Importance

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Abstract

The invention is a connector assembly consisting of an elastomeric insert member held within a rigid shell by a retaining ring which engages both the shell and the insert. The assembly includes a passageway between the insert member and the shell permitting access to the retaining ring to allow ready disengagement of the ring and insert from the shell. The retaining ring is composed of two half sections which close about the insert member. The ring includes first retention means for engaging and maintaining the insert member in fixed position within the ring. The first retention means may consist of protuberances extending radially inward from the retaining ring to engage the insert member or it may comprise keying means configured to prevent both axial and rotational movement of the insert member relative to the retaining ring. The retaining ring also includes radially movable second retention means for engaging the shell to maintain the ring and insert member in fixed axial position within the shell. The second retention means constitutes flexible arms extending axially from the ring and having lips disposed at the extremity of each arm. The lips include cam surfaces aligned with the passageway to facilitate disengagement of the ring and insert member from the shell by the action of a cylindrical tool which may be inserted into the passageway to disengage the lips from the shell.

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First Claim