Ground rod connector

Abstract

An easily removable ground rod connector system for attaching grounding wires to a ground rod, which can be easily added to or removed from the ground rod even after the ground rod has been inserted into the ground and ultimately provides a safe and reliable connection and corrects several existing problems with current connectors.

Claims

1. A system for attaching grounding wires to a ground rod comprising: a) a solid ground rod having a selected diameter; b) one or more conductive rods with a selected diameter; c) one hole through the diameter of the ground rod for each conductive rod utilized, wherein the diameter of each hole is less than the diameter of the ground rod and greater than the diameter of the conductive rod; and d) wherein the conductive rods are positioned through each of the holes in the diameter of the ground rod and each conductive rod is held in place by a set screw and wherein there is one or more grounding wires attached to one or more of the conductive rods.

2. The system for attaching grounding wires to a ground rod according to claim 1 wherein the ground rod and the conductive rods are made from a composition containing at least one of copper, iron, silver, stainless steel, and aluminum.

3. The system for attaching grounding wires to a ground rod according to claim 1 wherein the set screw is a bolt which passes through a side of the ground rod to the conductive rod.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the system of the present invention with grounding wires attached to the conductive rods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(2) While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar, or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.

DEFINITIONS

(3) The terms “about” and “essentially” mean ±10 percent.

(4) The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

(5) The term “comprising” is not intended to limit inventions to only claiming the present invention with such comprising language. Any invention using the term comprising could be separated into one or more claims using “consisting” or “consisting of” claim language and is so intended.

(6) Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment”, or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

(7) The term “or”, as used herein, is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B, or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps, or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

(8) The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present invention and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. The term “means” preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein, and use of the term “means” is not intended to be limiting.

(9) As used herein, the term “ground rod” refers to a rod that is inserted into the ground in order to provide electrical connection to the ground to carry current safely away from a circuit (grounding wires) in the event of an electrical surge. A ground rod generally is solid copper, aluminum, a combination thereof, or other highly conductive material. It may be a copper dad metal rod, stainless steel, or a galvanized iron rod. The ground rod normally is at least 8 feet long and will have a diameter of at least 15.87 mm. In the present invention, a hole is placed through the diameter of the ground rod anywhere, that once installed in the ground is located above the ground. In one embodiment, the holes are positioned in the upper 25% of the rod. If more than one conductive rod is utilized, there will be one hole for each conductive rod. The holes should have a diameter larger than the conductive rods. In one embodiment, the diameter is such that the insertion of the conduction rod is a tight fit.

(10) As used herein, the term “grounding wire” refers to a wire that has an electrical connection to the earth through another grounded conductor (ground rod) and is attached to a circuit or object that needs grounding, and wherein the ground or earth is the reference point in an electrical circuit from which voltages are measured, provides a common return path for electric current, or provides a direct physical connection to the earth. Electrical circuits may be connected to the ground for several reasons. The grounding wire can be attached conductively to the conductive rods by any method for attaching wire to a metal rod. There may be one or more grounding wires attached to one or more conductive rods.

(11) As used herein, the term “conductive rod” refers to a rod (in one embodiment, a circular, cross section rod) of a highly conductive metal such as copper, silver, stainless steel, and aluminum. In one embodiment, the set screw is a bolt which passes through a side of the ground rod to the conductive rod.

(12) As used herein, the term “set screw” refers to a screw which is screwed into the side of the ground rod, e.g., through a drilled hole and presses against a conductive rod in a manner that holds the conductive rod in place.

DRAWINGS

(13) Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the system of the present invention. In this view, ground rod 1 is a conductive metal and driven into the ground 7. Conductive rods 2a and 2b (in this embodiment copper rods, but any highly conductive material can be utilized), are inserted through precision drilled holes 3a and 3b in ground rod 1, hidden behind set screws. In this view, conductive rod 2a is four inches from the top of ground rod 1 and conductive rod 2b is one inch below conductive rod 2a. They are then held in place by set screws 4a and 4b, which are inserted into ground rod 1 and pressed against the ground rods holding them in place.

(14) Grounding wires 5a and 5b are attached to each of the conductive rods with the opposite end connected to whatever needs grounding (not shown).

(15) Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make modifications resulting in other embodiments employing principles of the present invention without departing from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, modifications of structure, sequence, materials, and the like apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of the invention as claimed by the applicant.