Electricity: measuring and testing – Measuring – testing – or sensing electricity – per se – Nonquantitative
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-29
2001-03-06
Ballato, Josie (Department: 2858)
Electricity: measuring and testing
Measuring, testing, or sensing electricity, per se
Nonquantitative
C324S503000, C324S508000, C340S425500, C340S438000, C362S489000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06198272
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a principal aspect, the present invention relates to a combination ground and power source device for use in a cigarette lighter receptacle of a vehicle. The device provides both a ground connection as well as a 12-volt power connection depending upon the terminals of the device which are connected in a circuit. Further, there is an indicator light which identifies whether the system contacts are powered or activated.
Automotive mechanics often need an effective ground to check electrical circuits in a vehicle. Additionally, a power connection is often required to test a circuit or a device. The cigarette lighter receptacle (now often termed the accessory receptacle) in a vehicle has been used to provide power for various purposes, including mobile phones, radar detectors, radios, and circuit testers. Typically, a special plug is provided to fit into the receptacle with leads that connect to the phone, etc. U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,940 discloses an example of a device capable of deriving power from a receptacle in a vehicle.
The use of a device of this nature to provide a ground, as well as a power source, has also been suggested. Applicants' assignee has, for example, as early as 1988, received suggestions of this general nature. There remains, however, the need for a practical, useful, efficient and rugged device of this type. In view of this background, the present device, having a positive and a negative or ground contact for circuit and device testing, was developed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention comprises a combination ground and power source device for use in an accessory receptacle of a vehicle. The device includes a cylindrical plug which has a cone-shaped end and an axial passage through the plug. The plug is designed to fit within the accessory receptacle of a motor vehicle. The plug is also designed to cooperate with and receive a separate contact or terminal body at the outer end thereof. The terminal body retains a light bulb preferably by means of a bayonet connection and also cooperatively retains first and second, spaced, conductive studs. One of the studs is connected to a ground contact. That ground stud also connects simultaneously with a radial contact retained between the plug and the terminal body. The radial contact serves as a ground for the light bulb. A second radial contact is also retained between the plug and terminal body and makes electrical contact with the hot or powered stud as well as the light bulb retained within the body. The second radial contact further connects with a central spring-biased conductive plunger which projects axially from the device and connects to a power source. The device may thus be used as a ground source or alternatively as a power source when plugged into the vehicle accessory receptacle. The light bulb retained within the central body of the device is in a parallel electrical circuit with the contact studs and provides an indication that circuits are operable through the ground stud as well as the power stud.
Thus it is an object of the invention to provide an improved combination ground and power source device for use with a receptacle in a vehicle.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a combination ground and power source device which includes first and second conductive studs connected respectively to a ground and a power source wherein the same ground and power sources are also connected in parallel through a light bulb or indicator.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a ground and power source device which includes a cylindrical plug capable of being positioned within a vehicle accessory receptacle and which further includes a spring-biased contact or plunger within the plug for connecting to the voltage or positive power source in the accessory receptacle.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved combination ground and power source device which is easy to manufacture, rugged, highly reliable, and reasonably economical.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4163186 (1979-07-01), Haley
patent: 4540940 (1985-09-01), Nolan
patent: 4899263 (1990-02-01), Lupoli et al.
patent: 5029048 (1991-07-01), Von Gaisber et al.
patent: 5030811 (1991-07-01), Von Gaisber et al.
patent: 5633538 (1997-05-01), Nickerson
Disclosure from John to Lisle Corp. dated Apr. 14, 1998 relating to Source for electrical testers, automatic roll pin punch, terminal removing tool.
Disclosure from Dave to Lisle Corp. dated Jun. 13, 1990 relating to Automotive 12V Circuit Tester, U.S. Patent No. 4,540,940.
Disclosure from Jeff to Lisle Corp. dated Feb. 3, 1992 relating to Automotive Electric.
Disclosure from Paul to Lisle Corp. dated Sep. 4, 1992 relating to a tool for testing electrical systems in cars or boats.
Disclosure from Marty to Lisle Corp. dated Nov. 22, 1993 relating to the ever increasing problem of finding a good ground for a test light or volt meter in modern automobiles.
Disclosure from James to Lisle Corp. dated Mar. 15, 1994 relating to Power/Ground Access Plug.
Disclosure from Thomas to Lisle Corp. dated May 22, 1995 relating to finding a good ground on interior of vehicle quickly, possibly using a long coiled wire to reach rear of vehicle.
Disclosure from Billy to Lisle Corp. dated Nov. 28,1995 relating to a tool for a known good 12V hot source and ground source.
Disclosure from Patrick to Lisle Corp. dated Nov. 29, 1995 relating to automotive electrical checking.
Disclosure from Hoon to Lisle Corp. dated Jul. 30, 1996 relating to a multipurpose energizable automotive electrical tester with illumination and audio output that can be connected to a cigarette lighter socket or directly to battery with an optional adaptor.
Disclosure from Robert to Lisle Corp. dated Apr. 29, 1997 relating to a low voltage circuit tester.
Pool James L.
Stallings, Jr. Billy G.
Ballato Josie
Banner & Witcoff , Ltd.
Hollington Jermele M.
Lisle Corporation
LandOfFree
Plug construction having positive and negative poles for... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Plug construction having positive and negative poles for..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Plug construction having positive and negative poles for... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2489643