Electricity: conductors and insulators – Covers or face plates
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-20
2001-03-27
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Covers or face plates
C220S241000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06207899
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of thermostat covers, and more particularly to a thermostat cover with a door activated light and a clock.
2. Description of Related Art
As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,200,989; 4,326,395; 4,449,015; 4,823,381; 5,067,907; and 5,077,452, the prior art is replete with myriad and diverse covers for electrical devices.
While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide a simple, efficient, and practical thermostat cover.
As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need for a new and improved type of thermostat cover, and the provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the present invention provides a thermostat cover assembly comprising a housing having a number of flanges for screwing the housing to a wall over an existing thermostat. A hinged door is provided and is constructed of a transparent plastic material and includes a digital clock mechanism that provides a time function in one mode of operation and an elapsed time function wherein the time since the last time the door was in the open position is displayed. This mode prevents needless tampering with the thermostat if the thermostat setting has been set within the last hour or so. In addition, the cover is connected to a switch that operates a light. When the door is opened, the light illuminates the thermostat allowing for adjustment at night.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4036396 (1977-07-01), Kennedy et al.
patent: 4282591 (1981-08-01), Andreuccetti
patent: 4326395 (1982-04-01), DeRosa
patent: 4449015 (1984-05-01), Hotchkiss et al.
patent: 4823381 (1989-04-01), Olson
patent: 5067907 (1991-11-01), Shotey
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patent: 5280135 (1994-01-01), Berlin et al.
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patent: 5401904 (1995-03-01), Greenier, Jr.
patent: 5482209 (1996-01-01), Cochran et al.
patent: 5874693 (1999-02-01), Rintz
patent: 6051787 (2000-04-01), Rintz
Henderson & Sturm LLP
Reichard Dean A.
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