Battery terminal connector and method

Abstract

A method for fabricating a plurality of reinforced battery terminal connectors is shown in which a strip of a multiple of hard conductive metal inserts are formed with a flat cable connector portion for each unit having a joint between each insert. A line of weakness is provided at the joint and thereafter the strip is inserted into a mold, ideally ten or twelve at a time, and a material poured into the mold surrounding the strip to form the exterior configuration of a battery terminal. Once the same is removed from the mold a plurality of reinforced terminal connectors are formed joined by a line of weakness which permits them to be readily separated from each other. A modified form of the invention includes the further steps of preparing a clamp display strip having a plurality of clamping members secured by a weakened break away to a display strip. The clamping members are then secured to the plurality of reinforced terminal members by means of the self-tapping screws which secure the clamp to the cable connector portion of the terminal securing the cable in position. The apparatus is the product formed by the above method, in six alternative forms. The first form has a pair of jaws for securing the apertured portion to a battery post. The second form has a flat terminal connector portion for mounting to the side mount of a battery. When the terminal connectors are formed of a plastic, the third and fourth embodiments modify the first and second by providing exposed portions of the conductive metal inserts to insure good electrical contact. The fifth embodiment is a plastic covered terminal connector and cable formed integrally. The sixth embodiment utilizes an integrally formed reinforcement, display strip, and clamp.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.