US20130001962A1

US20130001962A1 - Child proof cupboard closure

Info

Publication number: US20130001962A1
Application number: US13/537,279
Authority: US
Inventors: Troy Wheelwright
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-07-01
Filing date: 2012-06-29
Publication date: 2013-01-03
Also published as: US10066428B2; US20150267447A1

Abstract

A cabinet closure device made from a section of nylon or similar cord utilizes one or more cord stop devices to form a loop of cord that is adjustable and securable around two objects to be secured from movement or opening. A user slides the closure device around two objects and then pulls on one or each of the loop ends to secure the closure device around the objects. To release the closure device, the user releases the cord stop and the closure device will loosen and the objects (doors or drawers for example) may be opened.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/503,793, which was filed on Jul. 1, 2011 titled “CHILD PROOF CUPBOARD CLOSURE”, which is incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to child proofing cabinets and more particularly, relates to a closure device that fits essentially all cabinets and storage devices that have knobs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Cabinets as well as other storage devices which have doors and are at a level accessible to children must often be “child proofed” to prevent children from accessing the contents of the cabinet or storage device to prevent access to other dangerous materials or materials that the homeowner does not wish children to access.
Prior art devices designed to “child proof” cabinets have typically been hard plastic devices. These devices are sometimes difficult to use (sometimes requiring two hands to set and/or unset); are large enough such that they do not fit behind many door knobs, and almost certainly do not allow for their use around corners such is required for a corner cupboard.
Accordingly, what is needed is a childproof cupboard closure that is easy to use (can be operated with one hand) can sit behind almost any knob and will work around a corner cupboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features a flexible cord securing device configured for preventing movement of first and second objects. The flexible cord securing device comprises a length of flexible cord, wherein the length of flexible cord has a first end and a second end. At least a first flexible cord securing device has a first opening configured for receiving a first end of the flexible cord, and a second opening configured for receiving the second end of the flexible cord.
The at least a first flexible cord securing device further includes a flexible cord locking mechanism, operative in one of a first position and a second position, wherein the first position secures the first and second ends of the flexible cord from sliding in and out of the flexible cord securing device, and wherein the second position of the flexible cord locking mechanism allows the first and second ends of the flexible cord to slide through the first and second openings of the flexible cord securing device.
The flexible cord locking mechanism is coupled to an engagement device disposed on an exterior surface of the at least a first flexible cord securing device, the flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device is configured for causing the flexible cord locking mechanism to operate in one of the first or second positions thereby allowing the flexible cord to be adjusted and secured around the first and second objects to be secured.
In the preferred embodiment, each of the first and second ends of the length of flexible cord include a flexible cord end cover device configured for covering a knot tied in each of the first and second ends of the flexible cord. The flexible cord and cover devices include a smaller aperture at a proximal end and a larger aperture at a distal end such that the larger aperture of the distal end can be pulled over the knot tied in each of the first and second ends of the flexible cord, to provide an aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful grip.
The flexible cord securing device may further include a second flexible cord securing device. The second flexible cord securing device is disposed about one of the first or second ends of the flexible cable between the at least a first flexible cord securing device and a terminal end of the first or second end of the flexible cord. The second flexible cord securing device has a first opening configured for receiving one of the first or second ends of the flexible cord. The second flexible cord securing device further includes a flexible cord locking mechanism, operative in one of a first position and a second position. The first position secures the one of the first or second ends of the flexible cord from sliding in and out of the second flexible cord securing device. The second position of the flexible cord locking mechanism allows the one of the first or second ends of the flexible cord to slide in and out of the second flexible cord securing device. The flexible cord locking mechanism is coupled to an engagement device disposed on an exterior surface of the at least a first flexible cord securing device. The flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device is configured for causing the flexible cord locking mechanism to operate in one of a first or second positions.
The flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device may include a region configured to be depressed and released or a device configured to be slid within a slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the preferred embodiment of the childproof cabinet strap according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the preferred embodiment of the childproof cabinet strap in use and secured to the knobs of a cabinet; and

FIG. 3 is an additional embodiment of the invention using a different style of cord stop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention features a childproof cabinet strap for use in childproof think cabinets having circular or other shaped knobs or handles that have no hole or space through or around which one of the prior art cabinet “lock” cannot be inserted. The drawings show exemplary devices that are constructed according to the invention and that constitute the best modes for carrying out the invention currently known to the applicant.
It is anticipated that the primary use of the invention will be for cabinets that have knobs that are proximate or near each other on separate doors of the type shown in FIG. 2 and similar cabinets. However, it is intended to be understood that the device may also be used to advantage in connection with other types of cabinets and other types of structures enclosing storage areas. For example, in some circumstances, the childproof device according to the present invention could be used in conjunction with a drawer and with a set of cabinet doors that are arranged around a corner 90 degrees from one another.
Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the first and preferred embodiment of the device includes a length of nylon cord 1, with a first end 14 running through a first 13 of two holes 12/13 in a two holed, spring loaded/push button type cord stop device 2, and a second end 15 running through the remaining second hole 12 in the same cord stop device 2, such that the nylon cord 1, forms a loop shown generally at 7. The free ends 15 and 14 each have a cord end cover device 4 that may have a smaller aperture at the proximal end 16, and a larger aperture at the distal end 17, such that a knot can be tied at each of the ends of the cord 1, and the cord end 4 can then be pulled over the knot to provide an aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful grip.
One free end 14 may include an additional smaller but similar cord stop 6, with only one hole that is slidably engaged on the free end 14. The distal end of free end 14 has a cord end 4, secured over a knot tied at the end of the nylon cord 1 the same as that described for the opposite free end 15. The second cord stop 6 provides additional security against a child pulling the first cord stop 2 loose.
For the best function, the end of the cord 15 that does not have the 2^nd cord stop 6 should be released such that the cord end 4 is tight against the main cord stop 2. Once the unit 1 is placed around the knobs of a cabinet, the user can simply pull the 2^nd cord end 14 to tighten the device 1 around the cabinet knobs as shown in FIG. 2. Once tight, the additional cord stop 6 can be slid upwards abutting the main cord stop 2. In this configuration, the cord is locked on both ends securely and cannot be forced open (see FIG. 2).
FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention containing only one cord stop. In this embodiment, the cord stop 10 is of a different type than that described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The alternative cord stop 10 has a slidable cam mechanism 11 that secures the nylon cord 1, at a desired length when pushed upwards toward the “loop” end and, and disengages with the nylon cord 1 for adjustment when the slidable cam mechanism 11 is pushed down within its slot 18 n toward the ends 14, 15 of the device.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an inexpensive and novel mechanism by which to secure or “childproof” various areas such as jurors, cabinets or the like. Because the device of the present invention is made from a soft, non-abrasive materials such as a nylon or similar cord material, there is no danger that cabinet or drawer fronts will be scratched or damaged by hard plastic or metal objects as a child or other person poles or moves the childproof device. The flexibility of the nylon cord also allows the present invention to be utilized in nontraditional areas such as between 2 cabinet doors that are arranged 90° to one another and for which the prior art devices are inoperative; on or in connection with oven doors; refrigerator doors; and almost any other door or drawer which is desired to be protected.
Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A flexible cord securing device, configured for preventing movement of first and second objects, said flexible cord securing device comprising:

a length of flexible cord, said length of flexible cord having a first end and a second end;

at least a first flexible cord securing device, said at least a first of flexible cord securing device having a first opening configured for receiving said first end of said flexible cord, and a second opening configured for receiving said second end of said flexible cord, said at least a first flexible cord securing device further including a flexible cord locking mechanism, operative in one of a first position and a second position, wherein said first position secures said first and second ends of said flexible cord from sliding in and out of said flexible cord securing device, and wherein said second position of said flexible cord locking mechanism allows said first and second ends of said flexible cord to slide through said first and second openings of said flexible cord securing device, said flexible cord locking mechanism coupled to an engagement device disposed on an exterior surface of said at least a first flexible cord securing device, said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device configured for causing said flexible cord locking mechanism to operate in one of said first or second positions thereby allowing said flexible cord to be adjusted and secured around said first and second objects to be secured.

2. The flexible cord securing device of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second ends of said length of flexible cord include a flexible cord end cover device configured for covering a knot tied in each of said first and second ends of said flexible cord.

3. The flexible cord securing device of claim 2, wherein said flexible cord and cover devices include a smaller aperture at a proximal end and a larger aperture at a distal end such that said larger aperture of said distal end can be pulled over the knot tied in each of said first and second ends of said flexible cord to provide an aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful grip.

4. The flexible cord securing device of claim 1, further including a second flexible cord securing device, said second flexible cord securing device disposed about one of said first or second ends of said flexible cable between said at least a first flexible cord securing device and a terminal and of said first or second and of said flexible cable, said second flexible cord securing device having a first opening configured for receiving one of said first or second ends of said flexible cord, said second flexible cord securing device further including a flexible cord locking mechanism, operative in one of a first position and a second position, wherein said first position secures said one of said first or second ends of said flexible cord from sliding in and out of said second flexible cord securing device, and wherein said second position of said flexible cord locking mechanism allows said one of said first or second ends of said flexible cord to slide in and out of said second flexible cord securing device, said flexible cord locking mechanism coupled to an engagement device disposed on an exterior surface of said at least a first flexible cord securing device, said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device configured for causing said flexible cord locking mechanism to operate in one of said first or second positions.

5. The flexible cord securing device of claim 1, wherein said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device includes a region configured to be depressed and released.

6. The flexible cord securing device of claim 1, wherein said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device includes a device configured to be slid within a slot.

7. A flexible cord securing device, configured for preventing movement of first and second objects, said flexible cord securing device comprising:

at least a first flexible cord securing device, said at least a first of flexible cord securing device having a first opening configured for receiving said first end of said flexible cord, and a second opening configured for receiving said second end of said flexible cord, said at least a first flexible cord securing device further including a flexible cord locking mechanism, operative in one of a first position and a second position, wherein said first position secures said first and second ends of said flexible cord from sliding in and out of said flexible cord securing device, and wherein said second position of said flexible cord locking mechanism allows said first and second ends of said flexible cord to slide through said first and second openings of said flexible cord securing device, said flexible cord locking mechanism coupled to an engagement device disposed on an exterior surface of said at least a first flexible cord securing device, said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device configured for causing said flexible cord locking mechanism to operate in one of said first or second positions thereby allowing said flexible cord to be adjusted and secured around said first and second objects to be secured, wherein each of said first and second ends of said length of flexible cord include a flexible cord end cover device configured for covering a knot tied in each of said first and second ends of said flexible cord, wherein said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device includes one of a region configured to be depressed and released and a device configured to be slid within a slot.