System for vehicle jump starting

• US 9,401,608 B2
• Filed: 02/28/2014
• Issued: 07/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles Chapple
• Original Assignee: Charles Chapple
• Inventors: Chapple, Charles
• Primary Examiner(s): TAT, BINH C
• Application Number:
  US14/192,892
• Publication Number:
  US 20150349553A1
• Time in Patent Office: 879 Days
• Field of Search: 320102-110
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/24 with gripping jaws, e.g. crocodile clip
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/282 comprising means for facilitating engagement or disengagement, e.g. quick release terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/62933 Comprising exclusively pivoting lever
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction

Abstract

The invention provides a system for jump starting vehicle batteries in which the service end of each of two jumper cables has a self-adjusting locking clamp, and each jumper cable is segmented into two parts that are joined by a plug and socket configured such that the cable parts cannot be incorrectly joined or will be relatively harmless if incorrectly joined. Auxiliary wiring is provided for recharging free-standing source batteries that are used for jump-starting. The system enhances user safety, simplifies making and breaking of electrical connections, and facilitates the use of back-up batteries.

Claims

1. A system for jump starting vehicle batteries, wherein the system comprises:

a) a first jumper cable having the following structure;

i) the cable comprises a source end, a service end, and a reversible coupling that when in a joined state is located at an intermediate position between the two ends;

ii) the source end comprises a lead portion for forming a mechanical and electrical connection with a first electrical terminal of a voltage source;

iii) the service end is in electrical communication with a locking, self-adjusting clamp;

iv) the reversible coupling comprises a plug and a socket that when joined form a mechanically snug union; and

v) when the reversible coupling is not joined, the cable is separated into two independent sub-cables, wherein a first sub-cable comprises the source end and a plug end, and a second sub-cable comprises the service end and a socket end;

b) a second jumper cable having the following structure;

i) the cable comprises a source end, a service end, and a reversible coupling that when in a joined state is located at an intermediate position between the two ends;

ii) the source end comprises a lead portion for forming a mechanical and electrical connection with a second electrical terminal of the voltage source;

iii) the service end is in electrical communication with a locking, self-adjusting clamp;

iv) the reversible coupling comprises a plug and a socket that when joined form a mechanically snug union; and

v) when the reversible coupling is not joined, the cable is separated into two independent sub-cables, wherein a third sub-cable comprises the source end and a socket end, and a fourth sub-cable comprises the service end and a plug end;

c) a voltage source that is in electrical communication with a positive electrical lead and a negative electrical lead, wherein

i) the positive electrical lead is further in electrical communication with the source end of the first or second jumper cable;

ii) the negative electrical lead is in electrical communication with the source end of the other of the first or second jumper cable;

iii) the positive electrical lead of the voltage source is further in electrical communication with a number M of auxiliary electrically conducting cables, wherein M is an integer that has a value selected from the group consisting of 0 and at least 1; and

iv) the negative electrical lead of the voltage source is further in electrical communication with a number N of auxiliary electrically conducting cables, wherein N is an integer and has a value that is equal to the value of M.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage source is further in electrical communication with an electrical lead for grounding the battery.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sub-cable and the third sub-cable have different lengths.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first cable and the second cable are of equal length.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage source is selected from the group consisting of batteries, capacitors, solar panels, generators, and electrical outlets of buildings.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein each plug comprises a single prong.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein each cable'"'"'s plug and socket is of a type employed for arc welder cable connections.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the respective plugs of the first and second cable each have a single prong, and wherein the plug of the first cable and the plug of the second cable differ in the diameter and/or shape of the prong on their respective plugs.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking self-adjusting clamp is configured by a set-screw to a clamp pressure selected from the range of between 1 pound and 100 pounds per square inch.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the clamp pressure is selected from the range of between 5 pounds and 30 pounds per square inch.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking self-adjusting clamp has a locked diameter range of up to four inches.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the locking self-adjusting clamp has a locked diameter range of up to two inches.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the locking self-adjusting clamp has a locked diameter range of up to at least one inch.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second cables are mechanically linked to one another.

15. A system for jump starting vehicle batteries, wherein the system comprises:

a) a first jumper cable having the following structure;

i) the cable comprises a source end, a service end, and a reversible coupling that when in a joined state is located at an intermediate position between the two ends;

ii) the source end comprises a lead portion for forming a mechanical and electrical connection with a first electrical terminal of a voltage source;

iii) the service end is in electrical communication with a locking, self-adjusting clamp;

iv) the reversible coupling comprises a plug and a socket that when joined form a mechanically snug union; and

v) when the reversible coupling is not joined, the cable is separated into two independent sub-cables, wherein a first sub-cable comprises the source end and a plug end, and a second sub-cable comprises the service end and a socket end;

b) a second jumper cable having the following structure;

i) the cable comprises a source end, a service end, and a reversible coupling that when in a joined state is located at an intermediate position between the two ends;

ii) the source end comprises a lead portion for forming a mechanical and electrical connection with a second electrical terminal of the voltage source;

iii) the service end is in electrical communication with a locking, self-adjusting clamp;

iv) the reversible coupling comprises a plug and a socket that when joined form a mechanically snug union; and

v) when the reversible coupling is not joined, the cable is separated into two independent sub-cables, wherein a third sub-cable comprises the source end and a socket end, and a fourth sub-cable comprises the service end and a plug end; and

c) a rechargeable battery that is further in electrical communication with a positive electrical lead and a negative electrical lead, wherein

i) the positive electrical lead is further in electrical communication with the source end of the first or second jumper cable;

ii) the negative electrical lead is further in electrical communication with the source end of the other of the first or second jumper cable;

iii) the positive electrical lead of the rechargeable battery is further in electrical communication with at least one auxiliary electrically conducting cable; and

iv) the negative electrical lead of the rechargeable battery is further in electrical communication with at least one auxiliary electrically conducting cable.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the rechargeable battery is a 12-volt lead-acid battery.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein:

a) the rechargeable battery'"'"'s positive electrical lead is further in electrical communication with an auxiliary electrically conducting cable that is further in electrical communication with a first electrical connector that is fitted for a vehicle'"'"'s wiring harness; and

b) the rechargeable battery'"'"'s negative electrical lead is further in electrical communication with an auxiliary electrically conducting cable that is further in electrical communication with a second electrical connector that is fitted for the vehicle'"'"'s wiring harness;

wherein

c) when the two connectors are connected to corresponding portions of the vehicle'"'"'s wiring harness, current flows to the rechargeable battery when the vehicle is running.

18. A kit for jump starting vehicle batteries, wherein the kit comprises:

a) a first jumper cable having the following structure;

i) the cable comprises a source end, a service end, and a reversible coupling that when in a joined state is located at an intermediate position between the two ends;

ii) the source end comprises a lead portion for forming a mechanical and electrical connection with a first electrical terminal of a voltage source;

iii) the service end is in electrical communication with a locking, self-adjusting clamp;

iv) the reversible coupling comprises a plug and a socket that when joined form a mechanically snug union; and

v) when the reversible coupling is not joined, the cable is separated into two independent sub-cables, wherein a first sub-cable comprises the source end and a plug end, and a second sub-cable comprises the service end and a socket end;

b) a second jumper cable having the following structure;

i) the cable comprises a source end, a service end, and a reversible coupling that when in a joined state is located at an intermediate position between the two ends;

ii) the source end comprises a lead portion for forming a mechanical and electrical connection with a second electrical terminal of the voltage source;

iii) the service end is in electrical communication with a locking, self-adjusting clamp;

iv) the reversible coupling comprises a plug and a socket that when joined form a mechanically snug union; and

v) when the reversible coupling is not joined, the cable is separated into two independent sub-cables, wherein a third sub-cable comprises the source end and a socket end, and a fourth sub-cable comprises the service end and a plug end;

c) a rechargeable battery that is further in electrical communication with a positive electrical lead and a negative electrical lead, wherein

i) the positive electrical lead is further in electrical communication with the source end of the first or second jumper cable;

ii) the negative electrical lead is further in electrical communication with the source end of the other of the first or second jumper cable;

iii) the positive electrical lead of the rechargeable battery is further in electrical communication with at least one auxiliary electrically conducting cable;

iv) the negative electrical lead of the rechargeable battery is further in electrical communication with at least one auxiliary electrically conducting cable; and

v) the rechargeable battery is encased within a portable protective housing that further comprises a handle.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the positive and negative electrical leads of the rechargeable battery are fused to the source end of the respective jumper cables, and:

the first and third sub-cables together pass through a single orifice defined by the protective housing, or separately pass through respective orifices defined by the protective housing.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the kit further comprises at least one display located on the exterior of the housing, wherein the display provides information from at least one of a voltmeter, an ohmmeter and an ammeter.