Movable or removable closures – With means mounting closure for reciprocation – With latch or lock
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-03
2001-09-04
Strimbu, Gregory J. (Department: 3634)
Movable or removable closures
With means mounting closure for reciprocation
With latch or lock
C049S404000, C049S450000, C049S451000, C292S25900A, C292S289000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282841
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to stop devices used on sliding closures, such as windows, sliding glass doors, etc., and is used to prevent unauthorized opening thereof. However, the device more particularly relates to an adjustable decorative stop device that is most aesthetically pleasing, is very strong, includes a unique locking mechanism, and may also include various removable accessory items of user choice.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known in the field that sliding closures such as windows, glass doors, etc., are used to not only prevent unauthorized entry into an otherwise enclosed room, but are most often used to provide ventilation and vary room temperature as well. Therefore, many times the user will only slightly open the window or door so as to allow air to circulate, unfortunately this provides easy entry for burglars, or other criminals, thus this is can be very dangerous.
Therefore, within the prior art many attempts have been taught to overcome the above problem, however each have inherent drawbacks and disadvantages which the present invention not only recognizes, but addresses and resolves in a manner heretofore not taught.
The most pertinent related prior art is taught within our co-pending application Ser. No. 09/229,507, entitled “STOP DEVICE FOR SLIDING CLOSURES” which has now been issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,655. Wherein we provide a stop device that is very pleasing to the eye but the applicants have since found the device to have certain inherent disadvantages which the present invention overcomes. Such as the device is not as strong as it appears and in use is not quite as efficient as anticipated. For example, the locking mechanism as taught therein can be easily broken and the adjustment means for varying the length is much too limited. Thus, numerous sizes must be manufactured for various sized closures and this is therefore not cost effective.
However it is to be noted the present invention also includes some of the unique features of the noted application but the actual structure is completely different. For example, the present invention still incorporates use of various removable decorative accessory items, the device may be used as a piggy-bank, it may include a night-light, etc.
Another example of known prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,173 entitled “REENFORCER FOR DOORS AND WINDOWS”. Wherein they provide a telescopic device that is formed from multiple slidably engaged members. With each of the members being locked into a position of user choice by pins which protrude from holes when adjusted into place. This device is somewhat functional for its intended use but it is not esthetically pleasing, it is limited to locked positions according to placement of the pins, and includes parts which the present invention eliminates. Furthermore, the applicants contend this device would not be nearly strong enough to prevent opening of the closure, because due to the telescopic design each of the members are hollow, thus greatly reducing strength. Also, the only locking mechanism is the pins that can easily break when force is applied to the device.
A further example of known prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 44,208,841, wherein they provide a “stop assembly and system for sliding closures” comprising an assembly in the shape of a wedge, with the wedge being attached to the window by at least one VELCRO strip. Whereby, when the closure is partially opened into a position of choice, the wedge becomes lodged substantially between the window and frame, thus preventing further opening of the window from the outside. This device is functional for its intended use, however this assembly is limited in use as the user must first determine where to attach the VELCRO strip, attach the wedge, and open the window until the wedge becomes lodged into place. Thus, the window can become damaged when the wedge is forced into position, and also if the user wishes to vary the distance the window can open, the VELCRO must be removed which can be difficult, or the user must attach multiple VELCRO strips, which is bothersome.
Yet another prior art reference is U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,376 which teaches a “patio door security bar with lock” wherein they provide an elongated bar which is installed within the window framework with multiple screws and sliding bolts, etc. This device is again functional for its intended use but is much too complicated, most unsightly when installed, and includes many parts, etc.
Further pertinent prior art references include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,429,911, 4,059,141, and 4,593,492, each of which attempt to provide a means to lock or secure a closure member in a fixed position. However, each reference is extremely complicated, they are much too costly and difficult to install, and none include the unique and novel features of the present invention as will be seen within the following specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention we provide a stop device for sliding closures which inhibits opening of the sliding closure and is a deterrent for unauthorized entry there through.
It is accordingly a principle object of the present invention to provide a stop device comprising a first and a second elongated member having a side-by-side relationship, with each being slidably contained within a housing and slidably adjustably engaged within a locking mechanism.
Also another object of the present invention is to provide a stop device wherein the above noted locking mechanism is manually finger actuated levers or the like.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which is of a shape and size to be easily inserted within or removed from either a sliding glass door frame or window frame, etc., respectively.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a stop device which includes means to be adjustably variable in length which allows the user to partially open the closure at a position of choice.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which will not mar or damage the sliding closure in any way, as no installation tools are required, and no screws, bolts, etc., are used to secure the stop device into position.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which is of simple construction, and which can be made from substantially any desirable material of engineering choice, such as steel or the like.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which is lightweight and easily carried by an adult or a child.
Also, another very important object of the present invention to provide a stop device which is aesthetically pleasing and can be seen from either side of the closure.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which may include interchangeable decorative accessory attachments, such as a crystal ball, a comical figure, or even a holiday related attachment like a Christmas tree, etc. such as taught within the noted co-pending application.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which may include a battery operated night light, which is again taught within the noted co-pending application.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which may be coated with a fluorescent material, or each accessory item may be fluorescent so as to glow in the dark, as suggested in the noted co-pending application.
Also another object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which is universal and can be installed within typical sliding glass doors, windows which are horizontally aligned, or windows which are vertically aligned, respectively.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which may include a magnet for increased stability and for removably securing the stop device when installed into the desired position.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a stop device which requires minimal bending over to install, as the stop device includes an upwardly
Carwin Edward A.
Santa Cruz Cathy D.
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