Patent ID: 6077107
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: G08B

Abstract:
An apparatus for preventing closure of a battery compartment cover in a battery compartment for a battery-powered device when a battery is missing from the battery compartment, said apparatus comprising:(a) latch means for latching said battery compartment cover in a closed position;(b) terminal means for contacting a terminal of the battery and providing an electrical connection; and(c) said terminal means including engaging means for engaging said latch means and said engaging means being operative to engage said latch means when the battery is mounted in said battery compartment, so that said battery compartment is latched in said closed position, wherein said engaging means comprises a battery terminal having a flexible prong end, said battery terminal having means responsive to insertion of the battery for displacing said prong end from a latch blocking position to a latch engaging position so that said battery compartment cover is movable to said closed position.