Battery clamp device

Abstract

A battery clamp comprising: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; and a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member. The first inner metal battery clamp member and / or the second inner metal battery clamp member has a beveled access plate for connection with a battery cable, the beveled access plate configured to allow a user to access the beveled access plate with a tool while avoiding interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery jumper cable or battery jumper starting device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, there are many battery jumper cables or battery jumper starting devices.

[0003] There is a need for an improved battery clamp. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention relates to an improved battery clamp device. The battery clamp device comprises or consists of an outer battery clamp connected to an inner battery clamp. For example, the outer battery clamp can be made of an electrically insulating material, and the inner battery clamp can be made of an electrically conductive material, such as metal. The inner battery clamp is housed within the outer battery clamp and connected together, for example by a snap-fit connector and / or a mechanical connection.

[0005] The battery clamp device is configured to facilitate connection with a battery cable. In particular, the battery clamp device is configured to prevent mechanical interference with a user's fingers or a tool used to connect or disconnect a fastener connecting the battery cable to the battery clamp device. For example, the inner battery clamp is provided with an inclined plate configured to prevent mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp device by arranging the axis of the threaded fastener used to connect the battery cable at an angle to at least one of the handle portions.

[0006] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp device comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with the threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp device.

[0007] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the first inner metal battery clamp; a second outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the second inner metal battery clamp; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being an angled metal plate, wherein the angled metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to align with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus.

[0008] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the first inner metal battery clamp; a second outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the second inner metal battery clamp; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected between a pair of inner edges of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being an angled metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the angled metal plate is oriented transverse to the at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member to allow a tool to align with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus.

[0009] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the first inner metal battery clamp; a second outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the second inner metal battery clamp; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being an angled metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the angled metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to align with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus.

[0010] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the metal plate is an angled metal plate, and wherein the angled metal plate is oriented transversely relative to at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member.

[0011] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the metal plate is an angled metal plate, wherein the angled metal plate is oriented transversely relative to at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member has a U-shaped cross-section along a length of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, thereby providing a pair of spaced apart inner edges between which the angled metal plate extends.

[0012] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp device comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp device, wherein the metal plate is an angled metal plate, wherein the angled metal plate is oriented transverse to at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member has a U-shaped cross section along a length of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, thereby providing a pair of spaced apart inner edges between which the angled metal plate extends, and wherein a low end of the angled metal plate abuts one edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, and a high end of the angled metal plate is curved toward and connected to an opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges.

[0013] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp device comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp device, wherein the metal plate is a sloped metal plate, wherein the sloped metal plate is oriented transverse to at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member has a U-shaped cross section along a length of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, thereby providing a pair of spaced apart inner edges between which the sloped metal plate extends, wherein a low end of the sloped metal plate abuts one edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, and a high end of the sloped metal plate is curved towards and connected to an opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, and wherein a portion of the sloped metal plate curved towards the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges is curved to provide a step abutting a top of the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges.

[0014] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp device comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp device, wherein the metal plate is a sloped metal plate, wherein the sloped metal plate is oriented transverse to at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member has a U-shaped cross section along a length of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, thereby providing a pair of spaced apart inner edges between which the sloped metal plate extends, wherein a low end of the sloped metal plate abuts one edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges and a high end of the sloped metal plate is curved towards and connected to an opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, and wherein the portion of the sloped metal plate that is curved towards the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges is curved to provide a step that abuts a top of the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, and wherein an end of the sloped metal plate that is curved towards the opposite edge of the pair of inner edges and is below the step abuts an inner side of the opposite edge.

[0015] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the metal plate is a sloped metal plate, wherein the sloped metal plate is oriented transverse to at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member has a U-shaped cross section along a length of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, thereby providing a pair of spaced apart inner edges between which the sloped metal plate extends, wherein a low end of the sloped metal plate abuts one edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, and a high end of the sloped metal plate is curved toward and connected to an opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, and wherein a portion of the sloped metal plate curved toward the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges is curved to provide a step that abuts a top of the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, wherein an end of the sloped metal plate curved toward the opposite edge of the pair of inner edges and below the step abuts an inner side of the opposite edge, and wherein the low end and the high end of the sloped metal plate are welded to respective edges of the pair of spaced apart inner edges.

[0016] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to align with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the first inner metal battery clamp member is provided with a pair of pivot plate portions, and the second inner metal battery clamp member is provided with a pair of pivot plate portions, wherein the pair of pivot plate portions of the first inner metal battery clamp member overlap the pair of pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp member.

[0017] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to align with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the first inner metal battery clamp member is provided with a pair of pivot plate portions, and the second inner metal battery clamp member is provided with a pair of pivot plate portions, wherein the pair of pivot plate portions of the first inner metal battery clamp member overlap the pair of pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the pair of pivot plate portions of the first inner metal battery clamp member have an arc-shaped flange protruding outward from a side of the first inner metal battery clamp member to accommodate the pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp are arc-shaped and nested within the arc-shaped flange protruding outward from the side of the first inner metal battery clamp.

[0018] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member.

[0019] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the first outer insulating battery clamp member is snap fit onto the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second outer insulating battery clamp member is snap fit onto the second inner metal battery clamp member.

[0020] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with the threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the second outer insulating battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the first outer insulating battery clamp member is snap fit onto the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second outer insulating battery clamp member is snap fit onto the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the first outer insulating battery clamp member includes a snap fit protrusion that is snap fit into a slot provided in the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second outer insulating battery clamp member includes a snap fit protrusion that is snap fit into a slot provided in the second inner metal battery clamp member.

[0021] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with the threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the second outer insulating battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the first outer insulating battery clamp member is snap fit onto the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second outer insulating battery clamp member is snap fit onto the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the first outer insulating battery clamp member includes a snap fit protrusion snap fit into a slot provided in the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second outer insulating battery clamp member includes a snap fit protrusion snap fit into a slot provided in the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the first outer insulating battery clamp member includes a plurality of spaced apart snap fit protrusions snap fit into a plurality of spaced apart slots in the first inner metal battery clamp member, respectively, and wherein the second outer insulating battery clamp member includes a plurality of spaced apart snap fit protrusions snap fit into a plurality of spaced apart slots provided in the second inner metal battery clamp member.

[0022] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to be aligned with the threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the second outer insulating battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the first outer insulating battery clamp member is snap fit onto the first inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein the second outer insulating battery clamp member is snap fit onto the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the first outer insulating battery clamp member includes a snap fit protrusion that is snap fit into a slot provided in the first inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the second outer insulating battery clamp member includes a snap fit protrusion that is snap fit into a slot provided in the second inner metal battery clamp member, and wherein each snap fit protrusion is divided into two protrusion portions, each having an edge barb portion to grab an inner edge of the respective slot after snap fit to prevent each snap fit protrusion from being disconnected from each respective slot.

[0023] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to align with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the first inner metal battery clamp member is provided with a pair of pivot plate portions, and the second inner metal battery clamp member is provided with a pair of pivot plate portions, wherein the pair of pivot plate portions of the first inner metal battery clamp member overlap the pair of pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the pair of pivot plate portions of the first inner metal battery clamp member are provided with arc-shaped flanges protruding outward from the side portions of the first inner metal battery clamp member to accommodate the pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp are arc-shaped and nested within the arc-shaped flanges protruding outward from the side portions of the first inner metal battery clamp, wherein the arc-shaped flanges protruding outward from the side portions of the first inner metal battery clamp are nested within arc-shaped inner edge portions of the first outer insulating battery clamp member, and wherein the arc-shaped pivot plate portions of the first inner metal battery clamp are nested with the arc-shaped inner edge portions of the second outer insulating battery clamp member.

[0024] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp apparatus comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to align with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus, wherein the handle portion of the first outer insulating battery clamp member is provided with a protrusion, and wherein the handle portion of the second outer insulating battery clamp member is provided with a protrusion.

[0025] The presently described subject matter relates to a battery clamp device comprising or consisting of: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to align with the threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with the handle portion of the battery clamp device, wherein the protrusion forms an X-shaped protrusion when the handle portions are squeezed together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a positive battery clamp according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a left side view of the battery clamp shown.

[0028] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a right side view of the battery clamp shown.

[0029] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a front view of the battery clamp shown.

[0030] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a back view of the battery clamp shown.

[0031] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a top view of the battery clamp shown.

[0032] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a bottom view of the battery clamp shown.

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a negative polarity battery clamp according to the present invention, identical to the positive polarity battery clamp shown in Figure 1 except having a negative polarity symbol instead of a positive polarity symbol.

[0034] Figure 9 is Figure 1 and Figure 8 a perspective view of the inner battery clamp portions of the battery clamp shown.

[0035] Figure 10 is Figure 9 a left side view of the battery clamp portion shown in

[0036] Figure 11 is Figure 9 a right side view of the battery clamp portion shown in

[0037] Figure 12 is Figure 1 a front view of the battery clamp portion shown in

[0038] Figure 13 is Figure 9 a rear view of the battery clamp portion shown in

[0039] Figure 14 is Figure 9 a top view of the battery clamp portion shown in

[0040] Figure 15 is Figure 9 a bottom view of the battery clamp portion shown in

[0041] Figure 16 is Figure 1 a bottom view of the battery clamp shown in

[0042] Figure 17 is Figure 1 a spring portion of the battery clamp shown in Figure 9 a perspective view of the battery clamp portion shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] A battery clamp apparatus 10 according to the present application is shown in Figures 1 to 17 The battery clamp apparatus 10 includes an outer battery clamp 10A connected to an inner battery clamp 10B, as shown in Figure 1

[0044] The outer battery clamp portion 10A can be made of, for example, an electrically insulating material (e.g., resin, synthetic resin, plastic, rubber, fiberglass, composite material, or other suitable electrically insulating material). The inner battery clamp portion 10B can be made of, for example, an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal, steel, metal alloy, steel alloy, plated steel, chrome-plated steel, nickel-plated steel, aluminum, anodized aluminum copper, or other suitable electrically conductive material).

[0045] The outer battery clamp portion 10A includes a first outer battery clamp member 12 (e.g., made of plastic injection molding material) having an outer handle portion 14 and an outer clamp portion 16, and a second outer battery clamp member 20 (e.g., made of plastic injection molding material) having an outer handle portion 22 and an outer clamp portion 24, as shown in Figure 1

[0046] ​​The outer handle portion 14 is provided with an outer handle surface 14A and protrusions 14B, 14C. The outer handle portion 22 is provided with an outer handle surface 22A and protrusions 22B, 22C. Note that the protrusions 14B, 14C, 22B, 22C together form an X-shaped protrusion when the outer handle portions 14, 22 are squeezed together by a user.

[0047] The outer clip portion 16 is provided with a protrusion 16A and a raised positive (+) polarity symbol 16B. The outer clip portion 24 is provided with a protrusion 24A Figure 3 ) and a raised positive (+) polarity symbol 24B.

[0048] The first battery clip member 12 is provided with an arcuate inner edge 18 on both sides of the first battery clip member 12. The second battery clip member 22 is provided with an arcuate inner edge 26 on both sides of the second battery clip member 22. See Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0049] The inner battery clip device 10B includes a first inner battery clip portion 112 made of an electrically conductive metal (e.g., made from a stamped or wrought sheet metal) having an inner handle portion 114 and an inner clip portion 116. The first inner battery clip member 112 is pivotally connected together with a second inner battery clip portion 120 having an inner handle portion 122 and an inner clip portion 124 (e.g., by a pivot pin 130), as Figure 9 shown.

[0050] The first inner battery clip member 112 is provided with a slot 116C Figure 9 for providing a mechanical connection (e.g., a snap-fit connection) with a protrusion of the first outer battery clip member 12 (e.g., the same snap-fit protrusion 16D as shown in Figure 1 ). The second inner battery clip member 120 is provided with a slot 124C Figure 9 for providing a mechanical connection (e.g., a snap-fit connection) with a protrusion of the second outer battery clip member 20 (e.g., the snap-fit protrusion 24D shown in Figure 1 ).

[0051] The above-described snap-fit connection is at the outer clip portion 16, 24. Additional connections (e.g., mechanical connections, additional snap-fit connections) can be provided on the outer handle portion 14, 22. For example, the outer handle portion 14, 22 can be provided with transverse spanning members 14F, 14G, 22F, 22G Figure 7), the transverse cross members 14F, 14G, 22F, 22G are configured to connect to (e.g., capture) the inner handle portions 114, 122. Specifically, the transverse cross members 14F, 22F wrap around and capture the inner sides (e.g., inner edges) of the inner handle portions 114, 122. The transverse cross members 14G, 22G wrap around and capture the edges and ends of the inner handle portions 114, 122. During assembly, each inner handle portion 114, 122 is slid underneath the transverse cross members 14F, 14G, 22F, 22G until the inner handle portions 114, 122 are lowered to a lowest point within the transverse cross members 22F, 22G, and then the outer clip portions 16, 24 snap fit to the inner clip portions 116, 124.

[0052] Likewise, the inner battery clip 10B is made of an electrically conductive material such as metal. For example, the first inner battery clip portion 112 and the second inner battery clip portion 120 are made of a stamped metal sheet (e.g., steel, aluminum, copper, brass, metal alloy, or other suitable electrically conductive material) that is then metal plated (e.g., with chromium, nickel, metal alloy) to make it corrosion resistant. The first inner battery clip portion 112 and the second inner battery clip portion 120 are then assembled together by a spring 131 Figure 17 ) and a pivot pin 130 Figure 9 ).

[0053] The inner battery clip 10B is configured to connect with a battery cable 154 Figure 16 . For example, the inner handle portion 122 is fitted with a beveled connector 150 as shown in Figure 15 . For example, the beveled connector 150 is a metal plate that is oriented transversely with respect to the inner handle portion 122. The left side of the metal plate is raised or elevated with respect to the inner edge 120A of the second inner battery clip portion 120, while the right side of the metal plate is lowered or even with respect to the inner edge 120 of the second inner battery clip portion 120. Figure 15

[0054] The beveled connector 150 is provided with a threaded hole 150A for receiving a threaded fastener (e.g., a bolt 152 Figure 16 , a screw, an Allen head bolt, a set screw).

[0055] The beveled connector 150 can be a separate metal plate that is connected (e.g., welded, spot welded, butt welded, brazed, soldered, and / or mechanically fastened) to the inner edge 120A of the second inner battery clip portion 120.

[0056] ​The left side of the angled connector 150 is provided with a curved end having flats 150B, 150C with a step 150D between the flats 150B, 150C. The step 150D allows the left side of the angled connector 150 to be lowered until it contacts the inner edge 120A, thereby positioning the installed during assembly. The flat 150C is then connected to the inner surface of the second inner battery clamp portion 120 adjacent the inner edge 120A, for example by spot welding.

[0057] The battery cable 154 is provided with a connector end 156 having a through hole 156A for receiving the bolt 152. The battery cable 154 includes an electrical conductor (e.g. cable, braided cable, wire, stranded wire) having an insulating sleeve 154. The battery cable 154 is connected to the battery clamp device 10 by inserting the bolt 152 into the through hole 156A and then screwing the bolt 152 into the threaded through hole 150A of the angled plate 150 until fully tightened, for example using a socket wrench or wrench.

[0058] The angled plate angles the through hole 150A and the bolt 152 to allow improved access to the bolt 152 to tighten the bolt 152 and fully tighten the bolt 152 into the through hole 150A of the angled plate 150 using a tool. In particular, the angle prevents mechanical interference with the fingers of a user attempting to tighten or loosen the bolt 152, or a tool attempting to tighten or loosen the bolt 152.

[0059] A spring 131 is mounted within the inner battery clamp 10B to spring bias the outer clamp portions 12, 16 together. In particular, the spring 131 is provided with a through hole 131B to receive the pivot pin 130 while an arm 131C having an end 131D contacts the inner surfaces of the arm portions 114, 122 of the inner battery clamp 10B. Figure 9 )

Claims

1. A battery clamp apparatus comprising: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion, wherein at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member has a pair of spaced apart inner edges; a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of the at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being an angled metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein a low end of the angled metal plate abuts one edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges and a high end of the angled metal plate is curved toward and connected to an opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, wherein the metal plate is oriented to allow a user's fingers or a tool to align with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with a handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus.

2. A battery clamp apparatus comprising: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion, wherein at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member has a pair of spaced apart inner edges; a first outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected to an inner side of the at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being an angled metal plate, wherein a low end of the angled metal plate abuts one edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges and a high end of the angled metal plate is curved toward and connected to an opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, wherein the angled metal plate is oriented to allow a tool to align with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with a handle portion of the battery clamp apparatus.

3. A battery clamp apparatus comprising: a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion; a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion, wherein at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member has a pair of spaced apart inner edges; a first outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a second outer plastic battery clamp member connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member; a pivot pin pivotally connecting the first inner metal battery clamp member to the second inner metal battery clamp member; and a battery cable connector connected between the pair of spaced apart inner edges of the at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member, the battery cable connector being a slanted metal plate having a threaded hole, wherein a low end of the slanted metal plate abuts one edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges and a high end of the slanted metal plate is curved toward an opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges and connected to the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges, wherein the slanted metal plate is oriented transversely with respect to the at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member to allow a tool to be aligned with a threaded fastener for tightening or loosening the threaded fastener without mechanical interference with a handle portion of the battery clamp device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the slanted metal plate is oriented transversely with respect to the at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, the pair of spaced apart inner edges of the at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member form a U-shaped cross section along a length of the at least one of the first inner metal battery clamp member and the second inner metal battery clamp member.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a portion of the slanted metal plate that is curved toward the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges is curved to provide a step that abuts a top of the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, an end of the slanted metal plate that is curved toward the opposite edge of the pair of spaced apart inner edges and is below the step abuts an inside of the opposite edge.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, the low end and the high end of the slanted metal plate are welded to respective edges of the pair of spaced apart inner edges.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the first inner metal battery clamp member is provided with a pair of pivot plate portions and the second inner metal battery clamp member is provided with a pair of pivot plate portions, wherein the pair of pivot plate portions of the first inner metal battery clamp member overlap the pair of pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp member.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, the pair of pivot plate portions of the first inner metal battery clamp member are provided with arc-shaped flanges that protrude outward from sides of the first inner metal battery clamp member to accommodate pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp member, wherein the pivot plate portions of the second inner metal battery clamp member are arc-shaped and nested within the arc-shaped flanges that protrude outward from the sides of the first inner metal battery clamp member.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the first outer insulative battery clamp member, the first outer insulative battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp member, and the second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion is nested within at least a portion of the second outer insulative battery clamp member, the second outer insulative battery clamp member having a clamp portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp member. wherein the second inner metal battery clip member having a handle portion and a clip portion is nested within at least a portion of the second outer insulative battery clip member having a clip portion and a handle portion connected to the second inner metal battery clip member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, the first outer insulative battery clip member is snap-fit onto the first inner metal battery clip member, and wherein the second outer insulative battery clip member is snap-fit onto the second inner metal battery clip member.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first outer insulative battery clip member includes a snap-fit protrusion snap-fit into a slot provided in the first inner metal battery clip member, and wherein the second outer insulative battery clip member includes a snap-fit protrusion snap-fit into a slot provided in the second inner metal battery clip member.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first outer insulative battery clip member includes a plurality of spaced apart snap-fit protrusions snap-fit into a plurality of spaced apart slots in the first inner metal battery clip member, and wherein the second outer insulative battery clip member includes a plurality of spaced apart snap-fit protrusions snap-fit into a plurality of spaced apart slots provided in the second inner metal battery clip member.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, Each snap-fit protrusion is divided into two protrusion portions, each having an edge barb portion to grab an inner edge of a corresponding slot after snap-fitting to prevent disconnection of each snap-fit protrusion from each corresponding slot.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein an arcuate flange protruding outwardly from a side of the first inner metal battery clip member is nested within an arcuate inner edge portion of the first outer insulative battery clip member, and wherein an arcuate pivot plate portion of the first inner metal battery clip member is nested with an arcuate inner edge portion of the second outer insulative battery clip member.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle portion of the first outer insulative battery clip member is provided with a protrusion, and wherein the handle portion of the second outer insulative battery clip member is provided with a protrusion.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The protrusions form an X-shaped protrusion when the handle portions are squeezed together.

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