Control device base that attaches to the paddle actuator of a mechanical switch
AssigneeLutron Technology Company LLC
InventorWilliam Taylor Shivell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A remote control device may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may be configured to be mounted over an installed mechanical switch having a paddle actuator and may include a base and a control unit that is configured to be removably attached to the base. The base may include a frame, a clamp arm, a screw, and/or a sleeve. The clamp arm may be configured to secure the base to a protruding portion of the paddle actuator. The clamp arm may be attached to the frame at a pivot joint. The clamp arm may be configured to pivot about the pivot joint. The pivot joint may be located proximate to an endpoint or a midpoint of the frame.
Claims17
A remote control device for use in a load control system, the remote control device configured to be mounted over an installed mechanical switch that controls whether power is delivered to an electrical load, the remote control device comprising:
- a cover base that defines an opening that is configured to receive a protruding portion of a paddle actuator of the mechanical switch therein, the protruding portion of the paddle actuator projecting outward when the mechanical switch is operated into a position that causes power to be delivered to the electrical load, wherein when the protruding portion is received in the opening the cover base at least partially surrounds the paddle actuator, the cover base comprising:
- a clamp arm that is configured to secure the cover base to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator;
- and
- a screw that is operatively engaged with the clamp arm such that, when the screw is rotated, the clamp arm is moved toward the protruding portion of the paddle actuator until the clamp arm abuts the protruding portion of the paddle actuator;
- a cover portion that is configured to cover the paddle actuator and the cover base;
- a control base;
- and
- a control unit that comprises a user interface, the control unit configured to translate a user input from the user interface into a control signal that controls a load control device, wherein the control unit is configured to be releasably attached to the control base,
- wherein the clamp arm is configured to apply a force upon the protruding portion of the paddle actuator as the screw is further rotated when the clamp arm abuts the protruding portion of the paddle actuator, and
- wherein the force applied by the clamp arm is configured to secure the cover base to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.