US3940196A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety cabinet for bathtub faucets
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-11-14
•
Granted: 1976-02-24
•
Expires: 1994-11-14
Abstract
Abstract A cabinet for enclosing the faucets of a bathtub having a spring loaded latch requiring an operating force of sufficient magnitude to prevent small children from operating the cabinet and operating the faucets.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald F. Ketchel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 19:17
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47K; A47K3/00; A47K3/001; A47K3/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A faucet cabinet adapted to enclose faucet knobs for the protection of young children comprising: an enclosure adapted to mount over and enclose at least one faucet knob, said enclosure having a cover operable between a closed position enclosing at least one faucet knob and an open position exposing enclosed faucet knobs, and, latching means for latching said cover in said enclosed position, said latching means having a release with a bias means for providing a predetermined magnitude of force in operating said release, said predetermined magnitude of force being such that said release is operable by an adult and is inoperable by a young child.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A faucet cabinet adapted to enclose faucet knobs for the protection of young children comprising: an enclosure adapted to mount over and enclose at least one faucet knob, said enclosure having a cover operable between a closed position enclosing at least one faucet knob and an open position exposing enclosed faucet knobs, and, latching means for latching said cover in said enclosed position, said latching means having a release with a bias means for providing a predetermined magnitude of force in operating said release, said predetermined magnitude of force being such that said release is operable by an adult and is inoperable by a young child.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The Faucet cabinet of claim 1 wherein said cover includes an elongated handle adapted to support a wash rag.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The faucet cabinet of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is mountable over faucet knobs and above a spigot of a tub, said enclosure having an aperture through which a shower knob is projectable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
The faucet cabinet of claim 1 wherein said latching means comprises a boss projecting from a bottom edge of said cover, said boss having a narrow neck portion, and a pair of spring biased pincers mounted in said enclosure, said pincers having an end portion engageable with said boss and said narrow neck portion of said boss when said cover is closed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
The faucet cabinet of claim 4 wherein said enclosure has a bottom panel and said pincers are mounted on a pivot on said bottom panel, and wherein said pincers have an extension beyond said pivot opposite said boss engageable end portion, said extension of each pivot projecting from said enclosure and comprising a pair of finger levers for releasing said latching means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The faucet cabinet of claim 5 wherein said bias means comprises a tension spring having ends connected to said pincers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The faucet cabinet of claim 1 having a soap container connected to said enclosure, said soap container having an open top and a skeletal structure with a side having an open portion adapted for insertion of a finger to lift a bar of soap from the container.
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) | 1979-02-23 | 1979-08-25 | 1980-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-23 | 1983-08-25 | 1984-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-23 | 1987-08-25 | 1988-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |