Caddy for fuse related items including fuse prong and receptacle cleaning tools

Abstract

A portable caddy for fuse service repair which contains fuse blade and receptacle cleaning tools, a voltage continuity tester, a fuse removal tool and a separate fuse container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention provides a tool for cleaning the blade terminals on ATO and ATM fuses and a tool for cleaning the female ATO and ATM receptacles.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Plug-in type fuses are typically utilized in fuseboxes found in automobiles, motorcycles, audio equipment and other electrical circuits and come in four physical sizes, including the ATO fuse (19.1×5.1×18.5 mm) and ATM fuse (10.9×3.6×16.3 mm).[0005]Frequently, especially in an automobile or motorcycle the fuse contacts become dirty or oxidized over time. It is common to attempt to clean the fuse receptacle by spraying a liquid, e.g., WD-40 into the receptacle. Spray chemicals usually do not provide a thorough cleaning and are messy. Due to space restraints in the fusebox it is even more difficult to clean the receptacles using sandpaper or emery cloth. Those methods usually end up in small pieces of paper, which has become torn u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The built-in fuse contact cleaner and removable fuse receptacle cleaning tool shown attached to the fuse caddy allows for a more thorough cleaning of both the male blade terminals on the fuse and the female receptacle where the fuse is inserted in the fusebox. Due to the tools having a built-in rough surface which is similar to an etched surface on a fingernail file the tools can effectively remove oxidation and dirt buildup on the fuse and fuse receptacle contacts. The fuse contact cleaning tool has 2 sets of fuse female receptacles which are the same size as those found on ATM and ATO type fuses. The receptacle cleaning tool has 2 sets of male blades which are also the same size as the fuse blades found on ATM and ATO fuses; the length of the blades being slightly longer to allow easier access into various fuse panels.

[0020]The fuse caddy of the present invention is a fast and effective method for cleaning blade-type fuses and fuse receptacles. The built-in fuse tester and fuse remover is convenient for easy fuse removal and fuse element continuity checking. A hinged compartment is provided to allow for storage of spare fuses.

Problems solved by technology

Frequently, especially in an automobile or motorcycle the fuse contacts become dirty or oxidized over time.

Spray chemicals usually do not provide a thorough cleaning and are messy.

Due to space restraints in the fusebox it is even more difficult to clean the receptacles using sandpaper or emery cloth.

Those methods usually end up in small pieces of paper, which has become torn up while inserting them into the receptacle, causing even more intermittent circuit connections.

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