Abstract:
A light switch extension, allowing shorter individuals and seated individuals to operate a conventional light switch. The wall switch extender is operable without modification on both toggle and rocker switches and reduces the rotational displacement necessary to toggle rocker switches. The extension arm can also have additional extensions which increase the arm&#39;s ergonomics, as well as length below or above the switch, and can extend to the floor for wheelchair activation or dog-manipulateable extensions such as ropes or tennis balls.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    A wall switch extension is provided for operation of a wall switch in which a single rigid extension once attached, will operate either of a conventional toggle switch, or a rocker type wall switch. The extension includes methods for engaging the lever of the toggle switch and the operating surface of the rocker. Upon following an arc or partial rotation of the extension in its operative engagement with the wall switch, either of a toggle or rocker switch can be turned on or turned off from the distal end of the extension. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention is directed to a toggle or pivotal switch and more particularly to an extension for switch activation by a person that cannot normally reach the conventional switch operator. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,602 (602) teaches a switch extender for ether a toggle switch and when modified for use on a rocker switch. To use the extender for the switch activation, the face plate attached to a conventional wall switch is translated up and down activating a toggle switch and when modified actuates a rocker type wall switch in as similar manner. The face plate appears to have a limited switch operator extension. The extender of this invention requires a modification for use with a rocker switch. While a major advance in the filed of light switch activation, the (602) patent has shortcomings in that the toggle switch length varies widely due to differing manufactures. 
         [0004]    Consequently the hole adapted to engage the distal end of the toggle switch in the (602) patent on many switches will not properly engage, or activate them. Additionally, the width and length of rocker switches also varies widely due to design and manufacturer differences and such are also not always activated by the (602) patent as taught. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,055,645, 5,017,746 and 3,825,710 operated a toggle switch by up and down action rather than rotational movement as Applicant&#39;s and cannot be used with rocker type switches. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,325 teaches a rotary type toggle switch operator. The rotation requires the operation of two individual activation pull cords, i.e. one for turning the switch on and a second for turning the switch off. There is no operator means for use with a rocker type switch. 
         [0007]    Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,403,903 displays an device capable of adapting to both toggle and rocker switches, but requires the operator to rotate the device about a wide encumbering angle for rocker switch activation. 
         [0008]    As such, there exists an unmet need, for a light switch extension, allowing shorter individuals and seated individuals to operate a light switch. Such a device should accommodate and operate toggle switches which vary widely in length to the distal end projecting above their cover. Such a device should concurrently be able to operate a rocker style switch and accommodate the wide variance in width and length of such rocker switches which has arisen in recent years due to ornamental and design differences among different manufacturers. 
         [0009]    The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The principal object of the instant invention is to provide a conventional wall switch extension which accommodates short and seated operators. 
         [0011]    Another object of this invention is to provide a wall switch extender that is operable without modification on both toggle and rocker switches. 
         [0012]    A final object of this invention is to reduce the rotational displacement necessary to toggle rocker switches, as well as provide a switch extender which will engage with short and long toggle switches as well as different sized rocker switches and operate them without modification or failure. 
         [0013]    Other objects and advantages will become obvious when taken into consideration with the following drawings and specifications. 
         [0014]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements described in this specification and hereinafter described in the following detailed description which fully discloses the invention, but should not be considered as placing limitations thereon. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides an extension which will operate both toggle and rocker style light switches without modification and irrespective of wide variances in size and configurations of such switches. 
         [0016]    The disclosed device, is adapted for engagement with a conventional light switch for increased usability and ergonomics especially for shorter people such as children, and seated individuals or those with minimal arm movement ability. The device is employed in operative engagement with a conventional light switch of the toggle or rocker variety, by engagement to the surrounding face plate and redirecting force imparted to an extension arm, to operate all manner of toggle switches and rocker switches without jamming or coming disengaged. 
         [0017]    The device includes a front panel and an operatively engaged extension arm. The front panel is designed to affix to the conventional pair of mounting holes in the cover plate of a toggle or rocker switch positioned in either light switch&#39;s face plate via two long threaded members or bolts. The extension arm can rotate in an arced path about and is fastened to the front panel by a fastener which allows for such rotation such as a short bolt, washer and nut, which are fastened loosely to allow for free rotation. Screw caps can be used to hide the long and short bolts heads for increased aesthetics. 
         [0018]    The front panel herein is designed to improve the aesthetics of the device as well as maintaining the position and path of the extension arm to operate and maintain operable contact with the light switch. The front panel contains several standoff ribs that sets the offset distance between it and the light switch&#39;s face plate. The standoff ribs additionally act to stiffen the front panel and act as additional stops for the extension arm. 
         [0019]    The back face of the front panel additionally contains an offset bridge which acts as the primary stop for the rotation of the extension arm. 
         [0020]    By holding and rotating the handle of the extension arm in a arc or rotational path about the pivot provided by the bolt engaged with the front panel in a first direction, the user can employ the device to flip the toggle switch of a conventional wall switch. 
         [0021]    For conventional wall switches which employs a toggle switch, a toggle oculus in the extension arm is designed to surround and thus translate the toggle switch with user force on the extension arm. The shape of the device is designed such that, with minimal effort, rotating the extension arm clockwise, translates the toggle switch downwards and visa versa. 
         [0022]    Another mode of the device which is particularly preferred solves the problem which is caused by different lengths of toggle switches and differing thicknesses of switch plates. This problem has been exacerbated in recent years due to the increase in manufacturers of both toggle switches and plates, and the wide divergence in their respective configurations. Thus a short toggle switch communicating through a thick switch plate does not protrude sufficiently to be operated by previous switch extenders. By the inclusion of projecting members at opposing positions surrounding the toggle-engaging aperture, the device herein has solved the problem of the toggle disengaging from the aperture, and not operating. 
         [0023]    For use of the device with conventional wall switches of the rocker variety, the extension arm also contains a first or lower rocker paddle and a second or upper rocker paddle which respectively individually contact the lower and upper rocker faces to toggle the rocker switch down or up respectively upon rotation of the extension arm along the arced pathway. 
         [0024]    The shapes of the cover plate and extension arm as shown are optimized to fit the largest variety of conventional light switches given the common toggle and rocker switch toggle mounting hole and toggle mounting holes geometries, but can be further optimized to fit any conventional light switches. 
         [0025]    However again in recent years, due to ornamental design, manufacturing differences, and different manufacturers, the size of rocker switches has varied widely. In a second and preferred mode of the device herein, as with the solution to the toggle switch dilemma noted above, the device herein solves the problem of previous switch extenders which due to width and length differences of toggle switches, have failed to operate them or jammed. 
         [0026]    Using a unique rocker projection from the arm, running substantially perpendicular to the pair of opposing projections operating the toggle switches, the device herein will operate any rocker switch irrespective of the length or width of the switch itself or its projection above the face plate. The rocker projections extends to a distal edge which has an arc thereon rising to a peak elevation above the arm in a center section and descending to distance closer to the arm at both ends. 
         [0027]    This rocker projection extends from the arm at a position locating the distal edge slightly off the vertical centerline of the rocker switch, but centered in the convergence of the two angled portions of the rocker switch. Thus, the arm rocked in a first direction will turn on the rocker switch and rocked in a second direction from a resting position will turn off the rocker switch. Because the distal edge is located just off the centerline of the switch box holding the switch, the distal edge will always operatively engage a rocker switch be it narrow or extra wide, and operate it. 
         [0028]    In another preferred mode, the extension arm can contain holes or means for engagement to affix additional extensions which increase the arm&#39;s ergonomics as well as length below or above an engaged switch. Such extensions can include but are not limited to: length extensions for higher switches, extensions to the floor for wheelchair activation or dog-manipulateable extensions such as ropes or tennis balls. 
         [0029]    Preferably the cover plate and extension arm are formed of plastic for manufacturability, but can alternatively be produced from any material from a group including wood, glass, fiberglass or metal. Additionally, patterns, stickers or accessories can be painted or adhered to any of the surfaces of the cover plate or extension arm for increased aesthetics. 
         [0030]    The fasteners employed such as bolts, washers and nuts can be composed of any commonly available fastener materials. These fastener components may additionally be supplemented by further fasteners to increase the use and durability of the device including but not limited to, additional bolts washers and nuts, lock nuts, lock washers, standoffs, spacers, or thread adhesive. 
         [0031]    Finally, the projections or operative paddles are preferably manufactured from a material which is durable but will not mar the conventional existing wall switch&#39;s rocker switch. Such materials include but are not limited to: delrin, wood, polyethylene, polypropylene or other non-marring plastics, metals or organic materials. 
         [0032]    Additionally, bumpers can be adhered to the tips of the projections or paddles to further prevent marring. Such bumpers can be produced from one or a combination of padding materials from a group including, rubber, wood, polyethylene, polypropylene teflon, paper, or other non-marring polymeric materials, metals or organic materials. 
         [0033]    With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The device herein described and disclosed in the various modes and combinations is also capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Any such alternative configuration as would occur to those skilled in the art is considered within the scope of this patent. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0034]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of light switch activation extensions for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0035]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only nor exclusive examples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed device. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting in any fashion. In the drawings: 
           [0036]      FIG. 1  depicts an exploded perspective view of the invention and its relation to a conventional wall switch of the toggle type. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  displays an exploded perspective view of the invention and its relation to a conventional wall switch of the rocker type. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  shows a rear view of the device in its lower configuration. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  depicts a rear view of the device in it&#39;s upper configuration. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  displays a rear perspective view of the device. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  depicts a second preferred mode of the extension arm adapted for all sizes of both toggle switches and rocker switches. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  depicts a side view of the extension arm of  FIG. 6  showing the arched distal end of a rocker projection moving to depress the toggle when rotated. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  depicts another side view of the device of  FIG. 6  showing the movement in the opposite direction to turn off the light when the arm is moved in a second direction. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  shows a top view of the device of  FIG. 6  depicting one of the two projections extending on opposite sides of the aperture for the toggle switch, and the off center positioning of the rocker projection. 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  depicts the arm of  FIG. 6 , operatively engaged to rotate along an arched path with a mounting plate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0046]    Now referring to drawings in  FIGS. 1-10 , wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seem the device  10  which is designed for conventional light switch  12 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  is employed to adapt a conventional light switch  12  of the toggle variety  16 , by adhering to a surrounding face plate  14  thereof and directing force toward the toggle switch  16  which activates an electric light. 
         [0047]    The device  10  includes a front panel  20  and an operatively engaged extension arm  18 . The front panel  20  is adapted with a plurality of apertures  21  in a spaced arrangement allowing the employment of fasteners to affix the front panel  20 , through two opposing apertures  21 , to an engagement with two mounting holes  26  in a toggle style switch or the two holes  36  of a rocker style switch communicating through a face plate  14 . Such fasteners can be for instance, screws  22 . 
         [0048]    The extension arm  18  can rotate about and is fastened to the front panel  20  on a pivot point which as shown is provided by a bolt  28 , washer  30  and nut  32  which are fastened loosely to allow for free rotation. Screw caps  24  can be used to hide the long and short screws  22 ,  28 , heads for increased aesthetics. The extension arm  18  might be engaged to a pivot point during manufacture also, by forming such as part of the front panel  20  in plastic or other material, and engaging the extension arm  18  thereon, so any rotational or pivoting engagement of the extension arm  18  as would occur to those skilled in the art, is anticipated within the scope of this patent. 
         [0049]    The extension arm  18 , is engaged adjacent or closer to one side of the front panel  20  and consequently a rotation on the pivot point, at this first side, causes an arced movement of the other sections of the extension arm  18  spaced from the pivot point. 
         [0050]    The front panel  20  is designed to improve the aesthetics of the device  10  as well as constraining the extension arm  18  to run along the arched pathway defined by the rotational connection at the pivot point. The front panel  20  also maintains the extension arm  18  in operative contact with the light switch  12  of either type. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 3 and 4  further display the rear side of the front panel  20 , showing the rotational movement of the arm  18  about the pivot point  29 . The arm  18  has a plurality of standoff ribs  44  which defines an offset distance between the arm  18  and face plate  14 . The standoff ribs  44  additionally provide support and thereby provide a means for stiffening the front panel  20 . In the current preferred mode of the device  10  the standoff ribs  44  also act as additional stops for the movement of the extension arm  18  around the pivot point  29 . The back face of the front panel additionally contains an offset bridge  44  which acts as the primary stop for the rotation of the extension arm  18 . 
         [0052]    By touching and pushing the handle  48  extending from the extension arm  18  causing a rotation about the pivot point  29 , on the front panel  20 , in a direction shown by arrow  34 , the user can employ the device to flip the toggle switch  16  of a conventional wall switch  12  either on, or off, depending on the direction the handle  48  is pushed. 
         [0053]    For conventional wall switches  12  which employs a toggle switch  16 , a toggle oculus  42  in the extension arm  18  is designed to surround the distal end of the toggle switch  16 , and thus translate the toggle switch  16  with user force on the handle  48 . The shape of the device  10  is designed such that, with minimal effort, rotating the extension arm  18  clockwise, per  FIG. 3 , causes an arced movement of the toggle oculus  42  to thereby pivot the toggle switch  16  down, and rotating the extension arm counter clockwise as in  FIG. 4 , will move the oculus along an arced pathway in the reverse, to flip the toggle switch  16  upward. 
         [0054]    For use of the device  10  with wall switches  12  of the rocker variety  34 , the extension arm  18  may also include a first or lower rocker paddle  38  and a second or upper rocker paddle  40 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , both of the rocker paddles follow the arced pathway determined by their position on the extension arm  18  opposite the pivot point  29 , allowing them to follow a curved pathway to contact either the lower and upper rocker faces, on the rocker variety  34  switch, to toggle the wall switch  12  down or up respectively upon rotation of the extension arm  18  initiated by pushing on the handle  48 . The curved or domed shape of the paddles  38  and  40  are preferred to allow smooth transition and are further shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 3 and 4  display the geometrical relationship between the rocker switch shown as the rocker silhouette  50  and the upper and lower projecting paddles  40   38 . As can be seen, both respective paddles  38  and  40 , follow an arc during rotation of the extension arm  18  to traverse over a side edge of the rocker switch to flip it up or down. This arc in the pathway has in experimentation show to be beneficial in dealing with differing sized rocker switches. 
         [0056]    The shapes of the cover plate  20  and extension arm  18  as shown are optimized to fit the largest variety of conventional light switches  12  given the common toggle and rocker switch  16   34  toggle mounting hole  26  and toggle mounting holes  36  geometries, but can be further optimized to fit any conventional light switches  12 . 
         [0057]    In a another preferred mode of the device  10 , the extension arm  18  can include passages or apertures as fastening features to affix extensions which increase the arm&#39;s  18  ergonomics. Such extensions can include but are not limited to: length extensions for higher switches, extensions to the floor for wheelchair activation or dog-manipulatable extensions such as ropes or tennis balls. 
         [0058]    Preferably the cover plate  20  and extension arm  18  are made of plastic for manufacturability, but can alternatively be produced from any material in a list containing but not limited to: wood, glass, fiberglass or metal. Additionally, patterns, stickers or accessories can be painted or adhered to any of the surfaces of the cover plate  20  or extension arm  18  for increased aesthetics. 
         [0059]    The screws  22   28 , washer  30  and nut  32  can be formed of any commonly available fastener materials which will not break under the load on the device  10  such as metal, plastic, or composites. These fastener components may additionally be supplemented by further fasteners to increase the use and durability of the device  10  including but not limited to, additional screws washers and nuts, lock nuts, lock washers, standoffs, spacers, or thread adhesive. 
         [0060]    Still further, the projecting paddles  38 , and  40 , are preferably manufactured from a material which is durable but will not mar the conventional wall switch  12  of the rocker switch  34  category. Such materials include but are not limited to: delrin, wood, polyethylene, polypropylene or other non-marring plastics, metals or organic materials. 
         [0061]    Additionally, bumpers can be adhered to the tips of the paddles  38   40  to further prevent marring. Such bumpers can be produced from any material in a list containing but not limited to: felt, rubber, wood, polyethylene, polypropylene or other non-marring plastics, metals or organic materials. 
         [0062]    In a particularly preferred mode of the device  10  herein, shown in  FIGS. 6-10 , a solution to the toggle switch dilemma noted above is provided which eliminates the problem of previous switch extenders which jammed or failed to operate due to the wide variances in toggle switch length to the distal end, and the width and length of rocker switches. 
         [0063]    Using a unique first projection  70  extending from the arm  18 , running substantially perpendicular to the pair of opposing secondary projections  72  positioned on opposite sides of the toggle oculus  42  for engaging and operating the toggle switches  16 , the device  10  herein in this preferred configuration, will operate any rocker switch  34  irrespective of the length or width of the rocker switch  34  itself or the distance of its projection above a surrounding face plate. 
         [0064]    The first projection  70  extends to a distal edge  71  which has a curve or arc thereon, which rises to a peak elevation above the arm  18  in a center section and descends to distance closer to the arm  18  at both ends. 
         [0065]    This first projection  70  extends from the arm  18  at a position locating the distal edge  71  slightly off the vertical centerline, of the rocker switch  34 , when the arm  18  is in the engagement with the pivot point  29 . Thus, the arm  18  when pivoting on the pivot point  29  in a first direction will cause the distal end  71  of the first projection  70  to move in a arc toward one angled end of the rocker switch  34  and when rotated around the pivot point  29  in a second direction, follow an arced pathway to contact the opposing angled surface of the rocker switch  34  and turn off the rocker switch  34 . 
         [0066]    Because the distal edge  71  is located just off the centerline of the switch box engaging the rocker switch  34 , the distal edge  71  will always operatively engage or contact a surface of the rocker switch  34  whether it is configured narrow or extra wide, since all such switches by default, center the switch face, with the center of the switch box. 
         [0067]    Another mode of the device  10  which is particularly preferred, solves the ongoing problem of differing lengths to the distal end of toggle switches  16  in their extension above the face plate. Short toggle switches  16  which abound in the current art, or communicating through a thick switch plate, will not protrude sufficiently through an aperture toggle oculus  42  to be operated by arm  18  movement. However experimentation has shown, that the inclusion of the secondary projections  72  at or adjacent opposing positions on the toggle-engaging toggle aperture oculus  42 . The secondary projections  72  serve to prevent the distal end of the toggle switch  16  from disengagement from the arm  18 , and thereby maintain the distal end of the toggle switch  16  in operative engagement with the arm  18  through the toggle oculus  42  or in-between the two opposing secondary projections  72 . Consequently, the device as shown in  FIGS. 6-10  with both the first projection  70  and the secondary projections  72  will operate virtually all toggle or rocker switches sold currently irrespective of their length width, or other differences and thus is especially preferred. 
         [0068]    As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in the method of production, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will be appreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, or steps in formation of the invention could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims. 
         [0069]    Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.