Locking timer and outlet cover
US6519208B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2300/201
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A locking timer assembly for controlling access time for a television, video game, or computer, employs a lockable enclosure box that attaches onto a wall outlet in place of the usual face plate. The volume inside the box encloses a standard 24-hour on-off timer. The box attaches to the outlet by the usual single screw. The cordset for the controlled device plugs into the timer, and then the cord exits the enclosure via a passage, such as a slit, but the slit does not permit passage of the plug. As an added safety feature, there can be a quick-disconnect plunger so that the timer device can be forced out (e.g., by wedge action) from the associated wall outlet. The plunger has a head portion extending outside the enclosure, and can be pushed in using the fingers. Once this is done, the timer cannot be plugged back in until the enclosure is unlocked and opened.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.