US1306343A - Hubert f - Google Patents

Description

Patented June 10, 1919.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I H. F. KRANTZ.

SAFETY SHUTTER PANEL.

APPLxcAIoN FILED ma. 22. wle.

UNITED STATES,`

PATENT OFFICE. i

HUBERT F. KRANTZ, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO ICRANTZ MANUFACTUR- ING- COMPANY, INC., 0F BROOKLYN; NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

SAFETY-SHUTTER PANEL.

Application led March 22, 1916.

To all whom it may concern l it known that I, HUBERT F. KnAN'rz, a cltizen of the United States, and residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and Statey of New York, have invented a new and Improved Safety-Shutter Panel', of Which the following specification is a full disclosure.

This invention relates to switch mechanisms of the inclosed type and it proposesan arrangement whereby the make and break elements may be readily inspected or replaced without exposing any current carrying elements to danger of coming in Contact with the hands.

One object of this invention is to formulate a simple and compact panel box in which a multiplicity of branch-line circuits may derive current from main bus-bars and in which the various switch elements may be shifted to be ilnmcdiately accessible and at the same time making it impossible for the user to put his hand on alive conductor either through carelessness or even deliberate intention.

Another object is to so arrange the various branch-line switches with relation to the main bus-bar that not only will the utmost economy be had in material, but also the highest. degree of safety will be insured in manipulating the same.

Another object is to provide a panel board in which the main bus-bars are normally inclosed against Contact and in which the branch-line terminals are so located as to be inaccessible to the ordinary user, even if the switch element be removed.

Another object is toprovide a panel-board in whichthc switehelements will be mounted on a cover displaceable as'by beinghinged' so as readily to be accessible for purposes of inspection and repair and at the same time to prevent? the hand cominginto Contact with a live-terminal.

A still further object is to provide a housing for all those parts that permanently carry a current and to provide the same with an automatically closing port through which normally a contact maybe established with switches and other branch-line elements; andr yet which will` automatically shut whenever the latterelements are inspected and liable to be touched Other objects will be in part obvious from the annexed drawings and in part indicated Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 1o, 1919.

Serial No. 85,852.

in connection therewith by the followingr analysis of this invention.

This invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinati-on of partsand in the unique relations of the membersy and in the relative proportionin and disposition thereof; all as more comp etely outlined herein.

To enable others skilled in the art so fully to comprehend the underlying features thereof that they may embody the same by the numerous modifications in structure and relation contemplated by this invention, drawings depicting a preferred form have been annexed as a` part of this disclosure. and in such drawings, like characters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout all the views, of which:

Figure 1 is a transverse section showing in elevation one switch mechanism closed and the other open and illustrating the manner in which the live conductors are protected or sheltered from the hands whenever the parts are open for the purpose of inspection or replacement. Fig. is a plan showing certain details. Fig. 3 is a view of a shutter detached.

Continuing now by way of a more detailed description of this embodin'ient` A indicates a housing formed of the base-board l, the side walls 2 and 3, and the end walls 4 and 5. This housing may be in the nature of a unitary box and it provides several compartments, for example, the compartment B for the main-linebus-bars, the compartment C for a main-line terminal which remains live; and the compartment D for the branch-line terminal and switclrmechanism and also for the fuse-holder, if desired. The capacity may be increased economically by arranging compartments C1 and I)1 in duplicate relation with the compartment B. Extending longitudinally through the compartment B are the main-line bus-bars X, Y and Z from each of which various crossbars rr, y and a extend. These cross-bars preferably rise on the bus-bar side of a portion E and extend over the top thereof to provide a Contact portion w1. Overlying the main bus-hars is a cover plate F which is normally xed in place so that it can easily be removed and so that access to the dangerous bus-bars is at all times precluded. and likewise a lip or ledge G is arranged in elevated relation with the base l so as to cover the contact portion .1", and extending sulliriently beyond the extremity thereof to pre\ ent the fingers from easily getting into contact therewith. An overhanging portion g also adds to the difliculty ol' reaching the contact portion wl.

The adjoining compartment l) is nornially closed by a cover-plate II which is displaceable readily as by being hinged at h, and this cover-plate may in turn be locked in its closed position by means of a latch element I, which may conveniently be shiftably mounted directly on the cover-plate as by means of a pivot, and which may be turned by a handle J, also useful for swinging open the cover H. The latch I is shown provided with an extension t' which will, by impact against a shoulder, thus prevent the cover from being fully closed if the switch should be in its closed circuit position, as will be shortly explained.

A device for holding the door in its open position so that both hands may be used in repairing the switch` or replacing a fuse, is preferably also provided, and this may consist of a lip 7 haring a recess 8 in its edge which is adapted to interlock with the tongue il of a latch 1U provided on the side plate of the compartment D and actuated by a knob l1 operable either from the inside of the compartment I) or externally thereof, as may be desired. Upon merely swinging open the door H the tongue 9 will interlock with the notch 8 and it will be teniporarily retained in its open position, but a pressure on the knob 11 will disconnect the latch and permit the door to be closed.

Located in compartments D, D1, etc., are suitable fuse-holders M consisting of clips 12 and 13 suitably formed to Contact with the fuse terminals. Clip 13 provides a terminal 11 adapted to receive the branch-line wire, and clip 1:2 provides a contact terminal 15 which is complementary to the terminal irl from the main circuit. The terminal 15 is preferably arranged in the space D near the base 1 so that dia onally above it in oiliset relation lies the lgive terminal m1 which is covered and concealed by the cap plate (l and the lip g. A number of similar compartments are arranged in series on each side of the main compartment B and by opening the doors they become accessible to permit inspection of the fuse-holders and the various contacts. In order that the switch mechanism itself may also be inspected and further to facilitate this operation` the switch device is preferably mounted as a unit on the cover H and has its operating handle 40 extending through said cover so as to be operable from the outside.

A switch unit constructed in accordance with the description of my co-pendingr case No. 49.956 will be quite suitable and it, theref orc, need not be further described here, ex

cept to point out that the switch blade it is of laminated construction haring bevi-.lcd ends and swinging about the axis 25 so that it may make contact between the terminals 15 and all.

A handle I is rotatably mounted adjacent the free or upperly swingino1 end of the door and in this embodiment it is preferably arranged so as to be bodily movable in the door itself, thereby enabling it Alo be used not only for unlocking the door but also for bodily displacing the door during its nonshifting space, although it may, of course, be arranged so as to perform the former functions alone by providing the door with a separate handle to be used 'for shifting it after being unlocked by working the other handle. Her-e, the handle I turns about a pivoted shaft a to which is aliixed a rotatable plate l) on the inner side of the door. lx tending from this plate l) is a locking latch c which is adapted to catch underneath the lip (l, secured to a stationary part of the box so as to lock the door and prei'enl it from being opened when the handle is in the appropriate position shown by Fig. 1. The construction is also such that the door cannot be closed when the handle is in said position and this is accomplished by means of a second projection c which is arranged so that it will impact the upper surface of the lip d, secured to a stationary part of the box so as to lock the door and prevent it from being opened when the handle in the appropriate position shown by Fig. 1. The construction is also such that the door cannot be closed when the handle is in said posit-ion and this is accomplished by means of a second projection c which is arranged so that it will impact the upper surface of the lio Z should an attempt be made to close the door when the handle is in the wron position.

This invention furthermore proposes a connection between said handle and the switch mechanism, such that the door can neither be opened nor closed save when the switch is in its open circuit position; and furthermore such `that an operation of the handle into its door-opening position will result in throwing the switch blade into its open circuit position. An interponent K in the nature of a switch-drawing element intervenes between the tongue L, extending from the switch and the plate b and as the arrangement is such that when the handle is in a position permitting the door to be opened then the part L must of necessity be in its open circuit position and conversely when such part L is in its close circuit position, the interponent will compel the handle to assume the door locking position, thereby preventing it from being opened or from being closed as the case may be. This effect is conveniently attained by :escasas pivoting the interponent K to the part b by means of the pivot f and by causing its other end to be suitably guided in proper relation with the plate L.

This invention in addition to rende-ring safe the various branch-line contacts eX- posed when the cover is lifted, also provides the shutter which takes a position obstructing entry to the compartment C` whenever the cover is displaced. Thnsa shutter VN is pivoted at a point k so located that the shutter N can swing into a position such that it will coperate with the lip gand elfectively close the compartment c sufficiently to prevent the hand or fingers from getting into proximity with the live-conductor from the main line. VVhen the door is closed, however, this shutter moves down out of the Way and the switch blade 16 then eX- tends from the opening and is adapted to swing up and down therein so as to make and break connection upon actuating the handle 40. This is readily accomplished by providing the door with a wing having a pin m adapted to ride in a slot fn. so that when the door is raised up the pin will lii't the shutter into its obstructing position and thus render the apparatus absolutely safe from all standpoints. i

Without furtherV analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of this invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting certain features that, from the standpoint of the prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention, land therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalency of the following claims.-`

Having thus revealed this invention, I claim as new and desire to secure the following combinations of elements, or equivalents thereof, by Letters Patent of the United States 1. A switch-mechanism combining a conductor; a cover hinged in close proximity with said conductor; a stationary cover protecting said conductor; and a shutter connectedV with said irst mentioned cover and adaptedto swing into position closing access to said conductor.

2. A switch-mechanism combining `a housing provided with a switch-compartment and a communicating conductor receiving compartment; a conductor arranged in said conductor receiving compartment;` a displaceable switcl1-support; a switch carried by said switch support and locatedin the switch compartment, saidV switch having a part normally extending into functioning relation with the conductor in the conductor receiving compartment; and a member arranged to obstruct communication between said compartments when the switch support has been displaced.

3. A switch-mechanism combining a switch-device; a fuseholder; a conductor; a housing providing a compartment for said fuse holder and another compartment for said conductor;` and means connected with the switch device for closing access to the compartment containing said conductor.

4. A switch-mechanism combining a baseboard; a fuse-holder mounted on said base board; a main-line terminal elevated above said base board in off-set relation with said fuse-holder; a switch-blade pivoted diagonally between said terminal and fuse holder to malte and break connection therebetween; a displaceable support for said switch-blade adapted to permit inspection thereof; and a member adapted to be interposed between said terminal and fuse holder by displacement of said support.

5. A switch mechanism combining a housing; a cover pivoted thereto; a separately mounted shutter connected with said cover to take position in said housing; a terminal on one side of said shutter and a second terminal on the other side thereof; and switch mechanism for electrically connecting said terminals.

6. A switch mechanism combining a main conductor, devices adapted to be connected with said conductor to derive current therefrom, guard means for guardinw said devices when said devices are carrying current, and said guard means being adapted to be displaced to afford access to said devices, a movable guard member, and means whereby to move said movable guard member into position guarding said conductor 'whenever said first guard means is displaced.

7. A switch mechanism combining a conductor part requiring to be guarded, conductive parts adapted to be electrically connected with said conductor, a housing obstructing access to all of said parts and having a portion displaceable to aiford access to said conductive parts, a movable guard member within the housing for guarding said conductor, and means to move. said movable guard member into position guar( ing said conductor whenever said displaceable portion of the housing is displaced.

8. The combination with a panel box or the like having a guard member movable into and out of guarding position, of a movable shutter arranged within the box for shielding a certain elementwithin the box when the guard member is in non-guarding position, and a part carried by the guard member for operating the shutter.

9. A switch mechanism combining a li ve conductor, a guard member movable into and out of position guarding said conductor, and an auxiliary guard member connected with the irst guard member to be moved into position guarding said conductor by movement of the first guard member.

10. A panel box or the like having a door controlled opening, the door being movable into open and closed positions, a contact within the box requiring to be guarded, said contact `being disposed adjacent said opening, a fixed barrier interposed between said contact and the opening for partially guarding said contact when the door is open, said barrier being of a. character to provide a locality concealed from view through said opening in which said contact is arranged, and a shutter operatively connected with the door to move into proximity with said barrier when the door is open so as to more eiiectually close access to said contact.

11. A circuit breaker comprising a case having a door, stationary contacts in the case. contacts on the door electrically connected to one another and adapted to engage the stationary contacts when the door is closed, and a shield in the case separate from the door operative by opening of the door to position between the stationary contacts.

12. A circuit breaker comprising a case having a movable section and a stationary portion, means including a stationary contact in the case and a contact on the movable section to close an electric circuit when the movable section is in closed position, and means operative by opening movement of the movable section to position between the stationary and movable contacts to obstruct access to the stationary contact.

13. A circuit breaker comprising a case having its front in sections, one of said sections being stationary and the other being hinged thereto so as to form a door, contacts mounted on the door and connected together, other stationary contacts in the case, one of said stationary contacts being at one side of the plane of the door hinge, and a shield pivoted in the case at the relatively opposite side of the plane of the door hinge and operative by opening the door to close of the space at said first side of the plane of the door hinge from the space at the relatively opposite side of the plane of the pivot of the shield.

1-1. A circuit breaker comprising a case having a door, contacts stationary within the case and spaced apart, other contacts movable within the case electrically connected together and adapted to engage the stationary contacts while the door is closed, and a shield in the case separate from the door operative by opening of the door to position between the stationary contacts.

15. A circuit breaker comprising a case having a movable section and a stationary portion.` means including a stationary contact in the case and a second contact movable within the case for closing an electric circuit while the movable section is in closed position, and means operative by opening movement of the movable section to osition between the stationary and Inova le contacts to obstruct access to the stationary contact.

16. A switch mechanism combining a box, a live conductor wit-hin the box, a second conductor also within the box spaced from the live conductor, means operable to electrically connect said two conductors, the box having an opening thereinto and having a cover member for said opening displaceable to give access to the interior of the box, parts also within the box arranged to provide an opening within the box communieating between the portion of the box containing the live conductor and the portion containing the second conductor, a closure member for said second opening, and means whereby to insure closure of said second closure member when said first closure memyber is displaced and whereby to insure clo` sure of said rst closure member whenever said second closure member is displaced.

17. A switch mechanism combining a housing providing a switch compartment and a communicating conductor receiving compartment, a conductor arranged in said conductor receiving compartment, a second conductor arranged in said switch compartment, a displaceable switch support, a switch carried by said switch support displaceable therewith adapted normally to extend into both said compartments for controlling a. circuit between said conductors, and a member arranged to obstruct communication between said compartments when said switch support is displaced.

18. A switch mechanism combining a conductor, a stationary cover part therefor, a movable cover part therefor, and a separately mounted guard member connected with the movable cover to be moved thereby into position closing access to the conductor.

19. A switch mechanism combining a casing, a pair of conductor members spaced apart within the casing, a switch device also within the casing operable to control electrical connection between said conductor members, said casing including a closure member displaceable to give access to the interior of the casing, a shield pivotally mounted within the casing having its pivotal axis disposed intermediate said two conductor members, and connections for operating the shield by the closure member into position for closing oii the space at one side of the plane of the pivot of the shield containing one of said stationary contacts from the space at the opposite side of the plane of the pivot of the shield containing the other stationary contact.

20. A panel box or the like having a doorcontrolled opening, the door being movable into open and closed position, a Contact within the box requiring to be guarded, a fixed barrier interposed between said Contact and In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe the opening for partially guarding Saud conmy name, as attested by the two subscribing 10 tact when the door is open, and u shutter opwltnesses.

eratively connected with the door to move HUBERT F KRANTZ into proximity with said barrier when the i i door is open so as to copemte with the bar- Vitnesses:

rier to provide the full required guard for J. A. NEWTON,

seid Contact. S. L. VVHITLOCK.

Copies ot this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Gommissiener of Patents, Washington, D. C.

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