DRAWINGS
DESCRIPTION FIG. 1:
FIG. 1 is a side view of the device, utilizing a hinge and rectangular first and second portions, demonstrating the open and closed positions.
DESCRIPTION FIG. 2:
FIG. 2 describes a containment box (HVAC) (6) commonly used for heating and air conditioning units. The safety switch (7) protrudes from the edge of the metal containment box (6).
DESCRIPTION FIG. 3:
FIG. 3 demonstrates the device described in FIG. 1, removably engaged with the metal containment box (6) of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION FIG. 4:
FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of the device in the hinged embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 is a side view of the preferred embodiment having a magnet (1) integrated on the internal surface of the first portion (2). Hingedly connected to a second portion (3), the first and second portions swinging freely about the vertical hinged axis (5), keeping the internal surfaces of the device parallel to one another.
This is only one embodiment, drawn to illustrate the components as assembled and in no way limits the scope of claim 2 wherein the device does not have a hinge. The hinged embodiment as demonstrated utilizes a ferrous magnet (1) attached to the first portion (2) of the device, providing the removable and engagable mechanism that interconnects to the metal containment box of the HVAC unit. A second portion (3) applies compression pressure to the safety interlock switch (described in FIGS. 2 & 3), thus compressing the Switch (7). The hinge (4) connects the first portion (2) and second portion (3), allowing for motion along the vertical hinged axis (5) ranging from the closed position (lower drawing), to an open position (upper drawing), wherein the vertical hinged axis (5) allows for adjustment to attach the magnet (1) to the containment box while compressing the Switch.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view demonstrating a metal containment box commonly used to contain heating and air conditioning hardware (HVAC). The described box having a hinged door and a safety switch constructed and arranged to be “closed” or conducting, when the hinged door is in the closed position; and “open” or not conducting when the hinged door is open not enclosing the open side of the metal box. This feature is what allows access to the internal unit The purpose of the safety switch is to “shut-off” the power going to the HVAC unit during maintenance, cleaning, and inspection. The safety switch protects homeowners from electrical shock when changing filters, inspections, and resetting circuit breakers.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view from an upper position, demonstrating the hinged tool shown in FIG. 1, removably engaged to the outside of the open metal box shown in FIG. 2. The hinged tool utilizes the magnet integrated in the long rectangular portion of the hinged tool to securely fasten and interconnect with the outside of the metal box. The interlock switch (7) is then depressed into the “closed” position via the (3) second portion (7) of the device. With the interlock switch (7) in the “closed” position, the HVAC would still have power “HOT” to the HVAC circuitry allowing the facilitating a technician the ability to perform diagnostics. The hinged tool also prevents the door from closing, thus averting the dangerous situation where in the switch would be in the “closed” position, while the door is open, exposing the homeowner to bare wires and electrical shock.
Patent Application
20070278208
