to base supply power input 130 to provide mains or supply power to the user. In one embodiment, base supply power output 190 is a socket for receiving a plug of an ical device such as a vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, cover unit 200 will have an re to allow direct access to base supply power output 190, or may have its own input for ing a plug from an external , such as a series of one, two or three or more apertures which receive a respective plug and which align with sockets of base supply power output 190.

] In another aspect, there is provided a cover unit 200 as shown in Figure 5. In a broad embodiment, cover unit 200 comprises a cover tor 220 for connecting the cover unit 200 to the base unit 100. In some ments, cover connector 220 engages with base connector 120 to connect cover unit 200 to base unit 100.

The cover connector 220 is shown generically in Figure 5 but can take on any form that allows connection of the cover unit 200 to the base unit 100. Such forms include a recess for receiving a protrusion from the base unit 100, a sion for being ed in a corresponding recess in the base unit 100, a clipping ement, or a magnet for attracting and retaining a region of the base unit 100. In other embodiments, the cover connector is an adhesive, or a loop-hook connector such as a product sold under the trade mark Velcro® by Velcro Industries B.V. In this embodiment, cover connector 220 can be either the loop component of the connector or the hook Cover unit 200 further comprises a cover power input 210 for receiving power output from base unit 100. Cover unit 200 can also comprise functional circuitry 280 which can receive power from cover power input 210.

According to another aspect described herein, cover power input 210 is a second side 420 of the inductive power transfer system 400. Figure 6A shows cover unit 200 with cover power input 210 provided by a receiving coil 424 of second side 420. Functional circuitry 280 is connected to second side 420 to receive power to power any components of the functional circuitry.

Figure 6B shows another embodiment in which receiving coil 424 is provided in a more compact area.

It will be appreciated that functional circuitry 280 can be any of one or more electrical components which react to receiving power from cover power input 210, whether it be via direct connection or by inductive means or otherwise. In one simple embodiment, functional circuitry 280 is a light or a light such as an incandescent light, fluorescent light, or light emitting diode (LED), which lights up upon receiving power from cover power input 210. These s may also have supporting circuitry. In other embodiments, functional circuitry 280 comprises many ents and may include integrated ts, microcontrollers, memory devices and analog and digital try, display units or screens, and electro-mechanical devices such as rs or actuators, to perform any desired functions.

In some ments, data is also transmitted between the base unit 100 and cover unit 200.

In some embodiment, the data transferred between the cover unit 200 and the base unit 100 is encrypted. This can increase the likelihood that only authentic cover units 200 can operate with an installed base unit. A further authentication protocol may also be carried out in some embodiments, to further ensure that only authorised cover units 200 can be used with installed base units 100.

In one embodiment, the method of itting data from the secondary side (i.e., the cover unit 200) to the primary side (i.e. base unit 100) is by way of amplitude modulation by applying modulation signals on the LC resonant circuit in accordance with the data input to the cover unit 200 in the case of ive power er. Such data may be input by any suitable means, including by the user actuating one or more user inputs such as a button on the cover unit, or by remote means which transmit data wirelessly to cover unit 200.

Figure 7 shows cover unit 200 connected to base unit 100 via base connector 120 and cover connector 220, to provide system 300. In this view, base unit 100 is mounted to e 40, in this embodiment, a wall. In this arrangement, receiving coil 424 of the second side associated with cover unit 200 is placed sufficiently close to the transmitting coil 414 of the first side 410 to provide the inductive power transfer system previously described.

The distance between the receiving coil 424 and the transmitting coil 414 can range from substantially 0mm up to about 10mm or more, including 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm and 9mm and intervals therebetween. The operation of the inductive transfer system will vary depending upon the distance between the transmitting coil 414 and the receiving coil 424.

] Further cal details relating to the inductive power er are described in Australian Patent Application No 2015275226 entitled “Inductive Power Transfer In an Electrical Outlet”; previously incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In other embodiments, base unit 200 also comprises a base switch interface 160 for interfacing with a switch element of the cover unit 200, to allow actuation of a switch on the cover unit 200 to be effected on the base unit 100. Figure 8 shows a base unit 100 with base switch ace 160. In some embodiments, base switch interface 160 is an electrical interface such as a radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving RF signals from a switch on the cover unit 200 when actuated. In some ments, base switch interface 160 is an infrared (IR) receiver for receiving IR signals from a switch of cover unit 200. In other embodiments, base switch interface 160 is a component of a touch switch which actuates upon a user touching or near-touching a corresponding switch element on the cover unit 200. An e of such a touch switch arrangement is described in PCT patent application no. 12011/001675 (published as WO 12012/083380) entitled “Touch Switch” previously orated by reference in its entirety.

In other embodiments, base switch ace 160 is a mechanical interface for engaging with a switch element or a cover switch interface of cover unit 200 as will now be described in more detail below.

Figures 9A and 9B show a general representation of the components of an embodiment of a switch assembly 500 according to one aspect. Broadly, in this aspect, switch assembly 500 comprises two sub-assemblies, being base unit switch part 510 and operational part 1200. As shown in Figure 9A, base unit switch part 510 comprises a functional part 1000 and a base switch interface 160.Operational part 1200 is for actuation by a user and for controlling the functional part 1000, via the base switch ace 160, for interfacing the functional part 1000 and the operational part 1200.

It will be noted that the ional part 1200 is not fixed to the base switch interface 160 or the functional part 1000 and is able to move freely with respect thereto, for reasons as will be described further below.

] Figure 9B shows a further exploded general view of an ment of the switch assembly 500 of Figure 9A, in which it can be seen that in this embodiment, operational part 1200 itself comprises two parts, namely user interface 1201 and carrier 1202. In some embodiments, the user interface 1201 and the carrier 1202 are fixed together and in other embodiments, the user interface 1201 and the carrier 1202 are separable as will be bed in more detail below.

Figure 10A is an exploded perspective front view of a system 300, comprising a base unit 100 and a cover unit or switch plate 200. The switch assembly 500 (push-button switch assembly in this ment) is shown distributed between the base unit 100 and cover unit or switch plate 200, with the base unit switch part 510 being provided in the base unit 100 and the operational part 1200 (of which only the user interface 1201 is visible in this view) being provided in the cover unit or switch plate 200.Figure 10B is an exploded perspective rear view of the system 300.

As shown in Figure 10A, the switch assembly 500 includes the onal part 1000, which in an embodiment is a switch mechanism, the operational part 1200 which in this embodiment is a push button, and the base switch interface 160.

As can be seen in Figures 10A and 10B, the ional part 1200 can be freely removed from the base unit switch part (specifically the base switch interface 160) and/or the functional part 1000 as there is no connection between the operational part 1200 and the base switch interface 160/functional part 1000.

In this embodiment, the operational part 1200 comprises a user interface 1201 (in this embodiment, a push-button 1201A) and a r 1202, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. The operational part 1200 is engaged in the plate 200 through the carrier 1202 which can be fitted into the plate 200, as shown in Figure 10B. The push-button 1201A is operated by a user to effect a switch on/off operation. Figure 10B shows one embodiment of the engagement of the carrier 1202 to the plate 200. However, a person skilled in the art will understand that the engagement of the operational part 1200 and the plate 200 can be provided in any way which can connect the operational part 1200 and the plate 200 er. The details of the connection between the plate 200 and the operational part 1200 will be bed in more detail later with nce to Figures 17A and 17B and Figures 18A and 18B.

When the cover unit or plate 200 is connected to the base unit 100, the functional part 1000 and base switch interface 160 are located behind the operational part 1200 when viewed from the side of the cover unit 200. The functional part 1000 is lled by the actuation of the operational part 1200 to implement switch on/off operation through the base switch interface 160.

The functional part 1000 is connected to the base unit 100. This connection is by any le means including bonding, ng, friction fit, gluing or by a means employing a g connector as described in Australian Patent Application No 2015275232 entitled “Connection System and Method for Electrical Outlets” previously incorporated by reference.

The base switch interface 160 is disposed between the operational part 1200 and the functional part 1000, and is connected with the functional part 1000 as described further below. Base switch interface 160 is for interfacing the functional part 1000 and the operational part 1200 so as to transfer the user’s actuation operation (such as pushing the button or actuating the dolly) on the operational part 1200 to the functional part 1000. An enlarged view of the interface 160 is shown in Figure 12.

In a conventional switch assembly, the operational part 1200, ally, the push button 1201 is fixed to the functional part 1000 and cannot be removed or detached from the functional part 1000. r, according to an aspect described herein, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the operational part 1200 is not fixed or connected to the base switch interface 160 or to the functional part 1000, but can be removed from the functional part 1000 or the base switch interface 160. For example, the operational part 1200 can be caused to contact or engage with the functional part 1000 or the base switch interface 160 by only connecting the plate 200 to the base unit 100.

Similarly, the ional part 1200 can be removed or disengaged from the functional part 1000 or the base switch interface 160 by simply separating the plate 200 from the base unit 100. The details of the relationship of the three parts and principles of how the switch assembly 500 works will be explained later with reference to Figures 13 and 15.

Figures 11A and 11B illustrate another ment of the system 300 with switch ly 500, with the ional part 1200 being provided by a rocker switch or dolly 1201B.

Figure 11A is an exploded perspective front view of this embodiment of the system 300 with switch assembly (rocker switch assembly). Figure 11B is an exploded perspective rear view of the system 300 with switch assembly 500 according to this embodiment.

The switch ly 500 in Figures 11A and 11B includes the functional part 1000, the operational part 1200, and the base switch interface 160. The difference between the rocker switch assembly in Figure 11 and the push-button switch ly in Figure 10 lies only in the operational part 1200 in this embodiment.

In this ment, the operational part 1200 includes a dolly 1201B and a carrier 1202, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B. The operational part 1200 is engaged in the cover unit or switch plate 200 through the carrier 1202 which can be fitted into the plate 200, as shown in Figure 11B. The dolly 1201B is operated by a user to effect switch on/off operation. Figure 11B shows the engagement implemented by the carrier 1202. However, it will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the engagement of the operational part 1200 and the plate 200 can be in any way which can connect the operational part 1200 and the plate 200 together, including the direct connection of the operational part to the plate t an intervening carrier.

] As with the embodiment shown in Figures 9A to 10B, the operational part 1200 is not fixed to the base unit switch part 510 and in particular, to base switch interface 160 or to the functional part 1000, but can be removed or separated from the base unit switch part 510 being the functional part 1000 or the base switch interface 160. For example, the operational part 1200 can be engaged with the functional part 1000 through the base switch interface 160 by only connecting the plate 200 on the base 100. rly, the operational part 1200 can be disengaged or removed from the functional part 1000 or the base switch ace 160 by simply separating the plate 200 from the base 100. The details of the onship of the three parts and principles of how the switch assembly works in this embodiment will be explained later with reference to Figure 15.

Since the functional part 1000 in Figure 10 is the same as that in Figure 11 and the operational part 1200 can be removed from the same functional part 1000, the push-button switch assembly as shown in Figure 15 can be converted to the rocker switch assembly as shown in Figure 11 simply by replacing the functional part 1200 with push-button switch 1201A with the functional part with the rocker switch 1201B. Such replacement can be done by a user himself/herself without assistance of a professional or qualified tradesperson.

The details of the interface and how the switch assembly according to the first embodiment works will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 12 to 14.

] Figure 12 is a ctive top view of an embodiment of base switch interface 160 included in the switch assembly 500 according to the first embodiment described previously.

As shown in Figure 12, the base switch interface 160 comprises first protrusion 1601A and second protrusion 1601B, first surface 1602A, second surface 1602B, and first top surface 1603A and second top surface 1603B. The protrusions 1601A and 1601B are d at each side of a centre 1606 of the base switch interface 160, respectively. In this embodiment, base switch interface 160 also comprises first surface 1602A and second e 1602B. In this embodiment, first surface 1602A is outside the first protrusion 1601A with respect to the centre 1606 and second surface 1602B is outside the second sion 1601B with respect to the centre 1606. First top surface 1603A is disposed at the top of the first protrusion 1601A. Second top surface 1603B is at the top of the second protrusion 1601B. As can be seen, the first surface 1602A and second surface 1602B are planar surfaces each disposed a first distance from the centre 1606 of the base switch ace 160 and the first top surface 1603A and second top surface 1603B are disposed above the first surface 1602A and the second surface 1602B, each at a second distance from the centre 1606 of the interface. In one ment, the first distance is greater than the second distance. In another embodiment, (not shown), the first distance is less than the second distance.

Figure 13 shows how a push-button switch assembly of the first embodiment works.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view, along line A-A’ in Figure 11A, of the switch assembly 500, being a combination of the functional part 1000, the base switch interface 160 and the ional part 1200, with the perspective top view of the base switch interface 160 also shown for ease of reference.

As shown in Figure 13, the push button 1201A included in the operational part 1200 is above the base switch interface 160. In one embodiment, the base switch interface 160 is connected to an actuating member 1605. In some other embodiments, actuating member 1605 is a part of, or integrated with, base switch interface 160. The switching element 1102 within the functional part 1000 is under the actuating member 1605 and is for making and breaking contact n terminals 1103, 1104 and 1105 which in use, are connected to respective electrical conductors (not shown) ng ical current such as mains or supply current or current from another source. The effect of switching element 1102 being rocked from one side to another is to create an electrical path between terminals 1103 and 1104 and breaking the electrical path between als 1104 and 1105, thereby effecting an on/off switching function under ion of the actuating member 1605 as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

In the view of Figure 13, at the initial state, the push button 1201A ts with the first top surface 1603A located at the top of the first protrusion 1601A. When the user pushes the push button 1201A downwards, the first protrusion 1601A of the base switch interface 160 is pressed down, causing the actuating member 1605 to swing towards the right side, since base switch interface 160 is connected to onal part 1000 via a pivot point 1607 at centre 1606. The switching element 1102 is actuated pondingly to change switching on/off status of the switch assembly 100 as previously described. At the same time, the second protrusion 1601B moves up so that the second top surface 1603B makes contact with the push button 1201A. When the push button 1201A is pressed again in the position of contact with the second top surface 1603B of second protrusion 1601B, the second protrusion 1601B is d down, causing the actuating member 1605 to swing toward the left side. The switching element 1102 is actuated correspondingly to change the ing on/off status of the switch assembly 100. At the same time, the first protrusion 1601A moves up so that the first top surface 1603A makes contact with the push button 1201A. The same process is repeated when the user s the push button 1201A again.

As can be seen from Figure 13, the push button 1201A moves linearly in an up and down motion, while through the transfer of the base switch interface 160, the switching element 1102 makes a rocker motion. That is, the base switch interface 160 is configured to, in use, convert linear motion from the first operational part 1200 into rocking motion to the functional part 1000 when the operational part 1200 is or includes a push button 1201A.

Figure 14 shows the cross-sectional view of system 300 along the line A-A’ of Figure 10A, including the base unit 100 and the cover unit or plate 200. It can be seen in this view how operational part 1200 is brought into non-fixed but touching engagement with base unit switch part 510 (and in particular in this embodiment, base switch interface 160), when cover unit or plate 200 is connected to base unit 100. The operational part 1200 and the base unit switch part 510 are separated (and in particular separated from base switch interface 160 in this ment) simply by removing cover unit or plate 200 from base unit 100.

Figure 15A shows how a switch assembly 500 of the second embodiment of Figure 11 functions. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view, along line B-B in Figure 11A, of a combination of the functional part 1000, the base switch interface 160 and the operational part 1200, with the perspective top view of the base switch ace 160 also shown for ease of reference in Figure 15B.

As shown in Figure 15A, the dolly 1201 included in the operational part 1200 is above the base switch ace 160. As in the arrangement shown in Figure 15A, in one embodiment, the base switch interface 160 is connected to an actuating member 1605. In some other embodiments, actuating member 1605 is a part of, or integrated with, base switch interface 160. The switching element 1102 within the functional part 1000 is under the actuating member 1605 and is for making and breaking contact n terminals 1103, 1104 and 1105 which in use, are connected to respective electrical conductors carrying electrical current such as mains or supply current or current from another source.. The effect of switching element 1102 being rocked from one side to another is to create an electrical path between terminals 1103 and 1104 and breaking the electrical path n terminals 1104 and 1105, y effecting an on/off switching function under actuation of the actuating member 1605 as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

In the view of Figure 15A, at the l state, the dolly 1201B makes contact with the first surface 1602A and the second e 1602B, via legs 1201B-1 and 1201B-2 ated with dolly 1201B. In this ment the first surface 1602A and the second surface 1602B are located farther from the centre 1606 as compared with the first top surface 1603A and second top surface 1603B. When a user actuates the dolly 1201B, the dolly 1201B causes the first surface 1602A of the base switch interface 160 to be pressed down, which makes the ing member 1605 swing toward right side in the view shown. The switching element 1102 is actuated to change switching on/off status of the switch assembly. At the same time, the second surface 1602B moves up. When the dolly 1201B is actuated again, the dolly 1201B causes the second surface 1602B of the base switch interface 160 to be d down, which makes the actuating member 1605 swing toward the left side in this view. The switching element 1102 is actuated to change the switching on/off status of the switch assembly. At the same time, the first surface 1602A moves up. The same process is ed when the user actuates the dolly 1201B again.

In the above embodiment, the dolly 1201B makes contact with the first surface 1602A and the second surface 1602B of the base switch interface 160 which are planar. In another embodiment, the rocker or dolly switch 1201B may make contact with the first slanted surface 1604A and second slanted surface 1604B of the protrusions 1601A and 1601B. In other embodiments, the first surface 1602A, the second surface 1602B, the first slanted surface 1604A and/or the second slanted surface 1604B can be curved or non-planar.

As can be seen from Figure 15A, the base switch interface 160 transfers rocking motion from the ional part 1200 to the functional part 1000, when the operational part 1200 is a dolly 1201B. gh in the above embodiment, two protrusions 1601A and 1601B are shown as an example, a person d in the art will appreciate that three or more protrusions can be applied to enforce switching effect. Furthermore, any other surface configurations can be used to effect the same translational functions as the exemplary ments described above.

From Figure 13 and Figure 15A, it will be appreciated that the push-button switch assembly 500 can be converted to a rocker switch assembly simply by replacing the ional part 1200 being a push button 1201A, with an operational part 1200 being a dolly 1201B.

Such replacement can be done by a user himself/herself without assistance of a sional or qualified tradesperson. Therefore, costs to an er are reduced. Furthermore, production costs of the switch assembly 500 are reduced because when a part of the switch assembly is updated or modified, only that part is needed to be produced, without affecting other parts.

Figure 16 shows the switch assembly of Figure 15A with operational part 1200 in cover unit or switch plate 200, ted to base unit 100, to form system 300.

The various embodiments and principles bed above provide a method and system for conveniently changing a switch assembly type. In another aspect, the switch ly can be varied to change the appearance.

Figure 17A shows how a switch of one type (for example a round rocker switch assembly with a round-cornered plate) is changed into a switch of another type (for example square rocker switch assembly with a square-cornered plate) by only recombining an operational part with a dolly of one type (for example square dolly 1201B’ – see Figure 19) and a corresponding plate of r type (for e square-cornered plate – see Figure 19).

The following describes how to fit or connect the operational part 1200 and the cover unit or switch plate 200.

Conventionally, an operational part 1200 with a specific shape and type can only be connected to a plate 200 with a corresponding specific shape and type. Consequently, when the operational part 1200 is to be changed in type or shape, the plate 200 has to be changed correspondingly.

According to another aspect, the operational part 1200 and the plate 200 can be separated and connected through a standard interface. Thus, different operational parts and different plates can be combined through the standard interface in any way to form different types and different outlooks. The standard interface can be provided by any suitable form ing clips, friction fit, magnets, hook and loop arrangements and/or reusable adhesives.

In one aspect then, the base unit 100 can be provided with a base switch interface 160 (and associated onal parts) such as the base switch interface 160 and functional part 1000 described herein which can interface with the cover switch interface (such as user interface 1201 (and associated operational part 1200) of different designs bed herein. Thus, this aspect es the advantage that only one base switch design need be provided in a base unit but which can interface with a ity of operational parts. This reduces or ates the need to manufacture, store and install base units 100 of different designs while still allowing the ability to provide different operational parts 1200 for the cover unit 200.

Figure 17A is an exploded perspective front view of a system 300 (with a push-button switch assembly 500 in this embodiment) according to another aspect bed herein. Figure 17B is an exploded perspective rear view of the system 300 ing to this aspect.

In this aspect, as shown in Figure 17B, a retaining n 1203 is provided to retain the r 1202 to the cover unit 200. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17B, the retaining portion 1203 is a clip structure 1203A.

In this embodiment, the plate or cover unit 200 in s 17A and 17B includes a square clip 1203A around the re 201 for receiving the, or part of the, operational part 1200.

The size of the clip 1203A can be made to match the size of the carrier 1202 to retain the carrier 1202 in a friction fit or other clipping means. The operational part 1200 can be removed from plate or cover unit 200 by pressing the clip 1203 so as to e or otherwise disengage from, the carrier 1202.

Figure 18A is an exploded perspective front view of a system 300 with an operational part 1200 being provided by a rocker or dolly 1201B as the user interface 1201 according to another embodiment. Figure 18B is an exploded perspective back view of the switch system according to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, operational part 1200 in Figure 18 includes a dolly, instead of the push-button in Figure 17. Although the dolly replaces the push button, the clip structure 1203A can be the same.

Thus, it can be seen that in this aspect, the operational part 1200 of a push button 1201A can be replaced with an operational part 1200 being a rocker or dolly 1201B, so as to convert the push-button switch ly to the rocker switch assembly without changing the plate or cover unit 200.

Therefore, when a user desires to change the operational part 1200, he does not need to change the plate or cover unit 200. This provides even greater flexibility for the user and even greater efficiencies in manufacture, storage and installation in that the user is able to simply change the specific parts required while maintaining the majority of the system 3000.

Although in Figures 17 and 18, the shape of the clip 1203A and the carrier 1202 are square shaped, it will be appreciated that the clip 1203A and the carrier 1202 can be different shapes, such as round, rectangular, hexagonal etc.

] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the retaining portion 1203 can be of any suitable form including but not limited to a screw structure, a tight fitting or friction fit structure or a magnet.

Although Figure 17 shows an ment of this aspect as a button switch assembly, and Figure 18 shows an embodiment as rocker switch ly, it will be appreciated that other forms of operational part 1200 such as a rotary switch ly, and toggle switch assembly can be used, as can other switch types not explicitly bed herein.

Details of various other forms of switch systems are described in detail in Australian Patent Application No 2015275227 ed “Switch Assembly, System and Method”, Australian Patent Application No 2015275234 entitled “Push Button Switch Assembly And Operational Part”, and Australian Patent Application No 2015275233 entitled “Switch Assembly with Rotatable Operational Part” previously incorporated by reference.

Furthermore, as shown in s 17 and 18, the plate or cover unit 200 can be of any desired shape or appearance.

] It will be understood that there can be any combination of different operational parts 1200 and plates or cover units 200. For example, a switch ly 500 with a small dolly 1201B might be converted to a switch assembly with a big dolly 1201B by replacing the operational part 1200 with a small dolly as described above. In another example, a switch assembly with a round push-button switch might be converted to a switch assembly with a square push-button/rocker switch by changing the operational part and the plate. In another combination, as shown in Figure 19, the appearance of system 300 may be d completely by changing the existing plate or cover unit 200 with a plate or cover unit 200’ of a different type. In one embodiment, the user interface 1201 can be used, or a different user interface 1201 can be used. In the example of Figure 19, the switch interface 1201 is changed from a round dolly 1201B to a square dolly .

In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 20, base until 100 also comprises a base data input 170 for receiving data. In one embodiment, the base data input 170 receives, in use, data from the cover unit 200. In other embodiments, base data input 170 receives in use, data from another external source such as a user-controlled remote device or from another transmitting device such as those described in PCT/AU12014/000545 entitled “Electrical Connector, System and Method” and PCT/AU12014/000544 entitled “Batten Holder, Connector, System and Method”, previously incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments as shown in Figure 21, base unit 100 comprises a base data output 180 for ting data to the cover unit 200 or an external device. In some embodiments, base data input 170 and base data output 180 are provided by the same element, such as a transceiver.

] In some embodiments, base data input 170 and/or base data output 180 are provided by a mechanical data port in accordance with any suitable data transfer protocol. Such examples include RJ-45 type connectors, RJ11, RJ14, RJ25, RJ48, RJ61, XLR connectors, XLD connectors, DIN connectors, BNC connectors and USB ports.

] In some ments, base data input 170 and base data output are ed by the communications functionality of the inductive power transfer system 400 previously described.

In some ments as shown in Figure 22, base unit 200 comprises a base supply power output 190 for providing supply power directly to an ical device such as a heater, fan, radio, television. In this embodiment, base 100 may have two power outputs, being base power output 150 for providing output power to the cover unit 200 and base supply power output 190 for providing supply power to an external device other than the cover unit 200. In other embodiments, base unit 200 has only base supply power output 190 and no base power output 180. In these embodiments, cover unit 200 does not receive power from base unit 200 but may have its own onboard power source such as a battery, or may only have mechanical or passive components and may not require any power to perform its function.

In another aspect, there is provided a cover unit 200 as shown in Figure 23. In a broad embodiment, cover unit 200 comprises a cover connector 220 for connecting the cover unit 200 to the base unit 100. In some embodiments, cover connector 220 engages with base connector 120 to connect cover unit 200 to base unit 100.

The cover connector 220 is shown generically in Figure 23 but can take on any form that allows connection of the cover unit 200 to the base unit 100. Such forms include a recess for receiving a protrusion from the base unit 100, a protrusion for being received in a ponding recess in the base unit 100, a clipping arrangement, or a magnet for ting and retaining a region of the base unit 100. In other embodiments, the cover connector is an adhesive, or a loop-hook connector such as a product sold under the trade mark ® by Velcro Industries B.V. In this embodiment, cover connector 120 can be either the loop component of the connector or the hook component.

In other embodiments, cover unit 200 comprises a cover power input 210 for receiving power output from base unit 100 as shown in Figure 24.

Cover power input 210 can be provided by any suitable means including a direct plug/socket ement with a recess provided in cover unit 200 leading to conductive elements which make electrical tion with a corresponding electrically conductive element of a base unit power output 150, or can be provided by a receiving element that receives power from base unit 100 by induction or other means. Any other form of power transfer can also be used.

In some embodiments, cover power input 210 and cover connector 220 can be provided by the same element. In one such embodiment, the connection of cover power input 210 to the base power output 150 will also provide sufficient support to retain cover unit 200 to base unit 100 without a further additional cover connector 220 or other connection arrangement.

In some embodiments, cover power input 210 is ed by the secondary side of the inductive power transfer system usly described.

In some embodiments as shown in Figure 25, cover unit 200 comprises a user ace 230 to allow a user to control one or more functional aspects of the cover unit 200 as will be described in more detail below. User interface 230 can take on any suitable form including mechanical switches, touch es, motion detectors, audio detectors or motion capture devices. In some embodiments, user interface 230 is provided by the user interface 1201 bed above with reference to the switch assembly.

] In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 26, cover unit 200 also comprises a cover data input 240 for receiving data. In one embodiment, the cover data input 240 receives, in use, data from the base unit 100. In other embodiments, cover data input 240 es in use, data from another external source such as a user-controlled remote device or from another transmitting device such as those described in PCT/AU12014/000545 entitled “Electrical Connector, System and Method” and PCT/AU12014/000544 entitled “Batten Holder, Connector, System and Method”, previously incorporated by reference. In this arrangement, cover data input 240 can also act as a user interface 230. In another ment, the data is received by a remote device as described in entitled “General Power Outlet and Remote Switch Module”, previously incorporated by reference in its entirety. In this ment, cover unit 200 can comprise elements of the power outlet described therein.

In some embodiments as shown in Figure 27, cover unit 200 comprises a cover data output 250 for outputting data to the base unit 100 or an external device. In some embodiments, cover data input 240 and cover data output 250 are provided by the same element, such as a transceiver.

In some embodiments, cover data input 240 and/or cover data output 250 are provided by a mechanical data port in accordance with any suitable data transfer protocol. Such examples include RJ-45 type connectors, RJ11, RJ14, RJ25, RJ48, RJ61, XLR tors, XLD connectors, DIN connectors, BNC connectors and USB ports.

In some embodiments, cover data output 250 is provided by the secondary side of the inductive power transfer system previously described.

In some embodiments, cover unit 200 comprises a cover switch interface 260 as shown in Figure 28, for engaging with a corresponding base switch interface. In some ments, cover switch interface is provided by the user interface 1201 described above with reference to the switch assembly.

In some ments, cover unit 200 comprises functional circuitry 280 which is powered in some embodiments, by power ed by cover power input 210. In other embodiments, onal try 280 is powered by a cover power supply 290 in cover unit 200 such as a battery.

In some ments, functional circuitry 280 is controlled by user interface 230.

In some embodiments, cover unit 200 comprises a memory 270 for storing data.

In another aspect, there is provided a system 300 comprising the base unit 100 and the cover unit 200 as shown in Figure 29. In this embodiment, base unit 100 is mounted to surface 40 (for example a wall) via base unit mounting region 110 and electrically connected to supply power 50 via base supply power input 130. Cover unit 200 is connected to base unit 100 via base connector 120 and cover connector 220.

In another embodiment of system 300, shown in Figure 30, cover unit 200 also receives power from base unit 100 via base power output 150 and cover power input 210 to power any functional circuitry that may be contained in cover unit 200.

It will be appreciated that the system 300 comprising base unit 100 and cover unit 200 allows easy connection of a cover unit 200 to base unit 100 by simply engaging the base connector 120 and cover connector 220. In this way, cover unit 200 can be easily installed, removed and replaced by any user t any need for ical knowledge or certification.

Furthermore, the system 300 allows a plurality of different cover units 200 to be connected to base unit 100. This allows the user to e the cover unit 200 with a cover unit 200 of a different functionality to thereby provide great flexibility to the user as the user’s needs change over time.

For example, in one embodiment, cover unit 200 is a power socket and switch arrangement to allow system 300 to act as a conventional power socket for allowing the user to power devices such as vacuum cleaners, televisions etc. If the user then enters a stage in life where the user has a baby, the user may easily remove cover unit 200 by simply disengaging the base connector and the cover connector, and can then replace this cover unit 200 with a different cover unit 200 that provides a different functionality such as a baby monitor or a night light.

Examples of some embodiments of cover units with onal circuitry and/or active components are described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016903983 entitled “Electrical Outlet Faceplate and ”, and in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016903982 entitled “Electrical Outlet Faceplate and System, previously incorporated by reference.

] In some ments, cover unit 200 is connected, in use, to base unit 100 and the may have additional elements connected to cover unit 200 to enhance various features such as functionality and appearance. In some embodiments, cover unit 200 is connected to base unit 100 as previously described, to e one or more desired functionalities, and then a further piece (such as a face plate) can be connected to cover unit 200 to tely encase the cover unit 200 and the base unit 100. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, cover unit 200 does not completely cover all parts of the base unit 100. In other embodiments, cover unit 200 completely covers and/or extends beyond base unit 100. In some embodiments, cover unit 200 serves as the face plate to cover base unit 100, which comprises in some embodiments, a grid plate 100a. In some embodiments then, the cover unit when provided as a face plate 200 provides the final e of the system comprising base unit 100 or grid plate 100a with full functionality and appearance integrated therein. Of course in such embodiments, further ments may be connected over face plate 200 such as plug adapters or peripheral electronic devices.

According to another aspect, there is provided a base unit 100 for mounting to a surface, the base unit 100 comprising at least one base aperture 161 for accessing a base switch interface 160; and a flexible re-impermeable sheet 1500 ed over the at least one base aperture 161.

Figure 31A shows a general base unit 100 with base aperture 161. As previously described, base unit aperture 161 is used to access a base switch interface 160 (for example as described with nce to Figures 17A and 18A). Figure 31B shows a general embodiment ing to this aspect, in which a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is disposed over the base re 161, thus reducing the risk of moisture from passing through the base aperture 161. In this embodiment, it can be seen that flexible re-impermeable sheet 1500 extends over the base aperture 161 (which is indicated in dotted lines) and overlaps partially with a portion of the base unit Figure 31C shows another l embodiment of this aspect, in which flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 s only over the base aperture 161 and does not overlap with any portion of the base unit surface. In these embodiments, the edges of flexible moistureimpermeable sheet 1500 are attached, d, bonded or otherwise connected to the edges of base aperture 161.

Figure 31D shows another general embodiment according to this aspect, in which base unit 100 has two base apertures 161, 161’. In the embodiment shown here, flexible moistureimpermeable sheet 1500 and 1500’ extend over respective base apertures 161, 161’, but in these embodiments, the tive edges of flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 and 1500’ are connected to base unit 100 somewhere within the thickness of base unit 100, thereby still being ed over the aperture as a whole, thus reducing the risk of moisture from passing through base apertures 161, 161’. Of course this embodiment can be applied to base units 100 with any number of base apertures 161 including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 or more.

Figure 31E shows another general embodiment of a base unit 100 with two base apertures 161, 161’ in which the flexible moisture-impermeable sheets 1500, 1500’ extend over the respective base apertures 161, 161’and overlap with a portion of the base unit 100. s 32A to 32G show cross-sectional side views of different embodiments. Figure 32A shows base unit 100 with base aperture 161 with le moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 disposed over base re 161 in the arrangement shown in Figure 31B. Figure 32B shows base unit 100 with two base apertures 161, 161’, each with a corresponding flexible moistureimpermeable sheet 1500, 1500’ disposed over them as shown in the arrangement of Figure 31E.

Figure 32C shows an embodiment with base unit 100 having two base apertures 161, 161’, with a single flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 disposed over both base apertures 161, 161’ as will be described in more detail below. Figure 32D shows another embodiment in which base unit 100 has aperture 161 with flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 disposed over base aperture 161 to extend solely over the base aperture 161 and not overlap with any portion of base unit 100, as shown in the arrangement of Figure 31C. Figure 32E shows an embodiment of base unit 100 with a single base aperture 161 with flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 extending over base aperture 161 but at a level within the aperture as in the arrangement shown in Figure 31D (but with only one base aperture). Figure 32F shows another embodiment of base unit 100 with base aperture 161 with le moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 extending over base aperture 161 only but at the bottom level. Figure 32G shows another embodiment of base unit 100 with base aperture 161 with flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 ing over base aperture 161 but from underneath base unit 100. Thus it can be seen that the specific location of flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 with respect to base aperture 161 can be of any type, provided that the base aperture 161 is essentially “closed” by flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 to reduce the likelihood of moisture passing through base aperture 161 from one side to the other.

Flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 can be made of any suitable material that allows deformation of the sheet and that is impermeable to moisture such as of water. In some embodiments, flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is made of rubber. In some embodiments, flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is made of a polymer. Specific suitable materials include PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) and TPE oplastic Polyolefin Elastomer) According to r aspect, there is ed a base unit 100 comprising at least one base aperture, and a base unit switch part 510 (comprising a functional part 1000 and a base switch interface 160) mounted thereto behind the base aperture 161 such that the base switch interface 160 is accessible via the base re 161. An ement of this type is described usly with nce to Figures 10A and 10B for example. In this , flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is disposed over the base aperture 161 as shown in Figure 33.

] Figure 34 shows an application of the arrangement of Figure 33 in which a cover switch interface 260 is applied to engage with base switch interface 260 as usly described with reference to Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16 for example. In some embodiments, cover switch interface 260 is a switch dolly as previously described.

According to another aspect, there is provided a switch assembly 500 comprising a base unit switch part 510, the base unit switch part 510 comprising a functional part 1000 and a base switch interface 160 for controlling the functional part. The base switch assembly also comprises a cover switch interface 260 for engaging with the base switch interface 160 and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 ed between the cover switch interface 260 and the base switch interface 160, as shown in Figure 35 in a general representation..

Figure 36A shows an embodiment of base unit 100 comprising grid plate 100a, and a sub-assembly 1510 comprising a support frame 1550 supporting flexible re-impermeable sheet 1500. As shown in Figure 36A, the sub-assembly 1510 is then connected to grid plate 100a to form base unit 100. As previously described, flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 will cover base aperture 161 so as to reduce the risk of moisture from passing through the base aperture 161.

] In these embodiments, sub-assembly 1510 can be connected to grid plate 100a by any suitable means. In some embodiments, sub-assembly 1510 can be snap-fitted into grid plate 100a.

These embodiments allow a user or an installer to easily retro-fit a non-moisture-resistant base unit to become a moisture-resistant base unit 100 simply by removing cover unit 200 from base unit 100, inserting the sub-assembly 1510, and reconnecting cover unit 200 to base unit 100.

In some embodiments, the sub-assembly 1510 is adhered to the base unit 100 using a suitable glue. In some embodiments, the sub-assembly 1510 is bonded to the base unit 100. In some embodiments, the sub-assembly 1510 is adhered to the base unit 100 by onic welding.

In some embodiments, a sealant may be d around the connection between the sub-assembly 1510 and the base unit 100 to further se the integrity of the moisture ance.

Figure 36B shows a side view of the sub-assembly 1510 being connected to the grid plate 100a. Figure 36C shows a front view of base unit 100 with sub-assembly 1510 comprising support frame 1550 and flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500. Base aperture 161 that is now covered by flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is indicated by the dotted reference line.

Figure 37A shows another embodiment of sub-assembly 1510 being applied to grid plate 100a to form a moisture-resistant base unit 100. Figure 37B shows the base unit 100 formed after the step indicated in Figure 37A.

It will be appreciated that sub-assembly 1510 can be formed in any suitable shape and by any suitable means. In some ments, flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is d, bonded, or ise connected to t frame 1550. In other embodiments, sub-assembly 1510 is formed by overmoulding flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 on t frame 1550. In other embodiments, sub-assembly 1510 is formed by co-moulding flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 with support frame 1550.

Figure 38 shows another embodiment in which flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is not connected to support frame 1550 but rather is sandwiched between grid plate 100a and support frame 1550.

Figure 39A to 39E show different embodiments to form sub-assembly 1510. Figure 39A shows an ment of support frame 1550. Figure 39B shows a flexible moistureimpermeable sheet 1500 for use with one base aperture 161 and for connection to t frame 1550. Figure 39C shows a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 for use with two base apertures 161, 161’ and for connection to support frame 1550. Figure 39D shows a flexible moistureimpermeable sheet 1500 for use with three base apertures 161, 161’, 161’’and for connection to support frame 1550. Figure 39E shows a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 for use with four base apertures 161, 161’, 161’’, 161’’’ and for tion to support frame 1550. It will be appreciated that flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 can be formed to cooperate with any number of base apertures, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 10 or more base apertures.

Figures 40A to 40D show different embodiments of the base unit 100 formed from the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 and support frame 1550 of Figures 39A to 39E. Figure 40A shows the completed sembly 1510 made from the support frame 1550 and the flexible re-impermeable sheet 1500 of Figure 39B. Figure 40A also shows the completed base unit 100 with the sub-assembly 1510 connected to grid plate 100a. This results in a base unit 100 with one base aperture 161 that is moisture-resistant. Figure 40B shows the arrangement of Figure 40A but with two base apertures. Figure 40B shows the arrangement of Figure 40A but with three base apertures. Figure 40B shows the arrangement of Figure 40A but with four base apertures.

Figure 41A shows a front perspective view of base unit 100 comprising grid plate 100a and flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 over base aperture 161. Figure 41B shows a rear ctive view of the base unit 100 of Figure 41A, showing base re 161 with a portion of flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 visible.

Figure 42A shows a front perspective view of base unit 100 comprising grid plate 100a and flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 over two base apertures 161, 161’. Figure 42B shows a rear perspective view of the base unit 100 of Figure 42A, showing base res 161, 161’’ with respective portions of flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 visible.

] Figure 43A shows a front perspective view of base unit 100 comprising grid plate 100a and flexible re-impermeable sheet 1500 over three base res 161, 161’, 161’’.

Figure 43B shows a rear perspective view of the base unit 100 of Figure 43A, showing base res 161, 161’’, 161’’’ with respective portions of flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 visible.

Figure 44A shows a front perspective view of base unit 100 comprising grid plate 100a and flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 over four base apertures 161, 161’, 161’’, 161’’’. Figure 44B shows a rear perspective view of the base unit 100 of Figure 44A, showing base apertures 161, 161’’, 161’’, 161’’’ with respective portions of flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 visible.

] Figure 45A shows a side view of an embodiment of base unit 100 comprising grid plate 100a and base unit switch part 510 (comprising functional part 1000 and base switch interface 160) as previously described. Base unit switch part can be any required device, such as a switch mechanism (switch mech) or a connector device. Base unit switch part can be connected to grid plate 100a by any suitable means, including the sliding connector system described in Australian Patent Application No. Australian Patent Application No 2015275232 entitled “Connection System and Method for Electrical Outlets” previously incorporated by nce.

Figure 45B shows a rear perspective view of the base unit 100 of Figure 45A.

Figure 45C sows a front view of the base unit of Figure 45A, showing the base aperture 161 and the base switch interface 160 accessible via base aperture 161.

Figure 45D shows the base unit 100 of Figure 45C with a le moistureimpermeable sheet 1500 disposed over base aperture 161 as previously described, thus reducing the risk of moisture from passing through base aperture 161 to reach the functional part 1000 of base unit switch part 510 which could have components that are electrically connected to mains or supply power source – thus reducing the risk of ocution of a user.

Figure 46A shows a front perspective view of a system or an assembly 300 comprising cover unit 200 (in this embodiment comprising a face plate 200a ) with cover switch interface 260 (in this embodiment ed by a switch rocker 1201B as previously described).

System or assembly 300 also comprises base unit 100, in this embodiment provided by grid plate 100a with base unit switch part 510 connected thereto. As previously described, base unit switch part 510 comprises a functional part 100 with base switch interface 160 controlling the functional part 1000, which in turn engages with and is controlled by cover switch interface 260.

Figure 46B shows the ement of Figure 46A with face plate 200a of cover unit 200 removed, exposing grid plate 100a and base aperture 161. In this view, user switch interface 260 is still shown (although it would normally remain with cover unit 200) to show its engagement with base switch interface thereunder. Also shown in this view is a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500.

Figure 46C sows the arrangement of Figure 46B with a flexible moistureimpermeable sheet 1500 removed, to expose base re 161.

Figure 46D shows the arrangement of Figure 46C with user switch interface 260 removed to expose base switch interface 160 within base aperture 161. It will be appreciated that without the a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 present, moisture that might leak through cover unit 200 could leak into base re 161, past base switch interface 160 and come into contact with functional part 1000, thus presenting an electrocution risk.

Figure 47A shows a general representation of a side view of the interaction between user switch interface 260 and base switch ace 160, with a flexible re-impermeable sheet 1500 disposed therebetween. In Figure 47A, user switch interface is a push button (e.g. 1201A), in the “off” on. Figure 47B shows the arrangement of Figure 47A when user switch interface 260 is actuated (pushed down) by a user. As can be seen in this view, le moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 deforms and stretches to allow this movement, while still maintaining the moisturebarrier between user switch interface 260 and base switch interface 160 to prevent moisture from leaking through base aperture 161.

Figure 48A shows the arrangement of Figure 47A but with the push button user switch interface 260 replaced by a switch rocker (e.g. 1201B). In this view, user switch actuator is in a first state, with flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 deformed so as to accommodate that position. In Figure 48B, when a user actuates (i.e. “rocks”) user switch ace 260 into the other position, le moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 stretches and deforms again to accommodate the new position, while still maintaining the moisture-barrier between user switch interface 260 and base switch interface 160 to prevent moisture from g through base aperture 161.

According to another aspect, there is provided a base unit switch part 510 comprising a base switch interface 160, a functional part 1000 lled by the base switch interface 160; and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 disposed over the base switch interface 160..

Figure 49A shows an embodiment of base switch part 510 with functional part 1000 and base switch interface 160. In this embodiment, base switch part 510 is a switch mechanism, but can be any other device in other embodiments. Figure 49B shows the arrangement of Figure 49A with a flexible re-impermeable sheet ed over the base switch interface 160. Figure 49C shows a general cross-sectional view along the lines A-A’ of Figure 49B showing the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed over the base switch interface 160. In this embodiment, flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is connected at the very top of base unit switch part 510.

Figures 50A to 50C shows the same arrangement of Figures 49A to 49C except that the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is disposed inwards of the top of base unit switch part 510 but still tely covers base switch interface 160 and prevents ingress of moisture into functional part 1000.

According to r aspect, there is provided a cover unit 200 comprising a cover switch interface 260 as shown in Figure 51A (an example of which is the cover unit 200 shown in Figure 46A). According to this , a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 is disposed over the cover switch interface 260 as shown in Figure 51B. The flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 can be connected to the inside of e.g. face plate 200a over cover switch interface 260 by any suitable means including g, gluing or fusing.

Figure 52 sows an general arrangement of a system or assembly 300 comprising cover unit 200 with cover switch interface 260, and base unit 100 comprising base switch interface 160 (in this embodiment ed as part of base unit witch part 510). According to this aspect, flexible re-impermeable sheet 1500 is disposed between the cover switch interface 260 and the base switch interface 160. This general aspect may be accomplished by any of the arrangements and embodiments previously described, including providing the, flexible moisture-impermeable sheet 1500 on the cover unit 200, on the base unit 100, or on the base unit switch part 510.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

The nce to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various aspects described herein are not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or ed herein. It will be appreciated that the various embodiments sed are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and d by the following .

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular ation described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its any described embodiments with regard to the particular ts and/or features described or depicted herein and is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions t departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. A base unit for mounting to a e, the base unit comprising: at least one base aperture for accessing a base switch ace; and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed over the at least one base aperture.

2. A base unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base unit comprises a plurality of base res for accessing respective base switch interfaces and wherein each base aperture has a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed thereover.

3. A base unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of base apertures has the same flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed thereover.

4. A base unit as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a base unit switch part, comprising the base switch interface, connected to the base unit.

5. A base unit as d in any one of claims 3 or 4 wherein each of the plurality of base apertures has a respective base switch interface connected to the base unit.

6. A base unit as d in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet is supported by a support frame and the support frame is connected to the base unit.

7. A base unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the base unit comprises a grid plate.

8. A system comprising: the base unit of any one of claims 1 to 7; and a cover unit connected to the base unit, the cover unit comprising at least one cover switch interface for interfacing with a corresponding base unit interface of the base unit.

9. A base unit switch part sing: a base switch interface; a functional part controlled by the base switch interface; and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed over the base switch interface.

10. A cover switch interface comprising: a cover switch interface; and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed over the cover switch interface.

11. A cover unit comprising: a cover switch interface for engaging with a corresponding base unit interface; and a moisture-impermeable sheet disposed over the cover switch interface.

12. A switch assembly comprising: a base unit switch part, the base unit switch part comprising a functional part and a base switch interface for controlling the functional part; a cover switch interface for engaging with the base switch interface; and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed between the cover switch interface and the base switch interface.

13. A system sing: a base unit comprising a base unit switch part comprising a base unit switch part, the base unit switch part comprising a functional part and a base switch interface for controlling the functional part; a cover unit ted to the base unit, the cover unit comprising a cover switch interface for engaging with the base switch interface; and a flexible moisture-impermeable sheet disposed between the cover switch interface and the base switch ace.

14. A method of converting a base unit that is not moisture-resistant into a base unit that is moisture resistant, the method comprising: connecting a le re-impermeable sheet over a base aperture of the base unit.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the step of connecting the flexible moistureimpermeable sheet comprises connecting a sub-assembly comprising a t frame and the flexible re-impermeable sheet to the base unit.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the step of connecting the sub-assembly comprises adhering the sub-assembly to the base unit.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the step of connecting the sub-assembly comprises ultrasonically welding the sub-assembly to the base unit.

18. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the step of connecting the sub-assembly ses snap-fitting the sub-assembly to the base unit.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 comprising removing a cover unit prior to connecting the flexible moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture of the base unit.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19 comprising connecting a cover unit to the base unit after connecting the le moisture-impermeable sheet over the base aperture of the base unit. " ! % & % & %