FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS (AMENDMENT) RULES, 2006
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10; rule 13]
“FUSE ASSEMBLY”
Siemens Ltd., of Birla Aurora, Plot No. 1080, Dr. Annie Besant Road, 400030 Worli, Mumbai, INDIA, (Nationality: Indian)
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FUSE ASSEMBLY
DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure generally relates to a fuse assembly for operating an electrical connection, and more particularly to a fuse assembly with means for protection against exposure to connection terminals of the electrical connection therein.
The protection of electrical power distribution systems has long been a critical concern, and the use of fuses has been a widely accepted method to ensure the safe and efficient operation of these systems. One type of medium voltage fuses that has been widely used for this purpose is the 3NW BS type fuses. These fuses have been used in both industrial and building applications, and are compatible with blade and offset tag fuse holders. 3NW BS type fuses have a fuse base which is fixed to house terminals, and the fuse holder is removable for mounting thereof. The BS type fuse holder provides a convenient mechanism for mounting the 3NW type fuse, with a design that incorporates safety features and ease of operation.
FIGS 1A-1C provides a traditional 3NW BS type fuse (referred by reference numeral 10) with a fuse base 12 and a fuse holder 14. As may be seen, the fuse 10 is connected at top and bottom with cables which connect to connection terminals 16, 18 in the fuse base 12 (better shown in FIG 1C). In particular, the fuse base 12 is made up of two halves (better shown in FIG 1B), which may be assembled by ultrasonic welding. Before assembly, the

connection terminals 16, 18 are seated inside the fuse base 12 for wire connection from the top and bottom (as discussed). Thereafter, the fuse holder 14 including BS type fuse is made to slide into the fuse base 12 to complete the circuit for the fuse 10.
It may be appreciated that during normal operation of the fuse 10, there is no access to the connection terminals 16, 18 of the electrical connection. But when the fuse holder 14 is removed, say, for repair or maintenance purposes of the fuse 10, the connection terminals 16, 18 inside the fuse base 12, which may still be live, are exposed (as may be seen from FIG 1C), and thus there is a risk of electric shock to the repair/maintenance technician if he/she may come in contact with either one or both of the connection terminals 16, 18. Therefore, the technician may need to disconnect the live connection terminals 16, 18 during maintenance or replacement of the fuse 10, which may interrupt operations and is an added hassle. Further due to exposed connection terminals 16, 18, clearance and creepage distances are compromised. These issues raises concerns over electric shock and compromised clearance and creepage distances, which are critical safety features of any electrical power distribution system.
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuse assembly which solves these critical safety concerns by eliminating the exposure of live terminals and also eliminating the need for live terminals disconnection during maintenance or replacement of the fuse. The present disclosure provides a fuse

assembly which provides a safer and more efficient means of protecting electrical power distribution systems.
The object of the present disclosure is achieved by a fuse assembly for operating an electrical connection comprising two connection terminals as described herein. The fuse assembly comprises a fuse base adapted to, at least partially, enclose the electrical connection along with the two connection terminals therein. The fuse assembly further comprises at least one shroud. The at least one shroud comprises a support structure mounted on the fuse base. The at least one shroud further comprises a cover portion supported by the support structure. The cover portion is configured to be disposed in a first position and a second position. When the fuse base is enclosing the electrical connection, the cover portion covers at least one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof and exposes the at least one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
In an embodiment, the fuse assembly comprises two shrouds. Herein, each of the two shrouds comprises the support structure as a rigid member comprising an aperture complementary to one of the two connection terminals and aligned with the said one of the two connection terminals when the fuse base is enclosing the electrical connection, and the cover portion comprising one or more flexible flaps arranged with respect to the aperture to cover the said one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof and to allow for a tool to push through the one or more flexible flaps to cause bending of the one or more

flexible flaps to expose the said one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
In an embodiment, the support structure is a rigid member comprising two apertures complementary to the two connection terminals and correspondingly aligned with the two connection terminals when the fuse base is enclosing the electrical connection. Further, the cover portion comprises one or more flexible flaps arranged with respect to each of the two apertures to cover corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof and to allow for a tool to push through the one or more flexible flaps to cause bending of the one or more flexible flaps to expose the corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
In an embodiment, the fuse assembly comprises two shrouds. Herein, each of the two shrouds comprises the support structure as a rigid member comprising an aperture complementary to one of the two connection terminals and aligned with the said one of the two connection terminals when the fuse base is enclosing the electrical connection, and the cover portion comprising a slider and one or more springs supporting the slider with respect to the support structure to be biased at a first slider position and to be movable to a second slider position by an acting force against biasing force of the one or more springs, and thereby disposing the cover portion at the first position and the second position thereof respectively. Further, herein, the slider

comprises a slot to allow for a tool to pass therethrough and provide the said acting force therefor.
In an embodiment, the cover portion in each of the two shrouds further comprises a cover plate arranged between the slider and the connection terminals when the fuse base is enclosing the electrical connection. The cover plate comprises an aperture complementary to the aperture in the support structure and aligned therewith. Herein, the cover plate is configured to constrain the slider and the one or more springs with respect to the support structure.
In an embodiment, the support structure comprises one or more extrusions defined therein. Further, the cover plate comprises one or more protrusions defined therein complementary to the one or more extrusions in the support structure. Herein, the one or more protrusions in the cover plate are adapted to be seated in the one or more extrusions in the support structure to mount the cover plate with respect to the support structure.
In an embodiment, the support structure is a rigid member comprising two apertures complementary to the two connection terminals and correspondingly aligned with the two connection terminals when the fuse base is enclosing the electrical connection. Further, the cover portion comprises a slider and one or more springs supporting the slider with respect to the support structure to be biased at a first slider position and to be movable to a second slider position by an acting force against biasing force of the one or more springs, and thereby

disposing the cover portion at the first position and the second position thereof respectively. Herein, the slider comprises a slot to allow for a tool to pass therethrough and provide the said acting force therefor.
In an embodiment, the support structure comprises a slit formed therein. The slit is adapted to receive a blade of the electrical connection therethrough.
In an embodiment, the fuse base comprises two or more openings, and the support structure comprises two or more cantilever extensions complementary to the two or more openings in the fuse base. Herein, the two or more cantilever extensions are configured to snap fit with the two or more openings in the fuse base to mount the support structure on the fuse base.
In an embodiment, the fuse assembly further comprises a fuse holder adapted to be removably coupled to the fuse base. The fuse holder is configured for opening and closing electrical connection between the two connection terminals when coupled to the fuse base. Further, the fuse holder provides access to the at least one shroud when removed from the fuse base.
A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings:

FIG 1A is a diagrammatic perspective view representation of a traditional fuse;
FIG 1B is a diagrammatic exploded view representation of the traditional fuse of FIG 1A;
FIG 1C is a diagrammatic disassembled view representation of the traditional fuse of FIG 1A showing fuse holder removed from fuse base thereof;
FIG 2 is a diagrammatic disassembled view representation of a fuse assembly showing fuse holder removed from fuse base thereof and shrouds covering connection terminals therein, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 3A is a diagrammatic rear perspective view representation of the shroud for the fuse assembly of FIG 2, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 3B is a diagrammatic front perspective view representation of the shroud for the fuse assembly of FIG 2, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 3C is a diagrammatic planar front view representation of the shroud for the fuse assembly of FIG 2, in

accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 3D is a diagrammatic planar side view representation of the shroud for the fuse assembly of FIG 2, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 4A is a diagrammatic view representation of the fuse assembly of FIG 2 in vertical orientation thereof, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 4B is a diagrammatic view representation of the fuse
assembly of FIG 2 in horizontal orientation thereof,
in accordance with the first embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG 5 is a diagrammatic disassembled view representation of a fuse assembly showing fuse holder removed from fuse base thereof and shrouds covering connection terminals therein, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 6A is a diagrammatic perspective view representation of the shroud for the fuse assembly of FIG 5, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG 6B is a diagrammatic exploded view representation of the shroud for the fuse assembly of FIG 5, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 7A is a diagrammatic front planar view representation of the shroud for the fuse assembly of FIG 5 depicting a cover portion at a first position thereof, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 7B is a diagrammatic rear perspective view representation of the shroud for the fuse assembly of FIG 5 depicting the cover portion at the first position thereof, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 8A is a diagrammatic view representation of the fuse assembly of FIG 5 in vertical orientation thereof, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 8B is a diagrammatic view representation of the fuse
assembly of FIG 5 in horizontal orientation thereof,
in accordance with the second embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG 9 is a diagrammatic rear perspective view representation of a support structure of the shroud for the fuse

assembly of FIG 5, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG 10 is a diagrammatic partial view representation of the
fuse assembly of FIG 5 depicting mounting of the
support structure therein, in accordance with the
second embodiment of the present disclosure.
Various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG 2, illustrated is a diagrammatic view representation of a fuse assembly 100, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Further referring to FIG 5, illustrated is a diagrammatic view representation of a fuse assembly 200, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiments, both the fuse assemblies 100, 200 are 3NW BS type fuses, which are medium voltage fuses commonly used for protection of electrical power

distribution systems. The "3NW" designation indicates the size of the fuse, and "BS" refers to the British Standard specification that the fuse conforms to. BS type fuses are designed with a high breaking capacity and are suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor applications. Such fuses are typically available in a variety of sizes, with different ampere ratings to meet the needs of different applications. The fuse assemblies 100, 200 of the present disclosure are used to protect transformers, switchgear, and other electrical equipment from overloading and short-circuits.
In particular, each of the fuse assemblies 100, 200 is implemented for operating an electrical connection including two connection terminals (not visible, as covered, in FIGS 2 and 5, but as discussed in reference to FIGS 1A-1C). As illustrated, each of the fuse assemblies 100, 200 includes a fuse base, with the fuse assembly 100 including a fuse base 102 and the fuse assembly 200 including a fuse base 202, respectively. Each of the fuse bases 102, 202 is adapted to, at least partially, enclose the electrical connection along with the two connection terminals in the respective fuse assemblies 100, 200. Further, each of the fuse assemblies 100, 200 includes a fuse holder, with the fuse assembly 100 including a fuse holder 104 and the fuse assembly 200 including a fuse holder 204, respectively. Each of the fuse holders 104, 204 is adapted to be removably coupled to the corresponding fuse base 102, 202 in the respective fuse assembly 100, 200. Further, each of the fuse holders 104, 204 is configured for opening and closing electrical connection between the two connection terminals when

coupled to the corresponding fuse base 102, 202 in the respective fuse assembly 100, 200. The details about operations of the fuse holders 104, 204 for opening and closing electrical connection between the two connection terminals is known in the art from the traditional fuse 10 (as described in reference to FIGS 1A-1C) and thus not described herein for brevity of the present disclosure.
As illustrated in FIGS 2 and 5, each of the fuse assemblies 100, 200 includes at least one shroud 110, 210 respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIG 2, the fuse assembly 100 includes two shrouds 110 complementary to the two connection terminals, i.e., one shroud 110 for each of the two connection terminals. Similarly, as shown in FIG 5, the fuse assembly 200 includes two shrouds 210 complementary to the two connection terminals, i.e., one shroud 210 for each of the two connection terminals. Herein, the shrouds 110, 210 prevent access to the connection terminals (which may be live) inside the corresponding fuse base 102, 202. This way each of the set of shrouds 110, 210 may eliminate the risk of exposure of the connection terminals in the respective fuse assembly 100, 200, and may further eliminate the need for disconnection of the connection terminals during maintenance or replacement of the respective fuse assembly 100, 200. As would be understood from FIGS 2 and 5, the fuse holders 104, 204 provide access to the corresponding shrouds 110, 210 when removed from the corresponding fuse bases 102, 202, while limiting exposure to the connection terminals, in the respective fuse assembly 100, 200.

Referring now to FIGS 3A-3D in combination, illustrated are different views of the shroud 110 for the fuse assembly 100 of FIG 2, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the shroud 110 includes a support structure 112. The support structure 112 is adapted to be mounted on the fuse base 102 of the fuse assembly 100, as discussed later in the description in reference to FIGS 9 and 10. Thereby, the support structure 112 allows the shroud 110 to be mounted in the fuse assembly 100. The shroud 110 further includes a cover portion 114. Herein, the cover portion 114 is supported by the support structure 112, and in turn is mounted in the fuse assembly 100 as part of the shroud 110.
In the said first embodiment, the support structure 112 is a rigid member including an aperture 116 which is complementary to one of the two connection terminals. The aperture 116 of the support structure 112 is correspondingly aligned with the said one of the two connection terminals when the fuse base 102 is enclosing the electrical connection, in the fuse assembly 100. Further, the cover portion 114 includes one or more flexible flaps 118. Herein, the flexible flaps 118 are arranged with respect to the aperture 116. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover portion 114 includes four flexible flaps 118 which may be arranged across circumference of the aperture 116. The flexible flaps 118 close the aperture 116 in a first position thereof, such that the cover portion 114 covers the corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof. Also, the flexible flaps 118 may be pushed to cause bending thereof, and to dispose the cover portion 116 in a

second position thereof (not depicted), such that the cover portion 114 exposes the corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
In an example embodiment, the flexible flaps 118 may be made of rubber material or the like, without any limitations. In an example, an overall thickness of the support structure 112 may be about 1.8 mm, while a thickness of the flexible flaps 118 of the cover portion 114 may be about 0.8 mm. Such design allows for the flexible flaps 118 to bend with respect to rigid profile of the support structure 112.
Now, as may be appreciated, since the aperture 116 of the support structure 112 is correspondingly aligned with one of the two connection terminals; thereby, the flexible flaps 118, as arranged with respect to the aperture 116, cover corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof (as may be seen from FIG 2). Further, as may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the cover portion 114 may allow for a tool (such as a screwdriver or the like) to push through the flexible flaps 118, to cause bending of the flexible flaps 118, and thereby expose the corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
Referring to FIG 4A, illustrated is a diagrammatic view representation of the fuse assembly 100 in vertical orientation thereof, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, referring to FIG 4B, illustrated is a diagrammatic view representation of the fuse assembly 100 in

horizontal orientation thereof, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure. It may be understood that the first position (closed) and the second position (opened) of the shroud 110 may be achieved without using gravity or the like, and this allows the fuse assembly 100 to be arranged in either its vertical orientation or horizontal orientation as per the requirement, such as based on the arrangement of the electrical connection, with any limitations. In an example, as shown in FIGS 3A-3C, the support structure 112 includes a slit 120 formed therein. As shown in FIG 4A, the slit 120 is adapted to receive a blade 106 of the electrical connection therethrough; or in other words, to provide space to allow for the blade 106 to pass through in the fuse assembly 100. With this design, the fuse holder 104 is designed for offset contact with the blade 106 for the fuse assembly 100, such as the fuse assembly 100 with up to 32A or more rating.
In another example of the first embodiment, a single shroud (such as the shroud 110) may be implemented in the fuse assembly 100 to cover both the two connection terminals, and have the corresponding support structure with two apertures complementary to the two connection terminals and correspondingly aligned with the two connection terminals when the fuse base is enclosing the electrical connection. Such arrangement may be contemplated by a person skilled in the art, and is thus not illustrated and described herein for brevity of the present disclosure.
Referring now to FIGS 6A-6B in combination, illustrated are different views of the shroud 210 for the fuse assembly 200 of

FIG 5, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the shroud 210 includes a support structure 212. The support structure 212 is adapted to be mounted on the fuse base 202 of the fuse assembly 200, as discussed later in the description in reference to FIGS 9 and 10. Thereby, the support structure 212 allows the shroud 210 to be mounted in the fuse assembly 200. The shroud 210 further includes a cover portion 214. Herein, the cover portion 214 is supported by the support structure 212, and in turn is mounted in the fuse assembly 200 as part of the shroud 210.
In the said second embodiment, the support structure 212 is a rigid member including an aperture 216 which is complementary to one of the two connection terminals. The aperture 216 of the support structure 212 is correspondingly aligned with the said one of the two connection terminals when the fuse base 202 is enclosing the electrical connection, in the fuse assembly 200. Further, the cover portion 214 includes a slider 218 and one or more springs 220 supporting the slider 218 with respect to the support structure 212. Herein, the slider 218 is arranged with respect to the support structure 212 to be biased at a first slider position and to be movable to a second slider position by an acting force against biasing force of the springs 220. Furthermore, as shown, the slider 218 includes a slot 222 to allow for a tool (such as a screwdriver or the like) to pass therethrough and provide the said acting force therefor (as discussed later in more detail).

In an example, the cover portion 214 in the shroud 210 further includes a cover plate 224. The cover plate 224 is arranged between the slider 218 and the connection terminals when the fuse base 202 is enclosing the electrical connection. As shown, the cover plate 224 includes an aperture 226 complementary to the aperture 216 in the support structure 212 and aligned therewith. Further, the support structure 212 includes one or more extrusions 228 (as better shown in FIG 7B) defined therein. Also, the cover plate 224 includes one or more protrusions 230 (as better shown in FIG 6B) defined therein. Herein, the one or more protrusions 230 in the cover plate 224 are complementary to the one or more extrusions 228 in the support structure 212. The one or more protrusions 230 in the cover plate 224 are adapted to be seated in the one or more extrusions 228 in the support structure 212 to mount the cover plate 224 with respect to the support structure 212. Also, with the springs 220 supported on the cover plate 224, the cover plate 224 is configured to constrain the slider 218 and the springs 220 with respect to the support structure 212.
As discussed, the springs 220 support the slider 218 with respect to the support structure 212 to be biased at the first slider position (as shown) and to be movable to the second slider position (not depicted) by the acting force against biasing force of the springs 220. The tool may pass first through the aperture 216 of the support structure 212, then via the slot 222 of the slider 218, and then through the aperture 226 of the cover plate 224, and as thickness/diameter of the tool may increase while passing therethrough, that may cause

lifting force on the slider 218 against the biasing force of the springs 220. Further, as the tool is removed, the springs 220 brings the slider 218 back from the second slider position to the first slider position. Thereby, the springs 220 help to dispose the cover portion 214 at a first position (as shown), such that the cover portion 214 covers the corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof, and a second position (with the slider 218 lifted, not depicted) thereof, such that the cover portion 214 exposes the corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
Now, as may be appreciated, since the aperture 216 of the support structure 212 as well as the aperture 226 of the cover plate 224 are correspondingly aligned with one of the two connection terminals; thereby, the slider 218 of the cover portion 214, as arranged with respect to the aperture 216, cover corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof (as may be seen from FIG 5). Further, as may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the cover portion 214 may allow for a tool (such as a screwdriver or the like) to push through, via the slot 222 of the slider 218, to cause lifting of the slider 218, and thereby expose the corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
Referring to FIG 8A, illustrated is a diagrammatic view representation of the fuse assembly 200 in vertical orientation thereof, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present

disclosure. Further, referring to FIG 8B, illustrated is a diagrammatic view representation of the fuse assembly 200 in horizontal orientation thereof, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure. It may be understood that the first position (closed) and the second position (opened) of the shroud 210 may be achieved without using gravity or the like, and this allows the fuse assembly 200 to be arranged in either its vertical orientation or horizontal orientation as per the requirement, such as based on the arrangement of the electrical connection, with any limitations. In an example, as better shown in FIG 6B, the support structure 212 includes a slit 240 and the cover plate 224 includes a slit 242 formed therein. As shown in FIG 8A, the slit 240 (along with the slit 242, not shown in FIG 8A) is adapted to receive a blade 206 of the electrical connection therethrough; or in other words, to provide space to allow for the blade 206 to pass through in the fuse assembly 200. With this design, the fuse holder 204 is designed for offset contact with the blade 206 for the fuse assembly 200, such as the fuse assembly 200 with up to 32A or more rating.
In another example of the second embodiment, a single shroud (such as the shroud 210) may be implemented in the fuse assembly 200 to cover both the two connection terminals, and have the corresponding support structure with two apertures complementary to the two connection terminals and correspondingly aligned with the two connection terminals when the fuse base is enclosing the electrical connection. Such arrangement may be contemplated by a

person skilled in the art, and is thus not illustrated and described herein for brevity of the present disclosure.
Now referring to FIG 9, as shown, the support structure 212 includes two or more cantilever extensions 250. Further referring to FIG 10, as shown, the fuse base 202 includes two or more openings 208. Herein, the two or more cantilever extensions 250 of the support structure 212 are complementary to the two or more openings 208 in the fuse base 202. Further, the two or more cantilever extensions 250 are configured to snap fit with the two or more openings 208 in the fuse base 202 to mount the support structure 212 on the fuse base 202, in the fuse assembly 200. Thereby, the shroud 210 is mounted in the fuse assembly 200. Such snap fit arrangement makes the shroud 210 to retro-fit in the fuse assembly 200, without any modifications required in any part of fuse base 202 thereof. It may be appreciated that the described snap fit arrangement is one possible example for a coupling arrangement for mounting the support structure 212 on the fuse base 202; and in another example, some other suitable coupling arrangement may be utilized without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure. Also, it may be understood that although the given example of FIGS 9 and 10 provides arrangement for mounting of the shroud 210 in the fuse assembly 200, the same teachings may be applied for mounting of the shroud 110 in the fuse assembly 100 without any limitations, and thus not described herein.
The fuse assembly 100, 200 of the present disclosure provides protection against direct exposure to live connection terminals

therein by using the shroud 110, 210. The use of the shroud 110, 210 in the fuse assembly 100, 200 also helps to improve clearance and creepage distance compared to traditional fuse designs, which improves its safety and performance. The design of the shroud 110, 210 allows it to be mounted within small available space in the fuse base 102, 202. Further, the retro¬fit design of the shroud 110, 210 allows it to be used with existing (already installed) fuse assemblies with ease. The shroud 110, 210 of the present disclosure are generally simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture, and thus may provide above described benefits in a cost-effective manner.
While the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments. In view of the present disclosure, many modifications and variations would be present themselves, to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, as described herein. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, modifications, and variations coming within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be considered within their scope.

Reference Numerals
traditional fuse 10
fuse base 12
fuse holder 14
connection terminal 16
connection terminal 18
fuse assembly 100
fuse base 102
fuse holder 104
blade 106
shroud 110
support structure 112
cover portion 114
aperture 116
flexible flaps 118
slit 120
fuse assembly 200
fuse base 202
fuse holder 204
shroud 210
support structure 212
cover portion 214
aperture 216
slider 218
springs 220
slot 222
cover plate 224
aperture 226
extrusions 228
protrusions 230

slit 240
slit 242
cantilever extensions 250

PATENT CLAIMS
1. A fuse assembly (100, 200) for operating an electrical
connection comprising two connection terminals, the fuse
assembly (100, 200) comprising:
a fuse base (102, 202) adapted to, at least partially, enclose the electrical connection along with the two connection terminals therein; and
at least one shroud (110, 210) comprising:
a support structure (112, 212) mounted on the fuse base; and
a cover portion (114, 214) supported by the support structure (112, 212), the cover portion (114, 214) configured to be disposed in a first position and a second position, wherein when the fuse base (102, 202) is enclosing the electrical connection, the cover portion (114, 214) covers at least one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof and exposes the at least one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
2. The fuse assembly (100) according to claim 1 comprising two
shrouds (210), wherein each of the two shrouds (210) comprises:
the support structure (112) as a rigid member comprising an aperture (116) complementary to one of the two connection terminals and aligned with the said one of the two connection terminals when the fuse base (102) is enclosing the electrical connection, and

the cover portion (114) comprising one or more flexible flaps (118) arranged with respect to the aperture (116) to cover the said one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof and to allow for a tool to push through the one or more flexible flaps (118) to cause bending of the one or more flexible flaps (118) to expose the said one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
3. The fuse assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (112) is a rigid member comprising two apertures (116) complementary to the two connection terminals and correspondingly aligned with the two connection terminals when the fuse base (102) is enclosing the electrical connection, and wherein the cover portion (114) comprises one or more flexible flaps (118) arranged with respect to each of the two apertures (116) to cover corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the first position thereof and to allow for a tool to push through the one or more flexible flaps (118) to cause bending of the one or more flexible flaps (118) to expose the corresponding one of the two connection terminals in the second position thereof.
4. The fuse assembly (200) according to claim 1 comprising two shrouds (210), wherein each of the two shrouds (210) comprises:
the support structure (212) as a rigid member comprising an aperture (216) complementary to one of the two connection terminals and aligned with the said one of the two connection terminals when the fuse base (202) is enclosing the electrical connection, and

the cover portion (214) comprising a slider (218) and one or more springs (220) supporting the slider (218) with respect to the support structure (212) to be biased at a first slider position and to be movable to a second slider position by an acting force against biasing force of the one or more springs (220), and thereby disposing the cover portion (214) at the first position and the second position thereof respectively, and
wherein the slider (218) comprises a slot (222) to allow for a tool to pass therethrough and provide the said acting force therefor.
5. The fuse assembly (200) according to claim 4, wherein the cover portion (214) in each of the two shrouds (210) further comprises a cover plate (224) arranged between the slider (218) and the connection terminals when the fuse base (202) is enclosing the electrical connection, and wherein the cover plate (224) comprises an aperture (216) complementary to the aperture (216) in the support structure (212) and aligned therewith, and wherein the cover plate (224) is configured to constrain the slider (218) and the one or more springs (220) with respect to the support structure (212).
6. The fuse assembly (200) according to claim 5, wherein the support structure (212) comprises one or more extrusions (228) defined therein, and the cover plate (224) comprises one or more protrusions (230) defined therein complementary to the one or more extrusions (228) in the support structure (212), and wherein the one or more protrusions (230) in the cover plate (224) are adapted to be seated in the one or more extrusions

(228) in the support structure (212) to mount the cover plate (224) with respect to the support structure (212).
7. The fuse assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (212) is a rigid member comprising two apertures (216) complementary to the two connection terminals and correspondingly aligned with the two connection terminals when the fuse base (202) is enclosing the electrical connection, and wherein the cover portion (214) comprises a slider (218) and one or more springs (220) supporting the slider (218) with respect to the support structure (212) to be biased at a first slider position and to be movable to a second slider position by an acting force against biasing force of the one or more springs (220), and thereby disposing the cover portion (214) at the first position and the second position thereof respectively, and wherein the slider (218) comprises a slot (222) to allow for a tool to pass therethrough and provide the said acting force therefor.
8. The fuse assembly (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (112, 212) comprises a slit (120, 240) formed therein, the slit (120, 240) adapted to receive a blade (106, 206) of the electrical connection therethrough.
9. The fuse assembly (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the fuse base (102, 202) comprises two or more openings (208), and the support structure (112, 212) comprises two or more cantilever extensions (250) complementary to the two or more openings (208) in the fuse base (102, 202), and wherein the two

or more cantilever extensions (250) are configured to snap fit
with the two or more openings (208) in the fuse base (102, 202)
to mount the support structure (112, 212) on the fuse base (102,
202).
10. The fuse assembly (100, 200) according to claim 1 further comprising a fuse holder (104, 204) adapted to be removably coupled to the fuse base (102, 202), wherein the fuse holder (104, 204) is configured for opening and closing electrical connection between the two connection terminals when coupled to the fuse base (102, 202), and wherein the fuse holder (104, 204) provides access to the at least one shroud when removed from the fuse base (102, 202).