Apparatus for retaining a coupling ring in non-self locking electrical connectors

A method of providing an apparatus for locking a non-self locking electrical connector, and said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a plug having a plug shoulder;
• providing a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug;
• providing a coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle;
• providing a means for engaging disposed within said coupling;
• and
• providing a frustoconical means for deflecting disposed between said plug shoulder and said means for engaging said frustoconical means for deflecting have a predetermined;
• thickness, external diameter, internal diameter inside height and material modulus providing a known spring response to deflection.

A coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, comprising:

• a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug;
• a coupling ring having a shoulder, said coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle;
• a friction washer positioned proximate said plug shoulder and said shoulder of said coupling ring;
• and
• a frustoconical washer disposed between said plug shoulder and said friction washer, said frustoconical washer having a uniform surface and a predetermined;
• thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said frustoconical washer providing a known spring response to deflection.
• a coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 12 wherein said non-self locking electrical connector is formed from metal.

A method of providing a coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a plug having a plug shoulder;
• providing a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug;
• providing a coupling ring having a swage, said coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle,
• providing a friction washer positioned proximate said plug shoulder and said swage of said coupling ring;
• and
• providing a frustoconical washer disposed between said plug shoulder and said friction washer, said frustoconical washer having a uniform surface and a predetermined;
• thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said canted washer providing a known spring response to deflection.

A coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, comprising:

• a plug having a plug shoulder;
• a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug;
• a non swaged coupling ring having an interior portion defining a groove, said non swaged coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle;
• and
• a frustoconical spring disposed between said plug shoulder and said groove of said non-swaged coupling frustoconical ring, said spring having a uniform surface, and a predetermined;
• thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said frustoconical spring providing a known spring response to deflection.

A method of providing a coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, said method comprising the steps of

• providing a plug having a plug shoulder;
• providing a receptacle said receptacle matingly engaging said plug;
• providing a non swaged coupling ring having a internal portion defining a groove, said non swaged coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle;
• and
• providing a frustoconical spring disposed between 12 said plug shoulder and said groove of said non-swaged coupling ring, said frustoconical spring having a uniform surface, and a predetermined;
• thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said frustoconical spring providing a known spring response to deflection.