Patent ID: 8221161

Claim:
An adapter for use with a threaded connector assembly, the connector assembly having a first portion and a second portion, the adapter comprising: a receptacle body having an opening which is dimensioned to receive the first portion of the connector assembly, the opening engaging the first portion of the connector assembly to place the receptacle body in electrical engagement with the first portion of the connector assembly; a locking sleeve mounted on the receptacle body, the locking sleeve having mounting projections resiliently mounted thereto, the locking sleeve cooperating with the second portion of the connector assembly to properly seat the second portion in the locking sleeve, whereby the mounting projections are resiliently deformed causing the mounting projections to exert sufficient force on the second portion to insure that a positive physical and electrical connection is provided between the locking sleeve and the second portion; whereby the locking sleeve of the adapter can be easily engaged and disengaged from the second portion of the connector assembly, allowing for the threaded connector assembly to be converted to a break-away style connector assembly, wherein a force applied or translated to the first portion or the second portion of the connector assembly causes the adapter to disengage the second portion, allowing the second portion to be separated from the adapter and the first portion attached thereto without damaging the adapter, the first portion or the second portion.