MAGNETIC COUPLING SYSTEMS

• US 20150349438A1
• Filed: 08/10/2015
• Published: 12/03/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lon W. Allen
• Original Assignee: Lon W. Allen
• Inventors: ALLEN, Lon W.
• Granted Patent: US 9,728,867 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/281 for connections to batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/288 Interconnections between batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/30 End pieces held in contact by a magnet
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6205 Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet

Abstract

This patent pertains to magnetic coupling systems. One implementation includes magnetic jumper cables, which include magnetic couplers and elongate, insulated, electrically-isolated electric conductors.

Claims

1. A set of magnetic jumper cables, comprising:

a first pair of positive magnetic couplers connected by a first insulated elongate electrical conductor;

a second pair of negative magnetic couplers connected by a second insulated elongate electrical conductor, the first and second insulated elongate electrical conductors being at least partially co-extensive;

wherein each of the magnetic couplers includes a magnetic element partially surrounded by insulative material, and wherein each of the magnetic elements is oriented in a same magnetic orientation in the insulative material.

2. The set of magnetic jumper cables of claim 1, wherein only a single surface of the magnetic elements is exposed through the insulative material.

3. The set of magnetic jumper cables of claim 2, wherein the single surface of the magnetic elements comprises a north pole of the magnetic elements.

4. The set of magnetic jumper cables of claim 1, wherein the single surface of the magnetic elements comprises a south pole of the magnetic elements.

5. The set of magnetic jumper cables claim 1, wherein a single surface of each of the magnetic elements is flush with a first side of the insulative material, and wherein a second surface of each of the magnetic elements is recessed from but open to a second opposite side of the insulative material.

6-12. -12. (canceled)

13. An apparatus comprising:

a first elongate, insulated, electric conductor;

a first magnetic coupler electrically connected to the first elongate, insulated, electric conductor;

a second elongate, insulated, electric conductor; and

a second magnetic coupler electrically connected to the second elongate, insulated, electric conductor.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, comprising a battery charger.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, comprising a set of jumper cables.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the magnetic coupler includes:

a magnet;

a metal housing;

a metal interface; and

a protective insulative material.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the magnetic coupler has a shape configured to receive a battery terminal.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a clamp extension, the clamp extension configured to:

clamp onto a battery terminal; and

receive the magnetic coupler to provide an electrical connection between the battery terminal and the elongate, insulated, electric conductor.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the clamp extension includes:

an alligator type clamp; and

a tether connection to the elongate, insulated, electric conductor.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a protective cap for the magnetic coupler, the protective cap configured to help prevent unwanted electrical connection between the magnetic coupler and parts other than the battery terminal.

21. A set of magnetic jumper cables, comprising:

two lengths of elongate, insulated, electrically-isolated electric conductors; and

magnetic couplers configured in electrical connection with at least one end of each of the two lengths of elongate, insulated, electric conductors, wherein an individual magnetic coupler includes;

an insulative material, and

a magnetic element,

wherein the magnetic element is positioned within the insulative material such that;

the magnetic element is in electrical connection with a corresponding elongate, insulated, electrically-isolated electric conductor,

a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic pole of the magnetic element are each oriented toward opposing sides of the individual magnetic coupler, and

one of the opposing sides of the individual magnetic coupler defines an indentation in the insulative material, the indentation extending to the magnetic element.