Circular connector and method of retaining components

A circular connector assembly comprising:

• a receptacle shell having an externally threaded portion positioned proximate a first end of the receptacle shell and a first flexible insert-receiving retention portion with a first receiving opening;
• a plug shell having a second flexible insert-receiving retention portion and a flange provided proximate the second flexible insert-receiving retention portion, the second flexible insert-receiving retention portion having a second receiving opening, the second receiving opening having an oval configuration at a free end thereof with a short diameter and a long diameter;
• a coupling ring having an internal threaded portion and an engagement portion with a circular opening, the internal threaded portion configured to cooperate with the flange and the externally threaded portion, the circular opening having a contact opening diameter which is larger than the short diameter of the second receiving opening and smaller than the large diameter of the second receiving opening;
• the engagement portion dimensioned to resiliently deform the second flexible insert-receiving retention portion when the engagement portion is provided in contact with the second flexible insert-receiving retention portion;
• a housing which is inserted into and maintained in the second receiving opening by the second flexible receiving retention portion;
• wherein the engagement of the engagement portion with the second flexible insert-receiving retention portion causes the short diameter of the second receiving opening and the long diameter of the second receiving opening to be equal and conform to the shape of the circular opening in the engagement portion.

A method for retaining components in a circular connector assembly, the method comprising:

• positioning a coupling ring on a plug shell of the circular connector assembly, the plug shell of the circular connector having a flexible retention portion which is initially configured to not allow insertion of a housing therein;
• moving the coupling ring from a first position to a second position in which the coupling ring engages the flexible retention portion of the plug shell;
• deforming the flexible retention portion of the plug shell as the coupling ring is moved to the second position to a configuration in which the flexible retention portion accepts the housing therein;
• returning the coupling ring to the first position;
• allowing the flexible retention portion to return to an undeformed configuration as the coupling ring is moved to the first position, wherein the housing is retained in the flexible retention portion.