Universally adaptable electrical connector and method of using same

A universally adaptable electrical connector for coupling electrically a terminal device having at least one electrical connection point and an electrical device comprising:

• probe head means for engaging electrically and mechanically the terminal device to facilitate the coupling electrically of the terminal device to the electrical device;
• said probe head means including base means having an electrical conductor supported thereat for helping to establish an electrical path between the terminal device and the electrical device, telescoping electrode means depending downwardly perpendicularly from an underside of said base means and coupled electrically to said electrical conductor for engaging resiliently said at least one electrical connection point mechanically and electrically to establish an electrical connection between said electrical conductor and said at least one electrical connection point, and telescoping stabilizing means depending downwardly perpendicularly from said underside for pressing resiliently into engagement with said terminal device to help maintain electrical and mechanical contact between said at least one electrical connection point and said electrode means and for helping to stabilize the position of said base means in a substantially parallel spaced apart manner from said terminal device to help prevent said base means from rocking inadvertently and interrupting the electrical and mechanical contact between said connection point and said electrode means;
• elongated strap means having an engageable material disposed on one of its surfaces for encircling the terminal device and said probe head means to help secure removably said probe head means to the terminal device, said base mean further including a strap engageable surface opposite said underside for receiving said strap means wherein said electrical conductor extends transversely from said base means between said strap engageable surface and said underside;
• buckle means attached at one terminal end of said strap means for enabling said strap means to be tightened around the terminal device and said probe head means for pressing said electrode means and said stabilizing means into engagement with said terminal device;
• securing means coupled to said strap means for removably securing said strap means in a desired tightened position;
• whereby said strap means engages said strap engageable surface to press said electrode means and said stabilizing means into engagement with the terminal device and said securing means secures said strap means in said desired tightened position to help said probe head to be maintained in mechanical and electrical contact with the terminal device.

A connector for maintaining a probe head having a strap engageable surface and a plurality of downwardly depending retractable plunger members in engagement with a terminal device, comprising:

• an elongated strap means having an outer surface and an inner surface and an engaging material disposed on said outer surface to facilitate maintaining the strap means in a desired tightened position, said strap means engaging the strap engageable surface to press the plunger members into engagement with the terminal device;
• a buckle means having an opening and secured at one end of said strap means for receiving the other end of said strap means therethrough to enable the strap means to be adjusted about the terminal device and the probe head, wherein the buckle means enables said engaging material to be disposed in two opposing sections;
• and
• securing means disposed between said two opposing sections for securing said opposing sections to one another to help maintain said plunger members in pressing engagement with the terminal device.