US3339535A

US3339535A - Distributor cap attachment

Info

Publication number: US3339535A
Application number: US418619A
Authority: US
Inventors: James E Mcclure
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-12-16
Filing date: 1964-12-16
Publication date: 1967-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 1984-09-05

Description

Sept. 5, 1967 J MCCLURE I 3,339,535

D ISTR IBU'I'OR CAP ATTACHMENT Filed Dec. 16, 1964 2 Shets-Sheet 1 James E. Ma C/ure INVENTOR.

DISTRIBUTOR CAP ATTACHMENT eeeeeeeeeeee t2 .J. E. MCCLURE 3,339,535

United States Patent 3,339,535 DISTRIBUTOR CAP ATTACHMENT James E. McClure, South Shore, Ky. (P.0. Box 98, Lesage, W. Va. 25537) Filed Dec. 16, 1964, Ser. No. 418,619 5 Claims. (Cl. 123-148) This invention relates to a novel and useful distributing cap attachment and more specifically to a distributor cap assembly which may be formed as an integral portion of a distributor cap or as an attachment for existing distribu tor caps.

A large majority of the internal combustion engines utilizing battery ignition systems are provided with ignition distributors defining rotary ignition systems. These ignition distributors include a rotor having an electrode end portion swingable through a circle and the distributor cap provided therefore defines an open ended housing including a set of a plurality of terminals disposed therein and arranged in a circle with the distributor cap being telescoped over the rotor and secured to the distributor with the circle through which the electrode end portion of the rotor is swingable disposed in a plane generally paralleling the plane in which the plurality of terminals of the distributor cap are disposed. In this manner, the electrode end portion of the distributor rotor may successively swing through positions at least closely adjacent the terminals of the distributor cap.

Conventional distributor caps include a plurality of sockets arranged in a circle corresponding to the circle in which the set of terminals of the distributor cap are disposed and each socket is electrically connected to the corresponding distributor cap terminal and adapted to have the input end of the corresponding secondary circuit spark plug wires of the associated combustion engine secured therein in a rnanner electrically connecting the spark plug wires to the corresponding distributor cap terminals. The output ends of the spark plug wires are secured to the proper spark plugs of the associated internal combustion engine in a manner such that rotation of the rotor will cause the spark plugs of the internal combustion engine to fire in proper sequence, the firing order of some 8-cylinder internal combustion engines being 1-8- 4-3-65-72.

Inasmuch as various manufacturers of internal combustion engines utilize different sequences or firing orders of their internal combustion engines, when it becomes necessary to repair an internal combustion engine ignition system considerable time and concentration must be spent by a mechanic in assuring that the terminals of the distributor cap are electrically connected to the proper spark plugs.

Accordingly, it is the main object of this invention to provide a distributor cap assembly constructed in a manner whereby the distributor cap assembly is provided with sockets for receiving the inputs ends of the secondary circuit spark plug wires arranged in a pattern corresponding to the pattern in which the spark plugs of the associated internal combustion engine are disposed. By this method the correct connection of all of the spark plugs to the corresponding terminals of the distributor cap may be readily accomplished by merely connecting the distributor cap sockets to the spark plugs with which they correspond.

Another object of this invention, in accordance with the immediately preceding object, is to provide a distributor cap assembly in the form of an attachment for existing distributor caps and which is of one-piece construction and which comprises a plug-type adapter including a plurality of male terminals and corresponding female sockets with the male terminals arranged so as to be adapted to be simultaneously plugged into the sockets of the associated conventional distributor cap. In this manner, with the sockets of the attachment arranged in the correct pattern and electrically connected to the proper male electrodes, the secondary circuit spark plug wires may be readily connected between the attachment and the spark plugs of the associated internal combustion engine merely by plugging one end of each spark plug wire into one of the sockets of the attachment and electrically connecting the other end of each spark plug wire to the spark plug of the internal combustion engine positioned in the corresponding position of the pattern of the spark plugs.

Another object of this invention in accordance with the preceding objects, is to provide a distributor cap assembly in the form of a one-piece distributor cap and a replacement for the corresponding conventional distributor cap and the aforementioned attachment therefor.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide the distributor cap assembly of the type above set forth including an exposed terminal electrically connected to the terminal or socket of the distributor cap assembly adapted to be electrically connected to the number one cylinder of the associated internal combustion engine and including means by which the exposed terminal may be readily covered by means of an insulated cover removably secured thereto. In this manner, the insulative cover may be readily removed in order that the exposed terminal may have a timing light electrically connected thereto for checking the timing of the ignition system of the associated internal combustion engine.

A final object of this invention to be specifically enumerated herein is to provide a distributor cap assembly in accordance with the preceding objections which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that will be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble-free in operation.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like part throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly comprising a conventional distributor cap and an attachment therefor constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing through the center of the attachment illustrated in FIGURE 1 and with a conventional distributor cap operatively associated therewith and shown in phantom lines;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by section line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a modified form of assembly illustrating the manner in which a conventional distributor cap and the attachment of the instant invention may be constructed in one piece; and

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary diagrammatical view showing the manner in which the distributor cap assembly of the instant invention properly orientates the socket of the distributor cap of the instant invention relative to the pattern of the spark plugs of the associated internal combustion engine.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings the numeral 10 generally designates a conventional form of distributor cap which includes eight terminals 12 that are electrically connected to a corresponding set of eight sockets 14. The terminals 12 are disposed within the cap 10 and the sockets 14 open outwardly through the top of the cap 10 and are conventionally utilized to receive the input ends of the corresponding secondary circuit spark plug wires of an associated internal combustion engine.

The distributor cap assembly of the instant invention comprising in part the cap 10 and also the attachment generally referred to by the reference numeral 18 is generally designated by the reference numeral 20. The attachment 18 comprises a generally panel-like body 22 constructed of dielectric material and including a plurality of outwardly projecting male terminals 24 which are snugly receivable within the sockets 14. In addition, it may be seen that the distributor cap 10 includes a center socket 26 as is conventional and that the body 22 also includes a center male electrode 28 which is adapted to be snugly received within the center socket 26.

The body 22 also includes a socket 30 which opens outwardly of the body 22 and is electrically connected to the electrode 28 by means of a conductor 32 embedded in the body 22. Further, the body 22 also includes a set of sockets 34 arranged in two groups generally referred to by the

reference numerals

36 and 38 which are electrically connected to the terminals 24 by means of conductors 40.

From a comparison of FIGURES 3 and it may be seen that the sockets 34 disposed in the group 36 correspond to the spark plugs 42 on the right side of the internal combustion engine 44 as seen in FIGURE 5 and that the sockets 34 in the group 38 correspond to the spark plugs 42 disposed on the left side of the internal combustion engine 44. In addition, it may be seen from a comparison of FIGURES 3 and 5 of the drawings that each socket 34 is electrically connected to the corresponding numbered spark plug, and that the firing order of the internal combustion engine 44 is 1-843-65-7-2. Therefore, it may be seen that the secondary circuit spark plug wires 46 may be readily connected to the proper spark plugs and electrically connected to the proper sockets 14 of the distributor cap merely by matching the sockets 34 with the corresponding spark plugs 42.

The attachment 18 further includes an electrode which has one end embedded in the body 22 and a second end that projects outwardly of the upper surface 52 of the body 22. The extended end of the electrode 50 is covered by means of a removable cap 54 constructed of dielectric material. The cap 54 may be readily removed in order that access to the ignition system may be gained without disconnecting either of the wires 46 from their respective sockets 34 or puncturing the wires with a needlelike implement. The terminal or electrode 50 is electrically connected to the terminal 24 electrically connected to the spark plug of cylinder No. 1, of the internal combustion engine 44.

With attention now invited to FIGURE 4 of the drawings there will be seen a modified form of distributor cap assembly generally referred to by reference numeral 52 and which is substantially identical to the assembly 18 with the exception that it is one-piece construction and the terminals 5-6 thereof corresponding to the terminals 24 are continuous and also serve as terminals corresponding to the terminal 12.

In addition the attachment 20, if provided with longer terminals 24 which depend farther downwardly therefrom, could be utilized as a distributor cap assembly if combined with a simple cylindrical sleeve to be secured to the associated distributor in lieu of the conventional distributor cap, such a modified attachment being removably secured to the upper end of such a sleeve.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In combination, a multicylinder combustion engine including a plurality of spark plugs arranged in widely spaced linear pattern and having a distributor of the type including a rotor driven by said engine and having an electrode end portion swingable through a circular path, said distributor also including a cap telescoped over said rotor and including a first set of a plurality of terminals disposed in a pattern spaced circumferentially about a circular path, said circular paths being disposed in generally parallel planes and being concentric, said electrode end portion being swingable through positions at least closely adjacent said terminals, said cap including a second set of a plurality of terminals closely adjacent said pattern and readily accessible from the exterior of said cap and having the input ends of a set of elongated secondary circuit conductors of said engine readily removably electrically connected thereto, said second set of terminals being arranged in linear pattern with the terminals of said second set of terminals in each pattern being closely spaced apart relative to each other, each linear pattern of said second set of terminals corresponding to and generally paralleling the linear pattern in which said spark plugs are arranged relative to each other, the output ends of said conductors being electrically connected to the spark plugs of said engine corresponding to the second set of terminals from which said conductors extend, and a second set of plurality of elongated conductors embedded in said cap, electrically insulated from each other, and electrically connecting the terminals of the first set of terminals with the terminals of the second set of terminals in a manner whereby successive registry of said electrode end portion with said first set of terminals will actuate the second set of terminals in sequence corresponding to the correct firing order of said spark plugs.

2. In combination, a multicylinder combustion engine including a plurality of spark plugs arranged in linear pattern and having a distributor of the type including a rotor driven by said engine and having an electrode end portion swingable through a circular path, said distributor also including a cap telescoped over said rotor and including a first set of a plurality of terminals disposed in a pattern spaced circumferentially about a circular path, said circular paths being disposed in generally parallel planes and being concentric, said electrode end portion being swingable through positions at least closely adjacent said terminals, said cap including a second set of a plurality of terminals closely adjacent said pattern and readily accessible from the exterior of said cap and having the input ends of a set of elongated secondary circuit conductors of said engine readily removably electrically connected thereto, said second set of terminals being arranged in linear pattern relative to each other corresponding to the linear pattern in which said spark plugs are arranged relative to each other, the output ends of said conductors being electrically connected to the spark plugs of said engine corresponding to the second set of terminals from which said conductors extend, and a second set of a plurality of elongated conductors embedded in said cap, electrically insulated from each other, and electrically connecting the terminals of the first set of terminals with the terminals of the second set of terminals in a manner whereby successive registry of said electrode end portion with said first set of terminals will actuate the second set of terminals in sequence corresponding to the correct firing order of said spark plugs, said distributor cap including an outwardly projecting terminal electrically connected to a predetermined one of said second set of elongated conductors and having a cover constructed of dielectric material removably secured thereover.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said distributor cap includes first and second sections, the first of said sections comprising a conventional distributor cap closed at one end and open at the other end and in which said first set of terminals are supported, said conventional cap including a set of plurality of sockets opening outwardly of said closed end thereof in the same direction, the'second of said sections including a body member including a plurality of outwardly projecting male terminals extending in the same direction and removably secured in the last mentioned sockets, said second set of terminals being carried by said body member and electrically connected to the corresponding male terminals by means of said elongated conductors.

4. In combination, a multicylinder combustion engine including a plurality of spark plugs arranged in linear pattern and having a distributor of the type including a rotor driven by said engine and having an electrode end portion swingable through a circular path, said distributor also including a cap telescoped over said rotor and including a first set of a plurality of terminals disposed in a pattern spaced circumferentially about a circular path, said circular paths being disposed in generally parallel planes and being concentric, said electrode end portion being swingable through positions at least closely adjacent said terminals, said cap including a second set of a plurality of terminals closely adjacent said pattern and readily accessible from the exterior of said cap and having the input ends of a set of elongated secondary circuit conductors of said engine readily removably electrically connected thereto, said second set of terminals being arranged in linear pattern relative to each other corresponding to the linear pattern in which said spark plugs are arranged relative to each other, the output ends of said conductors being electrically connected to the spark plugs of said engine corresponding to the second set of terminals from which said conductors extend, and a second set of a plurality of elongated conductors embedded in said cap, electrically insulated from each other, and electrically connecting the terminals of the first set of terminals with the terminals of the second set of terminals in a manner whereby successive registry of said electrode end portions with said first set of terminals will actuate the second set of terminals in sequence corresponding to the correct firing order of said spark plugs, said distributor cap including first and second sections, the first of said sections comprising a conventional distributor cap closed at one end and open at the other end and in which said first set of terminals are supported, said conventional cap including a set of a plurality of sockets' opening outwardly of said closed end thereof in the same direction, the second of said sections including a body member including a plurality of outwardly projecting male terminals extending in the same direction and removably secured in the last mentioned sockets, said second set of terminals being carried by said body member and electrically connected to the corresponding male terminals by means of said elongated conductors, said body member including an outwardly projecting terminal electrically connected to a predetermined one of said second set of elongated conductors and having a cover constructed of dielectric material removably secured thereover.

5. In combination, a multicylinder combustion engine including a plurality of spark plugs arranged in linear pattern and having a distributor of the type including a rotor driven by said engine and having an electrode end portion swingable through a circular path, said distributor also including a cap telescoped over said rotor and including a first set of a plurality of terminals disposed in a pattern spaced circumferentially about a circular path, said circular paths being disposed in generally parallel planes and being concentric, said electrode end portion being swingable through positions at least closely adjacent said terminals, said cap including a second set of a plurality of terminals closely adjacent said pattern and readily accessible from the exterior of said cap and having the input ends of a set of elongated secondary circuit conductors of said engine readily removably electrically connected thereto, said second set of terminals being arranged in linear pattern relative to each other corresponding to the linear pattern in which said spark plugs are arranged relative to each other, the output ends of said conductors being electrically connected to the spark plugs of said engine corresponding to the second set of terminals from which said conductors extend, and a second set of a plurality of elongated conductors embedded in said cap, electrically insulated from each other, and electrically connecting the terminals of the first set of terminals with the termianls of the second set of terminals in a manner whereby successive registry of said electrode end portion with said first set of terminals will actuate the second set of terminals in sequence corresponding to the correct firing order of said spark plugs, said combustion engine spark plugs including opposite side sets of spark plugs spaced along parallel linear paths, said distributor being disposed in a plane spaced between said paths and disposed normal to a line extending between said paths, said second set of terminals being disposed in groups of opposite side terminals spaced along paths generally paralleling the paths along which the adjacent sets of spark plugs are spaced.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,692,087 11/ 1928 Matthew et a1 123-143 1,984,275 12/1934 Mallory ZOO-19 2,326,113 8/1943 Zoerlein et a1. ZOO-19 2,488,096 11/ 1949 Newman 123-143 2,550,891 5/1951 Wald 174-34 X 2,879,346 3/1959 Mason 200-21 LAURENCE M. GOODRIDGE, Primary Examiner. MARK NEWMAN, Examiner.

Claims

1. IN COMBINATION, A MULTICYLINDER COMBUSTION ENGINE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF SPARK PLUGS ARRANGED IN WIDELY SPACED LINEAR PATTERN AND HAVING A DISTRIBUTOR OF THE TYPE INCLUDING A ROTOR DRIVEN BY SAID ENGINE AND HAVING AN ELECTRODE END PORTION SWINGABLE THROUGH A CIRCULAR PATH, SAID DISTRIBUTOR ALSO INCLUDING A CAP TELESCOPED OVER SAID ROTOR AND INCLUDING A FIRST SET OF A PLURALITY OF TERMINALS DISPOSED IN A PATTERN SPACED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY ABOUT A CIRCULAR PATH, SAID CIRCULAR PATHS BEING DISPOSED IN GENERALLY PARALLEL PLANES AND BEING CONCENTRIC, SAID ELECTRODE END PORTION BEING SWINGABLE THROUGH POSITIONS AT LEAST CLOSELY ADJACENT SAID TERMINALS, SAID CAP INCLUDING A SECOND SET OF A PLURALITY OF TERMINALS CLOSELY ADJACENT SAID PATTERN AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE EXTERIOR OF SAID CAP AND HAVING THE INPUT ENDS OF A SET OF ELONGATED SECONDARY CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS OF SAID ENGINE READILY REMOVABLY ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED THERETO, SAID SECOND SET OF TERMINALS BEING ARRANGED IN LINEAR PATTERN WITH THE TERMINALS OF SAID SECOND SET OF TERMINALS IN EACH PATTERN BEING CLOSELY SPACED APART RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER, EACH LINEAR PATTERN OF SAID SECOND SET OF TERMINALS CORRESPONDING TO AND GENERALLY PARALLELING THE LINEAR PATTERN IN WHICH SAID SPARK PLUGS ARE ARRANGED TO EACH OTHER, THE OUTPUT ENDS OF SAID CONDUCTORS BEING ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO THE SPARK PLUGS OF SAID ENGINE CORRESPONDING TO THE SECOND SET OF TERMINALS FROM WHICH SAID CONDUCTORS EXTEND, AND A SECOND SET OF PLURALITY OF ELONGATED CONDUCTORS EMBEDDED IN SAID CAP, ELECTRICALLY INSULATED FROM EACH OTHER, AND ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING THE TERMINALS OF THE FIRST SET OF TERMINALS WITH THE TERMINALS OF THE SECOND SET OF TERMINALS IN A MANNER WHEREBY SUCCESSIVE REGISTRY OF SAID ELECTRODE END PORTION WITH SAID SET OF TERMINALS WILL ACTUATE THE SECOND SET OF TERMINALS IN SEQUENCE CORRESPONDING TO THE CORRECT FIRING ORDER OF SAID SPARK PLUGS.