Zero insertion pressure test socket for pin grid array electronic packages

Claim 1

A zero insertion pressure test socket comprising a movable plate and a cover plate atop said movable plate, said movable plate and said cover plate having aligned, vertical holes therein into which are inserted contacts having two connected arms forming a U-shape and aligned in the direction of movement of said movable plate and a toggle mechanism for producing movement of said movable plate relative to said cover plate, said toggle mechanism including a first link, a second link, a hinge pin connecting the first and the second links and a handle attached to one of the first or second links so that rotation of said handle to a position wherein the ends of said first and said second links most distant from said hinge pin and said hinge pin are aligned results in maximum separation of said link ends and rotation of said handle away from said position of maximum separation of said link ends results in movement of said link ends toward each other, and wherein said toggle mechanism is captured between said cover plate and said movable plate so that movement of said link ends away from each other causes movement of said movable plate relative to said cover plate and movement of one of said contact arms toward the other contact arm and movement of said link ends toward each other permits movement of said movable plate in a direction allowing separation of said contact arms.