US1816803A - Switch plate - Google Patents

Description

July 28, 1931 s, v, FLAGLER 1,816,803

SWITCH PLATE Filed May 16, 1924 Patented July 28, 1931 srmmv v. anem a, or cmoaeo, rumors,

ASBIGNOB, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, 1'0

enoaen LIIPSOHUTZ, on cnmaeo, rumors swrron rm'rn Application filed May 18, 1924. Seriallio. 713,748.

My invention belongs to that general class of devices known as switch plates or the like, and relates more particularly to a non-metallic plate adapted to be used on wall switches and sockets or the like wherever the same may be found applicable. The invention has among its objects the production of a plate of the kind described that is simple, durable, attractive, eflicient and satisa factory for use wherever found applicable. More particularly the same has as an object the production of a plate of the kind described that is not only inexpensive but is particularly ornamental and attractive in 5 appearance, and which will not corrode or tarnish, and may be easily cleaned and kept in such manner that it is always attractive and pleasing to the eye. Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosures herein given.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

Fig. l is a face view of a plate for a two button switch;

Fig. 2 is a similar view of a plate adapted for a socket covering;

Fig. 3 is a similar view of a switch plate for another type of switch;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1, illustrating a portion of a plate;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line 66 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a portion of a gang plate for switches of the type used with plate shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a view in elevation of another plate similar to that shown in Fig. 1, slightly modified in construction;

and formed.

the holes 3 through which the switch buttons may project. As shown, the same is preferably pressed with a slight depression or bevel about the openings 3, as indicated at 4. The same is also provided generally with the two openings or holes through which the securing screws or bolts for fastening the plate on the switch structure may pass. In the particular illustration shown, I have provided metal eyelets 5 at these holes, which form-a satisfactory seat for the screw or bolt heads. These also have another function, to-wit, the securing of the back plate or sheet 6 on the plate, which I prefer to use with some kinds of material. When the material employed is more or less inflammable, such as celluloid or the like, I prefer that the sheet 6 shall be of insulating material such as fibre or the like. When the eyelets are flanged over at the inner side, they securely retain the insulating sheet in lace.

bviously, by making the plate of material such as that described in the manner set forth, the same may be made any desired color or combination of colors, giving a very pleasing, attractive and ornamental appearance. This enables the switch plates to be made so as to harmonize with the woodwork, the wall decorations, or other decorative features in the room. Material such as this will not corrode or tarnish, and may be easily wiped off with a damp cloth so that the same are always clean and sanitary. Where the same harmonize's with the wall finish, the plates are not so prominent that they disfigure and where the same are made to harmonize with the trim or other features in the room, a pleasing efiect is secured.

the decorative eflect,

In the type of plate shown in Fig. 2, the same may be similarly constructed, except 1n this case I have shown a plate with a large opening 8 arranged to register with a socket through which an attachment plug or the equivalent may be inserted. In the construction shown in Fig. 3, the plate 9 is provided with an opening 10 with a depression 11 about the same, this being adapted for use on the rotary snap switch. In Fig. 7, substantially the same construction is shown, except that the plate may be provided with a plurality I of openings 13 or the like similar to the openings in Figs. 1, 2 or 3, making the deyice adapted for a series of switches or gang switch as they are known. This plan is shown with i the openings 14, and also with the beveled edge, as indicated at 15.

In Fig. 8, I have illustrated a plate simllar to that shown in Fig. 1, except in this case the plate may be molded from suitable nonmetallic material, for example, molded glass, and it may be of the desired size and shape and of the desired color or combination of colors. This particular plate 16 is formed with the bevel edge 17 and with the switch button openings 18, 19 representing the holes for the screws. Where the plate is molded, I prefer to use a thicker plate, and generally mold the same with a recess 20 at the back. If desired, although it is not necessary, the fibre insulator 21 may be positioned in the recess. In the case of glass or like material, in order to prevent putting too great a pressure on the plate and thereby possibly breaking the same by tightening up the screws too much, I prefer to insert a bushing preferably of ductile metal with the ends flanged as indicated at 22 and 23. Generally I prefer to make the bushing of a size that it does not tightly fit the walls of the openings so that there, is a space as indicated at 24:. When the screws are turned down tightly, the metallic or ductile bushing can expand and conform to the screw and opening. This will prevent strain on the late, with possible fracturing of the plate. Vith the tumbler type switch, as it is known, the single opening is made in the plate through which the knob passes, the same being usually rectangular in contour. (Otherwise, it corresponds with any of the plates described.

Obviously, this style of plate will not tarnish or corrode, nor will it stain. It may like: wise be easily wiped off with a damp cloth and kept clean and sanitary. It may be made for a series of switches similar to the construction shown in Fig. 7. Regardless of the material used, I generally prefer opaque or translucent material so that the switch mechanism or the like in back will not be seen, or at least not be generally noticeable. The device is particularly adapted for use in connection with fine work such as in fine homes, hotels, clubs, as well as in hospitals where the sanitary feature is of great importance. In the claims where I refer to the same as being of non-metallic material, I Wish to include such material as glass, pyrolin or celluloid, bone, or like materials, which may be either molded or pressed into shape.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described or uses mentioned. I

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A wall plate comprising a backing of fibrous insulating material and a sheet of plastic pyroxylin material super-imposed upon and united to said backing to constitute a facing therefor, said backing and facing being provided with apertures counter-sunk below the surface of the facing.

2. A Wall plate comprising a relatively thin backing of fibrous insulating material and a sheet of plastic pyroxylin material super-imposed upon and united to said backing to const tute a facing therefor, said plate formed with indentations pressed therein whereby a portlon of each identation lies in a plane substantially parallel with the plane of the plate. and an aperture provided in each of sa1d portions.

3. A wall plate comprising a backing of fibrous insulating material and a sheet of plastlc pyroxylin material super-imposed upon said backing to constitute a facing therefor, means comprising tapered tubular bushings for securing the said backing and facing together and adapted to serve as seats for flat-head screws. 1

4. A switch plate comprising a main backing of nonflammable and non-conducting material, and a thin sheet of celluloid material constituting a facing for said backing, said sheet of celluloid material being superimposed upon and united to said backing, thereby providing a switch plate of pleasing external appearance.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto slgned my name.

SIDNEY V. FLAGLER.

, 5 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. l,8l6,803. Granted July 28, 1931, to

SIDNEY V. FLAGLER.

It is hereby certified that the above numbered patent should have been issued to George Lipschutz, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, instead of "George Lipschutz, of Chicago, Illinois", as shown by the records of assignments in this office; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed andsealed this 3rd day of November, A. D. 1931.

, M. J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

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