U.S. patent application number 11/221476 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-05 for universal binding post.
This patent application is currently assigned to AVO Multi-Amp Corporation d/b/a Megger, AVO Multi-Amp Corporation d/b/a Megger. Invention is credited to Eddie Bouasry, Howard G. Fussell, John Charles Hicks.
Application Number | 20060003640 11/221476 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32176486 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060003640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fussell; Howard G. ; et
al. |
January 5, 2006 |
Universal binding post
Abstract
A testing device for connection to a relay is provided. The
testing device comprises a binding post and a test paddle. The test
paddle includes a body portion, a stud, a contact and a handle. The
body portion has a stud opening, a contact opening associated with
the stud opening and a barrier extending from a first end of the
body. The contact extends through the contact opening and is
electrically coupled to the stud. The handle is coupled to the body
and configured for grasping by an individual's hand to promote
insertion and removal of the test paddle from the relay. The
binding post includes a cover configured for rotating the binding
post, the cover having an inner chamber for receiving an insert of
the binding post. The insert is configured to couple test equipment
to the stud on the test paddle for testing relay switches.
Inventors: |
Fussell; Howard G.;
(Duncanville, TX) ; Hicks; John Charles;
(Waxahachie, TX) ; Bouasry; Eddie; (Arlington,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONLEY ROSE, P.C.
5700 GRANITE PARKWAY, SUITE 330
PLANO
TX
75024
US
|
Assignee: |
AVO Multi-Amp Corporation d/b/a
Megger
|
Family ID: |
32176486 |
Appl. No.: |
11/221476 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10690333 |
Oct 21, 2003 |
6946843 |
|
|
11221476 |
Sep 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
60419922 |
Oct 21, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/709 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01R 31/31715 20130101;
G01R 31/31712 20130101; G01R 31/3278 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/709 |
International
Class: |
H01R 9/22 20060101
H01R009/22 |
Claims
1. A binding post connectable to a stud to promote electrical
connection of equipment to the stud, the binding post comprising: a
cover having a first end, a second end, an inner chamber, and an
outer surface configured to promote rotation of the cover; and an
insert having a shaft coupleable to the inner chamber of the cover,
the first end of the shaft configured to couple with the stud on
the test paddle.
2. The binding post of claim 1, wherein the inner chamber extend
from the first end to the second end of the cover.
3. The binding post of claim 1, wherein the binding post further
provided with a shoulder coupled to the first end of the shaft
extending about the first end of the cover.
4. The binding post of claim 3, wherein the shoulder has a diameter
greater than a diameter of the first end of the shaft.
5. The binding post of claim 1, wherein the cover is constructed of
a non-conductive material and wherein the insert is constructed of
a conductive material.
6. The binding post of claim 1, wherein the insert is sized to be
received into the inner chamber of the cover.
7. The binding post of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the
insert and the inner chamber of the cover are shaped such that a
rotation effected on the cover rotates the insert when the insert
is positioned within the inner chamber of the cover.
8. The binding post of claim 7, wherein the outer surface of the
insert and the inner chamber are substantially hex shaped.
9. The binding post of claim 1, wherein a second end of the insert
is adapted to receive a banana jack.
10. The binding post of claim 1, wherein a second end of the insert
is adapted to receive a shielded banana jack.
11. The binding post of claim 1, wherein the inner chamber is
provided with a ridge disposed between the first and second ends of
the cover, the ridge extending circumferentially about the inner
chamber, and wherein the outer surface of the insert is provided
with an annular recess positioned to be received by the ridge of
the inner chamber to couple the insert to the cover.
12. The binding post of claim 1, wherein the insert threadingly
couples and uncouples to the stud for coupling one of a spade lug
and a ring lug on the stud and wherein the second end of the insert
is configured to receive one of a regular banana jack and a
shielded banana jack.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/419,922 entitled "Test Paddle Having A Universal
Binding Post", filed on Oct. 31, 2002, and is a divisional
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/690,333 entitled
"Test Paddle Having A Universal Binding Post, filed on Oct. 21,
2003 and claims priority to and hereby incorporates both by
reference for all purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This present disclosure relates in general to the field of
testing devices and more particularly, but not by way of
limitation, to a test paddle having a universal binding post.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Switches and relays are frequently tested to ensure they are
functioning properly and for a number of other reasons. A variety
of test equipment is utilized for these purposes, such as test
boards that include a plurality of contacts that may be plugged
into a relay for testing the switches of the relay. Binding posts
on the test board communicate with the contacts. Binding posts,
such as the 5-way binding post constructed by Superior Electric of
Bristol, Conn., provide an attachment point for connecting test
equipment.
[0006] Unfortunately, current binding posts and test boards have a
number of shortcomings that provide the test boards and binding
posts with limited versatility and make them difficult to use. For
this reason, a need exists for an improved test board and binding
post that overcome these and other disadvantages of previous test
boards and binding posts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present disclosure provides a testing device for
connection to a relay for testing the relay, the testing device
comprises a test paddle and a binding post. The test paddle
includes a body portion, a stud, a contact and a handle. The body
portion has an upper surface defining a stud opening, a lower
surface, a first end having a contact opening associated with the
stud opening and a barrier extending from the first end of the
body.
[0008] The stud extends through the stud opening on the upper
surface of the body portion. The contact extends through the
contact opening on the first end of the body portion. The contact
is electrically coupled to the stud. The handle is coupled to the
body and is configured for grasping by the hand of an individual to
promote insertion and removal the test paddle from the relay.
[0009] The binding post includes a cover having a first end, a
second end, an inner chamber extending from the first end to the
second end of the cover and an outer surface configured to promote
rotation of the cover. An insert of the binding has a shaft
coupleable to the inner chamber of the cover. A first end of the
shaft is configured to couple with the stud on the test paddle.
[0010] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a test
paddle for use with any bind post or stud. In this embodiment, the
stud of the test paddle is a binding post having a threaded portion
extending from one end of the binding post and wherein the stud
opening is threaded to threadingly receive the threaded portion of
the binding post. In other embodiments, the stud is a threaded
stud, such as a 0.375 units long 10-32 stud.
[0011] In one embodiment, the stud opening extends through the body
portion from the first surface to the second surface the wherein
the stud couples to the contact. In this embodiment, the inner
chamber between first and second sides is provided with a retaining
wall adjacent stud opening to receive a portion of the contact.
[0012] In other embodiments, the test paddle may be provided with a
plurality of stud openings configured to receive a plurality of
studs, a plurality of contact openings wherein each of the
plurality of contact openings are associated one of the plurality
of stud openings. Each of the plurality of studs coupleable to one
of the contacts.
[0013] In one embodiment, the handle is provided on a second end of
the body portion. In another embodiment, the second end defines a
handle opening configured to receive the hand of a user. The upper
and lower surfaces may be knurled about edges of the upper and
lower surfaces, as well as about the opening defining the
handle.
[0014] The test paddle of the present disclosure is that the handle
promotes easy insertion and removal of the test paddle with the
switch or relay for testing. Current test boards are constructed in
a box-like configuration that is difficult to grasp and manipulate.
Utilizing the test paddle of the present disclosure, the user is
better able to control the test paddle, which promotes safety and
ease of use. Also, studs of various configurations, whether or not
threaded, may be received into the openings to connect to the
binding posts. Thus, the configuration of the test paddle provides
more versatility.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a
binding post for use with the test paddle of the present disclosure
as well as other devices. The shaft of the insert of the binding
post further provided with a shoulder coupled to the first end of
the shaft extending about the first end of the cover. The shoulder
having a diameter greater than a diameter of the first end of the
shaft.
[0016] In one embodiment, the cover of the binding is constructed
of an insulating material, such as ABS plastic. The insert is
constructed of material to promote electrical conductivity such
that the first end of the insert is in electrical communication
with the second end of the insert. In one embodiment, the insert is
sized to be received into the inner chamber of the cover.
[0017] In other embodiments, the binding is provided with a gap
between a sidewall defining the inner chamber of the cover adjacent
the second end of the cover and the second end of the shaft of the
insert, wherein an insulating sleeve is disposed in the gap between
the sidewall of the inner chamber of the cover and the second end
of shaft of the insert. In some embodiments, the second end of the
binding post is adapted to receive a banana jack, while in others,
the second end of the binding post is adapted to receive a shielded
or safety banana jack for testing and other purposes.
[0018] In still other embodiments, a portion of the cover is hex
shaped to promote rotation of the cover, while in others, a portion
of the cover box shaped to promote rotation of the cover. In others
embodiments, an outer surface of the cover is angularly configured
to receive a tool and angularly configured to promote rotation by
the hand of an individual.
[0019] The inner chamber of the cover of the binding post is
angularly configured to receive an angularly configured outer
surface of the insert such that rotation of the cover effects
rotation of the insert to threading engage and disengage the insert
from the stud on the test paddle. The insert is configured to be
received in the inner chamber of the cover.
[0020] The inner chamber of the insert may be provided with a ring
disposed between the first and second ends of the cover. The ring
extending circumferentially about the inner chamber and the outer
surface of the insert is provided with an annular recess positioned
to be received by the ring of the inner chamber to couple the
insert to the cover and inhibit removal of the cover from the
insert.
[0021] Current binding posts are provided with a threaded shaft to
achieve a somewhat permanent connection or are otherwise configured
in a manner limiting the type of electrical connection that can be
made to the binding post. The binding post of the present
disclosure is configured to quickly and easily receive a spade lug,
ring lug, regular, shielded or safety banana jack. In this manner
the binding post is universal to the testing apparatuses that may
be readily coupled to the binding post and test paddle for testing
switches or relays.
[0022] The insulated cover promotes safety while the configuration
of the cover promotes easy connection of the binding post to the
test paddle and connection of test equipment, via banana jacks, for
example, to the binding post. The configuration of the cover
further promotes loosening and tightening of the binding post to
the test paddle for connecting spade and ring lugs.
[0023] Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one
skilled in the art from the following figures and description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals
represent like parts, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a test paddle constructed in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the test paddle shown in
FIG. 1 illustrating one embodiment of the connection of a plurality
of contacts to a body portion of the test paddle;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the test paddle according to
one embodiment illustrating a handle for grasping the test
paddle;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the test paddle illustrating
yet another embodiment of the handle for grasping the test
paddle;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a binding post having an
insert and a cover constructed according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a top view of the binding post illustrated in FIG.
5 detailing a coupling for receiving a banana jack;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the binding post shown in
FIG. 5 illustrating the insert positioned within the cover of the
binding post; and
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view, according to one embodiment,
of the binding post illustrated in FIG. 7 shown coupled to the test
paddle illustrated in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] It should be understood at the outset that although
exemplary implementations of a test paddle and a universal binding
post are illustrated below, the present disclosure may be
implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known
or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited
to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques
illustrated below, including the exemplary design and
implementation illustrated and described herein.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a test paddle 10 for
connecting to relays for testing the switches of the relay. The
test paddle 10, in this embodiment, includes a body portion 12
having an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 16. The body portion
may be constructed of a non-conductive or insulating material, such
as ABS Plastic, or other plastic or polymeric materials, for
example polyolefin rubber. The upper surface 14 defines a plurality
of stud openings 18 through which studs 22 extend. The stud
openings 18 are sized sufficient to receive the studs 22. Indicia
20 is provided on the upper surface 14 of the body portion 12
adjacent the stud openings 18 to identify, for example numerically
or alphanumerically designated or color-coded, the various studs
22.
[0035] The plurality of studs 22 are illustrated extending through
the stud openings 18 on the upper surface 14 of the body portion
12. The test paddle 10 further includes a plurality of contacts 24
extending from a first end 26 of the body portion 12. In the
present embodiment, the contacts 24 are rigid knife-type contacts,
but other configurations may be suitable as well. The contacts 24
are constructed of electrically conductive material and are
electrically coupled the studs 22. For example, contact 24a is
electrically coupled to stud 22a, while contact 24b is electrically
coupled to stud 22b, and so on.
[0036] The studs 22 may include a threaded portion and are
constructed of electrically conductive material as well. The studs
22 are provided as a point of connection for binding posts
(described hereafter) and testing devices for testing switches of a
relay. In other embodiments (not shown), the stud openings 18 may
be larger, deeper, or both and the studs 22 may be recessed below
the upper surface 14 of the body portion 12. This configuration may
be useful to protect the studs 22 when they are not being used and
to provide a more sound connection of the binding post to the test
paddle 10, for example.
[0037] In any event, the test paddle 10 connects to standard relays
(not shown) by inserting the contacts 24 into the relay. Once
connected, each contact 24, such as contact 24a, is associated with
a switch of the relay. The switch associated with contact 24a is
readily tested by connecting test equipment to stud 22a which is
associated with contact 24a, and so on.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the test paddle 10 is
provided with a barrier 28 extending from the first end 26 of the
body portion 12. The barrier 28 is useful for preventing electrical
arching while testing relays. The barrier 28 may also be useful,
for example, for preventing objects from touching the contact 24
and to provide additional connection support for the test paddle
10. In other embodiments, the barrier 28 may not be employed at all
or may be sized and configured differently to accommodate relays of
various shapes or for other considerations.
[0039] The test paddle 10 is provided with a handle 30 adjacent the
second end 32 of the body portion 12. In the present illustration,
the second end 32 of the body portion 12 defines an opening 34
sized to receive at least a portion of a hand of an individual for
grasping the test paddle 10 to promote insertion and removal of the
test paddle 10 from the relay. It should be appreciated that the
contacts 24 of the test paddle 10 typically couple to the relay in
a rigid, frequently high tension or compression manner, which makes
insertion and removal of the test paddle 10 difficult. The handle
30 provides a useful means of inserting and removing the test
paddle 10 from the relay.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the test paddle 10
wherein the body portion 12 is provided with an upper member 36 and
a lower member 38 coupleable to one another to form the body
portion 12. The upper and lower members 36 and 38 may be joined in
a number of ways including by using adhesive material, for example.
It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, such as
illustrated in FIG. 1, the body portion 12 may be constructed as a
substantially unitary member.
[0041] However, in the present illustration, the test paddle 10 is
configured such that the coupling of the upper and lower members 36
and 38 define an inner chamber 40 of the body portion 12. In this
embodiment, a plurality of retaining walls 42 are provided in the
inner chamber 40 about the stud openings 18 to receive a portion 44
of the contacts 24. A plurality of contact openings 48 are provided
on the first end 26 of the body portion 12 such that a blade
portion 46 of the contact 24 extends from the body portion 12 for
connection to the relay.
[0042] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the studs 22 may be
a standard bolt or stud threaded and sized to extend through the
stud opening 18 for connection to the contacts 24. This
configuration allows for more versatility with respect to the
various studs 22 that may be used for the test paddle 10. In the
present embodiment, a number 10-32 stud having a threaded end
extending from the upper surface 14 of the upper member 36 is
provided. In other embodiments, the contacts 24 may be provided
with a stud 22 integral to the contact 24 such that when a portion
of the contact is disposed in the inner chamber 40, the stud 22
extends through the stud opening 18. The present disclosure should
not be limited to the particular type of stud 22 or connection or
configuration of the studs 22 and/or the contacts 24.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the handle 30 of
the test paddle 10. In this view, the body portion 12 is configured
with a plurality of grasping points 50 for grasping by the hand or
hands of an individual for obtaining more leverage while inserting
and removing the test paddle 10 from the relay. The grasping points
50 may also be considered points wherein force is applied in a
general direction by the hand of an individual on a vector or
vector force 49. A plane 51 is defined as substantially
perpendicular the force vector 49. To securely grip the handle 30
or grasping points 50, the hand, or fingers of the hand, of an
individual will typically break the plane 51, as illustrated by a
line 53, in at least two place when encircling, such as by more
than 180 degrees, the grasping point 50. This secure grip
encirclement by the hand, or fingers of the hand, will generally be
achieved on the side of the plane 51 opposite the force vector 49,
such as illustrated by the line 53. In other embodiments, to
securely grip the handle 30 may include encirclement by 270 degrees
or more of the hand or fingers or the hand. In other embodiments
(not shown), the handle 30 and/or grasping points 50 may be
provided as knobs or other devices or structures coupled at various
locations about the body portion 12 to promote insertion and
removal of the test paddle 10.
[0044] Referring also to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the handle
30 is shown where the second end 32 of the body portion 12 defines
the handle 30 to form a U-shaped handle 30 for grasping the test
paddle 10. The handle 30, in other embodiments, may also extend
vertically (not shown), or perpendicular to the upper surface 14,
in contrast to the horizontal disposition illustrated in the
present embodiment. In still other embodiments, the second end 32
may lip back toward the first end 26 of the body portion 12. As
such, the lip configuration of the second end 32 may be thought of
as an arching or box U-shape for grasping the test board 10.
[0045] Due to the difficulty inserting and removing test boards
from relays, the various handles 30 illustrated in the present
disclosure provide a simple, but effective way to reduce or
overcome this problem. The handle 30 may be easily grasped since
this configuration promotes improved access to the handle 30
regardless of the position of the test paddle 10.
[0046] It will be appreciated that a number of configurations of
the second end 32 or other portions of the body portion 12 may be
employed for grasping by the hand of an individual user to promote
insertion and removal of the test paddle 10. The present
disclosure, while illustrating a number of configurations of the
handle 30, should not be limited to the disclosed configurations
since other shapes and designs with readily suggest themselves to
one skilled in the art.
[0047] The test paddle 10 may be provided as a ten or fourteen pole
test paddle, that is, having either ten studs 22 coupled to ten
contacts 24 or fourteen studs 22 coupled to fourteen contacts 24,
or as otherwise necessary based on the particulars of the relay to
be tested. In the present embodiment, the edges 54 about the upper
and lower surfaces 14 and 16 of the body portion 12 have been
knurled or beveled. This promotes grasping the handle 30 more
securely and comfortably since this design conforms to the hand of
an individual better than a non-beveled edge 54. One of skill in
the art will recognize that similar approaches may be used to
improve grips on other shapes, specifically including the handles
disclosed herein and other handles.
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a binding post 60 for
connection to the studs 22 of the test paddle 10. The binding post
60 includes a cover 62 which may be a substantially solid member
constructed, for example, from a non-conductive or insulating
material, or plastic or polymeric materials such as ABS Plastic.
The cover 62 may be a substantially cylindrical or hexed-shaped
member having an inner chamber 64 extending from a first end 66 to
a second end 68 of the cover 62.
[0049] An outer surface 70 of the cover 62 may be configured, as
previously discussed, such that at least a portion of the outer
surface 70 of the cover 62 is hex shaped for receiving a tool or
otherwise configured to promote rotation of the cover 62. Although
a hex shape is shown in this illustration, a box or other shaped
outer surface 70 may be employed as well.
[0050] The binding post 60 further includes an insert 72 provided
with a shaft 74 having a first end 76 and a second end 78. The
insert 72 further includes a shoulder 80 coupled to the first end
76 of the shaft 74. The insert 12 and shoulder 80 may be
constructed from any conductive material, however in some
embodiments, brass may be preferable. The shaft 74 is configured in
a hex shape, although other shapes may be utilized as well, to be
received by the inner chamber 64 of the cover 62. For example, the
inner chamber 64 may be configured in a hex shape extending from
the first end 66 to the second end 68 of the cover 62 to matingly
receive the hex-shaped shaft 74 of the insert 72.
[0051] The first end 76 of the shaft 74 and a portion of the
shoulder 80 define an opening 82. In the illustrated embodiment,
the opening 82 is threaded for threadingly engaging the insert 72
to the stud 22 to secure the binding post 60 to the test paddle 10.
The opening 82 may, in other embodiments, be configured for
tensioning or other engagements of the binding post 60 to the studs
22, which will suggest themselves to one skilled in the art.
[0052] When the insert 72 is positioned within the inner chamber 64
of the cover 62, by rotating the cover 62, a rotation is effected
on the insert 72 as well. This configuration promotes threading or
otherwise connecting the binding post 60 to the test paddle 10
without contacting the insert 72. The cover 62 and the insert 72
may be independently constructed and subsequently assembled, as
illustrated. In other embodiments however, the binding post 60 may
be constructed such that the insert 72 and cover 62 are constructed
of similar materials and are substantially unitary or integral.
[0053] In this embodiment, the insert 72 is provided with an
annular recess 84 extending circumferentially about a portion of
the shaft 74. A ring 86 extends about a portion of the inner
chamber 64 of the cover 62 and is configured such that the ring 86
is received into the annular recess 84 when the insert 72 is
disposed in the inner chamber 64. Thus, the ring 86 of the cover 62
engages the annular recess 84 of the insert 72 to retain the insert
72 within the inner chamber 64 of the cover 62 and to inhibit
unintentional removal of the insert 72 from the cover 62.
[0054] Referring also to FIG. 6, a top view of the binding post 60
is provided that illustrates the second ends 68 and 78 of the cover
62 and the insert 72, respectively. A lower cylindrical portion 90
is shown having a slightly larger diameter than the hex shape upper
portion 92 of the cover 62. The inner chamber 64 provides a gap
between the cover 62 and the insert 72 wherein a sleeve 94, or
other insulating barrier, may be provided.
[0055] The second end 78 of the shaft 74 defines an opening 96
configured to receive a banana jack or other coupling for
electrically connecting test equipment, for example. Banana jacks
(not shown) are frequently used as a coupling for connecting
electrical or test equipment for these purposes. Banana jacks may
be provided with a safety or sleeve, to prevent the banana jack
from accidentally contacting other conductive surfaces.
[0056] In this embodiment, the sleeve 94 is provided to cooperate
with a safety banana jack so that a plug of the banana jack is
received in the opening 96 in the second end 78 of the shaft 74. In
this manner, the safety or sleeve portion of the banana jack is
fitted into the inner chamber 64 between the second end 68 of the
cover 62 and the second end 78 of the shaft 74 of the insert 72. In
other embodiments, the sleeve 94 is not used or may be
removable.
[0057] As discussed above, the inner chamber 64 is hex shaped about
the first end 66 (see FIG. 5) of the cover 62 to receive, for
example, the hex shape shaft 74. The inner chamber 64 may be of a
greater diameter and generally round in shape about the second end
68 of the cover 62. In this manner, the inner chamber 64 near the
first end 66 is provided to retain and couple with the insert 72
while the inner chamber 64 near the second end 68 has a larger
opening sized to provide a gap to promote coupling of the banana
jack or other connector with the shaft 74 of the insert 72.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
binding post 60 illustrating the insert 72 provided in the inner
chamber 64 of the cover 62. This view illustrates that the shoulder
80 abuts the first end 66 of the cover 62 when the insert 72 is
provided in the inner chamber 64 of the cover 62. When testing
switches in relays, test equipment may require coupling for testing
purposes using, for example, banana jacks or other connectors,
spade or ring lugs, stripped, bare or coated wire.
[0059] A spade lug is essentially a flat piece of conductive
material, such as steel or brass, in a U-shape for coupling about
an electrical post, such as the stud 22. A ring lug is essentially
a flat, washer-shaped, piece of conductive material with a ringed
opening for coupling about an electrical post, such as the stud 22.
When connecting test equipment, it may be necessary to adjust the
position of the binding post 60 on the test paddle 10 for
connecting devices such as spade or ring lugs.
[0060] Referring also to FIG. 8, a plurality of binding posts 60
are illustrated coupled to studs 22 on the upper surface 14 of the
test paddle 10. As previously discussed in the illustrated
embodiment, the threaded opening 82 of the insert 72 is threaded to
the stud 22 for connecting the binding post 60 to the test paddle
10. Once screwed into place, the shoulder 80 is brought into
engagement about the upper surface 14 of the body portion 12 of the
test paddle 10.
[0061] The generic configuration of the cover 62 allows engagement
by a number of common tools or by grasping the cover 62 by hand. By
rotating the binding post 60, via the cover 62, the shaft 74 also
rotates to loosen or tighten the binding post 60 to the threaded
portion of the stud 22. By loosening the binding post 60 as
described above, a connection, such as a spade lug 98 or stripped
wire, may be positioned between the shoulder 80 of the binding post
60 and the upper surface 14 of the test paddle 10. Tightening the
binding post 60 on the stud 22 brings the spade lug 98 into
electrical communication with the stud 22, as well as and the
respective contact 24. When the test paddle 10 is connected to a
relay, any electrical test equipment connected to the lug 98 is
also electrically coupled for testing a particular switch of the
relay.
[0062] The binding post 60 may be completed unscrewed from the stud
22 for positioning a ring lug over the stud and thereafter
re-threading the binding post 60 to the stud 22. Thus, the binding
post 60 is readily adapted for coupling spade and ring lugs, for
example, for testing and other purposes, to the test paddle 10.
[0063] As previously discussed, a banana jack 100 may also be
coupled to the second end 68 of the cover 62, substantially as
illustrated, by plugging the coupling portion of the banana jack
into the opening 96 provided on the second end 78 of the shaft 74.
Since the cover 62 of the binding post 60 is constructed of
insulated or non-conductive material, there is reduced concern for
accidental electrical shock or other inadvertent electrical hazard
when working with the binding post 60. Also, as the cover 62
becomes worn, the old cover 62 can be removed and a new cover 62
can easily be snapped over the insert 72, in some embodiments.
[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the shoulder
80 may be greater than the diameter of the shaft 74 to promote a
tension connection and to promote electrical communication between
the spade lug, ring lug, or other connection to the test paddle 10
and testing device.
[0065] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in one or
more embodiments, a test paddle having a universal binding post
that satisfies one or more of the advantages set forth above.
Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it
should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and
alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure, even if all of the advantages identified
above are not present. For example, the various elements or
components may be combined or integrated in another system or
certain features may not be implemented.
[0066] Also, the components, techniques, systems, sub-systems,
layers, compositions and methods described and illustrated in the
preferred embodiment as discrete or separate may be combined or
integrated with other components, systems, modules, techniques, or
methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are
readily ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made
without departing from the spirit and scope as disclosed
herein.
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