Outdoor and/or waterproof switch

An electrical device such as, for example, an electrical switch is disclosed. The switch being arranged and configured to prevent ingress or intrusion of water, dust, or the like from the external environment thus making the switch particularly suitable for use outdoors or indoors where water and dust are expected. In one embodiment, the switch includes a base or housing, an internal actuator positioned within an internal cavity of the base, an external actuator accessible by a user, a barrier layer positioned between the internal actuator and the external actuator, the barrier layer arranged and configured to seal the internal cavity and the internal actuator, and a magnetic coupling arranged and configured to transfer movement of the external actuator to the internal actuator through the barrier layer.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to electrical devices, and more particularly to an electrical switch arranged and configured to prevent ingress of water, dust, or the like from the external environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally speaking, electrical devices such as, for example, electrical switches, dimmers, etc. are well known in the industry. Electrical switches may include a housing for enclosing electrical and/or energized circuitry/components and an actuator accessible by a user for controlling an associated electrical load such as, for example, an actuator for turning a lighting load ON, OFF, etc. As will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, movement of the actuator is generally transmitted to a switching mechanism positioned within the housing for controlling the associated electrical load. For example, moving the actuator from a first or OFF position to a second or ON position may turn the associated electrical load ON. Generally speaking, the actuator is coupled to the switching mechanism through interacting components extending through an opening formed in a front surface of the housing, which allows for water, dust, etc. to enter the housing of the electrical switch and to potentially contact the internal components of the switch including, for example, the energized components, the switching mechanism, etc. potentially rendering the electrical switch inoperative and/or unsafe.

Thus, it would be beneficial to incorporate a mechanism or barrier that completely inhibits any moisture, dust, etc. from the external environment from entering into the housing of the electrical switch. Thus arranged, the electrical switch is ideally suited for use outdoors or indoor environments (e.g., clean rooms, food industry, etc.) where moisture, dust, or the like is expected.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements may be useful.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein is an electrical device such as, for example, an electrical switch. In one embodiment, the electrical switch includes a housing or a base including an internal cavity or volume for housing internal components such as, for example, terminals or leads for receiving power and a switching mechanism for selectively energizing and de-energizing an associated, connected electrical load. The switch further including an internal actuator positioned within the internal cavity of the base, an external actuator accessible by a user, and a barrier positioned between the internal actuator and the external actuator, the barrier arranged and configured to cover an opening of the base to seal the internal cavity and internal actuator from water, dust, etc. The external actuator and the internal actuator including a magnetic coupling arranged and configured to transfer movement of the external actuator to the internal actuator through the barrier layer.

In one embodiment, an electrical device id is disclosed. The electrical device including a base including an opening and a cavity, an internal actuator positioned at least partially within the cavity of the base, an external actuator accessible by a user, a barrier positioned between the internal actuator and the external actuator, the barrier arranged and configured to cover the opening of the base, the barrier configured to seal the cavity to prevent ingress of water and dust, and a magnet coupled to one or both of the internal actuator and the external actuator, wherein the magnet is arranged and configured to magnetically couple the internal actuator and the external actuator, wherein upon movement of the external actuator, the magnetic coupling causes movement of the internal actuator.

In one embodiment, the external actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position and the internal actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein movement of the external actuator between the first and second positions causes the internal actuator to move between its respective first and second positions.

In one embodiment, the electrical device is an electrical switch and the external actuator is one of an external rocker, an external paddle, or a toggle, the external actuator being manually moveable between the first and second positions to selectively energize and de-energize an electrical load coupled to the electrical device.

In one embodiment, the electrical device is an electrical switch, the external actuator is an external slider, and the internal actuator is an internal slider; wherein upon movement of the external slider, the magnetic coupling causes movement of the internal slider between the first and second positions to control an electrical load coupled to the electrical device.

In one embodiment, wherein the electrical device is an electrical switch, the external actuator is a rotary actuator rotatable between the first and second positions to selectively energize and de-energize an electrical load coupled to the electrical device.

In one embodiment, the magnet further includes a first magnet coupled to the external actuator and a second magnet coupled to the internal actuator.

In one embodiment, the magnet further includes first and second magnets coupled to the external actuator and third and fourth magnets coupled to the internal actuator.

In one embodiment, the first magnet is arranged and configured to repel the third magnet and the second magnet is arranged and configured to repel the fourth magnet.

In one embodiment, the first magnet is arranged and configured to attract the third magnet and the second magnet is arranged and configured to attract the fourth magnet.

In one embodiment, the electrical device further includes a frame coupled to the base, wherein the internal actuator is coupled to the base and the external actuator is coupled to the frame.

In one embodiment, the frame and the barrier are integrally formed.

In one embodiment, the electrical device further includes a wall-plate arranged and configured to couple the device to an electrical box, the wall-plate being integrally formed with the frame and the barrier.

In one embodiment, the barrier comprises a film or membrane.

In one embodiment, the magnet is a permanent magnet.

In yet another embodiment, an electrical switch is disclosed. The electrical switch includes a base including an opening and a cavity, a switching mechanism positioned with the cavity, the switching mechanism arranged and configured to selectively energize and de-energize an electrical load coupled to the electrical device, an internal actuator positioned within the cavity of the base, an external actuator accessible by a user, the external actuator moveable between a first position and a second position, a barrier positioned between the internal actuator and the external actuator, the barrier arranged and configured to cover the opening of the base, the barrier configured to seal the cavity, and a magnet coupled to one or both of the internal actuator and the external actuator, wherein the magnet is arranged and configured to magnetically couple the internal actuator and the external actuator, wherein upon movement of the external actuator, the magnetic coupling causes movement of the internal actuator between its first and second positions.

In one embodiment, the magnet further includes a first magnet coupled to the external actuator and a second magnet coupled to the internal actuator.

In one embodiment, the magnet further includes first and second magnets coupled to the external actuator and third and fourth magnets coupled to the internal actuator.

In one embodiment, the electrical switch further includes a frame coupled to the base, wherein the internal actuator is coupled to the base and the external actuator is coupled to the frame.

In one embodiment, the frame and the barrier are integrally formed.

In one embodiment, the electrical switch further includes a wall-plate arranged and configured to couple the switch to an electrical box, the wall-plate being integrally formed with the frame and the barrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Numerous embodiments of electrical devices such as, for example, electrical switches, will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are presented. In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the electrical switch includes one or more mechanisms or layers arranged and configured to provide a barrier to form a seal to prevent ingress of water, dust, etc. from the external environment into an interior cavity or volume of the housing of the electrical switch. In addition, the electrical switch includes one or more mechanisms or systems for transferring force or movement from an external actuator through the barrier layer to the internal components (e.g., switching mechanism) of the electrical switch.

In connection with the present disclosure, the mechanisms, layers, and/or systems may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will convey certain features of mechanisms, layers, and/or systems to those skilled in the art.

As will be described in greater detail below, in various embodiments, an electrical switch arranged and configured to control a load such as, for example, a lighting load, will be described. However, the load may be any load now known or hereafter developed, such as, for example, a lighting load, a motor, a fan, etc. In use, the electrical switch may be arranged and configured to turn the load ON, OFF, or the like. Features of the present disclosure may be used in combination with numerous different embodiments of electrical switches. As such, the features of the present disclosure should not be limited to any particular type or configuration of switch or associated load.

As will be described herein, the electrical switch may include a housing or base (terms used interchangeably without the intent to limit or distinguish) for holding, enclosing, or the like, electrical circuitry and/or internal components, an actuator (e.g., a manual actuator, a rocker, a paddle, a button, a toggle switch, a rotary switch, etc.) accessible by a user for controlling the associated electrical load, a barrier layer arranged and configured to seal the internal components and/or circuitry of the base from the external environment, and a mechanism or system (e.g., magnets) for transferring movement of the actuator to the internal components and/or circuitry through the barrier layer for selectively controlling the associated load. Various types of magnets may be used such as temporary magnets, permanent magnets, electromagnets with cores, or electromagnets without cores.

That is, as will be described in greater detail herein, in one embodiment, the switch includes a plurality of magnets coupled to an exterior actuator, which is accessible by a user, an internal actuator including a plurality of magnets, which when assembled interact with the magnets coupled to the exterior actuator, and a barrier layer positioned between the exterior actuator and the internal actuator, the barrier layer providing a seal against ingress of water, dust, etc. into the interior cavity or volume of the base. In use, the magnets formed on the exterior actuator are arranged and configured to interact through the barrier layer so that when a user manipulates the exterior actuator (e.g., moves or presses the exterior actuator), the exterior actuator drives the internal actuator, which drives the switching mechanism. The barrier layer preventing moisture, dust, etc. from reaching the internal components of the switch, thus allowing the switch to be used outdoors and/or indoors where moisture, dust, etc. are expected.

As will be described in greater detail herein, in one embodiment, the housing may include a base and a frame. In one embodiment, the base forms a cavity or volume for receiving the internal components and/or circuitry including, inter alia, leads or terminals for receiving power and a switching mechanism for selectively energizing and de-energizing the associated electrical load, as will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one or more embodiments described herein, the frame may be integrated with the wall plate and the barrier layer to create a waterproof/dustproof barrier layer to prevent the ingress of water, dust, etc. from the external environment.

The actuator may be any now known or hereafter developed actuator. For example, the actuator could be a rocker, a paddle, a toggle, a button, a rotary switch, etc. (terms used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit) moveable between a first position and a second position.

In use, as will be described and generally illustrated, the electrical switches may be arranged and configured to be mounted to an electrical box such as, for example, a single gang electrical box. However, with reference toFIGS.15A and15B, the electrical switches may be used in a multi-gang electrical box. In a multi-gang configuration, the wall plate may include multiple, distinct, integrated frames, each with their own barrier layer and corresponding distinct external actuators, internal actuators, housings, and internal energized components and wiring methods.

In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the electrical switch incorporates one or more mechanisms or layers arranged and configured to provide a waterproof seal, a dustproof seal, etc. to prevent ingress of water, dust, etc. from the external environment into the internal cavity or volume of the housing. In one embodiment, the barrier layer may be incorporated into an integrated wall plate and frame component. In addition, the electrical switch may include one or more mechanisms for transferring movement of an external actuator to the internal components and/or circuitry of the switch through the barrier layer. For example, in one embodiment, a set of magnets may be associated with the external actuator and a set of magnets may be associated with an internal actuator, which is associated with the internal components. During use, movement of the external actuator is transferred to the internal components via the set of magnets. Thus arranged, movement of the external actuator is transferred through the barrier layer to the internal actuator, and hence internal switching mechanism, thereby enabling an improved waterproof/dustproof seal.

In accordance with the present disclosure, while mechanisms and/or layers for creating a waterproof/dustproof seal and/or mechanisms and/or systems for transferring movement from the external actuator through the waterproof/dustproof seal will be described and illustrated in connection with particular embodiments of the electrical switch, it should be appreciated that mechanisms, systems, and/or layers may be used in connection with any electrical device now known or hereafter developed. As such, while the present disclosure will be described in connection with particular embodiments, the present disclosure should not be limited to any particular type of electrical switch or device unless specifically claimed.

Referring toFIGS.1-6, an embodiment of an electrical switch100according to the present disclosure is shown. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the switch100includes a base110, a frame130, an internal actuator150such as, for example, an internal rocker152, and an external actuator170such as, for example, an external rocker or paddle172.

In one embodiment, the base110may include a front surface112and a rear surface114(FIG.5). In use, as will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the base110includes an interior cavity or volume116(FIG.5) to contain all, or at least portions, of the components and/or circuitry needed for the switch100to receive power and to selectively control (e.g., energize and/or de-energize) an associated electrical load coupled to the switch100(e.g., the base110is arranged and configured to include terminals and/or leads arranged and configured to receive power such as, for example, line-voltage power, and a switching mechanism arranged and configured to selectively energize and de-energize an associated load). For example, as illustrated in the example embodiment, the base110may include terminals118(e.g., line terminals, load terminals, etc.), a strap assembly120, a brush122, a biasing spring124, etc. In use, the construction of the base110including the internal components and/or circuitry housed therein are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, for the sake of brevity, additional discussion on the base110and internal components and/or circuitry thereof, are omitted herefrom. In use, the electrical switch100may include any base110and/or internal components/circuitry now known or hereafter developed. As such, the present disclosure should not be limited to any particular type of base and/or internal components/circuitry unless explicitly claimed.

In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the switch110includes a frame130arranged and configured to contact, engage, etc. the base110. In addition, the frame130may be arranged and configured to couple to the external actuator170such as, for example, pivotably engage the external rocker or paddle172so that the external actuator170can move (e.g., pivot) between first and second positions. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the frame130may be integrally manufactured with a wall-plate132, which is arranged and configured to couple the switch100to, for example, an electrical box. Thus arranged, the wall-plate132is sealed to the frame130to prevent ingress or intrusion of water, dust, etc. into the interior cavity or volume116of the base110.

In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, as best illustrated inFIGS.2,3,6, and7, the frame130includes a barrier layer140arranged and configured to extend across (e.g., cover) the opening to the interior cavity or volume116of the base110(e.g., the barrier layer140is arranged and configured to extend across the opening formed in the front surface112of the base110to cover the interior cavity116of the base110). Thus arranged, with the frame130coupled to the base110, the internal components and/or circuitry housed within the base110are covered by the barrier layer140thereby creating a waterproof and/or dustproof seal over the opening to the interior cavity or volume116of the base110. In accordance with the present disclosure, the integrated frame130, wall-plate132, and barrier layer140may be manufactured from a plastic material. In one embodiment, the integrated frame130, wall-plate132, and barrier layer140may be manufactured from a rigid plastic, a semi-rigid plastic, or a flexible plastic. However, it is envisioned that the integrated frame130, wall-plate132, and barrier layer140may be manufactured from other suitable materials now known or hereafter developed. Thus arranged, the integrated frame130, wall-plate132, and barrier layer140create a waterproof and/or dustproof seal preventing ingress of water, dust, etc. from the external environment. However, this is but one configuration and other configurations may be used. For example, the frame130, the wall plate132, and the barrier layer140may be separately formed and coupled together. In one embodiment, for example, the barrier layer140may be provided as a thin film or membrane. In use, the thin film or membrane could be coupled across the opening of the base to seal the interior cavity or volume of the base110from the external environment.

In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, as best illustrated inFIG.2-6, the switch100also includes an internal actuator150. In use, the internal actuator150is housed within the interior cavity or volume116of the base110. In addition, the internal actuator150is positioned behind the barrier layer140. Thus arranged, the internal actuator150is protected from the external environment by the barrier layer140. In use, the internal actuator150is arranged and configured to interact with the internal components and/or circuitry of the base110so that movement of the internal actuator150between first and second positions selectively energizes and/or de-energizes the associated load. For example, the internal actuator150is arranged and configured to interact with the switching mechanism160(FIG.6) so that movement of the internal actuator150from the first or OFF position to the second or ON position selectively energizes the associated load, and vice-versa, movement from the second or ON position to the first or OFF position, selectively de-energizes the associated load. In one embodiment, the internal actuator150may be pivoted between the first and second positions. In use, pivoting the internal actuator150between the first and second positions moves, for example, the brush122(e.g., switching mechanism) to selectively energize/de-energize the associated load. As illustrated inFIG.8, for reasons that will become apparent below, the internal actuator150may include a pair of pockets154arranged and configured to receive, couple, etc. a pair of magnets200.

In additional, in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, as best illustrated inFIGS.1-6, the switch100also includes an external actuator170. In use, the external actuator170is accessible by a user (e.g., external actuator170can be moved by a user between the first/OFF position and the second/ON position to selectively energize and de-energize the associated load). As illustrated, in one embodiment, the external actuator170may be made accessible to the user by extending through an opening formed in the wall-plate132. In one embodiment, the external actuator170may be pivoted between the first and second positions. In one embodiment, the external actuator170is pivotable coupled to the frame130.

In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, as best illustrated inFIGS.2-6and9, the switch100also includes a mechanism for coupling the external actuator170to the internal actuator150through the barrier layer140. That is, the switch100includes a mechanism for coupling and/or associating the external actuator170to the internal actuator150through the barrier layer140so that movement of the external actuator170from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position moves the internal actuator150from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position, and vice-versa. As illustrated, the mechanism for coupling the external and internal actuators170,150may include a plurality of magnets200. Thus arranged, the external actuator170is coupled to the internal actuator150without any physical connection so that no opening is provided through the barrier layer140to ensure that ingress or intrusion of water, dust, etc. is prevented (e.g., the barrier layer140is devoid of any openings that would allow water, dust, etc. to enter). In use, the magnets200may be coupled to the internal and external actuators150,170via any suitable mechanism now known or hereafter developed including, for example, adhesives. As previously mentioned, the magnets may be received within pockets formed in the front surface of the internal actuator150and the rear surface of the external actuator170.

As illustrated in one embodiment, the switch100may include four magnets200A,200B,200C,200D. In use, the first and second magnets200A,200B may be coupled to the external actuator170. The third and fourth magnets200C,200D may be coupled to the internal actuator150, with the first magnet200A being associated with the third magnet200C and the second magnet200B being associated with the fourth magnet200D. In use, the first and third magnets200A,200C and the second and fourth magnets200B,200D may be arranged and configured to repel each other so that in use, movement of the external actuator170from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position causes the first magnet200A to repel the third magnet200C causing the internal actuator150to move from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position (e.g., movement of the external actuator170from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position causes the first magnet200A to repel the third magnet200C causing the internal actuator150to pivot from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position). Similarly, the second and fourth magnets200B,200D may be arranged and configured to repel each other so that in use, movement of the external actuator170from the second/ON position to the first/OFF position causes the second magnet200B to repel the fourth magnet200D causing the internal actuator150to move from the second/ON position to the first/OFF position (e.g., movement of the external actuator170from the second/ON position to the first/OFF position causes the second magnet200B to repel the fourth magnet200D causing the internal actuator150to pivot from the second/on position to the first/OFF position). Alternatively, the magnets200could be arranged and configured to attract each other.

Thus arranged, in use, the magnets200associated with the external and internal actuators170,150are arranged and configured to drive the internal actuator150via movement of the external actuator170through the barrier layer140(e.g., magnets200transfer movement, actuation, pivoting motion, etc. of the external actuator170to the internal actuator150through the barrier layer140). Movement of the internal actuator150is arranged and configured to drive the switching mechanism160(e.g., brush122) (FIG.6) to selectively energize and/or de-energize the associated load. Meanwhile, by coupling the external actuator170to the internal actuator150via magnets (e.g., a magnetic coupling), direct connection to the internal actuator150by the external actuator170is not required. As such, the barrier layer140can extend across the opening of the internal cavity or volume of the base110thereby ensuring a complete seal across the opening of the interior cavity or volume116of the base110thereby preventing ingress of water, dust, etc.

Referring toFIGS.3-6, in one embodiment, the switch100may also include a gasket220. In use, the gasket220is arranged and configured to seal the wall-plate132such as, for example, the integrated frame,130, wall-plate132, and barrier layer140to the electrical box. Thus arranged, with the integrated frame,130, wall-plate132, and barrier layer140containing no gaps or openings, the switch100will be completely sealed to the electrical box when installed.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described in connection with an electrical switch including a manual external actuator such as, for example, a rocker or a paddle, the features contained within the present disclosure are not so limited and may be used in other embodiments of electrical switches. For example, the incorporation of a magnetic coupling or magnets to transfer motion from an external actuator to an internal actuator can be utilized in, for example, a slider to enable dimming control, a wireless enabled switch, a toggle switch, a rotary switch, etc.

For example, referring toFIG.10, an electrical switch100may include an external actuator170, a barrier layer or barrier140(terms used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit), and an internal actuator150. In use, as previously described, the external actuator170includes a mechanism for coupling and/or associating the external actuator170to the internal actuator150through the barrier layer140so that movement of the external actuator170from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position moves the internal actuator150from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position, and vice-versa. As illustrated, the mechanism for coupling the external and internal actuators170,150may include interacting magnets200. Thus arranged, the external actuator170is coupled to the internal actuator150without any physical connection so that no opening is provided through the barrier layer140to ensure that ingress or intrusion of water, dust, etc. is prevented (e.g., the barrier layer140is devoid of any openings that would allow water, dust, etc. to enter).

As illustrated, the electrical switch100may only include a single pair of magnets200(e.g., first and second magnets200that interact with each other through the barrier layer140). In use, the internal magnet200is attached to the internal actuator150and the external magnet200is attached to the external actuator170. For example, as illustrated, in one embodiment, the magnet200on the external actuator170may be positioned outside the face cover, while the magnet200on the internal actuator150is positioned inside the face cover (e.g., behind the barrier layer140). The electrical switch100may include a spring175such as, for example, a detent spring, arranged and configured to maintain the external actuator170in the first/OFF or second/ON position.

That is, in use, in one embodiment, as the external actuator170is moved to the ON state, the magnet200associated with the external actuator170interacts with the magnet200associated with the internal actuator150to create a force such as, for example, a repulsive force, to move or actuate the internal actuator150through the barrier layer140thereby turning the connected load such as, for example, lights, to the ON state (e.g., the magnet200on the external actuator170may have the same polarity as the magnet200on the internal actuator150). When the external actuator170is moved to the OFF state, the magnet200associated with the external actuator170interacts with the magnet200associated with the internal actuator150to create a force to move or actuate the internal actuator150thereby turning the connected load such as, for example, lights, to the OFF state

With reference toFIG.11, in one or more various embodiments, an electrical switch100may further include a slider mechanism250arranged and configured to DIM UP or DIM DOWN the connected electrical load such as, for example, the lights, as will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the slider mechanism200may be used in combination with any electrical switch disclosed herein.

As illustrated, in one embodiment, the slider mechanism250includes an external slider252accessible to the user and an internal slider254such as, for example, a potentiometer, positioned within the housing of the electrical switch100behind the barrier layer140. In use, movement of the external slider252is transferred to the internal slider254through the barrier layer140via magnets256,258associated with the external and internal sliders252,254, respectively.

In use, in one embodiment, the external slider252is positioned within a track formed in the electrical switch100. As illustrated inFIG.11, a magnet256is coupled to the external slider252. A complimentary magnet254is associated with an internal slider (e.g., a potentiometer)254, which is positioned directly underneath the external slider252. In use, the interaction (e.g., attractive force) between the magnets256,258cause the potentiometer254to move as the slider252is moved.

Referring toFIGS.12A and12B, the electrical switch100may be provided in the form of a wireless enable electrical switch. Such as, for example, a Wi-Fi enabled switch. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the electrical switch100includes an external actuator170, a barrier layer140, and an internal actuator150, which may be in the form of microswitches or momentary switches positioned on a printed-circuit board (PCB)300. In use, as previously described, the external actuator170includes a mechanism for coupling the external actuator170to the internal actuator150through the barrier layer140so that movement of the external actuator170from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position moves the internal actuator150from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position, and vice-versa. As illustrated, the mechanism for coupling the external and internal actuators170,150may include a plurality of magnets200. As previously described, in use, as the external actuator170is moved to either the ON or OFF state, magnets200associated with the external actuator170interact with magnets200on the internal actuator150to create a force such as, for example, a repulsive force, to move or actuate the internal actuator150.

Referring toFIG.13, the electrical switch100may include an external actuator170in the form of a toggle switch. For example, as illustrated, the electrical switch100includes an external actuator or toggle switch170, a barrier layer140, and an internal actuator150. In use, as previously described, the external actuator or toggle switch170includes a mechanism for coupling the external actuator170to the internal actuator150through the barrier layer140so that movement of the external actuator170from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position moves the internal actuator150from the first/OFF position to the second/ON position, and vice-versa. As illustrated, the mechanism for coupling the external and internal actuators170,150may include interacting magnets200. As previously described, in use, as the external actuator170is moved to the ON state, a first magnet200associated with the external actuator170interacts with a second magnet200on the internal actuator150to create a force such as, for example, a repulsive force, to move or actuate the internal actuator150(e.g., the magnet on the external actuator170may have the same polarity as the magnet200on the internal actuator150). A spring175such as, for example, a detent spring may be incorporated to maintain the external actuator170in the first or second position. Thus arranged, in use, when the external actuator or toggle switch170is moved to, for example, the OFF state, the magnet200associated with the internal actuator150is a distance far enough from the magnet200associated with the external actuator or toggle switch170that the repulsive force between the magnets200is less than the operating force of the spring.

As illustrated, in one embodiment, the magnet200associated with the external actuator or toggle switch170is positioned outside, and thus may be exposed to water, etc. However, the magnet200on the internal actuator150is positioned inside of the face cover (e.g., behind the barrier layer140) and thus protected from the environment.

Referring toFIGS.14A and14B, the electrical switch100may include an external actuator170in the form of a rotary switch. In use, the rotary switch is rotated between the first/OFF position and the second/ON position. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the rotary switch may include a plurality of magnets200to transfer motion from the rotary switch (e.g., knob) to the internal actuator150through the barrier layer140so that movement of the rotary switch (e.g., knob) moves (e.g., rotates) the internal actuator150. In one embodiment, the rotary switch (e.g., knob) may include first and second magnets200associated therewith. The internal actuator150may be include, for example, a single long magnet200mounted to the face of the internal actuator (e.g., potentiometer)150. In use, rotation of the rotary switch (e.g., knob) about the center of the potentiometer causes the internal actuator (e.g., potentiometer) to rotate. In use, the magnet forces keep the smaller magnets associated with the rotary switch (e.g., knob) aligned with the longer magnet associated with the internal actuator (e.g., potentiometer). As illustrated, in one embodiment, the potentiometer and larger magnet are positioned inside the face cover, while the rotary switch (e.g., knob) and small magnets associated therewith are positioned outside of the face cover.

In an alternate embodiment, an interchangeable frame (e.g., a color change kit) can be incorporated to allow a user to remove and replace or change the external actuator. This may be advantageous in that it can allow a user to change the color, texture, or appearance of the device. Such an interchangeable frame has the additional benefit of allowing a user to repair the user interface portion of the electrical switch without having to replace the entire electrical switch or access live electrical components. In this embodiment, the electrical switch may include an interchangeable frame assembly having an external actuator with magnets and a wallplate, and a base assembly. The base assembly having a base for enclosing the electrical circuitry and/or internal components, an internal actuator with magnets, and a barrier layer arranged and configured to seal the internal components and/or circuitry of the base from the external environment. The magnets are for transferring movement of the external actuator to the internal components and/or circuitry through the barrier layer for selectively controlling the associated load.

While the present disclosure refers to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claim(s). Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof. The discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these embodiments. In other words, while illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the certain embodiments of the disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., engaged, attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative to movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. All rotational references describe relative movement between the various elements. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative to sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.