Relay retrofit apparatus including an electrically-activated relay switch for retrofitting an electrical system

• US 7,322,849 B2
• Filed: 03/31/2005
• Issued: 01/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America Incorporated (United Parcel Service Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America Incorporated (United Parcel Service Incorporated)
• Inventors: Sutton, Stephen Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): Prasad; Chandrika
• Application Number:
  US11/096,977
• Publication Number:
  US 20060221558A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,034 Days
• Field of Search: 439/502, 439/215, 439/211, 439/214, 439/505, 439/680
• US Class Current: 439/502
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0207 Wire harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 1/5866 characterised by the use of a plug and socket connector
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 50/14 Terminal arrangements for coils H01H50/443
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/00 Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for dissimilar contact members H01R13/35; supported only by co-operation with a counterpart H01R31/00; with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/90
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94

Abstract

The invented apparatus is designed for use within a vehicle'"'"'s electrical system. The apparatus electrically couples a plug having a first electrical contact configuration with a relay having a different electrical contact configuration. The apparatus provides an easy and inexpensive solution for replacing relay'"'"'s that have different electrical contact configurations.

Claims

1. A relay retrofit apparatus comprising:

a plug having electrical contacts; and

an electrically-activated relay switch electrically coupled to said plug, and having electrical contacts configured differently from the electrical contacts of said plug, the electrical contacts of the plug and relay switch configured differently in terms of being flat or round, vertical or horizontal if flat, male or female, number of pins, or relative position of contacts wherein, a wiring connects said relay switch with said plug.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wiring is insulated.

3. The relay retrofit apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a shroud fixed to said plug.

4. The relay retrofit apparatus of claim 3, wherein said shroud encases at least a portion of said electrical contacts of said plug to provide a weatherproof connection when said plug is inserted into a socket.

5. The relay retrofit apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said relay switch has a 75 amp dual pole configuration.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a connector electrically coupled to said wiring and said relay switch.

6. A relay retrofit apparatus for use in an electrical system, the apparatus comprising:

a first electrically-activated relay switch having electrical contacts for replacing a second electrically-activated relay switch in the electrical system;

a plug having electrical contacts configured to be inserted into a first socket of the electrical system, the electrical contacts of the plug being configured differently than the electrical contacts of the first electrically-activated relay switch in terms of being flat or round, vertical or horizontal if flat, male or female, number of pins, or relative position of contacts;

wiring having first ends connected to the electrical contacts of said plug and second ends opposite the first ends; and

a connector having electrical contacts connected to the second ends of said wiring, wherein said connector is configured to receive the electrical contacts of a said first relay switch.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said wiring is insulated.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said connector is detachable.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said connector includes a socket portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a shroud fixed to said plug.

11. The relay retrofit apparatus of claim 10, wherein said shroud encases at least a portion of said electrical contacts of said plug when said plug is inserted into said socket.

13. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said first and second relay switches have different amperage ratings.

14. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said socket is configured to receive the second relay switch having a 40 amp single pole configuration and said first relay switch has a 75 amp dual pole configuration.

15. A relay retrofit apparatus comprising;

a connector means having electrical contacts configured for insertion into a first socket configured for a first relay switch;

a second relay switch having electrical contacts with a different configuration than said connector means; and

a coupling means for electrically coupling said connector means with said second relay switch.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said coupling means is wiring.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, where said wiring is insulated.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a means for protecting said electrical contacts of said connector means from the weather.