Removable automotive fuse block

• US 5,906,514 A
• Filed: 09/26/1997
• Issued: 05/25/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James Edward Jr. Nelson
• Original Assignee: James Edward Jr. Nelson
• Inventors: Nelson, James Edward Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bradley, Paula
• Assistant Examiner(s): Davis, Katrina
• Application Number:
  US08/938,665
• Time in Patent Office: 606 Days
• Field of Search: 439/34, 439/621, 439/952, 307/10.2-10.6, 180/287, 340/425.5, 340/426, 340/825.3, 340/825.31, 340/825.32, 340/825.69, 340/825.12, 361/833, 361/834, 361/835
• US Class Current: 439/620.27
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2085/208 specially adapted for vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 85/20 Bases for supporting the fuse; Separate parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 85/2045 Mounting means or insulating parts of the base, e.g. covers, casings
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 85/26 Magazine arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 85/54 Protective devices wherein the fuse is carried, held, or retained by an intermediate or auxiliary part removable from the base, or used as sectionalisers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/952 Jumper for use with specific apparatus

Abstract

A removable automotive fuse block assembly for mounting to an automobile and disabling vital automotive electrical systems, comprising a fixed fuse block casement which is mounted to the automobile in a permanent fashion. A removable fuse block segment engages the fixed fuse block casement, both the fixed fuse block casement and removable fuse block segment having receptacles with electrical fuses contained therein which are in electrical communication with various automobile system circuits. The assembly is configured so that when the removable fuse block segment is disengaged from the fixed fuse block casement, vital automobile system circuitry is broken, and the automobile rendered inoperable. It is envisioned that an operator of the automobile, upon exiting, will disengage the removable fuse block segment and carry it with him, thus leaving the automobile in a non-functional state.

Claims

1. A removable automotive fuse block assembly for mounting to an automobile and disabling vital automotive electrical systems, comprising:

a) a fixed fuse block casement, the fixed fuse block casement in electrical communication with all automobile system electrical circuits;

b) a removable fuse block segment, capable of engaging the fixed fuse block casement;

c) securing means to removeably secure the removable fuse block segment to the fixed fuse block casement;

d) a plurality of receptacles located upon the fixed fuse block casement and removable fuse block segment, each receptacle of the fixed fuse block casement in electrical communication with a particular automobile system electrical circuit;

e) a plurality of electrical fuses, each fuse sized to removeably engage one of the plurality of receptacles, such that when each electrical fuse is fitted within each receptacle, the flow of electrical current therethrough is permitted;

f) a plurality of segment contact leads located upon the removable fuse block segment, corresponding in number to the number of receptacles located upon said removable fuse block segment, each segment contact lead in electrical communication with one of said receptacles; and

g) a plurality of cavity contact leads located upon the fixed fuse block casement, corresponding in number and placement to the number and placement of segment contact leads, and in electrical communication with those automobile system electrical circuits needed to start and propel the automobile;

whereby when the removable fuse block segment is removeably secured to the fixed fuse block casement with functional fuses in place within the receptacles so that all vital system electrical circuits are complete, the automobile will be fully functional, but upon removing the removable fuse block segment and breaking the contact between the cavity contact leads and segment contact leads, those vital system electrical circuits which are in communication with the removable fuse block segment will be broken, and the automobile rendered inoperable.

2. A removable automotive fuse block assembly for mounting to an automobile and disabling vital automotive electrical systems, comprising:

a) a fixed fuse block casement having a front face and opposite rear face, the fixed fuse block casement in electrical communication with all automobile system electrical circuits, and mounted to the automobile such that the front face is accessible to an operator of said automobile;

b) a cavity located within the fixed fuse block casement;

c) a removable fuse block segment, sized to fit within the cavity of the fixed fuse block casement;

d) securing means to removeably secure the removable fuse block segment within the cavity of the fixed fuse block casement;

e) a plurality of receptacles located upon the fixed fuse block casement and removable fuse block segment, each receptacle of the fixed fuse block casement in electrical communication with a particular automobile system electrical circuit;

f) a plurality of electrical fuses, each fuse sized to removeably engage one of the plurality of receptacles, such that when each electrical fuse is fitted within each receptacles, the flow of electrical current therethrough is permitted;

g) a plurality of segment contact leads located upon the removable fuse block segment, corresponding in number to the number of receptacles located upon said removable fuse block segment, each segment contact lead in electrical communication with one of said receptacles; and

h) a plurality of cavity contact leads located within the cavity of the fixed fuse block casement, corresponding in number and placement to the number and placement of segment contact leads, and in electrical communication with those automobile system electrical circuits needed to start and propel the automobile;

whereby when the removable fuse block segment is removeably secured within the cavity with functional fuses in place within the receptacles so that all vital system electrical circuits are complete, the automobile will be fully functional, but upon removing the removable fuse block segment from the cavity and breaking the contact between the cavity contact leads and segment contact leads, those vital system electrical circuits which are in communication with the removable fuse block segment will be broken, and the automobile rendered inoperable.

3. The removable automotive fuse block assembly of claim 2, wherein covering means are located upon the removable fuse block segment to cover and protect the electrical fuses secured thereto, so that said electrical fuses will not be damaged upon the removable fuse block segment being removed from and transported outside of the automobile.

4. The removable automotive fuse block assembly of claim 3, wherein a key pad is located upon the removable fuse block segment, and lock-out circuitry is contained within the removable fuse block segment, requiring a specific identification code to be entered into the keypad before allowing the removable fuse block segment to complete system electrical circuits upon insertion into the cavity.