GFCI receptacle having blocking means
US6734769B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H3/338
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A blocking member located within the body of the GFCI is positioned by the reset button to allow free access of the prongs of a plug into the openings of the receptacle when the reset button is depressed or to block at least one opening of the receptacle to prevent a plug from entering the openings of the receptacle when the reset button projects out beyond the surface of the housing. Thus, when the GFCI is in a conducting state, the reset button is recessed within the GFCI housing and positions the blocking member to the first position to allow the prongs of a plug to be inserted into the receptacle openings. When the GFCI is in a non-conducting state, the reset button protrudes outward from the housing of the GFCI to position the blocking member to the second position to block at least one opening of the receptacle to prevent the prongs of a plug from entering the receptacle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.