Electrical access tool for engaging recessed test points

A test tool for accessing test points in a field having grip means to couple said tool to said test points

• characterized by
• an insulative, thin, generally rectangular-shaped bottom plate having:
• a laterally disposed notch formed in the front portion of said bottom plate including the front edge;
• and a hub projecting from the top surface of said body, adjacent the back edge and proximate the center line of said bottom plate;
• a clamp assembly comprising:
• elongated first and second clamps arranged in juxtaposed relation, said first and second clamps having inwardly directed first and second protuberances, respectively, intermediate their length, said protuberances adapted to cooperatively mesh in superimposed relation, each of said protuberances having a vertically disposed aperture,
• a dowel for vertically aligning each said aperture for rotation of said clamps about said dowel,
• first and second hooks inwardly directed from the front tips of said first and second clamps, respectively, said hooks disposed within said notch and arranged to cooperatively grasp said grip means,
• first and second pairs of lips inwardly directed proximate the back ends of said first and second clamps, respectively, each of said pairs of lips forming a gap between them, and
• a V-shaped spring having a coil at its vertex and diverging, rearwardly directed spring ends, each of said spring ends interposed in one said gap with said coil straddling said hub,
• said spring being adapted to exert rotational force on said back ends to cause said hooks to cooperatively engage said grip means;
• a guide assembly superimposed on said bottom plate, comprising an insulative, thin rectangular-shaped alignment plate having:
• two laterally disposed lower channels formed in the top surface proximate the frontal portion of said alignment plate;
• laterally extending lower grooves abutting said channels;
• laterally projecting lower tapers abutting said grooves and exiting the rear edge of said alignment plate;
• and an indent formed in said frontal portion and being congruent with said notch;
• a pair of spring-loaded contact assemblies, each of said contact assemblies comprising:
• a laterally disposed, conductive pin having a stop on one end and being tapered on the other end,
• a helical spring axially aligned with said pin and electrically joined to said stop on one end and being tapered at the other end;
• an insulative, thin cover plate, superimposed on said alignment plate, having a perimetrical shape substantially congruent to the perimetrical shape of said guide assembly and comprising:
• upper channels, upper grooves and upper tapers formed in the bottom surface of said cover plate in mirror-image relation to said lower channels, grooves and tapers, respectively;
• wherein said pin is movable within correspondingly aligned said lower and upper channels and said lower and upper grooves with said tapered pin end projecting from said frontal edge, said coil spring has its tapered end seated in correspondingly aligned said lower and upper tapers, and said stop is constrained by the juncture between each of said channels and grooves;
• and
• means for fastening said cover plate to said bottom plate to hold said guide assembly, said clamp assembly and said contact assemblies together.