Illuminated in-line controller

• US 20050045462A1
• Filed: 08/26/2004
• Published: 03/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Allan H. Dykeman
• Original Assignee: Allan H. Dykeman
• Inventors: Dykeman, Allan H.
• Granted Patent: US 7,232,968 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/310
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/0228 Line cord switches
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/161 comprising light emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/18 Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/58 Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip , for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable for flat or ribbon cables H01R12/771

Abstract

This portable device relates to an in-line switch used to illuminate. The switch has a soft glowing light which is visible in a darkened room. Elderly people remove their eyeglasses when resting, and the soft glowing light locates the switch when light is required at bedside.

Claims

1. A portable in-line switching device comprising:

a housing and base of shock resistant material;

a main switch constructed at least in part of a translucent shock-resistant material and received in a surface of the housing;

an illuminating element contained in the housing for providing a source of light emission through the main switch; and

a projection being part of the base defining an aperture for attaching the switching device;

wherein the main switch is connected to a power cord terminating in a dual purpose plug and the main switch is operable between an open and a closed switch position by applying an operative force against at least a portion of the translucent shock-resistant material.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the main switch is a rocker switch.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is fastened to a base.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the main switch is a foot-operated switch.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the main switch is a push button switch.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein the base comprises feet for reducing skidding on external surfaces.

7. The device according to claim 3, wherein the feet are inserted into a plurality of recesses defined in said base.

9. The device according to claim 3, wherein the illuminating element is in electrical communication with the power cord.

10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a second switch constructed at least in part of a translucent material and received in the surface of the housing.

11. The device according to claim 16, wherein the translucent material of the second switch has a different colour from the translucent material of the main switch for distinguishing the second switch from the main switch.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the illuminating element serves as a beacon for a person in a darkened environment.

13. The device according to claim 1 for use in a bed or in a room where an electric fan or an electric heater is being used.

14. The device according to claim 3, wherein the base comprises two pedestals.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the base comprises a raised area for guiding a power cord from the main switch out of the housing.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein the base comprises a first raised serration and the raised area guides the power cord from the main switch over the raised serration out of the housing.

17. The device according to claim 14, wherein the housing defines a second raised serration opposing the first raised serration for securing the power cord when the housing is fastened to the base.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the plane defined by the first and the second raised serration is transverse to the axis of the power cord.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein each of the raised serrations presses on a resilient insulation layer covering the power cord when securing the power cord.

20. The device according to claim 14, wherein the main switch is mounted on the two pedestals.

8. A portable in-line switching device comprising:

a housing constructed of shock-resistant plastic;

a main switch constructed at least in part of a translucent material and received in a surface of the housing; and

an illuminating element contained in the housing for providing a source of light for emitting light through the main switch;

wherein

the main switch is a rocker switch;

the housing is fastened to a base, the base comprising two pedestals;

the base comprises

a projection defining an aperture for attaching the housing to an external object; and

feet for reducing skidding on external surfaces.