Abstract
The Gator Shield is a new product that encapsulates alligator clips and provides finger safe quick connection to distribute power. The Gator Shield secures alligator clips in an electrically insulated housing. The alligator clips are recessed into the housing at a distance to provide a finger safe product. It includes a visual power alert attached to the housing to indicate power to alligator clips. Alligator clip actuation is done through an electrically insulated button. Button color may vary depending on local electrical code and/or customer preference. Housing may or may not be marked with various markings indicating an alpha numeric code (See FIGS. 2, 3 and 5).
Claims
1: A power distribution device comprising: One or more alligator clips; Housing; Buttons; Power indicator;
Description
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1: The base in which the alligator clips are inserted
[0007] FIG. 2: The cover which encloses the alligator clips and buttons
[0008] FIG. 3: Second cover showing labelling of clips can vary
[0009] FIG. 4: Operator buttons which actuate the alligator clips safely
[0010] FIG. 5: Assembly of final product
[0011] The Gator Shield is manufactured from an electrically insulated material. Alligator clips are inserted into a cavity that is machined out of insulated material (FIG. 1). Enough material is left between the clip and edge of product to ensure the rated voltage of the product is non-conductive on the surface. In addition, enough material exists between the alligator clips to ensure, at the rated voltage, the hazard of arcing between the alligator clips remains absent. Buttons (FIG. 4) composed of non-conductive material are incorporated into the invention for the operator to actuate the alligator clips. A cover is placed over the base that confines the alligator clips and buttons. After the cover is assembled to the base the only openings in the invention are wire tunnels to the alligator clips (See FIG. 5). The tunnels are long and small enough that fmgers can not touch the uninsulated surface of the clip. Multiple covers (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) and colored button combinations are available to aid the operator in identification of each alligator clip. Each cover is made of a transparent material. The operator can observe inserting a wire into the wire tunnel and establishing a connection to the alligator clip through the cover. A power alert indicator mounted to the cover indicates to the operator that voltage is present at the alligator clips. The indicator connected directly to the clips will indicate voltage present whether the voltage is supplied from the Gator Shield or back fed from the connected circuit. The operator can recognize then when it is safe to attach or remove wires when the indicator confirms power not being present at the alligator clips.
