Abstract:
An improved connector assembly that provides stabilization of a compression member and the junction between two body parts by securing a compression member between the two body parts with multiple posts extending from each body part and providing a stopper at a union point of the body parts.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates, in general, to an improved electrical connector to prevent product failure due to introduction of physical forces and, in particular, to a test lead and clip assembly having structural enhancements that prohibit failure of a compression member and clip. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Electrical connectors are of primary importance in facilitating operation of an endless number of devices. The marketplace is flooded with connectors to meet the needs of virtually any electrically based project. Connectors take many forms. One common form of connector is a test lead and clip assembly. Such clips typically are composed of two main body parts. One end of the clip comes in contact with a conductor of interest. A compression section of the clip is formed by an interlocking connection of the two body parts of the clip. This compression section serves as a mechanism to open the clip by squeezing or compressing the clip at the compression section. Once this compression section is compressed and the conductive material of interest is introduced to the open first end of the clip, the compression section of the clip in may be released or decompressed, causing the first end of the clip to close and attach to the conductive material of interest. 
         [0003]    Electrical test leads and clips are used in numerous settings. Electrical clips are also used in various applications in which physical forces are applied to the clip. At times, clips are used in a setting in which repeated opening and closing of the clip is necessary. At other times, the clips are used in a way in which torque is applied to the clip, causing a twisting motion of its body. Regardless of the type of force applied to the clip, such physical force applied to the clip over time will cause the clip to weaken and eventually fail. 
         [0004]    A variety of electrical clips are known in the art. Many clips have two main body parts with each body part joined together to form a two-ended clip. A first end forms a point composed of two matching ends of the body parts. A compression section is formed of the opposite matching sections of the two body parts. When pressure is exerted on the compression section, the clip opens and within the open end a conductor or object of interest may be introduced. When pressure is removed from the compression section, the clip closes onto the conductor of interest. The compression section of these clips often includes a compression member, such as a spring. The spring is situated in an opening between the two body parts. 
         [0005]    These compression type of clips suffer from significant drawbacks. Since these components are mass produced and purchased and used in high volumes, attention to longevity and quality of the clip is often overlooked. Repeated opening and closing of the clip by exerting force to the compression area causes the compression member, such as a spring, to shift or become deformed within the opening formed between the two body parts. The shifting or movement of the spring causes deformation of the spring itself that prohibits effective opening and closing of the clip. In addition, movement of the spring within the clip causes misalignment of the main body parts of the clip, prohibiting effective operation of the clip. Movement and deformation of the spring and misalignment of the clip&#39;s main body parts may also cause the two body parts of the clip to separate, rendering the clip useless. Regardless of the manner in which the structure of the clip is compromised, separation of the body parts or ineffective closure of the clip causes a breach in the clip and ultimately a failure in the clip&#39;s intended purpose. What is needed in the electrical clip market, therefore, is an enhanced electrical clip that offers both the structural strength necessary to endure repetitive use and forces applied to it and ease of manufacturing to meet the cost constraints of the typical user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Claimed subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, such subject matter may be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a diagram of a clip having a first body portion and a second body portion and a secured compression member between each body portion in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  is an expanded view of a stabilization assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1C  is a diagram of a clip having a first body portion and a second body portion and a secured compression member in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of a top view of a first body portion of an electrical clip in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a top view of a second body portion of an electrical clip in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
       
    
    
       [0012]    It will be appreciated that for simplicity and/or clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, if considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding and/or analogous elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and/or techniques have not been described in detail. 
         [0014]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , an embodiment of an enhanced electrical clip is shown. Clip  100  is composed of two main body parts. An upper body part  102  and a lower body part  104 . Clip  100  is a two-ended clip. A first end is formed of a first gripping end  114  of upper body part  102  and a second gripping end  116  of lower body part  104 . The first and second gripping ends  114  and  116  include teeth that serve to grip a material introduced to the clip to form a sturdy connection. Clip  100  includes a compression area  108  formed primarily of central sections of upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 . 
         [0015]    The manner in which upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  are joined is understood through reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In  FIG. 2 , a top view of upper body part  102  is shown. Upper body part  102  includes first gripping end  114 , open area  202 , tabs  204  and post  126 . In  FIG. 3 , a top view of lower body portion  104  is shown. Lower body portion  104  includes second gripping end  116 , throat  302 , slots  304  and post  124 . Lower body portion  104  also includes connection area  310 . Open area  202  of upper body part  102  is of sufficient size to allow second gripping end  116  to pass through it. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, assembly of upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  is performed by interlocking these two body parts. Upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  are interlocked by inserting the second gripping end  116  of lower body part  104  through open area  202  of upper body part  102 . In order for second gripping end  116  to pass through open area  202 , second gripping end  116  must be positioned in a substantially perpendicular manner to open area  202 . Once throat  302  of lower body portion  104  substantially occupies open area  202 , lower body potion  104  is rotated roughly ninety degrees placing upper body portion  102  and lower body portion  104  in a parallel position with each other. 
         [0017]    Referring back to  FIG. 1A , clip  100  includes a space  110  formed between the upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 . A compression member, such as spring  112 , may be inserted in space  110  between upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 . Spring  112  serves to keep and/or return clip  100  to a closed position following introduction of a compression force by the user to compression area  108 . In operation of the clip  100 , a user squeezes or compresses the upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  together by applying opposite force on each body part in the compression area  108 . This force causes the first gripping end  114  and the second gripping end  116  to separate, allowing a conductive material or other object of interest to be introduced to the clip. The exertion of force to the compression area  108  causes the compression member, such as spring  112 , to compress. Once the force exerted on compression area  108  is removed, spring  112  decompresses, causing the first gripping end  114  and second gripping end  116  to return to an at-rest or closed position and to close or grip onto the introduced conductive material or other object of interest. 
         [0018]    The compression member, such as spring  112  that occupies space  110  is in contact with upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 . Forces exerted on upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  of clip  100 , in general, cause spring  112  within space  110  to experience lateral movement and deformation. If not prevented, spring  112  will ultimately move into a position that will compromise the ability to open and close clip  100  and cause the upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  of clip  100  to separate. If not prevented, this separation will cause the first gripping end  114  and second gripping end  116  of clip  100  to disassociate from the conductive material of interest, thus defeating the desired purpose of clip  100 . Referring to  FIG. 1A , to eliminate the lateral movement of spring  112  within space  110 , posts  124  and  126  are located within space  110  on the inner faces of upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 . Posts  124  and  126  are aligned with each other along a vertical axis of clip  100 . Each of post  124  and  126  are shaped in accordance with the compression member. In one embodiment, if compression member is spring  112 , which is cylindrical in shape, each post  124  and  126  will be substantially round. The diameter of each post  124  and  126  will be substantially equal to the inner diameter of spring  112 . In the alternative, if the compression member is a device having a different shape, the perimeter length of each post  124  and  126  will be substantially equal to the inner or outer perimeter length of the face of the compression member that contacts the inner face of upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  of clip  100 . 
         [0019]      FIG. 1B  provides an enhanced view of the association between spring  112  and posts  124  and  126 . As shown in this embodiment, posts  126  and  124  extend from the inner faces of the upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 , respectively, of clip  100 . Spring  112  in this embodiment is cylindrical, having two ends. One end of spring  112  is fitted over post  126  and the other end of spring  112  is fitted over post  124 . 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, post  126  extends into space  110  from an inner face of the upper body part  102  and post  124  extends into space  110  from an inner face of the lower body part  104 . These posts may be formed by punching holes through the exterior faces of upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 . Doing so creates posts  124  and  126  that extend towards space  110  having a height sufficient to secure the ends of spring  112 . In the alternative, posts  124  and  126  may be adhered to the inner surfaces of lower body part  104  and upper body part  102 , respectively, using a suitable fastener or adhesive known in the art. Posts  124  and  126  are able to receive the opposite ends of the employed compression member, providing the desired stability and security. 
         [0021]    In order for posts  126  and  124  to stabilize spring  112  and prevent significant lateral movement of spring  112  during compression and release of clip  100 , posts  124  and  126  are formed of a size substantially equal to the size of the spring  112 . That is, for assemblies in which the end of spring  112  is fitted over posts  124  and  126 , the diameter of posts  124  and  126  are substantially equal to the inner diameter of spring  112 . This provides a tight fit of spring  112  over posts  124  and  126 . For those assemblies in which posts  124  and  126  receive the respective end of spring  112 , the inner diameter of posts  124  and  126  are substantially equal to the outer diameter of spring  112 . For those assemblies in which posts  124  and  126  receive the ends of spring  112 , the post will be largely hollow. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, posts  124  and  126  are formed by punching holes through the upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  of clip  100  along the z-axis shown in  FIG. 1A . The punching of holes results in posts  124  and  126  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The posts  124  and  126  take the form of a raised circular lip having a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of spring  112 . In the alternative, a post having similar dimensions may be affixed to each inner face of upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 . This alternate type of post may be adhered to the inner face of the body party by a suitable bonding material or be affixed by an appropriate fastener. 
         [0023]    During assembly of clip  100 , as discussed above, upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  are interlocked by inserting second gripping end  116  of lower body part  104  through opening  202  of upper body part  102 . During this interlocking process, in one embodiment, one end of spring  112  is inserted over one post  124  and the other end of spring  112  is inserted over another post  126 . This insertion process causes spring  112  to be locked into position within space  110  between upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 . During the process of joining upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  and fitting the ends of spring  112  onto posts  124  and  126 , the upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  are further secured together by joining tabs  204  and slots  304 . Tabs  204  are situated at an end of upper body part  102  opposite from first gripping end  114 . Slots  304  are situated at an end of lower body part  104  opposite from second gripping end  116 . Tabs  204  and slots  304  are manufactured to be in alignment following the interlocking process. To finally secure upper body part  102  to lower body part  104 , tabs  204  are inserted in slots  304 . In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , two tabs and two slots are shown, but a single tab or more tabs may be used, depending upon the size of clip  100 . 
         [0024]    Following insertion of tabs  204  into slots  304 , the process of interlocking upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  is largely complete. Tabs  204  are of sufficient length to completely pass through slots  304 . In order to firmly secure upper body part  102  and lower body part  104 , each of tabs  204  is bent or folded in a manner that prohibits removal of tabs  204  from slots  304 . In one embodiment, tabs  204  are bent or turned up to approximately 180 degrees from its inserted position to form a stopper  130 . As discussed, the introduction of physical forces and torque to clip  100  causes upper body part  102  and lower body part  104  to twist in opposite directions from each other. By rotating or folding tabs  204  in this manner and turning each of tabs  204  into a stopper  130 , tabs  204  may not exit slots  304 . By rotating or folding tabs  204  towards the opposite body part  104  after tabs  204  are received by slots  304 , stopper  130  is formed that prevents separation of the upper body part  102  and the lower body part  104 . 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, clip  100  may be manufactured from stainless steel although any suitable material having conductive properties at or near the gripping ends  114  and  116  of clip  100  may be used. If stainless steel is chosen, attachment platform  312  as seen in  FIG. 3  is provided to enable soldering of a conductor to one end of clip  100 . Attachment platform  312  may be manufactured of copper to permit soldering of a conductor to clip  100  at attachment platform  312 . If the main body of clip  100  is made of other material not susceptible to effective soldering, any material on which effective soldering may occur may be chosen for attachment platform  312 . Alternatively, a hole may be drilled or punched through lower body part  104  and a screw or other fastener made of conductive material may be inserted into the hole to secure a lead wire introduced to clip  100 . 
         [0026]    An alternative view of clip  100  is provided as  FIG. 1C . In  FIG. 1C , a top view of clip  100  is shown. Clip  100  is composed of lower body part  104  and upper body part  102 . Clip  100  includes post  124  formed in lower body part  104  that extends from an inner face of lower body part  104 . Clip  100  of  FIG. 1C  also includes stoppers  130  formed from folding or turning tabs  204  that exit slots  304 . 
         [0027]    Although the claimed subject matter has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it should be recognized that elements thereof may be altered by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and/or scope of claimed subject matter. It is believed that the subject matter pertaining to electrical clips will be understood by the forgoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and/or arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the claimed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof, and/or further without providing substantial change thereto. It is the intention of the claims to encompass and/or include such changes.