The present invention pertains to methods and/or improvements connected with a prior art plug-in type fuse having a fusible internal link but more particularly relates to an improvement incorporating use of an indicator light that automatically illuminates when actuated by the blown fuse when a circuit overload has occurred.
Many types of circuit protectors and/or fuses exist and various types of indicator lights have been taught in the past, yet such devices have not been successfully marketed or produced. It is therefore contended that it would be useful to teach a method for modifying an existing prior art plug-in type fuse that would allow a user to easily modify the fuse housing in a manner so as to be functional as a fuse having a blown fuse indicator light as well. Combinations of fuses having an indicator light have been taught within the known prior art. However, such devices or combinations are very limited and have not proven to be cost effective for manufacturing, nor are they easily marketable.
Some examples of the known prior art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,448,897, 5,701,118, 5,874,884 and 5,598,138 all of which address a proposed combination for a plug-in type fuse having a blown fuse indicator light therewith. However, both the '897 and '118 references are much too costly and complicated and are also very bulky and difficult to install. The '884 reference is also functional but is limited in use because of size and again manufacturing costs, etc. The '138 reference is also functional but includes use of two lights and is not easily installed. Most importantly, none of the cited references and/or known prior art provide or address use of a different type of light, such as a typical cartridge type light having metal contacts on its ends. Another type of light that would be most advantageous is a typical incandescent lamp type. The later is most desirable as it can be easily replaced and reused, and also has an extremely long life span, such as 100,000 hours. Thus, the present invention is most useful, very advantageous, cost effective, and addresses and resolves problems associated within the prior art in a manner heretofore not taught.
It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a method for installation of an indicator light for use with any standard type plug-in fuse housing and the light when installed is automatically actuated when an electrical circuit overload has occurred and thus visually informs the user that the fuse needs to be replaced.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for installation of an indicator light for use with any standard type plug-in fuse housing and the light can be either installed within the electrical fuse housing after market by the consumer, or it can easily be incorporated at the point of manufacture depending on engineering and end user choice.
It is a very important object of the present invention to provide a method of installation for an indicator light for use with any standard type plug-in fuse housing that provides most unusual results and quickly visually notifies the user that an electrical overload has occurred. It is to be understood that such fuses are normally installed in multiples and it is very difficult to determine which of the electrical fuses have been overloaded. This is especially evident when the mounting panel is positioned in a darkened area, in a vehicle, or during the nighttime. In such a situation it can be extremely difficult and irritating when one is searching for the blown fuse. Thus the present invention eliminates the guesswork for the user as well as saves time and wasted energy.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for installation of an indicator light for use with any standard type plug-in fuse housing that can be any suitable light means of engineering choice. For example, such suitable light means includes but is not limited to a pre-existing light source, such as a light emitting diode “LED”, cartridge type having end contacts, long lasting reusable incandescent lamp, or even fiber optics, or neon, may be utilized, etc.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for installation of an indicator light for use with any standard type plug-in fuse housing that is economical to manufacture and easily marketable. Also, the present invention is most suitable for use with standard fuse housings that are made from conductive plastics.
Other objects and advantages will be seen when taken into consideration with the following specification and drawings.
Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout the various views, in
Positioned within housing (12) and extending from the opposite end of housing (12) from top wall (14) are a pair of parallel, spaced, blade-type fuse terminals (18) that are adapted to be received within a correspondingly spaced pair of fuse receptacle contacts within a plastic fuse block, or the like (not shown). Fuse terminals (18) have a length sufficient for them to extend outwardly from the lower end of housing (12), and also to extend into housing (12) to be received and tightly held by the housing by suitable terminal anchoring arrangements (not shown). Extending between each of fuse terminals (18) within fuse housing (12) is a fusible link (20) that is made from a material that permits the passage between fuse terminals (18) of currents less than the rated current value of the fuse, and that will melt or separate if a current greater than the rated current value of the fuse passes through the fusible link (20).
The prior art fuse (10) when installed within an electrical circuit allows the fuse housing (12) to be partially exposed and the fuse (10) when installed within an electrical circuit has a first and a second exposed terminal tab, (18A) & (18B) that lie within terminal access openings (16) within the fuse housing (12).
It is to be understood the circuit overload indicator light of the present invention can be installed in multiple ways and some of the possible installation methods will be addressed hereafter. However, the invention is not to be limited to such installation methods but is to include other types of methods that may become applicable over time.
As previously noted many different types of suitable circuit overload indicators lights may be incorporated depending on engineering choice. For example, the light may be a light emitting diode “LED”, cartridge type light having end contacts, a long lasting reusable incandescent lamp, fiber optics or neon, may be utilized, etc. Thus, the following installation methods and apparatus's as illustrated herein are only exemplary of some suitable methods and light source alternatives.
Referring now in detail to the first embodiment and installation method as illustrated and taught within
The light housing (26) is formed into a shape and size that allows for a mating relationship within aperture (22) including an elongated base portion having a first end and a second end that are opposed to each other. Each end includes a metal contact member (28) that is of a type according to engineering choice fixedly attached thereon. As can be seen, light housing (26) due to it's shape and size can be easily aligned and inserted into aperture (22), hereinafter referred to as the install position. Thereafter the user can easily manually rotate light housing (26) into its locked position, with the latter being shown in ghost lines. Thus, when the base portion of light housing (26) is rotated into the noted locked position, metal contact members (28) are urged into contact with fuse terminals (18) resulting in electrical communication between metal contact members (28) and fuse terminals (18) when fuse (10) is energized and functioning. It is to be noted that if needed, metal contact members (28) may further include engagement means (not shown) which further urges metal contact members (28) into contact with fuse terminals (18), such as in the form of a spring or the like.
Whereby, when fuse (10) is functioning and is installed within an electrical circuit, blown fuse indicator light (24) will not illuminate. However, upon an electrical overload resulting in melting of fusible link (20), which in turn interferes with the electrical circuit, indicator light (24) automatically illuminates so as to visually notify a user that the fuse is no longer functional and needs to be replaced. This embodiment is very advantageous as this type of indicator light that has a very long life can be easily installed yet easily removed as well and is thereby usable within other fuses if needed.
As now understood, the assembly and method steps for the above embodiment include:
Referring now in detail to the second embodiment and installation method as illustrated and taught within
The cartridge type light housing (34) as formed is of a shape and size that allows for a mating relationship within horizontal aperture (30) when installed therein and cartridge type light housing (34) provides a first end and a second end that are opposed to each other. Each end includes a metal contact member (36) that is of a type according to engineering choice fixedly attached thereon. As can be seen, cartridge type light housing (34) due to it's shape and size can be easily aligned and inserted into horizontal aperture (30), and is frictionally retained in position by a snap fit, respectively. Thus, when the cartridge type light housing (34) is installed, metal contact members (36) are urged into contact with fuse terminals (18) resulting in electrical communication between metal contact members (36) and fuse terminals (18) when fuse (10) is energized and functioning. It is to be noted that if needed, metal contact members (36) may further include engagement means (not shown) which further urges metal contact members (36) into contact with fuse terminals (18), such as in the form of a spring or the like.
Whereby, when fuse (10) is functioning and is installed within an electrical circuit, blown fuse indicator light (32) will not illuminate. However, upon an electrical overload resulting in melting of fusible link (20), which in turn interferes with the electrical circuit, indicator light (32) automatically illuminates so as to visually notify a user that the fuse is no longer functional and needs to be replaced.
As now understood, the assembly and method steps for the second embodiment include:
Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made there from within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the specification and claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.
This application is derived from my provisional application No. 60/558,603, which was filed on Apr. 1, 2004 in the name of the current inventor. It is to be noted no new material has been entered. The application as presented herein has just been re-formatted to comply with PTO regulations.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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5874884 | Hull et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
6448897 | Ku | Sep 2002 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60558603 | Apr 2004 | US |