US 12,244,766 B1
Light switch cover having electronic communication system
William J. Rintz, Hackettstown, NJ (US); Allen Wendell Moore, Hillsborough, NC (US); Christopher Ernst Bielenberg, Garner, NC (US); Russell Turner, Hillsborough, NC (US); and Jesse Berkley Tucker, Youngsville, NC (US)
Assigned to WILLIAM J. Rintz, Hacketstown, NJ (US)
Filed by William J. Rintz, Hackettstown, NJ (US)
Filed on Aug. 1, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/791,982.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/556,303, filed on Feb. 21, 2024.
Int. Cl. H04M 3/51 (2006.01); H01H 23/02 (2006.01); H01H 23/04 (2006.01); H04M 1/03 (2006.01)
CPC H04M 3/5116 (2013.01) [H01H 23/025 (2013.01); H01H 23/04 (2013.01); H04M 1/03 (2013.01); H04M 2201/38 (2013.01); H04M 2201/42 (2013.01); H04M 2203/1033 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A combination outlet or light switch cover and communication system adapted for securement to an existing electrical box in place of a conventional light switch or outlet cover, comprising,
a body member adapted for securement to an existing electrical box, the body member having an opening for accessing and using one or more existing light switches or outlets associated with the existing electrical box; and
an electronic communication system at least partially housed within the body member, wherein when mounted to the existing electrical box the communication is adapted to be electrically powered through connection with the existing wiring associated with electrical box, the electronic communication system including a button or lever that upon activation by a user through pressing the button or pulling the lever causes a system microcontroller of the electronic communication system to initiate communication with another communication system remotely located from a location where the body member is mounted to the existing electrical box;
wherein the communication system includes an externally visible electronic display or screen adapted for displaying instructions for individuals located at or near to the location where the body member is mounted to the existing electrical box when the button or lever is activated by the user for an emergency situation.