Light switch cover plate with mechanical timer mechanism

A light switch cover plate with mechanical timer mechanism comprising:

• a cover plate member defining a timer mechanism cavity and having a cover plate opening formed therethrough between a front cover plate surface and said timer mechanism cavity;
• a linear rack member having a switch opening formed therethrough sized to receive therethrough a switch actuator of a light switch and a switch locking pin assembly extending outwardly from said linear rack member through said cover plate opening, said linear rack member being slidably installed within said timer mechanism cavity and guided along a predetermined path between a fully upward position and a fully downward position by an upper rack guide and a left and right lower rack guide, said linear rack member being biased toward said fully downward position by a helical spring attached between said linear rack member and said cover plate member, said linear rack member having rack gear teeth formed along a side edge thereof;
• and
• a spring loaded mechanical drive mechanism including a spring drive assembly, a spring drive gear, a reduction gear assembly and an anchor escapement gear, said spring drive gear being in meshing relationship with said rack gear teeth, said spring loaded mechanical drive mechanism providing a resistance against movement of said linear rack member toward said fully downward position under a tensional force of said helical spring in a manner such that a predetermined period of time is required for said linear rack member to move from said fully upward position to said fully downward position.