# US 6,720,512 B1 · Surface mount switch plate

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- Number: US 6,720,512 B1
- Document ID: US6720512B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 10/395,917
- Filed: 2003-03-24
- Granted: 2004-04-13
- Earliest claimed: 2003-03-24
- Inventors: Dan Rothbauer; Brian Rothbauer
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6720512B1

## CPC

- H02G 3/14: Fastening of cover or lid to box
- H01H 23/143: {having a generally flat elongated shape}
- H01H 23/04: Cases; Covers
- H02G: INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00)

## Abstract

A surface mounted switchplate having a removable toggle cover for use as an auxiliary switching device with a prior art toggle switch unit. The invention completely encloses the terminal set while providing an auxiliary moveable cover mounted on pivot shafts, which when rocked back and forth, acts upon the toggle switch to open and close the electrical circuit. A second embodiment contains a clear button formed in the cover to allow light from an illuminated rocker switch to shine therethrough.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A combination of a surface mountable base plate housing assembly, and a multi position, rocker toggle switch, said combination comprising:
a base plate body, said base plate body having an oval shaped depression formed therein, said depression having a lower section and a raised section, said lower section having a pair of screw holes, said lower section being connected within said depression to said body by a plurality of extensions, and a pair of male pivot shafts formed on opposite interior sides of said depression and protruding within said depression, said pivot shafts having an angle formed thereon,
a generally rectangular aperture formed in said raised section, said aperture being formed centrally in axial alignment to said base and having a pair of faces formed therein,
a toggle switch being releasably inserted in said aperture, said toggle switch having a plurality of spring means formed on opposite ends of said toggle switch, said spring means engaging said pair of faces and forming a releasable locking means for said toggle switch, and
a cover, generally shaped to fit within said depression and overlaying said toggle switch, said cover having a lower edge, and having a pair of holes on said lower edge, said cover being rotatably mounted on said base, having said pair of holes being mated with and locking onto said male pivot points and said cover contacting said toggle switch,
said cover thereby being pivotally attached to said bass and thereby providing a covered switching means for said toggle switch.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A combination of a surface mountable base plate housing assembly and a multi position, rocker toggle switch of claim 1 wherein said base plate housing assembly further comprises:
a plurality of said depressions formed therein,
a plurality of toggle switches mounted therein,
and a plurality of covers being rotatably mounted on said base, over said toggle switches.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A combination of a surface mountable base plate housing assembly and a multi position, rocker toggle switch of claim 1, wherein a clear button is formed in said cover, thereby allowing light from an illuminated rocker switch to shine through said button.