Patent ID: 7032931

Claim:
A locking mechanism for a fitting assembly of a coupling comprising: a) a fitting body having a central axis and a first circumferential recess adjacent a flared end; b) a nut having a plurality of ratchet teeth positioned parallel to said central axis and positioned on a rear portion of said nut; c) a sleeve having a front side and a back side, said sleeve surrounding a portion of said fitting body and including a plurality of recesses adjacent said front side, said recesses having a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of said ratchet teeth of said nut, said sleeve recesses positioned in cooperative relation to engage said ratchet teeth when said nut is threaded onto a male fitting, said sleeve member slidably attached to said fitting body allowing only for substantially linear movement along said fitting body, wherein threading of said nut onto said male fitting allows said ratchet teeth of said nut to move relative to said recesses of said sleeve and restrains said nut from moving in a loosening direction.