GB2275131A

GB2275131A - Electrical fittings

Info

Publication number: GB2275131A
Application number: GB9300711A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kim Harding
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-01-15
Filing date: 1993-01-15
Publication date: 1994-08-17
Also published as: GB9300711D0

Abstract

A substantially flat facia plate 12 for an electrical fitting such as a light switch or power socket is provided with at least one through aperture to accommodate an operative portion of the electrical fitting and is formed of a plastics material comprising polyester so formulated as to provide an opaque granite or like stone effect. Such an effect may be provided by using a plastics material comprising a locally discontinuous phase comprising a polyester resin portion hardened to a predetermined hardness and a visually distinguishable continuous phase comprising a polyester separately hardened to the predetermined hardness. <IMAGE>

Description

ELECTRICAL FITTINGS The present invention relates to electrical fittings, in particular to fittings such as light switches or power sockets of novel and pleasing appearance.

It is known to make electrical fittings of a variety of materials. For example, there are currently on the market fittings made of wood, plastics material and metal.

However, wood if used per se can be fragile and metal can lead to safety problems due to the ability to conduct electricity of typical metals used in this field, such as brass. Known plastics materials also tend to be unsatisfactory in that their visual appearance is not especially pleasing.

In European Patent Specification No. 0 150 547 there are described novel mineral-appearing products which are said (in 1984) to open new opportunities for the manufacture of highly attractive bathroom products simulating those made of cultured onyx and marble products. Typical of such products are said to be traditional tubs, pullmans, basins, water closets, lavaboes, and additionally fountains, sculptures, tiles, wall decorations, faucets and handles, soap dishes and statuary. Preferably, the products comprise polyester resin and are translucent to simulate onyx or marble.

As a commercial development of the products described in the European Patent Specification there are mineralappearing products now on the market which typically are used where durable surfaces are to be provided. Thus, for example, bar tops, reception tops, vanity units, laboratory benches, tables, retail goods preparations areas, shop counters, kitchen worktops and the like may be made from such products. As before, onyx or marble or even granite effects may be provided and one commercial material is that sold under the name Avonite.

In all of the literature relating to the above particular plastics material, there is no suggestion of the use of mineral-appearing plastics materials within an electrical context. However, I have found that by selecting a mineral-appearing plastics material having a granite appearance, a facia plate for an electrical fitting can be produced which has a novel and very pleasing appearance not present to the same degree when using the corresponding onyx- or marble-effect materials. Moreover, the graniteappearance is sufficiently opaque to mask electrical connections or the like disposed behind the plate and to provide an extremely pleasing overall visible effect.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an electrical fitting, which fitting comprises a facia member having the form of a flat or substantially flat plate provided with at least one through aperture to accommodate an operative portion of an electrical fitting, the facia member being formed of a plastics material comprising polyester, which material is so formulated as to provide an opaque granite or like stone effect.

Preferably, the electrical fitting according to the invention has a facia member formed of a plastics material which comprises a locally discontinuous phase comprising a polyester resin portion hardened to a predetermined hardness and a visually distinguishable continuous phase comprising a polyester separately hardened to said predetermined hardness. As indicated above, such a material is described in European Patent Specification No.

0 150 547 and reference may be made to the disclosure thereof for details of the material and its method of manufacture.

In putting the present invention into effect it is preferred to use a plastics material which can be sanded at least to an about 60 micron finish, and then preferably polished. Such a material is commercially-available and is sold under the name Avonite.

Alternatively, the electrical fitting according to the invention may include a facia member formed of a mineralfilled polyester. One such preferred material is that sold as "Corian" and comprising a mineral filled methyl methacrylate.

Typically, there may be chosen any desired coloured effect using Avonite, Corian or the like. Also, typical electrical fittings according to the invention include light switches and power sockets. The latter being, of course, single or double and switched or unswitched, with the former including dimmer switch as well as rocker switch fittings.

In addition, the facia member may include means to enable fixing of the member to a wall or skirting board or the like to be effected. Typically, such means may comprise a pair of through holes to accommodate fixing screws disposed on each side of said at least one aperture.

To illustrate the invention reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a double rocker switch in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a facia plate and switch member; and Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a facia plate and a switch member.

Referring to Figure 1, the light switch 11 shown comprises a facia plate 12, made of granite-effect polyester such as Avonite or Corian having through apertures 13 and 14. The through apertures 13 and 14 each can accommodate a rocker switch member (not shown) for on and off operation of the switch. To each side of the apertures 13 and 14 there are holes 15 and 16 for fixing purposes. A typical switch as shown has a facia made of Avonite in which there is a locally discontinuous phase 17 comprising a polyester resin and a visually distinguishable continuous phase 18 comprising a polyester resin. Alternatively, the facia may comprise Corian in which case phase 17 is mineral filler and phase 18 methyl methacrylate. As shown, the facia presents a novel and very pleasing visual effect, the facia surface being smooth, polished and very hardwearing.

Referring to Figure 2, the facia plate 12' may include integral spigots 21 which can plug into apertures 22,23 in switch member 24. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3 for a 13-amp three pin switched socket there may be a screw assembly arrangement. Thus, facia plate 12" as shown may be attached to the switch/socket member 24' via screws 25,26 and the arrangement can include sleeves 27,28 and spacers 31,32 if desired.

It is, of course, to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above specific details.

Thus, while the invention resides in use of plastics material comprising polyester so formulated as to provide an opaque granite effect in the manufacture of a facia member for an electrical fitting, nevertheless numerous variations may be made to what is specifically described above, provided only that the electrical fitting is within the spirit and scope of the claims which follow.

Claims

CLAINS

1. An electrical fitting, which fitting comprises a facia member having the form of a flat or substantially flat plate provided with at least one through aperture to accommodate an operative portion of an electrical fitting, the facia member being formed of a plastics material comprising polyester, which material is so formulated as to provide an opaque granite or like stone effect.

2. An electrical fitting according to claim 1, wherein the plastics material comprises a locally discontinuous phase comprising a polyester resin portion hardened to a predetermined hardness and a visually distinguishable continuous phase comprising a polyester separately hardened to said predetermined hardness.

3. An electrical fitting according to claim 1, wherein the plastics material comprises a mineral-filled polyester.

4. An electrical fitting according to claim 3, wherein the polyester is methyl methacrylate.

5. An electrical fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastics material is one which can be sanded at least to an about 60 micron finish and then preferably polished.

6. An electrical fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitting is a light switch, or a power socket.

7. An electrical fitting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the facia member includes means to enable fixing of the member to a wall, skirting board or the like to be effected.

8. An electrical fitting according to claim 7, wherein the fixing means comprise a pair of through holes to accommodate fixing screws disposed on each side of said at least one aperture.

9. An electrical fitting substantially as hereinbefore described.

10. An electrical fitting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

11. Use of a plastics material comprising polyester so formulated as to provide an opaque granite or like stone effect in the manufacture of a facia member for an electrical fitting.

12. Use according to claim 11 having one or more of the features of any one of claims 2 to 8.

13. Use according to claim 11 substantially as hereinbefore described.

14. Use of a plastics material comprising polyester so formulated as to provide an opaque stone e.g. granite, effected in the manufacture of a facia member for an electrical fitting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.