Sliding light switch with integrated light source

An illuminating light switch with an integrated sliding member that, when actuated by a user, exposes led lighting elements to illuminate the area where the light switch is affixed. The light switch includes a front member having a light aperture aligned with a light source, a rear member with a first mounting member affixed, a second mounting member adapted to be coupled to both a support surface and the first mounting member, and an internal switch to selectively supply current to the light source. In the closed position, the sliding member obscures the light source and no current is supplied to the light source. In the intermediate position, the sliding member partially exposes a first extent of the light source that provides illumination through the light aperture. In the open position, the sliding member exposes a second extent of the light source to provide a greater amount of illumination through the light aperture.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates to lighting controls, and more particularly, to a light switch with an integrated sliding member that, when actuated by a user, exposes LED lighting elements to provide adjustable levels of illumination to the area where the light switch is installed.

BACKGROUND

Electronic lighting is critical for indoor, outdoor and nighttime activities. Electronic lighting is typically provided from fixed locations, where a light source receives electrical power from a fixed and wired power source. Such lighting is useful in illuminating a particular area, but lacks the flexibility of more portable lighting systems. For example, a user would need to spend a substantial amount of time and money installing additional wiring to support additional lights within a building structure, such as a house or office.

Internally powered portable lighting systems have been developed to provide illumination in more varied locations and situations. However, such internally powered portable lighting systems are not optimized to provide illumination both in fixed locations and in varied locations. Additionally, such internally powered portable lighting systems are not typically aesthetically pleasing and they lack the ability to be easily mounted and re-mounted in various locations. For example, portable lighting systems, such as flashlights, do not typically match the decor of a home or office and they do not illuminate a location not in use.

Accordingly, there is an unmet need for a light switch that can be installed on a wall surface and that is able to provide illumination in a variety of configurations and situations.

SUMMARY

The invention provides an illuminating light switch with an integrated sliding member that, when actuated by a user, exposes LED lighting elements to illuminate the area where the light switch is affixed. The light switching includes an openable housing with a front member that includes a light aperture and a rear member that includes a first mounting receiver that receives an extent of a first mounting member. A second mounting member is adapted to be releasably coupled to both the support surface, such as a wall, and the first mounting member;

A sliding member is operably connected to at least one internal channel of the housing. The sliding member is movable along the channel between a closed position, an intermediate position and an open position. A light source is disposed between an extent of the rear member and the sliding member, wherein the light source is aligned with the light aperture. However, the light source lacks reflector, lens or optic. At least one power source is operably connected to an internal switch to selectively supply current to the light source depending upon the position of the sliding member, as articulated by the user of the switch.

In the closed or off position, the sliding member obscures the light source and the internal switch does not supply current from the power source to the light source for illumination. In the intermediate or partially on/partially off position, the sliding member exposes a first extent of the light source and the internal switch supplies current from the power source to the light source for illumination through the light aperture. In the open or fully on position, the sliding member exposes a second extent of the light source and the internal switch supplies current from the power source to the light source for illumination through the light aperture. The second extent of the light source exceeds the first extent of the light source, as referenced in this paragraph.

According to other aspects of the disclosure, the first mounting member is a ferromagnetic disk and the second mounting member is a magnet, wherein the magnetic attraction between the first mounting member and the second mounting member releasably secures the illuminating light switch to the support surface. In this manner, the light switch remains in its installed position during normal usage by the operator over time. When the operator decides to relocate the switch to another location—for example, to a second support surface or use the switch to provide portable illumination, the operator applies a disengagement force to the housing to overcome the magnetic attraction whereupon the switch can be disconnected from the second mounting member and the initial support surface.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the attached drawings wherein like numerals designate like structures throughout the specification.

In one or more implementations, not all of the depicted components in each figure may be required, and one or more implementations may include additional components not shown in a figure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be used within the scope of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-11show an illuminating light switch100with an integrated sliding member108that, when actuated by a user, exposes LED lighting elements to illuminate the area where the light switch100is installed. The light switch100is configured to provide flexible illumination solutions in both stationary and portable situations. In particular, a user can releasably secure the illuminating light switch100to a support surface, such as a wall of a building structure, using at least one mounting member. The user can subsequently detach the switch100from the support surface and transport the switch100, while illuminated or unilluminated, to another or second location that is distant from the first location to allow for portable illumination at that second location. The illuminating light switch100also includes multiple illumination states, where a sliding member or shutter108may be in: (i) a first or closed position102where no light is emitted from the light source122and in turn no light radiates from the switch100(FIG. 1), (ii) a second or intermediate or partially open/closed position104where a portion of the light that is emitted from the light source122radiates from the switch100(FIG. 4) or (iii) a third or open position106where all light that is emitted from the light source122radiates from the switch100(FIG. 5). As shown inFIGS. 3-5, in any of the closed, partially open or open positions, the sliding member108, except for the protrusion109, remains within and beneath the front member114of the housing112. In this manner, the sliding member108is contained within the front member114when the user adjusts the switch100between the closed, open or partially open positions.

Further, the illumination state of the switch100may be controlled using the shutter108, a remote, or a sensor, or any other type of input device. Accordingly, the switch100provides an aesthetically pleasing light switch100that obscures the light source122from view when the shutter108is in the fully closed position. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the switch100further provides multiple mounting configurations (e.g., coupled to a support surface via the attachment members or hand-held), multiple illumination states (e.g., “On”, “Partially On”, or “Off”), and multiple methods for controlling the illumination state (e.g., manual, remote, or in response to a sensor).

As shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the switch100includes a housing112, which is comprised of a front member or front plate114and a rear member or rear plate116. The front member114of the housing112covers a front portion of the switch100and includes a number of integrally formed features, including: (i) a front wall118that has an outer surface120, (ii) front side walls124that have outer surfaces126, and (iii) beveled walls128that have outer surfaces130, wherein the beveled walls128extend between the front wall118and the front side walls124. The front wall118, beveled walls128and front side walls124are arranged in a manner that creates a front recess132in the front member114, as shown inFIG. 9. This front recess132is configured to receive at least a portion of both the light source122and the power source134, when the front member114and the rear member116are coupled to one another. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the entire light source122is positioned within the front recess132. In other embodiments, this front recess132may be larger, such that both the power source134and light source122are positioned within the recess132, or this front recess132may be smaller, such that only a portion of the light source122is positioned within the recess132.

The front member114also includes recesses140that are formed in the innermost edge of the side walls124. The side wall recesses140are configured to receive an extent of projections142that are formed in the rear member116, when the front member114and the rear member116are coupled to one another. As shown inFIG. 9, the height of the projections142are approximately two times the width of the projection142. A similar ratio applies to the side wall recesses140. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the ratios for the side wall recesses140and projections142may be between 0.5 to 1 or 4 to 1. However, it should be understood that the ratios of the side wall recesses and the projections142should be roughly equal to ensure proper mating between the front member114and rear member116. Overall, this arrangement of the side wall recesses140and projections142helps to ensure that the outer surface126of the front side walls124are aligned with the outer surface144of the rear side walls146. In other embodiments, the front side walls124and the rear side walls146may be integrally formed with one another and access to the inside of the switch100may be provided through the rear of the switch100.

The front member114further includes at least one, and preferably four, coupling member136to removably couple the front member114to the rear member116. By removably coupling the front member114to the rear member116: (i) a manufacturer can install the components, such as the light source122, within the housing112or (ii) a repairman can remove the front member114from the rear member116at a date after the switch100was manufactured to repair a broken item contained within the switch100. In one embodiment, the coupling member(s)136is connected to the inner surface150of the beveled walls128. In this embodiment, the coupling member(s)136is a threaded post that is configured to receive an extent of an elongated coupler (e.g., a screw)138. In other embodiments, the coupling member(s) may extend from the front side walls124or the front wall118. It should be understood that in further embodiments the coupling member(s)136and the elongated coupler138could be replaced with a means for releasably securing the front member114to the rear member116. For example, a first component of the releasable securement means may be a receptacle, aperture, groove or channel formed in the projection142. This first component of the releasable securement means is cooperatively dimensioned to receive a second component of the releasable securement means, which may be a projection, pin, or tab that is positioned within the side wall recess140. One embodiment that includes a means for releasably securing the front member114to the rear member116may be a snap or pressure fit between the front member114to the rear member116. In this embodiment, the manufacturer would apply pressure on the front member114until the side walls124bent or deflect outward enough to allow the second component of the releasable securement means to overcome an extent of the projections142. After the side walls124have bent or deflected outward enough to overcome an extent of the projections142, the manufacturer continues to apply pressure on the front member114until the first component of the releasable securement means is seated within the second component of the releasable securement means. In even further embodiments, the positioning of the components of the releasable securement means could be reversed, such that the first component is formed in the side wall recess140and the second component is formed in the projection142.

A light aperture or light opening152is formed in the front wall118of the front member114and sliding member108is configured to underlie the light aperture152. When the sliding member is in the closed position102, all components contained within the housing112are obscured (FIG. 3). This is because the sliding member108is larger than the light opening152and thus is capable of blocking the entire light opening152. When the sliding member108is in the open position106, the entirety of the light source122is exposed (FIG. 5). In this position, a majority of the sliding member108is above the light opening152; thus, exposing the light source122that is aligned with the light aperture152and below the sliding member108. By exposing the light source122, the light aperture or light opening152allows light to radiate out of the switch100.

As shown inFIGS. 1, 3-5 and 8-9, the light aperture152is not centered within the middle of the front wall118. Instead, the light aperture152is shifted towards the bottom154of the switch100. This configuration ensures that there is enough clearance inside the upper portion156of the switch100to allow the sliding member108to move towards the top158of the switch100in order to expose the light source122. If there was not enough clearance in the top portion156, then the light source122could not be fully exposed in the third or fully open position106. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the entire height of the front wall is about 3.7 inches, the length between the top edge160of the front wall118and the top edge162of the light aperture152is about 1.1 inches, the length of the light aperture152is about 2.1 inches, and the length between the bottom edge164of the light aperture152and the bottom edge164of the front wall118is about 0.5 inches. Accordingly, the length above the light aperture152is approximately 2.2 times larger than the length below the light aperture152. It should be understood that these dimensions and ratios may change in other embodiments, as long as the sliding member108can both: (i) fully cover the light source122in the first position102and (ii) substantially expose the light source122in the third position106.

The rear member116of the housing112includes a number of integrally formed features. The features of the rear member116include: (i) a rear wall166and (ii) rear side walls146. The rear wall166and rear side walls146are arranged in a manner that creates a rear recess168in the rear member116, as shown inFIG. 9. The rear wall166also includes a number of features, such as (i) a first power source receiver170, (ii) a second power source receiver172, (iii) a first mounting receiver174, (iv) a second mounting receiver176, and (v) coupling member recesses178. Each of these receivers (e.g.,170,172,174and176) and recesses (e.g.,178) extend inward from the rear wall166towards the front member114. As such, at least an extent of these receivers and recesses (e.g.,170,172,174,176and178) are positioned within the rear recess168. For example, the first and second power source receivers170and172extend into and through the rear recess168, while the first and second mounting receivers174and176are contained entirely within the rear recess168. It should be understood that in other embodiments, this rear recess168may be larger, such that the power source receivers170,172and light source122are positioned within the recess168, or this rear recess168may be smaller, such that only a portion of the first mounting receiver174is positioned within the recess168.

The first and second power source receivers170,172are formed within the rear wall166and are configured to underlie an extent of the sliding member108, when the sliding member108is in at least one of its positions102,104,106. Additionally, the first and second power source receivers170,172are designed such that they do not interfere with the operation of the sliding member108. Further, the first and second power source receivers170,172are configured to receive the power source134, which is comprised of a first power source179and a second power source180. In particular, the first power source receiver170receives the first power source179and the second power source receiver172receives the second power source180. It should be understood that in other embodiments there may be fewer individual power sources170,172(e.g., only a single individual power source) or there may be additional individual power sources170,172(e.g., between 3 and 10 individual power sources). Once the first and second power sources179,180are positioned within the first and second receivers170,172, a user can then enclose the power sources179,180using the first and second power source covers182,184. The enclosure of the power sources179,180within the power source receivers170,172provide durability to the switch100and helps ensure that the power sources179,180remain within the switch100.

Each power source cover182,184include a coupling projection186. The coupling projection186enables a user or operator to removably couple the power source cover182,184to the rear member116. This configuration allows the user or operator to disconnect the power source cover182,184from the rear member116at a date after the switch100was manufactured to add or replace the power sources179,180. Specifically, the coupling projection186is configured to be: (i) received by an aperture188that is formed in the power source receiver170,172and (ii) interact with a power source cover receiver190that is formed in the inner surface192of the rear wall166. Specifically, the coupling projection186includes a ridge191that extends towards the outer surface194. When in the connected position, as shown inFIGS. 2, 7 and 9, the ridge191interacts with the receiver190to releasably couple the power source covers182,184to the rear member116. When a user or operator decides to access the power source receivers170,172to replace the power sources179,180, the user or operator applies a disconnection force, FD, on the power source covers182,184that is substantially parallel to the rear wall166. To disconnect the power source receivers170,172from the rear member116, this disconnection force, FD, must be sufficient to force the ridge191out of the receiver190. It should be understood, that the user will apply an opposite force, Fc, that is substantially parallel to the rear wall166to reconnect the power source covers182,184to the rear member116. In alternative embodiments, the power source covers182,184may be integrally formed with the rear wall166. In this embodiment, the power source134may be inserted during the manufacture of the switch100and is not removable. In a further embodiment, the power source covers182,184may be moved from the rear member116to the side walls124,146that are positioned on the top and bottom158,154of the switch100.

The first mounting receiver174is formed within the rear wall166and is configured to underlie an extent of the sliding member108, when the sliding member108is in at least one of its positions102,104,106. Additionally, the first mounting receiver174is designed such that it does not interfere with the operation of the sliding member108. Further, the first mounting receiver174configured to receive a first support surface attachment member175and a second support surface attachment member194. The first mounting member175is designed to be affixed to the extent of the rear member116, while the second support attachment member is designed to be affixed to a support surface (e.g., a wall within a building). The first and second mounting members are designed to interact with one another to releasably couple the rear member116and in turn the switch100to the support surface. This configuration enables the user to detach the switch100from the support surface and bring the switch100, while illuminated or unilluminated, to another or second location that is distant from the first location to allow for portable illumination at that second location. Also, this configuration enables the user to detach the switch100from the support surface to replace the power source134. Best shown inFIG. 9, both the first and second surface attachment members175,194are configured to fit within the first mounting receiver174in a manner that ensures that the outer surface202of the second mounting member194is substantially flush with the outer surface205of the rear wall166. If the outer surface202of the second mounting member194is not near or substantially flush with the outer surface205of the rear wall166, then the coupling force between the support surface and the switch100will be reduced. Additionally, positioning the first and second mounting members175,194within the first mounting receiver174, helps to ensure that the switch100remains in the same position: (i) after the switch100has been removed and re-adhered to the support surface and (ii) after extended use, the switch100, is not inadvertently displaced or “walk up” the support surface.

The first mounting member175may be permanently or semi-permanently coupled to the rear member116using any one of the following: (i) glue or adhesive, (ii) tabs that feed through openings formed in the attachment receiver174and are bent around a portion of the inner surface196of the attachment receiver174, (iii) pressure fit between the outer walls198of the attachment receiver and the first mounting member175, or (iv) the first mounting member175may be formed within the rear wall200of the attachment receiver174. It should be understood that in further embodiments the first mounting member175could be permanently or semi-permanently coupled within the first mounting receiver174using a means for securing the first mounting member175to the rear wall200of the attachment receiver174. For example, a first component of the securement means may be a receptacle, aperture, groove or channel formed in the outer walls198or in the rear wall200. The first component of the securement means is cooperatively dimensioned to receive a second component of the releasable securement means, which may be a projection, pin, or tab that is positioned on the side or rear of the first mounting member175.

The second mounting member194is not directly coupled to the rear member116; but, instead is releasably coupled to the first mounting member175. As such, a gap or channel193is formed between the periphery of the second mounting member194and the walls198to ensure that the second mounting member194can easily be removed from the first mounting receiver174. This configuration allows the second mounting member194to be permanently, semi-permanently, or releasably affixed to the support surface using any one of the following: (i) glue or adhesive (e.g., peel and stick), (ii) an elongated coupler (e.g. screw or nail) that extends through a portion of the second mounting member194, (iii) tabs or projections that extend rearward from the outer surface202and are configured to be received by the support surface, (iv) or any other means of permanently, semi-permanently or releasably securing the second mounting member194to a support surface. It should be understood that glue or adhesive used in the peel and stick embodiment is designed to: (i) sufficiently attach the second mounting member194to the support surface and (ii) allow for the removal of the second mounting member194from the support surface without damaging the support surface (e.g., paint on the surface of the drywall).

The first and second mounting members175,194may be formed from a number of materials that allow the first mounting member175to interact with the second mounting member194to releasably couple the rear member116and in turn the switch100to a support surface. In one embodiment, the first mounting member175is a ferromagnetic disk and the second attachment member is a magnet. In this embodiment, the center strength of the magnet194may be between 500 Gauss and 3000 Gauss and preferably 1200 Gauss, while the edge strength of the magnet194may be between 1000 Gauss and 3500 and preferably 1800 Gauss. For example, the user first couples the second mounting member194to the support surface using a peel and stick attachment mechanism. The user may then apply a disengagement force on the switch100that is directed away from the support surface. This disengagement force must be sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction force between the magnet disk194and the ferromagnetic disk175. Once this magnetic attraction force between the first and second mounting members175,194has been overcome, the user can remove the switch100from the support surface and carry the switch100to a second location in order to provide light in that second location.

It should be understood that the materials of the attachment members175,194may be switched, such that the first mounting member175may be a magnet, while the second mounting member may be a ferromagnetic disk. In a further embodiment, both the first and second mounting members175,194may be opposite polarity magnets. In either of these embodiments, it should also be understood that positioning of the magnet in a portion of the rear wall116enables the user to attach the switch100to a surface that is ferromagnetic without the use of the second mounting member194. This configuration may be desirable to allow the user to: (i) remove the switch100from the first support surface that has the second mounting member194coupled thereto, (ii) carry the switch100to a second location, and (iii) adhere the switch100to a ferromagnetic object (e.g., file cabinet) in the second location in order to provide light in that second location.

In another embodiment, the first mounting member175is the hooked side of Velcro® and the second mounting member is the looped side of Velcro®. In a further embodiment, the first mounting member175is an aperture formed within the side walls198or the rear wall200and the second mounting member194is a projection, pin, or tab that extends away from the outer surface202and towards the side walls198/rear wall200. This projection, pin, or tab of the second mounting member194is cooperatively dimensioned to be received by the first mounting member175. For example, the user couples the second mounting member194to the support surface using a peel and stick attachment mechanism. Then the user may apply a disengagement force on the switch100to disengage the projection, pin, or tab of the second mounting member194from the first mounting member175. This disengagement force may be a rotational force, a lateral force (e.g., horizontal, vertical, or angled force), substantially perpendicular force, or a combination of these forces. In an even further embodiment, the first and second mounting members194could be replaced with a means for releasably securing the switch100to a support surface. For example, a first component of the releasable securement means may be a receptacle, aperture, groove or channel formed in the side walls198or rear wall200. The first component of the releasable securement means is cooperatively dimensioned to receive a second component of the releasable securement means, which may be a projection, pin, or tab that extends from the support surface. In even further embodiments, the positioning of the components of the releasable securement means could be reversed, such that the first component is formed in the support surface and the second component is formed in the side walls198or rear wall200.

The second mounting receiver176is formed within the rear wall166and is configured to underlie an extent of the sliding member108, when the sliding member108is in at least one of its positions102,104,106. Additionally, the second mounting receiver176is designed such that it does not interfere with the operation of the sliding member108. Further, the second mounting receiver176configured to receive a third mounting member (not shown). Specifically, the third mounting member is a projection (e.g., screw or nail) that is affixed to and extends outward from the support surface. As shown inFIGS. 2, 7, and 8, the second mounting receiver176has a first portion204and a second portion206, wherein the first portion204has a larger opening than the second portion206. Specifically, the first portion204of the second mounting receiver176is configured to receive both: (i) a first extent of the third mounting member (e.g., screw or nail head) and (ii) a second extent of the third mounting member (e.g., screw or nail body), while the second portion206of the second mounting receiver176receives only the second extent of the third mounting member (e.g., screw or nail body). This configuration ensures that the switch100is releasably coupled to the support surface, as an outward directed force cannot remove the switch100from the third mounting member because the first extent of the third mounting member (e.g., screw or nail head) is positioned behind an extent of the rear wall166. Additionally, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the second mounting receiver176has a wall208, which helps prevent the third mounting member from entering too far into the housing112.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the rear member116further includes a pair of projections210that extend inward from the rear wall166and towards the front member112. Specifically, the pair of projections210have a first sliding track212and a second sliding track214formed therein. The first and second sliding tracks212,214create a channel110that receives an extent of the sliding member108. This channel110positions the sliding member108below the front member114and over the light emitter226. This configuration enables the sliding member108to be positioned in the first, second and third positions102,104,106, as shown inFIGS. 3-5. It should be understood that the light emitter226is recessed a distance below the sliding member108to enable the sliding member108to be positioned in the first, second and third positions102,104,106. To cabin the movement of the sliding member108, the first and second sliding tracks212,214have an upper restrictor element216, such as a projection or tab, that interacts with a top extent217of the sliding member108and thereby prevents the sliding member108form being actuated too far upward in the open position by the user. If the upper restrictor element216did not prevent the sliding member108from being pushed up too far, the user could push the sliding member108up to the point that causes the electronics within the housing112to be exposed.

At the other end, an internal switch220resides below the sliding member and between the front member and the rear member. The internal switch220is operably connected between the power source134and the emitter assembly226. This configuration allows the internal switch220to prevent or allow current to flow from the power source134to the emitter assembly226depending on the configuration of the sliding member108. The internal switch220also limits the movement of the sliding member108through the interaction between the internal switch220and the bottom extent218of the sliding member108. The interaction between the sliding member108and the internal switch220will be discussed in greater detail below; but, overall when the sliding member108is in: (i) the first position102, the bottom extent218of the sliding member108contacts the internal switch220thereby cutting or preventing the current to flow from the power source132to an emitter assembly226contained within the light source122and (ii) is in any other position except for the first position102, the bottom extent218does not contact the internal switch220thereby allowing current to flow from the power source134to the emitter assembly226contained within the light source122.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, the application of an actuating force or a sliding force, Fs, can move the sliding member108from a first or closed position102(FIG. 3), through a second or intermediate or partially open/partially closed position104(FIG. 4), to a third or open position106(FIG. 5). Specifically, this actuating force, Fs, is applied on the protrusion109that extends outward from the sliding member108and away from the front recess132. In the first position102, the sliding member108obscures the light source122and the bottom extent218of the sliding member108engages with an extent222of the internal switch220. When this engagement occurs, the internal switch220prevents current from flowing from the power source134to the emitter assembly226. The user may then apply the actuating force or sliding force, Fs, on the protrusion109that extends outward from the sliding member108in order to move the sliding member108from the first position102towards the second position104. In doing so, at least an extent of the light source122is unobscured by the sliding member108and the bottom extent218is removed from its engagement with the extent222of the internal switch220. Therefore the internal switch220allows current to flow from the power source134to the emitter assembly226. The current from the power source134energizes the light source122to cause light to be emitted by the emitter assembly226. This light then radiates out of the light aperture152without being reflected or passing through an optic.

Because the sliding member108and the front member114are made from an opaque material, a limited amount of light may be permitted to radiate out of the switch100depending on the position of the sliding member108. In other words, when the sliding member108is between the first and third positions102,106, not all of the light that is emitted from the light source122is permitted to radiate out of the switch100. Thus, as the sliding member108is moved to a position that unobscures more of the light source122, more light is permitted to radiate outside of the switch100. As a result, the position of the sliding member108and the corresponding proportion of the opening152occluded thereby may provide a variable light output. In this way, the sliding member108may act as a mechanical dimmer wherein more illumination is emitted through the opening152the further the sliding member108is pushed towards the third position106. Conversely, the further the sliding member108is pushed towards the first position102, a smaller proportion of the light source122is exposed and, thusly, less light radiates from the switch100.

In alternative embodiments, the light source122may not emit light until the sliding member108reaches the third or fully open position106. In another embodiment, portions of the light source122may be sequentially energized as the sliding member108is moved from the first or fully closed position102to the third or fully open position106. In this embodiment, portions of the light source122are energized when the sliding member108passes the respective elements while moving towards the third position106, such that the exposed portion of the light source122is energized, while the unexposed portion of the light source122is not energized. In this manner, the sliding member108acts not only as a mechanical dimmer; but, also the sliding member108acts as an electrical dimmer. It should be understood that other and/or additional circuit elements, such as the ones discussed below, may alter the above-described illumination characteristics.

Also, while the figures show that the sliding member108is configured to move vertically along channel110, it should be understood that in other embodiments the sliding member may move in a different direction. For example, the sliding member108may slide laterally/horizontally within complementarily situated sliding tracks. In further examples, the sliding member108may slide circularly, at an angle, or any combination of these directions.

Referring toFIG. 8, the light source122includes: a lighting element printed circuit board (“PCB”)224, an emitter assembly226, and the internal switch220. The lighting element PCB224is positioned inward from the emitter assembly226and the sliding member108. Specifically, the lighting element PCB224is positioned between the pair of projections210on at least one, and preferably four, lighting element PCB mounting posts228. These mounting posts228elevate the lighting element PCB224over an extent of the first mounting receiver174, but below the sliding member108. This position ensures that the sliding member108does not contact the lighting element PCB224or the emitter assembly226, while aiding in the heat distribution as air can flow under the lighting element PCB224. The lighting element PCB224contains the necessary circuitry (e.g., fixed resistors, variable resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, or other similar components) to receive electrical current from the power source134and supply the received electrical current to the emitter assembly226.

The emitter assembly226is positioned adjacent to and in contact with the lighting element PCB224and inward from the sliding member108. The emitter assembly226is composed of between 1 and 500 individual emitters230, preferably between 25 and 75 individual emitters230, and most preferably between 40 and 60 individual emitters230. The emitter assembly226may produce between 0 and 2000 lumens, preferably between 0 and 1000 lumens, and most preferably between 0 and 800 lumens. As discussed above, in certain embodiments every individual emitter230contained within the emitter assembly226may be illuminated when power is applied from the internal switch220, while in other embodiments a subset of the individual emitters230contained within the emitter assembly226may be illuminated when power is applied from the internal switch220. While each individual emitter230may be illuminated, the emitter assembly226may limit the amount of electrical current that is supplied to the individual emitters230in order to regulate the amount of light that radiates from the switch100. For example, the user may use a dial, button, switch, remote, of sound to set the brightness of the light. This setting may then be used by the emitter assembly226to determine the amount of current that should be supplied to the individual emitters230to produce the desired light level.

The emitter assembly226may be a Chip on Board (“COB”) LED or surface-mount device LED. If the emitter assembly226is a COB LED or a surface-mount device LED, then the switch100does not have a primary optic nor does it have a secondary optic. This is due to the fact that the switch100does not have a lens that covers the emitter assembly226and the individual light emitters in a COB LED or surface-mount device LED do not have optics. Thus, light that is emitted from the emitter assembly226passes directly out of the switch100without going through a lens. Additionally, substantially all of the light in this embodiment is not reflected prior to leaving the switch100because: (i) the emitter assembly226is aligned with the light aperture152, (ii) the emitter assembly226is positioned near the light aperture152in the front member, and (iii) the switch100does not contain a reflector that is positioned between the emitter assembly226and the light aperture152. This configuration helps minimize the amount of light that is lost due to absorption prior to the light being allowed to exit the switch100.

It should be understood that in other embodiments, a lens, transparent housing, plastic film, diffuser plate, and/or another suitable protective layer that covers all, or a majority, of the light emitters226may be included in the switch100in combination with a COB LED or surface-mount device LED. In this embodiment, there is a first optic, which is the lens, transparent housing, plastic film, diffuser plate, and/or another suitable protective layer, but there is no secondary optic. In further embodiments, the switch100may include a reflector that is positioned between the emitter assembly226(e.g., COB LED or surface-mount device LED) and the light aperture152to aid in or modify the light distribution. In even further embodiments, the switch100may include a COB LED or surface-mount device LED in combination with both a reflector and a lens, transparent housing, plastic film, diffuser plate, and/or another suitable protective layer that covers all, or a majority, of the light emitters226.

Instead of a COB LED or surface-mount device LED, the emitter assembly226may be: (i) a standard LED, (ii) organic LED, (iii) induction light panel, (iv) silicon quantum dot phosphor (SiQD-phosphor), or (v) other types of known light emitters. For example, if standard LEDs are used, instead of a COB LED or a surface-mount device LED, then the switch100would include a first optic as each standard LED includes an optic. Additionally, in this configuration, the manufacturer may desire to include a lens, transparent housing, plastic film, diffuser plate, and/or another suitable protective layer that covers all of the light emitters226to aid in the light distribution and to protect the LEDs from the surrounding environment. Thus, if a lens is utilized in connection with standard LEDs, then the switch100will have two optics, a first optic that encloses each individual emitter230and a second optic that overlays a plurality of individual emitters230. The lens, transparent housing, plastic film, diffuser plate, and/or another suitable protective layer that covers all, or a majority, of the light emitters226may have a cross-sectional shape that is: (i) substantially rectangular, (ii) convex, or (iii) concave. This cross-sectional shape may be chosen based on the desired light distribution and the type of emitter assembly226.

As shown inFIG. 9, outer surface120of the front member118resides in a first substantially horizontal plane that is parallel with a second substantially horizontal plane that the sliding member108resides within. The emitter assembly226resides a third substantially horizontal plane that is parallel with the fourth substantially horizontal plane that the outer surface205of the rear wall166resides within. Accordingly, the second and third substantially horizontal planes are positioned within the first and fourth substantially horizontal planes. In other embodiments, the first and fourth substantially horizontal planes may not be parallel to one another. In this embodiment, the second and third substantially horizontal planes may be positioned parallel to the first and not the fourth substantially horizontal planes. In further embodiments, some or none of the substantially horizontal planes may be parallel to one another.

In other embodiments, there may be multiple emitter assemblies226. Specifically, there may be between 1 and 10 emitter assemblies226. For example, there may be a first emitter assembly and a second emitter assembly, where the first emitter assembly is configured to light up a portion of the room by outputting between 100 lumens and 400 lumens and the second emitter assembly is configured to be a night light and output between 10 lumens and 50 lumens. Also, in this embodiment, the first emitter assembly outputs white colored light, while the second emitter assembly outputs blue colored light. In embodiments where there are multiple emitter assemblies226, there will be multiple sliding members108. Preferably, there will be one sliding member108per emitter assembly226. Alternatively, one sliding member108may be associated with two or more emitter assemblies226, where sliding the member108in one direction will illuminate one emitter assembly226and moving the sliding member108in the other direction will illuminate the other emitter assembly226.

Further, in other embodiments, the emitter assembly226may include multiple individual emitters230that are different colors. For example, the individual emitters230may be white, red, green, blue, yellow, or any other color. The switch100can then alternate the amount of current that is applied to each individual emitter230using a pulse modulation technique or other similar technique to alter the color of light that is emitted from the switch100. In particular, in one embodiment the emitter assembly226may have a first set of individual emitters230that only emit white light and a second set of individual emitters230that emit red, green and blue light. In this embodiment, the switch100can supply current to the white light emitters230in a first state and can supply a modulated current to the red, green and blue light emitters230in a second state. In these embodiments that include individual emitters230that emit colored light, it should be understood that the select colors may be preprogrammed into the switch100during the manufacture of the switch100, such that the user can select one of the preprogrammed light colors (e.g., orange, teal, or etc.). In other embodiments that include individual emitters230that emit colored light, it should be understood that a basic set of colors may be preprogrammed into the switch100during the manufacture of the switch100, but the switch100may also include a light sensor that provides a feedback loop for altering the color of the light depending the switches environment.

The power source134provides electrical power to the switch100and specifically to the light source122. In particular, the power source134may be a combination of removable non-rechargeable batteries. Preferably, the power source134is a combination of removable non-rechargeable AA batteries, as shown inFIG. 9. It should be understood that different configurations of the batteries may be implemented. For example, the batteries may be larger batteries, such as C or D sized batteries, or smaller batteries, such as AAA. It should also be understood that instead of being a combination of removable non-rechargeable batteries, the power source134may be a single removable non-rechargeable battery, a single removable rechargeable battery, a combination of removable rechargeable batteries, a combination of removable rechargeable batteries disposed within a battery cartridge, a single non-removable rechargeable battery, a combination of non-removable rechargeable batteries, solar cell or any other type of portable power source that is known to a person of skill in the art.

It should be understood that other circuitry may be included within the switch100, such as a microcontroller. A microcontroller may be operatively connected with one or more sensors, the internal switch220, and/or other input devices. According to an example embodiment of the illuminating light switch100, a motion sensor may be coupled to the light source122. In accordance with this example embodiment, the light source122may illuminate upon the detection of motion, regardless of the position of the sliding member108is in the first or fully closed position102. Upon this detection of motion, the microcontroller may set a timer that turns off the light source122after a predefined amount of time. Alternatively, the sensor may be a light sensor that only allows current to be supplied to the light emitter assembly226if both: (i) light sensors detect a limited amount of light and (ii) the sliding member108is in a position other than the first position102. In other embodiments, in addition to internal switch220or in replacement of internal switch220, the switch100may be configured to utilize one or more buttons, switches, sliders, local sensors (e.g., motion, light, sound, heat, smoke, carbon monoxide), remote sensors (e.g., cell phone, laptop, RF remote control, remote devices described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/812,852, and which is fully incorporated herein by reference, or other devices that are connected to the switch100via the internet (e.g., wireless camera, motion sensor, light sensor, timer, etc.).

The embodiment(s) detailed hereinabove may be combined in full or in part, with any alternative embodiment(s) described. The above disclosure may represent an improvement in the art because an aesthetically pleasing light fixture that obscures unattractive light source elements, such as LED modules, when same are not in use may represent an improvement in the art. Further, the operation of the sliding member detailed hereinabove is an intuitive and attractive method of providing a lighting solution. While some implementations have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.

While some implementations have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure; and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. For example, the overall shape of the switch100may be altered to be any one of the following shapes, as long as the shape does not interfere with the sliding member's108operation: a triangular prism, cylinder, cube, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, octagonal prism, sphere, cone, tetrahedron, dodecahedron, icosahedron, torus, ellipsoid, hemisphere, or any other similar shape. In addition, the shape of the sliding member108may be altered to have an exterior appearance that matches any of the following shapes, as long as the shape does not interfere with its operation: a circle, square, oval, trapezoid, rhombus, kite, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, star, heart, cross, pie, arrow, crescent, or any other similar shape. It should be understood that the shape of the sliding member108may match the overall shape of the switch100or it may be different.

The shape of the first mounting receiver174and the second mounting receiver176may be altered to be any one of the following shapes: a triangular prism, cylinder, a cube, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, octagonal prism, sphere, a cone, a tetrahedron, a dodecahedron, a icosahedron, a torus, a ellipsoid, hemisphere, or any other similar shape. However, it should be understood that if the shape of the first mounting receiver174is altered, the shape of at least the second support surface attachment member194should be altered to fit within the first mounting receiver174. Additionally, it should be understood that if the shape of the second mounting receiver176is altered, the shape of the third support surface attachment member should be altered to fit within the second mounting receiver176.

The switch100may have various frontal lengths. For example, the first frontal length that extends between A and B, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 1.5 inches and 0.2 inches and is preferably 0.4 inches, while the second frontal length that extends between A and C, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 4.5 inches and 0.75 inches and is preferably 1.5 inches. The third frontal length that extends between A and D, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 8.7 inches and 1.6 inches and is preferably 3 inches, while the fourth frontal length that extends between A and E, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 10.7 inches and 1.8 inches and is preferably 3.5 inches. The fifth frontal length that extends between A and F, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 12.3 inches and 2 inches and is preferably 4 inches, while the sixth frontal length that extends between A and G, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 13.4 inches and 2.2 inches and is preferably 4.5 inches. The switch100may have a various width. For example, the first frontal width that extends between I and J, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 1 inch and 0.17 inches and is preferably 0.35 inches, while the second frontal width that extends between I and K, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 2.6 inches and 0.4 inches and is preferably 1.5 inches. The third frontal width that extends between I and L, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 6.24 inches and 1 inch and is preferably 2 inches, while the fourth frontal width that extends between I and M, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 7.7 inches and 1.3 inches and is preferably 2.6 inches. The fifth frontal width that extends between I and N, shown inFIG. 10, may vary between 8.8 inches and 1.5 inches and is preferably 3 inches.

The switch100may have various lengths. For example, the first rear length that extends between O and P, shown inFIG. 11, may vary between 2.7 inches and 0.5 inches and is preferably 0.9 inches, while the second rear length that extends between O and Q, shown inFIG. 11, may vary between 3.7 inches and 0.6 inches and is preferably 1.2 inches. The third rear length that extends between O and R, shown inFIG. 11, may vary between 4.6 inches and 0.8 inches and is preferably 1.5 inches, while the fourth rear length that extends between O and S, shown inFIG. 11, may vary between 7.8 inches and 1.3 inches and is preferably 2.6 inches. The fifth rear length that extends between O and T, shown inFIG. 11, may vary between 10.6 inches and 1.75 inches and is preferably 3.5 inches, while the sixth rear length that extends between O and U, shown inFIG. 11, may vary between 13.4 inches and 2.2 inches and is preferably 4.5 inches. The switch100may have a various width. For example, the first width that extends between V and W, shown inFIG. 11, may vary between 1.4 inch and 0.23 inches and is preferably 0.46 inches, while the second width that extends between V and X, shown inFIG. 11, may vary between 7.5 inches and 1.25 inches and is preferably 2.5 inches. The third rear width that extends between V and Y, shown inFIG. 11, may vary between 8.8 inches and 1.5 inches and is preferably 3 inches.

The housing112may be formed from (i) metal, such as aluminum or steel, (ii) a polymer material, such as plastic, (iii) a magnetic material, (iv) a material that glows in the dark or (v) a combination of the prior material. The housing112and sliding member108may be formed using injection molded or 3D printing and may be a solid color (e.g., white, off-white, beige, or sand) that is intended to blend into a typical wall in a house, may be multiple colors, or may be paintable. Further, the outer surface of the housing112may include indicia, such as the manufacturer of the switch100or may be personalized to include a person's name or information. Moreover, the outer surface of the power source covers182,184, may have indicia that informs how to remove the power source covers182,184from the rear member116. Also, the outer surface of the sliding member108may also have indicia that informs how to move the sliding member from a closed position102to an open position106.