WO2002061778A1 - Decorative cover for light or power switch - Google Patents

Decorative cover for light or power switch Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002061778A1
WO2002061778A1 PCT/AU2002/000087 AU0200087W WO02061778A1 WO 2002061778 A1 WO2002061778 A1 WO 2002061778A1 AU 0200087 W AU0200087 W AU 0200087W WO 02061778 A1 WO02061778 A1 WO 02061778A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mounting plate
decorative cover
light
side wall
power switch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2002/000087
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert William James
Dianne Joy Zemek
Original Assignee
Robert William James
Dianne Joy Zemek
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert William James, Dianne Joy Zemek filed Critical Robert William James
Publication of WO2002061778A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002061778A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C5/00—Processes for producing special ornamental bodies
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/04—Cases; Covers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/025—Light-emitting indicators

Definitions

  • THIS INVENTION relates to a decorative cover for enhancing the appearance of a mounting plate for light or power switch of the type used in buildings for controlling the supply of mains electricity to the buildings lights or equipment.
  • Mounting plates for light and power switches are typically constructed of a plastics material and take the form of a rectangular block approximately 110mm long by 70mm wide by 10mm deep with the light switch being mounted in the centre.
  • the plates are secured to a wall by a pair of spaced apart screws, one being adjacent each short side and centred there along.
  • spaced apart screws one being adjacent each short side and centred there along.
  • the present invention is aimed at providing a decorative cover for attachment to the mounting plate of light and power switches, which still allows such light and power switches to be actuated in the usual manner.
  • this invention in one aspect resides broadly in a decorative cover adapted to enhance the appearance of the mounting plate of a light or power switch, the decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face, and a side wall extending from the front wall and terminating at an edge adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, the front wall and the side wall together defining a cavity adapted to receive therein the mounting plate with the front face of the mounting plate engaging with the rear face of the front wall, the side wall being adapted to engage at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate, and the front wall having therein an aperture adapted to provide access for operation of the light or power switch.
  • the invention resides broadly in a decorative cover adapted to enhance the appearance of a mounting plate for a light or power switch, the decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face, and a side wall extending from the front wall and terminating at an edge adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, the front wall and the side wall together defining a cavity adapted to receive therein the mounting plate with the front face of the mounting plate engaging with the rear face of the front wall, the side wall being adapted to engage at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate, and the front wall having a portion therein adapted to allow operation of the light or power switch.
  • the decorative cover includes lighting means for illuminating the decorative cover at least in part and adapted to be electrically connected to the light or power switch intended to be mounted in the mounting plate .
  • the invention resides broadly in a method of enhancing the appearance of a mounting plate for a light or power switch, the mounting plate being mounted on a generally upright wall, including: providing a decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face and a side wall extending from the front wall and terminating at an edge adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, the front wall and the side wall together defining a cavity adapted to receive therein the mounting plate with the front face of the mounting plate engaging with the rear face of the front wall, the side wall being adapted to engage at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate, and the front wall having therein an aperture or a portion adapted to provide access to the light or power switch for operation; placing the decorative cover
  • the invention resides broadly in the combination of a mounting plate having a light or power switch mounted therein and a decorative cover, the mounting plate having a front face, a side face and a rear face, and the decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face, and a side wall extending from the front wall, the front wall and the side wall together defining a cavity and the mounting plate being mounted within the cavity with the front face of the mounting plate engaging the rear face of the front wall and the side wall engaging at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate and the side wall terminating at a rear edge lying in the same plane as the rear face of the mounting plate and being adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, and the front wall having a portion therein adapted to allow operation of the light or power switch.
  • the decorative cover takes the appearance of an article associated with the room in which the light or power switch is located, or which is associated with the person or people who utilise the room.
  • the decorative cover may take the form of a tea pot, a saucepan, a cannister, or the like, while in a nursery, a teddy bear, clown, or the like.
  • a boys room it may take the form of a motor car, an aeroplane or the like, or a cartoon character and in a girls room a doll, a fairy, or the like, or a cartoon character.
  • the combination of mounting plate and decorative cover includes lighting means which co-operates with the decorative cover to illuminate it in desired regions.
  • the lighting means may include one or more bulbs or electronic components mounted in the decorative cover and electrically connected to the light or power switch, for example, by a pin mounted on the decorative cover.
  • the decorative cover includes securing means adapted to engage with the side walls of the mounting plate to secure the decorative cover thereto in the desired position.
  • securing means may be used instead of adhesive or in addition to adhesive between the decorative cover and the mounting plate.
  • Fig. 1 is a pictorial representation of a decorative cover in combination with a mounting plate according to the invention, with the mounting plate shown in phantom; and Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the decorative cover of Fig. 1 along line 2-2.
  • the decorative cover 10 illustrated in the drawings is constructed of a lightweight plastics material and has a front wall 11 generally taking the appearance of a teapot, and a side wall 12 extending rearwardly from the front face and fully there around terminating at a rear edge 13 adapted to rest against a wall. It can be seen that the decorative cover being of a thin material forms a rearwardly open cavity defined by the front wall and the side wall.
  • a mounting plate 16 (shown in phantom) is mounted in the cavity and has a light switch 17 mounted centrally therein in known manner.
  • the light switch is accessible through an aperture 18 formed in the front wall of the decorative cover.
  • a portion of the decorative cover in the region of the aperture is of a flexible plastics material which allows the switch to be operated therethrough .
  • the side wall 13 is shaped to engage with the four corner edges 21 to 24 of the mounting plate to hold it in the desired position in which the teapot is upright.
  • the cover may be formed with securing lugs thereabout in suitable locations adapted to engage behind the mounting plate, that is in use, between the mounting plate and the wall to which it is mounted.
  • some adhesive may be applied between the rear face of the front wall and the front face of the mounting plate to secure the decorative cover to the mounting plate either instead of the aforementioned lugs or in addition to them.

Landscapes

  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Abstract

A decorative cover (10) adapted to enhance the appearance of a mounting plate (16) for a light or power switch (17), the decorative cover having a front wall (11) with a decorative front face and a rear face, and a side wall (12) extending from the front wall and terminating at an edge (13) adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, the side wall defining a cavity adapted to receive therein the mounting plate with the front face of the mounting plate engaging with the rear face of the front wall, the side wall being adapted to engage at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate, and the front wall having therein an aperture adapted to provide access to the light or power switch.

Description

DECORATIVE COVER
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
THIS INVENTION relates to a decorative cover for enhancing the appearance of a mounting plate for light or power switch of the type used in buildings for controlling the supply of mains electricity to the buildings lights or equipment.
BACKGROUND
Mounting plates (or cover plates as they are generally known) for light and power switches are typically constructed of a plastics material and take the form of a rectangular block approximately 110mm long by 70mm wide by 10mm deep with the light switch being mounted in the centre. Typically the plates are secured to a wall by a pair of spaced apart screws, one being adjacent each short side and centred there along. However there are other types and shapes of switches to which the invention will have application.
The present invention is aimed at providing a decorative cover for attachment to the mounting plate of light and power switches, which still allows such light and power switches to be actuated in the usual manner.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION With the foregoing in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in a decorative cover adapted to enhance the appearance of the mounting plate of a light or power switch, the decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face, and a side wall extending from the front wall and terminating at an edge adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, the front wall and the side wall together defining a cavity adapted to receive therein the mounting plate with the front face of the mounting plate engaging with the rear face of the front wall, the side wall being adapted to engage at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate, and the front wall having therein an aperture adapted to provide access for operation of the light or power switch.
In another aspect the invention resides broadly in a decorative cover adapted to enhance the appearance of a mounting plate for a light or power switch, the decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face, and a side wall extending from the front wall and terminating at an edge adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, the front wall and the side wall together defining a cavity adapted to receive therein the mounting plate with the front face of the mounting plate engaging with the rear face of the front wall, the side wall being adapted to engage at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate, and the front wall having a portion therein adapted to allow operation of the light or power switch.
Preferably, the decorative cover includes lighting means for illuminating the decorative cover at least in part and adapted to be electrically connected to the light or power switch intended to be mounted in the mounting plate . In yet another aspect the invention resides broadly in a method of enhancing the appearance of a mounting plate for a light or power switch, the mounting plate being mounted on a generally upright wall, including: providing a decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face and a side wall extending from the front wall and terminating at an edge adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, the front wall and the side wall together defining a cavity adapted to receive therein the mounting plate with the front face of the mounting plate engaging with the rear face of the front wall, the side wall being adapted to engage at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate, and the front wall having therein an aperture or a portion adapted to provide access to the light or power switch for operation; placing the decorative cover over the mounting plate so that the rear face of the front wall engages with the front face of the mounting plate with the switch being accessible for on/off operation; and securing the decorative cover to the mounting plate. In still another aspect the invention resides broadly in the combination of a mounting plate having a light or power switch mounted therein and a decorative cover, the mounting plate having a front face, a side face and a rear face, and the decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face, and a side wall extending from the front wall, the front wall and the side wall together defining a cavity and the mounting plate being mounted within the cavity with the front face of the mounting plate engaging the rear face of the front wall and the side wall engaging at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate and the side wall terminating at a rear edge lying in the same plane as the rear face of the mounting plate and being adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, and the front wall having a portion therein adapted to allow operation of the light or power switch.
Preferably, the decorative cover takes the appearance of an article associated with the room in which the light or power switch is located, or which is associated with the person or people who utilise the room. For example, in a kitchen, the decorative cover may take the form of a tea pot, a saucepan, a cannister, or the like, while in a nursery, a teddy bear, clown, or the like. Similarly, in a boys room it may take the form of a motor car, an aeroplane or the like, or a cartoon character and in a girls room a doll, a fairy, or the like, or a cartoon character.
Preferably, the combination of mounting plate and decorative cover includes lighting means which co-operates with the decorative cover to illuminate it in desired regions. The lighting means may include one or more bulbs or electronic components mounted in the decorative cover and electrically connected to the light or power switch, for example, by a pin mounted on the decorative cover.
Preferably, the decorative cover includes securing means adapted to engage with the side walls of the mounting plate to secure the decorative cover thereto in the desired position. Such securing means may be used instead of adhesive or in addition to adhesive between the decorative cover and the mounting plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect, the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Fig. 1 is a pictorial representation of a decorative cover in combination with a mounting plate according to the invention, with the mounting plate shown in phantom; and Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the decorative cover of Fig. 1 along line 2-2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The decorative cover 10 illustrated in the drawings is constructed of a lightweight plastics material and has a front wall 11 generally taking the appearance of a teapot, and a side wall 12 extending rearwardly from the front face and fully there around terminating at a rear edge 13 adapted to rest against a wall. It can be seen that the decorative cover being of a thin material forms a rearwardly open cavity defined by the front wall and the side wall.
A mounting plate 16 (shown in phantom) is mounted in the cavity and has a light switch 17 mounted centrally therein in known manner. The light switch is accessible through an aperture 18 formed in the front wall of the decorative cover. In another embodiment, instead of having the aperture 18, a portion of the decorative cover in the region of the aperture is of a flexible plastics material which allows the switch to be operated therethrough . The side wall 13 is shaped to engage with the four corner edges 21 to 24 of the mounting plate to hold it in the desired position in which the teapot is upright. If desired the cover may be formed with securing lugs thereabout in suitable locations adapted to engage behind the mounting plate, that is in use, between the mounting plate and the wall to which it is mounted. If desired, some adhesive may be applied between the rear face of the front wall and the front face of the mounting plate to secure the decorative cover to the mounting plate either instead of the aforementioned lugs or in addition to them.
While the foregoing description has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, all modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as defined by the appended claims .

Claims

1. A decorative cover adapted to enhance the appearance of a mounting plate for a light or power switch, the decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face, and a side wall extending from the front wall and terminating at an edge adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, the side wall defining a cavity adapted to receive therein the mounting plate with the front face of the mounting plate engaging with the rear face of the front wall, the side wall being adapted to engage at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate, and the front wall having therein an aperture adapted to provide access to the light or power switch.
2. A decorative cover adapted to enhance the appearance of a mounting plate for a light or power switch, the decorative cover having a front wall with a decorative front face and a rear face, and a side wall extending from the front wall and terminating at an edge adapted to engage with a wall on which the mounting plate is intended to be mounted, the side wall defining a cavity adapted to receive therein the mounting plate with the front face of the mounting plate engaging with the rear face of the front wall, the side wall being adapted to engage at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate, and the front wall having a portion therein adapted to allow operation of the light or power switch.
3. A decorative cover according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 , having the appearance of an article associated with the room in which the light or power switch is located.
4. A decorative cover according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, having the appearance of an article which is associated with the person or people who utilise the room in which the light or power switch is located.
5. A decorative cover according to any one of the preceding claims including securing means adapted to engage with the side walls of the mounting plate to secure the decorative cover thereto in the desired position.
6. A decorative cover according to any one of the preceding claims including lighting means for illuminating the decorative cover at least in part and adapted to be electrically connected to the light or power switch intended to be mounted in the mounting plate.
7. In combination, a mounting plate having a light or power switch mounted therein and a decorative cover according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, the mounting plate having a front face, a side face and a rear face and being mounted within the cavity of the decorative cover with the front face of the mounting plate engaging the rear face of the front wall of the decorative cover and the side wall of the decorative cover engaging at least in part with the side wall of the mounting plate to locate the decorative cover in a desired position relative to the mounting plate and the side wall of the decorative cover terminating at a rear edge lying in the same plane as the rear face of the mounting plate .
8. A combination according to Claim 7, including lighting means adapted to illuminate the decorative cover at least in part .
9. A combination according to Claim 8, wherein said lighting means is electrically connected to the on side of the light or power switch mounted in the mounting plate.
10. A combination according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the decorative cover includes securing means adapted to engage with the side walls of the mounting plate to secure the decorative cover thereto in the desired position.
11. A method of enhancing the appearance of a mounting plate for a light or power switch, the mounting plate being mounted on a vertical wall, including: providing a decorative cover according to any one of Claims 1 to 6; placing the decorative cover over the mounting plate so that the rear face of the front wall engages with the front face of the mounting plate with the switch being accessible for on/off operation; and securing the decorative cover to the mounting plate.
12. A method according to Claim 11, wherein the decorative cover is secured to the mounting plate by adhesive.
13. A decorative cover as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .
14. A combination of a decorative cover and a mounting plate as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .
PCT/AU2002/000087 2001-01-31 2002-01-30 Decorative cover for light or power switch WO2002061778A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPR2800 2001-01-31
AUPR2800A AUPR280001A0 (en) 2001-01-31 2001-01-31 Decorative cover

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002061778A1 true WO2002061778A1 (en) 2002-08-08

Family

ID=3826826

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2002/000087 WO2002061778A1 (en) 2001-01-31 2002-01-30 Decorative cover for light or power switch

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AUPR280001A0 (en)
WO (1) WO2002061778A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2380858A (en) * 2001-10-03 2003-04-16 Daniel Unthank Decorative light switch
GB2420229A (en) * 2004-11-15 2006-05-17 Seamus Meegan A decorative light switch cover
US10030859B2 (en) 2016-12-15 2018-07-24 Guy Langlois Animated light switch system

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2916733A (en) * 1957-07-26 1959-12-08 Hirsch Wilbert Cover for electric wiring and outlet
AU6691381A (en) * 1980-10-09 1981-05-14 H.P.M. Industries Pty Limited Mounting/facia plate for electrical fittings
US4731511A (en) * 1986-10-01 1988-03-15 Budd Steinhilber Decorative wall plates and slider caps for toggle-type electrical switches
US5165042A (en) * 1990-08-21 1992-11-17 Klinger Harry E Cover plate apparatus for electrical outlet
US5675125A (en) * 1996-02-12 1997-10-07 American Tack & Hardware Co., Inc. Screwless outlet box covering
US5900584A (en) * 1997-05-06 1999-05-04 Cady; James L. Enlarged wall switch plate

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2916733A (en) * 1957-07-26 1959-12-08 Hirsch Wilbert Cover for electric wiring and outlet
AU6691381A (en) * 1980-10-09 1981-05-14 H.P.M. Industries Pty Limited Mounting/facia plate for electrical fittings
US4731511A (en) * 1986-10-01 1988-03-15 Budd Steinhilber Decorative wall plates and slider caps for toggle-type electrical switches
US5165042A (en) * 1990-08-21 1992-11-17 Klinger Harry E Cover plate apparatus for electrical outlet
US5675125A (en) * 1996-02-12 1997-10-07 American Tack & Hardware Co., Inc. Screwless outlet box covering
US5900584A (en) * 1997-05-06 1999-05-04 Cady; James L. Enlarged wall switch plate

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2380858A (en) * 2001-10-03 2003-04-16 Daniel Unthank Decorative light switch
GB2380858B (en) * 2001-10-03 2006-04-19 Daniel Unthank A switch arrangement
GB2420229A (en) * 2004-11-15 2006-05-17 Seamus Meegan A decorative light switch cover
US10030859B2 (en) 2016-12-15 2018-07-24 Guy Langlois Animated light switch system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AUPR280001A0 (en) 2001-02-22

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