Patent US3603657A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3603657A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Refrigerated safety cabinet
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1969-03-04
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Granted: 1971-09-07
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Expires: 1989-03-04
Abstract
Abstract A refrigerator having a safety latch medicine compartment integral with the refrigerator door is described. The door latch of the medicine compartment is invisible and integral with the refrigerator door, e.g., below the door seal, and actuated only by touching or pressing one or more predetermined spots on the door. A medicine compartment is provided for normal household use which will maintain drugs at storage temperatures without constituting a hazard to children and/or inattentive adults.
Inventors
- 👤 William F Hassay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:27
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05B; E05B65/00; E05B65/0014; F; F25; F25D; F25D23/00; F25D23/02; F25D23/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A refrigerator comprising a thermatically insulated cabinet and an access door, said access door including as essential elements, a frame, a molding, and a sealing strip and including at least one safety compartment integral with said access door, said compartment comprising closure means, latching means for said closure means, and actuating means for said latching means, said actuating means being constructed and arranged beneath the outer surface of at least one of said essential elements, thereby being completely concealed, said actuating means only being capable of actuation by pressinG a predetermined point on said one of said essential elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A refrigerator comprising a thermatically insulated cabinet and an access door, said access door including as essential elements, a frame, a molding, and a sealing strip and including at least one safety compartment integral with said access door, said compartment comprising closure means, latching means for said closure means, and actuating means for said latching means, said actuating means being constructed and arranged beneath the outer surface of at least one of said essential elements, thereby being completely concealed, said actuating means only being capable of actuation by pressinG a predetermined point on said one of said essential elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein said actuating means include two separate, spaced-apart means on said door frame, molding or sealing strip.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The refrigerator of claim 2 wherein said separate, spaced-apart means are both concealed beneath said sealing strip.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The refrigerator of claim 3 wherein said actuating means includes a spring-press button located beneath said sealing strip, whereby the depression of said button sets means in motion to release said latching means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The refrigerator of claim 4 wherein said means set in motion includes a bar pivotally connected at its center whereby the depression of said spring-loaded button moves the upper end of said bar rearward and the lower end of said bar forward, said movement opening said closure means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The refrigerator of claim 4 wherein the said latter means sets in motion a linkage which includes a rack and pinion for realignment of magnetic means upon the depression of said spring-pressed button to unlatch said latching means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The refrigerator of claim 4 wherein said means set in motion includes an electrical circuit completed by the simultaneous pressing of two buttons to close said circuit-actuating solenoid means for unlatching said latching means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-06 | 1975-03-08 | 1975-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-06 | 1979-03-08 | 1979-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-06 | 1983-03-08 | 1983-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |