Abstract: A frangible pin (15) extends radially between interfitted first and second shell portions (21, 26) comprising an electrical connector assembly, the pin having a cross-sectional area sized to shear upon application of an external force so that the shells can break-away from one another.

Abstract: This invention is an anti-decoupling mechanism for an electrical connector assembly of the type having two housings (20, 50) connected together by a coupling ring (30). The invention is characterized by an annular member (10) that has a plurality of slots (11) around the periphery thereof that engages the projection (41) on each spring (40) mounted within a coupling ring (30). The annular member (10) is radially expandable to increase its diameter in response to opposing axial forces applied by the housings (20, 50) as they are drawn together by the coupling ring (30). This anti-decoupling arrangement provides a first lower pressure against the spring (40) during the initial stage of the coupling cycle and a second higher pressure against the spring during the final stage of the coupling cycle thereby reducing the wear on the anti-decoupling mechanism an increasing its effectiveness.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly of separable first and second shells (100, 200) and a coupling nut (300) having a radial flange (340) rotatably mounted about first shell (100) and rearwardly of an annular shoulder (140) thereof with a coil spring (500) and an annular ring (400) mounted for sliding disposed between flange (340) and shoulder (140) for resisting unwanted rotation. Annular shoulder (140) and annular ring (400) have frusto-conical tapered faces (150, 420) to define therebetween a Vee-shaped vise for longitudinally squeezing the coil spring (500) and camming the spring radially outwardly from snug contacting fitment with the shell (100) and against an inner wall (322) of the coupling nut whereby frictional contact spring (500) against itself and portions of the coupling nut (300) resist rotation.

Abstract: Mating forward ends (14, 24) of a receptacle connector (10) mounted in a panel (18) and plug connector (20) carrying a coupling member (30, 34, 40) are protected by a moisture seal (60) when interconnected. The moisture seal comprises a tubular body portion (64) which squeezes about the coupling member and a cup portion (66) which collapsibly compresses about the panel mounted connector, tubular body (64) including an annular shoulder (62) sized to be received in an annular cavity (50) around a sleeve (40) of the coupling member. The cup (64) comprises a frust-conical skirt (68), an annular collar (67) connecting the skirt to the body (64) and an annular foot (69) for sealing about the panel (18), reduced thicknesses (71, 73, 74) of tubular body portion (64) and annular collar (67) allowing cup portion (64) to collapse rearwardly relative to the coupling member when the annular foot (69) is forced against the panel (18).

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly having a strain relief grommet (30) spaced apart from a moisture sealing grommet (20) to prevent radial forces applied to a wire (40) entering the moisture sealing grommet from deflecting a passage (22) in the moisture sealing grommet and allowing moisture to enter the passage (22).

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly in which the electrical connectors may be quickly and easily coupled and decoupled, with a mechanism for preventing accidental decoupling of the connectors as a result of vibration. The connector assembly includes first and second connectors, which are coupled by the provision of a coupling nut mounted on one connector and having an internal screw thread which is adapted to receive a screw thread on a second connector. The mechanism for preventing accidental decoupling includes a spring mounted to the coupling nut and having a plastic forward face for engaging ratchet teeth carried on the edge of the housing. The ratchet teeth are more steeply on the leading edge engaged during decoupling and more gradually angled on the leading edge during coupling, allowing for easy coupling and a greater resistance to decoupling.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly having a plastic disc (30) adjacent a moisture sealing grommet (20) to prevent radial forces applied to a wire (40) entering the grommet from deflecting the passage (21) in the grommet and allowing moisture to enter the passage (21).