Vehicle accessory power connector

• US 20050014408A1
• Filed: 01/06/2003
• Published: 01/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John A. Swiatek, Ronald D. Cowles
• Original Assignee: John A. Swiatek, Ronald D. Cowles
• Inventors: Swiatek, John A, Cowles, Ronald D
• Granted Patent: US 7,033,209 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/215
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 43/20 characterised by the mounting
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 43/30 for providing power to equipment other than for propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 45/00 Electrical equipment arrangements specially adapted for use as accessories on cycles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 9/00 Children's cycles toy vehicles A63H17/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/665 with built-in electronic circuit H01R13/70, H01R13/719 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/26 for vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/58 Contacts spaced along longitudinal axis of engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/005 Intermediate parts for distributing signals
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/02 Intermediate parts for distributing energy to two or more circuits in parallel, e.g. splitter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/92
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/065 with built-in electric apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/60 Connections between or with tubular conductors H01R4/56 takes precedence

Abstract

Power connectors and power adapters for various vehicles including motorcycles, snowmobiles, golf carts, and other off-road vehicles to provide easy access to an electrical system on the vehicle to plug in various accessories, including cell phones, laptop computers, audio systems, communications systems, and the like. Connecting wires with power connectors include various standard-size connectors, including DIN 4165 connectors, SAE two-pin connectors, and cigarette lighter sockets, for example. Specific mounting brackets are disclosed to be utilized in locations on various motorcycles and other off-road vehicles for easy access to the power outlet socket attached to the mounting bracket. Further, various adapter wiring harnesses for changing from one type of connector to another are disclosed, as well as a piece of luggage for carrying all of the accessories, and the luggage piece incorporates a power outlet in the side of the luggage bag. Many embodiments of the above are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A vehicle accessory power connector for simply and safely accessing a vehicle electrical power system, wherein said connector provides a convenient means to utilize the electrical system of the vehicle to power accessories requiring electrical power such as cell phones, battery chargers, audio systems, and a variety of other plug-in accessories without having to partially or wholly disassemble the vehicle in order to access the vehicle electrical power system, comprising:

at least one low voltage power socket for receiving a plug-in jack from an accessory, said power socket being selected from the group consisting of automotive cigarette sockets, standard DIN 4165 connectors and cable mounted type two-pin SAE connectors;

at least one electrical connector with electrical terminals to access and connect the electrical power supply without having to partially or wholly disassemble the vehicle each time in order to access the power supply for the plug-in accessories; and

at least one wire for providing electrical communication between the power socket and the electrical connector, said wire having an amperage requirement greater than about 0.0 amps and up to about 24.0 amps.

2. The power connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one power adapter includes a jam nut.

3. The power adapter of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical connection includes a one-quarter inch spade connector.

4. The power adapter of claim 1, further comprising an ATO 7.5 amp fuse and fuse holder.

5. The power adapter of claim 1, wherein the wire component is made of at least a 16-gauge wire.

6. The power adapter of claim 1, wherein the wire component further includes a 105 C protective sheathing.

7. The power adapter of claim 1, further comprising a mounting bracket for exterior application of the power socket to a horn bracket of a motorcycle for easy access.

8. The power adapter of claim 7, wherein the mounting bracket is made of aircraft aluminum.

10. The tank bag of claim 1, wherein the tank bag may be a cloth tank bag with an upper compartment.

9. A vehicle tank bag for carrying and electrically connecting vehicle accessories with plug-in jacks, comprising:

a tank bag adapted for securing to a desired vehicle, said tank bag including a compartment for holding vehicle accessories and other articles;

a mounting bracket to be secured through the tank bag, said mounting bracket being adapted to receive and secure at least one power output connector in a location on the tank bag for easy access of plugging in a jack from a vehicle accessory;

at least one power input connector located within the compartment of the tank bag, said connector being selected from the group consisting of a SAE two-pin connector, a cigarette lighter socket, a DIN 4165 connector, or combinations thereof;

a wiring harness connected to the power input connector;

at least one battery terminal connector for electrically connecting a vehicle battery to the tank bag and the power input connector contained therein; and

at least one power output connector for receiving the plug-in jacks of the desired vehicle accessories, said power output connector being selected from the group consisting of cigarette lighter sockets, DIN 4165 sockets, audio input sockets, and two pin SAE connectors;

such that the tank bag can be secured to the vehicle, and electrical connections may be made through the tank bag to various vehicle accessories without having to disassemble any or all of the vehicle to get to its battery to power the accessory.

11. The tank bag of claim 9, wherein the tank bag further includes a wireless communication module within the tank bag for wireless communications between the driver and others, including passengers and remote parties.

12. The tank bag of claim 9, wherein the tank bag further comprises an automatic audio switch connected to a headphone music system to switch between music and other audio signals including speech and announcements that may be needed.