GFCI receptacle having blocking means
US7088205B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H3/338
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Located within a GFCI device having a receptacle is a movable contact bearing arm which is held in either a closed or open position with a fixed contact by a latching member that is connected to the spring loaded reset button. The reset button assumes a first or a second position which is determined by the conductive state of the GFCI. When the GFC is in a conducting state, the reset button is substantially fully depressed within the housing of the GFCI. When the GFCI is in a non-conductive state, the reset button projects outward beyond the top surface of the housing of the GCFI. Thus, the movable contact bearing arm, acting through a latching member, determines the position of the reset button. 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 pos…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.