Abstract:
A light switch and/or a socket which is illuminatable to aid a user in detecting its position in a dimly lit room. The light switch includes a housing and a lighting element positioned within the housing. A detector detects a level of illumination surrounding the light switch. Based upon this detection the lighting element is illuminated upon determining the detected level of illumination is below a predetermined value thereby aiding in locating said light switch in a dimly lit room. The electrical outlet includes a receptacle having a face plate and at least one lighting element positioned around the periphery of the face plate. A detector detects a level of illumination surrounding the electrical outlet. The at least one lighting element is illuminated upon determining the detected level of illumination is below a predetermined value thereby aiding in locating said electrical outlet in a room illuminated below a predetermined level. A second lighting element may be positioned around a periphery of the first lighting element. A load sensor is provided for sensing the voltage of a load drawn from an input voltage and a comparator compares the sensed load value with a threshold value for determining the capacity of a circuit. When the detected said load value is less than a threshold value, the first lighting element is illuminated and, when the detected load value is greater than the threshold value, the second lighting element is illuminated.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to electrical outlets and, more specifically, to illuminated electrical outlets and switches. The outlets and switches are illuminated by electro-illuminescent strips deriving power from the input voltage. The outlets and switches contain a brightness sensor which senses the amount of light present in a room and, upon a determination that the light is below a reference level, the electro-illuminescent strips are caused to be illuminated. Also, the outlets may include at least two luminous strips each having a different color for indicating the status of that particular socket. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Numerous other illuminating devices designed for electrical outlets and light switches are present in the prior art. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 1,720,463 issued to Both on Jul. 9, 1929. A patent was issued to Tiffany on Oct. 1, 1935 as U.S. Pat. No. 2,015,698. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 3,265,888 was issued to Adolphson, Jr. on Aug. 9, 1966 and De Francisco was issued U.S. Pat. No. 3,307,030 on Feb. 28, 1967. Prior was issued U.S. Pat. No. 3,895,225 on Jul. 15, 1975 and on May 19, 1987 Osika was issued U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,073. 
   Rice was issued U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,641 on Sep. 27, 1988 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,166 was issued to Lutzker on Nov. 4, 1997. U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,730 was issued to Rintz on Sep. 22, 1998. U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,787 was issued to Rintz on Apr. 18, 2000. Yu et al. was issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,893. Salatrik was issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,760 on Aug. 29, 2000. 
   While these illuminated receptacles may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 1,720,463 
   Inventor: Tonjes A. Both 
   Issued: Jul. 9, 1929 
   In a device of the character described, a receptacle having contacts to engage the blade contacts of an attachment plug cap, means for connecting said receptacle contacts to the leads from a source of current, a pilot lamp mounting having contacts to engage those of a pilot lamp, a connection from one of the pilot lamp contacts to one of the receptacle contacts, and an auxiliary contact connected to the other lamp contact and positioned adjacent the other receptacle contact but spaced therefrom in position to engage a cap contact and extending outwardly beyond said receptacle contact so that it will be engaged by the cap contact before said cap contact engages the receptacle contact as the cap is plugged into the receptacle. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,015,698 
   Inventor: Frank Emery Tiffany 
   Issued: Oct. 1, 1935 
   A switch-plate of the character described, having an outwardly extending housing provided with a sight window and said plate having a plurality of openings through which fastening devices and a switch operating member may extend, the front and end walls of the housing being formed integral with the plate and located within the marginal edges thereof, and a gaseous light bulb supported within said housing in rear of its window, said bulb having its electrodes terminating in flexible lead wires adapted to be readily attached to the terminals of an electric switch circuit located in rear of the said plate to provide a shunt circuit in which said gas bulb is included, the construction and arrangement being such that no part of the bulb or it lead wires projects beyond the upper edge of the plate. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,265,888 
   Inventor: Carl Bradford Adolphson, Jr. 
   Issued: Aug. 9, 1966 
   An electrical duplex outlet which comprises: a two part body of insulating material having a front surface and defining therein a first and a second receptacle, each including first and second cavities, said front surface defining first and second parallel slots in each receptacle communicating, respectively, with said first and second cavities, said body further including a wall portion extending between the first and second cavities of each receptacle, said wall defining first and second substantially cylindrical wells positioned, respectively, between each pair of first and second cavities and extending substantially perpendicular to said front surface but with its forward end being spaced therefrom, the opposite side of each well piercing said wall to define rectangular parallel slots communicating, respectively, with said first and second cavities; first electrical conductor means mounted in said body and including female contacts in each of said first cavities to be contacted by a connector blade inserted through a corresponding first slot; second electrical conductor means mounted in said body and including female contacts in each of said second cavities to be contacted by a connector blade inserted through a corresponding second slot; a first substantially cylindrical electrical lamp positioned within said first well with a substantial portion of the side wall of said first lamp intermediate its ends being in contact with, and supported by, the sides of said first well, the remaining portions of the side wall of said first lamp being positioned adjacent the corresponding parallel slots to illuminate said first and second cavities therethrough, said first lamp being connected across said first and second electrical conductor means to be energized, therefrom; and a second substantially cylindrical lamp positioned within said second well with a substantial portion of the side wall of said second lamp intermediate its ends being in contact with, and supported by, the sides of said second well, the remaining portions of the side wall of said second lamp being positioned adjacent the corresponding parallel slots to illuminate said first and second cavities therethrough, said second lamp being connected across said first and second electrical conductor means to be energized therefrom. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,307,030 
   Inventor: Arthur De Francisco 
   Issued: Feb. 28, 1967 
   An electroluminescent device in the form of a cover plate for an electric wall fixture comprising metallic electrode plates and a layer of electroluminescent material, and a pair of electrical plug-in prongs electrically connected to two of said electrode plates and extending at right angles to said electrode plates for plug-in engagement with a source of potential to illuminate the plate, said cover plate having an aperture extending therethrough parallel to said plug-in prongs and being arranged to receive a portion of the wall fixture when said prongs are plugged into the wall fixture. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,895,225 
   Inventor: James C. Prior 
   Issued: Jul. 15, 1975 
   In an illuminated electrical receptacle device, the combination including a nonconductive body means  1  having electrical receptor means, a nonconductive cover-means having apertures corresponding to said receptor means and through which connector blade means can be removably inserted, said cover means having an open area for receiving lens means, grounding strap means insertable between said body means and cover means, said grounding strap means having apertures corresponding to the apertures in said cover means and said open area, illuminating means locatable under said cover means, and lens means insertable in said open area of said cover means, said lens means having gripping means for engaging said cover means and grounding strap means for removably holding said cover means, grounding strap and lens means in assembled relation. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,073 
   Inventor: Thomas F. Osika 
   Issued: May 19, 1987 
   An electrical toggle switch with self-contained indicating devices for displaying the operating condition of the switch and the electrical equipment controlled thereby. The switch may be of the single pole double throw type, or the double pole double throw type, operated by a three position toggle lever which actuates a fulcrum mounted conductive bridge. The switch housing incorporates indicating lamps with color coded lenses. A legend plate assembly mounted on the switch includes a readily interchangeable legend plate which indicates switch function whether or not specifically illuminated. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,641 
   Inventor: Keith Q. Rice 
   Issued: Sep. 27, 1988 
   An electric contact means of an illuminating device embodied into electric outlet cover plates. The electric illuminating device is connected electrically to two thin electrical conducting bifurcated blades with spring properties. The open ends of the bifurcated blades are located behind a feed slot and neutral slot in the cover plate that correspond in location to the same slots in the electric outlet. When the cover plate is installed on an electric outlet the closed ends of the two bifurcated blades are automatically inserted into the corresponding feed and neutral slots of the electric outlet making electric contact for the device embodied in the cover plate. The two thin bifurcated blades permit adequate space for normal insertion of electric appliance plugs between the bifurcated blades. Where there is more than one outlet provision, the other outlet provisions are merely corresponding openings in the cover plate that permit appliance plugs to be inserted through the cover plate into the wall outlet. The novel and new bifurcated blade electrical contact design leaves all outlets still available for electric appliance plugs, supplies electric power to the illuminating device embodied in the cover plate with or without an appliance plug installed, and is as easy to install as a standard hardware cover plate using the same attachment means. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,166 
   Inventor: Robert S. Lutzker 
   Issued: Nov. 4, 1997 
   An electroluminescent wall plate is provided with clips designed to couple with wall mounted electrical terminals. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,730 
   Inventor: William J. Rintz 
   Issued: Sep. 22, 1998 
   A light switch cover is disclosed for use with conventional “rocker” and “toggle” type switches. The cover generally includes a mounting bracket which is attached to the electrical box, along with the switch and a face plate which is attached to the mounting bracket. For “rocker” type switches, the face plate is preferably constructed from a soft material to allow the user to operate the covered “rocker” switch, but can be made of a combination of hard and soft materials. For “toggle” type switches an aperture is provided in the face plate to operate the toggle. Preferably, the outer surface of the face plate is provided with a decorated design or other indicia. The light switch can also be utilized where more than one switch is provided. For multiple “rocker” switches, a diverter bar is provided on the mounting bracket, to absorb pressure being asserted on one “rocker” switch from also transferring to an adjacent “rocker” switch and inadvertently turning “off” or “on” the adjacent “rocker” switch. An electroluminescent lighting sheet can also be provided between the face plate and mounting bracket to highlight and enhance the decorative features of the present invention light switch cover. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,787 
   Inventor: William J. Rintz 
   Issued: Apr. 18, 2000 
   A light switch cover is disclosed for use with conventional “rocker” and “toggle” type switches. The cover generally includes a mounting bracket which is attached to the electrical box, along with the switch and a face plate which is attached to the mounting bracket. For “rocker” type switches, the face plate is preferably constructed from a soft material to allow the user to operate the covered “rocker” switch, but can be made of a combination of hard and soft materials. For “toggle” type switches an aperture is provided in the face plate to operate the toggle. Preferably, the outer surface of the face plate is provided with a decorated design or other indicia. The light switch can also be utilized where more than one switch is provided. For multiple “rocker” switches, a diverter bar is provided on the mounting bracket, to absorb pressure being asserted on one “rocker” switch from also transferring to an adjacent “rocker” switch and inadvertently turning “off” or “on” the adjacent “rocker” switch. An electroluminescent lighting sheet can also be provided between the face plate and mounting bracket to highlight and enhance the decorative features of the present invention light switch cover. A battery back-up and power loss sensing circuit can be included that illuminates the lighting sheet whenever power to the light switch is lost. Upon loss of power, the lighting sheet can be illuminated steadily or can blink at a preselected frequency. An on/off switch can be provided to manually turn the illuminated light switch cover off. The invention can be utilized with pressure sensitive dome-type switches. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,893 
   Inventor: Dongxiao Yu et al. 
   Issued: Jul. 18, 2000 
   An illuminated electrical receptacle which employs a lamp containing electroluminescent material which are made to produce visible light upon the application of AC current to such materials. The lamp is flat with apertures which permit the blades of two electrical plugs to pass through from a face plate to a base containing electrical contacts. The face plate is formed of materials which permit the light produced to pass through all or selected parts of the face plate or outline the face plate or its apertures. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,760 
   Inventor: Ronald L. Salatrik et al. 
   Issued: Aug. 29, 2000 
   An illuminated power outlet assembly for a motor vehicle having an insulator and an illuminated device. The illumination device includes a light emitting diode and a resistor electrically coupled in series. The illumination device is positioned within a power outlet, specifically between the casing and the insulator, such that when the illumination device illuminates, the light passes through the insulator to light the power outlet. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to electrical outlets and, more specifically, to illuminated electrical outlets and switches. The outlets and switches are illuminated by electro-illuminescent strips deriving power from the input voltage. The outlets and switches contain a brightness sensor which senses the amount of light present in a room and, upon a determination that the light is below a reference level, the electro-illuminescent strips are caused to be illuminated. Also, the outlets may include at least two luminous strips each having a different color for indicating the status of that particular socket. 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide illuminated electrical outlets and switches that overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. 
   Another secondary object of the present invention is to provide illuminated electrical outlets and switches for use in low light situations for guiding a user thereto. 
   Another further object of the present invention is to provide illuminated electrical outlets and switches that derive their power from the receptacle source. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide illuminated outlets and switches that will indicate when power is cut off to the receptacle. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide illuminated electrical outlets and switches that will indicate whether or not a particular socket is occupied. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide illuminated outlets and switches that will indicate when a circuit is reaching its maximum load. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide illuminated outlets and switches having a light sensor for detecting the level of ambient light in a room. 
   An even further object of the present invention is to provide illuminated outlets and switches having a comparator for comparing a level sensed by the light sensor with a reference level. 
   Still a further object of the present invention is to provide illuminated outlets and switches having a light source which is activated by the comparator upon detecting the light level sensed by the light sensor is below a reference level. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide illuminated outlets and switches having two different colored light sources for notifying a user of the capacity thereof. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide illuminated outlets and switches having a sensor switch for switching between the two different colored light sources when a comparator detects that a load level is at least above and below a reference level. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide illuminated electrical outlets and switches that are simple and easy to use. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide illuminated electrical outlets and switches that are inexpensive to manufacture and operate. 
   Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
   The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
   The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention in use; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the illuminated receptacle of the illuminated outlet of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the illuminated receptacle of the illuminated outlet of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the outlet of the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention not being illuminated; 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the light switch of the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention being illuminated by a light source contained therein; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention having a combined outlet and switch; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the illuminated outlet of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the illuminated outlet of the present invention having two different colored light sources contained therein; 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram of the illuminated outlet of the present invention for detecting the capacity of a circuit therein; 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram of the a plurality of illuminated outlets of the present invention including a circuit breaker for detecting the capacity of a circuit therein; and 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention including a light sensor for detecting a level of light in a room. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.
           10  illuminated light switch/outlet of the present invention     11  light source     12  light switch     13  receptacle     14  wall plate for light switch     15  face plate of outlet     16  first outlet     18  second outlet     20  wall plate for outlet     22  first outlet opening     24  second outlet opening     26  connector     27  connector recess     28  receptacle connector     30  combination switch/outlet face plate     32  light     34  first colored light source     36  second colored light source     38  sensor switch     42  receptacle plug     44  capacity comparator     45  capacity reference     46  microprocessor     48  circuit breaker     50  brightness sensor     52  brightness comparator     54  brightness reference     56  light source     58  power source       

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 11  illustrate an illuminated outlet of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral  10 . 
     FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the illuminated outlets and switches  10  of the present invention in use. The present invention includes at least one of a light switch  12  and an electrical outlet  16 ,  18 . The light switches  12  and outlets  16 ,  18  each include a lighting element  11  for illumination thereof. The light switch  12  is preferably positioned on a wall  4  of a room  2 . The light switch  12  is secured by a light switch wall plate  14 . Preferably, the light switch  12  is formed from material that is at least one of transparent and translucent. The lighting element  11  is positioned within the light switch  12  for illumination thereof. The lighting element  11  draws power from a power source located therein. The illuminated light switch  10  aides a user in locating the position of the switch  12  on the wall  4  when the room in which the light switch is positioned is not illuminated. The light switch  12  may include a sensor as shown in  FIG. 11  therein for sensing a level of light present in the room  4 . If the light level is determined to be below a reference level, the light switch  12  may then be selectively illuminated by the lighting element  11  contained therein. Illumination of the light switch using a brightness sensor will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 11 . 
   The outlet  16 ,  18  of the present invention may include a light sensor similar to the one discussed with respect to the light switch  12 . The outlet  16 ,  18  includes a face plate  15  formed from material that is at least one of transparent and translucent. The lighting element is positioned under the face plate  15  of the outlet  16 ,  18  and is contained within a receptacle. The lighting element may selectively emit light which aides a user in locating the outlet  16 ,  18  on the wall  4 . This is especially useful when the outlet is located behind a piece of furniture. The lighting element emits light and directs the user to the location of the outlet. Additionally, as will be discussed with respect to  FIGS. 8–10 , the outlet  16 ,  18  is able to detect the capacity of the load and determine whether or not the capacity of the circuit is being exceeded prior to a circuit breaker cutting off a supply to the outlet. The plurality of lighting elements are each able to emit a color of light different than the other whereby a first color is illuminated when the circuit is below capacity and the second color is illuminated when the circuit exceeds capacity. 
     FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the illuminated receptacle of the illuminated outlet of the present invention. The illuminated outlets  10  of the present invention include a first outlet  16  and a second outlet  18 . The first and second outlets,  16  and  18  respectively, are positioned within the wall  4  and held in place by a outlet wall plate  20 . The outlet wall plate  20  includes a first recess  22  extending therethrough. The first recess  22  is substantially the same shape and size as the first outlet  16 . The outlet wall plate  20  also includes a second recess  24  extending therethrough. The second recess  24  is substantially the same shape and size as the second outlet  18 . The outlets  16 ,  18  are preferably at least one of translucent and transparent thereby allowing light to be emitted therefrom. The first and second outlets  16 ,  18  each include the lighting element  11  contained within the receptacle  13  thereof. The receptacle  13  is clearly shown in  FIG. 3 . The lighting element  11  is selectively illuminated when a level of light in the room is below a predetermined reference level thereby causing light to be emitted from the lighting element, through the face plate  15  of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . 
     FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the illuminated receptacle of the illuminated outlet of the present invention. The illuminated outlets  10  of the present invention include the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . The first and second outlets,  16  and  18  respectively, are positioned within the wall  4  and held in place by the outlet wall plate  20 . The outlet wall plate  20  includes the first recess  22  extending therethrough. The first recess  22  is substantially the same shape and size as the first outlet  16 . The outlet wall plate  20  also includes the second recess  24  extending therethrough. The second recess  24  is substantially the same shape and size as the second outlet  18 . The outlets  16 ,  18  are preferably at least one of translucent and transparent thereby allowing light to be emitted therefrom. The first and second outlets  16 ,  18  each include the lighting element  11  contained within the receptacle  13  thereof. The lighting element  11  is selectively illuminated when a level of light in the room is below a predetermined reference level thereby causing light to be emitted from the lighting element, through the face plate  15  of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . 
   The receptacle  13  is connected within the wall of a structure via receptacle connectors  28  which hold the receptacle  13  in place within the wall  4 . The wall plate  20  is then connected to the receptacle  13  by a connector  26 . The connector  26  is preferably a screw which passes through a connector recess  27  in the wall plate  20 . The lighting elements  11  of the illuminated outlets  10  of the present invention receive power from the input voltage that is received by the receptacle  13 . Illumination of the lighting elements  11  will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     FIG. 4  is a front view of the outlet of the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention not being illuminated. The illuminated outlets  10  of the present invention include the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . The first and second outlets,  16  and  18  respectively, are positioned within the wall  4  and held in place by the outlet wall plate  20 . The outlet wall plate  20  includes the first recess  22  extending therethrough. The first recess  22  is substantially the same shape and size as the first outlet  16 . The outlet wall plate  20  also includes the second recess  24  extending therethrough. The second recess  24  is substantially the same shape and size as the second outlet  18 . The outlets  16 ,  18  are preferably at least one of translucent and transparent thereby allowing light to be emitted therefrom. The first and second outlets  16 ,  18  each include the lighting element  11  contained within the receptacle  13  thereof. The lighting element  11  is selectively illuminated when a level of light in the room is below a predetermined reference level thereby causing light to be emitted from the lighting element, through the face plate  15  of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . 
   Shown in  FIG. 4  is an alternative placement of the lighting element  11 . The lighting element  11  extends around a peripheral edge of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . In this configuration, the lighting element can be contained within the receptacle  13  and thus emit light through the face plate  15  of the outlets  16 ,  18 . Alternatively, the lighting element  11  maybe external from the receptacle  13  and positioned between the outlet  16 ,  18  and an edge of the recess  22 ,  24  of the wall plate  22 . The lighting element  11  is selectively illuminable when the level of light in the room is below a predetermined reference level. 
     FIG. 5  is a front view of the light switch of the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention being illuminated by a light source contained therein. The light switch  12  is secured in place by a light switch wall plate  14 . Preferably, the light switch  12  is formed from material that is at least one of transparent and translucent. The lighting element  11  is positioned within the light switch  12  for illumination thereof. The lighting element  11  draws power from a power, source located therein. The illuminated light switch  10  of the present invention aides a user in locating the position of the switch  12  on the wall  4 . The light switch  12  may include a sensor as shown in  FIG. 11  therein for sensing a level of light present in the room  4 . If the light level is determined to be below a reference level, the light switch  12  may then be selectively illuminated by the lighting element  11  contained therein. Illumination of the light switch using a brightness sensor will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 11 . 
     FIG. 6  is a front view of the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention having both outlets and switches. The light switch  12  is secured in place by a light switch wall plate  14 . Preferably, the light switch  12  is formed from material that is at least one of transparent and translucent. The lighting element  11  is positioned within the light switch  12  for illumination thereof. The lighting element  11  draws power from a power source located therein. The illuminated light switch  10  of the present invention aides a user in locating the position of the switch  12  on the wall  4 . The light switch  12  may include a sensor as shown in  FIG. 11  therein for sensing a level of light present in the room  4 . If the light level is determined to be below a reference level, the light switch  12  may then be selectively illuminated by the lighting element  11  contained therein. 
   The illuminated outlets  10  of the present invention include the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . The first and second outlets,  16  and  18  respectively, are positioned within the wall  4  and held in place by the outlet wall plate  20 . The outlet wall plate  20  includes the first recess  22  extending therethrough. The first recess  22  is substantially the same shape and size as the first outlet  16 . The outlet wall plate  20  also includes the second recess  24  extending therethrough. The second recess  24  is substantially the same shape and size as the second outlet  18 . The outlets  16 ,  18  are preferably at least one of translucent and transparent thereby allowing light to be emitted therefrom. The first and second outlets  16 ,  18  each include the lighting element  11  contained within the receptacle  13  thereof. The lighting element  11  is selectively illuminated when a level of light in the room is below a predetermined reference level thereby causing light to be emitted from the lighting element, through the face plate  15  of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . The lighting element  11  extends around a peripheral edge of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . In this configuration, the lighting element can be contained within the receptacle  13  and thus emit light through the face plate  15  of the outlets  16 ,  18 . Alternatively, the lighting element  11  maybe external from the receptacle  13  and positioned between the outlet  16 ,  18  and an edge of the recess  22 ,  24  of the wall plate  22 . The lighting element  11  is selectively illuminable when the level of light in the room is below a predetermined reference level. 
   A combination switch/outlet wall plate  30  is shown in  FIG. 6 . The combination wall plate  30  includes both the light switch  12  and the first and second outlets  16  and  18  respectively. The combination wall plate  30  includes the connection recess for selectively securing the light switch  12  and outlets  16 ,  18  within the wall with the connector  26 . The connector  26  passes through the recess  27  and secures the combination wall plate  30  to the wall. The light switch  12  and the outlets  16 ,  18  are shown in  FIG. 6  being illuminated by the lighting elements  11 . The light being emitted from the lighting elements  11  is labeled with the reference numeral  32 . The light  32  being emitted therefrom aides the user in locating at least one of the light switch  12  and the first and second outlets  16  and  18  respectively. 
     FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the illuminated outlet of the present invention. The illuminated outlets  10  of the present invention include the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . The first and second outlets,  16  and  18  respectively, are positioned within the wall  4  and held in place by the outlet wall plate  20 . The outlet wall plate  20  includes the first recess  22  extending therethrough. The first recess  22  is substantially the same shape and size as the first outlet  16 . The outlet wall plate  20  also includes the second recess  24  extending therethrough. The second recess  24  is substantially the same shape and size as the second outlet  18 . The outlets  16 ,  18  are preferably at least one of translucent and transparent thereby allowing light to be emitted therefrom. The first and second outlets  16 ,  18  each include the lighting element  11  contained within the receptacle  13  thereof. The lighting element  11  is selectively illuminated when a level of light in the room is below a predetermined reference level thereby causing light to be emitted from the lighting element, through the face plate  15  of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . The lighting element  11  extends around a peripheral edge of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . In this configuration, the lighting element can be contained within the receptacle  13  and thus emit light through the face plate  15  of the outlets  16 ,  18 . Alternatively, the lighting element  11  maybe external from the receptacle  13  and positioned between the outlet  16 ,  18  and an edge of the recess  22 ,  24  of the wall plate  22 . The lighting element  11  is selectively illuminable when the level of light in the room is below a predetermined reference level. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , the level of light present in the room is below the predetermined reference level and thus the lighting elements  11  are emitting light therefrom as is indicated by the lines identified by the numeral  32 . By emitting light  32  therefrom, the user is able to more easily locate the first and second outlets  16  and  18  respectively. Upon the level of light rising above the predetermined reference level, the lighting element  11  no longer need to emit light therefrom as the room is illuminated to a degree whereby the sockets and switches may be seen without aid. 
     FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the illuminated outlet of the present invention having two different colored light sources contained therein. The illuminated outlets  10  of the present invention include the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . The first and second outlets,  16  and  18  respectively, are positioned within the wall  4  and held in place by the outlet wall plate  20 . The outlet wall plate  20  includes the first recess  22  extending therethrough. The first recess  22  is substantially the same shape and size as the first outlet  16 . The outlet wall plate  20  also includes the second recess  24  extending therethrough. The second recess  24  is substantially the same shape and size as the second outlet  18 . The outlets  16 ,  18  are preferably at least one of translucent and transparent thereby allowing light to be emitted therefrom. The first and second outlets  16 ,  18  each include the lighting element  11  contained within the receptacle  13  thereof. The lighting element  11  is selectively illuminated when a level of light in the room is below a predetermined reference level thereby causing light to be emitted from the lighting element, through the face plate  15  of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . The lighting element  11  extends around a peripheral edge of each of the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18 . 
   In  FIG. 8 , a the first outlet  16  and the second outlet  18  include at least two lighting elements, each respective one of the lighting elements emits a different colored light. A first colored lighting element  34  is positioned around a periphery of the first and second outlets  16  and  18  respectively. A second colored lighting element  36  is positioned around the periphery of the first colored lighting element  34  on a side thereof opposite from the outlets  16 ,  18 . Alternatively, the first colored lighting element  34  and the second colored lighting element  36  may be contained within the receptacle  13  thereby emitting light through the face plate  15  of the outlets  16 ,  18 . 
   This embodiment further includes a sensor switch  38  positioned within the outlet  16 ,  18 . The sensor switch  38  senses the amount of load placed on the circuit and determines, as will discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , whether or not the capacity of the circuit has been exceeded by the addition of the load. If the capacity of the circuit is below a predetermined reference level indicating the power being used by the apparatus connected to the socket is within a level which is able to be adequately supplied then the first colored lighting element  34  is illuminated signifying that the outlet is safe to use. If the capacity of the circuit is above the predetermined reference value, indicating a circuit breaker will cut off power to the socket should the drain of power increase, then the second colored lighting element  36  is illuminated. The second colored lighting element  36  emits a color of light that is different from the color of light emitted by the first lighting element  34 . 
     FIG. 9  is a block diagram of the illuminated outlet of the present invention for detecting if a plug is inserted in the socket. The receptacle  13  includes the first colored lighting element  34  and the second colored lighting element  36 . The receptacle  13  further includes a microprocessor  46  for controlling the sensor switch  38  which is positioned between the colored lighting elements  34  and  36  respectively, and the microprocessor  46 . A comparator is connected between a receptacle plug  42  and an input voltage  44  for comparing a load value on the socket to a reference value  45 . The comparator  44  is also connected to the microprocessor  46  for directing the microprocessor to toggle the sensor switch  38  between the first colored lighting element  34  and the second colored lighting element  36  based upon the results of the comparison. 
   The method of detecting whether a plug is inserted in the socket will now be discussed with specific reference to  FIG. 9 . Upon the receptacle plug  42  being received within the receptacle  13 , the comparator  44  compares the input voltage or load on the socket to the reference voltage. If the voltage value from the receptacle plug  42  is below the reference voltage value, then the comparator  44  directs the microprocessor to toggle the lead of the sensor switch  38  to contact the first colored lighting element  34  indicating a plug is not inserted in the socket. If the voltage value from the receptacle plug  42  is greater than the value of the reference voltage  45 , the comparator  44  directs the microprocessor to toggle the lead of the sensor switch  38  to contact the second colored lighting element  36  indicating a plug is inserted in the socket. Preferably, the first colored lighting element is green and the second colored lighting element is red. However, the first and second lighting elements can emit light having any color so long as the colors are different from one another. 
     FIG. 10  is a block diagram of the plurality of illuminated outlets of the present invention including a circuit breaker for detecting the capacity of a circuit therein. This embodiment includes a circuit breaker  48  having the comparator  44  coupled to receive the reference value  45  and an input voltage value. The output of the comparator is connected to the microprocessor  46  contained within the circuit breaker  48 . A plurality of receptacles  13  are connected to receive the input voltage. Each receptacle includes the first colored lighting element  34  and the second colored lighting element  36 . The sensor switch  38  is connected between the lighting elements  34 ,  36  and the microprocessor  46  of the circuit breaker  48 . The comparator  44  receives the input voltage value and compares the value with the predetermined reference value  45 . Upon determining that the input value is below the reference value, the comparator  44  directs the microprocessor  46  to toggle the sensor switch  38  to contact a lead extending from the first colored lighting element  34  for emitting a colored light therefrom and indicating the input voltage is adequate to supply the load on the receptacles. If the comparator  44  determines that input value is above the reference value, the comparator  44  directs the microprocessor  46  to toggle the sensor switch  38  to contact the lead extending from the second colored lighting element for emitting a colored light therefrom and indicating the input voltage is not adequate to supply the load on the receptacles and a circuit breaker will be activated to cut off the supply to the receptacles. The colored light emitted from the first colored lighting  34  element has a color different than the colored light emitted from the second colored lighting element  36 . 
     FIG. 11  is a block diagram of the illuminated outlets and switches of the present invention including a light sensor for detecting a level of light in a room. The switch  12  includes a brightness sensor  50  for sensing the level of light in a room. The brightness sensor  50  is connected to a brightness comparator  52 . The brightness comparator  52  compares a brightness value received from the brightness sensor with a brightness reference value  54 . If the brightness value is below the reference value indicating the room is not illuminated, the comparator  52  directs a switch  53  to move from a first open position to a second closed position thereby closing an electrical circuit. Upon closing the electrical circuit, the lighting element  11  receives power from a power source  58  thereby causing the lighting element to be illuminated. If the brightness value is greater than the reference value, the comparator  52  directs the switch  53  to move from the second closed position to the first open position indicating the room is illuminated, thereby disrupting the electrical circuit. 
   It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
   While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
   Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various application without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic of specific aspects of this invention.