Multi-meter and probe assembly and method of use

• US 5,986,446 A
• Filed: 02/05/1997
• Issued: 11/16/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Williamson C. Blake
• Original Assignee: Williamson C. Blake
• Inventors: Williamson, C. Blake
• Primary Examiner(s): STRECKER, GERARD R
• Application Number:
  US08/795,812
• Time in Patent Office: 1,014 Days
• Field of Search: 324/72.5, 324/133, 324/149, 324/156, 324/157, 324/757, 324/758, 73/431, 73/866.5, 439/37, 439/169, 439/219, 439/482, 439/909, 235/462.44, 235/462.45
• US Class Current: 324/157
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/04 Housings; Supporting members; Arrangements of terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/06788 Hand-held or hand-manipulated probes, e.g. for oscilloscopes or for portable test instruments end pieces terminating in a probe H01R11/18

Abstract

A meter is mounted on the wrist of the user with a suitable strap while the active or positive probe from the meter extends through a probe holder on the finger of the user. The probe lead is fairly short extending from the meter, through the probe holder to project beyond the index or pointing finger. Two forms of holding the probe to the finger are illustrated. The other probe to ground or neutral is longer and provided with a contact clip. The invention frees both hands of the user or at least all of the fingers except the one used to point the probe. With the invention the meter is more effectively and economically used.

Claims

1. In combination, a multi-meter, first means operative to support and attach said multi-meter to the wrist of the user, a pair of leads for the meter, a probe for the meter connected to one of said leads, and second means operative to support and attach said probe to a pointing finger of the hand of the wrist of the user so that the probe points in general alignment with and beyond the tip of the pointing finger.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said first means is a strap, and third means to attach and remove said multi-meter from the strap so that the meter can readily be read while manipulating the probe.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said first means includes a VELCRO fastening system.

4. The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and third means includes a VELCRO fastening system.

5. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said second means includes a finger cot.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said finger cot is closed over the tip of the finger protecting the tip of the pointing finger.

7. The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said finger cot is elastic.

8. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said second means includes a VELCRO strap fastening system adapted to encircle a gloved pointing finger.

9. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said second means to attach a probe to a pointing finger includes a friction sleeve for the probe and a probe housing for the sleeve.

10. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein the lead connecting the probe to said multi-meter is substantially shorter than the other lead, and a clip connected to the other lead.

11. In combination, an electrical multi-meter, two leads for said multi-meter, one of which comprises a probe, a holder for said probe, and a finger cuff attached to said holder whereby the user may support the probe with a single finger when said finger cuff is positioned on said single finger and point the probe to make electrical contact by manipulation of said single finger.

12. The combination set forth in claim 11 including means to attach the multi-meter to the wrist of the hand of said finger on which the cuff supporting the probe is positioned.

13. A method of using a meter comprising the steps of attaching the meter to the wrist of a user, connecting one lead of the meter to a pointed probe, extending the probe through a holder, and mounting the holder on a finger of the hand of the wrist so the probe can be manipulated and directed by the finger.

14. A method as set forth in claim 13 including the step of positioning the tip of the probe beyond the tip of the finger.

15. A method as set forth in claim 14 including the step of mounting the holder on a finger cot protecting the tip of the finger.

16. A method as set forth in claim 14 including the step of using a strap to secure the holder to a gloved finger.

17. A method as set forth in claim 13 including the step of mounting the meter on an adjustable wrist strap for attachment to and detachment from the strap.

18. A method as set forth in claim 13 including the step of providing the meter with a second longer lead.

19. A method as set forth in claim 18 including the step of providing a spring clip on the second lead.

20. A method of taking electrical meter readings comprising the steps of mounting a probe for the meter and connected to the meter on the user'"'"'s finger to extend parallel to and substantially beyond an extended finger,manipulating the probe with the finger,mounting the meter on the wrist of the hand of the finger, and reading the meter as the probe is manipulated with the finger.