Patent Publication Number: US-9431187-B2

Title: Switch actuation device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 13/933,411, filed Jul. 2, 2013, which is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 13/537,679, filed Jun. 29, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,502,095), which is a divisional application of patent application Ser. No. 12/466,694, filed May 15, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,232,487), which is a continuation-in-part application of patent application Ser. No. 11/699,272, filed Jan. 29, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,544,906), which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/763,501, filed Jan. 31, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to mechanisms and devices that can be used in conjunction with electrical switch mechanisms, such as a light switch or similar power switch and, particularly to a switch actuation device that can be used in connection with an electrical switch mechanism and/or retrofitted with an existing electrical switch mechanism for use in turning the switch “on” and “off” according to some time delay. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Presently, there are a variety of light switches and electrical switches available with certain options or features. For example, dimmer switches are available to set the lights or a fan at a certain level or speed, as adjusted by a dial or slide mechanism. Furthermore, switches are available that have touch-sensitive pads and other surfaces that allow for easy actuation for turning the lights “on” or “off”. Still further, there are switches available, such as rotary dials and the like, that allow for a device or light to be operated for a timed period, while the dial rotates back to some default position. In one example, and according to the prior art, built-in heaters and fans may include such a dial, as may heat lamps or lights in a bathroom. 
     In both consumer and commercial structures, lights are often inadvertently left on when a person exits a room, which results in a drain in energy and an increase in costs. Often, this light, fan or other appliance may be left on for a long period of time in a room where little human traffic or through-traffic is experienced after the room is vacated. In the home, lights, fans, etc. are often left “on” in the bathroom, closets, garages, hallways, children&#39;s bedrooms, etc. Similarly, in commercial establishments, lights are often left “on” in the bathrooms, storerooms, small kitchens, etc. 
     In addition, it may be desirable to have a light or other device or appliance turned “on” when the user is not present in the home. For example, if the user is on vacation, it is beneficial to have certain lights turn “on” or “off” according to a set pattern or timing sequence. While certain timing devices are available, these devices use a rotary dial, which includes an outlet, which must be plugged into the wall and, subsequently, a light plugged into the device. Therefore, the user must rearrange furniture and go through an often laborious task of unplugging and resetting these devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide a switch actuation device for use in connection with an electrical switch mechanism that overcomes the deficiencies and drawbacks of the prior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide a switch actuation device that is easily attachable to and retrofittable on an existing electrical switch, such as a light switch. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an actuatable electrical switch arrangement that includes a switch actuation device that overcomes the deficiencies and drawbacks of the prior art. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a switch actuation device that allows an electrical switch to be actuated to the “on” or “off” position according to a predetermined timing sequence. It is another object of the present invention to provide a switch actuation device that allows an electrical switch to be cycled between the “on” or “off” position according to a predetermined timing sequence. 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a switch actuation device for use in connection with an electrical switch mechanism having an actuatable structure, such as a toggle or the like. The device includes an actuation mechanism in operable communication with the actuatable structure. This actuation mechanism is operable to urge the actuatable structure of the electrical switch mechanism from a first position to a second position. 
     The present invention is further directed to an actuatable electrical switch arrangement. The arrangement includes an actuatable structure in electrical communication with an electrical wiring system of a structure. In addition the arrangement includes an actuation mechanism in operable communication with the actuatable structure. The actuation mechanism is operable to urge the actuatable structure of the electrical switch arrangement from a first position to a second position. 
     These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a standard electrical switch mechanism according to the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of one embodiment of an actuation device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an edge view of one embodiment of an actuation device according to the present invention in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 4  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 5  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 6  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 7  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 8  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 9  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 10  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 11  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 12  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 13  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a partially assembled form; 
         FIG. 14  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in a fully assembled form; 
         FIG. 15  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  for installation with an electrical switch mechanism; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  installed on an electrical switch mechanism where an actuatable structure is in a first position; 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  installed on an electrical switch mechanism where the actuatable structure is in a second position; 
         FIG. 18  a further front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  installed on an electrical switch mechanism where the actuatable structure is in a first position; 
         FIG. 19  is a further front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  installed on an electrical switch mechanism where the actuatable structure is in a second position; 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded, edge view of a further embodiment of an actuation mechanism according to the present invention for installation on an electrical switch mechanism; 
         FIG. 21  an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 20  for installation on an electrical switch mechanism; 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of a still further embodiment of an actuation mechanism according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a front view of a further embodiment of an actuation mechanism according to the present invention installed on an electrical switch mechanism where an actuatable structure is in a first position; 
         FIG. 24  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 23  installed on an electrical switch mechanism where an actuatable structure is in a second position; 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 23  installed on an electrical switch mechanism where an actuatable structure is in a second position; 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a switch actuation device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic view of a still further embodiment of a switch actuation device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is an edge view of another embodiment of an actuation mechanism according to the present invention installed on an electrical switch mechanism where an actuatable structure is in a first position; 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 28  where the actuatable structure is in a second position; 
         FIG. 31  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is an edge view of a still further embodiment of an actuation mechanism according to the present invention installed on an electrical switch mechanism where an actuatable structure is in a first position; 
         FIG. 33  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is an edge view of the embodiment of  FIG. 32  where the actuatable structure is in a second position; 
         FIG. 35  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIGS. 36-41  are perspective views of another embodiment of a switch actuation device according to the principles of the present invention during operation; 
         FIG. 42  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 36-41 ; 
         FIG. 43A - FIG. 43I  are various views of the embodiment of  FIGS. 36-41  during operation; and 
         FIGS. 44A-53C  are various views of specified portions and components of the embodiments of  FIGS. 36-41 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 
     The present invention is directed to a switch actuation device  10 , as illustrated in various embodiments in  FIGS. 2-35 . In particular, this switch actuation device  10  can be used in connection with an existing and installed electrical switch mechanism  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , such an electrical switch mechanism  200  is well known in the art. In particular, this electrical switch mechanism  200  includes a switch plate  202 , which is attached to a switch box  204 . The switch box  204  includes the necessary electrical wiring housed therein in order to allow electricity to appropriately flow according to the position of an actuatable structure  206 , such as a toggle, a switch or the like. It should also be noted that the present invention is useful in connection with any type and style of electrical switch mechanism  200 , e.g., a two-toggle switch, a three-toggle switch, etc. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the actuatable structure  206  is shown in two positions. Specifically, the actuatable structure  206  or toggle can be moved from a first position or state “A”, which typically corresponds to the “on” position of the electrical switch mechanism  200 , as well as a second position or state “B”, which typically corresponds to the “off” position of the electrical switch mechanism  200 . Accordingly, the actuatable structure  206  is moved up and down between positions A and B in order to turn a light, fan, device, etc. “on” or “off”. 
     In order to attach the switch plate  202  to the switch box  204 , a variety of attachment devices can be utilized. For example, and as is well known in the art, the switch plate  202  may include multiple orifices  208  extending therethrough and sized and shaped so as to accept a screw  210  therein. In this manner, the switch plate  202  is removably attachable to the switch box  204  in a specified position on the wall. Typically, two screws  210  are used and extend through two aligned orifices  208  on the surface of the switch plate  202  for attachment to the switchbox  204 . 
     As discussed hereinafter, the switch actuation device  10  of the present invention is used in connection with the electrical switch mechanism  200 . Further, the switch actuation device  10  can be manufactured separately and, subsequently, retrofitted onto an existing electrical switch mechanism  200 . Alternatively, the switch actuation device  10  can be manufactured, sold and used as integrated with an electrical switch mechanism  200  or the like. Therefore, the switch actuation device  10  of the present invention is not limited to merely being used in a “retrofit” situation, but may be sold together with a new electrical switch mechanism  200  in the form of a kit. 
     A switch actuation device  10  according, to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the switch actuation device  10  is positionable on or over the switch plate  202 , and the actuatable structure  206  would extend through a cutout portion or other receiving portion  12  of the device  10 . Accordingly, the actuatable structure  206  can be moved between positions A and B, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, as discussed in detail hereinafter, the actuatable structure  206  may be fully or partially enclosed within the switch actuation device  10  (or in an enclosure or housing associated with the device  10 ), such that the actuatable structure  206  is actuated or moved by the movements of a portion or component of the actuation device  10 . 
     Further, the switch actuation device  10  is attached to the switch plate  202  via some attachment mechanism  14 . Any number of attaching methods and mechanisms are envisioned, such as those commonly known in the art. For example, the screws  210  discussed above in connection with the electrical switch mechanism  200  may also be used and extend through respective and aligned orifices in the switch actuation device  10 . Therefore, in installation, the user may simply place the switch actuation device  10  on the switch plate  202  and insert screws  210  through the aligned orifices  208  to attach both the switch plate  202 , as well as the device  10 , to the switchbox  204 . 
     In operation, the switch actuation device  10  includes an actuation mechanism  16 . It is this actuation mechanism  16  that functions to urge the actuatable structure  206  from position A (or “on”) toward position B (or “off”). In addition, this actuation mechanism  16  may include a first urging structure  18  for urging the actuatable structure  206  of the electrical switch mechanism  200  from the first position A to the second position B, and a second urging structure  20  for urging the actuatable structure  206  from the second position B to the first position A. These urging structures  18 ,  20  may work in unison and may be directly or indirectly attachable or operable with respect to each other in order to effect movement in the appropriate direction. 
     As discussed hereinafter, these urging structures  18 ,  20  may be one or more springs, one or more cogs, a mechanical arrangement, a hydraulic arrangement, a powered arrangement, a friction arrangement, a screw-type arrangement or any combination thereof. Still further, urging power or force may be manual (by the user), electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, powered, etc. Similarly, the actuation mechanism  16  may be powered, battery-powered, electrically-powered, manually-powered, mechanically-powered, hydraulically-powered or any combination thereof. In effect, the primary goal of the present invention is to physically maneuver the actuatable structure  206  of the electrical switch mechanism  200  from the first position A to the second position B (or between positions A and B) for use in activating and/or deactivating the electrical switch mechanism  200 . Accordingly, the present invention does not require any complicated wiring, switch replacement or complex installation or operation in order to achieve the goal of actuating the actuatable structure  206 . 
     In another embodiment, the switch actuation device  10  includes a timing mechanism  22 . The timing mechanism  22  is used to allow for the timed release or function of the first urging structure  18 , the second urging structure  20  and/or the actuation mechanism  16 . In another preferred embodiment, the timing mechanism  22  is adjustable, which allows for the selectable adjustment of the movement operation of the urging structures  18 ,  20  and/or actuation mechanism  16 , which effectively provides a timing sequence for actuation of the actuatable structure  206 . 
     As discussed hereinafter, the timing mechanism  22  may take many different forms, however in function, and in one embodiment, the timing mechanism  22  allows the user to adjustably set how long it should take the actuation mechanism  16  to urge the actuatable structure  206  to the corresponding or state A and/or B. However, such adjustment may be a function of the physics and forces (and counter-forces) driving the actuation mechanism  16 . In this manner, the present invention provides for a switch actuation device  10  that can be set and adjusted by the user in order to move the actuatable structure  206  (or toggle, switch, etc.) in accordance with a preferred timing sequence. Further, as discussed hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention allow for the adjustment of both the movement from position A to position B, as well as the movement from position B to the position A, and, in effect, allow the electrical switch mechanism  200  to be activated and deactivated according to a specified sequence. 
     Another preferred and non-limiting embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 3-19 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the switch actuation device  10  may include a housing  24 , which serves to at least partially enclose the various components and subcomponents of the actuation device  10 . In this embodiment, the housing  24  includes a base portion  26 , and this base portion  26  includes the above-discussed receiving portion  12 , such that the actuatable structure  206  is able to project therethrough. In addition, the base portion  26  is rigidly attached to the electrical switch mechanism  200 , and in particular the switch plate  202 . In order to rigidly attach the base portion  26  to the switch plate  202 , the base portion  26  includes attachment openings  28 . In this embodiment, the housing  24  (via the base portion  26 ) is attached to the switch plate  202  using the screws  210  acting as the attachment mechanism  14 . As discussed above, the same screws  210  that are used to attach the housing  24  to the switch plate  202  are further used to attach the switch plate  202  to the switchbox  204 . Such attachment, together with a secure housing  24 , allows for both easy installation and a tamperproof, safety function. 
     In operation, a user installs the switch actuation device  10  by attaching the device  10  to the switch plate  202  via the attachment mechanism  14 . Next, when using the adjustable timing mechanism  22 , the user sets the predetermined release or urging times for the actuation mechanism  14  for urging the actuatable structure  206  to the appropriate position A and/or B. For example, in one embodiment, and as discussed hereinafter, the user may manually move a portion of the switch actuation device  10 , which would also manually adjust the actuatable structure  206 , and thereafter, the actuation mechanism  16  would include a specified release time as embodied by the physical structure of the actuation mechanism  16 . This actuation mechanism  16  would slowly release or urge the actuatable structure  206  back to the original state A and/or B as controlled by the timing mechanism  22 . In this manner, the present invention provides a switch actuation device  10  that allows for the timed actuation of the actuatable structure  206  of an electrical switch mechanism  200 . 
     Returning to the embodiments of  FIGS. 3-19 , the housing  24  may further include an enclosure portion  30 , which is slideable or movable within or along the base portion  26 . For example, the enclosure portion  30  may be movable between the first position A and the second position B corresponding with the positions A and/or B of the actuatable structure  206 . Further, the enclosure portion  30  includes an inner area  32  for housing the actuation mechanism  14 . In addition, the enclosure portion  30  is capable of receiving the actuatable structure  206  of the electrical switch mechanism  200 , such as in a switch compartment  34 . See  FIGS. 7-9 . Since the actuatable structure  206  is positioned within the switch compartment  34 , which is movable together with the enclosure portion  30 , contact areas  36  are formed. These contact areas are fixed with respect to the slideable enclosure portion  30  and positioned on either side of the actuatable structure  206 . As discussed hereinafter, these contact areas  36  may include a slanted, rolled or contoured surface or the like, which allows for the appropriate contact with and urging of the actuatable structure  206  between the states or positions A and B. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 3-5 , in this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the base portion  26  includes one or more guide members  38 . These guide members allow for the slideable or movable connection between the enclosure portion  30  and the base portion  26 . Any number of arrangements and structures that allow for such sliding of the enclosure portion  30  are envisioned. For example, the guide members  38  may be a tongue-in-groove, rim, T-slot or other similar arrangement that allows the enclosure portion  30  to be fixed to the base portion  26 , but slideable up and down with respect to the base portion  26 . As another example, the enclosure portion  30  may include a ridge or projecting portion, which is configured to mate with a guide or rim on the base portion  26 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 4-9 , this embodiment of the switch actuation device  10  includes a track  40  having projecting teeth  42 . This track  40  is rigidly attached to a surface  44  of the base portion  26 . A drive cog  46  having teeth  48  is also provided, and these teeth  48  are sized and shaped so as to mate with the teeth  42  of the track  40 . In addition, the drive cog  46  is rotatably attached to the movable enclosure portion  30  through a drive pin  50 . In this manner, as the drive cog  46  moves up and down with respect to the track  40 , the drive cog  46  and drive pin  50  rotate. 
     A drive spring  52  is attached at a first end to the drive pin  50 , and at a second end to the movable enclosure portion  30 . Accordingly, in operation, as the drive cog  46  is moved by some urging force along the track  40  in a first direction, the drive spring  52  winds tighter around the drive pin  50 . When this urging force is removed, the drive spring  52  unwinds and urges the drive cog  46  to move back along the track  40  in a second, opposing direction. Due to the relative attachment between the drive cog  46 , drive pin  50  and drive spring  52 , the enclosure portion  30 , once urged into the first position A, returns to the second position B when the urging force is removed. While, as discussed hereinafter, this urging force may be an automated or powered movement, it is envisioned that the driver or origin of this urging force is manual (by the operator). 
     Therefore, in overall operation, and in one embodiment, the user slides the enclosure portion  30  from the second position B to the first position A, and since the actuatable structure  206  of the electrical switch mechanism  200  is captured in the switch compartment  34 , this actuatable structure  206  is also moved from the second position B to the first position A. In one preferred embodiment, this urging force, manually engaged in by the user, turns the electrical switch mechanism  200  (e.g., light) “on”, and when the urging force is removed, and as the drive spring  52  unwinds, the enclosure portion  30  returns to the second position B, which corresponds to the “off” position of the actuatable structure  206  of the electrical switch mechanism  200 . Therefore, the electrical switch mechanism  200  is deactivated (e.g., the light is turned “off”) after the actuation mechanism  16  urges the actuatable structure  206  back to position B. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 13-15 , the present embodiment includes a timing mechanism  22 . This timing mechanism  22  includes a flywheel  54 , which is rotatably attached to the movable enclosure portion  30  by way of a flywheel pin  56 . A rocker member  58  is pivotally attached to the flywheel  54  and includes multiple (preferably two) pins  60  extending from a surface of the rocker member  58 . In this manner, the rocker member  58  is capable of moving back and forth as the flywheel  54  rotates about the flywheel pin  56 . A rotatable rocker cog  62 , which includes teeth  64  is sized and shaped so as to mate with the rocker pins  60  as the rocker member  58  moves back and forth. This rocker cog  62  is in direct or indirect communication with the drive cog  46 . Finally, a flywheel spring  66  includes a first end attached to the flywheel pin  56 , and a second end attached to the movable enclosure portion  30 . This flywheel spring  66  operates similarly to the above-discussed drive spring  52 . 
     In operation, as the drive cog  46  is moved by the urging force along the track  40  in the first direction, the flywheel spring  66 , like the drive spring  52 , winds tighter around the flywheel pin  56 . When this urging force is removed, the flywheel spring  66  unwinds and causes the rocker member  58  to move back and forth as the pins  60  of the rocker member  58  engage with the teeth  64  of the rocker cog  62 . This causes the rocker cog  62  to rotate at a specified speed, and thereby permits the drive spring  52  to unwind at a known rate. Accordingly, it is the action and reaction of the urging forces of the drive spring  52  and the flywheel spring  66  that allow the enclosure portion  30  to return to the second position B at a set rate. For example, without such a timing mechanism  22  and without any opposing force to the unwinding of the drive spring  52 , this drive spring  52  would unwind very quickly and return the enclosure portion  30  at a speed that is likely not preferable. Therefore, this opposing force is provided by the flywheel  54 , flywheel pin  56 , rocker member  58 , rocker cog  62  and flywheel spring  66 . 
     With specific reference to  FIGS. 16-18 , the interaction between the flywheel  54  and the rocker member  58  is as follows. In a central area of a first end  67  of the rocker member  58  (and preferable between the pins  60 ), a rocker member pin member  69  is attached to the housing  24 . On a second end  71  of the rocker member  58  is a flywheel/rocker pin  73  attaching the second end  71  of the rocker member to an area of the flywheel  54  spaced from the flywheel pin  56 . Therefore, in operation, as the flywheel  54  rotates, the rocker member  58  pivots back and forth about the rocker member pin member  69 . This motion, in turn, causes the rocker cog  62  to move or rotate in a “stepped” manner. Accordingly, this arrangement provides a slower (and adjustable) release time to the enclosure portion  30 , and contacted actuatable structure  206 . 
     It is envisioned that the unwinding of the flywheel spring  66  may also be adjusted, such that the switch actuation device  10  of this embodiment can be provided with an adjustable timing mechanism  22 . In particular, an adjustment screw  68  is placed in operable communication with the flywheel pin  56 , and this adjustment screw  68  is rotatable for tightening the flywheel pin  56 . This tightened pin  56  counteracts the unwinding forces of the flywheel spring  66  and the drive spring  52 . In order to provide more precise adjustment, a marking  70  on the outer surface  72  of the housing  24  (preferably adjacent the adjustment screw  68 ) provides for an indication of an adjustment level to the user. Based upon the mechanics of the actuation mechanism  16 , it can be calculated and calibrated such that a specific angle of turn of the adjustment screw  68  results in a greater or a known greater or lesser release time (or unwinding of the drive spring  52  and the flywheel spring  66 ). 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 9-15 , and in order to further translate the relatively small distance over which the urging force is applied, i.e., the distance it takes to move the actuatable structure  206  from the second position B to the first position A, to an effective release time, a series of stepping cogs  74  can be used. These stepping cogs  74  are in rotatable communication between the drive cog  46  and the rocker cog  62 . In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the rocker cog  62  is rotatably attached to the movable enclosure portion  30  via a rocker cog pin  76 , which has a sleeve portion  78  with teeth  80 . A first stepping cog  82  is provided with teeth  84  configured to mate with the teeth  80  of the sleeve portion  78  of the rocker cog pin  76 . Further, this first stepping cog  82  includes a sleeve portion  86 , which also has teeth  88 . A second stepping cog  90  is then provided, and this second stepping cog  90  includes teeth  92  sized and shaped so as to mate with the teeth  88  of the sleeve portion  86  of the first stepping cog  82 . This second stepping cog  90  also includes a sleeve portion  94  with teeth  96 . Finally, a third stepping cog  98  is provided, and includes teeth  100  for mating with the teeth  96  of the sleeve portion  94  of the second stepping cog  90 . Further, this third stepping cog  98  is attached to the rotatable drive pin  50 . In this manner, and as is well known in connection with the operation of gears, cogs and the like, these stepping cogs  74  allow the urging force for moving the enclosure portion  30  from the second position B to the first position A to translate into a longer release time as the enclosure portion  30  moves back from the first position A to the second position B. Any variation of stepping cogs  74 , tooth geometry and spacing and physical characteristics may be used to modify the release time. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 16-19 , the enclosure portion  30  may include multiple cutout portions  102 . These cutout portions  102  allow the user access to the screws  210 , which are used to hold the base portion  26  of the housing  24  (as well as the switch plate  202 ) against the switchbox  204 . Further, these cutout portions  102  are aligned with the screws  210  when the enclosure portion  30  is in the second position B, which corresponds to the second B of the actuatable structure  206  (or “off” position). 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment of a switch actuation device  10  according to the present invention. As with the previously-discussed embodiment, the present embodiment includes the base portion  26  and enclosure portion  30  discussed above. The enclosure portion  30  includes an inner area  32  with a switch compartment  34  for receiving the actuatable structure  206 . As discussed above, this embodiment also includes the base portion  26  rigidly attached to the electrical switch mechanism  200 , namely the switch plate  202 , as well as the movable or slideable enclosure portion  30 . However, in this embodiment, the actuation mechanism  16  is driven or urged by a combination of hydraulic and mechanical forces. In particular, and as seen in  FIG. 20 , the actuation mechanism  16  of this embodiment includes a fluid chamber  104  having a first compartment  106  and a second compartment  108 . The first compartment  106  and the second compartment  108  are in fluid communication with each other via a valve  110 , as well as a fluid release conduit  112 . 
     A plunger  114  is attached to and extends from the movable enclosure portion  30  and includes a plunger head  116 , which extends into the first compartment  106 . The plunger  114 , and specifically the plunger head  116 , when actuated, urges fluid  118  from the first compartment  106  to the second compartment  108  via the valve  110 . This embodiment also includes an urging structure  120 , which is in operable communication with the second compartment  108 , and configured to urge the fluid  118  from the second compartment  108  back into the first compartment  106  through the fluid release conduit  112 . 
     In operation, the user moves the enclosure portion  30  from the second position B to the first position A, which serves to move the actuatable structure  206 , e.g., from the “off” position to the “on” position. This movement of the enclosure portion  30  moves the plunger  114  and plunger head  116  further into the first compartment  106 . This, in turn, forces the fluid  118  through the valve  110  (and, to a lesser extent, the fluid release conduit  112 ) into the second compartment  108 . After this urging or force of movement is released, the urging structure  120  in the second compartment  108  pushes or urges the fluid  118  back into the first compartment  106 . In particular, this fluid  118  is metered through the fluid release conduit  112  into the first compartment  106 , which, when filling, slowly moves the plunger head  116  and plunger  114  further out of the first compartment  106 . This plunger  114  movement moves the enclosure portion  30  back from the first position A to the second position B. As the actuatable structure  206  of the electrical switch mechanism  200  is positioned in the switch compartment  34 , the movement of the enclosure portion  30  causes the actuatable structure  206  to also move from the first position A to the second position B. In this manner, the actuatable structure  206  is returned to the second position B at a rate dependent upon the physical features of the fluid  118  (e.g., viscosity, etc.) as well as the mechanical properties of the urging structure  120 . 
     In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the urging structure is a spring  122  having a spring head  124 , and this spring  122  and spring head  124  are attached within the second compartment  108 . In particular, the spring  122  is attached to and allowed to urge against a wall  126  of the second compartment  108 . In order to stabilize the spring  122  within the second compartment  108 , a stabilizing pin  128  may be used. The use of such a stabilizing pin  128  ensures that the spring  122  does not bend or contort in an undesirable position. 
     In this embodiment, when the plunger  114  is moved by an urging force within the first compartment  106 , and the fluid  118  is forced into the second compartment  108  via the valve  110 , the spring  122  is compressed. When this urging force is removed, the spring  122  expands and the spring head  124  forces the fluid  118  back into the first compartment  106  via the fluid release conduit  112 . Of course, it is preferable that the contact between the plunger head  116  and the first compartment  106 , as well as the spring head  124  and the second compartment  108 , is a slideable, yet sealed, relationship. For example, as is known in the art, appropriate seals can be provided on the spring head  124  and the plunger head  116 , such that they can be moved and bear against the walls of the first compartment  106  and the second compartment  108  without allowing the fluid  118  to escape from these compartments  106 ,  108 . 
     Any number of valve arrangements is envisioned for use in connection with the valve  110 . It is most preferable that the valve  110  be a one-way valve, which only allows the fluid  118  to be moved in a single direction, i.e., from the first compartment  106  to the second compartment  108 . This valve  110  may be a flapper valve, a spring-loaded valve, a non-return valve or the like. Of course, a small amount of fluid  118  is also moved through the fluid release conduit  112  from the first compartment  106  to the second compartment  108  during the movement of the plunger  114 . However, upon release of the urging force, the fluid is not permitted to travel back through the valve  110 , instead permitted only to flow, in a metered manner, back through the fluid release conduit  112 . 
     As discussed above in connection with the previous embodiments, the present embodiment also includes a timing mechanism  22 . In particular, and also as with the previous embodiments, this timing mechanism may be an adjustment screw  68 , which is in operable communication with the fluid release conduit  112 . As discussed above, this adjustment screw  68  is rotatable serves to directly or indirectly throttle the flow of fluid  118  through the fluid release conduit  112 , which counteracts the urging force of the urging structure  120  (or spring  122 ). This adjustment screw  68 , which may take a variety of forms, may directly enter and impact the flow of fluid  118  through the fluid release conduit  112 , or alternatively, may contract, squeeze or otherwise pinch the fluid release conduit  112 , which would also throttle the flow of fluid  118 . 
     Yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 22 . In this embodiment, the actuation mechanism  16  includes the first urging structure  18  and the second urging structure  20 . In this embodiment, the first urging structure  18  is the geared arrangement discussed above. Accordingly, this first urging structure  18  operates as discussed above and includes the necessary components to allow for the timed release of the movable enclosure portion  30  from the first position A to the second position B, which serves to move the actuatable structure  206  between the first position A and the second position B. 
     However, in this embodiment, a second (non-manual) urging structure  20  is used to move the enclosure portion  30  from the second position B back to the first position A. While, as discussed above, in many of the embodiments, this second urging structure  20  is powered or otherwise initiated manually by the user, in this embodiment, the second urging structure  20  is a powered arrangement. As seen in  FIG. 22 , a motor  130  includes a motor drive  132  and second drive cog  134 . Both the motor drive  132  and the second drive cog  134  are rigidly connected to the drive pin  50 . In addition, a battery  136  is used to power the motor  130 . 
     In operation, when the enclosure portion  30  is in position A, the timed release of the enclosure portion  30  operates as discussed above. However, in this embodiment, when the enclosure portion  30  reaches the second position B, the motor  130  is powered and, using the motor drive  132  and the second drive cog  134 , automatically moves the enclosure portion  30  back to the first position A. This movement between the second position B and the first position A is adjustable based upon the operating parameters and physical nature of the motor  130 , motor drive  132  and second drive cog  134 . It is also envisioned that the movement between the second position B and the first position A is adjustable by the user through some timing mechanism  22 . For example, the adjustability may occur through the interaction between the various cogs and mechanical functions of the first urging structure  18 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 22 , and in one embodiment, an “on” contactor  138  and an “off” contactor  140  may be used in order to turn the motor  130  on and off. When the second drive cog  134 , motor drive  132  or other component makes contact with the “on” contactor  138 , the motor  130  is turned “on” and moves the enclosure portion  30  (and, hence, the actuatable structure  206 ) from the second position B to the first position A. When the “off” contactor  140  is contacted, the motor  130  is disabled, and the return from the first position A to the second position B occurs as discussed above. 
     In order to disable the motor  130 , an internal switch  142  can be used. This internal switch  142  is functional to turn the motor  130  “off” when the “off” contactor  140  is reached, and turn the motor “on” when the “on” contactor  138  is reached. In this embodiment, an external switch  144  may also be used in order to allow the user to turn this second urging structure  20  (powered arrangement for moving the enclosure portion  30  from the second position B to the first position A) “on” or “off”. While this embodiment has been discussed in connection with the “geared” arrangement discussed above, it is equally useful in connection with any actuation mechanism  14  discussed herein, regardless of whether the actuation mechanism  16  is manually-powered, mechanically-powered, hydraulically-powered, etc. 
     A still further and preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 23-25 . This embodiment also includes the base portion  26  and slideable or movable enclosure portion  30 . In this embodiment, the switch compartment  34  includes a first contact member  146  and a second contact member  148 , each rigidly attached within the enclosure portion  30 , and in particular the inner area  32 . Further, these contact members  146 ,  148  are positioned on either side of the actuatable structure  206 . Further, and as best seen in  FIG. 24 , the first contact member  146  and the second contact member  148  may include a slant surface  150  or the like, which allows for the appropriate contact with and urging of the actuatable structure  206  between the states or positions A and B. 
     Furthermore, extending within and along the enclosure portion  30  of the housing  24  is a pair of screw drive conduits  152 . These screw drive conduits  152  are sized and shaped so as to accept and mate with a respective screw drive  154 , which is rotatably attached to the base portion  26  of the housing  24 . In addition, a locator pin  156  is attached within and extends from an inner surface of each screw drive conduit  152 . Specifically, this locator pin  156  projects from the inner surface and into a thread train  158  extending along and partially recessed within each screw drive  154 . 
     In operation, when the enclosure portion  30  is urged between the second position B and the first position A (e.g., manually, by the user) in the direction of arrow C (see  FIG. 25 ), the locator pin  156  and each screw drive conduit  152  runs along each respective thread train  158  and causes each screw drive  154  to rotate. In this manner, the movement of the enclosure portion  30 , and therefore the actuatable structure  206 , acts as the second urging structure  20 , and causes the slanted surface  150  of the first contact member  146  to contact the actuatable structure  206  and push it up into position or state A, or in an “on” position. 
     In order to push or urge the actuatable structure  206  back into the second position B, each screw drive  154  is surrounded by a spring  160 , which is also attached to base portion  26  of the housing  24 . Each spring  160  is nested within a respective spring orifice  162  in the enclosure portion  30 , and serves to urge or push the enclosure portion  30  back to its original position or state, which would correspond to the “off” position or second position B. In particular, the springs  160  urge the enclosure portion  30 , which urges the second contact member  148  to contact the actuatable structure  206  and push it back into the second position B. 
     In addition, in order to effectively stop this urging of the springs  160 , the enclosure portion  30  may include a rim  164  extending around a portion of the enclosure portion  30 . The base portion  26  includes a shoulder  166 , such that when the rim  164  contacts the shoulder  166 , the enclosure portion  30  is prevented from any further movement. As the springs  160  are urging the slideable enclosure portion  30  back into the second position B, again each locator pin  156  moves along the thread trains  158  and causes the screw drives  154  to rotate. 
     This embodiment also includes a timing mechanism  22 . In particular, in order to allow for the adjustable release time of the enclosure portion  30 , one or both of the screw drives  154  may be affected. In particular, in this embodiment, the timing mechanism  22  includes a knob  168 , which, when turned, causes clamp portions  170  to frictionally engage and disengage against the screw drives  154 . As the clamp portions  170  are progressively engaged and clamped against these screw drives  154 , the screw drives  154  are more resistant to turning and counteract the force of the spring  160 , which is attempting to urge the slideable enclosure portion  30  away. Therefore, the release timing can be adjusted according to the amount of clamping force applied to the screw drives  154 . 
     There are many variations and structures that can use the same basic premise of urging the actuatable structure  206  (or switch, toggle, etc.) between the first position A and the second position B. For example, as seen in  FIG. 26 , the actuation mechanism  16  may include a slide member  172  having two opposing slide surfaces  174 . These slide surfaces  174 , in turn, contact a respective contact surface  176 . A switch grip  178  clamps around or otherwise contacts and grips the actuatable structure  206 , and this switch grip  178  is attached to the slide member  172 . 
     Similarly to the previously-discussed embodiment, the actuation mechanism  16  may also include a spring  180 , which is attached within the housing  24 , and also attached to the actuatable structure  206 . In operation, when the actuatable structure  206  is pushed to the first position or state A and/or second position or state B, for example, into state A with the switch “on”, the slide member  172  slides along between the contact surfaces  176  and compresses the spring  180 . Thereafter, the spring  180  pushes against the switch grip  178 , which is attached to the slide member  172 , and urges the slide member  172  back to the other direction toward the opposing state. Accordingly, this embodiment also provides for the timed release of the actuatable structure  206  between the positions A, B. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the timing mechanism  22  may include a knob  182 , which, when rotated, bears against one or both of the contact surfaces  176  causing a greater clamp between the contact surfaces  176  and the respective slide surfaces  174 . Again, the greater the clamping force, the longer release time effected by the spring  180 . 
     In one variation of the above-discussed frictional contact surface embodiment described above (in connection with  FIG. 26 ), a still further preferred and non-limiting embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 36-53C . This embodiment of the switch actuation device  300  is also for use in connection with the electrical switch mechanism  200  having one or more of the actuatable structures  206 , as described in detail above. In this embodiment, and as illustrated in various views and preferred arrangements in  FIGS. 36-53C , the device  300  includes an actuation mechanism  302  or arrangement, which includes a housing  304 . The housing  304  includes a movable portion  306 , which is sized, shaped, or configured for movement by an urging force in a first direction, such that at least a portion of the movable portion  306  at least partially contacts at least a portion of the actuatable structure  206 , thereby causing the actuatable structure  206  to move to the first position A. In addition, the actuation mechanism  302  includes at least one spring element  308  (e.g., spring  180  of  FIG. 26 ) that is attached to or engaged with at least a portion of the housing  304 , wherein the at least one spring element  308  is configured to build potential energy when the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  is urged in the first direction (i.e., towards the first position A), and when the urging force is removed, the at least one spring element  308  urges the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  (e.g., the switch grip  178  in  FIG. 26 ) in a second, opposing direction (i.e., towards the second position B), such that at least a portion of the movable portion  306  (e.g., a portion of the switch grip  178 ) at least partially contacts at least a portion of the actuatable structure  206 , thereby causing the actuatable structure  206  to move to the second position B. This movement is illustrated in  FIGS. 36-41 and 43 , where  FIGS. 36-38  illustrate the device  300  in the second position B (i.e., the actuatable structure  206  is in the “OFF” position),  FIGS. 39-40  illustrate the device  300  in the first position A (i.e., the actuatable structure  206  is in the “ON” position), and  FIG. 41  illustrates an intermediate position between the first position A and the second position B (where the device  300  is in use and transitioning between positions A and B). 
     In addition, and in this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and with reference to  FIG. 42 , the switch actuation mechanism  302  or arrangement includes at least one contact arrangement  310  having at least one first contact element  312  (e.g., slide member  172  in  FIG. 26 ) with at least one surface  314  (e.g., slide surfaces  174  in  FIG. 26 ) and a at least one second contact element  316  (e.g., contact surfaces  176  in  FIG. 26 ) with at least one surface  318 . At least a portion of the at least one surface  314  of the at least one first contact element  312  is sized, shaped, or configured to contact and slide along at least a portion of the at least one surface  318  of the at least one second contact element  316  when the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  moves in the first direction and/or the second direction, i.e., to or towards the first position A or the second position B. 
     The spring element  308  (e.g., the spring element  308  illustrated in  FIGS. 46A-46C ) may be in the form of a variety of mechanisms, structures, and arrangements, where potential energy can be built or stored in the structure when the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  is moved in the first direction. Accordingly, the spring element  308  may be in the form of one or more of the following: at least one coil spring, at least one compressible spring, at least one expandable spring, at least one stretching element, at least one compressible element, at least one expandable element, at least one band, at least one stretchable band, at least one rubber band, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, any type of spring element  308  may be used where potential energy can be stored (whether through compression, contraction, stretching expansion, or other structural manipulation) and subsequently released as kinetic energy, which is used in moving the at least one first contact element  312  (and, thus, the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  and/or (as discussed hereinafter) at least one contact area) in the second direction towards position B. Further, and by using replaceable rubber bands or similar spring elements, the user can adjust the timing of the movement in the second direction by adding additional elements or using differently-sized elements. In addition, using common spring-type elements, e.g., rubber bands, the user can easily replace these elements upon any wear that affects operation of the device  300 . In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the at least one spring element  308  is replaced by a motor-driven or other power device. 
     In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the at least one first contact element  312  includes or is in the form of at least one element  320  attached to at least a portion of the movable portion  306  of the housing  304 , such that when the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  is urged in the first direction, the at least one first contact element  320  (e.g., element  320 ) moves in a corresponding manner. For example, and as best seen in  FIGS. 42, 48A-48D, and 52A-52C , the element  320  may be in the form of a shaped piece having a central contact portion  322  (which acts as or includes the surface  314  that at least partially contacts the surface  318  of the at least one second contact element  316 ), and two wings  324 , each having an orifice  326  extending therethrough. In order to attach the element  320  to the housing  304 , at least one screw or bolt  328  (or other attachment element) is inserted through a corresponding orifice  326  and tightened at least partially within corresponding and aligned threaded bores  329  extending at least partially in or through the movable portion  306  of the housing  304 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 42 , and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the device  300  includes at least one tightening element  330  (e.g., the knob  182  in  FIG. 26 ) that is configured to urge at least a portion of the at least one first contact element  312  (i.e., at least a portion of the surface  314  of the at least one first contact element  312  and/or at least a portion of the central contact portion  322  of the element  320 ) in a contact direction with respect to at least a portion of the surface  318  of the at least one second contact element  316 . In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the tightening element  330  is in the form of a screw  331  (or bolt) engaged within a threaded bore  333  extending through at least a portion of the movable portion  306  of the housing  304 . In operation, the user can adjust the contact and frictional engagement by and between the at least one first contact element  312  and the at least one second contact element  314  by simply tightening or loosening the screw  331 , which, in turn, urges at least a portion of the surface  314  of the at least one first contact element  312  (and/or at least a portion of the central contact portion  322  of the element  320 ) towards the surface  318  of the at least one second contact element  316 . Of course, it is envisioned that all or a portion of the at least one second contact element  316  can be urged towards the at least one first contact element  312  to achieve the same effect. 
     In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the at least one second contact element  316  is configured to remain substantially stationary when the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  moves in the first direction and/or the second direction. Therefore, as seen in  FIGS. 44A-44E , and in one embodiment, the device  300  includes a base plate  332  attachable to (such as using at least one screw (or bolt)  335  engageable with or within a corresponding threaded bore  337  (see  FIG. 42 )) or adjacent at least a portion of the electrical switch mechanism  200 , and the at least one second contact element  316  extends from at least a portion of the base plate  332 . Of course, it is envisioned that the at least one second contact element  316  can be attached directly or indirectly to, and/or integral with, any portion of the electrical switch mechanism  200 , such as the switch plate  202 . In another embodiment, and as best seen in  FIGS. 42 and 46A-46C , the at least one spring element  308  includes a first end  334  attached to at least a portion of the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  and a second end  336  attached to at least a portion of the base plate  332 . For example, the first end  334  of the spring element  308  can be attached to the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  using a screw or bolt  338  inserted into and/or engaged within a threaded bore  340 , and the second end  336  of the spring element  308  can be attached to the base plate  332  (or switch plate  202 ) using a screw or bolt  342  inserted into and/or engaged within a threaded bore  344 . It should also be noted that the first end  334  and second end  336  of the at least one spring element  308  can be attached using clips or hooks (e.g., hooking each end of one or more rubber bands over hooks that take the place of the bolt/bore arrangements discussed above). Still further, and as discussed above, the base plate  332  includes a cut-out portion  339  through which the actuatable structure  206  extends. 
     While the at least one second contact element  316  can be a flat or tapered surface, in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the at least one second contact element  316  includes or is in the form of a shaped contact surface  346  (as seen in  FIGS. 42 and 44A-44E ). Of course, the at least one second contact element  316  may be in the form of a simple projection over which a shaped cover  345  (e.g., a removable friction pad, such as the element shown in  FIGS. 42, 45A-45C, and 53A-53C ) is positioned. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the shaped contact surface  346  includes a substantially linear contact surface  348  and a substantially slanted contact surface  350 . In operation, when the at least one first contact element  312  is contacting and sliding along the shaped contact surface  346  in the second direction, the rate of movement in the second direction is greater along the slanted contact surface  350  as compared to the linear contact surface  348 . Accordingly, the actuatable structure  206  will be slowly and constantly moved in the second direction while the at least one first contact element  312  slides along the linear contact surface  348 , and then quickly (based upon the slant) moves to the second position B when the at least one first contact element  312  slides along the slanted contact surface  350 . Accordingly, and by using such a slanted contact surface  350 , when the at least one first contact element  312  reaches the slanted contact surface  350 , the friction is greatly reduced, resulting in the maximum amount of remaining energy in the at least one spring element  308  to be translated into urging energy for use in moving the actuatable structure  206 . The dimension and degree of the shaped contact surface  346  can be configured to suit various desirable applications and situations. In addition, different removable shaped contact surfaces  346  or shaped covers  345  can be provided to allow for user adjustability. Still further, the use of the slanted contact surface  350  as the initial contact area as the at least one first contact element  312  is moved in the first direction facilitates a smoother transition and contact between the slanted contact surface  350  and the linear contact surface  348  (which represents the primary area of frictional contact between the at least one first contact element  312  and the at least one second contact element  316 ), as well as less wear-and-tear on the components. 
     It is further envisioned that the linear contact surface  348  includes a slight taper, which will assist the at least one spring element  308  in initiating or maintaining the movement in the second direction. In addition, and in another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the at least one spring element  308  is at least partially pre-tensioned during installation or positioning, which ensures that the actuatable structure  206  can be fully moved between position A and position B over a longer period of use. 
     In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, at least one contact surface  314 ,  318  of at least one of the first contact element  312  and the at least one second contact element  316  includes or is in the form of one or more of the following: a metal material, a synthetic material, a flexible material, a frictional surface, a roughened surface, a shaped surface, or any combination thereof. In addition, and as discussed above, another member can be attached to or engaged with the at least one second contact element  316  (and/or the at least one first contact element  312 ), such as the shaped cover  345 . As seen in  FIGS. 42, 45A-45C , and  53 A- 53 C, the device  300  may include at least one friction element  352  (such as the above-discussed shaped cover  345 ) that is attachable to or integrated with at least a portion of at least one of the at least one first contact element  312  and the at least one second contact element  316 . For example, the at least one friction element  352  may be sized, shaped, or configured to be removably engaged with at least a portion of at least one of the at least one first contact element  312  and the at least one second contact element  316 . This friction element  352  may be available with different frictional surfaces, shapes, and/or contours that allow additional adjustability with respect to the movements in the first and second directions. In addition, such a removable friction element  352  can be simply removed and replaced after wear is evident and/or the actuatable structure  206  is being turned “OFF” too quickly. 
     In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the base plate  332  includes at least one rail  354  having a slot  356  that is sized, shaped, or configured to at least partially receive at least one projection  358  extending from a surface of at least a portion of the movable portion  306  of the housing  304 . For example, and as best illustrated in  FIGS. 42, 48A-48D, and 49A-49E , the base plate  332  may include a first rail  360  and a second rail  362 , where each rail  360 ,  362  has the slot  356  for at least partially receiving at least one corresponding projection  358 . In operation, when the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  moves between the first position A and the second position B, this movement will be constrained and facilitated as each projection  358  moves along each slot  356  of each rail  354 . It is further envisioned that the rails  354  can be positioned on or integrated with the switch plate  202 . 
     In a still further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of the housing  304  includes indicia  364  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 51A-51F ), which may indicate a position or direction related to the actuatable structure  206 . Other indicia  364  may be provided, such as illustrations or markings that indicate the status or condition of the electrical switch mechanism  200 , the status or condition of the device  300 , the status or condition of any tightening arrangement, and/or the like. 
     In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and with reference to  FIGS. 42 and 49A-49E , the movable portion  306  further includes a compartment  366  that at least partially surrounds a portion of the actuatable structure  206  and has at least one contact area (or member/surface) that is sized, shaped, or configured to at least partially contact and move the actuatable structure  206  when the movable portion  306  is moved. For example, the compartment  366  may include or be formed with or by a first contact area  368  (or member/surface) that is sized, shaped, or configured to at least partially contact and move the actuatable structure  206  to the first position A when the movable portion  306  is urged in the first direction; and a second contact area  370  (or member/surface) that is sized, shaped, or configured to at least partially contact and move the actuatable structure  206  to the second position B when the movable portion  306  is urged in the second, opposing direction. 
     In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the at least one contact area (or member/surface) (e.g., the first contact area  368  and/or the second contact area  370 ) is directly or indirectly connected to or engaged with the at least one spring element  308  and/or the at least one first contact element  312 . Accordingly, such a separately connected housing  304  would not be required. However, such an alternate arrangement would still require an effective manner of facilitating user interaction to cause the movement of the at least one first contact element  312  in the first direction to position A. 
     In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and as best illustrated in  FIGS. 42, 47A-47E, and 48A-48D , the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  may include an attachable, two-part housing having a first member  372  (see  FIGS. 49A-49E ) and a second member  374  (see  FIGS. 47A-47E ). In particular, the first member  372  and the second member  374  can be attached using one or more screws or bolts  376  that are engageable with one or more threaded bores  378  that are aligned and extend at least partially through the first member  372  and the second member  374 . By using this two-part arrangement, the housing  304  can be easily positioned over or on the electrical switch mechanism  200 , and engage the projections  358  in the corresponding slots  356 . In addition, the bores  378  may be sized, shaped, or configured to completely envelope and/or facilitate the recessing of the screw or bolt  376 . In addition, and as illustrated in  FIG. 42 , a cap  380  may be placed on or over an open end of one or more of the bores  378 , which protects the heads of the screws or bolts  376  and the internal area of the bore  378 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the user raises the actuatable structure  206  by grasping and moving the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  in the first direction (and/or otherwise causing the at least one first contact element  312  to be moved in the first direction) such that the actuatable structure  206  is in the first position A (i.e., the “ON” position). In this exemplary embodiment, such a movement to position A will cause the at least one spring element  308  to be substantially loaded (i.e., built sufficient potential energy to facilitate the downward movement in the second direction to position B). Upon release, the at least one contact element  312  slides down with respect to the at least one second contact element  316 , and based upon the corresponding downward movement of the movable portion  306  of the housing  304  (and/or the at least one contact area, e.g., the first contact area  368  and the second contact area  370 ), the actuatable structure  206  is urged in the second direction to position B, i.e., the “OFF” position. 
     In a still further embodiment, and as illustrated in  FIG. 27 , the actuation mechanism  16  includes two slanting surfaces  184 . In addition, and as with the previous embodiment, a slide member  172  includes a switch grip  178  attached to the actuatable structure  206 , however, in this embodiment, a portion of the switch grip  178  extends between tracks  186 , allowing the slide member  172  to slide between the first position A and the second position B. In order to effect this sliding, a pair of rollers  188  contacts a respective slanting surface  194 , and these rollers  188  are attached to arms  190 , which are urged together with a spring  192 . Accordingly, in operation, when the actuatable structure  206  is pressed or urged to the first position A, and as the spring  192  urges the arms  190  together, the rollers  188  slide along the slanting surfaces  184  and move the slide member  172  back into the opposing state or second position B. In this embodiment, the timing mechanism  22  may be the aforementioned knob  182 , which can be rotatably adjusted and cause for the further clamping or unclamping of the arms  190  and spring  192 . 
     Any number of variations of the actuation mechanism  16  is envisioned. For example, the actuation mechanism  16  may include bladders, rotating, twisting or sliding members, rollers and other structural variations that achieve the same basic principle described herein. In short, however, the present invention includes some actuation mechanism  16  that allows for the simple movement of the actuatable structure  206  between the first position A and the second position B. Of course, in operation, the switch actuation device  10  can be reversed, such that the rest state can be the “off” state, as well as the “on” state. For example, by simply reversing the embodiments discussed herein, the user may choose the desired function of the switch actuation device  10 . 
     It is also envisioned that the housing  24  may include access panels for easy maintenance or attachment and installation of the device  10 . Further, the housing  24  may include press-release sides for easy reversal of the functioning of the device  10 . Still further, the housing  24  may be attached by various types of attachment mechanisms  14 , which may include for some anti-tampering capability. Still further, using the same basic principles of physics, the device  10  may be able to cycle between positions A and B, as opposed to remaining static in one state after release. For example, as discussed above, the device  10  may include a manual or powered first urging structure  18  and second urging structure  20 , which allows the device  10  to cycle between the first position A and the second position B. This would allow the device  10  to be used as an adjustable “on”/“off” light switching device for use when the user is away from home, e.g., on vacation, etc. 
     In a further embodiment, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 28-31 , the device  10  includes a gear-type arrangement that is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-19 , where the actuatable structure  206  is actuated when the urging force moves the enclosure portion  30  from the second position B to the first position A in a first direction. Accordingly, the switch actuation device  10  of this embodiment includes the track  40  attached to the base portion  26 , and the drive cog  46  that operates along the track  40 , such that when the enclosure portion  30  is moved from the second position B to the first position A by an urging force in this first direction, the drive cog  46  moves along the track  40 . Further, and as discussed above, based upon the movement of the enclosure portion  30  and the interaction with the actuatable structure  206 , at least a portion of the enclosure portion  30  at least partially contacts at least a portion of the actuatable structure  206 , thereby causing the actuatable structure  206  to move to the first position A, e.g., the “on” position. In particular, and since the actuatable structure  206  is at least partially captured within the switch compartment  34 , the contact areas  36  will contact the actuatable structure  206  during movement of the enclosure portion  30 , thus actuating the actuatable structure  206 . 
     In addition, the present embodiment operates in a similar manner as the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-19  when urging the actuatable structure  206  from the first position A back to the second position B in a second, opposing direction, i.e., through the use of the moving enclosure portion  30  (and, therefore, the switch compartment  34 ) and the decompressing spring force. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-19 , and as discussed previously, the spring  52  is attached to the drive pin  50  and the enclosure portion  30 , and winds (compresses) when the enclosure portion  30  is moved from the second position B to the first position A, thereby building potential energy in the wound (or compressed) spring  52 . When the urging force is removed, the spring  52  unwinds (or decompresses), thereby urging the drive cog  46  back along the track  40  in the second direction. As the drive cog  46  moves, and based upon its attachment to the enclosure portion  30 , the actuatable structure  206  (in operative engagement with the enclosure portion  30 ) is moved from the first position A to the second position B, e.g., the “off” position. 
     In the present embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 28-31 , the spring  189  is captured within a spring compartment  191  having a base surface  193 , where the spring  189  contacts this base surface  193  on one end and a spring stop  194  on the other end. The spring stop  194  is attached to and projects from the stationary base portion  26 , such that when the enclosure portion  30  is moved in the first direction (or to the first position A), the spring  189  is compressed between the base surface  193  of the spring compartment  191  and the spring stop  194 , thereby building potential energy in the compressed spring  189 . When the urging force is removed, the spring  189  decompresses, thereby urging the drive cog  46  back along the track  40  in the second direction. As the drive cog  46  moves, and based upon its attachment to the enclosure portion  30 , the actuatable structure  206  (in operative engagement with the enclosure portion  30 ) is moved from the first position A to the second position B, e.g., the “off” position. In this manner, the moving enclosure portion  30  and the decompression of the spring  189  are used to create a mechanical urging force in the second direction. 
     Another embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 32-35 , where the gear-type arrangement and spring  189  is used for urging the enclosure portion  30  from the first position A to the second position B in the second, opposing direction. Therefore, this embodiment operates in a similar manner as discussed above in connection with the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 28-31  by using the movable enclosure portion  30  to move the actuatable structure  206  to the first position A, and using the enclosure portion  30  and the decompressing spring force to move the actuatable structure  206  back to the second position B. 
     However, this embodiment is configured for operation and actuation of an actuatable structure  206  having a slightly different shape, i.e., a “European-style” switch shape, as opposed to the “American-style” switch shape illustrated in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1, 15, 20, 21, 24, 28, and 30 . Specifically, in this “European-style” switch, the actuatable structure  206  projects less and has a more gradual slope as compared to the “American-style” switch. Therefore, in this embodiment, the points of contact between the enclosure portion  30  and the actuatable structure  206  are different. In particular, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 32-35 , the enclosure portion  30  includes at least one contactor  195  that is sized and shaped to contact and move the actuatable structure  206  between the first position A and the second position B. 
     Based upon the shape of the “European-style” actuatable structure  206 , this contactor  195  includes a contact surface  196 , which may be slanted, rolled, shaped, rounded, contoured, etc. In operation, as the enclosure portion  30  is moved up and down, the contact surface  196  of the contactor  195  contacts the actuatable structure  206  and actuates this structure  206  (between positions A and B) as discussed above in accordance with the previous embodiment. It is further envisioned that the contactor  195  can be included as a separately-attachable component for use in modifying the switch device  10  from an “American-style” device  10  to a “European-style” device  10 . For example, the contactor  195  may be in the form of an insert  197  that fits at least partially within the existing switch compartment  34 , and may be removably or permanently attached thereto. By using such an insert  197  with a contactor  195 , the device  10  can be easily modified for use in various situations and geographic regions. 
     It should also be noted that the manner and means of attaching the device  10  to the electrical switch mechanism  200  may also differ according to the style of the electrical switch mechanism  200 , e.g., a “European-style” switch, an “American-style” switch, etc. For example, in the arrangement of the “European-style” switch  200  best illustrated in  FIGS. 33 and 35 , the orifices  208  (and screws  210 ) of the switch plate  202  are positioned in a horizontally-spaced manner, as opposed to the vertically-spaced orientation of the orifices  208  (and screws  210 ) of the “American-style” switch  200 , illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, and as discussed above, it may be beneficial to include alignable orifices in the base portion  26  in this “European-style” device  10 , such that the screws  210  discussed above in connection with the “European-style” switch  200  may also be used and extend through these respective and aligned orifices in the switch actuation device  10 . However, as discussed above, any means or method of attaching the device  10  to the electrical switch mechanism  200  is envisioned, regardless of style or arrangement. 
     In this manner, the present invention provides a switch actuation device  10  that is easily retrofittable on or in connection with an electrical switch mechanism  200 , which may or may not be already installed in the wall of the dwelling or structure. However, the switch actuation device  10  may also be provided with the electrical switch mechanism  200 , such as in the form of a kit, which may include the switch plate  202 , the switchbox  204 , etc. In addition, the present invention provides a timed switch actuation device  10  that is easy to install and provides for a timed and release feature for moving the actuatable structure  206  between various states. Still further, the switch actuation device of the present invention can be used for turning lights, devices or appliance “off”, which were accidentally left on, or alternatively, switch lights, devices or appliances “on” for security purposes. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.