CA1242236A - Toggle switch remote operator - Google Patents
Toggle switch remote operatorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1242236A CA1242236A CA000453183A CA453183A CA1242236A CA 1242236 A CA1242236 A CA 1242236A CA 000453183 A CA000453183 A CA 000453183A CA 453183 A CA453183 A CA 453183A CA 1242236 A CA1242236 A CA 1242236A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- actuating member
- toggle switch
- cover member
- finger piece
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- H01H23/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
- H01H23/14—Tumblers
- H01H23/141—Tumblers provided with extensions, e.g. for actuation by a child
Landscapes
- Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The device comprises a cover member adapted to fit over a toggle switch and an elongated vertically displaceable actuating member housed in the cover member with the upper end engaging the toggle switch and the lower end disposed at a child's reach to permit remote operation of the switch; a finger piece engages both the cover member and the actuating member and serves as a locking element to block operation of the actuating member to maintain the toggle switch in either the "on"
or "off" positions.
The device comprises a cover member adapted to fit over a toggle switch and an elongated vertically displaceable actuating member housed in the cover member with the upper end engaging the toggle switch and the lower end disposed at a child's reach to permit remote operation of the switch; a finger piece engages both the cover member and the actuating member and serves as a locking element to block operation of the actuating member to maintain the toggle switch in either the "on"
or "off" positions.
Description
23~i FIELD OE THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operating device for electrical toggle switches and, more particu-larly, to a device for the remote opexation of a toggle switch within easy reach of a smaIl child.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Adapters for electric light wall switches for operation by small children are well known. They consist usually of a cover member and of an actuating member ver-tically reciprocable in the cover member to operate the switch button or toggle between 'lonl and "off" positions by a child which grasps the downward extension of the actuating member. Such devices can be found described, for example, in various U.S. patents among which are:
No. 3 077 789 issued February 19, 196.~ to De Lashmutt;
No. 3 825 710 issued July 23, 1974 to Roberts et al.;
and No. 3 839 615 issued October 1, 1974 to Bradford. These devices, although useful, many a child will constantly play with the actuating member thereby continuously flick-ing the lights "on" and "off".
OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF T~E INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to pro-vide a device for the remote operation of a toggle switch, particularly useful for children, but where the actuation o~ the device can be blocked to prevent unwanted use of the device. This is achieved by providing on the device a locking means which will prevent vertical displacement ~2~ 3~3 of the actuating member.
~ he present invention therefore relates to a devlce which comprises: a cover member adapted to cover a toggle switch; means for mounting the cover member over the toggle switch; an elongated vertically recipro-cable actuating member slidably mounted in the cover member, the actuating member having, at the upper end thereof, means for engaging the toggle of the switch and, at the lower end thereof, means for vertically displacing the actuating member to thereby remotely actuate the toggle between the lower and upper positions; and locking means cooperatingly engaging means on the cover member for blocking actuation of the actuating member in either of the said positions to thereby prevent unwanted actua-tion of the toggle switch.
Other ob~ects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that this detailed description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, is given by way of illustration only since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
-For a better understanding of the present inven-tion, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
~2~3~, Figure l is an exploded view of a device made in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the de-vice mounted to a wall;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of the device taken along lines 3~3 of figure 2;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of figure 2; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a finger piece.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawinys, there is shown a conventional electrical switch 10 provided with an attaching bracket 12 to secure the switch to a convention-al outlet box 14. A cover plate which normally overlies the switch is preferably omitted when using the present invention. The bracket 12 is provided with tapped open-ings 16 and 18 usually to receive the screws for mounting the cover plate to the switch but their function associat ed with the present invention is somewhat different and will be described hereinbelow. Switch lO has a toggle 20 which moves between upper and lower positions corres-ponding as conventionally known to respective "on" and "off" positions.
The device according to the present invention includes principally four parts which include a cover member 22, an actuating member 24 and a pair of finger pieces 26 and 28.
The cover member 22 consists of an elongated rectangular body 30 provided, at its upper end, with a rectangular opening 32 and, at the lower end, with a similar rectangular opening 34. A first pair of holes 36 and 38 are disposed on either side of opening 32 and are used to receive fastening means, such as screws 37 and 39 ~shown in dotted lines in figure 3) for mounting the cover plate 30 over the outlet box 14. Another pair of holes 40 and 42 are provided on either side of open-ing 34 and are again adapted to receive fastening means, such as screws 41, for mounting the lower part of the cover member to a wall.
A pair of small vertically spaced rectangular-shaped recesses 44 and 46 are present on one side edge of opening 32, their function will be described hereinbelow in connection with the locking means of the present invention.
The actuating member 24 consists of an elongated rectangular flat bar which is slidably mounted within the rear side of cover body 30. A series of guide members 48 form part of the rear wall of the cover and serve to position vertically and centrally the actuating member 24 inside the body 30. The lower end of the actuating member terminates adjacent opening 34 while its upper end defines a rectangular opening 52 which is in registry with opening 32 and through which e~tends part of the toggle 20 of the electrical switch.The upper end also defines an ~LZ~3~
elongated slot 54 and a U-shaped upper extremity 56 to allow passage of the fastening means 39 and 37 extending through respective holes 38, ]8 and 36l16 of the cover.
Above and below opening 52, horizontally extending bars 58 and 60 form a pair of parallel vertically spaced tracks.
From the rear wall 61 of finger piece 26 (see figure 5) extends a pair of integrally formed vertically spaced projections 62 and 64 which are adapted to cooperatingly engage tracks 58 and 60. Finger piece 26 is preferably made of plastic material so that the pro-jections have some flexibility thereby allowing a snap-engagement with the tracks when pressing the finger piece onto the tracks tas shown in figure 3). Once engaged over the cover member, tracks 58 and 60 protrude opening 32 and extend beyond the front face of the cover. The protrusion of tracks 58 and 60 through opening 32 serves also to limit the reciprocating vertical displacement of the actuating member as to contact the upper and lower edges of the opening 32. From the rear wall 61 of the finger piece 26 also projects a finger 66 which is located slightly to one side thereof and has a shape as to be received in any of recesses 44 and 46.
Finger piece 26 is adapted to slide laterally relative to the cover member as a result of the engagement of its projections 62 and 64 to tracks 58 and 60. The lateral displacements of the finger piece 26 is limited by the opposite ends of tracks 58 and 60 contacting side-~.2~3~
wall 63 of the finger piece or boss 67 on the oppositeside thereoE. From this sliding movement, finger 66 may be moved in and out of a recess 44 or 46 depending on the vertical position of finger piece 26. When finger 66 is slid in a recess, vertical actuation of member 24 with respect to the cover plate is blocked thereby pre-venting actuation of the toggle switch. However/ when the finger piece 26 is moved to the position shown in dotted lines as 26' in figure 4, finger 66 is outside a recess 44, 46; thus, vertical reciprocating movement of the actuating member 24 with respect to the cover plate 22 is permitted to thereby actuate the toggle switch.
From the rear wall 69 of the lower finger piece 28, an integrally formed central part 68 projects through opening 34 and is firmly attached to the lower portion of tne actuating member 24. Various means may be used to secure the finger piece 28 to member 24, such as through an appropriate adhesive 70.
Although the invention has been described above with respect to a specific form, it will be evident to the persons s}~illed in the art that it may be modified and refined in various ways. It is therefore wished to have it understood that the present invention should not be limited into interpretation except by the terms of the following claims.
The present invention relates to an operating device for electrical toggle switches and, more particu-larly, to a device for the remote opexation of a toggle switch within easy reach of a smaIl child.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Adapters for electric light wall switches for operation by small children are well known. They consist usually of a cover member and of an actuating member ver-tically reciprocable in the cover member to operate the switch button or toggle between 'lonl and "off" positions by a child which grasps the downward extension of the actuating member. Such devices can be found described, for example, in various U.S. patents among which are:
No. 3 077 789 issued February 19, 196.~ to De Lashmutt;
No. 3 825 710 issued July 23, 1974 to Roberts et al.;
and No. 3 839 615 issued October 1, 1974 to Bradford. These devices, although useful, many a child will constantly play with the actuating member thereby continuously flick-ing the lights "on" and "off".
OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF T~E INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to pro-vide a device for the remote operation of a toggle switch, particularly useful for children, but where the actuation o~ the device can be blocked to prevent unwanted use of the device. This is achieved by providing on the device a locking means which will prevent vertical displacement ~2~ 3~3 of the actuating member.
~ he present invention therefore relates to a devlce which comprises: a cover member adapted to cover a toggle switch; means for mounting the cover member over the toggle switch; an elongated vertically recipro-cable actuating member slidably mounted in the cover member, the actuating member having, at the upper end thereof, means for engaging the toggle of the switch and, at the lower end thereof, means for vertically displacing the actuating member to thereby remotely actuate the toggle between the lower and upper positions; and locking means cooperatingly engaging means on the cover member for blocking actuation of the actuating member in either of the said positions to thereby prevent unwanted actua-tion of the toggle switch.
Other ob~ects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that this detailed description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, is given by way of illustration only since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
-For a better understanding of the present inven-tion, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
~2~3~, Figure l is an exploded view of a device made in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the de-vice mounted to a wall;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of the device taken along lines 3~3 of figure 2;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of figure 2; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a finger piece.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawinys, there is shown a conventional electrical switch 10 provided with an attaching bracket 12 to secure the switch to a convention-al outlet box 14. A cover plate which normally overlies the switch is preferably omitted when using the present invention. The bracket 12 is provided with tapped open-ings 16 and 18 usually to receive the screws for mounting the cover plate to the switch but their function associat ed with the present invention is somewhat different and will be described hereinbelow. Switch lO has a toggle 20 which moves between upper and lower positions corres-ponding as conventionally known to respective "on" and "off" positions.
The device according to the present invention includes principally four parts which include a cover member 22, an actuating member 24 and a pair of finger pieces 26 and 28.
The cover member 22 consists of an elongated rectangular body 30 provided, at its upper end, with a rectangular opening 32 and, at the lower end, with a similar rectangular opening 34. A first pair of holes 36 and 38 are disposed on either side of opening 32 and are used to receive fastening means, such as screws 37 and 39 ~shown in dotted lines in figure 3) for mounting the cover plate 30 over the outlet box 14. Another pair of holes 40 and 42 are provided on either side of open-ing 34 and are again adapted to receive fastening means, such as screws 41, for mounting the lower part of the cover member to a wall.
A pair of small vertically spaced rectangular-shaped recesses 44 and 46 are present on one side edge of opening 32, their function will be described hereinbelow in connection with the locking means of the present invention.
The actuating member 24 consists of an elongated rectangular flat bar which is slidably mounted within the rear side of cover body 30. A series of guide members 48 form part of the rear wall of the cover and serve to position vertically and centrally the actuating member 24 inside the body 30. The lower end of the actuating member terminates adjacent opening 34 while its upper end defines a rectangular opening 52 which is in registry with opening 32 and through which e~tends part of the toggle 20 of the electrical switch.The upper end also defines an ~LZ~3~
elongated slot 54 and a U-shaped upper extremity 56 to allow passage of the fastening means 39 and 37 extending through respective holes 38, ]8 and 36l16 of the cover.
Above and below opening 52, horizontally extending bars 58 and 60 form a pair of parallel vertically spaced tracks.
From the rear wall 61 of finger piece 26 (see figure 5) extends a pair of integrally formed vertically spaced projections 62 and 64 which are adapted to cooperatingly engage tracks 58 and 60. Finger piece 26 is preferably made of plastic material so that the pro-jections have some flexibility thereby allowing a snap-engagement with the tracks when pressing the finger piece onto the tracks tas shown in figure 3). Once engaged over the cover member, tracks 58 and 60 protrude opening 32 and extend beyond the front face of the cover. The protrusion of tracks 58 and 60 through opening 32 serves also to limit the reciprocating vertical displacement of the actuating member as to contact the upper and lower edges of the opening 32. From the rear wall 61 of the finger piece 26 also projects a finger 66 which is located slightly to one side thereof and has a shape as to be received in any of recesses 44 and 46.
Finger piece 26 is adapted to slide laterally relative to the cover member as a result of the engagement of its projections 62 and 64 to tracks 58 and 60. The lateral displacements of the finger piece 26 is limited by the opposite ends of tracks 58 and 60 contacting side-~.2~3~
wall 63 of the finger piece or boss 67 on the oppositeside thereoE. From this sliding movement, finger 66 may be moved in and out of a recess 44 or 46 depending on the vertical position of finger piece 26. When finger 66 is slid in a recess, vertical actuation of member 24 with respect to the cover plate is blocked thereby pre-venting actuation of the toggle switch. However/ when the finger piece 26 is moved to the position shown in dotted lines as 26' in figure 4, finger 66 is outside a recess 44, 46; thus, vertical reciprocating movement of the actuating member 24 with respect to the cover plate 22 is permitted to thereby actuate the toggle switch.
From the rear wall 69 of the lower finger piece 28, an integrally formed central part 68 projects through opening 34 and is firmly attached to the lower portion of tne actuating member 24. Various means may be used to secure the finger piece 28 to member 24, such as through an appropriate adhesive 70.
Although the invention has been described above with respect to a specific form, it will be evident to the persons s}~illed in the art that it may be modified and refined in various ways. It is therefore wished to have it understood that the present invention should not be limited into interpretation except by the terms of the following claims.
Claims (5)
1. A device for the remote operation of a toggle switch comprising:
- a cover member adapted to cover said toggle switch;
- means for mounting said cover member over said toggle switch;
- an elongated vertically reciprocable actuating member slidably mounted in said cover member, said actuating member having, at the upper end thereof, means for engaging the toggle of said switch and, at the lower end thereof, means for vertically displacing said actuating member to thereby remotely actuate said toggle between said upper and lower positions; and - locking means cooperatingly engaging means on said cover member for blocking actuation of said actuating member in either of said positions to thereby prevent unwanted actuation of said toggle switch.
- a cover member adapted to cover said toggle switch;
- means for mounting said cover member over said toggle switch;
- an elongated vertically reciprocable actuating member slidably mounted in said cover member, said actuating member having, at the upper end thereof, means for engaging the toggle of said switch and, at the lower end thereof, means for vertically displacing said actuating member to thereby remotely actuate said toggle between said upper and lower positions; and - locking means cooperatingly engaging means on said cover member for blocking actuation of said actuating member in either of said positions to thereby prevent unwanted actuation of said toggle switch.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said locking means consist of a finger piece having a rear por-tion extending through an opening in said cover member and engaging said actuating member at said upper end thereof, and of cooperating means on said finger piece and in said opening of said cover member.
3. A device as defined in claim 2 wherein said cooperating means consist of a projection on said rear portion of said finger piece and of a pair of vertically spaced slots in said opening adapted to receive therein said projection for locking said finger piece in two positions corresponding to said upper and lower positions of said toggle switch.
4. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said cover member consists of an elongated body entire-ly covering said toggle switch and said actuating member;
said body having at the lower end thereof an opening for receiving therethrough said means for vertically displacing said actuating member.
said body having at the lower end thereof an opening for receiving therethrough said means for vertically displacing said actuating member.
5. A device as defined in claim 4, wherein said means for vertically displacing said actuating member consists of a finger piece having a rear portion extend-ing through said opening and attached to the lower end of said actuating member.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000453183A CA1242236A (en) | 1984-04-30 | 1984-04-30 | Toggle switch remote operator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000453183A CA1242236A (en) | 1984-04-30 | 1984-04-30 | Toggle switch remote operator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1242236A true CA1242236A (en) | 1988-09-20 |
Family
ID=4127755
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000453183A Expired CA1242236A (en) | 1984-04-30 | 1984-04-30 | Toggle switch remote operator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1242236A (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5374797A (en) * | 1994-03-16 | 1994-12-20 | Mcmillan; John | Switch cover with extension |
| US5380967A (en) * | 1994-02-07 | 1995-01-10 | Steen; Carson D. | Extension actuator for electrical wall switch |
| US5451734A (en) * | 1994-06-21 | 1995-09-19 | Price; Cecil C. | Extension kit for light switches |
| US5577602A (en) * | 1995-10-25 | 1996-11-26 | Glenn C. Conner | Switch extender apparatus |
| US5875886A (en) * | 1997-06-26 | 1999-03-02 | Illumination S.L.E. Inc. | Light switch extension |
| WO2007143790A1 (en) * | 2006-06-15 | 2007-12-21 | Mark Leggett | Remote switch unit |
| PL424426A1 (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2019-08-12 | Norbert Mieczysław Rzepka | Pair of pushbuttons connected with rigid element |
-
1984
- 1984-04-30 CA CA000453183A patent/CA1242236A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5380967A (en) * | 1994-02-07 | 1995-01-10 | Steen; Carson D. | Extension actuator for electrical wall switch |
| US5374797A (en) * | 1994-03-16 | 1994-12-20 | Mcmillan; John | Switch cover with extension |
| US5451734A (en) * | 1994-06-21 | 1995-09-19 | Price; Cecil C. | Extension kit for light switches |
| US5577602A (en) * | 1995-10-25 | 1996-11-26 | Glenn C. Conner | Switch extender apparatus |
| US5875886A (en) * | 1997-06-26 | 1999-03-02 | Illumination S.L.E. Inc. | Light switch extension |
| WO2007143790A1 (en) * | 2006-06-15 | 2007-12-21 | Mark Leggett | Remote switch unit |
| PL424426A1 (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2019-08-12 | Norbert Mieczysław Rzepka | Pair of pushbuttons connected with rigid element |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |