Abstract:
A switch attachment for visual enhancement utilizing photoluminescent material. The invention incorporates photoluminescent material into devices for locating switches in low light conditions. The invention is embodied by attachments to switch assemblies, which utilize existing structures for attachment, or by the use of adhesives. The photoluminescent material is incorporated directly into the invention or is painted on or dyed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/202,512 filed on Jul. 23, 2002 which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/307,203 filed on Jul. 23, 2001, the disclosures of which applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to devices for locating switches. More particularly, this invention relates to devices for locating switches during dark and/or low light conditions. 
         [0003]    A recurring problem of modern life is to readily locate switches, and particularly a light switch, when the surrounding area is dark. Conventional techniques which have been employed to assist in locating light switches have involved illuminating the switches with low level light and/or directing a low level light to the area of the switch panel. While such devices have functioned in an advantageous fashion to facilitate location of a switch during low light conditions, a principal deficiency for such devices resides in the fact that such switches require a constant current and, therefore, are not energy efficient. Another problem with such devices is that they do entail installation time and cost, which in some cases mitigates against employing such devices. The present invention generally incorporates materials, which have the property of photoluminescence. Photoluminescence is a property in which light exposure causes the material to fluoresce and/or phosphoresce. This photoluminescence property can cause materials to glow in the dark. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Briefly stated, the invention in a preferred form is a new and improved device, which may be relatively easily mountable in conjunction with a light switch to provide a ready means for locating the switch in dark conditions through the use of photoluminescent materials. 
         [0005]    Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved means for readily locating a light switch during dark conditions which does not require electrical power or a battery power source since it incorporates the use of photoluminescent material. 
         [0006]    Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved device, which can be manufactured and installed in an efficient and low cost manner to provide a highly reliable device for locating a light switch. 
         [0007]    The invention achieves the above stated objectives by the utilization of photoluminescent materials. The photoluminescent material may be molded or otherwise formed into structures that can be incorporated in or affixed to existing structures associated with switch assemblies. The photoluminescent material may also be painted, dyed, or otherwise coated or impregnated in or onto materials. The materials may be fixed through existing mechanical structure or adhesive means to the switch assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment of a switch enhancement device installed on a light switch plate in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a second embodiment of a switch enhancement device installed on a light switch plate in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a third embodiment of a switch enhancement device installed on a light switch plate in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a switch enhancement device installed on a light switch plate in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5   a  through  5   c  are front views of various designs of switch enhancement devices, each of which are installed on a light switch plate in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6   a  through  6   f  are front views of various designs, each of which are installed on a portion of a light switch plate in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are front views of animal designs, each of which can be installed on a portion of a light switch plate in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are front views of a ships wheel design and a sign design carrying a trade name on it, each of which can be installed on a portion of a light switch plate in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the figures, a switch enhancement device in accordance with the present invention may be configured in several different embodiments. The inventive switch enhancement device is easily installed to an existing light switch and functions as a switch locator by emitting a glow without requiring any electrical power. 
         [0017]    The switch device  10  in one preferred form is a plate, which replaces or slips over a conventional switch plate  100  which may have numerous forms and functions. It should be understood that switch plate  100  as illustrated is representative of numerous forms and configurations and should not be deemed a limitation of the invention. The plate  10  is made from a photoluminescent material. The switch plate  10  includes a pair of recessed openings  12  which are spaced a distance equal to the fastener openings  102  of the conventional switch plate  100 . The switch plate  100  has an enlarged central aperture  14  which is dimensioned to slip over and around the conventional light switch toggle or actuator  104 . The plate may be relatively easily mounted in place by removing the conventional threaded fasteners  106  which secure the switch plate  100  in position, inserting fasteners  106  through the openings  12  and securing the fasteners  106  to the threaded anchors (not illustrated) of the switch assembly. 
         [0018]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , a second switch enhancement embodiment  20  is configured in the form of a flat circular disc or washer which includes a central opening  22 . The conventional threaded screw  106  of the switch plate is removed and the fastener is inserted through the opening so that the fastener head captures the washer  20  and secures it in position against the switch plate  100 . Preferably, two photoluminescent washers  20  are employed. This embodiment may be modified so that the area surrounding the central opening is shaped to resemble a variety of objects, such as but not limited to, animals, vehicles, structures, and the like. 
         [0019]    A third embodiment of a light switch enhancement device in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 3  as device  30 . Device  30  is also manufactured from photoluminescent material. The device  30  includes an adhesive backing (not illustrated) and is configured in a frame like structure which includes a central aperture  32  which fits around a conventional light switch toggle or actuator  104 . The device  30  may be easily installed on the light switch by pressing it against the switch plate. 
         [0020]    The composite material which may be employed for each of the embodiments  10 ,  20 ,  30  is a plastic material which contains a photoluminescent pigment. One such pigment is marketed under the LumiNova® name by United General and Chemical Corporation, 110 Valley Brook Avenue, Lindhurst, N.J. 07071. Such a pigment is added into the plastic material. During dark conditions, the material will glow and accordingly, the light switch may be located during dark conditions. 
         [0021]    It will be appreciated that the locator device may also be formed into various additional devices such as zipper pulls and tags (not illustrated). The products may be injection-molded products which can be manufactured in a highly cost-effective manner. 
         [0022]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a fourth embodiment of the switch enhancement device  40  is a tape or film printed with photoluminescent ink and fastened to the switch plate by adhesive (not illustrated). The tape  40  may include arrows  42  or other locating indices formed by the photoluminescent ink. 
         [0023]    Alternatively, the tape may also be printed with photoluminescent ink which forms a frame (with a cutout) to be placed around the switch actuator or toggle. 
         [0024]    Alternatively, the switch plate  100  may be impregnated with photoluminescent pigments or a central rim of pigment around the inner circumferential border surrounding the switch toggle or actuator. 
         [0025]    In one preferred embodiment the switch plate  100  may be formed from photoluminescent material or be painted or dyed with photoluminescent material. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c , a modified embodiment of switch device  10  may be configured in various fanciful design embodiments  10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c  these switch devices are each secured to the conventional switch plate via the switch plate fasteners  106 . In this regard, each of the switch plates  10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c  includes an enlarged central aperture  14   a ,  14   b  and  14   c  which as mentioned, to slip over and around the conventional light switch toggle or actuator  104 . In addition, each of switch plates  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  includes a pair of recessed openings  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c , which are, spaced a distance equal to the fastener openings  102  of the conventional switch plate. Each of the switch devices  10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c  is formed from a photoluminescent material and therefore, facilitates location of the light switch. 
         [0027]    With reference to  FIGS. 6   a  through  6   f , switch enhancement embodiments  20   a  through  20   f  are similar in function to that of switch enhancement  20 , but are further configured in the form of fanciful designs. Each of the switch enhancement devices includes a central opening  22   a  through  22   f  which is dimensioned to received the switch plate fastener for securing the locator device to the switch plate. The switch enhancement devices  6   a  through  6   f  are also formed from a photoluminescent material and accordingly, the devices also function to facilitate location of the switch. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , switch enhancement embodiments  20   g  and  20   h  are similar in function to that of switch enhancement  20 , but are further configured in the form of animal designs. 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , switch enhancement embodiments  20   i  and  20   j  are similar in function to that of switch enhancement  20 , but are further configured in the form of a ships wheel,  20   i , and a sign bearing a trade name  20   j.    
         [0030]    It should be appreciated that numerous possible designs of the light switch enhancement devices in accordance with the present invention may be provided.