US5080594A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pigtail connector with light
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-09-04
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Granted: 1992-01-14
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Expires: 2010-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A pigtail connector for transferring electrical power between electrical systems of a tractor and trailer includes a housing and an integral light source. The light source is wired to terminals of opposite polarity in the housing. The light source may be activated by engaging the marker lights on the tractor/trailer and provides a safety light directed over the deck plate area at the rear of the tractor. A removable lens focuses the light into a beam directed longitudinally over the connector so as to illuminate the connection area.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen W. Swinford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:58
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/58; B60D1/62; H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/66; H01R13/717; H01R13/7177; H01R2201/00; H01R2201/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A pigtail connector for transferring electrical power between electrical lines in a flexible cable of a tractor and a trailer, comprising: a connector housing mounted to a freely positionable distal end of said flexible cable; an outlet means received in said housing and including terminal means of opposite polarity for conducting electrical power from a tractor to a trailer; a light source received in said housing and connected to said terminal means of opposite polarity so as to receive electrical power, said light source being directable to allow illumination of selected areas of said tractor and trailer; and means cooperating with said light source for focusing light emitted by said source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A pigtail connector for transferring electrical power between electrical lines in a flexible cable of a tractor and a trailer, comprising: a connector housing mounted to a freely positionable distal end of said flexible cable; an outlet means received in said housing and including terminal means of opposite polarity for conducting electrical power from a tractor to a trailer; a light source received in said housing and connected to said terminal means of opposite polarity so as to receive electrical power, said light source being directable to allow illumination of selected areas of said tractor and trailer; and means cooperating with said light source for focusing light emitted by said source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The pigtail connector as set forth in claim 1, wherein said light source and focusing means are oriented about a longitudinal axis of said housing so as to direct light over said outlet means so that said outlet means is illuminated to allow visibility in darkness for easy connection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The pigtail connector as set forth in claim 1, wherein said focusing means is a lens removably attached to said housing so as to allow replacement of said light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
98 words
A pigtail connector for transferring electrical power between electrical lines in a flexible cable of a tractor and a trailer, comprising: a connector housing mounted to a freely positionable distal end of said flexible cable; an outlet means received in said housing and including terminal means of opposite polarity for conducting electrical power from a tractor to a trailer, and a light source received in said housing and connected to said terminal means of opposite polarity so as to receive electrical power, said light source being directable to allow illumination of selected areas of said tractor and trailer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
98 words
A pigtail connector for transferring electrical power between electrical lines in a flexible cable of a tractor and a trailer, comprising: a connector housing mounted to a freely positionable distal end of said flexible cable; an outlet means received in said housing and including terminal means of opposite polarity for conducting electrical power from a tractor to a trailer, and a light source received in said housing and connected to said terminal means of opposite polarity so as to receive electrical power, said light source being directable to allow illumination of selected areas of said tractor and trailer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-01-13 | 1995-07-15 | 1996-01-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-01-13 | 1999-07-15 | 2000-01-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-01-13 | 2003-07-15 | 2004-01-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |