Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-13
2001-05-29
Luong, Vinh T. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Elements
C074S527000, C251S292000, C016S197000, C016S114100, C137S315010
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237440
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to faucet locking devices and more particularly pertains to a new locking device for faucet for preventing turning of the knobs of a faucet.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of faucet locking devices is known in the prior art. More specifically, faucet locking devices heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,549,716; U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,885; U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,196; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 317,497; U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,273; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,564.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new locking device for faucet. The inventive device includes a base plate nonrotatably coupled to a faucet. A locking plate is coupled to the base plate and selectively engages a knob of the faucet for preventing rotation of the knob. A release means disengages the locking plate from the knob.
In these respects, the locking device for faucet according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of preventing turning of the knobs of a faucet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of faucet locking devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new locking device for faucet construction wherein the same can be utilized for preventing turning of the knobs of a faucet.
The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new locking device for faucet apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the faucet locking devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new locking device for faucet which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art faucet locking devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.
To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a base plate nonrotatably coupled to a faucet. A locking plate is coupled to the base plate and selectively engages a knob of the faucet for preventing rotation of the knob. A release means disengages the locking plate from the knob.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new locking device for faucet apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the faucet locking devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new locking device for faucet which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art faucet locking devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new locking device for faucet which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new locking device for faucet which is of a durable and reliable construction.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new locking device for faucet which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such locking device for faucet economically available to the buying public.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new locking device for faucet which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new locking device for faucet for preventing turning of the knobs of a faucet.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new locking device for faucet which includes a base plate nonrotatably coupled to a faucet. A locking plate is coupled to the base plate and selectively engages a knob of the faucet for preventing rotation of the knob. A release means disengages the locking plate from the knob.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new locking device for faucet that prevents children and the elderly from turning on a faucet, possibly burning themselves with hot water.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4549716 (1985-10-01), Warren
patent: 4565350 (1986-01-01), Rozek
patent: 4593430 (1986-06-01), Spangler et al.
patent: 4783885 (1988-11-01), Bory
patent: 4842009 (1989-06-01), Reback
patent: 4876766 (1989-10-01), Cohen
patent: 4895043 (1990-01-01), Lee
patent: 5363720 (1994-11-01), Sanchez
patent: 5741003 (1998-04-01), Segien
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