US3626151A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Protector shield
Assignee: Therm O Disc Inc
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Filing: 1970-10-15
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Granted: 1971-12-07
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Expires: 1990-10-15
Abstract
Abstract A protective shield for the terminals of thermostats mounted on water heaters is disclosed. The shield is formed of heavy fish paper shaped to provide access to the thermostat controls while preventing accidental contact with the terminals and connecting leads. Mounting portions are provided on the shield for removably mounting the shield in place.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward G Them
- 👤 Bernard S Deubel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:19
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24H; F24H9/00; F24H9/20; F24H9/2007; F24H9/2014; F24H9/2021; F24H15/00; F24H15/10; F24H15/128; F24H15/174; F24H15/20; F24H15/212; F24H15/223; F24H15/225; F24H15/281; F24H15/30; F24H15/355; F24H15/37
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A temperature-controlling system comprising a device having electrically controlled temperature changing means, thermostat means mounted on said device having a forward face, control means on said forward face, said thermostat means also including terminal means accessible from said forward face and lead wires connecting some of said terminals to said temperature changing means for controlling the operation thereof, said thermostat means providing at least two spaced surfaces facing in a direction opposite said forward face, and a protective shield removably mounted against said forward face formed of a relatively stiff bendable electrical insulating material, said shield providing; a portion covering said terminals and the connections thereof to said lead wire for limiting access thereto, opening means providing access to said control means, and mounting portions engaging said spaced surfaces operating to secure said shield in position against said forward face.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
A temperature-controlling system comprising a device having electrically controlled temperature changing means, thermostat means mounted on said device having a forward face, control means on said forward face, said thermostat means also including terminal means accessible from said forward face and lead wires connecting some of said terminals to said temperature changing means for controlling the operation thereof, said thermostat means providing at least two spaced surfaces facing in a direction opposite said forward face, and a protective shield removably mounted against said forward face formed of a relatively stiff bendable electrical insulating material, said shield providing; a portion covering said terminals and the connections thereof to said lead wire for limiting access thereto, opening means providing access to said control means, and mounting portions engaging said spaced surfaces operating to secure said shield in position against said forward face.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A temperature-controlling system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said thermostat means provides opposed surfaces extending substantially normal to said forward face, and said shield engages said opposed surfaces to provide location thereof with respect to said forward face.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A temperature-controlling system as set forth in claim 2 wherein at least one of said operating means is located on a boss projecting from said forward face, said boss providing said opposed surfaces, said opening means closely fitting said boss and loCating said shield with respect to said forward face.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A temperature-controlling system as set forth in claim 3 wherein at least one of said spaced surfaces is provided by a lead wire.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
A temperature-controlling system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said device is an electric water heater, said temperature changing means is an electric resistance heater controlled by said thermostat means located substantially adjacent to said thermostat means, said resistance heater having a heater terminal connected to a lead wire, and said shield provides an extension extending over said heater terminal and limiting access thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A temperature-controlling system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said water heater is provided with an outer shell, and the end of said extension extends under said outer shell.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
A temperature-controlling system as set forth in claim 6 wherein said thermostat means includes an adjustable thermostat and a manual reset high-limit thermostat, said control means includes temperature adjusting means on said adjustable thermostat and reset means on said high-limit thermostat spaced from said adjusting means, and said opening means includes separate openings for said adjusting means and said reset means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A temperature-controlling system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said adjusting means provides another of said spaced surfaces.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
64 words
A temperature-controlling system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said device is an electric water heater, said temperature changing means is an electric resistance heater controlled by said thermostat means located substantially adjacent to said thermostat means, said resistance heater having a heater terminal connected to a lead wire, said shield providing an extension extending over said heater terminal and limiting access thereto.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A temperature-controlling system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said water heater is provided with an outer shell, and the end of said extension extends under said outer shell.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2862997A
Cited
US3435189A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-06 | 1975-06-07 | 1975-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-06 | 1979-06-07 | 1979-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-06 | 1983-06-07 | 1983-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |