Patent ID: 7033195

Claim:
An electrical connector for coaxially connecting to a mating electrical connector comprising: an insert housing of generally tubular shape; a non-conducting insert having an axis and fixed in said insert housing; at least one connecting element fixed in said insert; and a ratchet assembly mounted circumferentially about said insert housing and including: a coupling mounted for rotation about said insert housing and having threads for engaging said mating electrical connector, and including a plurality of flexible fingers spaced circumferentially from one another and extending axially in a rearward direction; and an outer housing extending circumferentially about said coupling and including a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth located to engage said fingers when said outer housing is rotated about said axis, said teeth and fingers being constructed and arranged to permit said fingers to engage said teeth and rotate said coupling when said outer housing is rotated in a first direction to fasten said coupling to a mating connector, and to override said teeth when said housing is rotated in a counter direction.