Patent Application
20090191454
The present embodiments generally relate to battery clamps used to connect battery terminals to electrical connectors of a machine.
Batteries are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from handheld devices and small electronics to automobiles and large industrial machinery (collectively “devices”). The devices are generally connected to positive and negative battery terminals (often referred to as battery posts) through an electrical conductor such as a wire or coax cable. The electrical conductor is often secured to the battery posts using some type of battery clamp assembly that establishes a firm electrical connection between the battery post and a terminal end of the electrical conductor. The quality of the electrical connection between the battery and the device is often dependent on the quality and durability of battery clamp assembly.
Batteries are often subject to vibration and environmental contaminants that can over time loosen the connection point between the battery posts and the clamp assemblies. Eventually, the clamp assembly may completely disengage from the battery post, terminating the electrical connection. In many applications the terminal connection to the battery posts is accomplished using a horizontal bolt and trapped nut combination. This type of clamp assembly is generally difficult to assemble, particularly when the battery is located in close proximity to surrounding structures, which limits the space necessary to access and tighten the bolt.
Accordingly, the embodiments described herein were developed in light of these and other drawbacks associated with known battery clamps.
A battery clamp includes a fixed collar cooperating with an adjustable collar to engage a battery terminal. In one embodiment, the adjustable collar is attached to a pivotal grip plate, the pivotal grip plate being pivotably engageable with a base attached to the fixed collar.
A method of securing a battery clamp about a terminal includes positioning a clamp around a terminal of a battery, wherein the clamp includes a fixed collar and an adjustable collar. The method further includes engaging the fixed collar and the adjustable collar to the terminal of the battery by adjusting the force applied by the adjustable collar.
The foregoing brief description will be understood more completely from the following detailed description of the exemplary drawings, in which:
A battery clamp includes a fixed collar cooperating with an adjustable collar to engage a battery post terminal along an axis generally parallel to side walls of the battery post. In one embodiment, the adjustable collar includes a pivotal grip plate having a nut and bolt combination that is tightened and accessible along the parallel axis. The pivotal grip plate is configured to cooperate with the fixed collar such that the resulting clamping pressure is pivotally transferred to a gripping force around the battery post, perpendicular to the parallel axis. The pivotal actuation of the adjustable collar onto the side walls of the battery post terminal provides a constant and tight contact pressure that establishes a firm electrical connection between the battery clamp and the battery post terminal. In one embodiment, the pivotal grip plate includes a compression tab interacting at a pivot point with the fixed collar portion of the clamp. The compression tab provides a constant, slightly angular pressure force that helps to maintain a tight compression fit between the battery post and the battery clamp.
In one embodiment of battery clamp 10, the adjustable collar 18 contains a plurality of gripping ribs 40. The gripping ribs 40 are substantially parallel to and integrally formed with the adjustable collar 18. The gripping ribs 40 may be spaced out randomly or evenly along the adjustable collar 18. The gripping ribs 40 function at least in part to promote the secure surface contact with the post terminal 12 facilitating conductivity through a strong and constant electrical connection. It is contemplated that there may be any number of gripping ribs 40 integrated into the adjustable collar 18. It is further contemplated that the length and width of the gripping ribs 40 may vary.
The fixed collar 16 is shaped to substantially match the contours of the post terminal 12. The fixed collar 16 should fit snuggly about the post terminal 12 to promote steady surface contact. The fixed collar 16 surrounds a substantial portion of the terminal 12 as depicted in
As shown in
As shown in
In one embodiment, the compression tab 26 is integrally formed with the pivotal grip plate 20. The compression tab 26 is positioned between two flattened extensions in a plane of the pivotal grip plate 20. The compression tab 26 is configured to have a raised curvature that forms an arch above the plane with an extension that dips below the plane of the pivotal grip plate 20. At the end of this extension, there is a lip 44 that corresponds to the edge of the slot 28 and fits into the slot 28. The lip 44 may be substantially flat as illustrated in
The base 24, as depicted in
At an end of the base 24 opposite the fixed collar 16 is a crimping claw 48. The crimping claw 48 is generally integrally formed with the base 24 and has a U-shaped channel formation, as depicted in
The appended claims have been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, which are merely illustrative of the best modes for carrying out the invention defined by the appended claims. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed in practicing the invention defined by the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in claims. The embodiments should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. Moreover, the foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application.
With regard to the processes, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes described herein are provided for illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed to limit the appended claims.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.
All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.
