Patent Grant
8444445
The following relates to connectors used in coaxial cable communication applications, and more specifically to coaxial connectors having electrical continuity members that extend continuity of an electromagnetic interference shield from the cable and through the connector.
Broadband communications have become an increasingly prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for transmission of broadband communications. Coaxial cables are typically designed so that an electromagnetic field carrying communications signals exists only in the space between inner and outer coaxial conductors of the cables. This allows coaxial cable runs to be installed next to metal objects without the power losses that occur in other transmission lines, and provides protection of the communications signals from external electromagnetic interference. Connectors for coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interface ports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices and cable communication equipment. Connection is often made through rotatable operation of an internally threaded nut of the connector about a corresponding externally threaded interface port. Fully tightening the threaded connection of the coaxial cable connector to the interface port helps to ensure a ground connection between the connector and the corresponding interface port. However, often connectors are not properly tightened or otherwise installed to the interface port and proper electrical mating of the connector with the interface port does not occur. Moreover, typical component elements and structures of common connectors may permit loss of ground and discontinuity of the electromagnetic shielding that is intended to be extended from the cable, through the connector, and to the corresponding coaxial cable interface port. Hence a need exists for an improved connector having structural component elements included for ensuring ground continuity between the coaxial cable, the connector and its various applicable structures, and the coaxial cable connector interface port.
The invention is directed toward a first aspect of providing a coaxial cable connector comprising; a connector body; a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange; a nut, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the nut includes an internal lip, and wherein a second end portion of the nut corresponds to the portion of the nut extending from the second end of the nut to the side of the lip of the nut facing the first end of the nut at a point nearest the second end of the nut, and a first end portion of the nut corresponds to the portion of the nut extending from the first end of the nut to the same point nearest the second end of the nut of the same side of the lip facing the first end of the nut; and a continuity member disposed within the second end portion of the nut and contacting the post and the nut, so that the continuity member extends electrical grounding continuity through the post and the nut.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body; a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange; a nut, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the nut includes an internal lip, and wherein a second end portion of the nut starts at a side of the lip of the nut facing the first end of the nut and extends rearward to the second end of the nut; and a continuity member disposed only rearward the start of the second end portion of the nut and contacting the post and the nut, so that the continuity member extends electrical grounding continuity through the post and the nut
A third aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body; a post operably attached to the connector body, the post having a flange; a nut axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut including an inward lip; and an electrical continuity member disposed axially rearward of a surface of the internal lip of the nut that faces the flange.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method of obtaining electrical continuity for a coaxial cable connection, the method comprising: providing a coaxial cable connector including: a connector body; a post operably attached to the connector body, the post having a flange; a nut axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut including an inward lip; and an electrical continuity member disposed axially rearward of a surface of the internal lip of the nut that faces the flange; securely attaching a coaxial cable to the connector so that the grounding sheath of the cable electrically contacts the post; extending electrical continuity from the post through the continuity member to the nut; and fastening the nut to a conductive interface port to complete the ground path and obtain electrical continuity in the cable connection.
A fifth general aspect relates to a coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange; a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the coupling member having a first end, an opposing second end portion, and an internal lip; a continuity member disposed only axially rearward of a surface of the internal lip of the coupling member that faces the flange; an outer sleeve engageable with the coupling member, the sleeve configured to rotate the coupling member; and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body, wherein the compression portion is configured to break apart from the body when axially compressed.
A sixth general aspect relates to a coaxial cable connector comprising; a connector body; a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange; a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the coupling member having a first end, an opposing second end portion, and an internal lip; a continuity member disposed only axially rearward of a surface of the internal lip of the coupling member that faces the flange; and an outer sleeve engageable with the coupling member, the sleeve configured to rotate the coupling member.
A seventh general aspect relates to a coaxial cable connector comprising; a connector body; a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange; a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the coupling member having a first end, an opposing second end portion, and an internal lip; a continuity member disposed only axially rearward of a surface of the internal lip of the coupling member that faces the flange; and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body, wherein the compression portion is configured to break apart from the body when axially compressed.
An eighth general aspect relates to a method of obtaining electrical continuity for a coaxial cable connection, the method comprising: providing a coaxial cable connector including: a connector body; a post operably attached to the connector body, the post having a flange; a coupling member axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the coupling member including a lip; a continuity member located between the post and the coupling member; an outer sleeve engageable with the coupling member; and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body, wherein the compression portion is configured to break apart from the body when axially compressed; securely attaching a coaxial cable to the connector so that the grounding shield of the cable electrically contacts the post, by axially compressing the compression portion so that the compression portion breaks away from the body and securely connects to the coaxial cable; extending electrical continuity from the post through the continuity member to the coupling member; and fastening the coupling member to a conductive interface port to complete the ground path and obtain electrical continuity in the cable connection.
The foregoing and other features of construction and operation of the invention will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.
Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
Although certain embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present invention.
As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Referring to the drawings,
Referring further to
Referring still further to
The threaded nut 30 of embodiments of a coaxial cable connector 100 has a first forward end 31 and opposing second rearward end 32. The threaded nut 30 may comprise internal threading 33 extending axially from the edge of first forward end 31a distance sufficient to provide operably effective threadable contact with the external threads 23 of a standard coaxial cable interface port 20 (as shown, by way of example, in
Referring still to
Embodiments of a coaxial cable connector, such as connector 100, may include a connector body 50. The connector body 50 may comprise a first end 51 and opposing second end 52. Moreover, the connector body may include a post mounting portion 57 proximate or otherwise near the first end 51 of the body 50, the post mounting portion 57 configured to securely locate the body 50 relative to a portion of the outer surface of post 40, so that the connector body 50 is axially secured with respect to the post 40, in a manner that prevents the two components from moving with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the axis of the connector 100. The internal surface of the post mounting portion 57 may include an engagement feature 54 that facilitates the secure location of a continuity member 70 with respect to the connector body 50 and/or the post 40, by physically engaging the continuity member 70 when assembled within the connector 100. The engagement feature 54 may simply be an annular detent or ridge having a different diameter than the rest of the post mounting portion 57. However other features such as grooves, ridges, protrusions, slots, holes, keyways, bumps, nubs, dimples, crests, rims, or other like structural features may be included to facilitate or possibly assist the positional retention of embodiments of electrical continuity member 70 with respect to the connector body 50. Nevertheless, embodiments of a continuity member 70 may also reside in a secure position with respect to the connector body 50 simply through press-fitting and friction-fitting forces engendered by corresponding tolerances, when the various coaxial cable connector 100 components are operably assembled, or otherwise physically aligned and attached together. In addition, the connector body 50 may include an outer annular recess 58 located proximate or near the first end 51 of the connector body 50. Furthermore, the connector body 50 may include a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 55, wherein the outer surface 55 may be configured to form an annular seal when the second end 52 is deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable 10 by operation of a fastener member 60. The connector body 50 may include an external annular detent 53 located proximate or close to the second end 52 of the connector body 50. Further still, the connector body 50 may include internal surface features 59, such as annular serrations formed near or proximate the internal surface of the second end 52 of the connector body 50 and configured to enhance frictional restraint and gripping of an inserted and received coaxial cable 10, through tooth-like interaction with the cable. The connector body 50 may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 55. Further, the connector body 50 may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the connector body 50 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
With further reference to
The manner in which the coaxial cable connector 100 may be fastened to a received coaxial cable 10 (such as shown, by way of example, in
Turning now to
Embodiments of a continuity member 70 may be formed, shaped, fashioned, or otherwise manufactured via any operable process that will render a workable component, wherein the manufacturing processes utilized to make the continuity member may vary depending on the structural configuration of the continuity member. For example, a continuity member 70 having a through-slit 73 may be formed from a sheet of material that may be stamped and then bent into an operable shape that allows the continuity member 70 to function as it was intended. The stamping may accommodate various operable features of the continuity member 70. For instance, the securing member 75, such as tabs 75a-c, may be cut during the stamping process. Moreover, the flange cutout 76 may also be rendered during a stamping process. Those in the art should appreciate that various other surface features may be provided on the continuity member 70 through stamping or by other manufacturing and shaping means. Accordingly, it is contemplated that features of the continuity member 70 may be provided to mechanically interlock or interleave, or otherwise operably physically engage complimentary and corresponding features of embodiments of a nut 30, complimentary and corresponding features of embodiments of a post 40, and/or complimentary and corresponding features of embodiments of a connector body 50. The flange cutout 76 may help facilitate bending that may be necessary to form a flange-like nut contact member 74. However, as is depicted in
With continued reference to the drawings,
The continuity member 70 should be configured and positioned so that, when the coaxial cable connector 100 is assembled, the continuity member 70 resides rearward a second end portion 37 of the nut 30, wherein the second end portion 37 starts at a side 35 of the lip 34 of the nut facing the first end 31 of the nut 30 and extends rearward to the second end 32 of the nut 30. The location or the continuity member 70 within a connector 100 relative to the second end portion 37 of the nut being disposed axially rearward of a surface 35 of the internal lip 34 of the nut 30 that faces the flange 44 of the post 40. The second end portion 37 of the nut 30 extends from the second rearward end 32 of the nut 30 to the axial location of the nut 30 that corresponds to the point of the forward facing side 35 of the internal lip 34 that faces the first forward end 31 of the nut 30 that is also nearest the second end 32 of the nut 30. Accordingly, the first end portion 38 of the nut 30 extends from the first end 31 of the nut 30 to that same point of the forward facing side 35 of the lip 34 that faces the first forward end 31 of the nut 30 that is nearest the second end 32 of the nut 30. For convenience, dashed line 39 shown in
With further reference to
When assembled, as in
With continued reference to the drawings,
Turning now to
With continued reference to the drawings,
Referring still further to the drawings,
With still further reference to the drawings,
With an eye still toward the drawings and with particular respect to
When in operation, an electrical continuity member 970 should maintain electrical contact with both the post 940 and the nut 930, as the nut 930 operably moves rotationally about an axis with respect to the rest of the coaxial cable connector 900 components, such as the post 940, the connector body 950 and the fastener member 960. Thus, when the connector 900 is fastened with a coaxial cable 10, a continuous electrical shield may extend from the outer grounding sheath 14 of the cable 10, through the post 940 and the electrical continuity member 970 to the nut or coupler 930, which coupler 930 ultimately may be fastened to an interface port (see, for example port 20 of
Turning further to the drawings,
When operably assembled within an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector 1000, electrical continuity member embodiments 1070 utilize a bent configuration of the flexible portions 1079a-b, so that the nut contact tabs 1078a-b associated with the nut contact portions 1074a-b of the continuity member 1070 make physical and electrical contact with a surface of the nut 1030, wherein the contacted surface of the nut 1030 resides rearward of the forward facing surface 1035 of the inward lip 1034 of nut 1030, and rearward of the start (at surface 1035) of the second end portion 1037 of the nut 1030. For convenience, dashed line 1039 (similar, for example, to dashed line 39 shown in
Referring still to the drawings,
An embodiment of an electrical continuity member 1170 may comprise a simple continuous band, which, when assembled within embodiments of a coaxial cable connector 1100, encircles a portion of the post 1140, and is in turn surrounded by the second end portion 1137 of the nut 1130. The band-like continuity member 1170 resides rearward a second end portion 1137 of the nut that starts at a side 1135 of the lip 1134 of the nut 1130 facing the first end 1131 of the nut 1130 and extends rearward to the second end 1132 of the nut. The simple band-like embodiment of an electrical continuity member 1170 is thin enough that it occupies an annular space between the second end portion 1137 of the nut 1130 and the post 1140, without causing the post 1140 and nut 1130 to bind when rotationally moved with respect to one another. The nut 1130 is free to rotate, and has some freedom for slidable axial movement, with respect to the connector body 1150. The band-like embodiment of an electrical continuity member 1170 can make contact with both the nut 1130 and the post 1140, because it is not perfectly circular (see, for example,
Referencing the drawings still further, it is noted that
The electrical continuity member 1270 may optionally have nut contact tabs 1278a-b, which tabs 1278a-b may enhance the member's 1270 ability to make consistent operable contact with a surface of the nut 1230. As depicted, the tabs 1278a-b comprise a simple bulbous round protrusion extending from the nut contact portion. However, other shapes and geometric design may be utilized to accomplish the advantages obtained through the inclusion of nut contact tabs 1278a-b. The opposite side of the tabs 1278a-b may correspond to circular detents or dimples 1278a1-b1. These oppositely structured features 1278a1-b1 may be a result of common manufacturing processes, such as the natural bending of metallic material during a stamping or pressing process possibly utilized to create a nut contact tab 1278.
As depicted, embodiments of an electrical continuity member 1270 include a cylindrical section extending axially in a lengthwise direction toward the second end 1272 of the continuity member 1270, the cylindrical section comprising a post contact portion 1277, the post contact portions 1277 configured so as to make axially lengthwise contact with the post 1240. Those skilled in the art should appreciated that other geometric configurations may be utilized for the post contact portion 1277, as long as the electrical continuity member 1270 is provided so as to make consistent physical and electrical contact with the post 1240 when assembled in a coaxial cable connector 1200.
The continuity member 1270 should be configured and positioned so that, when the coaxial cable connector 1200 is assembled, the continuity member 1270 resides rearward the start of a second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230, wherein the second end portion 1237 begins at a side 1235 of the lip 1234 of the nut 1230 facing the first end 1231 of the nut 1230 and extends rearward to the second end 1232 of the nut 1230. The continuity member 1270 contacts the nut 1230 in a location relative to a second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230. The second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230 extends from the second end 1232 of the nut 1230 to the axial location of the nut 1230 that corresponds to the point of the forward facing side 1235 of the internal lip 1234 that faces the first forward end 1231 of the nut 1230 that is also nearest the second rearward end 1232 of the nut 1230. Accordingly, the first end portion 1238 of the nut 1230 extends from the first end 1231 of the nut 1230 to that same point of the side of the lip 1234 that faces the first end 1231 of the nut 1230 that is nearest the second end 1232 of the nut 1230. For convenience, dashed line 1239 (see
Various other component features of a coaxial cable connector 1200 may be included with a connector 1200. For example, the connector body 1250 may include an internal detent 1256 positioned to help accommodate the operable location of the electrical continuity member 1270 as located between the post 1240, the body 1250, and the nut 1230. Moreover, the connector body 1250 may include a post mounting portion 1257 proximate the first end 1251 of the body 1250, the post mounting portion 1257 configured to securely locate the body 1250 relative to a portion 1247 of the outer surface of post 1240, so that the connector body 1250 is axially secured with respect to the post 1240. Notably, the nut 1230, as located with respect to the electrical continuity member 1270 and the post 1240, does not touch the body. A body sealing member 1280 may be positioned proximate the second end portion of the nut 1230 and snugly around the connector body 1250, so as to form a seal in the space therebetween.
With respect to
Referring now to
With reference to
Embodiments of connector 1300 may include a coupling member 1330a. Coupling member 1330a may share some of the structural and functional aspects of nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230, such as being mated, threaded or otherwise, to a corresponding interface port 20. Further, the coupling member 1330a may include a first end 1331a, a second end 1332a, an inner surface 1333a, an outer surface 1336a, an internal lip 1334a, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end 1332a of the coupling member 1330a, wherein the internal lip 1334a includes a surface 1335a facing the first forward end 1331a of the coupling member 1330a. However, the internal lip 1334a of coupling member 1330a may define the second end 1332a of the coupling member 1330a, eliminating excess material from the coupling member 1330a. Located somewhere on the outer surface 1336a of the coupling member 1330a may be a retaining structure 1337a. The retaining structure 1337a of the coupling member 1330a may be an annular groove or recess that extends completely or partially around the outer surface 1336a of the coupling member 1330a to retain, accommodate, receive, or mate with an engagement member 1397 of the sleeve 1390. Alternatively, the retaining structure 1337a may be an annular protrusion that extends completely or partially around the outer surface 1336a of the coupling member 1330a to retain or mate with the engagement member 1397 of the sleeve 1390. The retaining structure 1337a may be placed at various axial positions from the first end 1331a to the 1332a, depending on the configuration of the sleeve 1390 and other design requirements of connector 1300.
Moreover, embodiments of coupling member 1330a may include an outer surface feature 1338a proximate or otherwise near the second end 1332a to improve mechanical interference or friction between the coupling member 1330a and the sleeve 1390. For instance, the outer surface feature 1338a may extend completely or partially around the outer surface 1336a proximate the second 1332a of the coupling member 1330a to increase a retention force between an inner surface 1393 of the sleeve 1390 and the outer surface 1336a of the coupling member 1330a. The outer surface feature 1338a may include a knurled surface, a slotted surface, a plurality of bumps, ridges, grooves, or any surface feature that may facilitate contact between the sleeve 1390 and the coupling member 1330a. In one embodiment, the coupling member 1330 may be referred to as a press-fit nut. Embodiments of the coupling member 1330a may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the coupling member 1330a. Accordingly, the coupling member 1330a may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of an interface port 20 when connector 1300 is advanced onto the port 20.
Embodiments of connector 1300 may also include an outer sleeve 1390a. The sleeve 1390a may be engageable with the coupling member 1330a. The sleeve 1390a may include a first end 1391a, a second 1391a, an inner surface 1393a, and an outer surface 1394a. The sleeve 1390a may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. The sleeve 1390a may be radially disposed over the coupling member 1330a, or a portion thereof, the connector body 1350, or a portion thereof, and the compression portion 1360 and radial restriction member 1365, or a portion thereof, while operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. Proximate or otherwise near the first end 1391a, the sleeve 1390a may include an engagement member 1397a configured to mate or engage with the retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330. The engagement member 1397a may be an annular lip or protrusion that may enter or reside within the retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330. For example, in embodiments where the retaining structure 1337 is an annular groove, the engagement member 1397a may be a protrusion or lip that may snap into the groove located on the coupling member 1330 to retain the sleeve 1390a in a single axial position. In other words, the cooperating surfaces of the groove-like retaining structure 1337 and the lip or protruding engagement member 1397a may prevent axial movement of the sleeve 1390a once the connector 1300 is in an assembled configuration. Alternatively, the engagement member 1397a may be an annular groove or recess that may receive or engage with the retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330. For example, in embodiments where the retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330 is an annular protrusion, the engagement member 1397a may be a groove or recess that may allow the annular protruding retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330 to snap into to retain the sleeve 1390a in a single axial position. In other words, the cooperating surfaces of the protruding retaining structure 1337 and the groove-like engagement member 1397a may prevent axial movement of the sleeve 1390a once the connector 1300 is in an assembled configuration. Those having skill in the art should understand that various surface features effectuating cooperating surfaces between the coupling member 1330 and the sleeve 1390a may be implemented to retain the sleeve 1390a with respect to the rest of the connector 1300 in an axial direction. Furthermore, the engagement member 1397a of the sleeve 1390a may be segmented such that one or more gaps may separate portions of the engagement member 1397a, while still providing sufficient structural engagement with the retaining structure 1337.
An embodiment of an assembled configuration of connector 1300 with respect to the sleeve 1390a may involve sliding the sleeve 1390a over the coupling member 1330 in an axial direction starting from the first end 1331 and continuing toward the second end 1332 of the coupling member 1330 until sufficient mating and/or engagement occurs between the engagement member 1397a of the sleeve 1390a and the retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330, as shown in
Referring still to
Furthermore, embodiments of connector 1300 may include a radial restriction member 1365a. The radial restriction member 1365a may be a bushing or similar annular tubular member disposed proximate the rearward second end of the connector body 1350. For instance, the radial restriction member 1365a may surround the compression portion 1360a and a portion of the connector body 1350 proximate the rearward second end. The radial restriction member 1365a may be a generally annular, hollow cylindrically-shaped sleeve-like member comprised of stainless steel or other substantially rigid materials which may structurally assist the crack and seal process of compression portion 1360a. For instance, when the compression portion 1360a is axially compressed in a direction towards the coupling member 1330, the radial restriction member 1365a may axially displace along with the compression portion 1360a and may prevent the compression portion 1360a from splintering or otherwise displacing in a direction other than substantially axial towards the coupling member 1330.
Moreover, the radial restriction member 1365a may include one or more gripping features 1368 for engagement with the connector body 1350, as shown in
Embodiments of the compression portion 1360a may create an environmental seal around the coaxial cable 10 when in the fully compressed position. Specifically, when the compression portion 1360 (and potentially the radial restriction member 1365a) is axially slid towards the coupling member 1330, the structural connection between the compression portion 1360a and the connector body 1350 is severed and the compression portion 1360a comes into contact with the outer ramped surface 1356 of the connector body 1350. The severing of the structural connection between the connector body 1350 and the compression portion 1360a essentially turns the internal notch 1366a into a cooperative ramped surface with the outer ramped surface 1356 of the connector body 1350. Due to the cooperative ramped surfaces, the axial compression (displacement) of the compression portion 1360a evenly compresses the second end of the connector body 1350 onto the outer jacket 12 of the coaxial cable and deforms the outer ramped surface 1356, as shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Embodiments of connector 1303 may include a coupling member 1330b. Coupling member 1330b may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of the embodiments of nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230, such as being mated, threaded or otherwise, to a corresponding interface port 20. Accordingly, coupling member 1330b may include a first end 1331b, a second end 1332b, an inner surface 1333b, an outer surface 1336b, an internal lip 1334b, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end 1332b of the coupling member 1330b, wherein the internal lip 1334b includes a surface 1335b facing the first forward end 1331b of the coupling member 1330b. Additionally, coupling member 1330b may include a retaining structure 1337b on the outer surface 1336b of the coupling member 1330b. The retaining structure 1337b of the coupling member 1330b may be an annular groove or recession that extends completely or partially around the outer surface 1336b of the coupling member 1330b to retain, accommodate, receive, or mate with an engagement member 1397 of the sleeve 1390. Alternatively, the retaining structure 1337b may be an annular protrusion that extends completely or partially around the outer surface 1336b of the coupling member 1330b to retain or mate with the engagement member 1397 of the sleeve 1390. The retaining structure 1337b may be placed at various axial positions from the first end 1331b to the 1332b, depending on the configuration of the sleeve 1390 and other design requirements of the connector.
Moreover, embodiments of coupling member 1330b may include an outer surface feature(s) 1338b proximate or otherwise near the second end 1332a to improve mechanical interference or friction between the coupling member 1330b and the sleeve 1390. For instance, the outer surface feature(s) 1338a may extend completely or partially around the outer surface 1336b proximate the second 1332b of the coupling member 1330b to increase a retention force between an inner surface 1393 of the sleeve 1390b and the outer surface 1336b of the coupling member 1330b. The outer surface feature 1338b may include a plurality of planar surfaces that may facilitate contact between the sleeve 1390 and the coupling member 1330b. Embodiments of the coupling member 1330b may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the coupling member 1330b. Accordingly, the coupling member 1330b may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of an interface port 20 when the coaxial cable connector is advanced onto the port 20.
Embodiments of connector 1303 may also include a sleeve 1390b. Sleeve 1390b may share the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 1390a described in association with, for example, connector 1300. Accordingly, sleeve 1390b may include an engagement member 1397b that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure 1337b of the coupling member 1330b. For example, the sleeve 1390b may include a first end 1391b, a second end 1392b, an inner surface 1393b, and an outer surface 1394b, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. However, the sleeve 1390b may be radially disposed over the coupling member 1330b, or a portion thereof, the connector body 1350, or a portion thereof, the compression portion 1360, or a portion thereof, and the radial restriction member 1365 while operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. Additionally, the sleeve 1390b may include an annular ramped surface 1395b or chamfer proximate or otherwise near the first end 1391b to accommodate an increased diameter or general size of the coupling member 1330b proximate a second, rearward end 1332b of the coupling member 1330b. Embodiments of the ramped surface 1395b may be structurally integral with the engagement member 1397b and the body of the sleeve 1390b. Furthermore, embodiments of an assembled configuration of connector 1303 with respect to the sleeve 1390b may involve sliding the sleeve 1390b over the coupling member 1330b in an axial direction starting from the first end 1331b and continuing toward the second end 1332b of the coupling member 1330 until sufficient mating and/or engagement occurs between the engagement member 1397b of the sleeve 1390b and the retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330, as shown in
Referring still to the drawings,
Embodiments of connector 1306 may include an integral sleeve 1390c. An integral sleeve 1390c may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. The integral sleeve 1390c may include a first end 1391c, a second end 1392c, an outer surface 1393c, and an outer surface 1394c. Furthermore, the integral sleeve 1390c may include a coupling portion 1395c proximate the first end 1391c and a body portion 1396c structurally integral with the coupling portion 1395c. The coupling portion 1395c may include internal threads for operable engagement with an interface port, such as interface port 20. For instance, the internal threads of the coupling portion 1395c of the integral sleeve 1390c may correspond to threads on the outer surface of an interface port. The coupling portion 1395c may also include an internal lip 1397c, such as an annular protrusion. The internal lip 1397c includes a surface 1398c facing the first forward end 1391c of the integral sleeve 1390c. The forward facing surface 1398c of the lip 1397c may be a tapered surface that corresponds to a tapered surface of the post 1340. The forward facing surface 1398c of the coupling portion 1395c faces the flange of the post 1340 when operably assembled in a connector 1306, so as to allow the integral sleeve 1390c to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post 1340 and the connector body 1350. The structural configuration of the coupling portion 1395c of integral sleeve 1390c may vary according to differing connector design parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector. For instance, the first forward end 1391c of the integral sleeve 1390c may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may help prevent ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, at the first forward end 1391c of the integral sleeve 1390c, when mated with an interface port 20. Those in the art should appreciate that the coupling portion 1395c need not be threaded.
Moreover, the integral sleeve 1390c includes a body portion 1396c that may be structurally integral with the coupling portion 1395c to form an outer sleeve that may surround the continuity member 1370, the post 1340, the connector body 1350, the compression portion 1360, or a portion thereof, and the radial restriction member 1365, or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressed position. Because the body portion 1396c may be structurally integral with the coupling portion 1395c, rotation or twisting of the body portion 1396c can cause rotation or twisting of the coupling portion 1395c to operably mate a coaxial cable connector, such as connector 1306 onto an interface port. Thus, the integral sleeve 1390c includes a larger surface area to grip and twist the integral sleeve 1390c to thread the coupling portion 1395c fully onto the interface port, such as interface port 20. Embodiments of the body portion 1396c of the integral sleeve 1390c may include outer surface features, such as annular serrations or slots, configured to enhance gripping of the integral sleeve 1390c while connecting the coaxial cable connector onto an interface port. The body portion 1396c of the sleeve 1390c may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a rigid body, while the coupling portion 1395c may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the connector 1306. In other words, the integral sleeve 1390c may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example, the external surface of the coupling portion 1395c of the integral sleeve 1390c may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the coupling portion 1395c may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. Alternatively, the coupling portion 1395c and the body portion 1396c of the integral sleeve 1390c may be formed of conductive materials such as metals or metal alloys, or may both be formed of polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed component. Manufacture of the integral sleeve 1390c may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
Referring now to
With reference now to
Embodiments of connector 1309 may include a sleeve 1390d. The sleeve 1390d may be engageable with the coupling member 1330a. Sleeve 1390d may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 1390a. Accordingly, sleeve 1390d may include an engagement member 1397d that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330a. Additionally, the sleeve 1390d may include a first end 1391d, a second end 1392d, an inner surface 1393d, and an outer surface 1394d, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Additionally, sleeve 1390d may surround the coupling member 1330a, the post 1340, the connector body 1350, or a portion thereof, the compression portion 1360, and a radial restriction member 65, or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressed position. However, the sleeve 1390d may extend towards the first end 1331a of coupling member 1330a. In one embodiment, the first end 1391d of the sleeve 1390d may be flush or substantially flush with an edge of the coupling member 1330a proximate or otherwise near the first end 1331a of the coupling member 1330a. Moreover, the engagement member 1397d may be located proximate or otherwise near the edge of the first end 1391d of the sleeve 1390d. The engagement member 1397d may be configured to mate or engage a retaining structure 1337a of the coupling member 1330a that is correspondingly located proximate or otherwise near the first end 1331a of the coupling member 1330a.
Referring now to
Embodiments of connector 1312 may include a sleeve 1390e. The outer sleeve 1390e may be engageable with the coupling member 1330a. Sleeve 1390e may share the same or substantially the same function as sleeve 1390a and sleeve 1390d. Accordingly, the sleeve 1390e may include a first end 1391e, a second end 1392e, an inner surface 1393e, and an outer surface 1394e, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Sleeve 1390e may surround the coupling member 1330a, the post 1340, the connector body 1350, or a portion thereof, the compression portion 1360, and a radial restriction member 1365, or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressed position. Moreover, the sleeve 1390e may extend towards the first end 1331a of coupling member 1330a. However, sleeve 1390e may include an inwardly extending lip 1397e proximate or otherwise near the first end 1391e of the sleeve 1390e, which can help guide the coupling member 1330a onto a corresponding interface port. The lip 1397e may share the same functional aspects of the engagement member 1397a, 1397d of sleeve 1390a, 1390d, respectively. For instance, the lip 1397e may radially inwardly extend a distance sufficient to prevent axial movement of the sleeve 1390e in a direction towards the second end 1332a of the coupling member 1330a when operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. An embodiment of an assembled configuration of connector 1312 with respect to the sleeve 1390e may involve sliding the sleeve 1390e over the coupling member 1330a in an axial direction starting from the first end 1331a and continuing toward the second end 1332a of the coupling member 1330a until sufficient mechanical interference and/or engagement occurs between the lip 1397e of the sleeve 1390e and frontal edge or mating surface of the coupling member 1330a. The simultaneous rotation/twisting of the sleeve 1390e and the coupling member 1330a may be effectuated in the same or similar manner as described between the sleeve 1390a and the coupling member 1330a.
With reference now to
Embodiments of connector 1315 may include sleeve 1390f. Sleeve 1390f may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 1390b. Accordingly, sleeve 1390f may include an engagement member 1397f that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure 1337b of the coupling member 1330b. For example, the sleeve 1390f may include a first end 1391f, a second end 1392f, an inner surface 1393f, and an outer surface 1394f, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Additionally, sleeve 1390f may surround the coupling member 1330b, the post 1340, the connector body 1350, or a portion thereof, the compression portion 1360, and a radial restriction member 1365, or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressed position. However, the sleeve 1390f may extend towards the first end 1331b of coupling member 1330b. In one embodiment, the first end 1391f of the sleeve 1390f may be flush or substantially flush with an edge of the coupling member 1330b proximate or otherwise near the first end 1331b of the coupling member 1330b. Moreover, the engagement member 1397f may be located proximate or otherwise near the edge of the first end 1391f of the sleeve 1390f. The engagement member 1397f may be configured to mate or engage a retaining structure 1337b of the coupling member 1330b that is correspondingly located proximate or otherwise near the first end 1331b of the coupling member 1330b.
With reference to
Embodiments of connector 1318 may include a sleeve 1390g. The sleeve 1390b may be engageable with the coupling member 1330b. Sleeve 1390g may share the same or substantially the same function as sleeve 1390b and sleeve 1390f. Accordingly, the sleeve 1390g may include a first end 1391g, a second end 1392g, an inner surface 1393g, and an outer surface 1394g, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Sleeve 1390g may surround the coupling member 1330b, the post 1340, the connector body 1350, or a portion thereof, the compression portion 1360, and a radial restriction member 1365, or a portion thereof, when in an assembled and/or compressed position. Moreover, the sleeve 1390g may extend towards the first end 1331b of coupling member 1330b. However, sleeve 1390g may include an inwardly extending lip 1397g proximate or otherwise near the first end 1391g of the sleeve 1390g, which can help guide the coupling member 1330b onto a corresponding interface port. The lip 1397g may share the same structural and functional aspects of the engagement member 1397b, 1397f of sleeve 1390b, 1390f, respectively. For instance, the lip 1397g may radially inwardly extend a distance sufficient to prevent axial movement of the sleeve 1390g in a direction towards the second end 1332b of the coupling member 1330b when operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. An embodiment of an assembled configuration of connector 1318 with respect to the sleeve 1390g may involve sliding the sleeve 1390g over the coupling member 1330b in an axial direction starting from the first end 1331b and continuing toward the second end 1332b of the coupling member 1330b until sufficient mechanical interference and/or engagement occurs between the lip 1397g of the sleeve 1390g and frontal edge or mating surface of the coupling member 1330b. The simultaneous rotation/twisting of the sleeve 1390g and the coupling member 1330b may be effectuated in the same or similar manner as described between the sleeve 1390b and the coupling member 1330b.
With reference now to
Embodiments of connector 1321 may include a coupling member 1330c. Coupling member 1330c may share some of the structural and functional aspects of embodiments of nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230, such as being mated, threaded or otherwise, to a corresponding interface port 20. Coupling member 1330c may include a first end 1331c, a second end 1332c, an inner surface 1333c, at least a portion of which is threaded, a connector-grasping portion 1339c, and an outer surface 1334c, including a seal-grasping surface portion 1336c. The seal-grasping surface portion 1336c may be a flat, smooth surface or a flat, roughened surface suitable to frictionally and/or adhesively engage an interior sealing surface 1383 of the sealing member 1380. Embodiments of the seal-grasping surface portion 1336c may also contain a ridge that together with the seal grasping surface portion 1336c forms a groove or shoulder that is suitably sized and shaped to correspondingly engage an internal shoulder 1387 of the sealing member 1380 adjacent the interior sealing surface 1383 in a locking-type interference fit between the coupling member 1330c and the sealing member 1380.
Moreover, the coupling member 1330c may further include a coupling member-turning surface portion on an outer surface 1384 of the sealing member 1380. The coupling member-turning surface portion may have at least two flat surface regions that allow engagement with the surfaces of a tool such as a wrench. In one embodiment, the coupling member-turning surface is hexagonal. Alternatively, the coupling member-turning surface may be a knurled surface to facilitate hand-turning of the nut component. Furthermore, upon engagement of the sealing member 1380 with the coupling member 1330c, a rear sealing surface 1386 of the sealing member 1380 abuts a side/edge surface of the coupling member 1330c to form a sealing relationship in that region. In one embodiment, the connector-grasping portion 1336c of the coupling member 1330c is an internally-projecting shoulder that engages a flange of the post 1340 in such a manner that the coupling member 1330c can be freely rotated as it is held in place as part of the connector.
With continued reference to
Referring still to
Referring now to
Referring to
Embodiments of connector 1400 may include a coupling member 1430b. Coupling member 1430b may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of the embodiments of nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230/1330b, such as being mated, threaded or otherwise, to a corresponding interface port 20. Accordingly, coupling member 1430b may include a first end 1431b, a second end 1432b, an inner surface 1433b, an outer surface 1436b, an internal lip 1434b, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end 1432b of the coupling member 1430b, wherein the internal lip 1434b includes a surface 1435b facing the first forward end 1431b of the coupling member 1430b. Additionally, coupling member 1430b may include a retaining structure 1437b on the outer surface 1436b of the coupling member 1430b. The retaining structure 1437b of the coupling member 1430b may be an annular groove or recession that extends completely or partially around the outer surface 1436b of the coupling member 1430b to retain, accommodate, receive, or mate with an engagement member 1497 of the sleeve 1490. Alternatively, the retaining structure 1437b may be an annular protrusion that extends completely or partially around the outer surface 1436b of the coupling member 1430b to retain or mate with the engagement member 1497 of the sleeve 1490. The retaining structure 1437b may be placed at various axial positions from the first end 1431b to the 1432b, depending on the configuration of the sleeve 1490 and other design requirements of a coaxial cable connector.
Moreover, embodiments of coupling member 1430b may include an outer surface feature(s) 1438b proximate or otherwise near the second end 1432a to improve mechanical interference or friction between the coupling member 1430b and the sleeve 1490. For instance, the outer surface feature(s) 1438a may extend completely or partially around the outer surface 1436b proximate the second 1432b of the coupling member 1430b to increase a retention force between an inner surface of the sleeve 1490 and the outer surface 1436b of the coupling member 4330b. The outer surface feature 1438b may include a plurality of planar surfaces that may facilitate contact between the sleeve 1490 and the coupling member 1430b.
Embodiments of connector 1400 may also include a sleeve 1490b. Sleeve 1490b may share the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 1390b described in association with, for example, connector 1303. Accordingly, sleeve 1490b may include an engagement member 1497b that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure 1437b of the coupling member 1430b. For example, the sleeve 1490b may include a first end 1491b, a second end 1492b, an inner surface 1493b, and an outer surface 1494b, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. However, the sleeve 1490b may be radially disposed over the coupling member 1430b, or a portion thereof, the post 1440, the connector body 1450, or a portion thereof, and the compression portion 1460, or a portion thereof, while operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. Additionally, the sleeve 1490b may include an annular ramped surface 1495b or chamfer proximate or otherwise near the first end 1491b to accommodate an increased diameter or general size of the coupling member 1430b proximate a second, rearward end 1432b of the coupling member 1430b. Embodiments of the ramped surface 1495b may be structurally integral with the engagement member 1497b and the body of the sleeve 1490b.
Referring still to
With reference now to
Embodiments of connector 1401 may include a compression portion 1460c. Compression portion 1460c may be an insertable compression sleeve or tubular locking compression member that resides internally with respect to the connector body 1450 in the compressed position, as described in further detail supra. The compression portion 1460c may include a first end 1461c, a second end 1462c, an inner surface 1463, and an outer surface 1464c. The compression portion 1460c may be pushed into the connector body 1450 to squeeze against and secure the cable 10. For instance, the compression portion 1460c may protrude axially into an annular chamber through the rear opening, and may be slidably coupled or otherwise movably affixed to the connector body 1450 to compress into the connector body 1450 and retain the cable 10. The compression portion 1460c may be displaceable or movable axially or in the general direction of the axis of the connector between a first open position (accommodating insertion of the tubular inner post 1440 into a prepared cable 10 end to contact the grounding shield 14), and a second clamped position compressibly fixing the cable 10 within the chamber of the connector because the compression portion 1460c is squeezed into retraining contact with the cable 10 within the connector body 1450. An alternative embodiment of compression portion 1460c may be shown in
With reference now to
Embodiments of connector 1402 may include a sleeve 1490f. Sleeve 1490f may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 1390f. Accordingly, sleeve 1490f may include an engagement member 1497f that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure 1437b of the coupling member 1430b. For example, the sleeve 1490f may include a first end 1491f, a second end 1492f, an inner surface 1493f, and an outer surface 1494f, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Additionally, sleeve 1490f may surround the coupling member 1430b, the post 1440, the connector body 1450, or a portion thereof, and the compression portion 1460 when in an assembled and/or compressed position. However, the sleeve 1490f may extend towards the first end 1431b of coupling member 1430b. In one embodiment, the first end 1491f of the sleeve 1490f may be flush or substantially flush with an edge of the coupling member 1430b proximate or otherwise near the first end 1431b of the coupling member 1430b.
With reference now to
Embodiments of connector 1404 may include a sleeve 1490g. Sleeve 1490g may share the same or substantially the same function as sleeve 1390g. Accordingly, the sleeve 1490g may include a first end 1491g, a second end 1492g, an inner surface 1493g, and an outer surface 1494g, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Sleeve 1490g may surround the coupling member 1430b, the post 1440, the connector body 1450, or a portion thereof, and the compression portion 1360 when in an assembled and/or compressed position. Moreover, the sleeve 1490g may extend towards the first end 1431b of coupling member 1430b. However, sleeve 1490g may include an inwardly extending lip 1497g proximate or otherwise near the first end 1491g of the sleeve 1490g, which can help guide the coupling member 1430b onto a corresponding interface port. The lip 1497g may share the same functional aspects of the engagement member 1397f of sleeve 1390f.
Referring to
Embodiments of connector 1406 may include a coupling member 1430a. Coupling member 1430a may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of coupling member 1330a. Accordingly, coupling member 1430a may include a first end 1431a, a second end 1432a, an inner surface 1433a, an outer surface 1436a, an internal lip 1434a, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end 1432a of the coupling member 1430a, wherein the internal lip 1434a includes a surface 1435a facing the first forward end 1431a of the coupling member 1430a. Moreover, coupling member 1430a may include an engagement member 1497a configured to retain, accommodate, receive, or mate with an engagement member 1497a of the sleeve 1490a, and an outer surface feature 1438a proximate or otherwise near the second end 1432a to improve mechanical interference or friction between the coupling member 1330a and the sleeve 1390.
Embodiments of connector 1406 may also include a sleeve 1490a. Sleeve 1490a may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 1390a described supra. Accordingly, the sleeve 1490a may include a first end 1491a, a second 1491a, an inner surface 1493a, and an outer surface 1494a, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Moreover, the sleeve 1390a may also include an engagement member 1497a configured to mate or engage with the retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330a, and internal surface features 1498a to improve the contact between the coupling member 1430a and sleeve 1490a.
Referring now to
Embodiments of connector 1408 may include a sleeve 1490e. Sleeve 1490e may share the same or substantially the same function as sleeve 1390e. Accordingly, the sleeve 1490e may include a first end 1491e, a second end 1492e, an inner surface 1493e, and an outer surface 1494e, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Sleeve 1490e may surround the coupling member 1430a, the post 1440, the connector body 1450, or a portion thereof, and the compression portion 1360 when in an assembled and/or compressed position. Moreover, the sleeve 1490e may extend towards the first end 1431a of coupling member 1430a. Sleeve 1490e may further include an inwardly extending lip 1497e proximate or otherwise near the first end 1491e of the sleeve 1490e, which can help guide the coupling member 1430a onto a corresponding interface port. The lip 1497e may share the same functional aspects of the engagement member 1397e of sleeve 1390e.
With reference now to
Embodiments of connector 1410 may include a sleeve 1410. Sleeve 1410 may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 1390d. Accordingly, the sleeve 1490d may include a first end 1491d, a second end 1492d, an inner surface 1493d, and an outer surface 1494d, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Additionally, sleeve 1490d may extend towards the first end 1431a of coupling member 1430a. The sleeve 1490d may include an engagement member 1497d that may share the same or substantially the same structural or functional aspects as engagement member 1397d. For instance, the engagement member 1497d may be configured to mate or engage with a correspondingly located retaining structure 1337 of the coupling member 1330a.
With reference now to
Embodiments of connector 1412 may include an integral sleeve 1490c. Integral sleeve 1490c may share the same structural and functional aspects of integral sleeve 1390c. Accordingly, integral sleeve 1390c may include a first end 1491c, a second end 1492c, an outer surface 1493c, and an outer surface 1494c, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Moreover, the integral sleeve 1490c may include a coupling portion 1495c proximate the first end 1491c and a body portion 1496c structurally integral with the coupling portion 1495c.
Referring now to
With continued reference to the drawings,
Referring to
Embodiments of connector 1500 may include a coupling member 1530a. Coupling member 1530a may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of coupling member 1330a/1430a. Accordingly, coupling member 1530a may include a first end 1531a, a second end 1532a, an inner surface 1533a, an outer surface 1536a, an internal lip 1534a, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end 1532a of the coupling member 1530a, wherein the internal lip 1534a includes a surface 1535a facing the first forward end 1531a of the coupling member 1530a. However, coupling member 1530a need not include an engagement member 1597a, as described in association with coupling member 1330a/1430a.
Embodiments of connector 1500 may also include a compression portion 1560a. Compression portion 1560a may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of compression portion 1360a. Accordingly, compression portion 1560a may be operably attached to the connector body 1550. For instance, the compression portion 1560a may be structurally integral with the connector body 1550, wherein the compression portion 1560a separates from the connector body 1550 upon an axial force which in turn radially compresses the second end of the connector body 1550 onto the coaxial cable 10. Moreover, the structural connection or configuration between the connector body 1550 and the compression portion 1560a may be defined by an internal annular notch 1566a or groove of the compression portion 1565a and an outer ramped surface 1556 of the connector body 1550.
Furthermore, embodiments of connector 1500 may include a radial restriction member 1565a. Radial restriction member 1565a may share the same structural and functional aspects of radial restriction member 1365a. Accordingly, the radial restriction member 1565a may be a bushing or similar annular tubular member disposed proximate the rearward second end of the connector body 1550 that may prevent the compression portion 1560a from splintering or otherwise displacing in a direction other than substantially axial towards the coupling member 1530. Embodiments of the compression portion 1560a may create an environmental seal around the coaxial cable 10 when in the fully compressed position. Those skilled in the requisite art should appreciate that the seal may be created by the compression portion 1560a without the radial restriction member 1565a. However, the radial restriction member 1565a significantly enhances the structural integrity and functional operability of the compression portion, for example, when it is compressed and sealed against an attached coaxial cable 10.
Referring now to
With reference to
Referring now to
With reference now to
Referring still to the drawings,
Embodiments of connector 1600 may include a coupling member 1630. Coupling member 1630 may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of coupling member 1330/1430/1530. Accordingly, coupling member 1630 may include a first end 1631, a second end 1632, an inner surface 1633, an outer surface 1636, an internal lip 1634, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end 1632 of the coupling member 1630, wherein the internal lip 1634 includes a surface 1635 facing the first forward end 1631 of the coupling member 1630. Moreover, coupling member 1630a may include an retaining structure 1637 configured to retain, accommodate, receive, or mate with an engagement member 1697a of the sleeve 1690, and an outer surface feature(s) 1638 proximate or otherwise near the second end 1668 to improve mechanical interference or friction between the coupling member 1630 and the sleeve 1690. Retaining structure 1637 may share the same structural and functional aspects of retaining structure 1337a/1337b, described supra. However, coupling member 1630 may be axially rotatable with respect to a port face engagement member 1610 such that the coupling member 1630 may freely rotate about the port face engagement member 1610 and the connector body 1650.
Embodiments of the connector 1600 may include a port face engagement member 1610. Port face engagement member 1610 may be disposed within a portion of the generally axial opening of the coupling member 1630 and a portion of the generally axially opening of an extension member 1680. Embodiments of the port face engagement member 1610 may include a first end 1611, an opposing second 1612, and a flange 1613 proximate the first end 1611. The flange 1613 may include an outwardly extending portion with a tapered surface, wherein the tapered surface of the flange 1613 opposingly corresponds to the tapered surface of the lip 1634 of the coupling member 1630 for operable engagement with the coupling member 1630. The flange 1613 may also include an inwardly extending portion that is configured to engage an insulator body 1625 disposed within the tubular opening of the post face engagement member 1610. The engagement between the inwardly extending portion of the flange 1613 and the insulator body 1625 may prevent or hinder axial movement of the insulator body 1625 when accepting the center conductor pin portion 1618 of the center conductor clamp 1615 and engaging a driver member 1620. While the insulator body 1610 should be formed of materials having insulating properties, the port face engagement member 1610 should be formed of conductive materials to extend a grounding path through the coaxial cable connector to an interface port, such as interface port 20.
With continued reference to
Embodiments of connector 1600 may further include an outer sleeve 1690. The outer sleeve 1690 may be disposed over the coupling element, or a portion thereof, and the extension member 1680, or a portion thereof. Sleeve 1690 may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 1390a described supra. Accordingly, the sleeve 1690 may include a first end 1691, a second 1692, an inner surface 1693, and an outer surface 1694, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Moreover, the sleeve 1690 may also include at least one engagement member 1697a, 1697b configured to mate or engage with at least one of (or both) the retaining structure 1637 of the coupling member 1680 and the retaining structure 1687 of the extension member 1680. The sleeve 1690 may further include internal surface features 1698 to improve the contact between the coupling member 1630 and sleeve 1690, and may include an outer surface feature(s) 1698. For example, embodiments of the sleeve 1690 may include outer surface features 1699, such as annular serrations or slots, configured to enhance gripping of the sleeve 1690 while connecting the coaxial cable connector onto an interface port.
Embodiments of connector 1600 may include a connector body 1650. Connector body 1650 may connector body 1650 may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of the embodiments connector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250/1350/1450 described supra. The connector body 1650 may be operably attached or engageable with the post 1640, and may also physically communicate with the extension member 1680 proximate the second end 1682 of the extension member 1680.
Referring still to
Embodiments of connector 1600 may include a center conductor clamp 1615. Center conductor clamp 1618 may include a center conductor pin portion 1618 and a socket portion 1618. Center conductor clamp 1615 may be a conductive element that may extend or carry an electrical current and/or signal from a first point to a second point. For example, center conductor clamp 1615 may be a terminal, a pin, a conductor, an electrical contact, and the like, and should be formed of conductive materials. Furthermore, embodiments of center conductor clamp 1615 may include a socket portion 1619. Embodiments of the socket portion 1619 may include a socket that may be a clamp or basket that clamps, grips, collects, or is configured to mechanically communicate with the center conductive strand 18 of a coaxial cable 10. The socket portion 1619 may reside within an opening of a driving member 1620.
Furthermore, embodiments of connector 1600 may include a driver member 1620. The driver member 1620 may be disposed within the tubular opening of the post 1640. Embodiments of the driver member 1620 may include a first end 1621 and an opposing second 1622, and may further include a central opening to accommodate the socket portion 1619 of a center conductor clamp 1615. The end face/surface of the driver member 1620 proximate the second end 1622 may be configured to engage the dielectric 16 of the coaxial cable 10 as the cable is axially inserted into the connector. As the cable 10 is further axially inserted into the connector, the center conductor 18 enters the socket portion 1619 of the center conductor clamp 1615, and the dielectric 16 engages the driver member 1620, and the driver member 1620 moves axially along with the center conductor clamp 1615 until the driver member 1620 physically engages the insulator body 1610 disposed within the post face engagement feature 1610. Once engagement occurs with between the first end 1621 of the driver member 1620 and the insulator body 1610, the center conductor clamp 1615 may be axially stationary and the center conductor pin portion 1318 may be disposed within the general axial opening of the coupling member 1630.
Additionally, embodiments of connector 1600 may include a compression portion 1660a. Compression portion 1660a may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of compression portion 1360a/1560a. Accordingly, compression portion 1660a may be operably attached to the connector body 1650. For instance, the compression portion 1660a may be structurally integral with the connector body 1650, wherein the compression portion 1660a separates from the connector body 1650 upon an axial force which in turn radially compresses the second end of the connector body 1650 onto the coaxial cable 10. Moreover, the structural connection or configuration between the connector body 1650 and the compression portion 1660a may be defined by an internal annular notch 1666a or groove of the compression portion 1660a and an outer ramped surface 1656 of the connector body 1650.
Embodiments of connector 1600 may further include a radial restriction member 1650a. Radial restriction member 1665a may share the same structural and functional aspects of radial restriction member 1365a/1565a. Accordingly, the radial restriction member 1665a may be a bushing or similar annular tubular member disposed proximate the rearward second end of the connector body 1650 that may prevent the compression portion 1660a from splintering or otherwise displacing in a direction other than substantially axial towards the coupling member 1630. Embodiments of the compression portion 1660a may create an environmental seal around the coaxial cable 10 when in the fully compressed position. Those skilled in the requisite art should appreciate that the seal may be created by the compression portion 1660a without the radial restriction member 1665a. However, the radial restriction member 1665a significantly enhances the structural integrity and functional operability of the compression portion, for example, when it is compressed and sealed against an attached coaxial cable 10.
Embodiments of connector 1603 may include a compression portion 1660b. Compression portion 1660b may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of fastener member 60 and compression portion 1460b, as described supra. Accordingly, compression portion 1660b may have a first end 1661b and opposing second end 1662b, and a ramped surface 1666b which may be positioned between a first opening or inner bore having a first diameter positioned proximate with the first end 1661b of the compression portion 1660b and a second opening or inner bore having a second diameter positioned proximate with the second end 1662b of the compression portion 1460b to deformably compress the outer surface of a connector body 1650 when the compression portion 1660b is operated to secure a coaxial cable 10.
Embodiments of connector 1604 may include a compression portion 1660c. Compression portion 1660c may share the same structural and functional aspects of compression portion 1460c. For example, compression portion 1660c may be an insertable compression sleeve or tubular locking compression member that may reside internally with respect to the connector body 1450 when in the compressed position, as described in further detail supra. The compression portion 1660c may include a first end 1661c, a second end 1662c, an inner surface 1663c, and an outer surface 1664c, and may include a lip 1465c proximate the first end 1661c of the compression position 1660c, wherein an internal groove of the connector body 1650 mates with the lip 1665c of the compression portion 1460c.
With continued reference to the drawings,
Embodiments of connector 1700 may include a coupling member 1730. Coupling member 1730 may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of the embodiments of nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230, such as being mated, threaded or otherwise, to a corresponding interface port 20. Accordingly, coupling member 1730 may include a first end 1730, a second end 1730, an inner surface 1730, an outer surface 1736, an internal lip 1734, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end 1732 of the coupling member 1730, wherein the internal lip 1734 includes a surface 1735 facing the first forward end 1731 of the coupling member 1730. Additionally, coupling member 1730 may include a retaining structure 1737 on the outer surface 1736 of the coupling member 1730, similar to retaining structure 1337b, described supra to engage, retain, etc. sleeve 1790.
Embodiments of connector 1700 may include an outer sleeve 1790. Embodiments of sleeve 1790 may share the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 1390b described in association with, for example, connector 1303. Accordingly, sleeve 1790 may include an engagement member 1797 that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure 1737 of the coupling member 1730. For example, the sleeve 1790 may include a first end 1791, a second end 1792, an inner surface 1793, and an outer surface 1794, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. However, the sleeve 1790 may be radially disposed over the coupling member 1730, or a portion thereof, the post 1740, the connector body 1750, or a portion thereof, and the compression portion 1760, or a portion thereof, while operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. Additionally, the sleeve 1790 may include an annular ramped surface 1795 or chamfer proximate or otherwise near the first end 1791 to accommodate an increased diameter or general size of the coupling member 1730 proximate a second, rearward end 1732 of the coupling member 1732. Embodiments of the ramped surface 1795 may be structurally integral with the engagement member 1797 and the body of the sleeve 1790.
Furthermore, embodiments of connector 1700 may include a compression portion 1760. Compression portion 1760 may be a separate component from the connector body 1750 (as shown in
Embodiments of connector 1700 may further include a radial restriction member 1765. The radial restriction member 1765 may be a bushing or similar annular tubular member having an inwardly extending lip disposed partially over a rearward second end of the connector body 1750, and around the compression portion while in an uncompressed position, as shown in
Referring still to the drawings,
Referring now to
Embodiments of connector 1800 may include compression portion 1860. Compression portion 1860 may be structurally integral with the connector body 1850; however, the compression portion 1860 may be configured to be crimped onto a coaxial cable 10. For example, the compression portion 1860 may be a portion of the connector body 1850 that may be compressed, by a tool or other crimping means, tightly around the jacket 12 of the coaxial cable 10. In most embodiments, the sleeve 1890 may be operably assembled after the crimping of compression portion 1860. The operable attachment of the outer sleeve is described in detail supra.
With reference now to
Embodiments of connector 1900 may include a connector body 1950. Connector body 1950 may share the same structural and functional aspects of connector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250/1350/1450/1550/1750. However, connector body may include internal threads 1955 along an inner surface 1953 of the connector body 1950. The internal threads 1955 of the connector body 1950 may correspond to threads of a hardline cable, or other coaxial cable having a threadable outer, rigid conductive strand.
Those skilled in the art should appreciate that various combinations and embodiments disclosed and described in detail herein may include a body sealing element, such as sealing element 80, to provide an environmental seal for the coaxial cable connector.
With reference to
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/633,792, filed Dec. 8, 2009, and entitled COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR HAVING ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY MEMBER, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/180,835 filed May 22, 2009, and entitled COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR HAVING ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY MEMBER.
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