US2637793A

US2637793A - Safety electric fuse connector

Info

Publication number: US2637793A
Application number: US222717A
Authority: US
Inventors: Korecki Walter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1951-04-24
Filing date: 1951-04-24
Publication date: 1953-05-05
Anticipated expiration: 1970-05-05

Description

May 5, 1953 w. KORECKI SAFETY ELECTRIC FUSE CONNECTOR 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Filed April 24, 1951 y 5, 3 w. KORECKI 2,637,793

SAFETY ELECTRIC FUSE CONNECTOR Filed April 24, 1951 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 l fig/Z.

a2 56 I 1 7 J7 INVENTOR.

0 WALTER K RE I 60* 76b BY I Patented May 5, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SAFETY ELECTRIC FUSE CONNECTOR Walter Korecki, Brooklyn; N. Y.

Application April-24, 1951; SeriaINo. 222.717

6'Claims. (Cl. 200'115.5)

This invention relates to a double fused memher for use with a conventional electric outlet receptacle.

-More particularly, the present invention proposes the construction of a double fused member for use between the usual electric outlet receptacle and the plug of an electric appliance in a manner to provide complete protection for the electric appliance regardless of whether the person has an understanding of the principles of electricity or not.

Another object of the present invention proposes constructing the double fused member to be inserted into any outlet receptacle with either side connected to the positive'lead of the receptacle and so automatically interpose a fuse in that positive lead.

A further object of the present invention proposes constructing the double fused member so that it has a pair of spaced prongs which can be pressed into and pulled out 'of the outlet receptacle in a manner so that the same can be quickly and easily transferred between outlet receptacles and be ready for instantaneous use.

.Still further, the present. invention proposes mountingfuses of lower amperageinthe fused member which are of a slightlylower amperage than the fuses of-the source of electric current so that if a short circuit shoulddevelopin the appliance a vfuse of the member will beblown .leaving.the main source of current intact thus eliminating the need for groping in the-dark to find the .fuses of the main source of-e1ectric current for replacement purposes.

-Anotherobject of the present invention prothe like.

further object of the present inventionproposes constructing the receptacle so that blown fuses can be quickly and-easily replaced by new ones when necessary.

Still another object of the present invention proposes constructing the receptacle to use fuses 0fthe screw-in-type or of the'cartr'idgetype.

It is a further object of the present invention to construct a fused electric outlet receptacle which is simple and durable and which can be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

. Forfurther comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which-the various'novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material partof this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is an elevationalview of a double fused member constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 i a side viewof themember.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged'view' similarto Fig. l, but with the removable wall taken off and with a fusescrewed intoone side of the'member.

Fig. 4 is an enlargedtransverse sectional view taken on'the'line 4-4 of 'Fig. Zand with a fuse 'screwedintoone side of the member.

Fig. 5 is a partial longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 55'of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on the line 86 of Fig. 3.

Fig. '7 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line 'I-l of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of 'one of the inlet strips used in the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to '7.

Fig. 9 is a'perspective viewof oneof the outlet strips and associated part used in the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to '7.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the double fused member constructed in accordance with a modification of the present invention.

Fig. '11 is an enlarged elevational view of Fig. 10, but with the removable'wall taken off.

Fig. 12 is apartial longitudinal sectional view taken on the line l2 l2'ofFig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line'l3l3 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is an inside perspective view of the removable wall usedin' the form of the invention shown in FigsIlO to 13.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 10, but illustrating astill further modification of the present invention.

' Fig. 16 is an enlarged elevational view of Fig.

15 but with the removable wall taken off and a cartridge fuse shown in position in one of the "cavities.

Fig. 17 is a'lon'gitudinal sectional view taken 3 substantially on the line l'l-l'l of Fig. 16 with the removable wall in position.

Fig. 18 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line l8i8 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line l9l9 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of one of the inlet strips used in the form of the invention shown in Figs. 15 to 19.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of one of the outlet strips used in the form of the invention shown in Figs. 15 to 19.

The double fused member, accordingtothe first form of the present invention shownin Figs. 1 to 9, is designed to use fuses of the screw in type. The receptacle includes a main body 38 which is molded as an integral unit of hardrubher, one of the Bakelite thermosetting plastics (phenol formaldehyde resin), a thermoplastic synthetic resin (polystyrene-polymer of styjrene'usually .prepareddfrom ethylene and ben- 'zene). or other similar materials (natural or synthetic) having dielectric properties.

, The front or top face of the main body 39 is "provided with a removable wall 33. The removiable wall is preferably molded of the same dielectric material used for molding the body 313. The removable wall. 33 has the same general shape as the body 3%); but is of a'peripheral size just slightly smaller than the peripheral size of the body soas to vfit into acomplementary recess 34 in the front or top face of the body'til. The recessv 341s of a depth corresponding to the thickness' of ,the wall 33'so' that the outer face of the wall and the front or top face ofthe mainv body 30 are flush, as shown in Figs. 4,1) and 7. The removal wall 33 is reta'in'ed'in position'by sev- "eral screws 35 which pass through holes in the wall and which are threaded into complementary threaded recesses 36 formed in the main body 39. v The main body 30 beneath the removable wall '33 has several cavities 31 for fuses and which continue into holes 38, see particularly Figs; 2 to 4, which open outward to the opposed sides of .the main body. Positioned within each of the cavities 3?, there is a cylindrical metallic shell .39. The shells 39 have their axes parallel to the "axes of the respectiveholes 33 and are formed .;.to include a thread] Screw-in type fuses m'are "fpa'ssed'through the holes 38 and threaded into "the metallic shells" 39, as shown at the top of ,Fig. 3 and on the right side of Fig. 4. Such fuses :40 have the usual threadedv metallic shell con- "tacts ill see Fig. 4, for making electrical contact with themetallic shells 39 when thefuses v are screwed into position. In addition, the fuses include the usual end contacts 49 see Figs. .3 and 4. The metallic shells 39 are retained against rotating while the fuses titlare being screwed into and out of those shells by means which will become clear as this description proceeds.

Means is provided on the removable wall 33 for retaining the shells 39 down in position within the cavities 31. That means comprises projections 4! integrally molded on the inner face of the wall which are in alignment with the cavities .31. The projections cl depend into the. cavities 3'! and have their bottom ends rounded, see Figs. .5 and 6, to fit snugly over the top of the metallic shells-39. From Figs. 4 and 5, it is apparent that the outer portions of thecavities 3; are comewhat deeper thanthe inner portions thereof re .taining. the shells as from moving axially inward "strip 50. 7 '50 is secured to the lug 49 of its respective shell recesses.

within the cavities and holding the shells in position beneath the projections 4!, see particularly Fig. 4.

Arranged in connection with each of the cavities 3?, there is a metallic inlet strip 42 fitted into a suitable recess 43 molded into the main body 39. When the removable wall 33 is in position, the inlet strips 42 are fixedly retained in position in their recesses 43, see Figs l and 6.. The inlet strips 42 are formed of springy metal and have vertical portions 42 extended into the main body away from the removable wall 33, see Fig. 6.

'At one end, each of the vertical portions #2 of "the inlet' strips 42 continue into inner portions 42 which have their free ends arranged on the axes of the shells 39 to be engaged by the I end contacts 40* of the fuses 43, see Figs. 3 and 4, The relationship between the shells 39 and the inner portions 42 is such that when the fuses 40 are screwed tightly into position, theinner portions 42 are flexed just slightly to make good electrical contact with the end contacts 40 of the fuses as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

The ends of the vertical portions 62 of the inlet strips 42 continue into end portionsdZ which are extended through complementary holes M formedin the removable wall 33. The outwardly projected end portions 42 are provided to be plugged into a conventional electricoutlet receptacle.

Each of the shells 39, as best shown in Fig. 9,

"is formed at its inner end and on one 'side thereof with a laterally extended lug 49. Provided for each of the shells 39 there is a metallic outlet One end of each of the outlet strips by means of a pin 5|. The lugs 49 and outlet "strips 58 are fitted within suitable recesses 52 molded within the body. The other ends of portions 58 of the outlet strips 50. The springiness of the contact portions 50 i permits the plug prongs to be forced into the enlarged portions 52 of the recesses and to thenbear rigidly against the sides of the plug prongs. 1 a At one end, the bottom face of the removable wall 33 is formed with a pair of spaced projections 48, see Figs. 6 and 7, which extendinto the enlarged portions 52 of the recesses 52 and hold the contact portions 50* in position against the bottom walls of the enlarged portions 52 -of the The spaced projections 48 also function' to retain the contact portions 50 of the outlet strips 50 in alignment with the spaced holes 53 to be engaged by the prongs of the inserted plug. 7

With the contact portions 50* of the outlet strips 50 located within the enlarged portions '52 of the recesses 52 and with the projections 48 "engaged with those contact portions 50 it will be appreciated that the shells 39 will be held against possible rotation while the fuses 40 are being screwed into and out of the shells. At the same time, when the wall 33 is removed, the sets 'of-inlet strips 42 and outlet strips 50 and asso- '-ciated shells 39 can be removed from the respective recess and cavities of the main body 30 for 'than the width of the strips 59'.

cleaning of contact surfaces'orany otherad just- -Ine'ntsthatmaybe required.

"Fromthe foregoing description, it is apparent that thedouble fused member of'the present invention provides complete protection of'any'electrical appliance connected therewith independent of the usual fuses in the source of electric current. i The fuses of the-member are completely exposed for replacement whenblown out and if the fuses ofthe member are of lower amperage 'than'those used in the source, the fuses of the receptacle will be blown before the fuses of the main source eliminating the need for groping-"in the dark to replace blown fuses of the source.

- In the modification of the invention'shown in Figs. and 14,- the fused receptacle is of a'slightly different shape. movable wall 33' are of a slightly different shape The mainbody and its reand the cavities 31' for receiving the fuses are offset with relation to each rather than being axially aligned as in the first form of the inven- "-tion.

' To-compensate for the oiTset arrangement of the cavities 31', the inlet-strips '42 and-their 'mounting recesses 43- are of a slightlydiiferent 'shape, but include the same portions as the strips 4 42 of the first form of the invention.

The holes 53, as in the previous form of the invention, for receiving the spaced prongs'of the plug of the electric appliance are formed in the end of the main body 30 opposed to the end from which the end portions 42 of the inlet strips 42.

extend. Inwardly-of the holes 53, the main body is formed with the enlarged portions 52 of'the recesses 52 in which the outlet strips are ,3.

located. Within the enlarged portions 52 of the "recesses 52, the outlet strips 50' are formed with end aligned U-shaped contact portions 58 to be engaged by the prongs of the plug inserted through the openings53.

To permit insertion and removal of the outlet strips 50', the recesses 52' are somewhat deeper Therefore, to retain the contact portions 50 ofthe outlet strips'50 well down within the enlargedportions 51 of the recesses and in alignment with the holes 53", the inner face of the wall 33' is formed -with asecond'set of depending projections 56. The projections-56, as shown in Fig. 13, extend into the-enlarged portions 52 of the recessestz' and engage the contact portions 5t of the out- 'let strips 50ho'lding those contact portions against the base wall of the recesses.

In all other respects, the form of the invention shown in Figs. 10 to 14 is similar to that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 9 and like reference numerals identify like parts in all of the views.

' The modification of the invention shown-in Figs. 15 to 21 is designed to use fuses of the cartridge type. The modified double fusedmember includes a main body- 56 and a removable walls l The main body 60 and the removable wallBl are preferably molded of any one of the dielectric materials mentioned in connection with thedes'cription of the first form of the invention. The

" removable wall BI is fitted into a recess 62 molded in 'the' top or front face of the main body GO'and is retained in position by means of screws 63, see Figs. 15 and 17. The screws '63 passthrough holes in'the' wall BI and they are threaded into complementary threaded recesses'formed in the main body 60.

Within the confines of the recess- 82, the main body -60' is formed withlaterallyspaced longitudinally extending cavities 65 forrecewing -fuses 4i 0f the cartridge type. At 'the t'opof Fig 16 and at the left side of Fig. 18; "such a cartridge fuse 66" isshown in position withinone ofthecavities --65. Onopp'osite sides'of thecavities 65, the material of the main block Ellis formed withnotches 61, see Figsx ld to 18, providing clearance for-the ends of ones fingers -to'obtain a'grip on the fuses -66 to'pull them o'utof the cavities'65.

' Means is provided-on the inner face of the removable wall 6! for holdingthe'fuses fiii in'position within-the cavities "65. That means com- -prisesprojections 68,-see Figs. 17 and18, which depend from the inner faceof the removable wall -6I'into the tops of the cavities '65. -"-As shown "most clearly in FigLiB, the inner e'nds 'of the projections-68 are rounded to fit over the tops of the fuses 66 securely retaining-them in position in the cavities 6 5.

*Mount'ed within suitable recesses 69 formed in the mainbody 60 at adjacent ends of the cavities "65, there are electric inlet strips 70. The inlet -strips 10 are formed of springy metallic material and have flexible'endportions lll 'extend downward withinthe adjacentends of the cavities65 to make-electrical contact with the adjacent end contacts of the fuses 66. The other end portions 10* of the inlet'strips 70 arebent to extend at rightangles to the main portion thereof and are -pr0jected'i'romsl0ts "H formed in the'end of the main body '66.

The'end portions 10 are to be plugged into a conventional outlet receptacle.

- Extending from the'opposite sides of the'cavities -65, there are electric outlet strips 15 located within suitable recesses" formed in the main body 60. The outlet strips I6 are also formed of springy-metallic' material and at one of their ends are'formed'with flexible end portions 76 for making electrical contact with the end caps at the other ends of the fuses 66. Intermediate of their ends, the outlet stripsl'ii are twisted and have their other ends'bent into U-shaped contact portions "16 located within enlarged portions H -of the recesses 11. 'The adjacent end of the main *body is formed with spaced holes 18 to admit the spaced prongsof the'plug of the electrical'appliance to be connected to the source of electric currentthrough the fused outlet receptacle.

As in the form of the invention shown in Figs.

10 told, the enlarged portions l'li of the recesses I'l are somewhat deeper than the width of the U-shaped contactportions 16 of the outlet strips 16. Therefore, the inner face of the removable wall is formed with a pair of. spaced projections 79;:see particularly Figs. 17 and 19, which engage the U-shaped contact portions 76* holding them against the base wall of the enlarged-portions 11 of the recesses 'H'andin alignment with the holes 'lfi.

: The form of the invention shown in Figs. 15 to 21' provides a double fused member employing cartridge type fuses which affords complete protection -to any electrical appliance connected thereto. When the fuses areblown out and require'replacement, the removable wall 6| is taken ofi by removing the screws '63 and then removing and replacing the blown fuse or fuses 66 as the case may be. When replacement is completed the wallfil is remounted in position to hold all of the "parts of the receptacle in position in their respective cavities or recesses.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved toall changes and modifications com,

jtactgwith said fuses-and having-their other ends projected from one end of said body to have a .source, of electric current connected thereto, and outlet strips engaging the lugs of said shells and .;leading therefrom to be engaged by the Lspacedprongsofthe insertedplug of an electric "appliance; said; body having; holes extending through thejsides'of the main body in axial alignment .with said shells to threadedly receive screwin1;type fuses ,;ext ended into the body through :saidholes in thesides of the body.- 1

.A double fused member for screw-in type fuses comprising. a: body of insulation .material ;.having a removable wall, cavities within said body forlfuses, .'a;circular threaded metallic shell positioned'within each'of said cavities, said shell including a laterally extending lug; means onsaid ;.wall retaining said shells in a fixed position with- .insaidcavities, said retaining means comprising projections depending from, said wall into said cavities, inlet strips having oneof their ends pro- .jected into said cavities to make electrical'contact 1.with said-fuses and havingtheir other ends projected. from one end of said body to have a r source of-electric current connected thereto, and outlet "strips engaging .the lugs of said shells J and leading :therefrom .to be. engaged by the spaced prongs of the inserted plug of an electric --appliance, said body having holes extending ---through the sides of the main body in axial alignment with said shells to threadedly receive screwin type fusesextended; into the body through said holes in the sides of the body, each of said shells having a lug extending laterally from one side thereof and to which the ends of the outlet strips are secured. a

3..A double fusedmember for screw-in. type fuses comprising a, body of insulation material having a removable wall, cavities within said body :.forfuses, a circular threaded metallic shell posiotioned within each of said cavities, said shell including a laterally extending lug, means on said wall retaining said shells in a. fixed position .within said cavities, said retaining means comprising projections depending from said wall into said cavities, inlet strips having one of their ends projected into said cavities to make electrical contact with said fuses and having their other ends projected from one end of said body to have a source of electric current connected thereto, and outlet strips engaging the lugs of said shells and leading therefrom to be engaged by the spaced prongs of the inserted plug of an electric appliance, said body having holes extending through the sides of the main body in axial alignment with said shells to threadedly receive screw-1n type fuses extended into the body through said holes in the sides of the body, each of said shells having a lug extending laterally fuses comprising a body of insulation material having a removable wall, cavities within said body for-fuses, a circular threaded metallic shell positioned within eachofsaid cavities, said shell in- .cluding a laterally extending lug, means. on said wall retaining said shells in a fixed position. within saidcavities, said retaining means comprising projections depending from said wall into said cavities, inlet strips having one of their ends projected into said cavities to make electrical contact with said fuses and having their other ends projected from oneqend ofsaid .body to have-.a

source of electriccurrentconnected thereto, and

,outlet strips engaging the lugs of said' shells and leading therefrom to be engaged by the spaced prongs of the inserted plug of an electric appliance,- said body having holes extending through the sides of the main body in ,axial alignment with said shells to threadedly receive screw-in type fuses extended to the body through said'holes in the sides of the body, said shells being arranged in axial alignment-within said body. m

5. A double fused member for screw-in type fusescomprising a body of insulation material having a removable wall, cavities within said body for fuses, a circular threaded metallic shell .posi

. tioned within each of said'cavities, saidshell including a laterally extending-lug, means on .said

, wall retaining said shells in a fixediposition within said cavities, said retaining means comprising projections depending from said wall intosaid cavities, inlet strips having oneof their endsprojected into said cavities to make. electricalcontact with said fuses and having their other. endsprojected from one end'of said bodytohave a source of electric current connected thereto, and

outlet strips engaging the lugs :of saidv shells and leading therefrom to be engaged by the spaced prongs of the inserted plug ofanelectric appliance, said 7 bodyhaving holes, extending through the sides of themain body in axialalign- -ment with said shells to threadedly receive screw-in type fuses extended into .tha body through said holes in the sides of the body, said shells being axially offset from each other'rn 6. A double fused-member for ,screw-in type fuses comprising a body of insulation material having a removable wall, cavities withinsaid body for fuses, a circular threaded metallicsliell positioned within each of said cavities, said shell including a laterally extending lug, means on said wall retaining said shells in a fixed position within said cavities, said retaining means comprising projections depending from saidwall into said cavities, inlet strips having one of their ends projected into said cavities to make electrical contact with said fuses and having their other ends projected from one end of said body to have a source of electric current connected thereto, and outlet strips engaging the lugs of said shells and leading therefrom to be engaged by the spaced prongs of the inserted plug of an electric appliance, said body having holes extending through the sides of the main body in axial alignment with said shells to threadedly receive screwin type fuses extended into the body through said holes in the sides of the body, said outlet strips References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Number Name Date Mattia Aug. 18, 1931 Craoldock Dec. 27, 1932 Kelley Mar. 6, 1934 Fried Feb. 5, 1935 Mehrtens Feb. 17, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Germany May 15, 1931