US5340324A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Phone jack lock
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-03-23
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Granted: 1994-08-23
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Expires: 2013-03-23
Abstract
Abstract A phone jack lock that is molded to the contours of a standard phone jack. When the lock is installed, a spring-loaded locking element protrudes behind the outer surface of the phone jack so that the lock cannot be removed without the key. All elements of the lock are contained within the contours of the interior of the phone jack, so that no element extends beyond the external surface of the jack when the lock is in place, i.e., the locked jack has the same profile as the unlocked jack. The lock may be used without installation effort or tools.
Inventors
- 👤 James H. Fields
- 👤 Roberta B. Williams
- 👤 C. L. McKinney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 15:37
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05B; E05B73/00; H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/639; H01R13/6397; H01R13/60; H01R24/00; H01R24/60; H01R24/62; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S70/00; Y10S70/72; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A phone jack lock comprising: a plug body, a locking element, means to apply a constant force to the locking element which force urges the locking element to remain in the locked position, and means to lock and unlock the phone jack lock; wherein the lock may be inserted into a phone jack without use of the locking/unlocking means, the constant force on the locking element being overcome by contact with the phone jack, thus depressing the locking element; and once inserted into a phone jack in the locked position, the locking element protrudes such that the lock may not be removed from the jack without use of the locking/unlocking means, wherein the entire locking device, when inserted into a phone jack, is completely contained within the contours of the phone jack.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
A phone jack lock comprising: a plug body, a locking element, means to apply a constant force to the locking element which force urges the locking element to remain in the locked position, and means to lock and unlock the phone jack lock; wherein the lock may be inserted into a phone jack without use of the locking/unlocking means, the constant force on the locking element being overcome by contact with the phone jack, thus depressing the locking element; and once inserted into a phone jack in the locked position, the locking element protrudes such that the lock may not be removed from the jack without use of the locking/unlocking means, wherein the entire locking device, when inserted into a phone jack, is completely contained within the contours of the phone jack.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The phone jack lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the constant force on the locking element is provided by a spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The phone jack lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the constant force on the locking element is provided by a prong flexible inserted into a slot in the rear of the locking element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The phone jack lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the constant force on the locking element is provided by an integral connection of the locking element with the rear of the plug body.
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) | 1997-08-22 | 1998-02-21 | 1998-08-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-22 | 2002-02-21 | 2002-08-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-22 | 2006-02-21 | 2006-08-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |