Abstract:
A polarized quick disconnect battery cable system is herein disclosed, comprising a mating pair of polarized and keyed electrical connectors capable of carrying large currents from a vehicle&#39;s primary battery to the vehicle&#39;s starter. The system also provides an alligator clamping accessory allowing quick connection of the primary battery thereto a charging battery for charging purposes. The system is intended for use with large batteries typically found on motor vehicles, golf carts, boats, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and the like. The system comprises heavy cables of the same gauge as is commonly used with such batteries. The quick disconnect feature allows for the easy connection and disconnection of battery wiring without using tools such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, or the like, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidentally shorting the battery and producing large sparks or even explosions. The system is packaged within a convenient carrying case.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/210,143 filed Mar. 16, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors, and in particular, to a quick-release battery terminal connection particularly adapted for the quick and safe connection of large batteries such as car batteries. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Large storage batteries are utilized in a variety of applications, particularly in motor vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and the like. The removal, recharging, conditioning, or use of such batteries is commonly encountered during routine maintenance motor vehicles and common problems encountered with these vehicles. 
     The operation of such batteries can be both difficult and dangerous. The large terminals and high voltages result in the use of specific hardware for such batteries. The removal or reconnection of the battery terminals often requires tools to accomplish. The use of conventional tools for such a job is often dangerous, as metal portions can cause sparks, minor explosions, or shorting of the battery. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide electrical connections adapted for motor batteries. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,147, issued in the name of Signorile, describes a battery jumper cable system which provides removable electrical connectors to a conventional car battery. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,152, issued in the name of Freitag, describes a battery terminal adaptor and connector. The Freitag device provides an alternate means of connection to the terminals of such a battery. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices do not provide a secure, stable connection. Also, many such devices require the use of additional tools. Furthermore, many such devices do not provide features to assist a user who is not accustomed to working with such parts. In addition, many such devices are not particularly adaptable to various common scenarios. Accordingly, there exists a need for battery terminal connection without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide a battery terminal connection which provides secure and stable connection to a motor vehicle battery or the like adaptable to a variety of common scenarios and which is simple and quick for an average user. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for the quick connection and disconnection of a common vehicle battery to a vehicle starter, charging battery, or the like without the use of hand tools. The system comprises a protective carrying case which contains a battery connector assembly, a starter connector assembly, and an alligator connector assembly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide protective safekeeping of the system during periods of non-use by constructing the carrying case of a rugged material and including common features such as a handle, a flexible hinge, and a latching mechanism. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an attachment means to a battery via the battery connector assembly, which comprises a pair of battery ring terminals. The battery connector further comprises an accessory connector for providing power to various accessories such as running lights, fog lights, and the like. An end portion of the battery connector comprises a first fastener which provides a male heavy duty electrical connector which corresponds to the start connector and alligator connector assemblies. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide semi-permanent attachment of the system to an existing vehicle starter via the starter connector assembly. The starter connector assembly comprises a pair of starter ring terminals for connection to positive and negative terminals on respective solenoid and ground portions of the starter. The starter connector assembly further comprises a second fastener equipped with female plug features which slidingly mate with the first fastener. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide temporary clamping attachment of the system to a charging battery via the alligator connector assembly in order to start a vehicle&#39;s engine, recharge the primary battery, jump-start a car, or the like. The alligator connector assembly comprises a pair of conventional alligator clips with polarity markings for connection to the proper terminals. The alligator connector assembly further comprises a second fastener equipped with female plug features which slidingly mate with the first fastener. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to prevent accidental shorting of the battery by comprising the first and second fasteners of corresponding keyed electrical connectors, thereby precluding the improper joining of negative and positive terminals. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of quick connecting the battery connector assembly to a primary battery, selectively choosing the starter or alligator connector assembly based on a user&#39;s needs, quickly connecting the starter or alligator assembly to a desired secondary source, mating the assemblies in a correct manner via the first and second fasteners, and easily and safely storing the system during periods of non-use. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the quick-release battery cable system  10  depicting storage therewithin a carrying case  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of a battery connector assembly portion  20  of a quick-release battery cable system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a perspective view of a starter connector assembly portion  30  of the quick-release battery cable system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   c  is a perspective view of an alligator connector assembly portion  40  of the quick-release battery cable system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an in-use view of the quick-release battery cable system  10  depicting utilization therebetween a primary battery  100  and a starter  37 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an in-use view of the quick-release battery cable system  10  depicting utilization therebetween a primary battery  100  and a charging battery  110 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; AND, 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of first  21  and second  31  fastener portions of the quick-release battery cable system  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 3 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 quick-release battery cable system 
               
               
                 20 
                 battery connector assembly 
               
               
                 21 
                 first fastener 
               
               
                 22 
                 male plug feature 
               
               
                 23 
                 battery ring terminal 
               
               
                 24 
                 negative battery cable 
               
               
                 25 
                 positive battery cable 
               
               
                 28 
                 accessory connector 
               
               
                 29 
                 accessory wire 
               
               
                 30 
                 starter connector assembly 
               
               
                 31 
                 second fastener 
               
               
                 32 
                 female plug feature 
               
               
                 33 
                 starter ring terminal 
               
               
                 34 
                 negative starter cable 
               
               
                 35 
                 positive starter cable 
               
               
                 37  
                 starter 
               
               
                 40  
                 alligator connector assembly 
               
               
                 43 
                 alligator clip 
               
               
                 44 
                 negative alligator cable 
               
               
                 45 
                 positive alligator cable 
               
               
                 48 
                 black handle cover 
               
               
                 49  
                 red handle cover 
               
               
                 50 
                 carrying case 
               
               
                 51 
                 latching mechanism 
               
               
                 52 
                 handle 
               
               
                 53 
                 lid 
               
               
                 54 
                 padding 
               
               
                 60  
                 crimped and soldered connection 
               
               
                 100 
                 primary battery 
               
               
                 110 
                 charging battery 
               
               
                 120 
                 positive battery terminal 
               
               
                 130 
                 negative battery terminal 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a quick-release battery cable system (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means for a common vehicular battery  100  to be quickly connected and disconnected from a vehicle starter  37  and also to a charging battery  110  without using hand tools. The system  10  comprises a battery connector assembly  20 , a starter connector assembly  30 , and an alligator connector assembly  40 ; all of which are provided in a carrying case  50  envisioned being stored within a vehicle until needed. The system  10  offers an efficient electrical connection with reduced voltage losses for automobile vehicles, marine vehicles, motorcycles, lawn tractors, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the system  10  depicting storage therewithin a carrying case  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a carrying case  50  which provides a carrying and protection means to the battery connector assembly  20 , the starter connector assembly  30 , and the alligator connector assembly  40 . The carrying case  50  comprises a rugged rectangular container having a shallow lid portion  53  which pivots about an integrally-molded flexible hinge along a rear distal edge. The lid  53  may be secured in a closed state via a latching mechanism  51  located along a proximal front edge. The carrying case  50  provides protective safekeeping of the system  10  while not in use. The latching mechanism  51  is envisioned to be a springing or pivoting mechanical latch; however, other closing and securing means may be provided such as, but not limited to: a padlock attachment, a disk tumbler-type lock, and various latching hasps, without deviating from the concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The carrying case  50  also comprises a common pivoting “U”-shaped carrying handle  52  for normal transportation thereof. The carrying case  50  is envisioned to be fabricated from a rigid plastic such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or the like and is filled with a padding  54  material such as polyurethane foam which further comprises recessed cut-out areas being shaped so as to snuggly receive the connector assemblies  20 ,  30 ,  40  thereinto for maximum protection. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   a , a perspective view of a battery connector assembly portion  20  of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The battery connector assembly  20  comprises a first fastener  21 , a pair of battery ring terminals  23 , a negative battery cable  24 , a positive battery cable  25 , and an accessory connector  28 . The battery ring terminals  23  provide an attachment means thereto a positive battery terminal  120  and a negative battery terminal  130  thereon a primary battery  100  (see  FIG. 3 ). The battery ring terminals  23  are attached to appropriately gauged battery cables  24 ,  25  comprising heavy gauged conductors being approximately five (5) feet long. The first fastener  21  comprises a heavy duty electrical connector equipped with a pair of male plug features  22  each comprising engaging keyed features to guarantee properly matched polarities, thereby preventing possible electrical shorting. The first fastener  21  also comprises an integral accessory connector  28  and an accessory wire  29 , thereby providing power thereto accessories such as, but not limited to: running lights, fog lights, and the like. The accessory connector  28  is connected to the positive side of the first fastener  21  via the accessory wire  29 . The accessory connector  28  comprises a common female wire terminal connector and the accessory wire  29  comprises an appropriately gauged red electrical wire. The attachment means between said first fastener  21 , the battery ring terminals  23 , and respective negative  24  and positive  25  battery cables are preferably made utilizing a conventional crimped and soldered connection  60  or equivalent wire joining methods. 
     The system  10  is illustrated here being configured with battery ring terminals  23 , ideal for bolt-on-type battery terminals; however, it is understood that the battery connector assembly  20  may utilize other terminal fastening hardware for use with primary batteries  100  having other terminal types such as, but not limited to: top post, side post, or the like, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , a perspective view of a starter connector assembly portion  30  of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The starter connector assembly  30  provides a semi-permanent attachment of the system  10  thereto an existing vehicle starter  37  and comprises a second fastener  31 , a negative starter cable  34 , a positive starter cable  35 , and a pair of starter ring terminals  33 . Each starter ring terminal  33  is to be connected to respective positive and negative terminals on respective solenoid and ground portions of the starter  37  (see  FIG. 3 ). The starter ring terminals  33  are attached to appropriately gauged standard copper starter cables  34 ,  35  being approximately five (5) feet long and capable of delivering a high current to the starter  37 . The second fastener  31  is to be equipped with female plug features  32  being sized and shaped to slidingly mate with the aforementioned first fastener  21  (see  FIG. 2   a ). Said female plug features  32  also comprise a keyed shape so as to guarantee properly matched electrical polarities. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   c  a perspective view of an alligator connector assembly portion  40  of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The alligator connector assembly  40  provides a temporary clamping attachment of the system  10  thereto a charging battery  110  and comprises a second fastener  31 , a pair of alligator clips  43 , a negative alligator cable  44 , and a positive alligator cable  45 . The alligator connector assembly  40  enables connection of a dead or discharged primary battery  100  to a charging battery  110 ; thereby providing an initial charge needed to start a vehicle&#39;s engine and/or to recharge the primary battery  100  (see  FIG. 4 ). The alligator clips  43  comprise spring-loaded clamping units being similar to like devices used commonly on conventional jumper cables and being fabricated using highly conductive metals such as, but not limited to: bare copper, zinc-plated copper, copper-plated iron/steel, or the like. The alligator clips  43  also provide polarity identification via respective negative “−” black handle covers  48  and positive “+” red handle covers  49  being made of plastic and visually representing the two (2) polarities of the vehicles direct current (DC) system. The attached alligator clips  43  are to clamp thereto battery terminal portions  120 ,  130  of the charging battery  110  to deliver a charge in an expected manner. The alligator cables  44 ,  45  comprise heavy gauged conductors being approximately five (5) feet long and extending between said alligator clips  43  and the second fastener  31  being durably attached, as previously described, using crimped and soldered connections  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an in-use view of the system  10  depicting utilization of the apparatus  10  between a primary battery  100  and a starter  37 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. As shown here, the primary battery  100  may establish electrical communication therewith the starter  37  upon engagement of the first fastener portion  21  of the battery connector assembly  20  and the second fastener portion  31  of the starter connector assembly  30 . The primary battery  100  and the starter  37  may operate in a conventional manner in conjunction with a vehicle&#39;s ignition system once the first fastener  21  is engaged therewith the second fastener  31 . 
     The system  10  is illustrated here being applied thereto a primary battery  100  having a positive battery terminal  120  and a negative battery terminal  130  being bolt-on-type terminals having an “L”-shaped post; however, the teachings of the system  10  may be applied equally thereto other terminal types such as, but not limited to: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) top post, side post, or the like, being easily installed using different models of the battery connector assembly  20  being configured with correctly corresponding terminal fastening hardware. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an in-use view of the system  10  depicting utilization of the apparatus  10  therebetween a primary battery  100  and a charging battery  110 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. When the primary battery  100  is discharged, the system  10  can be utilized to connect the discharged primary battery  100  thereto the charging battery  110  by means of the alligator connector assembly  40 . The alligator clips  43  are attached thereto positive  120  and negative  130  battery terminal portions of the charging battery  110 . The first fastener  21  is then engaged therewith the second fastener  31  to transfer electrical power to the primary battery  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a section view of first  21  and second  31  fastener portions of the system  10  as taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 3 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The first fastener  21  and second fastener  31  are illustrated here showing the sliding engagement between, to enable a flow of current through via the male  22  and female  32  plug features which comprise matching keyed features to guarantee properly matched electrical polarities, thereby preventing accidental shorting between incompatible fasteners. Furthermore, said first  21  and second  31  fasteners are envisioned to be made of durable and highly electrically resistant materials such AS Bakelite or other thermosetting polymers, thereby allowing secure molding around the previously described crimped and soldered connections  60  thereto the cables  24 ,  25 ,  34 ,  35 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: opening the latching mechanism  51  on the carrying case  50 ; removing the battery connector assembly  20  and starter connector assembly  30  therefrom the corresponding cut-outs in the padding  54  within the carrying case  50 ; bolting the battery ring terminal portions  23  of said battery connector assembly  20  thereto the positive  120  and negative  130  battery terminals on the primary battery  100  using existing bolts; giving care to properly match the polarity of the first fastener  21  and the primary battery  100 ; connecting said starter ring terminals  33  to the proper polarity electrical contacts thereupon the starter  37  using original starter hardware; fully engaging the male plug features  22  of the first fastener  21  into the female plug features  32  of the second fastener  31 ; and, allowing the primary battery  100  to deliver current thereto the starter  37  upon actuation by a vehicle ignition system while using the system  10 . 
     In an event that the primary battery  100  lacks a sufficient charge to start the vehicle, connection of the primary battery  100  thereto a charging battery  110  for recharging purposes may be achieved by performing the following steps: disengaging the first fastener portion  21  of the battery connector assembly  20  therefrom the second fastener portion  31  of the starter connector assembly  30 ; removing the alligator connector assembly  40  therefrom the carrying case  50 ; clamping the alligator clip portion  43  having black handle covers  48 , thereto the negative battery terminal  130  of the charging battery  110 ; clamping the alligator clip portion  43  having red handle covers  49 , thereto the positive battery terminal  120  of the charging battery  110 ; engaging the first fastener  21  thereinto the second fastener  31  portion of the alligator connector assembly  40 ; initiating a starting process or; allowing sufficient time to allow the charging battery  110  to recharge the primary battery  100 ; unfastening the first fastener portion  21  of the battery connector assembly  20  therefrom the second fastener portion  31  of the alligator connector assembly  40 ; unclipping said alligator clips  43  therefrom the charging battery  110 ; placing said alligator connector assembly  40  thereinto the carrying case  50 ; restoring said first fastener portion  21  of the battery connector assembly  20  thereto the second fastener portion  31  of the starter connector assembly  30 ; energizing the starter  37  as needed in a normal fashion using the recharged primary battery  100 ; and, storing the apparatus  10  using the carrying case  50  until needed again. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.