Movable or removable closures – Handle or protector
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-15
2001-03-20
Redman, Jerry (Department: 3634)
Movable or removable closures
Handle or protector
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202352
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to escutcheons and door guards and, more particularly, to a decorative door guard system.
2. Description of the Related Art
There currently exists a wide variety of products, generally available, to protect paint and home finishes such as plastic corner protectors for outside wall corners, clear plastic switch plates that protect the finish around electrical wall switches, and other similar devices. One area that also sees frequent contact with a user's hand but is not afforded any protection is that area of a door around a door handles.
In the related art, the following design patents disclose a door guard or escutcheon for a door lock: U.S. Pat. No. D 411,732 issued in the name Chamberlain; U.S. Pat. No. D 326,996 issued in the name Birch; U.S. Pat. No. D 326,806 issued in the name of Marques; U.S. Pat. No. D 247,845 issued in the name of Palm, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. D 246,503 issued in the name of Clayton; and U.S. Pat. No. D 359,673 issued in the name of McNeal.
The following design patents disclose an escutcheon or wall plate: U.S.
Patent no. D 245,223 issued in the name of Fine; U.S. Pat. No. D 261,228 issued in the name of Shames et al.; U.S. Pat. No. D 229,478 issued in the name of Tegner.; and U.S. Pat. No. D 380,854 issued in the name of Bray discloses a lighting assembly cover.
U.S. Pat. No. D 396,181 issued in the name of Chang discloses a cover for electrical outlets.
Consequently, there exists a need for a means by which the finish or paint of a door around a door handle can be protected from damage, dirt, grease and grime.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
therefore, it is an object of the invention to indicate a device of the type disclosed above which avoids the disadvantages inherent in the state of the art. In particular, the device is to protect door from dirt, grease and grime around door knobs, and also protects door from scratches and/or dents. It should be capable of use on any interior door, capable of fitting over existing door knob without disassembly of door required. Removability should allow the invention to be moved from one door to another, and multiple styles or theme designs can matches any decor or can be cut in outline of favorite things; sports, pets, seasons, toys and the like. Further, many styles are anticipated as being symmetrical about a vertical centerline, thereby allowing the guard not only to be moved from one door to another, but also between the inside of the door and outside of the door, or affixed at both sides of the door.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, apparatus is provided that protects the paint and finish of a door around a door knob from dirt, grease and smudges. In its most basic form, it would be rectangular in shape with a hole for the doorknob in the middle. The invention would be placed over the doorknob, centered around the door knob and fastened into place using a series of fasteners such as screws. In this manner, any dirt, grease or other foreign materials on a persons hand would not be able to be transferred to the door and possible damage the paint or finish. It would also be capable of covering existing doors which already have been damaged. It is envisioned that he invention would be available in multiple styles and colors to fit any decor. The overall shape of the invention could be cut to produce an outline profile of a specific theme such as a cat for cat lovers or a football for sports lovers. It would be especially advantageous on bedroom doors, basement doors or outside doors that tend to get dirtier than other doors. The use of the present invention allows for the protection of door finishes around door knobs in a manner that is quick, easy and effective while producing a visual result that is complimentary to any decor.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 326996 (1992-06-01), Birch
patent: 5575117 (1996-11-01), Soltis et al.
Gugliotta John D.
Redman Jerry
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