Safety mechanism, electrical outlet containing same, and method of manufacturing same
US7438567B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R2103/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A safety mechanism capable of blocking an opening to an electrical connection in an electrical outlet includes a safety barrier coupled to the electrical outlet at a pivot point and a biasing member adjacent to the safety barrier. The safety barrier is rotatable between a first position, in which the safety barrier blocks the opening, and a second position, in which the safety barrier does not block the opening. The biasing member biases the safety barrier toward the first position. In the same or another embodiment of the invention, the safety mechanism forms a part of one or more electrical outlets contained in an electrical product.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.