Marker

The present invention relates to a marker and more particularly but not limited to a marker for a mains electrical switch or outlet.

Statutory / regulatory requirements or best electrical installation practise in many countries requires that mains electrical switches for at least certain electrical appliances, such as water heaters, cookers, lighting or the like, are clearly labelled with an appropriate identifier. In some cases the regulations / practise, relate only to public and commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools, factories or the like, but increasingly there is a requirement for labelling in private dwellings. Even where there are no such requirements, it is generally advisable to label all electrical switches and/or electrical outlets having dedicated applications.

Similarly, with the requirement for increased numbers of data lines and associated data outlets having unique addresses, particularly in commercial offices, it is essential for Information Technology engineers to be able to accurately identify each data outlet.

Traditionally the preferred approach for labelling electrical switches, and socket outlets, is to use dedicated switch or socket plates, each having the appropriate identification information etched into the body of the plate. The etching process, however, adds significantly to the manufacturing complexity and cost, and hence the price of the plates to the consumer.

Furthermore, a manufacturing line, which would otherwise be required to manufacture just a single product, for example, a blank switch plate, has to be geared up to manufacture several different products (one for each identifier) . Alternatively a standard switch plate must be sent away to be etched at a separate dedicated premises.

This increases the risk of manufacturing error and can result in quality reduction and an increase in scrapped product. The problem is further compounded by the relative complexity of switch and socket plates, which make the cost of scrapping product relatively expensive.

Furthermore retrofitting, especially in large commercial or public buildings with new etched switch/socket plates is extremely expensive, because each switch or socket plate has to be

renewed or replaced.

The cost of retrofitting leads some establishments to implement cheap solutions such as the use of adhesive labels adhered to the switch or socket plate. This is particularly unsatisfactory because the labels are easily removed (either accidentally or deliberately), can become damaged by water or obscured by dirt, and can act as an environment for bacterial growth. Handwritten paper labels, for example, are particularly prone to water damage during cleaning.

The present invention aims to provide a marker for a mains electrical / data switch or outlet, which mitigates the above problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a marker for enabling labelling of a mains electrical switch, or outlet, wherein said switch or outlet comprises a faceplate and an associated mounting box and wherein said marker comprises: a body portion comprising a substantially planar frame; a first locating portion for positioning said marker in a first orientation relative to said switch, or outlet, in use; a second locating portion for positioning said marker in a second orientation relative to said switch, or outlet, in use; and a display portion, extending from said body portion for allowing display of information relating to said switch or outlet; wherein said first and second locating portions extend inwardly from said frame to define a generally central aperture therewith; wherein, said central aperture has a widest dimension sufficient for said faceplate to be received through said central aperture, in use, thereby allowing said marker to be installed without disconnecting electrical wiring to said switch or outlet; wherein each locating portion includes a locating aperture positioned for co-axial alignment, in use, both with a mounting aperture of said mounting box and a corresponding mounting aperture of said faceplate.

The present invention is particularly advantageous since the central aperture is shaped to allow the faceplate to pass through the body portion. Thus an existing faceplate can be unscrewed and passed through the marker such that the marker can be mounted behind the faceplate without the need to disconnect the switch of outlet. The faceplate may be a switch or socket plate.

Preferably, said body portion is generally rectangular and in one embodiment the frame is substantially square.

Preferably, said frame has external width and height dimensions substantially equal to those of said electrical switch or socket, and said central aperture has an internal widest dimension greater than said width or height. The central aperture typically extends between opposing corners of the frame so as to create a maximal internal dimension.

Preferably, said second orientation is substantially perpendicular to said first orientation. Thus the marker can be securely fixed about two axes with respect to the frame without compromising the retrofit capability of the marker.

Preferably, the or each locating portion comprises a planar portion extending from and coplanar with said frame into said aperture. Preferably, the or at least one locating portion takes the form of a tongue which may be generally triangular or semicircular in shape.

In one embodiment said body portion comprises a switch plate for an electrical switch.

Preferably, said marker further comprises a detachable cover portion configured for covering at least a portion of said second portion, said cover portion being transparent to allow said second portion to be viewed through it. Thus the display portion is protected from becoming soiled or otherwise degraded.

Preferably, said cover portion comprises an engagement portion configured for mutual engagement with said first body portion to detachably clip said cover portion to said first body portion and in position covering the at least a portion of said second portion. In one embodiment the cover portion is sandwiched between the faceplate and the body portion.

The cover plate is advantageously secured in place by fastening of the faceplate in a conventional manner such that removal of the cover plate first requires removal of the faceplate, thus preventing tampering with the display portion. Preferably the cover has

further engagement means for engagement with the display portion. Thus the cover maintains two or more points of engagement for increased security. The two or more points of engagement advantageously hold the cover in place when the faceplate is being attached. In addition, when fixing the cover over the marker portion, the first engagement means can be engaged with the marker such that the cover can then pivot so that the second engagement means engage the marker.

According to a preferred embodiment, the display portion is raised. The display portion may be provided with a label having printed indicia thereon. The label may be provided with adhesive.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a marker for enabling labelling of a mains electrical switch, or outlet, wherein said switch or outlet comprises a faceplate and an associated mounting box, the marker comprising: a body portion securable to a mounting box for said switch or outlet; a display portion, extending from said first body portion for allowing display of information relating to said switch or outlet; and a detachable cover portion configured for covering at least a portion of said display portion; wherein said cover portion comprises engagement means configured for mutual engagement with said mounting box or said faceplate in operation.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures in which:

Figure lis a plan view of a marker according to the invention;

Figure 2is a plan view of a first embodiment of a cover for the marker of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of figure 2 through section BB'; and

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the marker of figure 1 through section AA', in use with the cover of figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a cover;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the marker of figure 1 through section AA', in use with the cover of figure 5;

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a cover;

Figure 8 is a plan view from the rear of the cover of figure 7;

Figure 9 is a plan view from the front of a further embodiment of a marker according to the present invention for use with the cover of figure 7;

Figure 10 is an exploded cross sectional view of the marker and cover assembly taken through a plane bisecting the marker of figure 9; and,

Figure 11 is a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a cover.

In figure 1 a marker for an electrical switch or outlet is shown generally at 10. It will be appreciated that although the marker is described, in particular, with reference to electrical switches and/or outlets, the marker is also suitable for similar wall mounted outlets or the like, for example data outlets / connection points, and the description is to be understood accordingly.

The marker 10 comprises a generally planar marker plate comprising a body portion 12 and a marker portion 14. The body portion 12 is configured to be securable to a mounting box of the switch or outlet (not shown), and the marker portion 14 is configured for allowing display of information relating to said switch or outlet.

The body portion 12 comprises a frame portion 16, which forms an associated aperture 18. The frame portion 16 is substantially rectangular having associated external width and height dimensions X', Y', in the X and Y directions respectively. In the embodiment shown the width and height dimensions X', Y', are substantially equal and hence the frame is substantially square.

The dimensions X', Y' are substantially equal to those of known standard dimensions for a

switch plate of an electrical switch, a socket plate of an electrical socket, or the like. Hence, in operation, the marker 10 may be located between the switch/socket plate and the mounting box of an associated electrical switch/outlet, with respective edges of the frame portion 16 substantially flush with corresponding edges of the plate.

The frame portion 16 is provided with a plurality of generally triangular locator portions 20, 20' for location of the marker plate 10 relative to the switch/socket plate. The locator portions 20, 20' are provided in two pairs, each pair being in general alignment with an associated central axis of the frame portion 16, such that the axis of each pair are substantially orthogonal to one another. Each locator portion 20, 20' extends inwardly from a respective side of said frame portion 16 toward the other locator portion of the associated pair. Hence, the aperture 18 has a general 'X' shape.

Each locating portion is provided with a locator aperture 22, 22' positioned for alignment with corresponding mounting apertures of the mounting box, and the switch/socket plate when, in operation, the plate is screwed to the mounting box with edges of the frame portion 16 positioned substantially flush with corresponding edges of the plate.

The locator apertures 22 are generally circular in order to accommodate a conventional screw, whilst aperture 22' has a straight abutment edge 23' and an opposing nose portion 23".

The locator apertures 22, 22' are provided in two pairs, each pair being in general alignment with an associated central axis of the frame portion 16, such that the axis of each pair are substantially orthogonal to one another. Hence, in operation the marker may be positioned in any one of four possible orientations, each orientation being at right angles to two other possible orientation.

The dimensions of the frame 16 is such that the diagonals of 'X' shaped aperture are longer than the width or height of an associated switch / socket plate. Hence, in operation, the marker 10 may be received over a connected socket/switch plate without disconnecting any associated wiring.

It will be appreciated that although an externally square frame having two pairs of locator apertures is described, the frame portion may be of any suitable shape having any suitable number of apertures. For example, the frame may be configured for use with a double socket or switch, in which case the X dimension will be significantly larger than the Y dimension, for example with an approximate 2 : 1 ratio. Where the frame is configured in such a way, only a single pair of locator portions, and associated holes are appropriate, allowing for two possible positions, at 180 to one another. Furthermore, the frame portion could be provided with a single locator portion having a single locator aperture, allowing the frame to be accurately positioned and rotated into position.

The marker portion 14 is substantially planar and rectangular, and extends outwardly from an external side of said frame portion 12, in the plane of the frame and locator portions 12, 20, 20'. The marker portion 14 is located such that, in operation, when the edges of the frame portion 16 are positioned substantially flush with corresponding edges of the plate, the marker portion 14 extends above, below, or to one side of the switch/socket plate, in dependence on the orientation of the marker 10, with a marker surface 24 visible.

With reference to figures 2 and 3, the marker portion 14 is provided with a detachable cover portion as seen generally at 30. The cover portion 30 comprises a body portion 32 and an engagement portion 34. The body portion 32 comprises a generally elongated, inverted trench shaped structure (as oriented in figure 3) having first and second long sidewalls 36, 36', and two short sidewalls 38, each extending from a corresponding side of a rectangular base section 40 to form a recess 42. The two short sidewalls 38, and first long side wall 36 are substantially the same height, relative to the recess. The second long sidewall 36' is higher than the first, extending beyond the other sidewalls 36, 38 by approximately the thickness of the marker portion.

The cover is configured for location, in operation, in a covering position in which the recess 42 covers the marker portion 14. The covering position is such that the first long sidewall, and the short sidewalls 36, 38, are located substantially flush with corresponding edges of the marker portion 14, and the long sidewall 36' extends beyond the marker surface 24 adjacent an outermost edge of the marker portion. The covering position is also such that the base

section 40 is substantially parallel with the plane of the marker portion 14.

The body portion 32 is formed from a transparent material, for example, transparent plastic or the like. Hence, in operation, when the cover 30 is in the covering position, the marker surface 24 is clearly visible through the transparent material.

The engagement portion 34 comprises a resilient hook body 34' extending centrally and perpendicularly from the first long sidewall 36, the hook body 34 having a hook or barb 35 at the free end thereof. The hook body 34', the locator portion 20' nearest the marker portion 14, and the associated locator aperture 22', are configured for location of the hook body 34' in the aperture 22'. The hook is further configured for mutual engagement with the switch/socket plate of the switch/socket on which it is being installed, in operation, when the hook 34 is located in the aperture 22', thereby to secure the cover 30, in the covering position, as seen in figure 4.

When installed, a rear end of the hook body 34' contacts the abutment edge 23' of aperture 22' such that the hook body 34' is held within the aperture 22' and the barb 35 is upstanding for engagement with switch plate 50 as shown in figure 4. The nose portion 23 ' ' of aperture 22' provides an opening adjacent the barb 35 for reception of a conventional fixing screw so as to simultaneously fix the marker 10 and cover 30 in place.

The remaining locator apertures 22 are circular with radius at least equal to that of the mounting apertures of the mounting box.

Alternatively or additionally the hook 24 may be configured for mutual engagement with the locator portion 20', and/or the mounting box of the switch/socket. An example of a cover portion configured for engagement with the mounting box is described with reference to figures 5 and 6.

Typical operation to retrofit an existing switch/socket plate for identification will now be described by way of example only with reference to figure 4.

In figure 4 the existing switch/socket plate is shown generally at 50. The plate 50 has

mounting apertures 52, via which it is initially screwed to a mounting box (not shown). In operation, to identity an existing electrical or data switch/outlet, the switch/socket plate is unscrewed from the associated mounting box without needing to disconnect any electrical wiring. The marker 10 is received over the switch/socket plate and located in a desired rotational position in which the frame portion is aligned with the mounting box. The switch/socket plate is screwed back to the associated mounting box, thereby securing the marker in the desired position, either by means of the mounting screws themselves or alternatively as a result of a sandwiching force between the switch/socket plate and the associated mounting box or a wall to/in which it is mounted.

The marker 10 is provided with an appropriate identification label bearing associated information, for example the name of an appliance. The label has dimensions corresponding to the marker surface 24 and may be in any suitable form, for example an adhesive label, a non-adhesive engraved plate, a cardboard insert or the like.

The label is aligned on the marker surface 24, and the cover engaged in the covering position for protection of the label .

Thus, the switch/socket is clearly identified, and the label protected.

It will be appreciated a plurality of labels may be provided in a kit with at least one marker having an associated cover portion.

In figures 5 and 6 an alternative embodiment of the cover portion is shown generally at 60. The cover portion 60 is similar to the cover portion 30 and will not be described again in detail. The cover portion 60 comprises a body portion 62 as generally described previously. The cover portion also comprises an engagement portion 64.

The engagement portion 64 comprises a hook body 64' extending from the body portion 62 as generally described with reference to figures 2 and 3. The hook body 64', the locator portion 20' nearest the marker portion 14, and the associated locator aperture 22', are configured for location of the hook body 64' in the aperture 22' such that the barb 65

protrudes towards mounting box 70. The hook body 64' is thus held relative to the marker within the aperture 22' whilst barb simultaneously engages with a wall of a mounting box 70 of the switch/socket in operation. The cover 60 is thus secured in in the covering position, as seen in figure 6.

Turning now to figures 7 to 10, a further embodiment of the cover portion is shown at 80. The cover portion 80 has a body portion 82 which is at least partially transparent as described above in relation to cover portions 30 and 60. In the embodiment of figures 7 to 9, the cover 80 has both first and second engagement portions. The first engagement portion comprises a hook body 84 and a barbed end 86, which faces in the opposite direction to the hook shown in figures 2-4. That is to say that the hook extends into the wall fitting during use.

The second engagement portion comprises a flange or tongue 88 which extends a short distance into the recess 42 from second long side wall 36' . The tongue 85 has a ramped end 89 for engagement with the outer edge of the marker portion of marker 90 shown in figure 9. The second engagement portion of figure 8 comprises a pair of tongue portions 88 spaced equidistant from the central hook 84, although it will be appreciated that a single tongue of greater length could be provided to similar effect.

The marker 90 of figure 9 is similar to the marker 10 shown in figure 1 and the like features will not be described again. However the frame 92 is generally thicker than the frame 16 of figure 1 and the locator portions 94 and 94' are curved in shape as opposed to the triangular locator portions 20, 20' of figure 2. In this embodiment the locator portions 94, 94' are generally semicircular in shape.

Each locator portions 94, 94' has a circular locator aperture 96. In contrast to the aperture 22' of figure 1, the locator aperture 96 of locator portion 94' is separate from the rectangular aperture 96' for insertion of the hook body 84. Thus the aperture 96' takes the form of a slot.

A shown in figure 10, the marker portion 98 is raised such that the depth of the marker portion 98 is greater than the remainder of the marker. The marker portion 98 has a recess 100 for reception of each tongue 88. Each recess 98 extends inwardly from the outermost

edge of the marker portion 14 ' to a depth at least equal to the length of the tongues 88. In this respect the recess 98 and tongues 88 are correspondingly shaped.

A flange portion 102 extends between the inner edge of the marker portion 98 and the slot 96'. The flange 102 is of reduced depth and is rectangular in shape so as to define a groove 104 in the locator portion 94' for reception of the hook body 84. The cover 80 is attached to the marker by inserting the tongues 88 into recesses 100 and then pivoting the hook body 84 into the groove 104 such that the barb 86 extends through the slot 96'. The depth of the groove 104 is substantially equal to the thickness of the hook body 84 such that the upper surface of the hook body is generally flush with the surface of the marker when installed.

The barb 86 engages in the slot 96' to hold the cover in place such that a switch plate 50 can be positioned over the marker frame and the hook body 84 in the direction of arrow B in figure 10. A screw 106 is then inserted through the switch plate aperture 52 and locator aperture 96 so as to fix the switch plate, the marker and the cover to the mounting box. The barb 86 may be of increased length such that the barb passes through the slot and engages with the wall of the switch plate mounting box in a manner similar to that shown in figure 6.

The raised marker portion is generally level with the switch plate surface once attached to improve visibility. The cover portion may be raised slightly above the switch plate such that it is visibly prominent and also to provide a tactile indicator of the position of the switch, for example when the lights are switched off.

The cover 80 may therefore be held on the marker portion by any or any combination of an interference fit around the perimeter of the cover body; factional engagement between the hook and the marker plate slot; fitment of the tongues 88 in recesses 100; and, attachment of the switch plate over the hook body 84. An interference fit between the cover and the marker plate is found to be particularly advantageous since the cover is temporarily held in position on the marker plate by friction without the need for the cover to be manually held during installation. This leaves an installers hands free to attach the switch plate.

Turning now to figure 11 ₃ there is shown a further embodiment of a cover 108 for use in

accordance with the present invention. This cover 108 is substantially the same as the cover 80 shown in figure 7. However the cover 108 has a hook end or barb 110 with an inclined surface 112 which faces in the opposite direction to the inclined surface of barb 86 of cover 80.

In the embodiment of figure 11 , the inclined surface 112 faces towards the body portion 114 of the cover such that when the hook is inserted into slot 96' the inclined surface 110 abuts against the outermost edge of the slot. This has the advantage that the fitment between the hook 110 and the slot 96' is range-taking since the inclined surface can ride up the edge of the slot. This compensates for any engineering tolerances and avoids misalignment problems upon installation.

It will be appreciated that the cover 108 may be substituted for the cover 86 and also that the inclined hook surface of the covers 30 and 60 may also be altered in this manner. Furthermore the dimensions of the covers, hooks, marker portions, marker frames and associated locating portions may all be varied to suit particular switch plate arrangements and mounting boxes as necessary.

The marker is typically made of a moulded plastic and preferably a thermoplastic such as polypropylene. The characteristics of thermoplastics of this type have been found to be particularly beneficial in that they are sufficiently malleable to allow slight deformation in order to allow a tight interference or friction fit with the cover. In addition any locator portions which are unused for mounting of the marker can flex or otherwise deform around internal components within the mounting box without detriment to the marker plate. This deformable nature of the marker allows a standard design to be fitted to a majority of wall mountings.

The cover may be made of a similar material or else polystyrene, which offers improved transparency. Whilst such materials are preferred, the skilled person will understand that a significant number of alternative plastic and non-plastic materials are available.

It will be appreciated that the marker portion 14 and cover portion 30, 60, may be provided

with alternative or further mutually engaging portions for securing the cover portion to the marker portion. The second long sidewall of the cover portion 30, 60 could be configured for engagement against the marker surface, for example by way of a hook such that the cover snaps into position on the marker portion. It will be further appreciated that although the marker has been described as a discrete plate the marker may be may form an integral part of the switch or socket plate.