Apparatus for sizing fuses

Abstract

An apparatus for identifying fuses from a group of fuses each having a distinct physical outline. The apparatus includes a body. A plurality of recesses are defined in the body. Each of the recesses is sized and shaped to correspond to the physical outline of a respective one of the fuses.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SIZING FUSESBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 561 ,997 which was filed on March 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein as if fully set forth.

[0002] Blade type and cylindrical fuses are common in many modern vehicles due to their reduced size or compact profile and the push-pull style of inserting and removing them. One problem associated with their compact size is the fact that many of these fuses have sizes and shapes that are very nearly identical and this raises the likelihood of confusing them and selecting the wrong fuse.

[0003] There are some visual charts for identifying fuses by shape, but these rely on visual inspection by the individual making the identification. There are some charts for identifying fuses that provide shapes and measurements, but these rely on the individual accurately measuring what can be small differencesSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present apparatus provides a plurality of recessed fuse templates that are specific to the body dimensions and connector locations of the various fuses. By inserting the fuse in need of replacement into the templates a user can determine the correct fuse size.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a fuse sizer with multiple fuse templates;

[0006] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 ;

[0007] Figure 3 is a front elevation of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 ;

[0008] Figure 4 is a rear elevation of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 ;

[0009] Figure 5 is a right-side view of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 ;

[0010] Figure 6 is a left-side view of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 ;

[0011] Figure 7 is a top plan view of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 ;

[0012] Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 ;

[0013] Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 with a first mount;

[0014] Figure 10 is a side view of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 with a first mount in Figure 9;

[0015] Figure 11 is a bottom plan view of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 with an alternative mount; and

[0016] Figure 12 is a side view of the fuse sizer in Figure 1 with an alternative mount in Figure 11.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The disclosed fuse sizer will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings wherein the same or similar elements are identified by the same numeral.

[0018] The fuse sizer 10 illustrated in Figure 1 has a body 12 with a depth 14 and a front surface area 16. The surface area 16 has a plurality of recesses 18A to 18X defined therein. While the recesses 18A to 18X are shown defined in the front surface area 16, it is possible that the recesses may be defined in other surface of the body 12. Each of the recesses 18A to 18X is sized and shaped to represent the physical outline of an individual blade type or cylinder type fuse. The plurality of recesses 18A to 18X may be identified with an identifier 20A to 20X which corresponds to the capacity, fuse type and / or part number of the fuse having the corresponding outline. Each recess 18A to 18X has a depth which may or may not be equivalent to the depth of the corresponding fuse. The depth should be sufficient such that the user can quickly ascertain whether or not all of the physical outline of a fuse being identified is received within recess 18A to 18X. The recesses 18A to 18X are preferably sized such that the physical outline of two distinct fuse types cannot be received in the same recess.

[0019] As illustrated in Figure 3, the plurality of recesses 18A to 18X can represent multiple sizes, types, or styles of blade fuses and cylinder fuses in different ones of the recesses 18A to 18X and the selection of a correct part may be further guided by the capacity, fuse type or part number as indicated by the corresponding indicator 20A to 20X.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1-4, the fuse sizer 10 has a configuration resembling a blade type fuse with dependent blades 26 depending from the body 12. The blades 26 may be used to mount the body 12 for easy access by a user. The rear surface 22 of the fuse sizer 10 may alternatively have a slot 24 or the like for receiving an alternative mount, see Figures 9-12, for mounting the fuse sizer 10 on a display or other structure. While the blades 26 may providing a mounting function, the specific configuration of the body 12 and the blades 26 are for aesthetic purposes.

[0021] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown a screw type mounting arm 30 which has a first end 32 for insertion in the slot 24 and a second end 34 for securingthe fuse sizer 10 to a structure. The second end 34 had has a curled configuration with a dependent portion 36 that defines a gap 38. The gap 38 permits the insertion of a panel from a structure between the second end 34 and the dependent portion 36. The gap 38 is closed or tightened by rotating the nut 40 on the screw until the fuse sizer 10 is fixed in place.

[0022] With reference to Figures 11 and 12, there is shown a slotted type mounting arm 50 which has a first end 52 for insertion in the slot 24 and slots 54 and 56 at a free end for securing the fuse sizer 10 to a structure. The slots 54 and 56 are configured to receive a panel from a structure and grip the panel from the dependent angle of the fuse sizer. Alternatively, the panel and the slots 54 and 56 may be configured to complement each other and the mount is moved along the panel until the fuse sizer 10 is in the desired location.*************************************

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for identifying fuses from a group of fuses each having a distinct physical outline, the apparatus comprising: a body; and, a plurality of recesses defined in the body, each of the recesses is sized and shaped to correspond to the physical outline of a respective one of the fuses.

2. The apparatus of claiml , wherein selected recesses among the plurality of recesses t are sized and shaped to represent different blade type fuses.

3. The apparatus of claiml , wherein selected recesses among the plurality of recesses are sized and shaped to represent different cylinder type fuses.

4. The apparatus of claiml , wherein selected recesses among the plurality of recesses are sized and shaped to represent different blade type fuses and selected recesses among the plurality of recesses are sized and shaped to represent different cylinder type fuses.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body has a front surface area and depth generally perpendicular to the front surface area, and wherein, each of the recesses is defined within the front surface area.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the size and shape of each of the recesses is such that each recess will only receive the physical outline of one of the fuses of the group of fuses.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body has dependent elements depending therefrom.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the dependent elements are configured for mounting the body on a structure.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the dependent elements has a blade configuration.

10. The apparatus of claiml , wherein the body had a predetermined location for receiving a mounting component.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the predetermined location for receiving the mounting component is a slot.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the mounting component has an engagement portion configured to fit within the slot.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein an end of the mounting component opposite the engagement portion includes a mounting slot.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein an opening into the mounting slot is adjustable.

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