PEDESTAL FOR A FEEDBACK REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE AND FEEDBACK REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE.

Abstract

A base can be configured to attach to a pedestal. The pedestal can include a top plate, a bottom plate, and a mounting tab. The bottom plate can be configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The mounting tab can extend from the top plate (e.g., a platform on the top plate). The mounting tab can be configured to extend into an opening defined by the base. The mounting tab can be configured to prevent rotation of the remote control device's base when the base is attached to the pedestal. The bottom plate can include a concave bottom surface. The concave bottom surface can include a recessed portion and a flat portion. The flat portion can be along an outer perimeter of the bottom plate. The flat portion can be configured to rest on the horizontal surface.

Description

PEDESTAL FOR A FEEDBACK REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE AND FEEDBACK REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE This application claims the benefit of provisional US patent application no. 62 / 983,170, filed on February 28, 2020, the description of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. BACKGROUND A user environment, such as a residence or office building, can be configured to use various types of load control systems. A lighting control system can be used to control lighting loads in the user environment. A motorized shade control system can be used to control the natural light provided in the user environment. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be used to control the temperature in the user environment. Each load control system can include several control devices, including source control devices and destination control devices. Destination control devices can receive digital messages, which may include load control instructions, to control an electrical load from one or more of the source control devices.Target control devices can directly control an electrical load. Source control devices can indirectly control the electrical load through the target control device. Examples of target control devices include lighting control devices (e.g., a dimmer, electronic switch, ballast, or LED driver), motorized curtains, temperature control devices (e.g., a thermostat), AC plug-in load control devices, and similar devices. Examples of source control devices include remote control devices, occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, temperature sensors, and similar devices. COMPENDIUM As described in this document, a remote control device can be configured to be placed on a horizontal surface (e.g., a table, desk, counter, etc.). The remote control device may include a base and a rotating part. The rotating part can rotate relative to the base. The remote control device can be configured to control a load control device of a load control system to regulate the amount of power supplied to an electrical load (e.g., to control the intensity of a lighting load). As the rotating part turns, the remote control device can cause the load control device to adjust the amount of power supplied to the electrical load. ll 7 non / zznz / q / υιλι The base can be configured to attach to a pedestal. The pedestal can include a top plate and a bottom plate. The bottom plate can be configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The bottom plate can include a concave underside. The concave underside can include a recessed portion and a flat portion. The flat portion can be along an outer perimeter of the bottom plate. The flat portion can be configured to rest on a horizontal surface. Additionally, the pedestal can include a mounting tab that can extend from the top plate (e.g., a platform on the top plate). The mounting tab can be configured to extend into an opening defined by the base. The mounting tab can be configured to prevent rotation of the remote control device's base when the base is attached to the pedestal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 represents an example load control system that includes one or more example control devices. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a remote control device that can be implemented as a dimming switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front view of the example control device of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the example remote control device in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the example remote control device in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a perspective rear view of another example of a remote control device that can be implemented as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the example remote control device of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the example control device of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of another example of a remote control device that can be implemented as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the example remote control device of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the example control device of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of another example of a remote control device that can be implemented as a dimmer switch of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the example remote control device of FIG. 12. ii / non / zznz / q / υιλι FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the example control device of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example load control system. As shown, the load control system is configured as a lighting control system 100 for controlling one or more lighting loads, such as a lighting load 102 installed in a ceiling-mounted downlight 103 and a controllable lighting load 104 installed in a table lamp 105. The lighting loads 102 and 104 shown in Figure 1 may include light sources of different types (e.g., incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, and / or LED light sources). The lighting loads may have advanced features. For example, the lighting loads may be controlled to emit light of varying intensities and / or colors in response to a user command. The lighting control system 100 may include one or more control devices for controlling the lighting loads 102 and 104 (e.g., controlling the amount of power supplied to the lighting loads). The lighting loads 102 and 104 may be controlled substantially simultaneously or individually. For example, the lighting loads may be zoned so that lighting load 102 can be controlled by a first control device, while lighting load 104 can be controlled by a second control device. The control devices may be configured to switch the lighting loads 102 and 104 on and off.Control devices can be configured to control the magnitude of a load current conducted through lighting loads to control an intensity of lighting loads 102, 104 between a low-end intensity Lle and a high-end intensity Lhe, for example. The control device described in this document may be, for example, a dimmer switch 110, a retrofit remote control device 112, a wall-mounted control device 114, a tabletop remote control device 116, and / or a portable remote control device 118. The dimmer switch 110 may be configured to be mounted in a standard electrical wall box (e.g., via a clamp) and coupled in a series electrical connection between a power supply (e.g., an alternating current (AC) power supply 105 or a direct current (DC) power supply) and a lighting load that is connected to the control path of the dimmer switch 110 (e.g., as the lighting load 102).The dimmer switch 110 can receive a main AC line voltage Vac from the AC power supply 105 and can generate a control signal to control the lighting load 102. The control signal can be generated through various phase control techniques (e.g., a direct phase control dimming technique or a reverse phase control dimming technique). The dimmer switch 110 can be configured to receive wireless signals (e.g., from a remote control device) representing commands to control the lighting load 102 (e.g., the intensity and / or color of the lighting load) and generate the respective control signals to execute the commands. Examples of dimmer switches are described in more detail in jointly owned U.S. patent no.U.S. Patent No. 7,242,150, issued on July 10, 2007, entitled DIMMER HAVING A POWER SUPPLY MONITORING CIRCUIT, U.S. Patent No. 7,546,473, issued on June 9, 2009, entitled DIMMER HAVING A MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED POWER SUPPLY, and U.S. Patent No. 8,664,881, issued on March 4, 2014, entitled TWOWIRE DIMMER SWITCH FOR LOW-POWER LOADS, the full descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. The retrofit remote control device 112 can be configured to be mounted on a mechanical switch (e.g., a toggle switch 122, paddle switch, push-button switch, light switch, or other suitable switch) that may already be present in the lighting control system 100. Such a retrofit solution can provide energy savings and / or advanced control functions, for example, without requiring significant electrical rewiring and / or without replacing existing mechanical switches. As an example, a consumer can replace an existing lamp with the controllable lighting load 104, change a toggle switch 122 that is coupled to the lighting load 104 to the ON position, install (e.g., mount) the remote control device 112 on the toggle switch 122, and associate the remote control device 112 with the lighting source 104.The adaptive remote control 112 can then be used to perform advanced functions that the toggle switch 122 may be unable to perform (e.g., such as dimming the light output intensity level, providing feedback to a user, etc.). As shown, the toggle switch 122 is coupled (e.g., via a signal electrical connection) between the AC power supply 105 and an electrical receptacle 120 into which the lighting load 104 can be plugged (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the toggle switch 122 can be coupled between the AC power supply 105 and one or more of the lighting loads 102, 104, without the electrical receptacle 120. The retrofit remote control device 112 can be used to transmit wireless signals to the controllable light source 104 to control intensity and / or color (e.g., color temperature) of the controllable light source 104. The remote control device 112 can also be configured to transmit wireless signals for the control of other electrical loads, such as the volume of a speaker and / or audio system, the position of a motorized window treatment, the setpoint temperature of a heating and / or cooling system, and / or a controllable feature ii / non / zznz / q / uili of another electrical load or device. The wall-mounted remote control device 114 can be configured to mount in a standard electrical wall box and electrically connected to the AC power supply 105 for power. The wall-mounted remote control device 114 can be configured to receive user input and can generate and transmit a control signal (e.g., control data as a digital message) to control the lighting loads 102, 104 in response to the user input. The tabletop remote control device 116 can be configured to be placed on a surface (e.g., a side table or light table) and can be powered from a direct current (DC) power supply (e.g., a battery or an external DC power supply connected to a wall outlet). The tabletop remote control device 116 can be configured to receive user input and can generate and transmit a signal (e.g., a digital message) to control the lighting loads 102, 104 in response to the user input.e.g., a digital message) to control lighting loads 102, 104 in response to user input. The handheld remote control device 118 can be sized to fit in a user's hand and can be powered by a direct current (DC) power source (e.g., a battery or an external DC power supply connected to a wall outlet). The handheld remote control device 118 can be configured to receive user input and can generate and transmit a signal (e.g., a digital message) to control lighting loads 102, 104 in response to user input. Examples of battery-powered remote control devices are described in more detail in Jointly Held U.S. Patent No.No. 8,330,638, issued on December 11, 2012, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED REMOTE CONTROL HAVING MULTIPLE MOUNTING MEANS, the full description of which is incorporated herein by reference. The control devices described in this document (e.g., the dimmer switch 110 and / or the remote control devices 112-118) may each include one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs) configured to illuminate and provide feedback to the user of the control device. This feedback may indicate, for example, the status of the lighting loads 102, 104, such as whether the lighting loads are on or off, the current intensity of the lighting loads, etc. The feedback may also indicate the status of the control device itself, such as its power status (e.g., remaining battery power). Furthermore, the feedback may indicate to the user that the control device is transmitting control signals (e.g., RF signals) in response to an activation of the control device.The control device can be configured to keep one or more light sources illuminated as long as the condition that triggers the feedback persists. The control device can also be configured to illuminate one or more light sources for a few seconds (e.g., 1-2 seconds) and then turn them off (e.g., to conserve battery life). ι i / non / zznz / q / υιλι The control devices can be configured to dim (e.g., not illuminate) one or more light sources so that no feedback is provided when the control devices are in an inactive state. The control devices can then illuminate one or more light sources to provide feedback in response to the detection of a user in the vicinity of the control devices. Such detection can be based, for example, on a finger moving near a front surface of the control devices. The user's presence can be detected, for example, through a capacitive touch element or an electric field sensor incorporated in the control devices. Each control device may include a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to respond to a user input and generate control data (e.g., a control signal) to control lighting loads 102 and 104 based on the user input. The control data may include commands and / or other information (e.g., identification information) to control lighting loads 102 and 104. The control circuit may be configured to illuminate one or more light sources to provide the feedback described in this document. One or more of the control devices may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) transmitter) operable to transmit and / or receive wireless signals as RF signals 108. The wireless signal may be used to transmit control data (e.g., a digital message) generated by the control devices to the lighting loads 102, 104 or to a central controller of the lighting control system 100, for example. The lighting loads 102, 104 may be associated with a control device during a configuration procedure so that the lighting loads 102, 104 can respond to control signals transmitted by the control device. To illustrate, the association may be achieved by activating a trigger on the lighting loads in question and then activating (e.g.(by pressing and holding) an actuator on the control device for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 10 seconds). Examples of a setup procedure for associating a control device with an electrical load are described in greater detail in Jointly Owned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0111491, published May 15, 2008, entitled RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM, the full description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Each of the control devices may include a memory. The memory can be used, for example, to store operating configurations associated with the control device and / or the lighting loads 102, 104. The memory may be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit (e.g., as part of a control circuit). The load control system 100 may include one or more remote occupancy sensors or remote vacancy sensors (not shown) to detect occupancy and / or vacancy conditions in a space surrounding the sensors. The occupancy or vacancy sensors may be configured to transmit digital messages to the lighting loads 102, 104 (e.g.) via RF signals 108 in response to the detection of occupancy or vacancy conditions. Examples of RF load control systems having occupancy and vacancy sensors are described in greater detail in jointly held U.S. patent no. 8,009,042, issued August 30, 2011, entitled "Radio-frequency Lighting Control System with Occupancy Sensing," the full description of which is incorporated herein by reference. The load control system 100 may include a remote daylight sensor (not shown) for measuring the total light intensity in the space around the daylight sensor. The daylight sensor may be configured to transmit digital messages, such as a measured light intensity, to the lighting loads 102 and 104 so that the lighting loads can operate to adjust their respective intensities in response to the measured light intensity. Examples of RF load control systems having daylight sensors are described in greater detail in Jointly Owned U.S. Patent No. 8,451,116, issued May 28, 2013, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED DAYLIGHT SENSOR, the full description of which is incorporated herein by reference. The 100 load control system may include other types of input devices, for example, radiometers, cloud day sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, air quality sensors, security sensors, proximity sensors, accessory sensors, partition sensors, keypads, kinetic or solar-powered remote controls, key fobs, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, personal digital assistants, personal computers, laptops, watches, audiovisual controls, security devices, energy monitoring devices (such as power meters, energy meters, utility submeters, utility rate meters), central control transmitters, residential, commercial, or industrial controllers, and / or any combination thereof. It should also be noted that although FIG. 1 shows a load control system with two lighting loads, the system may include more lighting loads, other types of lighting loads, and / or other types of electrical loads. For example, the load control system may include one or more of the following: a dimming ballast to operate a gas discharge lamp; an LED driver to control an LED light source; a dimming circuit to control the intensity of a lighting load; a screw-in luminaire that includes a dimming circuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in luminaire that includes a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaire that includes an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch, controllable circuit breaker, or other switching device to turn an appliance on and off;A plug-in load control device, controllable electrical receptacle, or controllable power strip for controlling one or more plug-in loads; a motor control unit for controlling a motor load, such as a ceiling fan or exhaust fan; a drive unit for controlling a motorized curtain or projection screen; one or more motorized interior and / or exterior blinds; a thermostat for a heating and / or cooling system; a temperature control device for controlling a set temperature of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric baseboard heater controller; a controllable damper; a variable air volume controller; a fresh air intake controller; a vent controller; one or more hydraulic valves for use in radiators and radiant heating systems; a humidity control unit;a humidifier; a dehumidifier; a water heater; a boiler controller; a pool pump; a refrigerator; a freezer; a television and / or computer monitor; a volume control; a video camera; an audio system or amplifier; an elevator; a power supply; a generator; an electrical charger, such as an electric vehicle charger; an alternative energy controller; and the like. Figures 2-5 illustrate an example of a remote control device 200 attached to a pedestal 230. The remote control device 200 can be implemented as the tabletop remote control device 116 in the load control system 100 (e.g., as shown in Figure 1). The remote control device 200 can be configured to control the amount of energy supplied and, therefore, the intensity of at least one lighting load. The remote control device 200 can include a base 210 and a control unit 220 that can be attached to the base 210. The base 210 can be referred to alternatively as a base part or mounting assembly. The control unit 220 can be referred to alternatively as a control module. It should be noted that other control units described herein may also be referred to as control modules.The control unit 220 may include a rotating part that can rotate with respect to the base 210. For example, as shown, the control unit 220 includes an annular rotating part 222 that is configured to rotate around the base 210. The control unit 220 may include an actuating part 224, which can be operated separately or in conjunction with the rotating part 222. The remote control device 200 may be configured so that the control unit 220 and the base 210 can be removably attached to each other. Figure 4 shows the remote control device 200 with the control unit 220 detached from the base 210. ll 7 non / zznz / q / υιλι The base 210 can define an opening 212 that extends through it and is configured to receive at least a portion of the pedestal 230. The base 210 can define a back surface 214. The pedestal 230 can be a mounting configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The pedestal 230 can be configured to receive the remote control device 200. For example, the remote control device 200 can be mounted on the pedestal 230. The pedestal 230 can include a plate 240, a platform 250, and a mounting tab 260. The plate 240 can be configured to rest on a horizontal surface. For example, the plate 240 can define a back surface 242 that is configured to abut the horizontal surface. The plate 240 can define a top face 244. The plate 240 can be circular. Plate 240 (e.g., the top face 244) can define a first part 244A (e.g., a first top surface) and a second part 244B (e.g., a second top surface). The first part 244A can be defined between a center of plate 240 and a first radius R1 from the center of plate 240. The second part 244B can be defined between the first radius R1 and a second radius R2 from the center of plate 240. The first part 244A and the second part 244B can define a cavity 246. For example, a difference between the first part 244A and the second part 244B can define the cavity 246. The cavity 246 can be configured to receive a part of the remote control device 200. The remote control device 200 (e.g., the rear surface 214 of the base 210) can abut the first part 244A when received by the cavity 246. Alternatively, plate 240 (e.g., the top surface 244) can define a first thickness at the first radius R1 from the center of plate 240. Plate 240 can define a second thickness between the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 from the center of plate 240. The second thickness can be greater than the first thickness. A difference between the first and second thicknesses can define cavity 246. Cavity 246 can be configured to receive a part of the remote control device 200. In other words, the first part 244A (e.g., the first top surface) can define the first thickness, and the second part 244B (e.g., the second top surface) can define the second thickness. The platform 250 can extend from the plate 240 (e.g., the top face 244). For example, the platform 250 can extend from the first portion 244A of the top face 244. A midpoint of the platform 250 can be located slightly offset from the center of the plate 240. For example, the platform 250 can be offset from the center of the plate 240 so that the remote control device 200 is centered on the plate 240 when secured to the pedestal 230. The platform 250 can include an opening 252. The mounting tab 260 can extend from the platform 250. The mounting tab 260 can extend into the opening 212 defined by the base 210. The mounting tab 260 can be configured to prevent rotation of the remote control device 200 (e.g., the base 210) when the base 210 is attached to the pedestal 230. For example, the mounting tab 260 can be configured to prevent rotation of the base 210 when the rotating part 222 is turned. The remote control device 200 can include a fastener 270. The fastener 270 can be configured to secure the remote control device 200 to the pedestal 230. For example, the fastener 270 can be configured to secure the base 210 to the platform 250. The opening 252 can to receive the fastener 270, for example, to secure the remote control device 200 (e.g., the base 210) to the pedestal 230. The fastener 270 can be self-tapping.For example, the opening 252 can be sized so that the fastener 270 secures the base 210 to the platform 250. Alternatively, the opening 252 can be threaded so that its threads complement those of the fastener 270. The base 210 can define a through-hole 215 configured to receive the fastener 270. Figures 6-8 illustrate another example of a remote control device 300 having a pedestal 330 (e.g., like the remote control device 200). The pedestal 330 can be configured to attach to the remote control device 300. The remote control device 300 can be implemented as the tabletop remote control device 116 in the load control system 100 (e.g., as shown in Figure 1). The 300 remote control device can be configured to control the amount of power delivered and therefore the intensity of at least one lighting load.The remote control device 300 may include a base 310 and a control unit 320 that can be attached to the base 310. The base 310 may alternatively be referred to as a base part or mounting assembly. The control unit 320 may alternatively be referred to as a control module. It should be noted that other control units described herein may also be referred to as control modules. The control unit 320 may include a rotating part 322 that can rotate relative to the base 310 (e.g., an annular rotating part configured to rotate around the base). The control unit 320 may include an actuating part 324, which can be operated separately or in conjunction with the rotating part 322. The remote control device 300 may be configured so that the control unit 320 and the base 310 can be removably attached to each other. The pedestal 330 can be a mounting configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The pedestal 330 can be configured to receive the control unit 320. For example, the base 310 can be mounted to the pedestal 330. The pedestal 330 can include a bottom plate 336, a top plate 340, a platform 350, and a mounting tab (e.g., such as the mounting tab 260 shown in Figures 4 and 5). The bottom plate 336 can be circular. The lower plate 336 can be attached to the upper plate 340. For example, the pedestal 330 can include a weight 370. The weight 370 can be configured to increase the mass of the pedestal 330 and / or increase the torsional strength of the pedestal 330. The lower plate 336 can surround a portion of the weight 370. The lower plate 336 can be attached (e.g., using adhesive) to the weight 370. The weight 370 can be attached to the upper plate 340.Weight 370 can be hidden from view by the top plate 340 and the bottom plate 336. The bottom plate 336 may be configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The bottom plate 336 may be made of rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, and / or similar materials. For example, the bottom plate 336 may define a bottom surface 338 that is configured to abut the horizontal surface. The bottom surface 338 may be concave. For example, the bottom surface 338 may include a recessed portion 302 and a flat portion 304. The flat portion 304 may be located near (e.g., along) an outer perimeter of the bottom plate 336. The flat portion 304 may be configured to rest on the horizontal surface. The recessed portion 302 may be separated from the horizontal surface, for example, when the flat portion 304 rests on the horizontal surface. The recessed portion 302 may extend a distance D1 from the flat portion 304 (e.g., as shown in Figure 8). The distance D1 can be at least 0.01 inches.The recessed part 302 may have a concave shape (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6). The flat portion 304 can be configured to resist movement of the remote control device 300 relative to the horizontal surface on which the bottom plate 336 rests (e.g., the flat portion). The flat portion 304 can extend from the outer perimeter of the bottom plate 336 (e.g., the outer edge 306) to a predetermined radius (e.g., radius R3 as shown in FIG. 7) from the center of the bottom plate 336. The outer perimeter of the bottom plate 336 can be defined by a radius R4. The predetermined radius R3 can be determined to minimize the surface area of ​​the bottom plate 336 in contact with the horizontal surface while satisfying a friction force threshold. For example, the friction force that the bottom surface 338 can withstand can be based on the predetermined radius R3.The default radius R3 can be configured so that the pedestal 330 is set to prevent movement of the pedestal 330 (e.g., with respect to the horizontal surface) when a torque parallel to the flat part 304 is applied. The bottom plate 336 can be configured so that a friction surface area (e.g., the flat part 304) has a larger outer diameter (e.g., diameter D3) than an outer diameter (e.g., diameter D2) of the rotary knob 320 of the control unit 320. The top plate 340 can define a top face 330. The top plate 340 can be circular. The top plate 340 (e.g., the top face 344) can define a first part 344A (e.g., a first top surface) and a second part 344B (e.g., a second top surface). Part 1 344A and part 2 344B can define a cavity 346.For example, a difference between the first part 344A and the second part 344B can define cavity 346. Cavity 346 can be configured to receive a part of the remote control device 300. The remote control device 300 (e.g., the rear surface 314 of the base 310) can abut the first part 344A when the remote control device 300 is received by cavity 346. The platform 350 can extend from the top plate 340 (e.g., the top face 344). For example, the platform 350 can extend from the first portion 344A of the top face 344. The platform 350 can be configured to prevent rotation of the remote control device 300 (e.g., the base 310) when the rotating part 322 is turned. The remote control device 300 can include a fastener (e.g., the fastener 270) that is configured to secure the base 310 to the pedestal 330. Figures 9-11 illustrate another example of a remote control device 400 having a pedestal 430 (e.g., like the remote control device 200). The pedestal 430 can be configured to attach to the remote control device 400. The remote control device 400 can be implemented as the tabletop remote control device 116 in the load control system 100 (e.g., as shown in Figure 1). The remote control device 400 can be configured to control the amount of energy delivered and, therefore, the intensity of at least one lighting load. The remote control device 400 can include a base 410 and a control unit 420 that can be attached to the base 410. The base 410 can be referred to alternatively as a base part or mounting assembly. The control unit 420 can be referred to alternatively as a control module.It should be noted that other control units described herein may alternatively be referred to as control modules. The control unit 420 may include a rotating part 422 that can rotate with respect to the base 410 (e.g., an annular rotating part configured to rotate around the base). The control unit 420 may include an activation part 424, which can be operated separately or in conjunction with the rotating part 422. The remote control device 400 may be configured so that the control unit 420 and the base 410 can be removably attached to each other. The pedestal 430 can be a mounting configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The pedestal 430 can be configured to receive the control unit 420. For example, the base 410 can be mounted to the pedestal 430. The pedestal 430 can include a bottom plate 436, a top plate 440, a platform 450, and a mounting tab (e.g., such as the mounting tab 260 shown in Figures 4 and 5). The bottom plate 436 can be circular. The lower plate 436 can be attached to the upper plate 440. For example, the pedestal 430 can include a weight 470. The weight 470 can be configured to increase the mass of the pedestal 430 and / or increase the torsional strength of the pedestal 430. The lower plate 436 can surround a portion of the weight 470. The lower plate 436 can be attached (e.g., using adhesive) to the weight 470. The weight 470 can be attached to the upper plate 440.Weight 470 may be hidden from view by the upper plate 440 and the lower plate 436. The bottom plate 436 can be configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The bottom plate 436 can be made of rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, and / or similar materials. For example, the bottom plate 436 can define a bottom surface 438 that is configured to abut the horizontal surface. The bottom surface 438 can be concave. For example, the bottom surface 438 can include a recessed portion 402 and a flat portion 404. The flat portion 404 can be located near (e.g., along) an outer perimeter of the bottom plate 436. The flat portion 404 can be configured to rest on the horizontal surface. The recessed portion 402 can be separated from the horizontal surface, for example, when the flat portion 404 rests on the horizontal surface. The recessed portion 402 can extend a distance D4 from the flat portion 404 (e.g., as shown in Figure 11). The D4 distance can be at least 0.01 inches.The recessed part 402 can be flat. Alternatively, the recessed part 402 can be concave. The flat portion 404 may include a plurality of protrusions 435 around the outer perimeter of the bottom plate 436. The protrusions 435 may extend from the recessed portion 402. The protrusions 435 may be separated by respective channels 437. Each of the channels 437 may separate adjacent protrusions 435. The channels 437 may be part of the recessed portion 402. For example, the channels 437 may be formed when the protrusions are applied to the bottom plate 436. The protrusions 435 may be configured to rest on (e.g., abut) the horizontal surface. It should be appreciated that although the protrusions 435 are represented in the FIGS. 9 and 10 as sections of an outer disk, the protrusions 435 could also have other shapes (e.g., as circles, triangles, etc.). The flat portion 404 can extend from the outer perimeter of the lower plate 436 (e.g., the outer edge 406) to a predetermined radius (e.g., radius R5 as shown in FIG. 10) from the center of the lower plate 436. The outer perimeter of the lower plate 436 can be defined by a radius R6. The predetermined radius R5 can be determined to minimize the surface area of ​​the lower plate 436 in contact with the horizontal surface while satisfying a friction force threshold. For example, the friction force that the lower surface 438 can withstand can be based on the predetermined radius R5. The default radius R5 (e.g., and protrusions 435 and channels 437) can be configured so that the pedestal 430 is set to prevent movement of the pedestal 430 (e.g., with respect to the horizontal surface) when a torque is applied parallel to the flat part 304.The bottom plate 436 can be configured so that a friction surface area (e.g., the flat part 404) has a larger outer diameter than the outer diameter of the rotary knob 420 of the control unit 420. The top plate 440 can define a top face 430. The top plate 440 can be circular. ι ij non / zznz / q / υιλι The top plate 440 (e.g., the top face 444) can define a first part 444A (e.g., a first top surface) and a second part 444B (e.g., a second top surface). For example, a difference between the first part 444A and the second part 444B can define the cavity 446. The cavity 446 can be configured to receive a part of the remote control device 400. The remote control device 400 (e.g., the rear surface 414 of the base 410) can abut the first part 444A when the remote control device 400 is received by the cavity 446. The platform 450 can extend from the top plate 440 (e.g., the top face 444). For example, the platform 450 can extend from the first portion 444A of the top face 444. The platform 450 can be configured to prevent rotation of the remote control device 400 (e.g., the base 410) when the rotating part 422 is turned. The remote control device 400 can include a fastener (e.g., the fastener 270) that is configured to secure the base 410 to the pedestal 430. Figures 12-15 illustrate another example of a remote control device 500 having a pedestal 530 (e.g., like remote control device 200). The pedestal 530 can be configured to attach to the remote control device 500. The remote control device 500 can be implemented as the tabletop remote control device 116 in the load control system 100 (e.g., as shown in Figure 1). The remote control device 500 can be configured to control the amount of energy delivered and, therefore, the intensity of at least one lighting load. The remote control device 500 can include a base 510 and a control unit 520 that can be attached to the base 510. The base 510 can be referred to alternatively as a base part or mounting assembly. The control unit 520 can be referred to alternatively as a control module.It should be noted that other control units described herein may alternatively be referred to as control modules. The control unit 520 may include a rotating part that can rotate relative to the base 510 (e.g., an annular rotating part configured to rotate around the base). The control unit 520 may include an activation part 524, which can be operated separately or in conjunction with the rotating part 522. The remote control device 400 may be configured so that the control unit 520 and the base 510 can be removably attached to each other. The pedestal 530 can be a mounting configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The pedestal 530 can be configured to receive the control unit 520. For example, the base 510 can be mounted to the pedestal 530. The pedestal 530 can include a bottom plate 536, a top plate 540, a platform 550, and a mounting tab (e.g., such as the mounting tab 260 shown in Figures 4 and 5). The bottom plate 536 can be circular. The bottom plate 536 can be attached to the top plate 540. For example, the pedestal 530 can include a weight. 570. Weight 570 can be configured to increase the mass of pedestal 530 and / or increase the torsional strength of pedestal 530. The bottom plate 536 can surround a portion of weight 570. The bottom plate 536 can be attached (e.g., using adhesive) to weight 570. Weight 570 can be attached to the top plate 540. Weight 570 can be concealed from view by the top plate 540 and the bottom plate 536. The bottom plate 536 can be configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The bottom plate 536 can be made of rubber, silicone, and / or similar materials. For example, the bottom plate 536 can define a bottom surface 538 that is configured to abut the horizontal surface. The bottom surface 538 can be concave. For example, the bottom surface 538 can include a recessed portion 502 and a flat portion 504. The flat portion 504 can be located near (e.g., along) an outer perimeter of the bottom plate 536. The flat portion 504 can be configured to rest on the horizontal surface. The recessed portion 502 can be separated from the horizontal surface, for example, when the flat portion 504 rests on the horizontal surface. The recessed portion 502 can extend a distance D5 from the flat portion 504 (e.g., as shown in Figure 11). The D5 distance can be at least 0.01 inches.The recessed part 502 can be flat. Alternatively, the recessed part 502 can be concave, for example, as shown in FIG. 11. The flat portion 504 may include a plurality of notches 537. The notches 537 may be equally spaced around the perimeter of the bottom plate 536. The notches 537 may be configured to reduce the total surface area of ​​the bottom plate 536 that abuts the horizontal surface. The notches 537 may extend beyond the flat portion 504 into the recessed portion 502 of the bottom surface 538. For example, the notches 538 may extend from the outer edge 506 of the bottom plate 536 over the recessed portion 502 to a predetermined radius R9. The notches 537 may taper from the outer edge 506 to the predetermined radius R9. For example, the notches 537 may be wider at the outer edge 506 than at the predetermined radius R9. It should be noted that although the 537 notches are shown (e.g.In Figures 12 and 13) that extend to the outer edge 506, the notches 537 may not extend to the outer edge 506. For example, the notches 537 may extend from the default radius R9 to a location on the flat part 504 that is separate from the outer edge 506. The flat portion 504 can extend from the outer perimeter of the lower plate 536 (e.g., the outer edge 506) to a predetermined radius (e.g., radius R7 as shown in FIG. 13) from the center of the lower plate 536. The outer perimeter of the lower plate 536 can be defined by a radius R8. The predetermined radius R7 can be determined so as to minimize the surface area of ​​the lower plate 536 in contact with the horizontal surface while a friction force threshold is satisfied. For example, the friction force that the lower surface 538 can withstand can be based on the predetermined radius R7. The default radius R7 (e.g., and notches 537) can be set so that the pedestal 530 is configured to prevent movement of the pedestal 530 (e.g., with respect to the horizontal surface) when a torque is applied parallel to the flat part 304.The bottom plate 536 can be configured so that a friction surface area (e.g., the flat part 504) has a larger outer diameter than the outer diameter of the rotary knob 520 of the remote control device 500. The top plate 540 can define a top face 530. The top plate 540 can be circular. The top plate 540 (e.g., the top face 544) can define a first part 544A (e.g., a first top surface) and a second part 544B (e.g., a second top surface). For example, a difference between the first part 544A and the second part 544B can define the cavity 546. The cavity 546 can be configured to receive a part of the remote control device 500. The remote control device 500 (e.g., the rear surface 514 of the base 510) can abut the first part 544A when the remote control device 500 is received by the cavity 546. The platform 550 can extend from the top plate 540 (e.g., the top face 544). For example, the platform 550 can extend from the first portion 544A of the top face 544. The platform 550 can be configured to prevent the remote control device 500 (e.g., the base 510) from rotating when the rotating part 522 is turned. The remote control device 500 may include a fastener (e.g., the fastener 270 shown in Figures 4 and 5) that is configured to secure the remote control device 500 to the pedestal 530.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A pedestal configured for use with a remote control device, wherein the pedestal comprises: a top plate; and a bottom plate configured to rest on a horizontal surface, wherein the bottom plate comprises a concave bottom surface, wherein the bottom plate is configured to prevent movement of the pedestal when the remote control device is operated; wherein the concave bottom surface comprises a recessed portion and a flat portion along an outer perimeter of the bottom plate, wherein the flat portion is configured to rest on the horizontal surface.

2. The pedestal of claim 1, wherein the flat part extends from the outer perimeter of the lower plate to a predetermined radius.

3. The pedestal of claim 2, wherein the predetermined radius is configured so that the pedestal is configured to prevent movement of the pedestal when a torque parallel to the flat part is applied.

4. The pedestal of claim 1, wherein the flat part comprises a plurality of protrusions around the outer perimeter of the lower plate.

5. The pedestal of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion extends at least 0.01 inches from the flat portion.

6. The pedestal of claim 1, wherein the flat part comprises a plurality of notches.

7. The pedestal of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of notches extends beyond the flat portion into a recessed portion of the concave lower surface.

8. The pedestal of claim 1, further comprising: a platform extending from the top plate, wherein the platform is configured to prevent rotation of a remote control device base when the base is attached to the pedestal.

9. The pedestal of claim 8, wherein the platform defines an opening that is configured to receive a fastener for securing the base of the remote control device to the pedestal.

10. The pedestal of claim 8, further comprising a mounting tab extending from the platform, wherein the mounting tab is configured to extend into an opening defined by the base of the remote control device, and wherein the mounting tab is configured to prevent rotation of the base when the base is attached to the pedestal.

11. The pedestal of claim 1, wherein the lower plate is circular.

12. A remote control device comprising: a control unit including a connecting portion and a rotating portion configured to rotate about the connecting portion, the control unit comprising a wireless communication circuit and a control circuit configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit a control signal in response to a rotation of the rotating portion; a base to which the control unit can be attached, wherein the base is configured to release the control unit when the control unit is attached thereto, the base comprising a mechanism operable to release the control unit from the base;and a pedestal configured to rest on a horizontal surface, the pedestal comprising an upper plate and a lower plate comprising a concave lower surface, wherein the lower plate is configured to prevent movement of the pedestal when the rotating part of the control unit is rotated.

13. The remote control device of claim 12, wherein the concave lower surface comprises a recessed portion and a flat portion along the outer perimeter of the lower plate, wherein the flat portion is configured to rest on the horizontal surface.

14. The remote control device of claim 13, wherein the flat part extends from the outer perimeter of the lower plate to a predetermined radius.

15. The remote control device of claim 14, wherein the predetermined radius is configured so that the pedestal is configured to prevent movement of the pedestal when a torque parallel to the flat part is applied.

16. The remote control device of claim 13, wherein the flat portion comprises a plurality of protrusions around the outer perimeter of the lower plate.

17. The remote control device of claim 13, wherein the recessed portion extends at least 0.01 inches from the flat portion.

18. The remote control device of claim 13, wherein the flat part comprises a plurality of notches.

19. The remote control device of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of notches extends beyond the flat portion into a recessed portion of the concave lower surface.

20. The remote control device of claim 12, wherein the pedestal further comprises a platform extending from the top plate, wherein the platform is configured to prevent rotation of the base when the base is attached to the pedestal and the control unit is mounted to the base.

21. The remote control device of claim 20, further comprising: a fastener configured to secure the base to the pedestal, wherein the platform defines an opening that is configured to receive the fastener.

22. The remote control device of claim 20, wherein the pedestal further comprises a mounting tab extending from the platform, and wherein the mounting tab is configured to extend into an opening defined by the base, and wherein the mounting tab is configured to prevent rotation of the base of the remote control device when the base is attached to the pedestal.

23. The remote control device of claim 12, wherein the lower plate is circular.

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