초록 ▼

Jump start structure and method particularly useful for a battery-start vehicle for starting the vehicle or quick charging the battery from a separate source which may have an operating voltage substantially higher than the battery voltage. A starting system operating at a first voltage, for example

Jump start structure and method particularly useful for a battery-start vehicle for starting the vehicle or quick charging the battery from a separate source which may have an operating voltage substantially higher than the battery voltage. A starting system operating at a first voltage, for example twelve volts, is connected to a separate source of higher voltage, such as twenty-four volts, through a jumper cable. In one embodiment, a manual switch on the vehicle with the discharged battery must be operated simultaneously with the key switch to start the engine. In another embodiment, an inexpensive control circuit including a normally closed relay located on the vehicle connects the separate source with the discharged battery when a jumper cable from the source is plugged into the vehicle. Once the discharged battery receives sufficient charge, the relay activates to open the circuit between the separate source and the vehicle battery. The normally closed relay facilitates use of the vehicle for jump starting another vehicle.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A starting system for a vehicle having a station for an operator, an engine with an electric starter, a battery with a nominal voltage level, a first operator controlled switch located on the vehicle adjacent the station and selectively connecting the battery with the s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A starting system for a vehicle having a station for an operator, an engine with an electric starter, a battery with a nominal voltage level, a first operator controlled switch located on the vehicle adjacent the station and selectively connecting the battery with the starter for starting the engine, and jump start structure for starting the engine from an alternate voltage supply, the jump start structure including a line connected to the alternate voltage supply, a second controlled switch supported by the vehicle, wherein both the first and second controlled switches must be operated during overlapping periods of time to close a starting circuit path between the alternate voltage supply and power the electric starter from the alternate voltage supply during the overlapping periods of time.