Multi-element fuse array
First Claim
1. A fuse block comprising:
- a body;
a plurality of terminals fixed to and exposed on at least one side of the body, the terminals each including a replacement fuse connection portion;
a fuse element visible without having to remove one of the replacement fuses if the replacement fuse is connected to the connection portions of two of the terminals fixed to the body, the fuse element contacting the terminals at a location separate from each of the replacement fuse connection portions;
at least three pairs of the terminals arranged in the body; and
a single terminal bus in electrical communication with one of the terminals of each of the pairs.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a fuse block having a plurality of fuse connections. The fuse connections include an array of embedded terminals that contact the initially provided fuse elements. When one of the fuse elements opens, an operator remakes the open connection by inserting an external replacement fuse. The fuse connections therefore eliminate the need to initially provide separate external fuses. In an embodiment, the terminals include fork shaped projections that receive one of the terminals of the replacement fuse, which also eliminates the need for additional female inserts commonly found in automobile fuse blocks. The fuse block is simple, wherein a plurality of same may be provided in an automobile to cut down on long lengths of wire running from load devices to a traditional, single centrally located fuse block.
132 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A fuse block comprising:
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a body;
a plurality of terminals fixed to and exposed on at least one side of the body, the terminals each including a replacement fuse connection portion;
a fuse element visible without having to remove one of the replacement fuses if the replacement fuse is connected to the connection portions of two of the terminals fixed to the body, the fuse element contacting the terminals at a location separate from each of the replacement fuse connection portions;
at least three pairs of the terminals arranged in the body; and
a single terminal bus in electrical communication with one of the terminals of each of the pairs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A fuse block comprising:
a plurality of rows of pairs of terminals, the terminals each including a replacement fuse connection portion, the terminals of at least two pairs of each row being electrically connected by a fuse element, each fuse element visible to a person viewing the rows of terminals without having to remove a replacement fuse located adjacent to the fuse element. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A fuse block comprising:
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a body; and
first, second and third sets of terminals positioned in the body, wherein one of the terminals from the second set is electrically connected to one of the terminals of the first and third sets by at least two fuse elements, the terminal from the second set configured and arranged to connect to a portion of each of at least two replacement fuses. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification