Abstract:
Disclosed is a locking electrical circuit apparatus connection device capable of making a firm electrical connection where more certainty is a premium. The locking electrical connector creates electrical connections of temporary and semi-permanent nature improving the quality of connections than was heretofore possible, drastically reducing the prospect of unintentional disconnection, reducing health and safety hazards, making a new and useful improvement over electrical connectors of this kind in the past.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention is directed to an electrical circuit apparatus device with method of means and function to make a firm connection, the primary use for jumping power or signal from one source to another as in one battery to another, or as in connecting a ground. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    The need for jumping electricity or signal from one component or point to another is encountered very often as in charging a battery. The conventional methods for jumping or charging have been the use of an alligator clip or interlocking push connector, typically with two halves of housing to make the connection. Often these conventional connections can be tenuous, uncertain and almost dangerous or semi-permanent with a limited range of applications. While operating the alligator clip one may be unable to keep them open easily or find them too easy to open leaving a loose connection, one may find a small space to which the alligator clip is hard to attach or one may find the gripping jaws an inefficient design to make a sound attachment. The push connector has limited range of applications. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,991 Describes a device for making electrical connection in which the device can serve either as a clip or a plug. The device includes a pair of pivotally interconnected jaws which can open and be clipped onto a wire or electrical terminal, the jaws being biased toward each other. In one embodiment, each jaw is provided near its outer surface with an electrically conductive member defined by one or more resilient electrical contact elements which extend longitudinally of the corresponding jaw. The elements of each member are integral with a pair of semi-circular bands which are secured in any suitable manner, such as by soldering or spot welding, to the outer surface of the respective jaw. When the jaws are closed, the members mate with each other at the side edges to form a banana plug which can be inserted into a jack or other tubular recess. In another embodiment, the jaws have integral contact elements thereon which define a banana plug configuration when the jaws are closed. The connector is provided with a tubular extension on one of the jaws thereof for use as a jack to receive the plug formed by the jaws and members of a second, substantially identical connector or a conventional banana plug whereby two or more connectors can be ganged for electrical interconnection. 
         [0006]    This design is restricted by the limited configuration of the alligator clip. The nose of the clip is unable to grasp many spaces with surety. The deficient alignment of the jaw can make it difficult for grasping a variety of mark objects. It can be dislodged under rough conditions. It does anticipate a bias to opening and does not lock on the mark object. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,387 describes a device for making an electrical connection as an alligator clip with an improved structure including a first and a second clip members connected to each other by a pivot pin is disclosed. A resilient member is installed on the pivot pin with two opposite ends in contact against the interior surfaces of the first and second members. The front ends of the first and second clip members are used to clip the positive/negative electrode of the car battery. A securing member formed from the bottom end of the first clip member, including a through hole each on two opposite ends to wrap a power cord so that two through holes are aligned to receive a fixture to secure the securing member on the power cord. 
         [0008]    This design is restricted by the limited configuration of the alligator clip. The nose of the clip is unable to grasp many spaces with surety. The deficient alignment of the jaw can make it difficult for grasping a variety of mark objects. It can be displaced under rough conditions. It does not anticipate a bias to opening and does not lock on the mark object. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,508 Is an electrical connecting device that is a battery cable connector disclosed for connecting to batteries that have a side terminal, as well as for batteries that have a top terminal. The invention provides for connection to either type of batteries without any further modification of the battery cable connector. Two sets of openings within the conductive portion of the battery connector cable enable easy attachment to either a side mounted battery terminal or a top mounted battery terminal without further reconfiguration of the battery cable connector. 
         [0010]    While anticipating the need for grasping a commonly different mark object, said patent needs a twist for different applications, increasing likelihood of dislodging. This design is restricted by the limited configuration of attachment. The nose of the clip is unable to grasp many spaces with surety. The deficient alignment of the jaw makes it difficult for grasping a variety of mark objects. It can be dislodged under rough conditions. It does not anticipate a bias to opening and does not lock on the mark object. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. D526,560 is an ornamental design for an alligator clip representing and addressing the virtual standardization of the alligator clip. The alligator clip is a plateau of quality and/or achievement, itself a device as a measure in order to make comparisons. In many embodiments it is a standard tool. 
         [0012]    The design is restricted by the limited configuration of the alligator clip. The nose of the clip is unable to grasp many spaces with surety. The deficient schema and alignment of the jaw can make it difficult for grasping a variety of mark objects. It can be displaced under rough conditions. It does not anticipate a bias to opening and does not lock on the mark object. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,302,512 is a locking pliers including a slide bar mounted in both second handle unit and locking unit and comprising a wavy edge facing bottom of the second handle unit, the wavy edge including a rear slot member and a forward hook; and a movable jaw at a forward end of the second handle nit [sic] and comprising two intermediate opposite stop members each having an inclined edge, a channel between the stop members with a forward end of the slide bar movably received therein, and a rear stop bar interconnected two sidewalls of a rear portion of the movable jaw, the inclined edges being stopped by bending members on sidewalls of the second handle unit for retaining the stop members in an inoperative position. 
         [0014]    This patent does not anticipate many elements including: non-conducting parts; electrical conducting parts, as in jaws or sleeves on jaws making point of electrical contact to a mark object; an electrical line running longitudinally of a handle; an electrical line interior of a handle of the jaw lever; an electrical line exterior of a handle of the jaw lever; a sleeve to retain an electrical line exterior or interior of a handle; a connection of an electrical cable to conducting jaws; a fixed link or crossbar between the two jaws; an electrical connector at the base of a handle; a modification of a primary handle allowing line bypass of spring; an in-line fuse, or electrical connection indicator or a quick-connect-release device, as in a banana plug. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. D653,092 is an ornamental design for a locking pliers assembly, representing and addressing the virtual standardization of locking pliers. The locking pliers are a plateau of quality and/or achievement, the device a measure in order to make comparisons. In typical embodiment it is a standard tool. 
         [0016]    This patent does not anticipate many elements including: non-conducting parts; electrical conducting parts; as in jaws or sleeves on jaws making a point of electrical contact to a mark object; an electrical line running longitudinally of a handle; an electrical line interior of a handle of the jaw lever; an electrical line exterior of a handle of the jaw lever; a sleeve to retain an electrical line exterior or interior of a handle; a connection of an electrical line to conducting jaws; a fixed link or crossbar between the two jaws; an electrical connector at the base of a handle; a modification of the primary handle allowing line bypass of spring; an in-line fuse, or electrical connection indicator, or quick-connect-release device, as in a banana plug. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,478 is an electrical connector comprises includes [sic] an insulative [sic] housing having a receiving space, a plurality of terminals retained in the insulative housing, a metal retaining portion assembled on the insulative housing. The insulative housing comprises includes a pair of block portions extending toward opposite direction directions with each other; and each of the blocking portions has a resisting face. The metal retaining metal includes a reinforced portion arranged behind the blocking portion and attached to the resisting face of the blocking portion. Therefore, it can prevent the blocking portion of the housing from breaking off during an unexpected situation. 
         [0018]    This patent is limited to housing configurations, limiting range of applications. This patent shows a bias to lock closed, instead of a bias to open. The electrical connection needs matching parts and cannot be used one-handed. This patent does not anticipate many elements including: a conducting jaw apparatus; an electrical line running longitudinally of a handle; an electrical line interior of a handle jaw lever; an electrical line exterior of handle; a sleeve/hilt/grip containing parts; a connection of an electrical line to a conducting jaw apparatus; a fixed link or crossbar between jaws; an electrical connector housing with or without a quick-connect-release device, in-line-fuse or electrical connection indicator; or a modification of a handle allowing line bypass of spring device. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,885 B2 is a connector [that] has snap-fit lock including a partially deformable locking member which is mounted on the housing so as to be axially slideable between an extended locking position and a retracted position; and a biasing spring which axially bias said locking member to its locking position. The locking member has a flexible beam including a tooth member adapted to engage a complementary locking projection of the counterpart connector, and to provide an axial stop therewith. The flexible beam is elastically deflectable on the axial path of the locking member, whereby the snap-fit effect is provided by elastic load, both axial and in flexion, of the flexible beam. 
         [0020]    This patent is limited to housing configurations, limiting range of applications. This patent shows a bias to lock closed, instead of a bias to open. The electrical connection needs matching parts and cannot be used one-handed. This patent does not anticipate many elements including: a conducting jaw apparatus; an electrical line running longitudinally of a handle; an electrical line interior of a handle jaw lever; an electrical line exterior of handle; a sleeve/hilt/grip containing parts; a connection of an electrical line to a conducting jaw apparatus; a fixed link or crossbar between jaws; an electrical connector housing with or without a quick-connect-release device, in-line-fuse or electrical connection indicator; or a modification of a handle allowing line bypass of spring device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    The present invention is a locking electrical circuit apparatus device with method of means and function to make a more firm electrical connection, overcoming the deficiencies of previous devices. The device includes a pair of pivotally interconnected jaws which can open, align and clip, or lock onto wire or electrical terminal, or variety of objects. In one embodiment one or each of two jaws is made of or coated by electrically conducive material, with one or more resilient electrical contact elements extending longitudinally of the corresponding jaw. 
         [0022]    It is therefore the primary object of the invention to provide a locking pliers conducting electricity comprising a hollow primary handle unit; a stationary jaw apparatus of conducting materials; a connection from a conducting jaw to conducting line; said conducting line running inside or outside and the length of a handle; a hollow second handle/jaw unit of non-conducting resilient materials, pivotally secured and movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed, locked position. 
         [0023]    It is another object of the present invention to provide electrical locking pliers which will significantly enhance the convenience of making a firm connection at a significant savings. 
         [0024]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a locking electrical connector which can be adapted to use in various connections, wires, terminals and mark objects. 
         [0025]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a firm connection on a terminal or post or other mark object that is more difficult for apparatus previously presented, or where use of one hand is preferred. 
         [0026]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a firm connection with one hand of the user in reaching limited access or where there may be limited clearance. 
         [0027]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide spring tension biased to release a lock (open) instead of biased to grasping (closed) tension. 
         [0028]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide electrical locking pliers which improve the safety of the user. 
         [0029]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a locking electrical connector that can make a cheaper, higher quality, more safe and quick electrical connection. 
         [0030]    These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the accompanying description, drawings, and claims set forth herein. The headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader only. No headings shall be construed to be limiting upon the content in any way. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a side sectional view of the locking electrical connector, in one embodiment in which the device is open, the connecting line is exterior of jaw handle main body, but enclosed in covering hilt/sleeve/grip, and the jaw opening is adjustable according to the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a side sectional view of the locking electrical connector, in one embodiment in which the device is in closed or locking position, the connecting line is interior of jaw handle main body and the jaw opening is not adjustable, excepting by pre-determined configuration, and enclosed in covering sleeve/hilt/grip, according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Definitions 
       [0033]    Line as used herein shall mean a conduit, channel, passage, transmission or course of electricity or signal usually of a conducting material encapsulated by non-conducting material, as in an electrical wire, power cord or cable. 
         [0034]    Mark object as used herein shall mean a line, wire, electrical terminal, component or any object meant to be grasped by the present invention. 
         [0035]    Jumping as used herein shall mean to transmit, send, convey or forward electricity or signal from one location to another as in using jumper cables. 
       2. Best Mode of the Invention 
       [0036]      FIG. 1  shows a side sectional view of the best mode contemplated by the inventor of the locking electrical connector with an adjustable embodiment according to the concepts of the present invention. The line may be anchored in a terminal or may be joined to another apparatus device to complete a connection. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows a side sectional view of the best mode contemplated by the inventor of the locking electrical connector with a non-adjustable embodiment, where the range of application is mostly defined by the configuration of the opposing jaws. The line may be anchored in a terminal or may be joined to another apparatus device to complete a connection. 
       3. How to Make the Invention. 
       [0038]    The current invention comprises a pair of hinged and pivotal handles connected providing jaws at one end the means for movement toward and away from each other with open and closed position; spring means tending to urge jaws apart; a locking mechanism for jaws in the closed position; a release mechanism; one or both jaws of conducting materials and means of connection; the jaws separable permitting an electrical component or mark object be inserted; a line running longitudinally interior or exterior of a handle; a housing for an in-line electrical connection indicator and/or fuse, and/or quick-connect-release device. 
         [0039]    As can be seen from  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  the locking electrical connector comprises a hollow first handle  10  (or  FIG. 2  part  28 ) of a resilient non-conducting material, fabricated in a U-shape to receive: snuggly a jaw apparatus  3  ( 2 : 22 ) of conducting material; the interior end of a triangular pivoting jaw  4  ( 23 ) of resilient non-conducting material itself secured to  10  by a rivet  13  ( 31 ); a spring  12  ( 29 ) secured to  4  by a hook through a hole at location C and secured to  10  by a hook to perforation at location B, or as in  FIG. 2  secured to  23  by a hook through a hole at location I and secured to  28  by a hook and hole at location J; a crossbar  8  ( 26 ) of a resilient non-conducting material which fits through the U-slot of each handle not secured to  10  but is movable interior of  10 , or as in  FIG. 2  secured by rivet  34  to  28 ; an adjustable screw  9 , of a resilient non-conducting material, fitted to circular opening at location A which itself modifies, interior space of  10 , position of and secures  8 , and is screwed in after sleeve/hilt/grip  11  of a non-conducting insulating semi-pliable molded material is slid over entire  10  assembly, or as in  FIG. 2  no adjusting screw exists, whereby hilt/sleeve/grip  27  slides over entire  28  assembly. Additionally  10  and  3  have a shared hole drilled or pre-fabricated at location D, while  22  has hole drilled or pre-fabricated at location H. A line  2  is cut on a bias with interior conducting line  2   a  stripped, exposed and turned to fit into drilled or pre-fabricated hole at location D, or as in  FIG. 2  the line  20  passes interior of  28  at location G terminating with stripped, exposed conducting line  20   a  to fit into drilled or pre-fabricated hole at location H. Part  3  ( 22 ) is secured to  10  ( 28  respectively), by a crimp/punch at location E (K) simultaneously securing  2   a  ( 20   a ) interior of  3  ( 22  respectively) and creating an electrical circuit connection. 
         [0040]    As can be seen from  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  the locking electrical connector comprises a hollow second handle  6  (or  2 : 25 ) of a resilient non-conducting material with U-shape to receive: opposing, triangular pivot jaw  4  ( 23 ) of resilient non-conductive material itself secured by rivet  14  ( 32 );  8  ( 26 ) secured by rivet  15  ( 36 ); release lever  5  ( 24 ) of a non-conducting resilient material and conforming semi-U-shape, secured by rivet  16  ( 35 ); and sleeve/hilt/grip  7  ( 30 ) of a non-conducting semi-pliable material on its exterior. 
         [0041]    As can be seen from  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  the locking electrical connector comprises of housing  1  ( 21 ) for an in-line fuse, and/or connection quality indicator, and/or quick-connect-release device which if flush to  11  ( 27 ) acts also as collar and securing apparatus. 
         [0042]    As can be seen from  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  the locking electrical connector comprises of jaws  3 &amp; 4  and  22 &amp; 23  capable of many configurations and design for ranges of application. When closed, present invention may lock on mark object of small diameter at location L, and with same configuration as shown, lock on mark object of much larger diameter at location M. Jaws  3 &amp; 4  and  22 &amp; 23  may be shaped in other manner, as in a needle-nose configuration and/or variations of serrated edges. 
       4. How to Use the Invention 
       [0043]    The problems addressed by the locking electrical connector are many, as can be easily seen by those skilled in the art. The present invention in one embodiment opens as illustrated in  FIG. 1  with the jaw diameter adjustable by turning/screwing  9  clockwise or counter-clockwise to lessen or increase jaw diameter respectively. User encircles mark object with jaws  3  and  4  ( 22  &amp;  23  in  FIG. 2 ) and clamps down, locks, initiates electrical contact and firm grip by squeezing handles or exerting torque of one handle toward the other. From a locking position as illustrated in  FIG. 2  user pushes  24  at bottom toward interior of  25 , or as in  FIG. 1  pushes  5  at bottom toward interior of  6 , exerting pressure on  26  ( 1 : 8 ) at opposite end of  24  ( 5 ) to release present invention from its firm grip and electrical circuit connection to mark object. 
       5. Examples of the Invention 
       [0044]    Thus it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not restricted to the particular preferred embodiments described with reference to the drawings, such detail to be understood in an instructive rather than any restrictive sense, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.