DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical switch assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mounting plate of an electrical switch assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical switches are employed for operating a wide range of appliances by controlling a flow of current to such appliances. In addition, the electrical switches are employed in electrical circuits to divert or interrupt the flow of current toward the appliances, thereby switching ON or switching OFF such appliances.

[0003] Typically, an existing switch assembly includes an operating panel, a rocker assembly, a housing, a frame, etc. The operating panel is adapted to be pivotally moved relative to the housing and the frame, upon applying a pushing force on the operating panel. The operating panel is adapted to be pressed/pushed to move the rocker of an electrical switch assembly. The rocker assembly is adapted to be pivotally moved to operate the electrical switch assembly in an ON-state and an OFF-state.

[0004] For instance, the current design employs a separate cover plate to facilitate the positioning of the operating panel with the rocker assembly. Such a design includes more number of parts and the frame utilizes a major portion of the face of the electrical switch assembly making the electrical switch assembly less aesthetically pleasing.

[0005] Hence, in view of the above, there is an immense need for a configuration of the switch assembly which eliminates the above-mentioned problem while electrically ensuring the safety of the user.

SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to an electrical switch assembly including at least one rocker assembly, at least one operating panel adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker assembly, and a mounting plate adapted to support the at least one rocker assembly and the at least one operating panel. Further, the mounting plate is adapted to couple the electrical switch assembly with a metal box. Also, the mounting plate of the electrical switch assembly is compatible with the metal box thereby eliminating any need for a separate mounting fixture and the mounting plate may be installed on the wall/any mounting surface through the metal box making the mounting plate universally implementable with the metal box .

[0008] The mounting plate includes a pair of longitudinal sides disposed parallel to one another, and a pair of lateral ends disposed parallel and spaced apart from one another and adapted to extend between the pair of longitudinal sides. The each of the pair of the longitudinal sides includes at least one enclosure extending along a thickness of the longitudinal side to facilitate the abutment and the resting of the operating panel.

[0009] In another embodiment, the mounting plate for an electrical switch assembly includes a pair of longitudinal sides disposed parallel to one another, and a pair of lateral ends disposed parallel and spaced apart from one another and adapted to extend between the pair of longitudinal sides. The each of the pair of the longitudinal sides includes at least one enclosure extending along a thickness of the longitudinal side to facilitate the abutment and the resting of an operating panel of the electrical switch assembly.

[0010] The mounting plate of the electrical switch assembly is now explained. The mounting plate facilitates the mounting of the electrical switch assembly on the metal box thereby facilitating the mounting of the electrical switch assembly on the wall. In addition, the mounting plate of the electrical switch assembly is universal and facilitates the mounting on the standardized metal boxes. Also, with the improved design of the operating panel, the mounting plate facilitates the mounting of the operating panel thereby reducing any tolerance in the electrical switch assembly. Further, the electrical switch assembly is without a frame and the operating panel defines the complete face of the electrical switch assembly thereby improving the aesthetic quality, finish, and appearance of the electrical switch assembly.

[0011] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates an assembled view of an electrical switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the electrical switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view depicting the electrical switch assembly and a metal box, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a front-perspective view of the mounting plate of the electrical switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a rear-perspective view of the mounting plate of the electrical switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a planar view of an embodiment of a mounting plate of the electrical switch assembly, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale.

[0020] Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0022] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0023] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

[0024] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0025] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0026] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[0027] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1 to Figure 3, an assembled view of an electrical switch assembly 100 is shown. The electrical switch assembly 100 may be employed to a switch-ON or a switch-OFF condition by an operator for an electrical appliance. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates an assembled view of the electrical switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the electrical switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view depicting the electrical switch assembly 100 and a metal box 200, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] The electrical application for the electrical switch assembly 100 may include, but is not limited, to a doorbell switch, a machine switch, an emergency switch, or any other electrical switching application, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031] The present disclosure discloses the electrical switch assembly 100 which may be employed in houses, corporate buildings, and similar premises for operating various electronic devices and electrical appliances, such as household appliances, laptops, computers, etc. Further, the electrical switch assembly 100 may be employed to switch ON and/or switch OFF an operation of the electrical appliances or the electronic devices. The electrical switch assembly 100 may be adapted to be mounted on an installation surface, for example, a wall, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to Figure 3, the electrical switch assembly 100 may include but is not limited to, at least one rocker assembly 102 and at least one operating panel 104. In an embodiment, the at least one rocker assembly 102 may be supported on a mounting plate 106, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] In an embodiment, the at least one operating panel 104 may be supported by the at least one rocker assembly 102. Further, the at least one operating panel 104 may be attached to the mounting plate 106. In an embodiment, a plurality of cover strips 108 may be disposed adjacent to the at least one operating panel 104. Further, the plurality of cover strips 108 may be adapted to cover an area adjacent to the at least one operating panel 104 to ensure the safety of a user.

[0034] In an embodiment, the at least one operating panel 104 may be embodied in a rectangular shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the at least one operating panel 104 may be embodied in any other shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] In addition, the electrical switch assembly 100 is adapted to be positioned/installed inside a metal box 200 to facilitate the positioning/installation of the electrical switch assembly 100 within a wall or any other structure, such as a movable structure or a fixed structure. In addition, as per the standards followed by the electrical switches, the electrical switch assembly 100 is adapted to be rested/positioned inside the metal boxes 200 of predetermined shape, size, and configuration. Also, the mounting plate 106 of the electrical switch assembly 100 is compatible with the metal box 200 thereby eliminating any need for a separate mounting fixture and the mounting plate 106 may be installed on the wall/any mounting surface through the metal box 200 making the mounting plate 106 universally implementable with the metal box 200.

[0036] Further, the rocker assembly 102 is adapted to partially rest within the mounting plate 106 and adapted to partially rest outwardly from the mounting plate 106 to facilitate the positioning of the one or more operating panels 104. In addition, the mounting plate 106 is adapted to fix within the metal box 200 to facilitate the positioning of the electrical switch assembly 100 within the wall.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4 to Figure 5, an embodiment of the mounting plate 106 of the electrical switch assembly 100 is shown. Referring to Figure 6, a planar view of an embodiment of a mounting plate 106’ of the electrical switch assembly 100 is shown, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Further, Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the mounting plate 106 of the electrical switch assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the mounting plate 106 of the electrical switch assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the mounting plate 106 defines a rectangular shape configuration. In another embodiment, the mounting plate 106 may define any other shape configuration such as a square-shaped configuration, a circular shape configuration, or any other shape configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] As shown, the mounting plate 106 may include a pair of longitudinal sides 110 disposed parallel and spaced apart from one another. In an example, the pair of longitudinal sides 110 may include a first longitudinal side 110a and a second longitudinal side 110b disposed parallel and spaced apart from the first longitudinal side 110a. In addition, the mounting plate 106 may include a pair of lateral ends 112 disposed parallel and spaced apart from one another and adapted to extend between the pair of longitudinal sides 110a, 110b.

[0041] In an example, the pair of lateral ends 112 may include a first lateral end 112a and a second lateral end 112b disposed parallel and spaced apart from the first lateral end 112a. The two lateral ends 112a, 112b are disposed between the two longitudinal sides 110a, 110b. In an embodiment, the mounting plate 106 is made of but not limited to a plastic material, a thermoplastic material, a polycarbonate, or any other insulating material without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0042] Further, the mounting plate 106 may include a first surface 114 adapted to face toward the rocker assembly 102 and the operating panel 104. Furthermore, the mounting plate 106 may include a second surface 116 disposed opposite to the first surface 114 and adapted to face towards the metal box 200 or the wall.

[0043] As shown, the first surface 114 of the mounting plate 106 may include a protruding boundary 118 extending inwardly offset from the first longitudinal side 110a, the second longitudinal side 110b, the first lateral end 112a, and the second lateral end 112b. the protruding boundary 118 is adapted to protrude outwardly from the first surface 114 of the mounting plate 106 to facilitate the sealing of the mounting plate 106 within the metal box 200. In an embodiment, while installing the mounting plate 106 with the operating panel 104 a pair of edges 104a, 104b of the operating panel 104 is adapted to abut the protruding boundary 118.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the first surface 114 of the pair of longitudinal sides 110 includes at least one enclosure 120 extending along the longitudinal sides 110. The enclosure 120 facilitates the abutment and the resting of the operating panel 104. In an embodiment, a contour of the enclosure 120 is aligned with a contour of the operating panel 104 to facilitate the resting of the operating panel 104 within the enclosure 120.

[0045] In an example, the first longitudinal side 110a may include a plurality of enclosures 120a extending along a length of the first longitudinal side 110a facilitating the abutment and the resting of the operating panel 104 once the operating panel 104 is positioned in the off-state. In addition, the second longitudinal side 110b may include a plurality of enclosures 120b extending along a length of the second longitudinal side 110b facilitating the abutment and the resting of the operating panel 104 once the operating panel 104 is positioned in the off-state.

[0046] Further, each of the plurality of enclosure 120 may include a cut-out portion 122 extending along a thickness of each of the longitudinal sides 110. In addition, each of the plurality of enclosure 120 may include a protruding portion 124 protruding orthogonally along a periphery of each of the cut-out portion 122 to facilitate the resting of the operating panel 104. In an embodiment, the each of the protruding portions 124 defines a rectangular-shaped configuration extending orthogonally outwardly along the periphery of the cut-out portion 122. In an embodiment, the plurality of enclosures 120 disposed on the two opposite longitudinal sides 110a, 110b is adapted to rest between the pair of edges 104a, 104b of the operating panel 104.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the each of the protruding portions 124 may include a longitudinal member 126 disposed along a length of the protruding portion 124. In an embodiment, the length of a longitudinal member 126 is greater than a length of the rectangular protrusion to facilitate the resting of the operating panel 104 within the protruding portions 124.

[0048] In an embodiment, during the pivotal movement of the operating panel 104 for facilitating the actuation of the rocker assembly 102, an edge of the operating panel 104 is adapted to rest on the protruding boundary 118. In an embodiment, while the operating panel 104 is in the off-state, the edge 104a of the operating panel 104 is positioned over a portion of the protruding boundary 118 proximate to the first longitudinal side 110a. In an embodiment, while the operating panel 104 is in an on-state, the edge 104b of the operating panel 104 is positioned over a portion of the protruding boundary 118 proximate to the second longitudinal side 110b.

[0049] The mounting plate 106’ shown in Figure 6 is functionally similar to the mounting plate 106 shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. Also, the mounting plate 106 defines the same elements as that of the mounting plate 106. However, a length of a first longitudinal side 110a’, and a length of the second longitudinal side 110b’ of the mounting plate 106’ is greater than a length of the first longitudinal side 110a, and a length of the second longitudinal side 110b of the mounting plate 106.

[0050] The increased length of the first longitudinal side 110a’, and the second longitudinal side 110b’ of the mounting plate 106’ facilitates the positioning of the larger number of enclosures 120 as compared to the mounting plate 106 and facilitates the installation/fitting of the larger number of rocker assembly 102 within the mounting plate 106’. In an illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 106’ is adapted to support the installation of eight rocker assemblies 102 and corresponding eight operating panels 104, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] The advantages of the mounting plate 106 and the electrical switch assembly 100 are now explained. The mounting plate 106 facilitates the mounting of the electrical switch assembly 100 on the metal box 200 thereby facilitating the mounting of the electrical switch assembly 100 on the wall. Also, the mounting plate 106 of the electrical switch assembly 100 is compatible with the metal box 200 thereby eliminating any need for a separate mounting fixture and the mounting plate 106 may be installed on the wall/any mounting surface through the metal box 200 making the mounting plate 106 universally implementable with the metal box 200.

[0052] In addition, the mounting plate 106 of the electrical switch assembly 100 is universal and facilitates the mounting on the standardized metal boxes 200. Also, with the improved design of the operating panel 104, the mounting plate 106 facilitates the mounting of the operating panel 104 thereby reducing any tolerance in the electrical switch assembly 100. Further, the electrical switch assembly 100 is without a frame and the operating panel 104 defines the complete face of the electrical switch assembly 100 thereby improving the aesthetic quality, finish, and appearance of the electrical switch assembly 100.

[0053] While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:1. An electrical switch assembly (100) comprising:
a mounting plate (106) adapted to support at least one rocker assembly (102) and at least one operating panel (104) adapted to couple with the rocker assembly (102), the mounting plate (106) is adapted to couple the electrical switch assembly (100) with a metal box (200), the mounting plate (106) comprising:
a pair of longitudinal sides (110) disposed parallel to one another; and
a pair of lateral ends (112) disposed parallel and spaced apart from one another and adapted to extend between the pair of longitudinal sides (110); and
at least one operating panel (104) adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker assembly (102);
wherein each of the pair of the longitudinal sides (110) includes at least one enclosure (120) extending along a thickness of the longitudinal side (110) to facilitate the abutment and the resting of the operating panel (104).

2. The electrical switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the enclosure (120) includes a cut-out portion (122) extending along a thickness of the longitudinal side (110) and a protruding portion (124) protruding orthogonally along a periphery of the cut-out portion (122) to facilitate the resting of the operating panel (104).

3. The electrical switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the protruding portions (124) defines a rectangular-shaped configuration extending outwardly along the periphery of the cut-out portion (122).

4. The electrical switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the protruding portions (124) includes a longitudinal member (126) protruding orthogonally from a length of the protruding portions (124).

5. The electrical switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a length of the longitudinal member (126) is greater than the length of the protruding portion (124).

6. The electrical switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a contour of the enclosure (120) is aligned with a contour of the operating panel (104) to facilitate the resting of the operating panel (104).

7. The electrical switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a protruding boundary (118) inwardly offset from the pair of longitudinal sides (110), and the pair of lateral ends (112), wherein the protruding boundary (118) is adapted to protrude from the mounting plate (106).

8. A mounting plate (106) for an electrical switch assembly (100), the mounting plate (106) comprising:
a pair of longitudinal sides (110) disposed parallel to one another; and
a pair of lateral ends (112) disposed parallel and spaced apart from one another and adapted to extend between the pair of longitudinal sides (110);
wherein each of the pair of the longitudinal sides (110) includes at least one enclosure (120) extending along a thickness of the longitudinal side (110) to facilitate the abutment and the resting of an operating panel (104) of the electrical switch assembly (100).

9. The mounting plate (106) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the enclosure (120) includes a cut-out portion (122) extending along a thickness of the longitudinal side (110) and a protruding portion (124) protruding orthogonally along a periphery of the cut-out portion (122) to facilitate the resting of the operating panel (104), wherein a contour of the enclosure (120) is aligned with a contour of the operating panel (104) to facilitate the resting of the operating panel (104).

10. The mounting plate (106) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the protruding portions (124) defines a rectangular-shaped configuration extending outwardly along the periphery of the cut-out portion (122).

11. The mounting plate (106) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the protruding portions (124) includes a longitudinal member (126) protruding orthogonally from a length of the protruding portions (124), wherein a length of the longitudinal member (126) is greater than the length of the protruding portion (124).

12. The mounting plate (106) as claimed in claim 8, further comprises a protruding boundary (118) inwardly offset from the pair of longitudinal sides (110), and the pair of lateral ends (112), wherein the protruding boundary (118) is adapted to protrude from the mounting plate (106).