Retrofit remote control device

• US 10,586,667 B2
• Filed: 01/25/2019
• Issued: 03/10/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
• Original Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
• Inventors: Dimberg, Chris
• Primary Examiner(s): Dsouza, Adolf
• Application Number:
  US16/257,134
• Publication Number:
  US 20190157027A1
• Time in Patent Office: 410 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 19/14 Operating parts, e.g. turn knob
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 23/145 the actuating surface having two slightly inclined areas extending from the middle outward
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 3/02 Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 via wireless transmission

Abstract

A control device may be configured to be mounted over a bezel portion of an electrical device and to control a lighting load. The control device may comprise a base portion having planar extensions removably attached or affixed thereto. The planar extensions may be adapted to be received in a gap between a faceplate of the electrical device and the bezel portion for holding the control device against the faceplate. The planar extensions may comprise barbs that allow for insertion of the extensions in the gap, but may bite into the faceplate to hinder removal of the control device. The planar extensions may be defined by a mounting structure that is configured to be received in the gap between the bezel portion and the faceplate. The mounting structure may protrude beyond a front surface of the faceplate.

Claims

1. A control device adapted to be mounted over a bezel portion of an electrical device, the electrical device having a faceplate mounted thereto, the faceplate having an opening through which the bezel portion is received, the opening of the faceplate defining a gap between the faceplate and the bezel portion, the control device comprising:

a wireless communication circuit;

a control circuit configured to transmit a digital message via the wireless communication circuit in response to a user input;

a base portion having a rectangular shape with a top wall, a bottom wall, and opposed sidewalls; and

a plurality of planar extensions that extend from two or more of the top wall, the bottom wall, or the opposed sidewalls of the base portion, the plurality of planar extensions adapted to be received in the gap between the faceplate and the bezel portion.

2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar extensions are configured to allow insertion of the planar extensions in the gap and resist removal of the planar extensions from the gap.

3. The control device of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of planar extensions comprises barbs configured to bite into the faceplate to hinder removal of the control device.

4. The control device of claim 3, wherein the barbs comprise spring-style barbs configured to deflect and slide along surfaces of the opening of the faceplate as the planar extensions are inserted into the gap in a first direction, and bite into the surfaces of the opening of the faceplate when pulled in an opposed second direction.

5. The control device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of planar extensions extend from each of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the opposed sidewalls of the base portion.

6. The control device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of planar extensions are made of metal.

7. The control device of claim 1, further comprising an actuation portion for receiving the user input, wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit the digital message via the wireless communication circuit in response to receiving an indication of an actuation of the actuation portion.

8. The control device of claim 7, wherein the actuation portion is supported by the base portion and is configured to pivot with respect to the base portion.

9. The control device of claim 7, further comprising a rotating portion surrounding the actuation portion and configured to rotate with respect to the base portion, wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit digital messages in response to rotations of the rotating portion.

10. The control device of claim 7, further comprising a carrier configured to support a printed circuit board to which the control circuit and the wireless communication circuit is mounted, and wherein the carrier is connected to the actuation portion and the actuation portion is supported by the base portion.

11. The control device of claim 7, further comprising a light bar configured to visibly display feedback information, the light bar located on or adjacent to the actuation portion.

12. The control device of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to illuminate the light bar to provide the feedback information in response to digital messages received via the wireless communication circuit.

13. The control device of claim 1, wherein the electrical device comprises a mechanical switch having an actuator surrounded by the bezel portion.

14. The control device of claim 13, wherein the control device is configured to be mounted over the actuator to prevent access to the actuator when the actuator is in an on position.

15. The control device of claim 13, wherein the actuator comprises a toggle actuator or a paddle actuator.

16. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control device comprises an input device, and wherein the input device comprises at least one of an actuation portion, a rotating portion, or a touch sensitive circuit.

17. The control device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar extensions are adapted to be received in the gap between the faceplate and the bezel portion for holding the control device against the faceplate.

18. A mounting structure for mounting a control device over a bezel portion of an electrical device, the electrical device having a faceplate mounted thereto, the faceplate having an opening through which the bezel portion is received, the opening of the faceplate defining a gap between the faceplate and the bezel portion, the mounting structure comprising:

a base portion having a rectangular shape with a top wall, a bottom wall, and opposed sidewalls; and

a plurality of planar extensions that extend from two or more of the top wall, the bottom wall, or the opposed sidewalls of the base portion, the plurality of planar extensions adapted to be received in the gap between the faceplate and the bezel portion.

19. The mounting structure of claim 18, wherein the plurality of planar extensions are configured to allow insertion of the planar extensions in the gap and resist removal of the planar extensions from the gap.

20. The mounting structure of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of planar extensions comprises barbs configured to bite into the faceplate to hinder removal of the control device.

21. The mounting structure of claim 20, wherein the barbs comprise spring-style barbs configured to deflect and slide along surfaces of the opening of the faceplate as the planar extensions are inserted into the gap in a first direction, and bite into the surfaces of the opening of the faceplate when pulled in an opposed second direction.

22. The mounting structure of claim 18, wherein the plurality of planar extensions are adapted to be received in the gap between the faceplate and the bezel portion for holding the control device in place.

23. The mounting structure of claim 18, wherein the control device comprises a carrier configured to support a printed circuit board to which a control unit and a wireless communication circuit are mounted, and wherein the carrier is connected to an actuation portion of the control device that is configured to receive a user input, and wherein the actuation portion is supported by the base portion.