The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 29, 1999
Filed:
Jun. 17, 1996
Parag J Mehta, Bellmore, NY (US);
Pass & Seymour, Inc., Syracuse, NY (US);
Abstract
An electrical receptacle of the type having movable shutter members positioned to prevent insertion of objects other than electric plugs through the plug blade-receiving openings into contact with line terminals. Two identical shutter members, each having a camming portion and a blocking portion, are mutually assembled for relative, linear movement in either of two, opposite directions from a centered position to which they are biased by a pair of coil springs. Rigid objects inserted through the receptacle openings contact an angularly disposed surface on the camming portion of the shutter members, causing lateral movement of the element. When the blades of a plug are inserted, both shutter members move laterally to permit continued advance of the blades into the terminal contacts. When a single object is inserted, the blocking portion of one shutter element prevents advance of the object. A lip on the blocking portion prevents passage of the inserted object around the shutter element. Other features include compatibility of the shutter structure with existing receptacles, including those with straight straps, a one-piece spacer supporting the shutter elements for low-friction movement and ease of automated assembly.