Patent ID: 6267612
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A coupling mechanism for enabling push-pull engagement of a first connector half with an externally threaded second connector half, comprising:a coupling sleeve arranged to be fitted onto the first connector half;a generally cylindrical locking ring including a plurality of axially extending resilient tines including tangs extending inwardly from the tines and arranged to engage threads of the second connector half when the first and second connector halves are coupled together,wherein said coupling sleeve is biased to a first position in which the sleeve extends over ends of said resilient tines,wherein the tines are configured so as to bend when pushed in the axial direction and ride over the threads of the second connector half when the first and second connector halves are being coupled together but are prevented by the coupling sleeve from flexing radially outwardly by an amount sufficient to permit unintended decoupling of the first and second connector halves, andwherein the sleeve is arranged to be pulled in an axial decoupling direction to permit the tines to clear the threads to permit decoupling of the connector halves.