DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to switch panel assemblies and more particularly, relates to a collar for a switch panel assembly.

BACKGROUND

Switches are commonly used in a wide range of electronic devices and systems. In many cases, it is important to protect these switches from accidental activation or damage. One approach to achieving this protection is the use of cover panels that can be placed over the switch.

While cover panels can be effective at protecting switches, there are several potential drawbacks to their use. For example, cover panels can reduce the accessibility of the switch, which can be problematic in emergency situations where quick access to the switch is required. Additionally, cover panels can increase the overall cost of the product, add complexity to the switch design, and require more maintenance and cleaning than a standard switch.

There is also the potential for malfunction if the cover panel is not meticulously designed or installed, leading to safety hazards. In some cases, cover panels may be difficult to customize or replace without affecting the functionality of the entire system. Furthermore, cover panels may not always match the design of the switch, which can detract from the overall aesthetics of the product.

Additionally, cover panels may not be environmentally friendly, and the size and shape of the cover panel may limit the size or shape of the switch, which could be problematic if the switch needs to fit within a specific space or device. Finally, the materials used in the cover panel may be less durable than the switch itself, which could lead to wear and tear over time and the need for frequent replacements.

Therefore, there is a need for a switch design that provides protection from accidental activation or damage without the potential drawbacks associated with the use of existing cover panels.

SUMMARY

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 and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a collar for a switch panel assembly is disclosed. The collar includes a frame element having a first interlocking element. The switch panel assembly includes a cover plate having a second interlocking element. The first interlocking element of the frame element is adapted to be removably attached to the second interlocking element of the cover plate to removably attach the frame element to the cover plate of the switch panel assembly.

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

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:

Figure 1a illustrates an isometric view of a collar, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 1b and 1c illustrate different planar views of the collar, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2a illustrates an isometric view of the collar snap fit onto a cover plate, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2b illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the collar snap fit onto the cover plate, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2c illustrates an assembled view of a switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2d illustrates an exploded view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figures 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, and 2i illustrate different planar views of the assembled switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. 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 benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way, 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 such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . . ” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skills in the art.

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 presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms such as 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 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 alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively 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.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1a illustrates an isometric view of a collar 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1b and 1c illustrate different planar views of the collar 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The collar 100 includes a frame element 101. The frame element 101 may be of a rectangular geometrical configuration. Alternatively, the frame element 101 may also be of a square geometrical configuration or a hollow cylindrical geometrical configuration. The geometrical configuration of the frame element 101 may be altered to be compatible with an outer peripheral surface 102b of a cover plate 102 shown in Figure 2a. In an embodiment, the frame element 101 is sized to tightly overlap the outer peripheral surface 102b of the cover plate 102. In an embodiment, the frame element 101 also includes at least one lip portion 101b adapted to overlap the outer peripheral surface 102b of the cover plate 102. The at least one lip portion 101b may be positioned to overlap a top portion of the cover plate 102.

Figure 2a illustrates an isometric view of the collar 100 snap fit onto the cover plate 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2b illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the collar 100 snap fit onto the cover plate 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the frame element 101 includes a first interlocking element 101a and the cover plate 102 includes a second interlocking element 102a that is compatible to receive the first interlocking element 101a. The first interlocking element 101a of the frame element 101 is adapted to be removably attached to the second interlocking element 102a of the cover plate 102. In an embodiment, the first interlocking element 101a may be snap-fit onto the second interlocking element 102a to removably attach the frame element 101 to the cover plate 102 of the switch panel assembly 200. The frame element 101 is of a geometrical configuration adapted to overlap and tightly seal the outer peripheral surface 102b of the cover plate 102. The provision of the collar 100 ensures tight sealing of any apertures or grooves defined in the cover plate 102 thereby preventing dust or particulate matter from entering a switch panel assembly 200 shown in Figures 2c and 2d.

Figure 2c illustrates an assembled view of the switch panel assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2d illustrates an exploded view of the switch panel assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switch panel assembly 200 includes a base plate 103, the cover plate 102, and the collar 100. The collar 100 is removably fastened onto the cover plate 102 as explained in the detailed description of Figures 2a and 2b. In an embodiment, the cover plate 102 is adapted be removably attached to the base plate 103. The cover plate 102 may be made up of a durable and lightweight material, such as plastic or metal, and is designed to be compatible with the base plate 103 and the collar 100.

The cover plate 102 may be disposed on the periphery of the base plate 103. The base plate 103 is adapted to accommodate one or more electrical accessories 104. In an embodiment, the cover plate 102 may be removably fastened to the base plate 103 using one or more fasteners such as screw thread fasteners and provides additional protection to the switch panel assembly 200. In one embodiment, the collar 100 may fit around the cover plate 102 and provides a finished appearance for the switch panel assembly 200. The collar 100 is designed to be compatible with the cover plate 102.

Figures 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, and 2i illustrate different planar views of the assembled switch panel assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switch panel assembly 200 includes the collar 100 snap-fit onto the cover plate 102. In an embodiment, the collar 100 is positioned between the base plate 103 and the cover plate 102. The base plate 103 provides mechanical support and electrical connections for the one or more electrical accessories 104. In an embodiment, the one or more electrical accessories 104 may include, for example, a socket assembly, a switch assembly, etc. In an embodiment, the base plate 103 may be made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic or ceramic. The base plate 103 may include one or more cavities adapted to accommodate the one or more electrical accessories 104. The base plate 103 may also be equipped with electrical terminals or contacts adapted to supply power to the one or more electrical accessories 104.

The collar 100, disclosed herein, is easily installed and removed from the cover plate 102 thereby improving ease of use. Moreover, the collar 100 tightly seals and overlaps the cover plate 102 such that the base plate 103 is not exposed to the environment. Furthermore, the collar 100 ensures tight sealing of any apertures or grooves defined in the cover plate 102 thereby preventing dust or particulate matter from entering the switch panel assembly 200. The installation of the collar 100 provides a finished appearance for the switch panel assembly 200. The collar 100 is designed to be compatible with the cover plate 102 such that no complex modifications need to be made to the existing switch panel assembly 200 thereby further improving ease of use and reducing production costs. Therefore, the collar 100 is cost-effective, user friendly, and aesthetically pleasing.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, 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. A collar (100) for a switch panel assembly (200) comprising:
a frame element (101) comprising a first interlocking element (101a) adapted to be removably attached to a cover plate (102) for attaching the frame element (101) to the cover plate (102) of the switch panel assembly (200).

2. The collar (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover plate (102) is adapted be removably attached to a base plate (103).

3. The collar (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the collar (100) is disposed between the base plate (103) and the cover plate (102).

4. The collar (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base plate (103) comprises at least one of:
at least one cavity for receiving one or more electrical accessories; and
one or more electrical terminals for supplying power to the one or more electrical accessories.

5. The collar (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame element (101) is of a geometrical configuration adapted to overlap and seal an outer peripheral surface (102b) of the cover plate (102).

6. A switch panel assembly (200) comprising:
a collar (100) having a frame element (101) comprising a first interlocking element (101a);
a cover plate (102) comprising a second interlocking element (102a) adapted to receive the first interlocking element (101a) of the frame element (101) to removably attach the frame element (101) to the cover plate (102) of the switch panel assembly (200).

7. The switch panel assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cover plate (102) is adapted be removably attached to a base plate (103).

8. The switch panel assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the base plate (103) comprises at least one of:
at least one cavity for receiving one or more electrical accessories; and
one or more electrical terminals for supplying power to the one or more electrical accessories.

9. The switch panel assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the frame element (101) is of a geometrical configuration adapted to overlap and seal an outer peripheral surface (102b) of the cover plate (102).

10. The switch panel assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the frame element (101) comprises at least one lip portion (101b) adapted to overlap and seal an outer peripheral surface (102b) of the cover plate (102).