Abstract:
A quick connect and quick disconnect connector assembly for connecting with a mating connector comprises a body and an engagement means. A retaining means is provided for securing the engagement means to the body. The engagement means includes an inner gripping member that is telescopically received in an outer actuation member. The inner gripping member has an outer wall surface that is formed with a first ramp portion and the outer actuation member has an inner wall surface that is formed with a second ramp portion, the first ramp portion being complementary to the second ramp portion. The first ramp portion of the outer wall surface of the inner gripping member is configured to interferingly engage and cooperate with the second ramp portion of the inner wall surface of the outer actuator member. The first ramp portion of the inner gripping member is formed with resilient fingers that are movable between a relaxed state and an inwardly urged state. The resilient fingers of the inner gripping member are moved inwardly from the relaxed state to the inwardly urged state for gripping engagement with the complementary connector when the second ramp portion is urged against the first ramp portion. The inner gripping member is moved outwardly from the inwardly urged state for disengagement with the complementary connector when the second ramp portion is moved away from the first ramp portion.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to electrical connectors and, more particularly, is directed towards a releasable and replaceable quick connect and quick disconnect apparatus for electrical connectors. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Electrical applications require connector assemblies capable of coupling both wire and cable with minimal detriment to electrical efficiency and signal transmission. 
     A wide variety of connector assemblies are currently available in the prior art. Several currently available connector assemblies permit the fast and efficient connection and disconnection of sections of wire and cable substrates. Typically, these assemblies utilize threaded, or spring-loaded, mating components. In order to utilize these connector assemblies, mating connectors are brought into alignment and the juxtaposed mating components are then screwed, or latched, together. The process of threading or latching is reversed in order to separate the sections of the wire or cable substrate. 
     Although effective in most applications, currently available connector assemblies frequently suffer from two primary limitations. First, the threading and latching systems typically utilized by these assemblies can be difficult to manipulate in a confined area. For example, the limited space of a junction box or closely stacked electronic boards can make accurate alignment, and subsequent manipulation of a threaded, or spring-loaded, system extremely difficult. Second, threaded and spring-loaded systems are susceptible to becoming loosened, or even disconnected, due to exposure to external vibration. To counteract these limitations, some connector assemblies include a locking system associated with the threaded or spring-loaded systems. Although effective, this additional locking system can increase even further the problems associated with manipulation of the entire connector assembly. 
     A need exists for an improved apparatus that does not suffer from the limitations and disadvantages of prior devices. In particular, a need exists for an improved wire or cable connector assembly that can be quickly engaged and released. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly which does not suffer from the foregoing disadvantages and limitations. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method that can be used with a variety of wire or cable connectors. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for interconnecting wire or cable that is simple in construction and compact in design. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for interconnecting wire or cable that is easily and economically produced, and readily assembled. 
     Other general and specific objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. 
     The invention is generally characterized by a connector assembly having a body, an engagement element, and a retaining element. The engagement element includes an inner gripping element having a ramp portion on an outer surface thereof and an outer actuation element having a ramp portion on an inner surface thereof. The inner gripping element is telescopically received in the outer actuation element. The ramp portion of the inner gripping element and the ramp portion of the outer actuation element are complementary and in juxtaposition to one another. The retaining element rotatably secures the inner gripping element on the body. 
     The body is configured to be removably and releasably connected to a complementarily configured mating connector assembly. The body includes a first end configured to rotatably receive the engagement element and a second end affixed to a given wire or cable substrate. The first end of the body typically includes a groove that is sized and shaped to receive the retaining element described in detail below. Both the first end and the second end of the body typically have a cylindrical cross-sectional configuration. Cylindrical cross-section configurations for the ends of the body are desired as they facilitate securing the engagement element, or wire or cable substrate, to the body. 
     The inner gripping element of the engagement element has a first open end and a second open end joined by a passage. The passage joining the first open end to the second open end is defined by a series of four inner wall surfaces. The passage generally includes a groove which is configured to receive at least a portion of the retaining element. The inner wall surfaces of the passage are all coaxially and concentrically aligned along an axis. An outer wall surface defines the exterior of the inner gripping element. The ramp portion of the outer wall surface of the gripping element is configured so as to be capable of interferingly engaging the ramp portion formed in the inner wall surface of the outer actuation element. The inner gripping element typically includes a series of flexible fingers or tang elements. The inner gripping element is typically manufactured from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon. 
     The outer actuation element of the engagement element is configured to telescopically receive the inner gripping element. The inner gripping element is captively held in the outer actuation element and is constrained for slidable and rotatable movement relative to the outer actuation element. The outer actuation element has a first open end and a second open end joined by a passage. This passage is also defined by a series of inner wall surfaces. In order to facilitate interfering engagement of the outer actuation element with the inner gripping element, the inner wall surfaces of the outer actuation element include at least one ramp portion that is complementary to the ramp portion of the outer wall surface of the inner gripping element. Movement of the ramp portion on the outer actuation element relative to the ramp portion on the inner gripping element forces the flexible tang elements inwardly. The outer actuation element also includes an outer wall surface having a series of ridges and grooves which define a purchase for moving the outer actuation element. The outer actuation element can be manufactured from virtually any high strength metallic, plastic, or composite material exhibiting the desired mechanical strength characteristics. 
     The retaining element secures the inner gripping element of the engagement element to the body, the outer actuation element being captively held to the inner gripping element. The retaining element has an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion of the retaining element is positioned in the groove formed in the body. The outer portion of the retaining element is received in the groove formed in the inner gripping element of the engagement element. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining element has a rectilinear cross-sectional configuration. Depending upon the application in which the connector assembly of the invention is to be utilized, the retaining element can be formed from either a metal substrate or an elastically deformable substrate. 
     The invention also contemplates a method of attaching, and detaching, the connector assembly of the invention from a mating connector assembly. 
     To attach the connector assembly of the invention to a mating connector assembly, the outer actuation element is first moved rearwardly over the inner gripping element, the ramp portions of the actuation element and the gripping element being juxtaposed substantially in space registration. The mating connector assembly is then inserted into the passage of the inner gripping element. Next, the outer actuation element is moved forwardly relative to the inner gripping element. As a result of this movement, the ramp portion of the outer actuation element is slidably urged against the ramp portion of the inner gripping element, thereby moving the tang elements inwardly into gripping contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly. Forward movement of the outer actuation element over the inner gripping element is curtailed when the tang elements are in substantially complete surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly. 
     To release the connector assembly of the invention from the mating connector assembly, the outer actuation element is moved rearwardly relative to the ramp portion of the gripping element. Thus, the ramp portion of the actuation element is moved out of engagement with the ramp portion of the gripping element. The tang elements move upwardly and disengage the mating connector assembly. The mating connector assembly is then removed from the passage of the inner gripping element in order to separate the connector assembly of the invention from the mating connector assembly. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the steps and apparatus embodying features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of parts adapted to affect such steps, as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, the scope of the invention being indicated in the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of the connector assembly of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the connector assembly of the invention with a mating connector assembly separated therefrom; 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the connector assembly of the invention with a mating connector assembly partially positioned in the passage of the inner gripping element; and, 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the connector assembly of the invention with a mating connector assembly fully positioned in the passage of the inner tubular passage and the tang elements of the inner gripping element in contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 through 4, there is shown a connector assembly  10  embodying the invention. The connector assembly  10  generally includes a body  12 , an engagement element  14 , and a retaining element  16 . The engagement element  14  includes an inner gripping element  18  that is telescopically received in an outer actuation element  20 . The inner gripping element  18  is captively held in the outer actuation element  20  and constrained for slidable movement relative thereto. The body  12  provides a terminus for a wire or cable substrate  22  upon which the connector assembly  10  is positioned. The retaining element  16  rotatably secures the inner gripping element  18  of the engagement element  14  on the body  12 . The outer actuation element  20  is captively held on the inner gripping element  18 . The engagement element  14  provides a means for mechanically coupling the connector assembly  10  to a complementarily configured mating connector assembly  24 . 
     The body  12  has a first end  30  and a second end  32 . As best shown in FIG. 1, the first end  30  is configured to be removably and releasably connected to the complementarily configured mating connector assembly  24 . The second end  32  is affixable to the wire or cable substrate  22 . Typically, the body  12  is manufactured from a metal substrate, however, virtually any material having the desired electrical conductivity properties and mechanical strength may be employed. 
     The first end  30  provides a connectable and disconnectable terminus to the wire or cable substrate  22 . The first end  30  of the body  12  includes a groove  34  that is sized and shaped to receive the retaining element  16  described in detail below. The first end  30  of the body  12  typically has a cylindrical cross-sectional configuration. This configuration is desired as it facilitates rotatably securing the engagement element  14  in position on the body  12  in the manner described in detail below. Typically, as shown in the several FIGURES, the first end  30  of the body  12  is sized and shaped in the form of a male connector that is configured to be connected to a complementarily configured female mating connector assembly  24 . Those skilled-in-the-art will appreciate, however, that the first end  30  can be either a male configuration or a female configuration depending upon the requirements of a given application. 
     As noted above, the second end  32  is affixable to the wire or cable substrate  22 . Typically, the second end  32  has a cylindrical cross-sectional configuration. This configuration for the second end  32  is selected in order to complement the generally cylindrical cross-sectional configuration of the wire and cable substrate  22  upon which the connector assembly  10  is typically positioned. Those skilled-in-the-art will appreciate, however, that the second end  32  of the body  12  can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration depending upon the wire or cable substrate  22  to which it is attached. 
     The engagement element  14  is, preferably, rotatably secured on the body  12  by the retaining element  16  described in detail below. The engagement element  14  typically provides an encasement for at least a portion of the first end  30  of the body  12 . As noted above, the engagement element  14  includes the inner gripping element  18  and outer actuation element  20 , the inner gripping element being telescopically received in the outer actuation element. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner gripping element  18  and outer actuation element  20  are tubular elements that have a generally annular configuration and extend longitudinally along an axis  50 . 
     The inner gripping element  18  has a first open end  52  and a second open end  54 . A passage  56  joins the first open end  52  to the second open end  54 . For the reasons set forth below, those skilled-in-the-art will appreciate that the inner gripping element  18  is preferably manufactured from a deformable, resilient material. Preferably, the inner gripping element  18  is manufactured from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the first open end  52  is configured to receive the mating connector assembly  24  upon which the connector assembly  10  is positioned during use. Accordingly, the first open end  52  has an opening  58  that is sized and shaped to receive the mating connector assembly  24 . An edge element  80  defines the opening  58  of the first open end  52 . A groove  88  is formed in the edge element  80  along the exterior circumference thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in the several FIGURES, the opening  58  has a generally circular cross-sectional configuration. Those skill-in-the-art will appreciate, however, that the opening  58  can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration providing the selected configuration permits interconnection of the connector assembly  10  with the desired mating connector assembly  24 . 
     The second open end  54  is configured to receive a portion of the body  12 . The second open end  54  is defined by an edge element  82 . More particularly, the second open end  54  has an opening  60  that is sized and shaped to receive the first end  30  of the body  12 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening  60  has a generally circular cross-sectional configuration. Those skill-in-the-art will appreciate, however, that the opening  60  can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration providing the selected configuration permits interconnection of the engagement element  14  with the body  12 . 
     The passage  56  joining the first open end  52  to the second open end  54  is defined by a series of inner wall surfaces. More particularly, the passage  56  is defined by four inner wall surfaces, i.e., first forward inner wall surface  62 , second forward inner wall surface  64 , flange element  66 , and rear inner wall surface  68 . The inner wall surfaces  62 ,  64 , and  68 , and flange element  66 , are all coaxially and concentrically aligned along the axis  50 . 
     The first forward inner wall surface  62  typically has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing sides of the first forward inner wall surface  62  is greater at a position proximate to the opening  58  than at a location distal to the opening  58 . The angle between opposing sides of the first forward inner wall surface  62  is selected so as to provide an enlarged entranceway at the first open end  52  without sacrificing the mechanical strength and durability required of the engagement element  14 . In operation, the first forward inner wall surface  62  serves to receive and align the mating connector assembly  24  with the first end  30  of the body  12 . 
     The second forward inner wall surface  64  is integral with the first forward inner wall surface  62 . The second forward inner wall surface  64  has a substantially cylindrical configuration. The second inner wall surface  64  is sized and shaped to guide the mating connector assembly  24  into connector assembly  10 . Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of the invention the cross-sectional dimension of the section formed by the second forward inner wall surface  64  is typically selected so as to be complementary to and slightly larger than the outer dimension of the mating connector assembly  24 . 
     Integral with the second forward inner wall surface  64  is the flange element  66 . The flange element  66  extends radially into the passage  56 . The flange element  66  typically functions to retain a spring element  69 , for example a spring washer, that biases engagement element  14  and removes any free play between the body  12  and the engagement element  14 . 
     The final portion of the passage  56  is defined by the rear inner wall surface  68 . The rear inner wall surface  68  is configured to receive at least a portion of the first end  30  of the body  12 . Preferably, the rear inner wall surface  68  includes a groove  70  that is sized and shaped to receive the retaining element  16  described in detail below. Preferably, the groove  70  is positioned such that when the connector assembly  10  is fully assembled as shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the groove  70  and the groove  34  are coaxially and concentrically aligned so that both can cooperatively receive the retaining element  16 . 
     An outer wall surface  72  defines the exterior of the inner gripping element  18 . The outer wall surface  72  includes a first portion  74  and a second portion  76 . The first portion  74  is proximate to the first open end  52 . The second portion  76  is proximate to the second open end  54 . The length of the first portion  74  is between about one-third and about one-half of the length of the outer wall surface  72 . The first portion  74  and second portion  76  are configured to interferingly receive the outer actuation element  20 . More particularly, the first portion  74  and second portion  76  are configured to interferingly engage the inner wall surface  78  of the outer actuation element  20  in the manner described in detail below. 
     The first or ramp portion  74  has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing sides of the first portion  74  is greater at a position proximate to the opening  58  than at a location distal to the opening  58 . The angle between opposing sides of the first portion  74  forms an inclined surface for the inner wall surface  78  of the outer actuation element  20  to bear against when the outer actuation element  20  is moved on and over the inner gripping element  18  during use. 
     The second portion  76  is integral with the first portion  74 . The second portion  76  also has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing sides of the second portion  76  is greater at a position proximate to the first portion  74  than at a location distal to the first portion  74 . The dimensions and angular displacement of the second portion  76  are distinct from those of the first portion  74 . More particularly, the angle of inclination relative to the axis  50  is greater for the first portion  74  than for the second portion  76 . This configuration creates a more gradual decrease in the cross-sectional dimension of the outer wall surface  72  over the length of the second portion  76  as compared to the decrease in cross-sectional dimension observed in connection with the first portion  74 . 
     Typically, a series of slot elements  84  extend between the first and second inner wall surfaces  62  and  64  and the outer wall surface  72 . The slot elements  84  function to create a series of fingers or tang elements  86  at the first portion  74  of the inner gripping element  18 . Creation of the tang elements  86  serves to facilitate compression and flexure of the inner gripping element  18  as it is compressed and released by the outer actuation element  20  during use. Generally, the slot elements  84  extend from the edge element  80  to the flange element  66 . Accordingly, the slot elements  84  have a length equivalent to between about one-third and about one-half of the overall length of the inner gripping element  18 . Although a series of slots elements  84  are shown in the drawings, it is to be understood that, in alternate embodiments, there is only one or two or more slot elements, the slot element or slot elements permitting contraction of the inner gripping element  18  into gripping contact with the mating connector assembly  24 . 
     The outer actuation element  20  has a first open end  90  and a second open end  92 . A passage  94  joins the first open end  90  to the second open end  92 . For the reasons set forth below, those skilled-in-the-art will appreciate that the outer actuation element  20  can be manufactured from virtually any high strength metallic, plastic, or composite material exhibiting the desired mechanical strength characteristics. Preferably, the outer actuation element  20  is manufactured from stainless steel. 
     As shown in the several FIGURES, the first open end  90  is configured to receive the inner gripping element  18  upon which the outer actuation element  20  is positioned during use. Accordingly, the first open end  90  has an opening  96  that is sized and shaped to receive the inner gripping element  18 . That is, the opening  96  has a configuration complementary to the configuration of the outer wall surface  72  of the inner gripping element  18 . An edge element  98  defines the opening  96  of the first open end  90 . A flange element  100  extends radially inward from the edge element  98 . In operation, the flange element  100  cooperates with the groove  88  of the edge element  80  to restrict rearward movement of the outer actuation element  20  on and over the inner gripping element  18 . 
     The second open end  92  is also configured to receive the inner gripping portion  18 . The second open end  92  is defined by an edge element  102 . More particularly, the second open end  92  has an opening  104  sized and shaped to receive the second open end  54  of the inner gripping element  18 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in the several FIGURES, the opening  104  has a generally circular cross-sectional configuration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the opening  104  can have virtually any cross-sectional configuration providing the selected configuration permits placement of the inner gripping element  18  within the outer actuation element  20 . 
     The passage  94  joining the first open end  90  to the second open end  92  is defined by a two inner wall surfaces. More particularly, the passage  94  is defined by a first inner wall surface  106  and a second inner wall surface  108 . The inner wall surfaces  106  and  108  are coaxially and concentrically aligned along the axis  50 . 
     The first inner wall surface  106  has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration that defines a ramp portion. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing sides of the first inner wall surface  106  is greater at a position proximate to the opening  96  than at a location distal to the opening  96 . The angle between opposing sides of the first inner wall surface  106  is selected so as to be complementary to the configuration of the first portion  74  of the outer wall surface  72 . In operation, the first inner wall surface or ramp portion  106  bears against the first or ramp portion  74  of the outer wall surface  72  of the inner gripping element  18  as the outer actuation element  20  is moved in a forward direction on and over the inner gripping element  18 . This action acts to press the tang elements  86  inwardly into gripping contact with the mating connector assembly  24  positioned in the passage  56 . Rearward movement of the outer actuation element  20  relative to the inner gripping element  18  permits the tang elements  86  to flex upwardly and away from the surface of the mating connector assembly  24  positioned in the passage  56 . This action permits the mating connector assembly  24  to be released from the connector assembly  10 . 
     The second inner wall surface  108  is integral with the first inner wall surface  106 . The second inner wall surface  108  also has a selected frusto-conical cross-sectional configuration. The cross-sectional dimension created by opposing second inner wall surface  108  is greater at a position proximate to the first inner wall surface  106  than at a location distal to the first inner wall surface  106 . The dimensions and angular displacement of the second inner wall surface  108  are distinct from those of the first inner wall surface  106 . More particularly, the angle of inclination relative to the axis  50  is greater for the first inner wall surface  106  than for the second inner wall surface  108 . This configuration creates a more gradual decrease in the cross-sectional dimension of the passage  94  over the length of the second inner wall surface  108  as compared to the decrease in cross-sectional dimension observed in connection with the first forward inner wall surface  106 . 
     In operation, the second inner wall surface  108  interferingly engages the second portion  76  of the outer wall surface  72  of the inner gripping connector  18 . Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of the invention the cross-sectional dimension of the frusto-conical section formed by the second inner wall surface  108  is selected so as to be complementary to the configuration of the second portion  76  of the outer wall surface  72 . 
     An outer wall surface  110  defines the exterior of the outer actuation element  20 . The outer wall surface  110  includes a series of ridges  112  and grooves  114 . The ridges  112  and grooves  114  define a purchase for moving the outer actuation element  20 . More particularly, the ridges  112  and grooves  114  provide a textured surface against which users can press, or pull, in order to manipulate the forward, or rearward, movement of the outer actuation element  20  on and over the inner gripping element  18 . 
     The retaining element  16  rotatably secures the engagement element  14  to the first end  30  of the body  12 . To accomplish this result, when the connector assembly  10  is fully assembled as shown in the several FIGURES, an inner portion  200  of the retaining element  16  is positioned in the groove  34  of the body  12  while an outer portion  202  is positioned in the groove  70  of the rear inner wall surface  68  of the engagement element  14 . In order to facilitate positioning of the retaining element  16  in this way, the inner portion  200  of the retaining element  16  has a size and shape that is complementary to the configuration of the groove  34 . The outer portion  202  of the retaining element  16  has a size and shape that is complementary to the configuration of the groove  70 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining element  16  has a rectilinear cross-sectional configuration. 
     The retaining element  16  can be formed from, for example, a metal substrate. When this type of substrate material is utilized to form the retaining element  16 , the retaining element  16  typically has a discontinuous loop configuration. A typical configuration is in the shape of a “C” ring as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     In order to position the retaining element  16  in the groove  34  of the first end  30  of the body  12 , the ends  204  of the retaining element  16  are first brought into contact with the body  12  such that the ends  204  rest in the groove  34 . A force normal to the axis  50  is then applied to the retaining element  16  so as to press the retaining element  16  onto the body  12 . That is, the force presses the ends  204  on and over the surface of the body  12 , separating them as they are moved in and through the groove  34 . Once the retaining element  16  is fully positioned in the groove  34 , i.e., the ends  204  move over the widest part of the body  12 , the retaining element  16  relaxes and the ends  204  move back together. 
     In order to position and retain the engagement element  14  on the body  12 , the retaining element  16  is first compressed so that the engagement element  14  can be slipped on and over the first end  30  of the body  12 . When the groove  34  and the groove  70  are in alignment, the retaining element  16  is released and permitted to expand into the groove  70 . The retaining element  16  is sized and shaped to be fit in groove  70 . Expansion of the retaining element  16  affixes the engagement element  14  on the body  12  and completes the assembly process. The retaining element  16  is formed from an elastically deformable and resilient substrate, for example, metal or plastic. When these materials are utilized, the retaining element  16  typically is deformed in order to first position it within the confines of the groove  34 . More particularly, the retaining element  16  preferably is expanded from a relaxed state to an expanded state. The retaining element  16  retains, however, a memory of its relaxed state and, thus, returns toward that state when captured in the groove  34 . When these materials are employed, the retaining element  16  is sized and shaped such that when it is in its relaxed state it can be interferingly received on the first end  30  of the body  12 . 
     In order to complete assembly, the engagement element  14  is pressed over the first end  30  of the body  12  until the retaining element  16  is positioned in the groove  70 . Typically, the press fitting of the engagement element  14  onto the first end  30  of the body  12  is done concurrent with a circumferential compression of the retaining element  16  into the groove  34 . Expansion of the retaining element  16 , when the groove  34  and the groove  70  are in concentric and coaxial alignment, facilitates interconnection of the engagement element  14  and the body  12 . 
     The invention also contemplates a method of attaching, and detaching, the connector assembly  10  from a mating connector assembly  24 . The method of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 2 through 4. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, to attach the connector assembly of the invention  10  to a mating connector assembly  24 , the outer actuation element  20  is first moved rearwardly over the inner gripping element until such time as the flange element  100  is in contact with the groove  88 . As shown in FIG. 3, the mating connector assembly  24  is then moved into position in the passage  56 . The mating connector assembly  24  is fully positioned in the passage  56  when an end  205  of the mating connector assembly  24  comes into proper mechanical and electrical conductivity contact with an end  207  of the connector assembly  10 . Next, the outer actuation element  20  is moved forwardly on and over the inner gripping element  18 . As shown in FIG. 4, this forward movement causes the tang elements  86  to come into interfering contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly  24 . Forward movement of the outer actuation element  20  over the inner gripping element  18  is curtailed when the second forward inner wall surface  64  are in substantially complete surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the mating connector assembly  24 . Preferably, the ramp portion  74  of the inner gripping element  18  and the ramp portion  106  of the actuation element  20  have a shallow taper and are in full surface-to-surface contact as the actuation element is moved forwardly. The shallow taper and full surface-to-surface contact result in a uniform and full compressive force being applied to mating connector assembly  24  by the tang elements  86 . 
     To release the connector assembly  10  from a mating connector assembly  24 , the outer actuation element  20  is moved rearwardly on and over the inner gripping element  18 . This action permits the tang elements  86  to move upwardly and away from the outer surface of the mating connector assembly  24 . Rearward movement of the outer actuation element  20  relative to the inner gripping element  18  continues until the flange element  100  is positioned in the groove  88 . The mating connector assembly  24  is then removed from the passage  56  of the inner gripping element  18  in order to separate the connector assembly  10  from the mating connector assembly  24 . 
     It will be understood that changes may be made in the above construction and in the foregoing sequences of operation without departing from the scope of the invention. It is accordingly intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention as described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.