US5283475A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Television viewing control unit
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-12-16
•
Granted: 1994-02-01
•
Expires: 2011-12-16
Abstract
Abstract A lockable control box for a television is designed to have the television plug attached to a timer. A programmable control panel is used to regulate the hours the television is able to be turned on, and the control box comes equipped with three specially designed security features. The first of these is a plug lock which prevents electrical plugs from being disconnected from the control unit. Secondly, a lockable door is provided so as to prevent the unit from being reprogrammed except by a person having an associated key. Lastly, a circuit breaker is provided which is designed to be tripped if the unit is unplugged from the wall. These three security features prevent children from tampering with the television set.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffrey C. Berger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 20:54
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04G; G04G15/00; G04G15/006; G07; G07F; G07F15/00; G07F15/12; H; H01; H01H; H01H9/00; H01H9/20; H01H9/28; H01H9/287; H04; H04N; H04N5/00; H04N5/64
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A new and improved television viewing control unit comprising: housing means; timer means mounted in said housing means; power supply means operable controlled by said timer means; and programming means for operably controlling said timer means, wherein said programming means includes a key pad for operably inputting electrical instructions into said timer means, and further including first and second security means for preventing access to said key pad, wherein said first security means comprises a door pivotally attached to said housing means, said door being pivotally positionable over said key pad, further including locking means for locking said door when positioned over said key pad, and wherein said second security means comprises means for selectively securing electrical power supply cords to said housing means, and wherein said second security means comprises a second door pivotally attached to said housing means, said second door being pivotally positionable over electrical receptacles formed in said housing means to prevent access thereto, said second security means adapted to be locked in place by said locking means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
A new and improved television viewing control unit comprising: housing means; timer means mounted in said housing means; power supply means operable controlled by said timer means; and programming means for operably controlling said timer means, wherein said programming means includes a key pad for operably inputting electrical instructions into said timer means, and further including first and second security means for preventing access to said key pad, wherein said first security means comprises a door pivotally attached to said housing means, said door being pivotally positionable over said key pad, further including locking means for locking said door when positioned over said key pad, and wherein said second security means comprises means for selectively securing electrical power supply cords to said housing means, and wherein said second security means comprises a second door pivotally attached to said housing means, said second door being pivotally positionable over electrical receptacles formed in said housing means to prevent access thereto, said second security means adapted to be locked in place by said locking 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) | 1997-01-31 | 1997-08-02 | 1998-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-31 | 2001-08-02 | 2002-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-31 | 2005-08-02 | 2006-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |