Patent Application
20110290278
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention provides a tool for cleaning the blade terminals on ATO and ATM fuses and a tool for cleaning the female ATO and ATM receptacles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Plug-in type fuses are typically utilized in fuseboxes found in automobiles, motorcycles, audio equipment and other electrical circuits and come in four physical sizes, including the ATO fuse (19.1×5.1×18.5 mm) and ATM fuse (10.9×3.6×16.3 mm).
Frequently, especially in an automobile or motorcycle the fuse contacts become dirty or oxidized over time. It is common to attempt to clean the fuse receptacle by spraying a liquid, e.g., WD-40 into the receptacle. Spray chemicals usually do not provide a thorough cleaning and are messy. Due to space restraints in the fusebox it is even more difficult to clean the receptacles using sandpaper or emery cloth. Those methods usually end up in small pieces of paper, which has become torn up while inserting them into the receptacle, causing even more intermittent circuit connections.
What is thus desired is to provide tools that clean the fuse blade and the fuse receptacle contacts in a more effective and efficient manner when compared to the above-noted prior art techniques.
The present invention provides two small tools that allow for a more thorough cleaning of both the male blade terminals on a fuse and the female receptacle where the fuse is inserted in the fusebox. Due to the tools having a built-in rough surface, similar to an etched surface on a fingernail file, the tools effectively remove oxidation and dirt buildup on the fuse and fuse receptacle contacts. The fuse contact cleaning tool has two sets of fuse female receptacles which are the same size as those found on ATM and ATO type fuses. The receptacle cleaning tool has two sets of male blades which are also the same size as the fuse blades found on ATM and ATO fuses. The length of the blades are slightly longer than the fuse contacts to allow easier access into various fuse panels.
For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing therein:
These fuses come in four different physical dimensions, the mini shown in
Referring to
Block member 30 is typically fabricated from molded plastic and is approximately 2 inches wide, 2 inches in height and 1.5 inches in width. The internal surfaces of each receptacle 40, 41, 44 and 46 are formed by metal milling before being rolled or shaped. The complete assembly is then inserted or molded into the plastic housing 32. The dimensions of the inserts and the receptacles correspond to the size of the terminals on the ATM and ATO fuses. Note that various techniques can be utilized to form the internal surfaces of each receptacle and the inserts 38 and 42.
In operation, a user first removes a fuse from the fuse box and then inserts the prongs thereof into either the ATO or ATM cleaner receptacle. The fuse is then moved up and down a number of times in the vertical direction which removes dirt and oxidation from the prongs. The fuse is then removed from the cleaner and then either stored or re-inserted into the fuse box.
The blades are made of metal and are machine milled on both surfaces of the blades before being encased in molded plastic housing 52.
In operation, the fuses in the vehicle fuse box are first removed and either blades 54 and 56 or 58 and 60 are inserted in the appropriate fuse box receptacle. The user then grasps body 52 and the cleaning tool 50 moved up and down a number of times in the vertical direction. The cleaning tool 50 is then removed from the fuse box and the appropriate fuses re-inserted into the fuse box.
The present invention thus provides a simple and cost effective tools for cleaning the prongs of a fuse and the fuse box in which the fuses are operatively positioned.
While the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential teachings.
