US Patent 7374448 Electrical connector locking system

A locking mechanism for electrical connectors is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises one or more sockets affixed to one of a pair of electrical connectors, e.g., a male electrical connector, and one or more mating studs affixed to the other of the pair of electrical connectors, e.g., a female electrical connector. The sockets lockingly engage the studs when the pair of electrical connectors are connected. The sockets are affixed to the male electrical by ribs, which form part of elongate socket fittings that also include the sockets, and socket fitting retainers. The studs are affixed to the female electrical connector by threads.