Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – Fuse block
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-12
2001-05-15
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
Fuse block
C361S626000, C361S835000, C439S620040
Reexamination Certificate
active
06233160
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electrical fuse panels installed or incorporated in such watercraft as motor boats and sail boats. More particularly, it relates to a water/vapor proof fuse box to protect against the round the clock exposure to water, mist, and salt air causing corrosion and malfunction of the circuit block, fuses, and wires contained therein.
2. Description of the Related Art
As is well known in the marine/boating industry, it is nearly impossible to keep any part of the boat—either inside the cabin, or on deck—from being exposed to moisture and salt air. Although electrical systems can be placed in areas that would not be prone to having water directly contact it, due to the boat being surrounded by the constant crashing of waves, both at sea and in the marina, water and salt hangs in the air in a fine mist, and travels throughout the boat as unrestricted as the air that is breathed. As a result, constant repair and replacement of electrical parts are necessary, as corrosion sets in quickly, seen as a greenish or white chalky coating at the electrical surfaces. The cost of parts and labor to address this on a yearly basis can amount to thousands of dollars—especially in larger boats. Also, if the owner does not maintain the boat, or is unaware of the ongoing corrosion, he or she can become stranded at sea should the electrical system breaks down as a result.
When new boats are constructed, on the other hand, they often leave the factory with a minimum of electrical systems. Other systems—such as radar, lighting, pumps, radios, for example—are then added by the owner or dealership, requiring additional wires and fuses to be linked into the main electrical panel. For this reason, manufacturers usually provide an oversize fuse panel with easy access to accommodate the addition of these options. This excess space, ease of access, and openings through which to run the various wires needed, permits the airborne water/salt air to infiltrate the fuse panel, settling on its contents and insides. As will be appreciated, these problems also exist where the boat is manufactured with several electrical systems present as original equipment.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention, therefore, to provide a new and improved electrical fuse box which does not suffer the disadvantages of prior art designs.
It is an object of the invention, also, to provide such a fuse box which is both waterproof and vapor proof.
It is another object of the invention to provide an electrical fuse box which is particularly suited for use in the marine and boating industry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As will become clear from the following description, the new and improved marine fuse box embodying the invention creates a water/vapor tight enclosure which enables the easy addition of accessory electrical systems, and which permits easy access to its contents by the user. As will also be seen, the marine fuse box of the invention accomplishes this in a manner which significantly extends the usable life of the fuse box and the fuses and electrical systems inside, without service or the need for replacement.
Thus, and in accordance with the invention, a water/vapor proof fuse box is constructed having a plurality of apertures of slightly smaller diameter than the diameter of marine grade electrical wire, to permit the addition of electrical systems to the manufactured boat in meeting the owners particular needs. The desired seal for the added wires and for the fuse box itself will be seen to be achieved by employing compression, clamps, gaskets, and silicon beading/caulking as the situation requires.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2193201 (1940-03-01), Millermaster
patent: 5108314 (1992-04-01), Takano et al.
patent: 5670928 (1997-09-01), Cheng et al.
patent: 5973418 (1999-10-01), Ciesielka et al.
Brodsky Charles I.
Duong Hung Van
Picard Leo P.
LandOfFree
Water/vapor proof marine fuse box does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Water/vapor proof marine fuse box, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Water/vapor proof marine fuse box will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2493453