THERMOSTAT COVER APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to frames, mounts, and covers and, more particularly, to thermostat cover apparatus.

[0002]HVAC systems rely on thermostats to provide accurate temperature readings so that the unit can provide adequate heating and/or cooling. Currently, thermostats are segmented into traditional “dumb” thermostats, and newer smart thermostats. Users traditionally see dumb thermostats as eyesores, and replace them with smart thermostats, however, as these smart thermostats become more complex users struggle to keep up. One solution to the eyesore problem is to attempt to cover a thermostat with a picture, or other aesthetic element, however, this results in the reduction of airflow to the thermistor, or temperature sensor, resulting in inaccurate readings, costly utility bills, and/or repairs.

[0003]As can be seen, there is a need for a thermostat cover apparatus configured to hold, or house, one or more items without disrupting airflow to the thermostat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004]In one aspect of the present invention, a thermostat cover apparatus is provided. The thermostat cover apparatus of the present invention can include a base having a plurality of first surfaces including at least a first front surface, a first rear surface, and a first plurality of side surfaces. The base can include a plurality of posts affixed to the front surface, each of the plurality of posts having a housing configured to house a first attachment means. The base can include a plurality of fastener holes disposed from the first front surface through to the first rear surface. Additionally, the thermostat cover of the present invention can include a frame having a plurality of frame surfaces including a second front surface, a second rear surface, and a second plurality of side surfaces. The frame can include a plurality of recessed slots on the second rear surface, each of the plurality of recessed slots configured to house a second attachment means. The frame can include a housing defined by the plurality of side surfaces configured to house an object.

[0005]In another aspect of the present invention, electrical conduit can be disposed within the base, and/or the frame which can be configured to charge one or more items utilizing electrical power. The electrical conduit can be connected to a transformer from an external device which can provide power distributed from the based, and/or frame to one or more items. Electrical power can be distributed via induction, or direct coupling, via one or more of the attachment means, and/or one or more of the plurality of posts.

[0006]These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a thermostat cover apparatus shown showing item installed, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a thermostat cover apparatus showing item removed, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of an embodiment of a thermostat cover apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a rear exploded view of an embodiment of a thermostat cover apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a thermostat cover apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of an embodiment of a thermostat cover apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention; and

[0013]FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 of an embodiment of a thermostat cover apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014]The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0015]Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a thermostat cover apparatus configured to support one or more items useful for obscuring a thermostat, or other wall mounted item, from view. The thermostat cover apparatus of the present invention can be mounted proximate to a thermostat, or other wall mounted item, and can be configured support for one or more items displaced from the thermostat. Advantageously, the thermostat cover apparatus of the present invention can obscure a thermostat, or other wall mounted item, while preventing the obstruction of airflow to one or more sensors, such as a temperature sensor, or thermistor.

[0016]Referring to FIGS. 1-2, aspects of an embodiment of a thermostat cover apparatus are illustrated in use. Thermostat cover apparatus can include a base 10, and optionally, a frame 20. In embodiments, base 10 can be mounted to a surface 32, such as a wall, utilizing one or more fasteners disposed within one of a plurality of fastener holes 14. In embodiments, frame 10 can be coupled to base 10 utilizing one or more fastening means disposed in, or on, one or both of a plurality of base posts 12, and frame 10. Frame 10 can secure one or more items 28, such as artwork, computing devices, etc., thereby obscuring from view one or more objects, such as a thermostat, or other wall mounted items. In embodiments, frame 20 can provide removably secure the one or more items 28, such that the one or more items can be placed within frame 20 (as illustrated in FIG. 1), and/or removed therefrom as needed (as illustrated in FIG. 2). In an alternative embodiment, the one or more items 28 can be directly coupled to base 10 utilizing one or more fastening means dispose in, or on, one or both of the one or more items 28 and frame 10. Advantageously, the thermostat cover apparatus can provide for secure display of one or more items that can obstruct from view one or more wall mounted objects without affecting operation of the one or more wall mounted objects.

[0017]Referring now to FIGS. 3-7, aspects of embodiments of a thermostat cover are illustrated. FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a thermostat cover apparatus. In embodiments, the thermostat cover apparatus can include a base 10 having a plurality of surfaces, such as a front surface, a back surface, and a plurality of side surfaces. In embodiments, the front surface can be continuously formed with the plurality of side surfaces, which can be continuously formed with the back surface. In embodiments, base 10 can be formed as a hollow cuboid, or rectangular tube, but is not so limited.

[0018]The front surface of base 10 can include a plurality base posts 12 securely affixed, or continuously formed, thereto. In embodiments, each of the plurality of base posts 12 can be a cylindrical tube, but are not so limited, as any tubular shape is contemplated as being within the scope of the invention. In embodiments, each base post 12 can include a port, or housing, 16 configured to house at least one fastening means configured to secure a portion of frame 20 to base 10. In embodiments, the at least one fastening means can be a magnet 18 capable of conducting electricity. In embodiments, each port 16 can hold one magnet 18 configured to secure a portion of frame 20 to base 10.

[0019]A plurality of fastener holes, or ports, 14 can be disposed on base 10 from the front surface through to the back surface (as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4). In embodiments, the plurality of fastener holes 14 are configured to accept at least one fastener for securing base 10 to a surface 32, such as a wall (as illustrated in FIG. 7). In embodiments, the plurality of fastener holes 14 can be shaped to fit a variety of fasteners, thereby allowing a fastener to be utilized based on the appropriateness for surface 32.

[0020]Frame 10 can have a plurality of surfaces, such as a front surface, a back surface, and a plurality of side surfaces. In embodiments, the front surface can be continuously formed with the plurality of side surfaces, which can be continuously formed with the back surface. In embodiments, frame 20 can be formed as a hollow cuboid, or rectangular tube, but is not so limited. The front surface of frame 20 can have ornamental features configured to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance (as illustrated in FIG. 5). The back surface of frame 20 can include a plurality of recessed slots 22, or apertures, configured to accept one or more second fastening means (as illustrated in FIG. 4). In embodiments, the one or more second fastening means can be a magnet 24 capable of conducting electricity. In embodiments, frame 20 can be removably affixed to base 10 by coupling magnets 24 in recessed slots 22 with magnets 18 in ports 16 (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 7). Additionally, an object 26 such as artwork, a computing device, etc., can be securely placed within an inner portion of frame 20 to obscure from view any item behind it (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7).

[0021]Referring now to utilization of the thermostat cover apparatus of the present invention. A user can secure, or affix, base 10 to a surface 32 by placing a fastener, appropriate for surface 32, through each fastener hole 14 and actuating the fastener manually, mechanically, to penetrate and anchor within surface 32 (as illustrated in FIG. 7). In embodiments, base 10 can be placed in proximity to a wall mounted object, such as a thermostat. The user can affix a magnet 18 in each port 16 and affix a magnet 24 in each recessed slot 22 of frame 20. Once the plurality of magnets 18 and the plurality of magnets 24 are affixed, the user can affix frame 20 to base 10 utilizing magnetic forces (as illustrated in FIG. 7). The user can place an object 26, such as artwork, a computing device, etc., in frame 20 thereby obscuring from view item(s) behind object 26, such as the wall mounted object. Alternatively, plurality of magnets 24 can be mounted to object 26, such as an artwork, frame, computing device, etc., and can be directly mounted to base 10. Advantageously, the thermostat cover apparatus of the present invention can obscure a wall mounted item from view, while providing space by virtue of the plurality of base posts 12, such that proper operation of the wall mounted item can continue.

[0022]In addition to obscuring wall mounted items, thermostat cover apparatus can provide power to object 26 mounted therein. In embodiments, a power supply can be connected to base 10. In embodiments, one or more of base 10 and/or frame 20 can include one or more electrical conduit disposed therein, and configured to conduct electricity from a power source to one or more devices. For example, a 24-volt low voltage power supply can be provided from wall mounted item, such as a thermostat, which can be spliced and connected to base 10. In embodiments, the power supply can come from a step-down transformer circuit of the wall mounted item, or can be provided as a separate circuit from the wall mounted item, such as an air handler. In embodiments, power can be supplied through a current providing wire, commonly referred to as a “hot” wire, and a common wire. In embodiments, base 10 can conduct electricity supplied by the power supply through the plurality of magnets 18, or the plurality of base posts 12. In embodiments, base 10 can include a ground fault interrupt circuit to prevent damage, or injury, in case of a short circuit. In embodiments, a first subset of the plurality of magnets 18 can provide incoming power through the “hot” wire, and a second subset of the plurality of magnets 18 can be connected to the common wire to complete the circuit. In embodiments, power can be conducted from one or more of the plurality of magnets 18 to one or more of the plurality of magnets 24 which can be used to provide power to object 26 mounted in frame 24.

[0023]In an exemplary embodiment, a first post of the plurality of base posts 12, or a first magnet of the plurality of magnets 18 can be coupled to conduit carrying current through the “hot” wire, while a second post of the plurality of base posts 12, or a second magnet of the plurality of magnets 18 can be coupled to conduit coupled to the neutral wire, thereby completing the circuit. In embodiments, power, through electrical current can be provided through induction to the one or more items 28.

[0024]It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.