Electroluminescent wall plate and switch
OwnerWayne P. Rothbauminventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved wall plate incorporating an electroluminescent lamp for providing illumination to the immediate area proximate the wall plate. The electroluminescent (EL) panel is activated and deactivated by a photoconductive cell, in response to the intensity of ambient light falling on the wall plate. A further embodiment provides for an easily accessible regulating means for regulating the intensity of the light emitted by the EL panel.
Claims22
A wall plate for covering a standard electrical apparatus positioned in a wall, the electrical apparatus having terminals for connecting to electrical conductors that are external to the wall plate and electrical apparatus, the standard electrical apparatus further having a threaded aperture for accepting a securing screw, the wall plate comprising:
- an independent support means for providing structural support to the wall plate, the independent support means conforming substantially to the dimensions of a standard wall plate and including a substantially planar back surface, and the support means having an aperture disposed for alignment with the threaded aperture of the standard electrical apparatus for securing the support means to the standard electrical apparatus with the securing screw;
- an electroluminescent panel located proximate the support means such that the support means and the electroluminescent panel have the profile substantially of a standard wall plate;
- and
- clip means having multiple spring-tensioned elongated members attached to the substantially planar back surface of said support means, said clip means providing an electrical connection between the electroluminescent panel and the terminals of the electrical apparatus for providing power to the electroluminescent panel.
An improved switch plate of the type used to cover a standard switch recessed inside a wall unit, the switch having terminals for connection with a power source and having a throw which controls the flow of power to an external device, the throw extending through the switch plate, the standard switch having a threaded aperture for accepting a securing screw that secures the switch plate to the switch, the improvement comprising:
- an electroluminescent panel attached to the front face of a back plate, said back plate providing structural support and conforming substantially to the dimensions of a standard switch plate;
- and
- clip means having a plurality of spring-tensioned elongated members attached to the substantially planar rear side of said back plate, said clip means providing an electrical connection between the electroluminescent panel and the terminals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.