US 12,462,993 B2
Control device base that attaches to the paddle actuator of a mechanical switch
Chris Dimberg, Easton, PA (US); and Matthew Philip McDonald, Phoenixville, PA (US)
Assigned to Lutron Technology Company LLC, Coopersburg, PA (US)
Filed by Lutron Technology Company LLC, Coopersburg, PA (US)
Filed on Jul. 27, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/874,719.
Application 17/874,719 is a continuation of application No. 17/141,881, filed on Jan. 5, 2021, granted, now 11,437,209.
Application 17/141,881 is a continuation of application No. 16/583,784, filed on Sep. 26, 2019, granted, now 10,916,385, issued on Feb. 9, 2021.
Application 16/583,784 is a continuation of application No. 16/018,957, filed on Jun. 26, 2018, granted, now 10,475,596, issued on Nov. 12, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/526,323, filed on Jun. 28, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2022/0359136 A1, Nov. 10, 2022
Int. Cl. H01H 23/04 (2006.01); H01H 3/02 (2006.01); H01H 9/02 (2006.01); H02G 3/14 (2006.01); G05G 1/02 (2006.01); H01H 23/14 (2006.01); H05B 47/19 (2020.01)
CPC H01H 23/04 (2013.01) [H01H 3/02 (2013.01); H01H 9/02 (2013.01); H02G 3/14 (2013.01); G05G 1/02 (2013.01); H01H 2003/0293 (2013.01); H01H 23/145 (2013.01); H01H 2221/082 (2013.01); H01H 2239/006 (2013.01); H01H 2239/074 (2013.01); H05B 47/19 (2020.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A base configured to be attached to a paddle actuator of an installed mechanical switch that controls whether power is delivered to an electrical load, the base comprising:
a frame that defines an opening that is configured to receive a protruding portion of the paddle actuator, the protruding portion of the paddle actuator projecting outward when the mechanical switch is operated into a position that causes the power to be delivered to the electrical load, wherein, when the protruding portion of the paddle actuator is received in the opening, the frame at least partially surrounds the paddle actuator, and wherein the frame comprises:
an outer wall that extends along a perimeter of the frame;
a cross member that extends between opposed side walls of the outer wall; and
a plurality of mounting teeth that extend from the opposed side walls into the opening, the plurality of mounting teeth configured to be attached to the protruding portion of the paddle actuator,
wherein the plurality of mounting teeth is configured to, when the base is attached to the paddle actuator, engage opposed walls of the protruding portion of the paddle actuator such that a rear surface of the frame is biased against a structure that surrounds the paddle actuator.