US4471980A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Closure safety latch means
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1983-01-19
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Granted: 1984-09-18
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Expires: 2003-01-19
Abstract
Abstract In abstract, this invention relates to a safety medicine cabinet or storage compartment featuring a hinged closure which incorporates a positive latching mechanism for readily securing the cabinet from access by small children. Additionally, the safety medicine cabinet or storage compartment incorporates a closure being spring biased whereby the same is caused to close automatically and latch upon release from open position.
Inventors
- 👤 William V. Hickman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:08
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05C; E05C19/00; E05C19/06; A; A47; A47B; A47B67/00; A47B67/02; A47B2067/025; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S292/00; Y10S292/02; Y10S292/65; Y10T; Y10T292/00; Y10T292/08; Y10T292/0801; Y10T292/082
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
210 words
A safety latch means for storage compartments and similar enclosures having an access opening therein comprising: a closure; biasing means for moving said closure means to the closed position relative to said opening when unattended; and automatically engaging safety latching means including at least two extension means disposed generally parallel to each other; means for biasing said extension means apart; outwardly disposed, beveled in configuration, locking hook means on the outer end of said extension means; a latch opening associated with said enclosure for receiving said locking hook ends of said extension means; and inwardly projecting flange means disposed adjacent at least a portion of the periphery of said latch opening for interengaging said locking hooks whereby, when the closure means biasingly moves to the closed position, said locking hooks will pass through said latch openings and engage said interior flanges thereby interengagingly locking the same and requiring inward movement of said extensions to disengage said hooks from said flanges, squeezing movement to dispose said extensions substantially adjacent each other to allow said latching hooks to pass through said latch opening, and outward movement to remove said extensions and their associated locking hooks from said opening when said closure is opened to give access to the interior of said enclosure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
210 words
A safety latch means for storage compartments and similar enclosures having an access opening therein comprising: a closure; biasing means for moving said closure means to the closed position relative to said opening when unattended; and automatically engaging safety latching means including at least two extension means disposed generally parallel to each other; means for biasing said extension means apart; outwardly disposed, beveled in configuration, locking hook means on the outer end of said extension means; a latch opening associated with said enclosure for receiving said locking hook ends of said extension means; and inwardly projecting flange means disposed adjacent at least a portion of the periphery of said latch opening for interengaging said locking hooks whereby, when the closure means biasingly moves to the closed position, said locking hooks will pass through said latch openings and engage said interior flanges thereby interengagingly locking the same and requiring inward movement of said extensions to disengage said hooks from said flanges, squeezing movement to dispose said extensions substantially adjacent each other to allow said latching hooks to pass through said latch opening, and outward movement to remove said extensions and their associated locking hooks from said opening when said closure is opened to give access to the interior of said enclosure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The safety means of claim 1 wherein the compartment enclosure is portable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The safety means of claim 2 wherein said portable enclosure is elongated, generally rectangular in configuration and so sized to be either vertically or horizontally disposed within storage type cabinets.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The safety means of claim 3 wherein said elongated, generally rectangular shaped enclosure includes a centrally disposed divider whereby such divider may be used as either a shelf or partition depending on whether the same is disposed vertically or horizontally.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The safety means of claim 1 wherein the locking hook means, the extension means, and the biasing means for said extension means are all formed from a single piece of spring steel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The safety means of claim 5 wherein a bulbous shaped cover is disposed about the portion of said extension and biasing means disposed exteriorly of said closure 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) | 1987-09-18 | 1988-03-19 | 1988-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-09-18 | 1992-03-19 | 1992-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-09-18 | 1996-03-19 | 1996-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |