Illuminated in-line controller

• US 7,232,968 B2
• Filed: 08/26/2004
• Issued: 06/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Allan H. Dykeman
• Original Assignee: Allan H. Dykeman
• Inventors: Dykeman, Allan H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Friedhofer; Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): KLAUS, LISA NHUNG
• Application Number:
  US10/925,920
• Publication Number:
  US 20050045462A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,027 Days
• Field of Search: 200310-315, 200/339, 200/51.R, 200 5103- 5106, 200/51.11, 200/51.12, 200/293
• 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 illuminated switch. 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, easily operable by physically and visually impaired persons, comprising:

a housing and base of shock resistant material, the housing fastened to the base;

the base comprising feet for reducing skidding on external surfaces, the feet inserted into a plurality of recesses defined in said base;

an illuminated main switch constructed at least in part of a translucent shock-resistant material and received in a surface of the housing, the main switch selected from the group consisting of a rocker switch and a push-button switch; and

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

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 illuminating element is in electrical communication with the power cord.

3. 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.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the translucent material of the second switch has a different color from the translucent material of the main switch for distinguishing the second switch from the main switch.

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

6. 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.