Wall-plate-switch system and method

• US 9,832,841 B2
• Filed: 02/08/2017
• Issued: 11/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Snaprays, LLC
• Original Assignee: Snap RAYS LLC
• Inventors: Knight, Darren Charles, Robinson, Richard Camden
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, PETE T
• Application Number:
  US15/428,099
• Publication Number:
  US 20170208663A1
• Time in Patent Office: 293 Days
• Field of Search: 174 66, 174 67
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/04 Cases; Covers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 15/005 adapted for connection with printed circuit boards
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 21/04 Cases; Covers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 23/04 Cases; Covers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/03 Application domotique, e.g. for house automation, bus connected switches, sensors, loads or intelligent wiring
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/0271 structurally combining a switch and an electronic component for relays H01H50/021
• CPC Class Codes: H02B 1/46 Boxes; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/00 Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/14 Protecting elements, switches, relays or circuit breakers

Abstract

In one example, a wall plate may have or include an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may include a switch and a light sensor supported on a base in the form of a circuit board. A switch cover may cover the light sensor and selectively move with respect to the base through a first range of motion. The switch cover may actuate the switch, when moving through the first range of motion. Additionally, the switch cover may be transparent or semitransparent to enable light to pass through and reach the light sensor regardless of where the switch cover is within the first range of motion.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

an electrical circuit comprising a switch and a light sensor;

a base supporting the switch and the light sensor;

a switch cover covering the light sensor and selectively moving with respect to the base through a first range of motion;

the switch cover actuating, within the first range of motion, wherein the first range of motion is aligned with a first axis and wherein the first axis is parallel to the base and the switch cover being transparent or semitransparent;

wherein the switch includes an actuator that is fit within a gap between two protrusions formed on the switch cover.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the switch, when actuated, selectively moves through a second range of motion;

and the second range of motion is aligned with a second axis.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first axis is parallel to or co-axial with the second axis.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the base is planar in shape.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the switch is a toggle or sliding switch.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a wall;

an electrical fixture mounted to the wall; and

a wall plate interfacing between the wall and the electrical fixture.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the electrical circuit, base, and switch cover form part of the wall plate.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein:

the electrical circuit comprises a light forming part of the wall plate; and

the switch controls a flow of electricity to the light.

9. A system comprising:

a wall;

an electrical fixture mounted to the wall;

a wall plate forming an interface between the electrical fixture and the wall;

the wall plate comprising;

an electrical circuit comprising a switch and a light sensor;

a base connecting the switch to the light sensor;

a switch cover covering the light sensor and selectively moving with respect to the base through a first range of motion wherein the first range of motion is aligned with a first axis and wherein the first axis is parallel to the base;

the switch cover actuating, within the first range of motion, the switch; and

the switch cover being transparent or semitransparent;

wherein the switch includes an actuator that is fit within a gap between two protrusions formed on the switch cover.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the switch, when actuated, selectively moves through a second range of motion;

and the second range of motion is aligned with a second axis.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first axis is parallel to or co-axial with the second axis.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein:

the electrical circuit comprises a light, forming part of the wall plate; and

the switch controls a flow of electricity to the light.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the base is planar in shape.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein:

the switch is a toggle or sliding switch.

15. A method comprising:

tapping, by a wall plate, electrical power from two or more terminals of an installed electrical fixture, the wall plate comprising;

an electrical circuit comprising a switch, a light sensor, and a light, a base connecting the switch to the light sensor, and a switch cover covering the light sensor;

controlling, by at least one of the switch and the light sensor, delivery of the electrical power to the light;

actuating, during the controlling, the switch by moving the switch cover with respect to the base through a range of motion; and

sensing, by the light sensor during the controlling, light passing through the switch cover wherein the range of motion is aligned with a first axis and wherein the first axis is parallel to the base and wherein the switch includes an actuator that is fit within a gap between two protrusions formed on the switch cover.