Patent ID: 7642457
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. A protective shutter assembly for use within a cover assembly of an electrical wiring device, the assembly comprising: a shutter mechanism configured to be disposed within an interior portion of the cover assembly, the shutter mechanism including a first shutter member having a first blade engagement structure and a second shutter member having a second blade engagement structure, the first shutter member and the second shutter member movable relative to each other from a closed position to an open position when the first blade engagement structure and the second blade engagement structure are engaged by a set of plug blades having at least one predetermined plug blade geometry, the first shutter member and the second shutter member not being movable relative to each other from a closed position to an open position when the first blade engagement structure and the second blade engagement structure are separately but simultaneously engaged by objects not having the at least one predetermined plug blade geometry; a spring member coupled to the first shutter member and the second shutter member within the shutter mechanism, the spring member being configured to bias the shutter mechanism in the closed position; at least one retainer element disposed in the shutter mechanism, the at least one retainer element being configured to retain the spring member within the shutter mechanism; and at least one registration member disposed on the shutter mechanism, the at least one registration member being configured to position and align the protective shutter assembly within the cover assembly.