Patent ID: 6599141
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: H01R,H02M

Abstract:
An outlet apparatus for receiving an electrical plug of a device to provide power to the device, comprising:a housing having a longitudinal axis; a shutter having a central portion with front and rear surfaces and aperture means for receiving prongs of the plug; a strike plate having a central portion behind the shutter and aperture means for receiving prongs of the plug; spring means for biasing the shutter toward a first orientation about the longitudinal axis and for forwardly biasing the strike plate toward a first position along the longitudinal axis; interlock means for preventing rotation of the shutter relative to the strike plate to permit insertion of the prongs through the aperture means of both the shutter and strike plate unless the prongs are first inserted through the aperture means of the shutter and then depress the strike plate rearward by a predetermined amount; and electrical contacts positioned to engage the prongs with the plug in an inserted condition and the prongs passing through the aperture means of both the shutter and the strike plate.