Patent US4404435A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4404435A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Telephone lock
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1981-12-07
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Granted: 1983-09-13
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Expires: 2001-12-07
Abstract
Abstract A lock for securing a telephone instrument against unauthorized use includes a key-operated cylinder extending through a wall of the housing of the telephone instrument and including a cam movable between locked and unlocked positions for engaging the line switch of the telephone instrument in the locked position and maintaining the line switch in a disconnect position so long as the lock remains in the locked position.
Inventors
- 👤 John J. Bonacci
- 👤 Theresa S. Bonacci
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 19:51
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/66; H04M1/667
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
In a telephone instrument of the type including a housing, a line switch within said housing movable between a connect position and a disconnect position, means biasing said line switch to said connect position, and handset receiving means outside said housing operative to urge said line switch to said disconnect position when a handset in place on said receiving means, the improvement for securing said instrument comprising: a lock having a cylinder extending through said housing; and means within said housing connected to said cylinder for engaging said line switch when said cylinder is in a locked position and holding said line switch in said disconnect position when said handset is removed from said receiving means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
In a telephone instrument of the type including a housing, a line switch within said housing movable between a connect position and a disconnect position, means biasing said line switch to said connect position, and handset receiving means outside said housing operative to urge said line switch to said disconnect position when a handset in place on said receiving means, the improvement for securing said instrument comprising: a lock having a cylinder extending through said housing; and means within said housing connected to said cylinder for engaging said line switch when said cylinder is in a locked position and holding said line switch in said disconnect position when said handset is removed from said receiving means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
79 words
The lock of claim 1 wherein said handset receiving means comprises a fixed cradle having a plunger engageable by said handset when said handset is in said cradle; and operating arm of said line switch movable between a connect and a disconnect position engaging said plunger within said case and said means engaging said line switch comprises cam means engaging said operating arm for holding said arm in a disconnect position when said handset is removed from said cradle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
The lock of claim 1 wherein said handset receiving means comprises a cradle movable between a connect position and a disconnect position by the weight of a handset placed therein and said cradle is coupled to said line switch and said lock comprises means engaging said line switch within said housing for holding said line switch in said disconnect position when said handset is removed from said cradle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The lock of claim 1 wherein said cylinder comprises a key operated cylinder adapted for receiving a key inserted into a portion of said cylinder outside said housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The lock of claim 2 wherein said cam means comprises means movable between a first position disengaged from said operating arm in both said connect or disconnect positions of said arm and a second locked position for preventing said arm from moving to said connect position when said handset is removed from said cradle.
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) | 1986-09-12 | 1987-03-14 | 1987-09-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-09-12 | 1991-03-14 | 1991-09-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-09-12 | 1995-03-14 | 1995-09-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |