Multiple source grounding facilitation system

A multiple source grounding facilitation system coordinates and facilitates electrical grounding of multiple sources. The system includes a frame and a primary grounding cable having a first end electrically coupled to the frame. A second end of the primary grounding cable is free for being grounded to earth. Each of a plurality of secondary grounding cables has a primary end electrically coupled to the frame such that each secondary grounding cable is electrically coupled to the primary grounding cable. Each secondary grounding cable has a distal end relative to the frame for coupling to a respective source wherein each source is grounded through the frame.

(b) CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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(d) THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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(g) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The disclosure and prior art relates to electrical grounding devices and more particularly pertains to a new electrical grounding device for coordinating and facilitating electrical grounding of multiple sources.

(h) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a frame and a primary grounding cable having a first end electrically coupled to the frame. A second end of the primary grounding cable is free for being grounded to earth. Each of a plurality of secondary grounding cables has a primary end electrically coupled to the frame such that each secondary grounding cable is electrically coupled to the primary grounding cable. Each secondary grounding cable has a distal end relative to the frame for coupling to a respective source wherein each source is grounded through the frame.

(i) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

(j) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As best illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 6, the multiple source grounding facilitation system10generally comprises a frame12including a base14and a panel16. The panel16is coupled to and extends upwardly from the base14. A bottom portion18of the base14is spaced from a top portion20of the base14. Each of a plurality of slots22extends laterally into the base14wherein the base14is configured to facilitate lifting of the frame12using a skid loader, forklift, hand cart, or the like. The top portion20may also be grasped, or engaged by a strap, sling, chain, line, or the like to manually or mechanically lift, suspend, and/or move the frame12if desired. The base14includes a plurality of posts24extending between the bottom portion18of the base14and the top portion20of the base14wherein spaces between the posts24define the slots22extending laterally into the base14. The frame12is constructed of a metal material or other material suitable for conducting unwanted currents and dissipating unwanted voltages.

A primary grounding cable26has a first end28mechanically and electrically coupled to the frame12. The primary grounding cable26has a second end30which is free wherein the second end30of the primary grounding cable26is configured for being grounded to earth. Thus, the frame12provides a centralized grounding hub for items electrically coupled to the primary grounding cable26through the frame12. The primary grounding cable26is positioned on a first side32of the panel16. Each of a plurality of secondary grounding cables34has a primary end36electrically coupled to the frame12wherein each secondary grounding cable34is mechanically and electrically coupled to the primary grounding cable26. Each secondary grounding cable34has a distal end38relative to the frame12. Each distal end38is configured for coupling to a respective source to be grounded. Thus, each source is grounded through the frame12. Each secondary grounding cable34is coupled to a second side40of the panel16opposite the first side32. A respective quick connect connector42is coupled to the distal end38of each secondary grounding cable34. Complementary quick connect connectors46are electrically coupled to each source to facilitate grounding of each source by quick connection to respective secondary grounding cables34.

A tray48is coupled to and extends from a bottom edge50of the panel16. The tray48is used for holding connectors or other tools as may be desired. A lower sleeve52is coupled to the panel16proximate the bottom edge50and over the tray48. An upper sleeve54is coupled to the panel16and vertically aligned with the lower sleeve52. Thus, metal grounding electrodes such as grounding rods or the like may be inserted through the upper sleeve54and lower sleeve52to be and supported by the tray48to store the grounding electrodes on the frame12.

A primary cable spool56is coupled to the first side32of the panel16. The primary grounding cable26is wrappable around the primary cable spool56for storage of the primary grounding cable26on the frame12. Similarly, each of a plurality of secondary cable spools58is coupled to the second side of the panel40. Each secondary grounding cable34is wrappable around an associated one of the secondary cable spools58for storage of the secondary grounding cables34on the frame12.

An extension cable60is also provided. The extension cable60has quick connection connectors62at opposite ends64of the extension cable60. Thus, the extension cable60can be connected between a selectable one of the secondary grounding cables34and one of the sources to be grounded. An extension spool66is coupled to the frame12and positioned on a first lateral edge68of the panel16. The extension cable60is wrappable around the extension spool66for storage of the extension cable60on the panel16

A temporary grounding cable70has a cable connection end72couplable to the distal end38of a selectable one of the secondary grounding cables34. A temporary connection end74of the temporary grounding cable70is coupled to a metal clamp76wherein the temporary grounding cable70is configured for electrically grounding temporary equipment by connection of the metal clamp76to the temporary equipment. A temporary grounding spool78is positioned on a second lateral edge80of the panel16. The temporary grounding cable70is wrappable around the temporary grounding spool78for storage of the temporary grounding cable70on the panel.

In use, the system10provides a centralized hub in the frame12for grounding multiple sources of electrical current or voltage. The frame12is positioned in a desired location. The primary grounding cable26is grounded to earth. The system10can be utilized for work sites such as in the oil and gas industry. However, use is not limited as the system10may be equally useful for other applications such as but not limited to temporary carnival or festival sites, movie sets, temporary entertainment venues, or the like. Individual points of electrical power being provided can be commonly grounded through the frame12using the secondary grounding cables34.