Inline indicating interconnect

Claim 1

An inline indicating interconnect for electrically coupling a first male and a second female connector in completing an electrical circuit to connect a functional device to a load, and for indicating a continuity condition for the electrical circuit, said interconnect comprising: a first connector body including a first end portion having a rotatable threaded portion for coupling to said first male connector and further including a second cylindrical end portion; a second connector body including a first end portion having a rotatable threaded portion for coupling to said second female connector and further including a second cylindrical end portion; indicator circuit means electrically coupled to said first and second connector bodies, said indicator circuit means including a disc-shaped circuit board having circuitry disposed on a generally flat surface thereof and coupled to a light source, said indicator circuit means further including said light source mounted to said circuit board and energizable for emitting light when said continuity condition is satisfied; and an interconnect body coupled to said first and second connector bodies and comprised of a molded light-transmissive material, wherein said interconnect body is molded about said indicator circuit means so as to encapsulate and support said indicator circuit means and to permit viewing of light emitted by said light source, wherein said interconnect body is generally cylindrical and includes first and second opposed open ends respectively adapted to receive in tight-fitting engagement the cylindrical end portions of said first and second connector bodies, and wherein each of said cylindrical end portions of said first and second connector bodies includes a respective plurality of spaced, annular ribs disposed thereabout for securely attaching said connector bodies to said interconnect body.