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.

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.