Patent Publication Number: US-6701566-B2

Title: Trailer electrical connector cleaning system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to providing electrical terminal-cleaning systems. More particularly, this invention provides a system for the cleaning of male and female terminals comprised within trailer electrical connectors. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Trailer electrical connectors carry the power to illuminate the trailer lights, charge auxiliary batteries, activate braking systems, etc. Such trailer electrical connectors generally comprise substantially round body connectors having a plurality of individual electrical terminals therein. Such electrical connectors comprise male and female electrical terminals that are preferably designed to mate with one another, thus, forming a low resistance path for electrical current flow. However, due to the exposure of such trailer electrical connectors to the elements, the male and female electrical terminals often become covered in dirt or corrosion that will prevent a satisfactory electrical contact between the male and female electrical terminals. Therefore, it is a common sight to see owners and operators of trailers scrapping at the male and female electrical terminals with a pocket knife, or some other make-shift tool, in an attempt to remove dirt or corrosion in order to reestablish satisfactory electrical contact. 
     In the prior art, devices for the cleaning of trailer electrical connectors are available, but such systems have drawbacks. For example, the “Device For Cleaning Electrical Systems”, U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,892, by Ross, shows a terminal-cleaning device. However, the Ross terminal-cleaning device features a plurality of brushes all permanently and integrally arranged upon the terminal-cleaning device, i.e., a first set of brushes is designed to clean a specific number and configuration of female terminals integral to a female trailer electrical connector. The specific arrangement of the first set of brushes comprises seven brushes specifically arranged to be inserted into a female trailer connector having seven female terminals in the same specific arrangement as the first set of brushes upon the terminal-cleaning device. Consequently, when the first set of brushes is inserted into a female trailer connector having seven female terminals, only linear movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the female terminals is possible. Thus, this prior art terminal-cleaning device cannot be used to clean other trailer electrical connectors having a different female terminal configuration. Additionally, the plural arrangement of brushes only allows for axial linear movement, rather than both axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion. Thus, it is possible that a complete cleaning of a female terminal will not occur. 
     The terminal-cleaning device further features a second set of brushes having an arrangement and configuration of a plurality of brushes configured to surround the male terminals of the analogous configuration as the seven female terminals. Again, such an arrangement is only suitable for linear axial movement, and only then to clean a male trailer electrical connector having seven male terminals in the same specific arrangement as the second set of brushes. 
     An additional problem with this terminal-cleaning device is that if any electrical power is present on any of the male or female terminals, the brushes and/or terminal-cleaning device could cause a short circuit within the electrical system of the trailer or the towing vehicle. 
     Further known prior art is the “Electrical Terminal-cleaning Device”, U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,294, by Halverson. The Halverson device features a plurality of various sized brushes for the cleaning of female electrical terminal connectors. The various sized brushes are all hingably coupled to a folding case, allowing a single brush to be accessed for the cleaning of an applicable sized female terminal upon a trailer electrical connector. However, this electrical terminal-cleaning device only features a single rigid cylinder for the cleaning of male terminals. Such a rigid cylinder having no resilience to it is constrained in the cleaning action that can be brought to bear upon a male electrical terminal and is also only potentially suited for a single-sized male electrical terminal. 
     An additional drawback of both of the prior art terminal-cleaning devices is that neither comprises a sealed unit. Thus, debris, such as dirt, scale, oil, road-tar, etc., clinging to the brushes or rigid cylinder, may drop from the cleaning device while being carried in a pocket and cause soiling of the user&#39;s clothes. Further yet, an additional drawback of both of the prior art terminal-cleaning devices is that neither device comprises a very small compact device adapted to be easily carried in a shirt pocket. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that is usable with different trailer electrical connectors having different arrangements and configurations of electrical terminals. Another need exists for a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that allows both linear axial and rotational axial cleaning movements. A further need exists for a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that will not cause short-circuiting between the electrical terminals of a trailer connector plug or jack. Yet another need exists for a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that provides a resilient male electrical terminal-cleaning element. Yet a further need exists for a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that features a closed or sealed carrying position that will not drop debris clinging to the cleaning elements into the pockets of the user&#39;s clothing. Additionally, another need exists for a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that is very small, compact, and adapted to be easily carried in a shirt pocket. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary object and feature of the present invention is to fulfill the above-mentioned needs by providing a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that is usable with different trailer electrical connectors having different arrangements and configurations of electrical terminals. Another primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that allows both linear axial and rotational axial cleaning movements. A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that will not cause short-circuiting between the electrical terminals of a trailer connector plug or jack. Yet another primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that provides a resilient electrical terminal-cleaning element. Yet a further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that features a closed or sealed carrying position to prevent debris clinging to the cleaning elements from dropping into the pockets of the user&#39;s clothing. Additionally, another primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a trailer electrical connector cleaning system that is very small, compact, and adapted to be easily carried in a shirt pocket. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following invention descriptions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a trailer-electrical-connector cleaning system comprising: at least one cleaning structure arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to a trailer-electrical-connector electrical terminal; and at least one enclosing structure arranged to enable enclosing such at least one cleaning structure in such manner as to substantially isolate such at least one cleaning structure from an environment outside such at least one enclosing structure. This invention further provides such a system comprising at least one second cleaning structure, having an opposite mating structure than such cleaning structure, arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to a second electrical terminal. It also provides such a system wherein such at least one second cleaning structure comprises a brush cleaning element structured and arranged to enable cleaning of female electrical terminals. Plus it provides such a system wherein such brush cleaning element comprises bristle material comprised of steel. In addition it provides such a system wherein such steel comprises stainless steel. Furthermore, this invention provides such a system further comprising a pocket clip, coupled to such at least one enclosing structure, arranged to couple such at least one enclosing structure to a pocket. Still further it provides such a system wherein such at least one cleaning structure comprises a helical cleaning element structured and arranged to enable cleaning of male electrical terminals, and it also provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises steel. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such steel comprises stainless steel. This invention also provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises an abrasive surface. And it further provides such a system wherein such at least one cleaning structure comprises a helical cleaning element structured and arranged to enable cleaning of female electrical terminals. It also provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises steel, and it further provides such a system wherein such steel comprises stainless steel, and even further wherein such helical cleaning element comprises an abrasive surface. This invention also provides such a system wherein: such at least one enclosing structure comprises a single substantially-tubular member; and frictional coupling of such at least one cleaning structure and such at least one second cleaning structure to such single substantially-tubular member enables enclosing such at least one cleaning structure and such at least one second cleaning structure in such manner as to substantially isolate such cleaning structures from an environment outside such at least one enclosing structure. Additionally, this invention provides such a system wherein: such at least one enclosing structure comprises two substantially-tubular members; and frictional coupling of such at least one cleaning structure and such at least one second cleaning structure to such two substantially-tubular members enables enclosing such at least one cleaning structure and such at least one second cleaning structure in such manner as to substantially isolate such cleaning structures from an environment outside such at least one enclosing structure. 
     In addition, this invention provides, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, an electrical connector cleaning system for cleaning electrical terminals of hard-metal, low-amperage vehicle electrical connectors. Such an invention comprises: at least one cleaning structure arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to an electrical terminal; and at least one second cleaning structure, having an opposite mating structure than such at least one cleaning structure, arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to a second electrical terminal. Such an invention further provides such a system wherein such at least one second cleaning structure comprises a brush cleaning element structured and arranged to enable cleaning of female electrical terminals. Also, it provides such a system wherein such brush cleaning element comprises bristle material comprised of steel, and even further wherein such steel comprises stainless steel. Additionally, this invention provides such a system wherein such at least one cleaning structure comprises a helical cleaning element structured and arranged to enable cleaning of male electrical terminals. This invention also provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises steel, and further it provides such a system wherein such steel comprises stainless steel. It also provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises an abrasive surface. The invention also provides such a system wherein such at least one cleaning structure comprises a helical cleaning element structured and arranged to enable cleaning of female electrical terminals. Also, it provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises steel, and it also provides such a system wherein such steel comprises stainless steel. This invention also provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises an abrasive surface. 
     Additionally still, this invention provides, in accordance with another preferred embodiment thereof, an electrical connector cleaning system for non-lead, low-amperage, electrical terminals comprising: at least one cleaning structure arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to the electrical terminals; and wherein such at least one cleaning structure comprises a helical cleaning element structured and arranged to clean the electrical terminals. It also provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises steel, and even further it provides such a system wherein such steel comprises stainless steel. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such steel comprises an abrasive surface. The invention also provides such a system comprising at least one enclosing structure, wherein: such at least one enclosing structure comprises a single substantially-tubular member; and frictional coupling of such at least one cleaning structure to such single substantially-tubular member enables enclosing such at least one cleaning structure in such manner as to substantially isolate such cleaning structure from an environment outside such at least one enclosing structure. It further provides such an invention further comprising a pocket clip coupled to such at least one enclosing structure arranged to couple such at least one enclosing structure to a pocket. And it also provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises a sharp edge upon inner circumferential edges of such helical cleaning element structured and arranged to assist cleaning of electrical terminals of male design. And, it also provides such a system wherein such helical cleaning element comprises a sharp edge upon outer circumferential edges of such helical cleaning element structured and arranged to assist cleaning of electrical terminals of female design. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention depicting a user removing the protective cap from the male end of the terminal-cleaning element body. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention showing both protective caps removed from both ends of the terminal-cleaning element body. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention showing the protective cap removed from the male end of the terminal-cleaning element body and the male terminal-cleaning element aligned for placement over a male terminal integral to a trailer electrical jack. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention showing the pocket clip protective cap removed from the female end of the terminal-cleaning element body and the female terminal-cleaning element aligned for insertion into a female terminal integral to a trailer electrical plug. 
     FIG. 6 is a close-up sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of FIG. 4 showing the male terminal-cleaning element placed over a male terminal integral to a trailer electrical jack. 
     FIG. 7 is a close-up sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of FIG. 5 showing the female terminal-cleaning element inserted into a female terminal integral to a trailer electrical plug. 
     FIG. 8 is an elevational view from one side of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is an elevational view from one end of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is an elevational view from one side of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention showing both protective caps removed from both ends of the terminal-cleaning element body. 
     FIG. 11 is an elevational sectional view from one side of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention showing both protective caps removed from both ends of the terminal-cleaning element body and both elements exposed. 
     FIG. 12 is a close-up view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of FIG. 10 showing the female terminal-cleaning element. 
     FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of FIG. 10 showing the male terminal-cleaning element. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention showing both terminal-cleaning element holders removed from the cleaning element protective body. 
     FIG. 15 is an elevational view from one side of an alternative preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention showing both terminal-cleaning element holders removed from the cleaning element protective body. 
     FIG. 16 is an elevational sectional view from one side of an alternative preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system of the present invention showing both terminal-cleaning element holders removed from the cleaning element protective body. 
     FIG. 17 is a close-up sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a trailer electrical connector cleaning system showing an alternate female terminal-cleaning element inserted into a female terminal integral to a trailer electrical plug. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF PRACTICE 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system  10  (the “system  10 ” hereinafter) of the present invention is shown. The system  10  preferably comprises a terminal-cleaning element body  12 , a pocket clip protective cap  14 , and a protective cap  16 . Such a system  10  embodies herein at least one cleaning structure arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to a trailer-electrical-connector electrical terminal. Referring to FIG. 2, another perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the system  10  of the present invention is shown depicting a user  18  removing the protective cap  14  from over the male terminal-cleaning element  22  of the terminal-cleaning element body  12 . The protective cap  14  is preferably a friction, or snap-fit cap that slides over the male terminal-cleaning element  22  of the terminal-cleaning element body  12 . As shown, the system  10  is very small, compact, and adapted to be easily carried in a shirt pocket. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the system  10  of the present invention showing both the protective cap  16  and the pocket clip protective cap  14 , removed from each end of the terminal-cleaning element body  12  is shown. Although it is shown that the pocket clip protective cap  14  is slid over the female terminal-cleaning element  28 , and the protective cap  16  is slid over the male terminal-cleaning element  22 , both protective caps  14  and  16  are preferably interchangeable, and may be placed over either the male or the female terminal-cleaning elements  22  and  28 . With both of the protective caps  14  and  16  in place, as shown in FIG. 1, coupled to the terminal-cleaning element body  12 , the male and female terminal-cleaning elements  22  and  28  are completely enclosed. Such an enclosed, or sealed, carrying position thus provides a feature of substantially isolating the male and female terminal-cleaning elements  22  and  28  from the environment external to the enclosing structure. Such an arrangement is embodied by the at least one enclosing structure arranged to enable enclosing such at least one cleaning structure in such manner as to substantially isolate such at least one cleaning structure from an environment outside such at least one enclosing structure. Thus, the system  10  preferably features a closed, or sealed, carrying position that will not drop debris clinging to the male or the female terminal-cleaning elements  22  and  28  into the pockets of the user&#39;s clothing, thus, preventing soiling thereof. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, an elevational view from one side of a preferred embodiment of the system  10  of the present invention is shown. As shown, the pocket clip protective cap  14  preferably comprises a pocket clip  32 . The pocket clip  32  may be integral to the body of the pocket clip protective cap  14 , or alternatively, may be affixed in an other manner, as is known by those skilled in the art. Such pocket clip  32  and pocket clip protective cap  14  embody herein a pocket clip coupled to such at least one enclosing structure arranged to couple such at least one enclosing structure to a pocket. It should be noted, as previously discussed, that the male and female terminal-cleaning elements  22  and  28  are completely enclosed within the space defined by the protective caps  14  and  16  coupled to either end of the terminal-cleaning element body  12 . Such a system  10  embodies herein at least one enclosing structure comprising two substantially-tubular members; and frictional coupling of such at least one cleaning structure and such at least one second cleaning structure to such two substantially-tubular members enables enclosing such at least one cleaning structure and such at least one second cleaning structure in such manner as to substantially isolate such cleaning structures from an environment outside such at least one enclosing structure. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, an elevational view from one end of the system  10  is shown. It should be noted, in reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, that the system  10  has a feature of being a very small compact device adapted to be easily carried in a shirt pocket. 
     Referring to FIG. 10, an elevational view from one side of a preferred embodiment of the system  10  with both protective caps  14  and  16  removed from both ends of the terminal-cleaning element body  12  is shown. 
     Referring to FIG. 11, an elevational sectional view from one side of a preferred embodiment of the system  10  showing both protective caps  14  and  16  removed from both ends of the terminal-cleaning element body  12  is shown. Also shown is the male terminal-cleaning element  22  and the female terminal-cleaning element  28 , each having about one-half to one-third of their length embedded into the material of the terminal-cleaning element body  12 . Such a system  10  embodies herein at least one cleaning structure arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to a trailer-electrical-connector electrical terminal. Furthermore, such a system  10  embodies at least one second cleaning structure, having an opposite mating structure than the cleaning structure, arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to a second electrical terminal, wherein the at least one second cleaning structure comprises a brush cleaning element structured and arranged to enable cleaning of female electrical terminals. 
     Referring to FIG. 12, a close-up view of the female terminal-cleaning element  28  of the system  10  of FIG. 10 is shown. The female terminal-cleaning element  28  is a brush, or cleaning element, that preferably comprises a double helical wire  36 , preferably comprising a bristle material  34  tightly bound into the double helical wire  36 . The bristle material  34  is preferably a metal-type material, due to its strength properties. The construction of such double helical wire  36  and bristle material  34  is known to those skilled in the art, although those skilled in the art will recognize that under appropriate circumstances, the female terminal-cleaning element  28  might comprise other types of brushes or cleaning elements. 
     Referring to FIG. 13, a close-up view of the male terminal-cleaning element  22  of the system  10  of FIG. 10 is shown. The male terminal-cleaning element  22  preferably comprises a helical resilient material coil having about one-half to one-third of its length embedded into the material of the terminal-cleaning element body  12 . The male terminal-cleaning element  22  will expand to fit different sized male terminals  24 , thus providing a feature of enabling the cleaning of different sizes of male terminals  24 . Such male terminals  24  comprise substantially hard-metal carrying relatively low-amperage current. For example, the battery posts and clamps of a typical automobile engine comprise lead and carry high starting current, e.g., 100 amps. Such battery posts and clamps are not considered to be within the scope of terminals, male or female, suitable for cleaning by preferred embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, such a male terminal-cleaning element  22  is preferably comprised of spring steel, and is further preferably stainless steel. Additionally, such a male terminal-cleaning element  22  might further preferably be sandblasted, or otherwise treated as those skilled in the art would utilize in appropriate circumstances, to impart a more abrasive texture to its surface. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that in appropriate circumstances, a material other than spring steel might be used for the composition of a male terminal-cleaning element  22 . Further, male terminal-cleaning element  22  will preferably comprise right, or otherwise acute, angled edges  23  upon each inner edge of the spring steel helical resilient material coil. Such an angled edge feature will thus facilitate the cleaning action of the male terminal-cleaning element  22  as it is pushed or screwed onto and off of a male electrical element  24 . 
     Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the system  10  with the protective cap  16  removed from the male end of the terminal-cleaning element body  12  and the male terminal-cleaning element  22  aligned for insertion over one of the male terminals  24  integral to a trailer electrical jack  20  is shown. It should be noted that although a particular trailer electrical jack  20  is shown, this jack is representative of many different types and styles of trailer electrical jacks having different arrangements and configurations of electrical terminals. Those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention are therefore not only usable with such different arrangements and configurations of electrical terminals, but are, in fact, particularly well-suited to be usable with many such arrangements and configurations of electrical terminals due to the feature of having single resilient cleaning elements. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, a close-up sectional view of the system  10  of FIG. 4 shows the male terminal-cleaning element  22  inserted over a male terminal  24  integral to a trailer electrical jack  20 . It will be noted, as would be recognized by those skilled in the art, that the male terminal-cleaning element  22  has one end preferably embedded into the material of the terminal-cleaning element body  12 . The other exposed end of the male terminal-cleaning element  22  is inserted over a male terminal  24 . The male terminal-cleaning element  22  is preferably comprised of a helical resilient material coil. Such a spiral coil will result in the male terminal-cleaning element  22  expanding slightly as it is pushed and/or rotated onto and off of a male terminal  24 . The result of pushing the helical resilient material coil of the male terminal-cleaning element  22  onto a male terminal  24  is a combination of both linear axial and rotational axial cleaning movements. Thus, a male terminal  24  that has had a male terminal-cleaning element  22  pushed and/or rotated onto and off of it has had a planar cleaning action substantially performed upon each point of the surface of the male terminal  24 . Additionally, such a helical resilient material coil comprising a male terminal-cleaning element  22  will expand to fit different sized male terminals  24 , thus, providing a feature of enabling cleaning of different sizes of male terminals  24 . Such a male terminal-cleaning element  22  is preferably comprised of spring steel, and is further preferably stainless steel. Additionally, such a male terminal-cleaning element  22  might further preferably be sandblasted, or otherwise treated as those skilled in the art would utilize in appropriate circumstances, to impart a more abrasive texture to its surface. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in appropriate circumstances, a material other than spring steel might be used for the composition of a male terminal-cleaning element  22 . Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention preferably comprise a single cleaning element. Thus, where such single cleaning element is metal, short-circuiting between the electrical terminals of a trailer electrical plug will not occur, thus, preventing damage to electrical systems or the necessity to de-energize such electrical systems. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the system  10  showing the pocket clip protective cap  14  removed from the female end of the terminal-cleaning element body  12  is shown. Additionally, the female terminal-cleaning element  28  is shown aligned for insertion into a female terminal  30  integral to a trailer electrical plug  26 . It should be noted that although a particular trailer electrical plug  26  is shown, this plug is representative of many different types and styles of trailer electrical plugs having different arrangements and configurations of electrical terminals. Those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention are therefore not only usable with such different arrangements and configurations of electrical terminals as described, but are, in fact, particularly well-suited to be usable with many such arrangements and configurations of electrical terminals upon many different electrical plugs, due to the feature of having a single resilient cleaning element. 
     Referring to FIG. 7, a close-up sectional view of the system  10  of FIG. 5 shows the female terminal-cleaning element  28  inserted into a female terminal  30  integral to a trailer electrical plug  26 . It will be noted, as known by those skilled in the art, that the female terminal-cleaning element  28  has one end preferably embedded into the material of the terminal-cleaning element body  12 . The other exposed end of the female terminal-cleaning element  28  is inserted into a female terminal  30 . 
     With reference to FIG. 12, the female terminal-cleaning element  28  is preferably a brush, or cleaning element, that preferably comprises a double helical wire  36 , preferably comprising a bristle material  34  tightly bound into the double helical wire  36 . The bristle material  34  is preferably a metal-type material, due to its strength properties. Additionally, the bristle material  34  is further preferably comprised of stainless steel, although those skilled in the art will recognize that in appropriate circumstances, a material other than stainless steel might be used for the composition of the bristle material  34 . The double helical wire  36  is preferably comprised of spring steel, and is further preferably comprised of stainless steel. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in appropriate circumstances, a material other than spring steel might be used for the composition of the double helical wire  36 . Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention preferably comprise a single cleaning element. Therefore, where such single cleaning element is metal, short-circuiting between the electrical terminals of a trailer electrical plug will not occur, thus, preventing damage to electrical systems or the necessity to de-energize such electrical systems. Although a preferred design and construction of the female terminal-cleaning element  28  has been described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that under appropriate circumstances, the female terminal-cleaning element  28  might comprise other types of brushes or cleaning elements. 
     Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 7, the female terminal-cleaning element  28  is inserted into a female terminal  30 , and then retracted from the female terminal  30 . Such linear axial cleaning motion may be further preferably accompanied with an axial rotational twisting action of the female terminal-cleaning element  28  within the female terminal  30 . The combination of both linear axial and rotational axial cleaning movements results in substantially every portion of the surface of a female terminal coming into contact with the bristle material  34 , thus achieving the greatest possible degree of cleaning of the female terminal  30 . Thus, a female terminal  30  that has had a female terminal-cleaning element  28  pushed and/or rotated into and out of it has had a planar cleaning action substantially performed upon each point of the surface within the female terminal  30 . Additionally, such a double helical wire  36  and bristle material  34  preferably comprises resilient properties that enable a female terminal-cleaning element  28  to expand or compress to fit into different sized female terminals  30 , thus, providing a feature of enabling cleaning of different sizes of female terminals  30 . Such female terminals  30  comprise substantially hard-metal carrying relatively low-amperage current. For example, the battery posts and clamps of a typical automobile engine comprise lead and carry high starting current, e.g., 100 amps. Such battery posts and clamps are not considered to be within the scope of terminals, male or female, suitable for cleaning by preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 14, a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the trailer electrical connector cleaning system (the “system  5 ” hereinafter) of the present invention having two alternative terminal-cleaning element holders  38  and  42  removed from the cleaning element protective body  40  is shown. The system  5  preferably comprises a cleaning element protective body  40  that is preferably an open tube, although in appropriate circumstances, a sealing divider might be positioned approximately in the middle of the open tube, thus sealing one end of the cleaning element protective body  40  from the opposite end. Into each end of the cleaning element protective body  40  is slid, interchangeably, either a female terminal-cleaning element holder  38 , or a male terminal-cleaning element holder  42 . The female terminal-cleaning element holder  38  preferably comprises a reduced-diameter female terminal-cleaning element holder neck  44  sized to frictionally slide within either end of the cleaning element protective body  40 . Embedded within the end of the female terminal-cleaning element holder neck  44  is the female terminal-cleaning element  28  previously described. The male terminal-cleaning element holder  42  preferably comprises a reduced-diameter male terminal-cleaning element holder neck  46  sized to frictionally slide within either end of the cleaning element protective body  40 . Embedded within the end of the male terminal-cleaning element holder neck  46  is the male terminal-cleaning element  22  previously described. Such a system  5  embodies herein an enclosing member, wherein such at least one enclosing structure comprises a single substantially-tubular member; and wherein such at least one cleaning structure is substantially completely enclosed and substantially completely isolated from an environment outside such at least one enclosing structure by the insertion and frictional coupling of such at least one cleaning structure to such enclosing member. 
     The male terminal-cleaning element holder  42  further preferably comprises a pocket clip  32 . The pocket clip  32  may be integral to the body of the male terminal-cleaning element holder  42 , or alternatively, may be affixed in another manner, as is known by those skilled in the art. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that it may be preferable, in some situations, to affix the pocket clip  32  to the female terminal-cleaning element holder  38 . The female terminal-cleaning element holder  38  preferably comprises a reduced-diameter female terminal-cleaning element holder neck  44  sized to frictionally slide within either end of the cleaning element protective body  40 . 
     With both the female terminal-cleaning element holder  38  and the male terminal-cleaning element holder  42  in place, frictionally coupled to the cleaning element protective body  40 , the female terminal-cleaning element  28  and the male terminal-cleaning element  22  are completely enclosed. Thus, the system  5  preferably features a closed, or sealed, carrying position that will not drop debris clinging to the female terminal-cleaning element holder  38 , or the male terminal-cleaning element holder  42  into the pockets of a user&#39;s clothing. Additionally, it should be noted that the system  5  has a feature of being a very small compact device adapted to be easily carried in a shirt pocket. 
     Referring to FIG. 15, an elevational view from one side of an alternate preferred embodiment of the system  5  with both the female terminal-cleaning element holder  38 , and the male terminal-cleaning element holder  42  removed from both ends of the cleaning element protective body  40  is shown. 
     Referring to FIG. 16, an elevational sectional view from one side of a preferred embodiment of the system  5  illustrating both the female terminal-cleaning element holder  38 , and the male terminal-cleaning element holder  42  removed from both ends of the cleaning element protective body  40  is shown. Also shown is the male terminal-cleaning element holder  42  and the female terminal-cleaning element holder  38 , each having about one-half to one-third of their length embedded into the material of their respective male terminal-cleaning element holder neck  46  and female terminal-cleaning element holder neck  44 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, a preferred design and construction of the female terminal-cleaning element  28  and the male terminal-cleaning element  22  remains substantially as previously described. However, rather than into the material of the terminal-cleaning element body  12 , the ends of the female terminal-cleaning element  28  and the male terminal-cleaning element  22  each have about one-half to one-third of their length embedded into the material of their respective male terminal-cleaning element holder neck  46  and female terminal-cleaning element holder neck  44 . 
     Referring to FIG. 17, a close-up sectional view of an alternate female terminal-cleaning element  50  inserted into a female terminal  30  integral to a trailer electrical plug  26 , as may be utilized in either system  5 , or system  10 , is shown. In such a manner, as previously described, the alternate female terminal-cleaning element  50  has one end preferably embedded into either the material of the terminal-cleaning element body  12 , or into the material of the female terminal-cleaning element holder neck  44 . The other exposed end of the alternate female terminal-cleaning element  50  is inserted into a female terminal  30 . The alternate female terminal-cleaning element  50  is preferably comprised of spring steel, and is further preferably stainless steel. Additionally, such an alternate female terminal-cleaning element  50  might further preferably be sandblasted, or otherwise treated as those skilled in the art would utilize in appropriate circumstances, to impart a more abrasive texture to its surface. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in appropriate circumstances, a material other than spring steel might be used for the composition of an alternate female terminal-cleaning element  50 . Furthermore, an alternate female terminal-cleaning element  50  will preferably comprise right, or otherwise acute, angled edges upon each outer edge of the spring steel helical resilient material coil. Such feature will thus facilitate the cleaning action of the alternate female terminal-cleaning element  50  as it is pushed or rotated into and out of a female terminal  30 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that in appropriate circumstances, a material other than spring steel might be used for the composition of the alternate female terminal-cleaning element  50 . 
     Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.