CA2235221C - In-wall electronic timer - Google Patents
In-wall electronic timer Download PDFInfo
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- CA2235221C CA2235221C CA 2235221 CA2235221A CA2235221C CA 2235221 C CA2235221 C CA 2235221C CA 2235221 CA2235221 CA 2235221 CA 2235221 A CA2235221 A CA 2235221A CA 2235221 C CA2235221 C CA 2235221C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- cover panel
- panel
- electric
- display
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G15/00—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals
Abstract
ABSTRACT
An in-wall mounted electric timer comprising a housing for mounting in an electric box in a wall. The electric timer comprises a user interface on the housing.
The user-interface comprises an input panel and a display. The electric timer further includes a movable cover panel covering the user interface. The cover panel has a rearward extending post aligned with the input panel to operate the input panel by moving action of the cover panel, wherein at least a portion of the cover panel is transparent enabling observation of the display through the cover panel.
An in-wall mounted electric timer comprising a housing for mounting in an electric box in a wall. The electric timer comprises a user interface on the housing.
The user-interface comprises an input panel and a display. The electric timer further includes a movable cover panel covering the user interface. The cover panel has a rearward extending post aligned with the input panel to operate the input panel by moving action of the cover panel, wherein at least a portion of the cover panel is transparent enabling observation of the display through the cover panel.
Description
- CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 IN-WALL
s The present invention relates to an improved in-wall mounted electronic timer.
6 Electric timers are used in households, businesses, and institutions to 7 automatically operate electric appliances, lighting, and so on. One type of electric 8 timer is used as a substitute for a conventional electric wall switch. This type of g electric timer replaces a conventional wall switch with a timer that has an ability to 0 automatically operate whatever had been previously operated by the wall switch.
Thus, if the convéntional wall switch had been used to operate an electric receptacle, 2 the electric timer can be programmed to automatically turn on and offwhatever is 3 plugged into the receptacle. Likewise, if the conventional wall switch had been used to turn on a lighting fixture, the electric timer can be programmed to automatically turn on and offthe lighting fixture.
16 As electronics become more mini~tl~rized, it is possible to provide more 17 features and greater functionality into electric timers, including multiple ON/OFF
8 times, varying ON/OFF times, etc. However, including such features in an electric 19 timer can complicate progr~mming and operation of the timer by the user. As an electric timer is provided with more features and greater functionality, it becomes 21 desirable to provide a user interface on the electric timer that makes the progr~mming 22 and operation of the electric timer easy-to-use and user-friendly.
23 One way that can be used to provide a user-friendly interface on an electric 24 timer is to use a push button input panel and a display screen (e.g. an LCD, LED, and so on). The display screen could be used to facilitate use of the input panel push 26 buttons. Although it is possible to provide relatively sophisticated features in an 27 electric timer, a problem to be overcome is how to include an easy-to-use user 28 interface for the various timer functions within the size constraints imposed by the 29 conventional electric switch format. As mentioned above, one type of electric timer is intended to replace a conventional electric switch. A conventional electric switch 31 conforms to a standardized overall size format of approximately 3 inches by - CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 approximately 2 inches. Therefore, in order to be used as a replacement for a 2 conventional electric switch, the electric timer should conform generally to the size 3 format of a conventional electric switch.
6 Electric timers are used in households, businesses, and institutions to 7 automatically operate electric appliances, lighting, and so on. One type of electric 8 timer is used as a substitute for a conventional electric wall switch. This type of g electric timer replaces a conventional wall switch with a timer that has an ability to 0 automatically operate whatever had been previously operated by the wall switch.
Thus, if the convéntional wall switch had been used to operate an electric receptacle, 2 the electric timer can be programmed to automatically turn on and offwhatever is 3 plugged into the receptacle. Likewise, if the conventional wall switch had been used to turn on a lighting fixture, the electric timer can be programmed to automatically turn on and offthe lighting fixture.
16 As electronics become more mini~tl~rized, it is possible to provide more 17 features and greater functionality into electric timers, including multiple ON/OFF
8 times, varying ON/OFF times, etc. However, including such features in an electric 19 timer can complicate progr~mming and operation of the timer by the user. As an electric timer is provided with more features and greater functionality, it becomes 21 desirable to provide a user interface on the electric timer that makes the progr~mming 22 and operation of the electric timer easy-to-use and user-friendly.
23 One way that can be used to provide a user-friendly interface on an electric 24 timer is to use a push button input panel and a display screen (e.g. an LCD, LED, and so on). The display screen could be used to facilitate use of the input panel push 26 buttons. Although it is possible to provide relatively sophisticated features in an 27 electric timer, a problem to be overcome is how to include an easy-to-use user 28 interface for the various timer functions within the size constraints imposed by the 29 conventional electric switch format. As mentioned above, one type of electric timer is intended to replace a conventional electric switch. A conventional electric switch 31 conforms to a standardized overall size format of approximately 3 inches by - CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 approximately 2 inches. Therefore, in order to be used as a replacement for a 2 conventional electric switch, the electric timer should conform generally to the size 3 format of a conventional electric switch.
4 Push button panels and displays are available in dimensions that can be 5 accornmodated in the size format dictated by the dimensions of a conventional switch.
6 However, if push button panels and displays are incorporated into a user interface of 7 an electric timer having these dimensions, the sizes of the buttons and display panel are 8 made small, and thus may be hard to use and less user-friendly.
9 In some situations, it may be desired to override the electric timer and m~ml~lly 10 operate the switch. Many electric timers provide a means of overriding the 11 prog~ g functions and operating the electric switch m~nu~lly. In situations in 12 which it may be desired to operate the switch manually, it is very possible that the 13 place in which the switch is located may be dark, and accordingly it may be difficult to 14 see the timer input panel and display especially if the timer input panel and push 5 buttons are small. In such situations, it may be difficult to operate the switch m~nl-~lly 16 because the timer panel and display, which are well-suited to progl ~ g and 17 operating the sophisticated features and functions of the timer, are not well-suited to 18 m~nl~lly operating the switch in the dark.
19 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved electric timer and interface therefore. It is a further object to provide an electric timer 21 that provides an user-friendly interface for progr~mming and operation as well as 22 provides a way to easily override the progl;lll~ling to operate the switch m~nll~lly.
To address the above concerns, the present invention provides an in-wall 26 mounted electric timer comprising a housing for mounting in an electric box in a wall.
27 The electric timer includes a user interface on the housing. The user-interface 28 comprises an input panel and a display. The electric timer further includes a movable 29 cover panel covering the user interface. The cover panel has a rearward extending post aligned with the input panel to operate the input panel by moving action of the 31 cover panel, wherein at least a portion of the cover panel is transparent enabling CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 observation of the display through the cover panel.
4 Figure 1 is a perspective view of an in-wall electric timer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
6 Figure 2 is side view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
7 Figure 3 is front view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
8 Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the front housing portion taking along line 9 4 4' of Figure 3.
0 Figure 5 is a rear view of the cover panel shown in the embodiment of Figure 1.
l l Figure 6 is a side view of the cover panel shown in Figure 5.
12 Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7--7' of the cover panel shown in 13 Figure 6.
14 Figure 8 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 showing the electric timer with the cover panel removed.
16 Figure 9 is a sectional view of the outer housing portion and cover panel taken 17 along line 9--9' of Figure 3 showing the cover panel in a first position relative to the 18 outer housing portion.
lg Figure 10 is a sectional view similar to Figure 9 showing the cover panel in a second position relative to the outer housing portion.
Referring to Figures 1-3, an electric/electronic timer 10 is sized to be mounted 26 in a conventional electric box. In particular, the electric timer 10 is sized so that it can 27 replace a conventional wall switch. The electric timer 10 includes upper and lower 28 flanges 12 and 14 having appropriately-spaced through holes 16 and 18 so that the 29 electric timer 10 can be mounted in a conventional in-wall mounted electric box by means of standard-sized mounting screws (not shown). A cover plate 20 is mounted 31 over the electric timer 10. In a prerelled embodiment the cover plate is a standard 32 Decora-type cover plate (shown in Figure 1). The cover plate 20 is mounted onto the 33 electric timer 10 in by means of screws (not shown) that extend through the cover CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 plate and are received in threaded openings 22 and 24 in flanges 12 and 14, 2 respectively. In alternative embodiments, other types of cover plates may be used. In 3 further alternative embodiments, the cover plate may be incorporated into the timer 4 and formed as a single piece therewith.
s The electric timer 10 includes a housing 26. The housing 26 is comprised of 6 two portions: an inner housing portion 28 and an outer housing portion 30. In general, 7 the inner housing portion 28 is located inside of the cover plate 20 and the outer 8 housing portion 30 is located outside of the cover plate 20 when the electric timer 10 is g mounted in a conventional electric box. Electric wires 32 and 34 which would0 otherwise be connected to a conventional wall switch are connected instead to the l l electric timer 10 via wires or terminals (not shown) located on a back side of the inner 12 housing portion 28. A controller (not shown) which is mounted inside the inner 13 housing portion 28 operates a switch which is also located internally ofthe housing 26 14 to make and break an electric connection between the terminals.
Located on an upper front side 34 ofthe outer housing portion 30 is a input 16 panel 38. The input panel 38 is comprised of a plurality of buttons. In the 17 embodiment shown, the input panel 38 has six push buttons 38A-38F. The push 18 buttons 38 are applop-iately labeled to facilitate use ofthe push buttons for 19 progl;""",il-g the functions of the electric timer. For example, the push buttons may be labeled "MODE", "EVENT ON/OFF", "RESET", "DA~', "H+" (i.e. "increment by 1 21 hour"), and "M+" (i.e. "increment by 1 minute"). This labeling is described by way of 22 example and various other types of labeling may be provided and used. The input 23 panel 38 is coupled to the controller internally of the housing 26 to allow a user to 24 program the controller to control its functions to operate the timer 10, in a manner known in the art.
26 Also located on the upper front side 34 ofthe outer housing portion 30 is a 27 display 36. The display 36 together with the input panel 38 comprise a user-interface 28 of the electric timer 10. The display 36 may be a conventional type of display, such as 29 an LED, LCD, active matrix, dual scan, and so on. The display 36 is coupled to the controller internally of the housing 26. The display 36 provides information to the user 31 to facilitate pro~-~"""ing the controller, in a manner known in the art. For example, . CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 .
the display 36 may display a current time-of-day, the current day of week, and the 2 times programmed in the controller at which the electricity across the timer terminals 3 will be switched on and off. The display 36 may be used in conjunction with the input 4 panel 38 as a user interface to f~cilit~te prog-~"~"~ g ofthe timer. For example, the display may show the times that the user is progl;"""~ing with the input panel 38.
6 Located on a lower front side 42 of the outer housing portion 30 is a lower 7 panel 44. The lower panel 44 is a removable panel that provides access to an inside x portion ofthe housing 26. The embodiment ofthe electric timer 10 shown in Figure 1 g has a battery backup feature, and therefore the lower panel 44 is used to provide o access to an inside portion of the housing 26 in which a backup battery may be located.
1l Located on the upper front side 34 ofthe outer housing portion 30 and 12 covering the display 36 and input panel 38 is a cover panel 50. The cover panel 50 includes as least a portion 52 through which the display 36 can be observed while the cover panel 50 is in place on the housing 26. In a plerelled embodiment, the portion 52 is composed of a transparent window. In a further p-erelled embodiment, the 16 entire cover panel 50 is composed of a single piece of transparent plastic, such a 17 polycarbonate. (For purposes of this specification, the portion 52 of the cover panel 8 50 is considered to be "transparent'? if it is possible to observe the display 36 through 19 the portion 52 and therefore includes both transparent and translucent materials. In further alternative embodiments, the transparent portion 52 may be composed of an 21 opening, openings, or a screen. In alternative embodiments, portions of the cover 22 panel 50 other than the transparent portion 52 may be opaque.) 23 Referring to Figures 5-6, the cover panel 50 includes a f~stçning means 54 by 24 which it can be connected to the front portion 34 of the housing 26. In a present embodiment, the fastening means 54 provides for the cover panel 50 to be connected 26 to the housing 26 in a manner such that the cover panel 50 is movable while it is 27 connected to the housing 26, as explained further below. In a present embodiment, the 28 cover panel 54 includes a first pin 58, a second pin 60, and a third pin 62. The first and 29 second pins 58 and 60 are located on and extend from the sides of the cover panel 50 close to an upper end thereof. The third pin 62 is located on and extends from a31 bottom side ofthe cover panel 50. As shown in Figure 8, the first and second pins 58 ' CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 and 60 are received in corresponding recesses (only recess 65 shown) located in first 2 and second vertical walls 64 and 66 extending forward from the upper front side 34 of 3 the outer housing portion 30. As shown in Figures 4 and 8, a slot 68 is located in a 4 third wall 70 that extends forward and horizontally from the front side 34 ofthe outer s housing portion 30. The third pin 62 ofthe cover panel 50 is received in the slot 68.
6 Referring again to Figure 5-7, located on an inside surface 76 of the cover 7 panel 50 is a rearward extending portion comprising an actuating post or stem 80. The 8 actuating stem 80 has dimensions that correspond approximately to one of the push g buttons 38. The actuating stem 80 is located on the inside surface 76 so that it aligns with one of the push buttons 38 when the cover panel 50 is connected onto the outer 11 housing portion 30. In a prefelled embodiment, the ~chl~ting stem 80 aligns with the 2 push button 38B which is the "EVENT ON/OFF" push button. The actuating stem 80 3 extends from the inside surface 76 of the cover panel 50 by a l.ength such that a tip 82 4 of the ~ct~l~tin~ stem 80 is close to and may come in contact with the push button 38B
when the cover panel 50 is mounted on the front housing portion 30.
6 In a preferred embodiment, the cover panel 50 is removable. Referring to7 Figure 8, the cover panel 50 is shown in a removed position relative to the front 8 housing portion 30 ofthe timer 10. The cover panel 50 removed by gripping the panel 19 by its front side 84 and lifting it vertically. To facilitate removing the cover panel 50, the recesses 65 in the walls 64 and 66 may be formed as shallow recesses so that the 21 pins 58 and 60 are retained in the recesses by only slight friction so that the cover can 22 easily be removed.
23 To operate the electric timer 10, the cover panel 50 is removed, as illustrated in 24 Figure 8. With the cover panel 50 removed, the push buttons 38 are accessible. Using 2s the push buttons 38, a user may program the electric timer 10 to perform the desired 26 functions in a manner known in the art. In conjunction with the push buttons 38, the 27 display 36 is used to facilitate prog~ g of the timer 10 by the user. The display 28 36 will graphically show the switching times (days, hours, minutes) that are being 29 programmed by the user, in a manner known in the art. After the user has programmed the timer 10, the cover panel 50 is replaced by first inserting the third pin 31 62 into the slot 68 and snapping the first and second pins 58 and 60 into the recesses - CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 ''~
65 in walls 64 and 66.
2 It is a significant advantage ofthe present embodiment that the electric timer 10 3 can be operated m~nll~lly and used in a manner as a conventional wall switch. In many 4 situations, it is desired to override the pro~ "il-g of the electric timer 10. For 5 example, a user may want the electric timer 10 to automatically turn on lights in a 6 room at 8:00 P.M. However, the user may enter the room and want to m~nll~lly turn 7 on the lights at 7:45 P.M. when it is already dark. Since it is dark, it may be difficult 8 for the user to see the push buttons 38 which are relatively small and close together.
9 With the present embodiment, because the cover panel 50 is located over the push lo buttons 38 and has the ~ct~l~ting stem 80 that aligns with the push button 38B that 1 provides for m~n~l~lly operating the electric timer, the user may m~n~l~lly override the 12 timer by pressing on the larger outside surface 84 of the cover panel 50.
13 Referring to Figure 9, the slot 68 in the third wall 70 ofthe front housing 30 14 has a size somewhat larger than the third pin 62. When the cover panel 50 is coupled to the outer housing portion 30 and the actu~ting stem 80 is aligned with the push 16 button 38B, the tip 82 ofthe actuating pin 80 is close to and may come in contact with 17 the push button 38B. When the cover panel 50 is in this first (or outer) position 90, 18 the third pin 62 is located in a forward portion of the slot 68.
19 Referring to Figure 10, when a force is applied to the front surface 84 ofthe cover panel 50, such as when the user presses it, the cover panel 50 pivots about the 21 -pins 58 and 60. The third pin 62 moves from the forward portion in the slot 68 to a 22 rear potion of the slot 68. The cover panel 50 is moved from the first (or outer 23 position 90 to a second (or inner) position 92. When moved into the inner position 92, 24 the tip 82 ofthe ~ct~l~ting pin 80 bears against the push button 38B causing it to be activated and causing overriding of the timer functions to m~nll~lly turn on the lights.
26 Upon removing the force applied to the front surface 84 ofthe cover panel 50, the 27 cover panel 50 is restored to the first position 90 by means of the resiliency of the push 28 button 38B.
29 With the present embodiment, it is easy for a user to manually override the timer, even in the dark, since the outer surface 84 of the cover panel 50 is relatively 31 large and relatively easy to find and operate. In addition, using the cover panel 50 to ' CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 m~nll~lly override the timer mimics the operation of a conventional electric switch so 2 that it is easy to use even for persons llnf~mili~r with the electric timer. It is a further 3 advantage of the electric timer 10 that display panel 36 is observable through the 4 transparer.t window 52 at all times so that the user can confirm the operation and 5 status of the electric timer 10 without removing the cover panel 50.
7 It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative 8 rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all 9 equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention.
19 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved electric timer and interface therefore. It is a further object to provide an electric timer 21 that provides an user-friendly interface for progr~mming and operation as well as 22 provides a way to easily override the progl;lll~ling to operate the switch m~nll~lly.
To address the above concerns, the present invention provides an in-wall 26 mounted electric timer comprising a housing for mounting in an electric box in a wall.
27 The electric timer includes a user interface on the housing. The user-interface 28 comprises an input panel and a display. The electric timer further includes a movable 29 cover panel covering the user interface. The cover panel has a rearward extending post aligned with the input panel to operate the input panel by moving action of the 31 cover panel, wherein at least a portion of the cover panel is transparent enabling CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 observation of the display through the cover panel.
4 Figure 1 is a perspective view of an in-wall electric timer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
6 Figure 2 is side view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
7 Figure 3 is front view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
8 Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the front housing portion taking along line 9 4 4' of Figure 3.
0 Figure 5 is a rear view of the cover panel shown in the embodiment of Figure 1.
l l Figure 6 is a side view of the cover panel shown in Figure 5.
12 Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7--7' of the cover panel shown in 13 Figure 6.
14 Figure 8 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 showing the electric timer with the cover panel removed.
16 Figure 9 is a sectional view of the outer housing portion and cover panel taken 17 along line 9--9' of Figure 3 showing the cover panel in a first position relative to the 18 outer housing portion.
lg Figure 10 is a sectional view similar to Figure 9 showing the cover panel in a second position relative to the outer housing portion.
Referring to Figures 1-3, an electric/electronic timer 10 is sized to be mounted 26 in a conventional electric box. In particular, the electric timer 10 is sized so that it can 27 replace a conventional wall switch. The electric timer 10 includes upper and lower 28 flanges 12 and 14 having appropriately-spaced through holes 16 and 18 so that the 29 electric timer 10 can be mounted in a conventional in-wall mounted electric box by means of standard-sized mounting screws (not shown). A cover plate 20 is mounted 31 over the electric timer 10. In a prerelled embodiment the cover plate is a standard 32 Decora-type cover plate (shown in Figure 1). The cover plate 20 is mounted onto the 33 electric timer 10 in by means of screws (not shown) that extend through the cover CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 plate and are received in threaded openings 22 and 24 in flanges 12 and 14, 2 respectively. In alternative embodiments, other types of cover plates may be used. In 3 further alternative embodiments, the cover plate may be incorporated into the timer 4 and formed as a single piece therewith.
s The electric timer 10 includes a housing 26. The housing 26 is comprised of 6 two portions: an inner housing portion 28 and an outer housing portion 30. In general, 7 the inner housing portion 28 is located inside of the cover plate 20 and the outer 8 housing portion 30 is located outside of the cover plate 20 when the electric timer 10 is g mounted in a conventional electric box. Electric wires 32 and 34 which would0 otherwise be connected to a conventional wall switch are connected instead to the l l electric timer 10 via wires or terminals (not shown) located on a back side of the inner 12 housing portion 28. A controller (not shown) which is mounted inside the inner 13 housing portion 28 operates a switch which is also located internally ofthe housing 26 14 to make and break an electric connection between the terminals.
Located on an upper front side 34 ofthe outer housing portion 30 is a input 16 panel 38. The input panel 38 is comprised of a plurality of buttons. In the 17 embodiment shown, the input panel 38 has six push buttons 38A-38F. The push 18 buttons 38 are applop-iately labeled to facilitate use ofthe push buttons for 19 progl;""",il-g the functions of the electric timer. For example, the push buttons may be labeled "MODE", "EVENT ON/OFF", "RESET", "DA~', "H+" (i.e. "increment by 1 21 hour"), and "M+" (i.e. "increment by 1 minute"). This labeling is described by way of 22 example and various other types of labeling may be provided and used. The input 23 panel 38 is coupled to the controller internally of the housing 26 to allow a user to 24 program the controller to control its functions to operate the timer 10, in a manner known in the art.
26 Also located on the upper front side 34 ofthe outer housing portion 30 is a 27 display 36. The display 36 together with the input panel 38 comprise a user-interface 28 of the electric timer 10. The display 36 may be a conventional type of display, such as 29 an LED, LCD, active matrix, dual scan, and so on. The display 36 is coupled to the controller internally of the housing 26. The display 36 provides information to the user 31 to facilitate pro~-~"""ing the controller, in a manner known in the art. For example, . CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 .
the display 36 may display a current time-of-day, the current day of week, and the 2 times programmed in the controller at which the electricity across the timer terminals 3 will be switched on and off. The display 36 may be used in conjunction with the input 4 panel 38 as a user interface to f~cilit~te prog-~"~"~ g ofthe timer. For example, the display may show the times that the user is progl;"""~ing with the input panel 38.
6 Located on a lower front side 42 of the outer housing portion 30 is a lower 7 panel 44. The lower panel 44 is a removable panel that provides access to an inside x portion ofthe housing 26. The embodiment ofthe electric timer 10 shown in Figure 1 g has a battery backup feature, and therefore the lower panel 44 is used to provide o access to an inside portion of the housing 26 in which a backup battery may be located.
1l Located on the upper front side 34 ofthe outer housing portion 30 and 12 covering the display 36 and input panel 38 is a cover panel 50. The cover panel 50 includes as least a portion 52 through which the display 36 can be observed while the cover panel 50 is in place on the housing 26. In a plerelled embodiment, the portion 52 is composed of a transparent window. In a further p-erelled embodiment, the 16 entire cover panel 50 is composed of a single piece of transparent plastic, such a 17 polycarbonate. (For purposes of this specification, the portion 52 of the cover panel 8 50 is considered to be "transparent'? if it is possible to observe the display 36 through 19 the portion 52 and therefore includes both transparent and translucent materials. In further alternative embodiments, the transparent portion 52 may be composed of an 21 opening, openings, or a screen. In alternative embodiments, portions of the cover 22 panel 50 other than the transparent portion 52 may be opaque.) 23 Referring to Figures 5-6, the cover panel 50 includes a f~stçning means 54 by 24 which it can be connected to the front portion 34 of the housing 26. In a present embodiment, the fastening means 54 provides for the cover panel 50 to be connected 26 to the housing 26 in a manner such that the cover panel 50 is movable while it is 27 connected to the housing 26, as explained further below. In a present embodiment, the 28 cover panel 54 includes a first pin 58, a second pin 60, and a third pin 62. The first and 29 second pins 58 and 60 are located on and extend from the sides of the cover panel 50 close to an upper end thereof. The third pin 62 is located on and extends from a31 bottom side ofthe cover panel 50. As shown in Figure 8, the first and second pins 58 ' CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 and 60 are received in corresponding recesses (only recess 65 shown) located in first 2 and second vertical walls 64 and 66 extending forward from the upper front side 34 of 3 the outer housing portion 30. As shown in Figures 4 and 8, a slot 68 is located in a 4 third wall 70 that extends forward and horizontally from the front side 34 ofthe outer s housing portion 30. The third pin 62 ofthe cover panel 50 is received in the slot 68.
6 Referring again to Figure 5-7, located on an inside surface 76 of the cover 7 panel 50 is a rearward extending portion comprising an actuating post or stem 80. The 8 actuating stem 80 has dimensions that correspond approximately to one of the push g buttons 38. The actuating stem 80 is located on the inside surface 76 so that it aligns with one of the push buttons 38 when the cover panel 50 is connected onto the outer 11 housing portion 30. In a prefelled embodiment, the ~chl~ting stem 80 aligns with the 2 push button 38B which is the "EVENT ON/OFF" push button. The actuating stem 80 3 extends from the inside surface 76 of the cover panel 50 by a l.ength such that a tip 82 4 of the ~ct~l~tin~ stem 80 is close to and may come in contact with the push button 38B
when the cover panel 50 is mounted on the front housing portion 30.
6 In a preferred embodiment, the cover panel 50 is removable. Referring to7 Figure 8, the cover panel 50 is shown in a removed position relative to the front 8 housing portion 30 ofthe timer 10. The cover panel 50 removed by gripping the panel 19 by its front side 84 and lifting it vertically. To facilitate removing the cover panel 50, the recesses 65 in the walls 64 and 66 may be formed as shallow recesses so that the 21 pins 58 and 60 are retained in the recesses by only slight friction so that the cover can 22 easily be removed.
23 To operate the electric timer 10, the cover panel 50 is removed, as illustrated in 24 Figure 8. With the cover panel 50 removed, the push buttons 38 are accessible. Using 2s the push buttons 38, a user may program the electric timer 10 to perform the desired 26 functions in a manner known in the art. In conjunction with the push buttons 38, the 27 display 36 is used to facilitate prog~ g of the timer 10 by the user. The display 28 36 will graphically show the switching times (days, hours, minutes) that are being 29 programmed by the user, in a manner known in the art. After the user has programmed the timer 10, the cover panel 50 is replaced by first inserting the third pin 31 62 into the slot 68 and snapping the first and second pins 58 and 60 into the recesses - CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 ''~
65 in walls 64 and 66.
2 It is a significant advantage ofthe present embodiment that the electric timer 10 3 can be operated m~nll~lly and used in a manner as a conventional wall switch. In many 4 situations, it is desired to override the pro~ "il-g of the electric timer 10. For 5 example, a user may want the electric timer 10 to automatically turn on lights in a 6 room at 8:00 P.M. However, the user may enter the room and want to m~nll~lly turn 7 on the lights at 7:45 P.M. when it is already dark. Since it is dark, it may be difficult 8 for the user to see the push buttons 38 which are relatively small and close together.
9 With the present embodiment, because the cover panel 50 is located over the push lo buttons 38 and has the ~ct~l~ting stem 80 that aligns with the push button 38B that 1 provides for m~n~l~lly operating the electric timer, the user may m~n~l~lly override the 12 timer by pressing on the larger outside surface 84 of the cover panel 50.
13 Referring to Figure 9, the slot 68 in the third wall 70 ofthe front housing 30 14 has a size somewhat larger than the third pin 62. When the cover panel 50 is coupled to the outer housing portion 30 and the actu~ting stem 80 is aligned with the push 16 button 38B, the tip 82 ofthe actuating pin 80 is close to and may come in contact with 17 the push button 38B. When the cover panel 50 is in this first (or outer) position 90, 18 the third pin 62 is located in a forward portion of the slot 68.
19 Referring to Figure 10, when a force is applied to the front surface 84 ofthe cover panel 50, such as when the user presses it, the cover panel 50 pivots about the 21 -pins 58 and 60. The third pin 62 moves from the forward portion in the slot 68 to a 22 rear potion of the slot 68. The cover panel 50 is moved from the first (or outer 23 position 90 to a second (or inner) position 92. When moved into the inner position 92, 24 the tip 82 ofthe ~ct~l~ting pin 80 bears against the push button 38B causing it to be activated and causing overriding of the timer functions to m~nll~lly turn on the lights.
26 Upon removing the force applied to the front surface 84 ofthe cover panel 50, the 27 cover panel 50 is restored to the first position 90 by means of the resiliency of the push 28 button 38B.
29 With the present embodiment, it is easy for a user to manually override the timer, even in the dark, since the outer surface 84 of the cover panel 50 is relatively 31 large and relatively easy to find and operate. In addition, using the cover panel 50 to ' CA 0223~221 1998-04-20 m~nll~lly override the timer mimics the operation of a conventional electric switch so 2 that it is easy to use even for persons llnf~mili~r with the electric timer. It is a further 3 advantage of the electric timer 10 that display panel 36 is observable through the 4 transparer.t window 52 at all times so that the user can confirm the operation and 5 status of the electric timer 10 without removing the cover panel 50.
7 It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative 8 rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all 9 equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention.
Claims
WE CLAIM:
An in-wall mounted electric timer comprising:
a housing for mounting in an electric box coupled to a wall;
a user interface on a front surface of said housing, said user-interface comprising an input panel and a display; and a movable cover panel covering said user interface and having a rearward extending post aligned with said input panel to operate said input panel by moving action of said cover panel, wherein at least a portion of said cover panel is transparent enabling observation of said display through said cover panel.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein said electric timer conforms in format size to a standard size electric switch The invention of Claim 1 wherein said electric timer conforms in format size to a standard size Decora style electric switch.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein said input panel comprises a plurality of input controls including at least one push button operable to provide a manual override function of said electric timer, and wherein said rearward extending post is aligned with said at least one push button.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein said cover panel is pivotable from a first position relative to said housing to a second position relative to said housing.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein said cover panel is comprised of an entirely transparent material.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein at least another portion of said cover panel is transparent enabling observation of said input panel therethrough.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein at least another portion of said cover panel is opaque.
9. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said cover panel is removable from said housing.
10. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said housing further comprises:
an auxiliary panel located on said front said of housing, said auxiliary panel providing access to a backup battery inside said housing.
11. An in-wall mounted electric timer comprising:
a housing for mounting in an electric box in or on a wall, said housing having a front surface;
a display panel located on said front surface of said housing;
an input panel located on said front surface of said housing and including at least one push button;
a cover panel covering said display panel and said input panel, said cover panel having at least one transparent portion to permit observation of said display panel through said cover panel; and a post located on an inside part of said cover panel and aligned with said at least one push button, wherein said post is operable to bear against and actuate said at least one push button when a force is applied to an outside surface of said cover panel.
12. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said electric timer conforms in format size to a standard size electric switch 13. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said electric timer conforms in format size to a standard size Decora style electric switch.
14. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said cover panel is pivotable from a first position relative to said housing to a second position relative to said housing.
15. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said cover panel is entirely transparent.
16. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said cover panel is removable from said housing.
17. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said housing further comprises:
an auxiliary panel located on said front said of housing, said auxiliary panel providing access to a backup battery location inside said housing.
18. The invention of Claim 11 wherein at least another portion of said cover panel is transparent enabling observation of said input panel therethrough.
19. An electric timer comprising:
a housing;
a plurality of push buttons located on said housing;
a display located on said housing;
a cover panel covering said display and said push buttons, said cover panel having a transparent window exposing said display and having an inside part aligned with one of said push buttons; and wherein said cover panel is coupled to said housing by means of a connection that enables movement of said cover panel relative to said housing upon application of a force upon an outside surface of said cover panel.
20. The invention of Claim 19 wherein said entire cover panel is comprised of a transparent material.
21. The invention of Claim 19 wherein said housing conforms in format size to a standard size electric switch.
An in-wall mounted electric timer comprising:
a housing for mounting in an electric box coupled to a wall;
a user interface on a front surface of said housing, said user-interface comprising an input panel and a display; and a movable cover panel covering said user interface and having a rearward extending post aligned with said input panel to operate said input panel by moving action of said cover panel, wherein at least a portion of said cover panel is transparent enabling observation of said display through said cover panel.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein said electric timer conforms in format size to a standard size electric switch The invention of Claim 1 wherein said electric timer conforms in format size to a standard size Decora style electric switch.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein said input panel comprises a plurality of input controls including at least one push button operable to provide a manual override function of said electric timer, and wherein said rearward extending post is aligned with said at least one push button.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein said cover panel is pivotable from a first position relative to said housing to a second position relative to said housing.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein said cover panel is comprised of an entirely transparent material.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein at least another portion of said cover panel is transparent enabling observation of said input panel therethrough.
The invention of Claim 1 wherein at least another portion of said cover panel is opaque.
9. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said cover panel is removable from said housing.
10. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said housing further comprises:
an auxiliary panel located on said front said of housing, said auxiliary panel providing access to a backup battery inside said housing.
11. An in-wall mounted electric timer comprising:
a housing for mounting in an electric box in or on a wall, said housing having a front surface;
a display panel located on said front surface of said housing;
an input panel located on said front surface of said housing and including at least one push button;
a cover panel covering said display panel and said input panel, said cover panel having at least one transparent portion to permit observation of said display panel through said cover panel; and a post located on an inside part of said cover panel and aligned with said at least one push button, wherein said post is operable to bear against and actuate said at least one push button when a force is applied to an outside surface of said cover panel.
12. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said electric timer conforms in format size to a standard size electric switch 13. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said electric timer conforms in format size to a standard size Decora style electric switch.
14. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said cover panel is pivotable from a first position relative to said housing to a second position relative to said housing.
15. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said cover panel is entirely transparent.
16. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said cover panel is removable from said housing.
17. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said housing further comprises:
an auxiliary panel located on said front said of housing, said auxiliary panel providing access to a backup battery location inside said housing.
18. The invention of Claim 11 wherein at least another portion of said cover panel is transparent enabling observation of said input panel therethrough.
19. An electric timer comprising:
a housing;
a plurality of push buttons located on said housing;
a display located on said housing;
a cover panel covering said display and said push buttons, said cover panel having a transparent window exposing said display and having an inside part aligned with one of said push buttons; and wherein said cover panel is coupled to said housing by means of a connection that enables movement of said cover panel relative to said housing upon application of a force upon an outside surface of said cover panel.
20. The invention of Claim 19 wherein said entire cover panel is comprised of a transparent material.
21. The invention of Claim 19 wherein said housing conforms in format size to a standard size electric switch.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/840,609 US6121889A (en) | 1997-04-24 | 1997-04-24 | In-wall electronic timer |
| US08/840,609 | 1997-04-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2235221C true CA2235221C (en) | 2000-07-11 |
Family
ID=25282794
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2235221 Expired - Fee Related CA2235221C (en) | 1997-04-24 | 1998-04-20 | In-wall electronic timer |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6121889A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2235221C (en) |
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- 1997-04-24 US US08/840,609 patent/US6121889A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-04-20 CA CA 2235221 patent/CA2235221C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6121889A (en) | 2000-09-19 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |