Automatic jumper cables

• US 4,840,583 A
• Filed: 03/10/1988
• Issued: 06/20/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donald M. Moore
• Original Assignee: Donald M. Moore
• Inventors: Moore, Donald M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bradley, P. Austin
• Application Number:
  US07/166,404
• Time in Patent Office: 467 Days
• Field of Search: 320/2, 320/25, 320/26, 320/48, 340/636, 439/502-504, 439/506, 439/420, 439/445
• US Class Current: 439/504
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/67 Testing the correctness of wire connections in electric apparatus or circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/24 with gripping jaws, e.g. crocodile clip
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0034 using reverse polarity correcting or protecting circuits mechanical means of polarity protection H02J7/0045
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 320/20 Polarity

Abstract

An improved jumper cable organization is presented wherein illuminated indication is included to discourage improper connection of the improved jumper cable apparatus to associated batteries. A first embodiment of the invention includes a clamp securable to a jumper cable electrical conductive line wherein a spike is electrically associated with a plurality of LED units such that the spike electrically associated with an associated clamp may be contacted to a remaining terminal of a battery once the three remaining jumper cable clamps are secured to indicate appropriate polarity connection of the jumper cable organization. A second embodiment positions the plural LED elements within the handle of a battery connective clamp where an electrically isolated probe may be contacted to the remaining battery terminal for indication of appropriate polarity. The aforenoted LED elements with inappropriate connection of the jumper cables of the instant invention will illuminate to indicate an inappropriate polarity.

Claims

1. An automotive jumper cable apparatus for use with direct current batteries comprising,

a first electrical conductive cable formed with first and second ends, and a second electrical conductive cable formed with third and fourth ends, and

first and fourth battery connector clamps are secured to said first and second ends respectively and second and third connector clamps are electrically secured to said third and fourth ends respectively;

said first second battery connector clamps comprise a first clamp couple means for attachment to respective terminals with a first direct current battery and said third and fourth battery connector clamps comprise a second couple means for attachment to a second direct current battery, and

a polarity indicator means electrically associated with said fourth battery connector clamp for testing polarity connection of said first and second battery clamp couples, and

said polarity indicator means including a LED element means electrically associated with a conductive probe means including an electrical insulator between said probe means and said fourth battery connector clamp;

said probe means positioned for temporary contact with a remaining battery terminal of said second battery when said first and second battery connector clamps are secured to said first battery and said third battery connector clamp is secured to a single terminal of said second battery, and

wherein said polarity indicator means includes a torquing strap for securement about said first electrical conductive cable including a spike for penetration into said cable for providing electrical communication between said cable and said LED elements.

2. An automotive jumper cable apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said polarity indicator means includes a housing means for containment of said LED elements with adjunct housing means for containment of a torquing means with said torquing strap positionable between said housing and said adjunct housing means.

3. An automotive jumper cable apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said housing means includes a transparent lens cover overlying said LED elements for protection and visibility of said elements.

4. An automotive jumper cable apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein a resistor is electrically positioned between said LED elements and said housing means and said housing means forms at least a part of said probe means.

5. An automotive jumper cable apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fourth battery connector clamp includes a plurality of jaws securable about a battery terminal with a plurality of handles secured to said jaws with said polarity indicator means is positioned within one of said handles.

6. An automotive jumper cable apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein a transparent lens means is secured at a terminal end of one said handles for visual observation of said LED elements.

7. An automotive jumper cable apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said probe means is secured integrally through one of said jaw means and an electrical conductive cable secured between said probe means and its LED elements with a resistor electrically positioned between said LED elements and said probe means.

8. An automotive jumper cable apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said resistor element is of a value of 1K ohms.