| |
| United States Patent
|
6,701,566 |
| Rooke |
March 9, 2004 |
Trailer electrical connector cleaning system
Abstract
A system for the cleaning of male and female terminals comprised
within electrical connectors. The system is a small, compact,
portable system that comprises at least one cleaning element wherein
the cleaning element may be a brush cleaning element, or
alternatively may be a helical cleaning element, and wherein the
cleaning element may be used for the cleaning of female electrical
terminals. Further, the system may comprise an additional helical
cleaning element that may be used for the cleaning of male
electrical terminals. The system further comprises enclosing
structure that isolates the cleaning element, or elements, from the
environment to prevent the dropping of debris from the cleaning
elements into the pocket of a user carrying the cleaning system. The
system further comprises a pocket clip for the carrying of the
system.
| Inventors: |
Rooke; Craig T. (Sun
City, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/916,061 |
| Filed: |
July 26, 2001 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
15/104.04
; 15/104.05; 15/111; 15/184 |
| Current
International Class: |
B08B
1/00 (20060101); H01R 43/00 (20060101); B08B 009/02 (); A46B
007/00 () |
| Field of
Search: |
15/104.001,104.04,104.05,105,106,111,184 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Chin; Randall E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A trailer-electrical-connector cleaning system, for cleaning male
electrical terminals and female electrical terminals, comprising, in
combination: a) at least one first cleaning structure arranged to
enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be
applied to at least one trailer-electrical-connector electrical
terminal; and b) at least one second cleaning structure, having an
opposite mating structure than said at least one first cleaning
structure, arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational
cleaning motion to be applied to a second electrical terminal; c)
wherein said at least one first cleaning structure comprises at
least one substantially cylindrical helical cleaning element; d)
wherein said at least one substantially cylindrical helical cleaning
element is structured and arranged to permit placement of a male
electrical terminal within said at least one substantially
cylindrical helical cleaning element; e) wherein said at least one
first cleaning structure comprises a spring.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one enclosing
structure arranged to enable enclosing said at least one first
cleaning structure in such manner as to substantially isolate said
at least one first cleaning structure from an environment outside
said at least one enclosing structure.
3. The system of claim 2 further comprising a pocket clip, coupled
to said at least one enclosing structure, arranged to couple said at
least one enclosing structure to a pocket.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein: a) said at least one enclosing
structure comprises a single substantially-tubular member; and b)
frictional coupling of said at least one cleaning structure and said
at least one second cleaning structure to said single
substantially-tubular member enables enclosing said at least one
cleaning structure and said at least one second cleaning structure
in such manner as to substantially isolate said cleaning structures
from an environment outside said at least one enclosing structure.
5. The system of claim 2 wherein: a) said at least one enclosing
structure comprises two substantially-tubular members; and b)
frictional coupling of said at least one cleaning structure and said
at least one second cleaning structure to said two
substantially-tubular members enables enclosing said at least one
cleaning structure and said at least one second cleaning structure
in such manner as to substantially isolate said cleaning structures
from an environment outside said at least one enclosing structure.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one second cleaning
structure comprises a brush cleaning element structured and arranged
to enable cleaning of female electrical terminals.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said brush cleaning element
comprises bristle material comprised of steel.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said steel comprises stainless
steel.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said helical cleaning element
comprises steel.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein said steel comprises stainless
steel.
11. The system of claim 9 wherein said helical cleaning element
comprises an abrasive surface.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein said spring comprises steel.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein said steel comprises stainless
steel.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein said spring comprises an abrasive
surface.
15. An electrical connector cleaning system for cleaning electrical
terminals of hard-metal, low-amperage vehicle electrical connectors
comprising, in combination: a) at least one cleaning structure
arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational cleaning
motion to be applied to an electrical terminal; and b) at least one
second cleaning structure, having an opposite mating structure than
said at least one cleaning structure, arranged to enable an axial
linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to a
second electrical terminal; c) wherein said at least one first
cleaning structure comprises at least one substantially cylindrical
helical cleaning element; d) wherein said at least one substantially
cylindrical helical cleaning element is structured and arranged to
permit placement of a male electrical terminal within said at least
one substantially cylindrical helical cleaning element; e) wherein
said at least one first cleaning structure comprises a spring.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein said at least one second cleaning
structure comprises a brush cleaning element structured and arranged
to enable cleaning of female electrical terminals.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein said brush cleaning element
comprises bristle material comprised of steel.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein said steel comprises stainless
steel.
19. The system of claim 15 wherein said helical cleaning element
comprises steel.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein said steel comprises stainless
steel.
21. The system of claim 19 wherein said helical cleaning element
comprises an abrasive surface.
22. The system of claim 15 wherein said at least one second cleaning
structure comprises a helical cleaning element structured and
arranged to enable cleaning of female electrical terminals.
23. The system of claim 22 wherein said helical cleaning element
comprises steel.
24. The system of claim 23 wherein said steel comprises stainless
steel.
25. The system of claim 23 wherein said helical cleaning element
comprises an abrasive surface.
26. An electrical connector cleaning system for non-lead,
low-amperage, electrical terminals, comprising, in combination: a)
at least one first cleaning structure arranged to enable an axial
linear and axial rotational cleaning motion to be applied to the
electrical terminals; and b) wherein said at least one first
cleaning structure comprises a substantially cylindrical helical
cleaning element structured and arranged to clean the electrical
terminals; c) at least one second cleaning structure, having an
opposite mating structure than said at least one first cleaning
structure, arranged to enable an axial linear and axial rotational
cleaning motion to be applied to a second electrical terminal; d)
wherein said at least one first cleaning structure comprises at
least one substantially cylindrical helical cleaning element; e)
wherein said at least one substantially cylindrical helical cleaning
element is structured and arranged to permit placement of a male
electrical terminal within said at least one substantially
cylindrical helical cleaning element; f) wherein said at least one
first cleaning structure comprises a spring.
27. The system of claim 26 wherein said helical cleaning element
comprises steel.
28. The system of claim 27 wherein said steel comprises stainless
steel.
29. The system of claim 27 wherein said steel comprises an abrasive
surface.
30. The system of claim 26 further comprising at least one enclosing
structure, wherein: a) said at least one enclosing structure
comprises a single substantially-tubular member; and b) frictional
coupling of said at least one cleaning structure to said single
substantially-tubular member enables enclosing said at least one
cleaning structure in such manner as to substantially isolate said
cleaning structure from an environment outside said at least one
enclosing structure.
31. The system of claim 30 further comprising a pocket clip coupled
to said at least one enclosing structure arranged to couple said at
least one enclosing structure to a pocket.
32. The system of claim 26 wherein said helical cleaning element
comprises a sharp edge upon inner circumferential edges of said
helical cleaning element structured and arranged to assist cleaning
of electrical terminals of male design.
33. The system of claim 26 wherein said at least one second cleaning
structure comprises at least one second helical cleaning element
which comprises a sharp edge upon outer circumferential edges of
said second helical cleaning element structured and arranged to
assist cleaning of electrical terminals of female design.
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'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'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'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'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'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's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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