Patent Publication Number: US-11657992-B2

Title: Protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating an electrical wall switch

Description:
CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
     This application perfects and claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/843,735, filed May 6, 2019, and entitled “Protective Cover Assembly For Magnetically Actuating An Electrical Wall Switch,” which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to protective covers for electrical wall switches, and more particularly to protective cover assemblies for magnetically actuating one or more electrical wall switches. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrical wall switches are generally exposed and subject to operation by any person or child in the area. This can be an inconvenience to those who monitor neurologically challenged individuals, who have a compulsion to continually switch a light switch on and off continuously without regard to others nearby. It presents a constant challenge of the parents or caregivers of a special needs person. 
     At present, the majority of electrical wall switches such as light switches in residences, schools, hospitals, businesses and other public places are exposed and can be easily operated by any passerby, child or adult. 
     SUMMARY 
     Shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision, in one embodiment, of a protective cover assembly for an electrical wall switch disposed on a wall, in which the electrical wall switch includes an actuator physically contactable and actuatable by a user for controlling electrical power to a load from an electrical power source. The protective cover assembly may include, for example, an enclosure having a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface, a connector for connecting the enclosure over the electrical wall switch to inhibit the user from physically contacting and actuating the actuator of the electrical wall switch, a slider slidably mounted within the enclosure and engageable with the actuator of the electrical wall switch. The slider is movable between a first position and a second position along the inner surface of the enclosure, and the slider has a first magnetic material member. A tool has a second magnetic material member. The first magnetic material member and the second magnetic material member operable to form a magnetic force therebetween. When the user moves the tool in an axial direction along the outer surface of the enclosure covering the electrical wall switch, the magnetic force acting through the enclosure is operable to move the slider from the first position to the second position thereby moving the actuator from a first position to a second position for controlling electrical power to the electrical load. When the user moves the tool in a second axial direction along the outer surface of the enclosure covering the electrical wall switch, the magnetic force acting through the enclosure is operable to move the slider from the second position to the first position thereby moving the actuator from the second position to the first position for controlling electrical power to the electrical load. 
     In another embodiment, a protective cover assembly is provided for an electrical wall switch disposed on a wall in which the electrical wall switch includes an actuator physically contactable and actuatable by a user for controlling electrical power to a load from an electrical power source. The protective cover assembly may include, for example, an enclosure having a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface, a connector for connecting the enclosure over the electrical wall switch to inhibit a user from physically contacting and actuating the actuator of the electrical wall switch, and at least one first magnetic material member attachable to the actuator. A tool has a second magnetic material member. The first magnetic material member and the second magnetic material member form a magnetic force therebetween. When the user moves said tool in a first direction adjacent to the outer surface of the enclosure covering the at least one first magnetic material member attached to the actuator, the magnetic force acting through the enclosure is operable to move the actuator from a first position to a second position for controlling electrical power to the electrical load. When the user moves said tool a second direction adjacent to said outer surface of said enclosure covering said at least one first magnetic material member attached to the actuator, the magnetic force acting through said enclosure is operable to move the actuator from the second position to the first position for controlling electrical power to the electrical load. 
     In another embodiment, an electrical wall switch is provided for use in controlling, via a magnetic force, electrical power to a load from an electrical power source. The electrical wall switch may include, for example, a housing, a controller disposed in the housing for controlling the electrical power to the load, an actuator movable between a first position and a second position by a user, the actuator having an outer surface contactable by the user for moving the actuator between the first position and the second position, and a magnetic material member disposed in the actuator below the outer surface. The actuator is movable, via the magnetic force and without physically contacting the actuator, from the first position to the second position for controlling electrical power to the electrical load. The actuator is movable, via the magnetic force and without physically contacting said actuator, from said second position to said first position for controlling electrical power to the electrical load. 
     In another embodiment, a method for operating an electrical wall switch for controlling electrical power to a load from an electrical power source is provided. The method may include, for example, moving, via a magnetic force acting through an enclosure disposed over an actuator of the electrical wall switch, the actuator from a first position to a second position without physically contacting the actuator to control the electrical power to the electrical load, and moving, via the magnetic force acting through the enclosure disposed over the actuator of the electrical wall switch, the actuator from the second position to the first position without physically contacting the actuator to control the electrical power to the electrical load. 
     In another embodiment, a method for inhibiting physical contact with an actuator of an electrical wall switch is provided. The electrical wall switch is operable for controlling electrical power to a load from an electrical power source. The method may include, for example, attaching at least one magnetic material member to the actuator of the electrical wall switch, and securing an enclosure over the magnetic material member and actuator of the electrical wall switch. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter which is regarded as the disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The disclosure, however, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of various embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating an electrical toggle wall switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a side elevational view, in part cross-section, of the protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating the electrical toggle wall switch of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a diagrammatic illustration of an electrical toggle wall switch of  FIG.  1    for controlling an electrical load, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is perspective view of the slider of the protective cover assembly of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is perspective view of the slider guide of the protective cover assembly of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  6  and  7    are side views, in part cross-section, illustrating operation of the protective cover assembly and the electrical toggle wall switch of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is front elevation view of an electrical dimmer wall switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of an electrical toggle wall switch with an attached magnetic material member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a side elevational view, in part cross-section, of a protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating the electrical toggle wall switch of  FIG.  9   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  11  and  12    are side views, in part cross-section, illustrating operation of the protective cover assembly and the electrical toggle wall switch of  FIG.  10   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of an electrical toggle wall switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a side elevational view, in part cross-section, of a protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating the electrical toggle wall switch of  FIG.  13   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of a protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating an electrical rocker wall switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  16    is a side elevational view, in part cross-section, of the protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating the electrical rocker wall switch of  FIG.  15   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view, partial cutaway, of a protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating an electrical rocker wall switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18    is a side elevational view, in part cross-section, of the protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating the electrical rocker wall switch of  FIG.  17   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective view, partial cutaway, of a protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating an electrical rocker wall switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  20    is a side elevational view, in part cross-section, of the protective cover assembly for magnetically actuating the electrical rocker wall switch of  FIG.  19   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of a magnetic material member attached to an electrical toggle wall switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective view of a protective cover assembly for controlling a plurality of electrical toggle wall switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  23  and  24    are perspective views of a protective cover assembly for controlling an electrical toggle wall switches, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  25    is a flowchart of a method for operating an electrical wall switch for controlling electrical power to a load from an electrical power source, according to embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  26    is a flowchart of a method for inhibiting physical contact with an actuator of an electrical wall switch, according to embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure and certain features, advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known materials, fabrication tools, processing techniques, etc., are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the disclosure in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or arrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Reference is made below to the drawings, which are not drawn to scale for ease of understanding, wherein the same reference numbers used throughout different figures designate the same or similar components. 
     The present disclosure is directed to providing a means for safeguarding an electrical switch in those instances where security is necessary. Some electrical switches may require that only authorized persons operate the switch, and other electrical switches such as furnace or fireplace switches should generally not be operated by a person without the intelligence, or need, to operate the switch. 
     The present disclosure may be operable for providing a safe and reliable way to operate a variety of electrical switches, such as electrical toggle switches and electrical rocker switches, without the user physically accessing, touching or contacting the toggle or rocker actuator himself or using an object to physically contact the toggle or rocker actuator. 
     Benefits of the present disclosure may include the ability to add a protective cover in situ, in particular cases, to any existing type of electrical switch, single or multiple switches, and to any style electrical switches including, but not limited to, electrical push button switches, electrical toggle switches, electrical selector switches, and electrical proximity switches, or to incorporate the technique of the present disclosure in newly manufactured electrical wall switches and other switches. Further benefits of the present disclosure may include safety, security, and convenience. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate a protective cover assembly  100  for use in magnetically actuating an electrical toggle wall switch  20  ( FIG.  2   ) disposed, for example, on a wall  10  ( FIG.  2   ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  3   , electrical toggle wall switch  20  allows a user to control electrical power to a load  12  from an electrical power source  14  such as from a public electrical power utility. The electrical load  12  may be a light source such as a light bulb, a motor of an electric fan, or other electrical device. 
     With reference again to  FIG.  2   , the electrical toggle wall switch  20  may include an actuator  22  such as a toggle actuator having toggle lever  23 , which toggle lever  23  is normally physically accessed, and contactable and actuatable by a user. The electrical toggle wall switch  20  may be covered with a wall switch plate  30  having an opening through which toggle lever  23  extends. As described in greater detail below, protective cover assembly  100  is operable so that the toggle lever  23  of the actuator  22  is movable, via a magnetic force and without the user physically accessing or contacting the toggle lever  23  of the actuator  22  for controlling electrical power from power source  14  ( FIG.  3   ) to the electrical load  12  ( FIG.  3   ). 
     In this illustrated embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the protective cover assembly  100  may generally include an enclosure  110  and a tool  180 . The enclosure  110  may include a sidewall  112  with an inner surface  114  ( FIG.  2   ) and an outer surface  115  ( FIG.  2   ). A plurality of cross members  120  and  122  may be operably attached to the inner surface  114  ( FIG.  2   ) of the side wall  112 . A connector  130  ( FIG.  2   ) allows connecting the enclosure  110  over the electrical toggle wall switch  20  ( FIG.  2   ) to inhibit a user from being able to physically access, physically contact, and physically actuate the toggle lever  23  ( FIG.  2   ) of the actuator  22  ( FIG.  2   ) of the electrical toggle wall switch  20  ( FIG.  2   ). For example, connector  130  ( FIG.  2   ) may be an adhesive, pressure sensitive tape, or double-sided tape for connecting the cross members  120  and  122  to an outer surface of wall switch plate  30  ( FIG.  2   ). 
     In this illustrated embodiment, a slider  150  is slidably mounted within the enclosure  110  and selectively engageable with the toggle lever  23  ( FIG.  2   ) of the actuator  20  ( FIG.  2   ) of the electrical toggle wall switch  20  ( FIG.  2   ). As shown in  FIG.  4   , slider  150  may be a generally C-shaped member having a web portion  152  and a pair of spaced-apart arms  154 . The web portion  152  may be disposed adjacent to the inner surface  114  ( FIG.  2   ), and the pair of spaced-apart arms  154  are operable for receiving toggle lever  23  ( FIG.  2   ) of the toggle lever  23  ( FIG.  2   ) of the actuator  22  ( FIG.  2   ) therebetween. 
     With reference still to  FIG.  4   , the web portion  152  of the slider  150  may include a cavity  155  for receiving a first magnetic material member  160  ( FIG.  2   ). As shown in  FIG.  5   , an elongated slider guide  170  ( FIGS.  1  and  5   ) may be secured to the inner surface  114  ( FIG.  2   ) of the enclosure  110  ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ) for slidably restraining slider  150  ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ). The slider guide  170  may include ridges  172  defining an elongated opening  175  having a width sized for receiving arms  154  ( FIG.  4   ) therethrough. The ridges  172  may be sized for receiving and supporting edge portions  156  and  157  ( FIG.  4   ) of slider  150  ( FIG.  4   ) to maintain the slider  150  (as shown in  FIG.  2   ) against the inner surface  114  ( FIG.  2   ) of the enclosure  110  ( FIG.  2   ). As described in greater detail below, the slider is movable between a first position and a second position along the inner surface of the enclosure. 
     With reference again to  FIG.  2   , the protective cover assembly  100  may include tool  180 . The tool  180  may include a second magnetic material member  182  attached to a handle  184 . The first magnetic material member  160  and the second magnetic material member  182  are operable to form a magnetic force therebetween. For example, one or both of the first magnetic material member  160  and the second magnetic material member  182  may be a magnet. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , when a user moves the tool  180  in an axial direction such as vertically up in the direction of arrow U ( FIG.  6   ) and down in the direction of arrow D ( FIG.  7   ) along the outer surface  115  of the enclosure  110  covering the electrical toggle wall switch  20 , the moving magnetic force acting through the enclosure  110  is operable to move the slider  150  from a lower position (shown in dashed lines in  FIG.  6   ) to a raised position (shown in  FIG.  6   ) or from a raised position (shown in dashed lines in  FIG.  7   ) to a lower position (shown in  FIG.  7   ) thereby moving the toggle lever  23  of the actuator  22  between a first position and a second position for controlling, such as turning ON and OFF, electrical power to the electrical load. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates an electrical dimmer wall switch  40  and wall switch plate  45 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the protective cover assembly  100  ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ) of the present disclosure may be operably used for inhibiting physical access and physical contact of an actuator  42  by a user, while allowing a user using a magnet force operable to adjust the dimmer wall switch for adjustably controlling the amount of power to a load such as a light source of a lighting fixture or to a motor of a fan. In other embodiment, the actuator of the dimmer switch may have a magnetic material member attached to the outer surface or include a magnetic material member disposed in the actuator of the dimmer switch, and operable similarly as described below. 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    illustrate a protective cover assembly  200  ( FIG.  10   ) for use in magnetically actuating an electrical toggle wall switch  20  disposed, for example, on a wall  10  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  3   , electrical toggle wall switches  20  allows a user to control electrical power to a load  12  from an electrical power source  14  such as from a public electrical power utility. The electrical load  12  may be a light source such as a light bulb, a motor of an electric fan, or other electric device. 
     With reference again to  FIG.  9   , the electrical toggle wall switch  20  may include an actuator  22  such as a toggle actuator having toggle lever  23 , which toggle lever  23  is normally physically accessible, contactable and actuatable by a user. The electrical toggle wall switch  20  may be covered with a wall switch plate  30  having an opening through which toggle lever  23  extends. As described in greater detail below, protective cover assembly  200  ( FIG.  10   ) is operable so that the toggle lever  23  of the actuator  22  is movable, via a magnetic force and without the user physically contacting the toggle lever  23  of the actuator  22  for controlling electrical power from power source  14  ( FIG.  3   ) to the electrical load  12  ( FIG.  3   ). 
     In this illustrated embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  10   , the protective cover assembly  200  may include an enclosure  210  and a tool  280 . The enclosure  210  may include a sidewall  212  with an inner surface  214  and an outer surface  215 . A plurality of cross members  220  and  222  may be operably attached to the inner surface  214  of the side wall  212 . A connector  230  allows connecting the enclosure  210  over the electrical toggle wall switch  20  to inhibit a user from being able to physically access, contact and actuate the toggle lever  23  of the actuator  22  of the electrical toggle wall switch  20 . For example, connector  230  may be an adhesive, pressure sensitive tape, or double-sided tape for connecting cross members  220  and  222  to an outer surface of wall switch plate  30  ( FIG.  9   ). 
     With reference again to  FIG.  9   , in this illustrated embodiment a first magnetic material member  260  is secured, for example, with a suitable adhesive or hot glue, or another suitable connector to an end of toggle handle  23 . 
     With reference again to  FIG.  10   , the protective cover assembly  200  may include tool  280 . The tool  280  may include a second magnetic material member  282  attached to a handle  284 . The first magnetic material member  260  and the second magnetic material member  282  are operable to form a magnetic force therebetween. For example, one or both of the first magnetic material member  260  and the second magnetic material member  282  may be a magnet. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , when a user moves the tool  280  in an axial direction such as vertically up in the direction of arrow U ( FIG.  11   ) and down in the direction of arrow D ( FIG.  12   ) along the outer surface  215  of the enclosure  210  covering the electrical toggle wall switch  20 , the moving magnetic force acting through the enclosure  210  is operable to move the toggle lever  23  of the actuator  22  from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position for controlling, such as turning ON and OFF, electrical power to the electrical load. 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    illustrate protective cover assembly  200  ( FIG.  14   ) for use in magnetically actuating an electrical toggle wall switch  420  disposed, for example, on a wall  10  ( FIG.  13   ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Electrical toggle wall switch  420  allows a user to control electrical power to a load from an electrical power source such as from a public electrical power utility. The electrical load may be a light source such as a light bulb, a motor of an electric fan, or other electric device. 
     Electrical toggle wall switch  420  may include an actuator  422  such as a toggle actuator having toggle lever  423 , which toggle lever  423  is normally accessible, contactable and actuatable by a user. The electrical toggle wall switch  420  may be covered with a wall switch plate  30  having an opening through which toggle lever  423  extends. As described in greater detail below, protective cover assembly  200  ( FIG.  14   ) is operable so that the toggle lever  423  of the actuator  422  is movable, via a magnetic force and without the user physically contacting the toggle lever  423  of the actuator  422  for controlling electrical power from the power source to the electrical load. 
     In this illustrated embodiment, a first magnetic material member  460  may be disposed inside or within toggle lever  423 , for example, with a suitable adhesive or hot glue, other suitable connector, or molded therein. 
     With reference again to  FIG.  14   , the protective cover assembly  200  may include tool  280 . The tool  280  may include the second magnetic material member  282  attached to the handle  284 . The first magnetic material member  460  and the second magnetic material member  282  are operable to form a magnetic force therebetween. For example, one or both of the first magnetic material member  260  and the second magnetic material member  482  may be a magnet. When the tool  280  is moved in an axial direction such as vertically up and down in the direction of double-headed arrow A along the outer surface  215  of the enclosure  210  covering the electrical toggle wall switch  420 , the moving magnetic force acting through the enclosure  210  is operable to move the toggle lever  423  of the actuator  422  from a first position to a second position and vice versa for controlling, such as turning ON and OFF, electrical power to the electrical load. In other embodiments, one or more magnetic material members may be disposed in the shoulders of the toggle, e.g., to the sides of the toggle lever. 
       FIGS.  15  and  16    illustrate a protective cover assembly  500  for use in magnetically actuating an electrical rocker wall switch  620  ( FIG.  16   ) disposed, for example, on a wall  10  ( FIG.  16   ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Electrical rocker wall switch  620  allows a user to control electrical power to a load from an electrical power source such as from a public electrical power utility. The electrical load may be a light source such as a light bulb, a motor of an electric fan, or other electric device. 
     With reference to  FIG.  16   , the electrical rocker wall switch  620  may include an actuator  622  such as a rocker actuator having rocker surface  623 , which rocker  623  is normally physically accessible, contactable and actuatable by a user. The electrical rocker wall switch  620  may be covered with a wall switch plate  35  having an opening through which rocker  623  extends. As described in greater detail below, protective cover assembly  500  is operable so that the rocker  623  of the actuator  622  is movable, via a magnetic force and without the user physically contacting the rocker  623  of the actuator  622  for controlling electrical power from a power source to an electrical load. 
     In this illustrated embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  15  and  16   , the protective cover assembly  500  may generally include an enclosure  510  and a tool  580 . The enclosure  510  may include a sidewall  512  with an inner surface  514  ( FIG.  16   ) and an outer surface  515  ( FIG.  16   ). A plurality of cross members  520  and  522  ( FIG.  16   ) may be operably attached to the inner surface  514  ( FIG.  16   ) of the side wall  512 . A connector  530  ( FIG.  16   ) allows connecting the enclosure  510  over the electrical rocker wall switch  620  ( FIG.  16   ) to inhibit a user from being able to physically access, contact, and actuate the rocker  623  ( FIG.  16   ) of the actuator  622  ( FIG.  16   ) of the electrical rocker wall switch  20  ( FIG.  16   ). For example, connector  530  ( FIG.  16   ) may be an adhesive, pressure sensitive tape, or double-sided tape for connector cross members  520  and  522  ( FIG.  16   ) to an outer surface of wall switch plate  35  ( FIG.  16   ). 
     In this illustrated embodiment, a slider  550 , as shown in  FIG.  16   , is slidably mounted within the enclosure  510  and selectively engageable with the rocker  623  of the actuator  620  of the electrical rocker wall switch  620 . Slider  550  may be a generally C-shaped member having a web portion  552 , a pair of spaced-apart arms  554 , and a first magnetic material member  560 , which slider  550  may be essentially similar to slider  150  described above. The web portion may be disposed adjacent to the inner surface  514  ( FIG.  2   ) and supported by a guide  670 , which guide may be essentially similar to guide  170  ( FIG.  4   ). The pair of spaced-apart arms are operable for receiving therebetween an adapter or support  570  and roller  572 . In some embodiments, support  570  may be releasably attachable to the arms or may be fixedly attached to the arms. Support  570  being releasably attachable such as in a snap fit manner, or fixedly attachable such using an adhesive, allows a user to essentially use the same protective cover assembly either for an electrical rocker wall switch or for an electrical toggle wall switch. For example, the support and roller may be provided, and a user may select to use the support and the roller when employing the protective cover assembly over an electrical rocker wall switch. As described in greater detail below, the slider is movable between a first position and a second position along the inner surface of the enclosure. 
     With reference still to  FIG.  16   , the protective cover assembly  500  may include tool  580 . The tool  580  may include a second magnetic material member  582  attached to a handle  584 . The first magnetic material member  560  and the second magnetic material member  582  are operable to form a magnetic force therebetween. For example, one or both of the first magnetic material member  560  and the second magnetic material member  582  may be a magnet. 
     When the tool  580  is moved in an axial direction such as vertically up and down in the direction of arrow X along the outer surface  515  of the enclosure  510  covering the electrical rocker wall switch  620 , the moving magnetic force acting through the enclosure  510  is operable to move the slider  550  from a lower position (shown in  FIG.  16   ) to a raised position (not shown in  FIG.  16   ) so that the roller  572  engages and trips the rocker  623  or from a raised position (not shown in  FIG.  16   ) to a lower position (shown in  FIG.  16   ) so that the roller  572  engages and trips the rocker thereby moving the rocket  623  of the actuator  622  from a first position to a second position, and vice versa, for controlling, such as turning ON and OFF, electrical power to the electrical load. In other embodiments, the support or adapter need not include a roller, and instead may include a rounded portion for engaging the rocker. 
       FIGS.  17  and  18    illustrate a protective cover assembly  700  for use in magnetically actuating an electrical rocker wall switch  620  disposed, for example, on a wall  10  ( FIG.  18   ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Electrical rocker wall switches  620  allows a user to control electrical power to a load from an electrical power source such as from a public electrical power utility. The electrical load may be a light source such as a light bulb, a motor of an electric fan, or other electric device. 
     With reference to  FIG.  18   , the electrical rocker wall switch  620  may include an actuator  622  such as a rocker actuator having rocker surface  623 , which rocker  623  is normally physically accessible, contactable and actuatable by a user. The electrical rocker wall switch  620  may be covered with a wall switch plate  35  having an opening through which rocker  623  extends. As described in greater detail below, protective cover assembly  700  is operable so that the rocker  623  of the actuator  622  is movable, via a magnetic force and without the user physically contacting the rocker  623  of the actuator  622  for controlling electrical power from a power source to an electrical load. 
     In this illustrated embodiment, the protective cover assembly  700  may include an enclosure  710  and a tool  780 . The enclosure  710  may include a sidewall  712  with an inner surface  714  and an outer surface  715 . A plurality of cross members  720  and  722  may be operably attached to the inner surface  714  of the side wall  712 . A connector  730  allows connecting the enclosure  710  over the electrical rocker wall switch  620  to inhibit a user from being able to physically access, contact and actuate the rocker  623  of the actuator  622  of the electrical rocker wall switch  620 . For example, connector  730  may be an adhesive, pressure sensitive tape, or double-sided tape for connector cross members  720  and  722  to an outer surface of wall switch plate  35 . 
     With reference again to  FIG.  17   , in this illustrated embodiment a pair of first magnetic material members  760  is secured, for example, with a suitable adhesive or hot glue, or other suitable connector to opposite ends of the rocker  623 . The protective cover assembly  700  may include tool  780 . The tool  780  may include a second magnetic material member  782  attached to a handle  784 . The first magnetic material member  760  and the second magnetic material member  782  are operable to form a magnetic force therebetween. For example, one or both of the first magnetic material member  760  and the second magnetic material member  782  may be a magnet. 
     As shown in  FIG.  18   , when the tool  780  is moved toward the outer surface  715  of the enclosure  710  covering the electrical rocker switch  620  and brought into proximity and adjacent to the upper first magnetic material member  760  in the direction of arrow M 1 , a magnetic force acting through the enclosure  710  is operable to move the upper half of the rocker  623  of the actuator  622  in a direction of arrow N 1  from a first position (not shown in  FIG.  18   ) to a second position (shown in  FIG.  18   ) for controlling, such as turning ON or OFF, electrical power to the electrical load. When the tool  780  is moved toward the outer surface  715  of the enclosure  710  covering the electrical rocker switch  620  and brought into proximity and adjacent to the lower first magnetic material member  760  in the direction of arrow M 2 , a magnetic force acting through the enclosure  710  is operable to move the lower half of the rocker  623  of the actuator  622  in a direction of arrow N 2  from the second position (shown in  FIG.  18   ) to the first position (not shown in  FIG.  18   ) for controlling, such as turning OFF or ON, electrical power to the electrical load. It will be appreciated that the above described operation includes an attractive magnetic force for moving the rocker. In other embodiments, the magnetic members may be selected so that a repulsive magnetic force is operable for moving the rocker. 
       FIGS.  19  and  20    illustrate a protective cover assembly  800  for use in magnetically actuating an electrical rocker wall switch  920  ( FIG.  20   ) disposed, for example, on a wall  10  ( FIG.  20   ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Electrical rocker wall switches  920  ( FIG.  20   ) allows a user to control electrical power to a load from an electrical power source such as from a public electrical power utility. The electrical load may be a light source such as a light bulb, a motor of an electric fan, or other electric device. 
     As shown in  FIG.  20   , electrical rocker wall switch  920  may include an actuator  922  such as a rocker actuator having rocker surface  923 , which rocker  922  is normally physically accessible, contactable and actuatable by a user. The electrical rocker wall switch  920  may be covered with a wall switch plate  35  having an opening through which rocker surface  923  extends. As described in greater detail below, protective cover assembly  800  is operable so that the rocker surface  923  of the actuator  922  is movable, via a magnetic force and without the user physically contacting the rocker surface  923  of the actuator  922  for controlling electrical power from a power source to an electrical load. 
     With reference again to  FIG.  19   , in this illustrated embodiment, a pair of first magnetic material members  960  may be disposed inside or within rocker  922 , for example, with a suitable adhesive or hot glue, other suitable connector attachment, or molded therein, or suitable attachment. 
     The protective cover assembly  800  may include a tool  880 . The tool  880  may include the second magnetic material member  882  attached to the handle  884 . The first magnetic material member  960  and the second magnetic material member  882  are operable to form a magnetic force therebetween. For example, one or both of the first magnetic material member  960  and the second magnetic material member  882  may be a magnet. 
     As shown in  FIG.  20   , when the tool  880  is moved toward an outer surface  815  of the enclosure  810  covering the electrical rocker switch  920  and brought into proximity and adjacent to the upper first magnetic material member  960  in the direction of arrow M 1 , a magnetic force acting through the enclosure  810  is operable to move the upper half of the rocker  923  of the actuator  922  in a direction of arrow N 1  from a first position (not shown in  FIG.  20   ) to a second position (shown in  FIG.  20   ) for controlling, such as turning ON or OFF, electrical power to the electrical load. When the tool  880  is moved toward the outer surface  815  of the enclosure  810  covering the electrical rocker switch  920  and brought into proximity and adjacent to the lower first magnetic material member  960  in the direction of arrow M 2 , a magnetic force acting through the enclosure  810  is operable to move the lower half of the rocker  823  of the actuator  822  in a direction of arrow N 2  from the second position (shown in  FIG.  20   ) to the first position (not shown in  FIG.  20   ) for controlling, such as turning OFF or ON, electrical power to the electrical load. It will be appreciated that the above described operation includes an attractive magnetic force for moving the rocker. In other embodiments, the magnetic members may be selected so that a repulsive magnetic force is operable for moving the rocker, 
       FIG.  21    illustrates the electrical toggle wall switch  20 , the wall switch plate  30 , and a cap  90 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cap  90  may include a magnetic material member  96 , and a surrounding wall  95 . Surrounding wall  95  may include a cavity (not shown in  FIG.  21   ) sized for receiving the distal end portion of the toggle of the electrical toggle wall switch  20 . Cap  90  may be connected to the distal end of the toggle using an adhesive or other attachment or connector means. Toggle electrical toggle wall switch  20  may be operable with the above protective wall switch plates. 
       FIG.  22    illustrates a protective cover assembly  1000  for use in magnetically actuating a plurality of electrical toggle wall switches  20  disposed, for example, on a wall  10 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  22   , electrical toggle wall switches  20  allows a user to control electrical power to a plurality of loads from an electrical power source such as from a public electrical power utility. The electrical loads may be light sources such as one or more light bulbs, one or more motors for electric fans, or other electrical devices. In this illustrated embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  22   , the protective cover assembly  1000  may generally include an enclosure  1110 , a plurality of sliders  1115 , a plurality of magnetic material member  1160  a plurality of guides  1170 , and a tool  1180 . The enclosure  1110  may be essentially the same as enclosure  110  ( FIG.  2   ) with the exception of being sized to extend over an electrical wall switch plate having openings for a plurality of electrical wall switches. The plurality of sliders  1115 , the plurality of guides  1170 , and the tool  1180  may be essentially the same the slider  115  ( FIG.  4   ), the magnetic material member  160  ( FIG.  2   ), the guide  170  ( FIG.  5   ), and the tool  180  ( FIG.  2   ). It will be appreciated that the other embodiments of the present disclosure described may also be configured for controlling two or more electrical wall switches. 
       FIGS.  23  and  24    illustrate a protective cover assembly  1300  for controlling an electrical toggle wall switches, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     In some of the various embodiments, the enclosure may have a front wall disposable over the actuator of the electrical wall switch and a surrounding sidewall extending towards the electrical wall switch or electrical wall switch plate. In some of the embodiments of the protective cover assembly, the plurality of cross-members may be set back from the opening defined by the sidewall. In some embodiments, the enclosure may have a rectangular front sidewall, a surrounding sidewall having a horizontal top side wall, a horizontal bottom sidewall, a right vertical sidewall, and a left vertical sidewall defining a rectangular opening that faces the wall. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the enclosure  110  may have an outer width W, a length L, and a depth D ( FIG.  2   ). An internal height H may be sufficient to provide a sufficient clearance C for movement of the actuator. The enclosure sidewall may have a thickness T of about 1/16 inch to about ¼ inch, or about ⅛ inch, about 3/16 inch, or other suitable thickness. For example, in the various embodiments generally the overall configuration of the enclosure may have a width between about 2.7 inches and about 3.5 inches, and a length between about 4.5 inches to about 5.5 inches, or other suitable sizes. For example, the width may be about 2.7 inches and the length may be about 4.5 inches such as for use with standard size switch plates. In other embodiments, the width may be about 3.5 inches and the length may be about 5.5 inches such as for use with oversized switch plates. The depth may be about 0.5 inch to about 1.5 inch, or about 0.75 inch, about 1 inch, 1.3 inches, or 1.5 inches, or other suitable depths. In other embodiment, s the enclosure may be sized to attach directly to the wall. In other embodiment, the enclosure may extend over the actuator and only a portion of the switch plate. In still other embodiments, the front facing portion of the enclosure, e.g., generally vertical surface that faces a user, may be curved such as curved outwardly towards the user, or may have any suitable configuration. In embodiments with a slider, the slider guide and slider may also be curved to slide along the inner curved surface of the enclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the enclosure may extend entirely and completely over and around the actuator of the electric wall switch preventing a user from physically touching or using an object such as a pencil from touching the actuator. The sidewalls of the enclosure may be formed as a single monolithic structure, formed from separate pieces adhered with adhesive or ultrasonically welded together, or otherwise attached. The enclosure may be formed from a polymeric or plastic material. The enclosure may be opaque, translucent, or transparent, and be clear or have a color. Colors may include white, black, brown, tan, bronze, brass, wood or other suitable colors. 
     In some of the various embodiments, the first magnetic material member may include a magnet, and the second magnetic material member of the tool may include at least one of a magnet and a metal. In some embodiments, the second magnetic material member of the tool may include a magnet, and the first magnetic material member may include at least one of a magnet and a metal. In some embodiments, the first magnetic material member may include a magnet, and the second magnetic material member of the tool may include a magnet. In some embodiments, the slider and the first magnetic material member may include a monolithic one-piece slider formed from a magnetic material. The magnetic material members may be samarium-cobalt rare earth magnets, rare earth neodymium magnets nickel plated to resist corrosion. The magnets may be disc-shaped having a thickness and a diameter, cube-shaped, or other suitable shapes. For example, the one or more magnets may be disc-shaped having a diameter, a thickness, and a holding force as set forth in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Diameter (inches) 
                 Thickness (inches) 
                 Holding Force (lbs) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 0.125 
                 0.125 
                 0.84 
               
               
                 0.125 
                 0.250 
                 1.05 
               
               
                 0.187 
                 0.187 
                 2.26 
               
               
                 0.187 
                 0.375 
                 2.46 
               
               
                 0.187 
                 0.062 
                 0.92 
               
               
                 0.187 
                 0.125 
                 1.69 
               
               
                 0.187 
                 0.250 
                 2.43 
               
               
                 0.250 
                 0.062 
                 1.46 
               
               
                 0.250 
                 0.125 
                 2.85 
               
               
                 0.250 
                 0.187 
                 3.71 
               
               
                 0.250 
                 0.250 
                 4.15 
               
               
                 0.312 
                 0.125 
                 4.14 
               
               
                 0.312 
                 0.187 
                 5.43 
               
               
                 0.312 
                 0.250 
                 6.30 
               
               
                 0.312 
                 0.375 
                 7.12 
               
               
                 0.375 
                 0.060 
                 2.50 
               
               
                 0.375 
                 0.187 
                 7.18 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     It will be appreciated that other suitable magnets and shapes may be suitably employed. For example, the holding force of the magnets may range from about 0.1 pounds (lbs) to about 10 lbs, about 0.25 lbs to about 7 lbs, about 0.5 lbs to about 5 lbs, about 0.75 lbs to about 3 lbs. 
     In some of the various embodiments, the at least one first magnetic material member may include an adhesive layer having a first surface attached to the at least one first magnetic material member, and a release layer attached to a second surface of the adhesive layer. 
     In the various embodiments of the electrical wall switches, the actuator may have a magnetic material member disposed in the actuator below an outer surface of the actuator. The magnetic material member may be a magnet or a metal. 
       FIG.  25    illustrates a method  1400  for operating an electrical wall switch for controlling electrical power to a load from an electrical power source, according to embodiment of the present disclosure. The method  1400  includes at  1410  moving, via a magnetic force acting through an enclosure disposed over an actuator of the electrical wall switch, the actuator from a first position to a second position without physically contacting the actuator to control the electrical power to the electrical load; and at  1420  moving, via the magnetic force acting through the enclosure disposed over the actuator of the electrical wall switch, the actuator from the second position to the first position without physically contacting the actuator to control the electrical power to the electrical load. 
       FIG.  26    illustrates a method  1500  for inhibiting physical contact with an actuator of an electrical wall switch, according to embodiment of the present disclosure. The electrical wall switch is operable for controlling electrical power to a load from an electrical power source. The method  1500  include at  1510  attaching at least one magnetic material member to the actuator of the electrical wall switch, and at  1520  securing an enclosure over the magnetic material member and actuator of the electrical wall switch. 
     In further embodiments, the enclosure completely surrounds the actuator on all sides. The enclosure may be configured to be operably secured with conventional screws or longer provided screws that are used to secure the wall switch plate. For example, the enclosure may be sized to extend closely over the actuator, not include the cross members, and include an upwardly-extending flange adjacent the opening of the enclosure and a downwardly extending flange adjacent the opening of the enclosure, which flanges have holes alignable with and for receiving the screws for securing the switch plate to the electrical wall switch. In other embodiments, the enclosure may be an integral part of a wall switch plate. 
     While a toggle electrical wall switch, rocker electrical wall switch, and a dimmer switch have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that the technique of the present disclosure may be employed with any other existing electrical wall switch or other electrical switch now know or later developed. 
     As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the devices and apparatus may include more or fewer components or features than the embodiments as described and illustrated herein. Further, the above-described embodiments and/or aspects thereof may be used in combination with each other. Accordingly, this detailed description of the currently-preferred embodiments is to be taken as illustrative, as opposed to limiting the disclosure. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has”, and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. 
     The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the architectural and operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality of possible arrangements to provide the same general features, characteristics, and general apparatus operation. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.