Removable rotary knob cover

Abstract

A removable apparatus used to cover a knob is provided that includes an inner casing and an outer casing, both of which together form a collar that surrounds a portion of the knob and in so doing mechanically decouples a rotary motion that is applied to the cover from the knob. Disposed intermediate the inner casing and the outer casing is provided a latching mechanism which secures a hinged door to the cover. Release of the latching mechanism requires a two-step procedure beginning with the simultaneous application of a sufficient vertical force applied to urge a pair of vertical slide members downward. The downward force must be maintained in order for the second step to be accomplished. After the pair of vertical slide members have been urged downwards the application of a sufficient horizontal (sideways) force is applied to urge a horizontal slide member to move horizontally causing the release of the latching mechanism Each of the three required forces are applied by a separate digit, preferably of the same hand. Upon release of the latching mechanism the hinged door is opened and the cover is readily removed from the knob. Application of the cover over the knob consists of first sliding the cover over the knob while the hinged door is open and then closing the hinged door when the cover is properly positioned about the knob.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.