Electrical contact test probe

• US 5,191,280 A
• Filed: 07/25/1991
• Issued: 03/02/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas & Betts International Incorporated (ABB Limited)
• Original Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation (ABB Limited)
• Inventors: Levy, Sidney
• Primary Examiner(s): Harvey, Jack B.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Regan, Maura K.
• Application Number:
  US07/735,596
• Time in Patent Office: 586 Days
• Field of Search: 439/217, 439/218, 439/219, 439/220, 439/221, 439/755, 324/149, 324/72.5
• US Class Current: 324/72.5
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/18 End pieces terminating in a probe
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/24 with gripping jaws, e.g. crocodile clip
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/20 for testing or measuring purposes

Abstract

A test probe device is attachable to alligator clips of test equipment for establishing electrical engagement between an electrical contact supported within an insulative housing, which is accessible through an opening therein and the test equipment. The alligator clip includes a pair of actuatable jaws defining a connection region therebetween. The test probe device includes an elongate probe member insertable into the housing through the opening for electrical engagement with the contact. An attachment member is electrically coupled to the probe member. The attachment member is attachable to the alligator clip at a location remote from the connection region thereof, permitting the alligator clip to be used without removing the test probe device.

Claims

1. An attachable test probe device for establishing electrical engagement between an electrical contact supported within an insulative housing, accessible through an opening therein and an existing alligator clip having a pair of actuatable jaws defining a connection region therebetween, said test probe device comprising:

an elongate probe member insertable into said housing through said opening for electrical engagement with said contact; and

an attachment member electrically coupled to said probe member, said attachment member including means for electrically and mechanically securing said attachment member to said alligator clip at a location remote from said connection region thereof;

wherein said attachment member includes an elongate attachment extent and wherein said securing means includes a pair of traverse deformable tabs extending from said elongate extent of said attachment member, said tabs being crimpably deformable to secure said attachment member to said alligator clip.

2. A test probe device of claim 1 wherein said probe member includes a first end for insertion into said housing opening and a second end coupled to said attachment extent.

3. A test probe device of claim 2 wherein said probe member second end is pivotally coupled to said attachment extent for relative movement between an open position where said first end of said probe member is positionable for insertion into said housing opening and a closed position wherein said first end of said probe member is removably secured to said attachment extent.

4. A test probe device of claim 3 wherein said elongate attachment extent includes a first end pivotally coupled to said second end of said probe member and a second end including means for supporting said first end of said probe member in said closed position.

5. A test probe device of claim 3 wherein said supporting means includes said second end of said attachment extent including a reversely bent portion defining a support location for supporting said first end of said probe member in said closed position.

6. A test probe device of claim 5 wherein said first end of said probe member includes a pair of spaced apart tines for engaging said electrical contact.

7. A test probe device of claim 6 wherein said support location of said attachment extent includes a raised detent for captively supporting said first end of said probe member between said times thereof.

8. A test probe attachable to existing alligator clips of telephone test equipment, said probe comprising:

an elongate probe extent having a first end for engagement with an electrical contact which is to be tested, and a second end opposite said first end;

an elongate attachment extent having a first end, an opposed second end and attachment means for attaching said test probe to said alligator clips;

pivotable fastening means coupling said second end of said attachment extent to said second end of said probe extent at a pivot point, said pivotable fastening means permitting relative rotational movement of said attachment extent and said probe extent about said pivot point.

9. A test probe of claim 8 wherein said first end of said probe extent includes a pair of spaced tines for engaging said electrical contact therebetween.

10. A test probe of claim 9 wherein said pivotal fastening means includes a metallic rivet.

11. A test clip of claim 10 wherein said attachment extent second end includes means for supporting said first end of said probe extent.

12. A test clip of claim 11 wherein said supporting means includes said attachment extent second end having a reversely bent portion for retaining said first end of said probe extent thereat.

13. A test clip of claim 12 wherein said supporting means further includes said second end of said attachment extent including a detent for supporting said spaced tines of said probe extent.