Covered automotive jumper cables

• US 5,573,426 A
• Filed: 03/28/1995
• Issued: 11/12/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: George E. Grant
• Original Assignee: George E. Grant
• Inventors: Grant, George E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Elkins, Gary E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MCDONALD, CHRISTOPHER
• Application Number:
  US08/411,553
• Time in Patent Office: 595 Days
• Field of Search: 439/502, 439/503, 439/504, 439/505, 439/506, 439/822, 439/829
• US Class Current: 439/504
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/24 with gripping jaws, e.g. crocodile clip
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/70 Insulation of connections end caps H01R4/22

Abstract

Improved automotive jumper cables (10) having electrical connections to both legs (24) and (26) of handles (14). Each handle (14) has a flexible insulating cover (20). The covers (20) provide added protection against electrical burns, shocks and other accidents. The covers also prevent the handles (14) from becoming entangled with other items when the cables (10) are being moved.

Claims

1. Automotive jumper cables comprising a first cable for carrying a negative electrical current, a second cable for carrying a positive electrical current, a handle on each end of the cables;

each of the handles comprising a first elongated member, an electrical connector rigidly attached to the first elongated member, a second elongated member, a second electrical connector rigidly attached to the second elongated member, means for carrying an electrical current through each elongated member comprising split ends of a predetermined distance on each end of each cable, the split ends consisting of a first component and a second component, the first component of the split ends being aligned with and attached to the electrical connector inside the first elongated member;

the second component of the split ends being aligned with and attached to the electrical connector inside the second elongated member;

each of the handles further comprising a pivot pin;

a spring entwined about the pivot pin;

aligned matching holes in the sides of the first elongated member and the sides of the second elongated member, through which the pivot pin extends providing a means by which the elongated members are joined together and upon which they pivot, the spring forcing the elongated members to close at one end while forming an open end at the opposite end of the elongated members;

the jumper cables further comprising a flexible covering over the open ends of each of the handles.

2. Automotive jumper cables comprising a first cable for carrying a negative electrical current, a second cable for carrying a positive electrical current, each of the cables having a handle mechanically and-electrically connected to each end of said cables;

each of the handles comprising a first elongated member having a plurality of serrated teeth for aiding in the attaching of said handle to a battery pole, the first elongated member further comprising an electrical connector rigidly attached to the first elongated member and to an end of the cables;

a second elongated member having a plurality of serrated teeth for aiding in the attaching of said handle to the battery pole, the second elongated member further comprising an electrical connector rigidly attached to the second elongated member and to an end of the cables;

means for carrying an electrical current through each elongated member to the respective serrated teeth and to the battery pole;

each of the handles further comprising a pivot pin, a spring entwined about the pivot pin, aligned matching holes in the sides of the first elongated member and in the sides of the second elongated member through which the pivot pin extends providing a means by which the elongated members are joined together and upon which they pivot, the spring forcing the elongated members to close at one end while forming an open end at the opposite end of the elongated members.

3. The jumper cables of claim 2 wherein the means for carrying an electrical current through each elongated member to the respective serrated teeth and to the battery pole comprises split ends of a predetermined distance on each end of each cable, the split ends having a first component and a second component, the first component of the split ends being aligned with and attached to the electrical connector inside the first elongated member;

the second component of the split ends being aligned with and attached to the electrical connector inside the second elongated member, said current flows through each split end, through the respective electrical connector. through the respective elongated member, through the respective serrated teeth, to said battery pole.

4. The jumper cables of claim 2 further comprising means for preventing the handles of said cables from becoming entangled with other objects when the cables are being moved through an area having objects with which the handles may become entangled.

5. The jummper cables of claim 3 further comprising means for preventing the handles of said cables from becoming entangled with other objects when the cables are being moved through an area having objects with which the handles may become entangled.

6. The jumper cables of claim 4 wherein the means for preventing the handles of said cables from becoming entangled with other objects comprises a flexible covering over and fastened to the open ends of each of the handles.

7. The jumper cables of claim 5 wherein the means for preventing the handles of said cables from becoming entangled with other objects comprises an insulating, flexible covering over and fastened to the open ends of each of the handles.

8. The jumper cables of claim 7 wherein the flexible covering may be of any color.

9. The jumper cable of claim 8 wherein the flexible covering may be of any design.