Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02680989 2016-04-26
CABLE CONNECTOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001]
Connectors are used to connect coaxial cables to various electronic devices,
such
as televisions, antennas, set-top boxes, satellite television receivers, etc.
Conventional
coaxial connectors generally include a connector body having an annular collar
for
accommodating a coaxial cable, an annular nut rotatably coupled to the collar
for providing
mechanical attachment of the connector to an external device, and an annular
post interposed
between the collar and the nut. The annular collar that receives the coaxial
cable includes a
cable receiving end for insertably receiving a coaxial cable and, at the
opposite end of the
- 1 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
connector body, the annular nut includes an internally threaded end that
permits screw
threaded attachment of the body to an external device.
[0004] This type of coaxial connector also typically includes a locking
sleeve to secure
the cable within the body of the coaxial connector. The locking sleeve, which
is typically
formed of a resilient plastic material, is securable to the connector body to
secure the coaxial
connector thereto. In this regard, the connector body typically includes some
form of
structure to cooperatively engage the locking sleeve. Such structure may
include one or
more recesses or detents formed on an inner annular surface of the connector
body, which
engages cooperating structure formed on an outer surface of the sleeve.
[0005] Conventional coaxial cables typically include a center conductor
surrounded by
an insulator. A conductive foil is disposed over the insulator and a braided
conductive shield
surrounds the foil-covered insulator. An outer insulative jacket surrounds the
shield. In
order to prepare the coaxial cable for termination with a connector, the outer
jacket is
stripped back exposing a portion of the braided conductive shield. The exposed
braided
conductive shield is folded back over the jacket. A portion of the insulator
covered by the
conductive foil extends outwardly from the jacket and a portion of the center
conductor
extends outwardly from within the insulator.
[0006] Upon assembly, a coaxial cable is inserted into the cable receiving
end of the
connector body and the annular post is forced between the foil covered
insulator and the
conductive shield of the cable. In this regard, the post is typically provided
with a radially
enlarged barb to facilitate expansion of the cable jacket. The locking sleeve
is then moved
axially into the connector body to clamp the cable jacket against the post
barb providing both
cable retention and a water-tight seal around the cable jacket. The connector
can then be
- 2 -
CA 02680989 2016-04-26
attached to an external device by tightening the internally threaded nut to an
externally
threaded terminal or port of the external device.
[0007] The Society of Cable Telecommunication Engineers (SCTE) provides
values for
the amount of torque recommended for connecting such coaxial cable connectors
to various
external devices. Indeed, most cable television (CATV), multiple systems
operator (MSO),
satellite and telecommunication providers also require their installers to
apply a torque
requirement of 25 to 30 in/lb to secure the fittings against the interface
(reference plane).
The torque requirement prevents loss of signals (egress) or introduction of
unwanted signals
(ingress) between the two mating surfaces of the male and female connectors,
known in the
field as the reference plane.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007.1] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
coaxial cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to a mating connector,
the coaxial cable
connector comprising a connector body having a forward end and a rearward
cable receiving
end for receiving a cable; a nut rotatably coupled to the forward end of the
connector body;
an annular post disposed within the connector body, the annular post having a
forward
flanged base portion located adjacent a portion of the nut; an annular notch
formed in an
outer surface of the forward flanged base portion; and a biasing element
retained in the
annular notch, wherein the biasing element includes an attachment portion for
engaging the
annular notch and a resilient central portion formed radially inwardly from
the attachment
portion and having an opening therethrough, wherein the resilient central
portion includes at
least one resilient structure configured to apply a biasing force between the
annular post and
- 3 -
CA 02680989 2016-04-26
the mating connector, upon insertion of the mating connector into the nut, and
wherein the
attachment portion is configured to engage the annular notch to retain the
biasing element to
the annular post.
[0007.2] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided
acoaxial cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to a mating connector,
the coaxial cable
connector comprising a connector body having a forward end and a rearward
cable receiving
end for receiving a cable; a nut rotataby coupled to the forward end of the
connector body; an
annular post disposed within the connector body, the annular post having a
forward flanged
portion located adjacent a portion of the nut; an annular notch formed in the
forward flanged
base portion; and a biasing element retained in the annular notch, wherein the
biasing
element includes an attachment portion for engaging the annular notch and a
resilient central
portion having an opening therethrough, wherein the resilient central portion
includes at least
one resilient structure configured to apply a biasing force between the
annular post and the
mating connector, upon insertion of the mating connector into the nut, and
wherein the
resilient central portion comprises a U-shaped surface having at least one low
portion and at
least one high portion integrally formed with the attachment portion, wherein
the biasing
force between the annular post and the mating connector is caused by
deflection of the at
least one low portion toward the at least one high portion.
[0007.3] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided
a coaxial cable configured to connect to a mating connector, the coaxial cable
connector
comprising a connector body having a forward end and a rearward cable
receiving end for
receiving a cable; a nut rotatably coupled to the forward end of the connector
body; an
- 3a -
CA 02680989 2016-04-26
annular post disposed within the connector body, the annular post having a
forward flanged
base portion located adjacent a portion of the nut; and a biasing element
retained on the
annular post, wherein the biasing element includes an attachment portion for
engaging the
annular post and a resilient central portion having an opening therethrough,
wherein the
resilient central portion includes at least one resilient structure configured
to apply a biasing
force between the annular post and the mating connector, upon insertion of the
mating
connector into the nut, and wherein the resilient central portion comprises a
U-shaped
surface, wherein the biasing force between the annular post and the mating
connector is
caused by deflection of a forward portion of the U-shaped surface towards a
rearward portion
of the U-shaped surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100081 Figure 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a
coaxial cable
connector;
100091 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the
coaxial
cable connector of the Fig. 1;
100101 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the biasing element of the
connector shown in
Fig. 1;
[0011] Figure 4 is cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the
coaxial cable
connector of the present invention;
100121 Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views of the biasing element of
the connector
shown in Fig. 4;
- 3b -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
[0013] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of another alternative
embodiment of the
coaxial cable connector of the present invention;
[0014] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the biasing element shown in Fig.
6A;
[0015] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of still another alternative
embodiment of the
coaxial cable connector of the present invention;
[0016] Figure 7B is a perspective view of the biasing element shown in Fig.
7A.
[0017] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment
of the
coaxial cable connector of Fig. 1 in an unconnected configuration;
[0018] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of
Fig. 8 in a
connected configuration;
[0019] Figure 10A is an enlarged, isometric view of the exemplary biasing
element of
Figs. 8 and 9;
[0020] Figure 10B is an enlarged axial view of the biasing element of Fig.
10A taken
along line A of Fig. 8;
[0021] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary biasing
element;
[0022] Figure 12A is an enlarged, isometric view of an exemplary biasing
element of
Fig. 11;
[0023] Figure 12B is an enlarged axial view of the biasing element of Fig.
12A taken
along line A of Fig. 8;
[0024] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary biasing
element of
the coaxial cable connector of Fig. 1;
[0025] Figure 14A is an enlarged, isometric view of the biasing element of
Fig. 13;
- 4 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
,
. ,
[0026] Figure 14B is an enlarged axial view of the biasing element
of Fig. 14A taken
along line A of Fig. 13.
[0027] Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary
embodiment of the
coaxial cable connector of Fig. 1 in an unconnected configuration;
[0028] Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable
connector of Fig. 15A in
a connected configuration;
[0029] Figure 16 is an enlarged, isometric view of the biasing
element of Figs. 15A-15B;
[0030] Figures 17-22 are isometric illustrations of alternative
implementations of biasing
element for use with the coaxial cable connector of Fig. 1;
[0031] Figures 23 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary
embodiment of the
coaxial cable connector of Fig. 1 in an unconnected configuration; and
[0032] Figure 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the post
of Fig. 23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] A large number of home coaxial cable installations are
often done by "do-it
yourself" laypersons who may not be familiar with torque standards associated
with cable
connectors. In these cases, the installer will typically hand-tighten the
coaxial cable
connectors instead of using a tool, which can result in the connectors not
being properly
seated, either upon initial installation, or after a period of use. Upon
immediately receiving a
poor signal, the customer typically calls the CATV, MSO, satellite or
telecommunication
provider to request repair service. Obviously, this is a cost concern for the
CATV, MSO,
satellite and telecommunication providers, who then have to send a repair
technician to the
customer's home.
- 5 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
. ,
100341 Moreover, even when tightened according to the proper torque
requirements,
another problem with such prior art connectors is the connector's tendency
over time to
become disconnected from the external device to which it is connected, due to
forces such as
vibrations, heat expansion, etc. Specifically, the internally threaded nut for
providing
mechanical attachment of the connector to an external device has a tendency to
back-off or
loosen itself from the threaded port connection of the external device over
time. Once the
connector becomes sufficiently loosened, electrical connection between the
coaxial cable and
the external device is broken, resulting in a failed condition.
100351 Figures 1-2 depict an exemplary coaxial cable connector 10
consistent with
embodiments described herein. As illustrated in Fig. 1, connector 10 may
include a
connector body 12, a locking sleeve 14, an annular post 16, and a rotatable
nut 18.
[00361 In one implementation, connector body 12 (also referred to as a
"collar") may
include an elongated, cylindrical member, which can be made from plastic,
metal, or any
suitable material or combination of materials. Connector body 12 may include a
forward end
20 operatively coupled to annular post 16 and rotatable nut 18, and a cable
receiving end 22
opposite to forward end 20. Cable receiving end 22 may be configured to
insertably receive
locking sleeve 14, as well as a prepared end of a coaxial cable 100 in the
forward direction as
shown by arrow A in Fig. 2. Cable receiving end 22 of connector body 12 may
further
include an inner sleeve engagement surface 24 for coupling with the locking
sleeve 14. In
some implementations, inner sleeve engagement surface 24 is preferably formed
with a
groove or recess 26, which cooperates with mating detent structure 28 provided
on the outer
surface of locking sleeve 14.
- 6 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
[0037] Locking sleeve 14 may include a substantially tubular body having a
rearward
cable receiving end 30 and an opposite forward connector insertion end 32,
movably coupled
to inner sleeve engagement surface 24 of the connector body 12. As mentioned
above, the
outer cylindrical surface of locking sleeve 14 may be configured to include a
plurality of
ridges or projections 28, which cooperate with groove or recess 26 formed in
inner sleeve
engagement surface 24 of the connector body 12 to allow for the movable
connection of
sleeve 14 to the connector body 12, such that locking sleeve 14 is lockingly
axially moveable
along the direction of arrow A toward the forward end 20 of the connector body
12 from a
first position, as shown, for example, in Figure 2 to a second, axially
advanced position
(shown in Fig. 1). When in the first position, locking sleeve 14 may be
loosely retained in
connector 10. When in the second position, locking sleeve 14 may be secured
within
connector 10. In some implementations, locking sleeve 14 may be detachably
removed from
connector 10, e.g., during shipment, etc., by, for example, snappingly
removing projections
28 from groove/recess 26. Prior to installation, locking sleeve 14 may be
reattached to
connector body 12 in the manner described above.
[0038] In some additional implementations, locking sleeve 14 may include a
flanged
head portion 34 disposed at the rearward cable receiving end 30 of locking
sleeve 14. Head
portion 34 may include an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the
body 12 and
may further include a forward facing perpendicular wall 36, which serves as an
abutment
surface against which the rearward end 22 of body 12 stops to prevent further
insertion of
locking sleeve 14 into body 12. A resilient, sealing 0-ring 37 may be provided
at forward
facing perpendicular wall 36 to provide a substantially water-tight seal
between locking
- 7 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
sleeve 14 and connector body 12 upon insertion of the locking sleeve within
the body and
advancement from the first position (Fig. 2) to the second position (Fig. 1).
[0039] As mentioned above, connector 10 may further include annular post 16
coupled to
forward end 20 of connector body 12. As illustrated in Fig. 2, annular post 16
may include a
flanged base portion 38 at its forward end for securing the post within
annular nut 18.
Annular post 16 may also include an annular tubular extension 40 extending
rearwardly
within body 12 and terminating adjacent rearward end 22 of connector body 12.
In one
embodiment, the rearward end of tubular extension 40 may include a radially
outwardly
extending ramped flange portion or "barb" 42 to enhance compression of the
outer jacket of
the coaxial cable and to secure the cable within connector 10. Tubular
extension 40 of
annular post 16, locking sleeve 14, and connector body 12 together define an
annular
chamber 44 for accommodating the jacket and shield of an inserted coaxial
cable.
100401 As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, annular nut 18 may be rotatably
coupled to forward
end 20 of connector body 12. Annular nut 18 may include any number of
attaching
mechanisms, such as that of a hex nut, a knurled nut, a wing nut, or any other
known
attaching means, and may be rotatably coupled to connector body 12 for
providing
mechanical attachment of the connector 10 to an external device via a threaded
relationship.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, nut 18 may include an annular flange 45 configured
to fix nut 18
axially relative to annular post 16 and connector body 12. In one
implementation, a resilient
sealing 0-ring 46 may be positioned in annular nut 18 to provide a water
resistant seal
between connector body 12, annular post 16, and annular nut 18
100411 Connector 10 may be supplied in the assembled condition, as shown in
the
drawings, in which locking sleeve 14 is pre-installed inside rearward cable
receiving end 22
- 8 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
,
of connector body 12. In such an assembled condition, a coaxial cable may be
inserted
through rearward cable receiving end 30 of locking sleeve 14 to engage annular
post 16 of
connector 10 in the manner described above. In other implementations, locking
sleeve 14
may be first slipped over the end of a coaxial cable and the cable (together
with locking
sleeve 14) may subsequently be inserted into rearward end 22 of connector body
12.
[0042] In either case, once the prepared end of a coaxial cable is
inserted into connector
body 12 so that the cable jacket is separated from the insulator by the sharp
edge of annular
post 16, locking sleeve 14 may be moved axially forward in the direction of
arrow A from
the first position (shown in Fig. 2) to the second position (shown in Fig. 1).
In some
implementations, advancing locking sleeve 14 from the first position to the
second position
may be accomplished with a suitable compression tool. As locking sleeve 14 is
moved
axially forward, the cable jacket is compressed within annular chamber 44 to
secure the cable
in connector 10. Once the cable is secured, connector 10 is ready for
attachment to a port
connector 48 (illustrated in Figs. 9 and 15B), such as an F-81 connector, of
an external
device.
[0043] As illustrated below in relation to Figs. 9 and 15B, port
connector 48 may include
a substantially cylindrical body 50 having external threads 52 that match
internal threads 54
of annular nut 18. As will be discussed in additional detail below, retention
force between
annular nut 18 and port connector 48 may be enhanced by providing a
substantially constant
load force on the port connector 48.
[0044] As illustrated in Fig. 2, in an exemplary implementation,
connector 10 may
include a biasing element or spring 200 extending outwardly beyond a forward
face 56 of
shoulder portion 38 of the post 16 for making resilient contact with a
rearward face (element
- 9 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
== = '
58 in Fig. 9) of a mating connector port. Biasing element 200 may include a
degree of
flexure in that it is designed to deflect or deform in a rearward direction
back toward forward
face 56 of post shoulder portion 38. Thus, when nut 18 is tightened on a
mating connector
port, biasing element 200 is forced to compress to a certain degree as the
rearward face of the
connector port makes contact with the biasing element. Such compression, or
rearward
deflection is desirable so that, should nut 18 loosen and the rearward face of
the mating
connector port begin to back away from forward face 56 of the post, the
resilience of biasing
element 200 will urge biasing element 200 to spring back to its initial form
so that biasing
element 200 will maintain contact with rearward face 58 of the mating
connector port 48.
[0045] Biasing element 200 can take various forms, but in each
form biasing element 200
is preferably made from a durable, resilient electrically conductive material,
such as spring
steel, for transferring the electrical signal from post shoulder portion 38 to
rearward face 58
of mating connector port 48. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, biasing
element 200
is in the form of a ring 210 having a cylindrical base portion 215 and a
deflectable skirt
portion 220 extending in a forward direction from a forward end of base
portion 215. As
shown, deflectable skirt portion 220 extends in a direction radially inward
from base portion
215, while the ring 410 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 has a deflectable skirt portion
420 that extends
in a direction radially outward from the base portion 415.
[0046] In both embodiments described above, base portion 215/415
of the ring 210/410
is preferably press-fit within a circular groove 225 formed directly in
forward face 56 of the
post shoulder portion 38. Also in both embodiments, with ring 210/410 fixed to
the post
shoulder portion 38, deflectable skirt 220/420 may extend beyond forward face
56 of the post
-10-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
.õ
shoulder portion 38 a distance in the forward direction and is permitted to
deflect or deform
with respect to fixed base portion 215 toward and away from post forward face
56.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figs. 6A and
6B, connector 10 may
include a biasing element or spring 600 formed as a ring 610 having a
cylindrical wall 615
with a retaining lip 620 formed on a rearward end of the wall and a reverse-
bent, deflectable
rim 625 formed on a forward end of the wall opposite the retaining lip.
Cylindrical wall 615
may include an inner diameter closely matching an outer diameter of post
shoulder portion
38 and retaining lip 620 may extend in a direction radially inward from
cylindrical wall 615.
Retaining lip 620 may be received in a peripheral groove 630 formed in the
outer diametric
surface of post shoulder portion 38. To facilitate assembly, retaining lip 620
can be formed
with one or more slots 635 that enhance flexure of lip 620 to permit easy snap-
fit insertion of
post shoulder portion 38 within ring 610.
[0048] Like the deflectable skirts 220/420 described above, the
deflectable rim 625 of
Fig. 6 may extend beyond forward face 56 of the post shoulder portion a
distance in the
forward direction and is permitted to deflect or deform with respect to the
cylindrical wall
615. In this case, the reverse-bent geometry of deflectable rim 625 allows the
rim to collapse
on itself when subjected to compression and return to its original shape as
the compressive
force is removed. Thus, the forward-most portion of rim 625 is permitted to
move toward
and away from post forward face 56.
[0049] In another alternative embodiment, as shown in Figures 7A
and 7B, connector 10
may include a biasing element or spring 700 formed as a ring 710 having a
combination of
the features of the rings 210, 410, and 610 described above. Specifically, the
ring 710 may
include a cylindrical wall 715 with a retaining lip 720 formed on a rearward
end of wall 715
-11-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
similar to the ring 610 described above. However, in this case, a deflectable
skirt 725 may be
formed on the forward end of the wall opposite retaining lip 720. Again,
cylindrical wall 715
may include an inner diameter closely matching the outer diameter of post
shoulder portion
38 and retaining lip 720 may extend in a direction radially inward from
cylindrical wall 715.
Retaining lip 720 may be received in a peripheral groove 730 formed in the
outer diametric
surface of the post shoulder portion 38. To facilitate assembly, retaining lip
720 can again be
formed with one or more slots 735 that enhance flexure of lip 720 to permit
easy snap-fit
insertion of the post shoulder portion 38 within the ring 710.
[0050] Like the deflectable skirt 220 described above, deflectable skirt
725 of ring 710
may extend in a forward direction from a forward end of cylindrical wall 715
and may also
extend in a direction radially inward from cylindrical wall 715. In one
implementation,
deflectable skirt 725 may project at an angle of approximately 45 degrees
relative to forward
surface 56 of annular post 16. Furthermore, deflectable skirt 725 may project
approximately
0.039 inches from the forward edge of ring 710. When snap- fit over the post
shoulder
portion 38, deflectable skirt 725 may extend beyond the forward face 56 of
post shoulder
portion 38 a distance in the forward direction and is permitted to deflect or
deform with
respect to the cylindrical wall 715 toward and away from post forward face 56.
[0051] By providing a biasing element 200/400/600/700 on forward face 56 of
post
shoulder portion 38, connector 10 may allows for up to 360 degree "back-off'
rotation of the
nut 18 on a terminal, without signal loss. In other words, the biasing element
may help to
maintain electrical continuity even if the nut is partially loosened. As a
result, maintaining
electrical contact between coaxial cable connector 10 and the signal contact
of port connector
48 is improved by a factor of 400-500%, as compared with prior art connectors.
- 12 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
[0052] Referring now to Figs. 8-10B, another alternative implementation of
a connector
is illustrated. The embodiment of Figs. 8-10B is similar to the embodiment
illustrated in
Fig. 2, and similar reference numbers are used where appropriate. In the
embodiment of
Figs. 8-10B, retention force between annular nut 18 and port connector 48 may
be enhanced
by providing a substantially constant load force on the port connector 48. To
provide this
load force, flanged base portion 38 of annular post 16 may be configured to
include a
notched configuration that includes an annular notch portion 800 and an
outwardly extending
lip portion 805, with annular notch portion 800 having a smaller outside
diameter than lip
portion 805. Annular notch portion 800 may be configured to retain a biasing
element 810.
In one implementation, the outside diameter of a forward surface of lip
portion 805 may
beveled, chamfered, or otherwise angled, such that a forwardmost portion of
lip portion 805
has a smaller inside diameter than a readwardmost portion of lip portion 805.
For example,
forwardmost portion of lip portion 805 may include an outside 25 radius
curve. Other
suitable degrees of curvature may be used. Such a configuration may enable
efficient
assembly of biasing element 810 with annular post 16, as described in
additional detail
below. In addition, in some implementations, biasing element 810 may include
an inside 25
radius curve to match the outside curve on lip portion 805.
100531 Biasing element 810 may include a conductive, resilient element
configured to
provide a suitable biasing force between annular post 16 and rearward surface
58 of port
connector 48. The conductive nature of biasing element 810 may facilitate
passage of
electrical and radio frequency (RF) signals from annular post 16 to port
connector 48 at
varying degrees of insertion relative to port connector 48 and connector 10.
- 13 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
. .
[0054] In one implementation, biasing element 810 may include a conical
spring having
first, substantially cylindrical attachment portion 815 configured to
engagingly surround at
least a portion of flanged base portion 38, and a second portion 820 having a
number of
slotted resilient fingers 825 configured in a substantially conical manner
with respect to first
portion 815. As illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B, a forward end of second
portion 820
may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of rearward end of second
portion 820 and
first portion 815. As described above, in one implementation, first portion
815 and second
portion 820 may transition via an inside curve that substantially matches an
outside curve of
lip portion 805. By providing substantially matching inside and outside
curves, over
stressing of the bending moment of biasing element 810 may be reduced.
[0055] In one exemplary embodiment, resilient fingers 825 may be equally
spaced
around a circumference of biasing element 810, such that biasing element 810
includes eight
resilient fingers 825, with a centerline of each finger 825 being positioned
approximately 450
from its adjacent fingers 825. The number of resilient fingers 825 illustrated
in Figs. 10A
and 10B is exemplary and any suitable number of resilient fingers 825 may be
used in a
manner consistent with implementations described herein.
[0056] First portion 815 of biasing element 810 may be configured to have
an inside
diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of lip portion 805. First
portion 815 may
be further configured to include a number of attachment elements 830 designed
to engage
notch portion 800 of flanged base portion 38. As illustrated in Figs. 10A and
10B, in one
exemplary implementation, attachment elements 830 may include a number of
dimples or
detents 835 formed in first portion 815, such that an interior of each detent
835 projects
within the interior diameter of first portion 815. Detents 835 may be referred
to as "lantzes"
- 14 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
,
=
or "bump lantzes" and may be formed by forcefully applying a suitably shaped
tool, such as
an awl, hammer, etc., to the outside diameter of first portion 815. In one
exemplary
implementation, first portion 815 may include eight detents 835 formed around
a periphery
of first portion 815. In another exemplary implementation (not shown), a
single continuous
detent may be formed around the periphery of first portion 815 to engage notch
portion 800.
[0057] In one embodiment, biasing element 810 may be formed of a
metallic material,
such as spring steel, having a thickness of approximately 0.008 inches. In
other
implementations, biasing element 810 may be formed of a resilient,
elastomeric, rubber, or
plastic material, impregnated with conductive particles.
[0058] During assembly of connector 10, first portion 815 of biasing
element 810 may be
engaged with flanged base portion 38, e.g., by forcing the inside diameter of
first portion 815
over the angled outside diameter of lip portion 805. Continued rearward
movement of
biasing element 810 relative to flanged base portion 38 causes detents 835 to
engage annular
notch portion 800, thereby retaining biasing element 810 to annular post 16,
while enabling
biasing element 810 to freely rotate with respect to annular post 16.
[0059] In an initial, uncompressed state (as shown in Fig. 9), slotted
resilient fingers 825
of biasing element 810 may extend a length "z" beyond forward surface 56 of
annular post
16. Upon insertion of port connector 48 (e.g., via rotatable threaded
engagement between
threads 52 and threads 54 as shown in Fig. 9), rearward surface 58 of port
connector 48 may
come into contact with resilient fingers 825. In a position of initial contact
between port
connector 48 and biasing element 810 (not shown), rearward surface 58 of port
connector 48
may be separated from forward surface 56 of annular post 16 by the distance
"z." The
conductive nature of biasing element 81 may enable effective transmission of
electrical and
- 15 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
,
RF signals from port connector 48 to annular post 16 even when separated by
distance z,
effectively increasing the reference plane of connector 10. In one
implementation, the
above-described configuration enables a functional gap or "clearance" of less
than or equal to
approximately 0.043 inches, for example 0.033 inches, between the reference
planes, thereby
enabling approximately 360 degrees or more of "back-off' rotation of annular
nut 18 relative
to port connector 48 while maintaining suitable passage of electrical and/or
RF signals.
[0060] Continued insertion of port connector 48 into connector 10
may cause
compression of resilient fingers 825, thereby providing a load force between
flanged base
portion 38 and port connector 48 and decreasing the distance between rearward
surface 58 of
port connector 48 and forward surface 56 of annular post 16. This load force
may be
transferred to threads 52 and 54, thereby facilitating constant tension
between threads 52 and
54 and decreasing the likelihood that port connector 48 will become loosened
from connector
due to external forces, such as vibrations, heating/cooling, etc.
[0061] Upon installation, the annular post 16 may be incorporated
into a coaxial cable
between the cable foil and the cable braid and may function to carry the RF
signals
propagated by the coaxial cable. In order to transfer the signals, post 16
makes contact with
the reference plane of the mating connector (e.g., port connector 48). By
retaining biasing
element 610 in notch 800 in annular post 16, biasing element 810 is able to
ensure electrical
and RF contact at the reference plane of port connector 48. The stepped nature
of post 16
enables compression of biasing element 810, while simultaneously supporting
direct
interfacing between post 16 and port connector 48. Further, compression of
biasing element
810 provides equal and opposite biasing forces between the internal threads of
nut 18 and the
external threads of port connector 48.
- 16 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
[0062] Referring now to Figs. 11, 12A, and 12B, an alternative
implementation of a
forward portion of connector 10 is shown. As illustrated in Fig. 11, flanged
base portion 38
may include annular notch portion 1100 and an outwardly extending lip portion
1105, with
annular notch portion 1100 having a smaller outside diameter than lip portion
1105 as
described above in Figs. 8 and 9. Annular notch portion 1100 may be configured
to retain a
biasing element 1110. In one implementation, the outside diameter of a forward
surface of
lip portion 1105 may be beveled, chamfered, or otherwise angled, such that a
forwardmost
portion of lip portion 1105 has a smaller inside diameter than a readwardmost
portion of lip
portion 1105. For example, forwardmost portion of lip portion 1105 may include
an outside
25 radius curve, although any suitable degrees of curvature may be used. Such
a
configuration may enable efficient assembly of a biasing element 1110 with
annular post 16,
as described in additional detail below. In addition, in some implementations,
biasing
element 1110 may include an inside 25 radius curve to match the outside curve
on lip
portion 1105.
[0063] As illustrated in Figs. 11, 12A, and 12B, biasing element 1110 may
include a
conductive, resilient element configured to provide a suitable biasing force
between annular
post 16 and rearward surface (e.g., rearward surface 58 of Fig. 9) of a port
connector (e.g.,
port connector 48 of Fig. 9). The conductive nature of biasing element 1110
may facilitate
passage of electrical and RF signals from annular post 16 to port connector 48
at varying
degrees of insertion relative to port connector 48 and connector 10.
[0064] In one implementation, biasing element 1110 may include a conical
spring having
a substantially cylindrical first portion 1115 configured to engagingly
surround at least a
portion of flanged base portion 38, and a second portion 1120 having a number
of slotted
- 17 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
,
resilient fingers 1125 configured in a curved, substantially conical manner
with respect to
first portion 1115. As illustrated in Figures 12A and 12B, a forward end of
second portion
1120 may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of rearward end of second
portion 1120
and first portion 1115.
[0065] In one exemplary embodiment, resilient fingers 1125 may be formed in
a radially
curving manner, such that each finger 1125 extends radially along its length.
Resilient
fingers 1125 may be equally spaced around the circumference of biasing element
1110, such
that biasing element 1110 includes eight, equally spaced, resilient fingers.
The number of
resilient fingers 1125 disclosed in Figs. 12A and 12B is exemplary and any
suitable number
of resilient fingers 1125 may be used in a manner consistent with
implementations described
herein.
[0066] First portion 1115 of biasing element 1110 may be configured to have
an inside
diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of lip portion 1105.
First portion 1115
may be further configured to include a number of attachment elements 1130
designed to
engage notch portion 1110 of flanged base portion 38. As illustrated in Figs.
11, 12A and
12B, in one exemplary implementation, attachment elements 1130 may include a
number of
dimples or detents 1135 formed in first portion 1115, such that an interior of
each detent
1135 projects within the interior diameter of first portion 1115. Detent 1135
may be formed
by forcefully applying a suitably shaped tool, such as an awl or the like, to
the outside
diameter of first portion 1115. In one exemplary implementation, first portion
1115 may
include four detents 1135 formed around a periphery thereof.
[0067] In one embodiment, biasing element 1110 may be formed of a metallic
material,
such as spring steel, having a thickness of approximately 0.008 inches. In
other
- 18-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
implementations, biasing element 1110 may be formed of a resilient,
elastomeric, rubber, or
plastic material, impregnated with conductive particles. Furthermore, in an
exemplary
implementation, biasing element 1110 may have an inside diameter of
approximately 0.314
inches, with first portion 1115 having a length of approximately 0.080 inches
and second
portion 1120 having an axial length of approximately 0.059 inches. Each of
radially curved
fingers 1125 may have an angle of approximately 450 relative to an axial
direction of biasing
element 1110. The forward end of second portion 1120 may have a diameter of
approximately 0.196 inches and the rearward end of second portion 1120 may
have a
diameter of approximately 0.330 inches. Each dimple or detent 1135 may have a
radius of
approximately 0.020 inches.
[0068] During assembly of connector 10, first portion 1115 of biasing
element 1110 may
be engaged with flanged base portion 38, e.g., by forcing the inside diameter
of first portion
1115 over the angled outside diameter of lip portion 1105. Continued rearward
movement of
biasing element 1110 relative to flanged base portion 38 causes detents 1135
to engage
annular notch portion 1100, thereby retaining biasing element 1110 to annular
post 16, while
enabling biasing element 1110 to freely rotate with respect to annular post
16.
[0069] In an initial, uncompressed state (as shown in Fig. 11), slotted
resilient fingers
1125 of biasing element 1110 may extend a length "z" beyond forward surface 56
of annular
post 16. Upon insertion of port connector 48 (e.g., via rotatable threaded
engagement
between threads 52 and threads 54), rearward surface 58 of port connector 48
may come into
contact with resilient fingers 1125. In a position of initial contact between
port connector 48
and biasing element 1110 (not shown), rearward surface 58 of port connector 48
may be
separated from forward surface 56 of annular post 16 by the distance "z." The
conductive
-19-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
,
nature of biasing element 1110 may enable effective transmission of electrical
and RF signals
from port connector 48 to annular post 16 even when separated by distance z,
effectively
increasing the reference plane of connector 10.
[0070] Continued insertion of port connector 48 into connector 10
may cause
compression of resilient fingers 1125, thereby providing a load force between
flanged base
portion 38 and port connector 48 and decreasing the distance between rearward
surface 58 of
port connector 48 and forward surface 56 of annular post 16. This load force
may be
transferred to threads 52 and 54, thereby facilitating constant tension
between threads 52 and
54 and decreasing the likelihood that port connector 48 will become loosened
from connector
due to external forces, such as vibrations, heating/cooling, etc.
[0071] Referring now to Figs. 13, 14A, and 14B, another alternative
implementation of a
forward portion of connector 10 is illustrated. As illustrated in Fig. 13,
unlike in the
embodiments of Figs. 8-12B, flanged base portion 38 may be substantially
cylindrical and
may not include an annular notch portion. Flanged base portion 38 may include
annular
flange 45 having a forward surface 1300 and a body portion 1305 having forward
surface 56.
In one implementation, the outside diameter of forward surface 56 of body
portion 1305 may
be beveled, chamfered, or otherwise angled, such that a forwardmost portion of
body portion
1305 has a smaller inside diameter than a readwardmost portion of body portion
1305. For
example, forwardmost portion of body portion 1305 may include an outside 25
radius curve,
although any other degrees of curvature may be used. Such a configuration may
enable
efficient assembly of a biasing element 1315 with annular post 16, as
described in additional
detail below. In addition, in some implementations, biasing element 1315 may
include an
inside 25 radius curve to match the outside curve on body portion 1305.
- 20-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
[0072] As illustrated in Figs. 13, 14A, and 14B, biasing element 1315 may
include a
conductive, resilient element configured to provide a suitable biasing force
between annular
post 16 and rearward surface (e.g., rearward surface 58 of Fig. 9) of a port
connector (e.g.,
port connector 48 of Fig. 9). The conductive nature of biasing element 1315
may facilitate
passage of electrical and RF signals from annular post 16 to port connector 48
at varying
degrees of insertion relative to port connector 48 and connector 10.
100731 In one implementation, biasing element 1315 may include a conical
spring having
a first, substantially cylindrical attachment portion 1320 configured to
engagingly surround at
least a portion of body portion 1305 of flanged base portion 38, and a second
portion 1325
having a number of slotted resilient fingers 1330 configured in a
substantially conical manner
with respect to first portion 1320. As illustrated in Figures 14A and 14B, a
forward end of
second portion 1325 may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of rearward
end of
second portion 1325 and first portion 1320.
[0074] First portion 1320 of biasing element 1315 may be configured to have
an inside
diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of body portion 1305. In
addition, first
portion 1320 of biasing element 1315 may include a flange 1335 extending
annularly from its
rearward end. Flange 1335 may be configured to enable biasing element 1315 to
be press-fit
by an appropriate tool or device about body portion 1305, such that biasing
element 1315 is
frictionally retained against body portion 1305.
[0075] In one exemplary embodiment, resilient fingers 1330 may be equally
spaced
around a circumference of biasing element 1315, such that biasing element 1315
includes
eight resilient fingers 1330, with a centerline of each finger 1330 being
positioned
approximately 45 from its adjacent fingers 1330. The number of resilient
fingers 1330
- 21 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
,
illustrated in Figs. 14A and 14B (e.g., eight fingers 1330) is exemplary and
any suitable
number of resilient fingers 1330 may be used in a manner consistent with
implementations
described herein.
[0076] In one embodiment, biasing element 1315 may be formed of a
metallic material,
such as spring steel, having a thickness of approximately 0.008 inches. In
other
implementations, biasing element 1315 may be formed of a resilient,
elastomeric, rubber, or
plastic material, impregnated with conductive particles. Furthermore, in an
exemplary
implementation, biasing element 1315 may have an inside diameter of
approximately 0.285
inches, with first portion 1320 having a length of approximately 0.080 inches
and second
portion 1325 having an axial length of approximately 0.059 inches. Each of
resilient fingers
1330 may have an angle of approximately 45 relative to an axial direction of
biasing element
1315. The forward end of second portion 1325 may have a diameter of
approximately 0.196
inches and the rearward end of second portion 1325 may have a diameter of
approximately
0.301 inches.
[0077] During assembly of connector 10, first portion 1320 of biasing
element 1315 may
be engaged with flanged base portion 38, e.g., by forcing the inside diameter
of first portion
1320 over the angled outside diameter of body portion 1305. Continued rearward
movement
of biasing element 1315 relative to body portion 1305, e.g., via force exerted
on flange 1335,
may cause biasing element 1315 to engage body portion 1305, thereby retaining
biasing
element 1315 to annular post 16.
[0078] In an initial, uncompressed state (as shown in Fig. 13), slotted
resilient fingers
1330 of biasing element 1315 may extend a length "z" beyond forward surface 56
of annular
post 16. Upon insertion of port connector 48 (e.g., via rotatable threaded
engagement
- 22 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
=
between threads 52 and threads 54 as shown in Fig. 9), rearward surface 58 of
port connector
48 may come into contact with resilient fingers 1330. In a position of initial
contact between
port connector 48 and biasing element 1315 (not shown), rearward surface 58 of
port
connector 48 may be separated from forward surface 56 of annular post 16 by
the distance
¶z.55
[0079] The conductive nature of biasing element 1315 may enable effective
transmission
of electrical and RF signals from port connector 48 to annular post 16 even
when separated
by distance z, effectively increasing the reference plane of connector 10.
Continued insertion
of port connector 48 into connector 10 may cause compression of resilient
fingers 1330,
thereby providing a load force between flanged base portion 38 and port
connector 48 and
decreasing the distance between rearward surface 58 of port connector 48 and
forward
surface 56 of annular post 16. This load force may be transferred to threads
52 and 54,
thereby facilitating constant tension between threads 52 and 54 and decreasing
the likelihood
that port connector 48 will become loosened from connector 10 due to external
forces, such
as vibrations, heating/cooling, etc.
[0080] Referring now to Figs. 15A-16, an alternative implementation of a
forward
portion of connector 10 is shown. As illustrated in Fig. 15A, flanged base
portion 38 may be
configured to include a notched configuration that includes an annular notch
portion 1500
and an outwardly extending lip portion 1505, with annular notch portion 1500
having a
smaller outside diameter than lip portion 1505. Annular notch portion 1500 may
be
configured to retain a biasing element 1510 therein. In one implementation,
the outside
diameter of a forward surface of lip portion 1505 may beveled, chamfered, or
otherwise
angled, such that a forwardmost portion of lip portion 1505 has a smaller
inside diameter
- 23 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
,
than a readwardmost portion of lip portion 1505. For example, forwardmost
portion of lip
portion 1505 may include an outside 25 radius curve, although other degrees
of curvature
may be used in other implementations. Such a configuration may enable
efficient assembly
of biasing element 1510 with annular post 16, as described in additional
detail below. In
addition, in some implementations, biasing element 1510 may include an inside
25 radius
curve to match the outside curve on lip portion 1505.
[0081] Consistent with implementations described herein, biasing element
1510 may
include a conductive, resilient element configured to provide a suitable
biasing force between
annular post 16 and rearward surface 58 of port connector 48 (as shown in Fig.
15B). The
conductive nature of biasing element 1510 may facilitate passage of electrical
and radio
frequency (RF) signals from annular post 16 to port connector 48 at varying
degrees of
insertion relative to port connector 48 and connector 10.
[0082] In one implementation, biasing element 1510 may include a
stamped,
multifaceted spring having a first, substantially octagonal attachment portion
1515
configured to engagingly surround at least a portion of flanged base portion
38, and a second,
resilient portion 1520 having a number angled or beveled spring surfaces
extending in a
resilient relationship from attachment portion 1515. Second, resilient portion
1520 may
include an opening therethrough corresponding to tubular extension 40 in
annular post 16.
[0083] For example, as will be described in additional detail below with
respect to Fig.
16, biasing element 1510 may be formed of spring steel or stainless steel,
with second
portion 1520 being formed integrally with first portion 1515 and bent more
than 90 relative
to first portion 1515. Fig. 16 illustrates an exemplary biasing element 1510
taken along the
line B-B in Fig. 15A. As illustrated in Fig. 16, biasing element 1510 may
include an
- 24 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
,
octagonal outer ring 1600 integrally formed with a resilient portion 1605
having an opening
1610 extending therethro ugh.
[0084] For example, biasing element 1510 may be initially cut
(e.g., die cut) from a sheet
of conductive material, such as steel, spring steel, or stainless steel having
a thickness of
approximately 0.008 inches. Octagonal outer ring 1600 may be bent downward
from
resilient portion 1605 until outer ring 1600 is substantially perpendicular to
a plane extending
across an upper surface of resilient portion 1605. Angled or beveled surfaces
1615 may be
formed in resilient portion 1605, such that differences in an uncompressed
thickness of
resilient portion 1605 are formed. For example, resilient portion 1605 may be
stamped or
otherwise mechanically deformed to form a number of angled surfaces, where a
lowest point
in at least two of the angled surfaces are spaced a predetermined distance in
a vertical (or
axial) direction (e.g., 0.04 inches) from the upper edge of octagonal outer
ring 1600. In
essence, the formation of angled or curved surfaces in resilient portion 1605
creates a spring
relative to octagonal outer ring 1600.
[0085] As shown in Fig. 15A, at least a portion of second portion
1520 extends in an
angled manner from a forward edge of attachment portion 1515. Accordingly, in
a first
position (in which port connector 48 is not attached to connector 10), the
angled nature of
second portion 1520 causes second portion 1520 to abut a forward edge 56 of
annular post
16, while the forward edge of attachment portion 1515 is separated from
forward edge 56 of
annular post 16, as depicted by the length "z" in Fig. 15A.
[0086] In a second position, as shown in Fig. 15B (in which port
connector 48 is
compressingly attached to connector 10), compressive forces imparted by port
connector 48
may cause the angled surfaces on second portion 1520 to flatten out, thereby
reducing the
- 25 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
separation between the forward edge of attachment portion 1515 and forward
edge 56 of
annular post 16. Consequently, in this position, rearward edge 58 of port
connector 48 is also
brought closer to forward edge 56 of annular post 16.
[0087] First portion 1515 of biasing element 1510 may be configured to have
a minimum
inside width (e.g., between opposing octagonal sections) substantially equal
to the outside
diameter of lip portion 1505. First portion 1515 may be further configured to
include a
number of attachment elements 1620 designed to engage notch portion 1500 of
flanged base
portion 38. As illustrated in Fig. 16, in one exemplary implementation,
attachment elements
1620 may include a number of detents or tabs 1625 formed in first portion
1515, such that an
interior of each tab 1625 projects within the interior width of first portion
1515. These
detents or tabs may be referred to as "lantzes" and may be formed by
forcefully applying a
suitably shaped tool, such as an awl, hammer, etc., to the outside surfaces of
first portion
1515. In one exemplary implementation, first portion 1515 may include four
tabs 1625 (two
of which are shown in Fig. 16) formed around a periphery of first portion
1515. In another
exemplary implementation (not shown), more or fewer tabs 1625 may be formed
around the
periphery of first portion 1515 to engage notch portion 1500.
[0088] During assembly of connector 10, first portion 1515 of biasing
element 1510 may
be engaged with flanged base portion 38, e.g., by forcing first portion 1515
over the angled
outside diameter of lip portion 1505. Continued rearward movement of biasing
element 1510
relative to flanged base portion 38 causes detents 1625 to engage annular
notch portion 1500,
thereby retaining biasing element 1510 to annular post 16, while enabling
biasing element
1510 to freely rotate with respect to annular post 16.
- 26 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
.4
[0089] In an initial, uncompressed state (as shown in Fig. 15A), abutment
of second
portion 1520 of biasing element 1510 may cause the forward edge of attachment
portion
1515 to extend length "z" beyond forward surface 56 of annular post 16. Upon
insertion of
port connector 48 (e.g., via rotatable threaded engagement between threads 52
and threads 54
as shown in Fig. 15B), rearward surface 58 of port connector 48 may come into
contact with
the forward edge of attachment portion 1515. In a position of initial contact
between port
connector 48 and biasing element 1510 (not shown), rearward surface 58 of port
connector
48 may be separated from forward surface 56 of annular post 16 by the distance
"z." The
conductive nature of biasing element 1510 may enable effective transmission of
electrical
and RF signals from port connector 48 to annular post 16 even when separated
by distance z,
effectively increasing the reference plane of connector 10. In one
implementation, the
above-described configuration enables a functional gap or "clearance" of less
than or equal to
approximately 0.040 inches, for example 0.033 inches, between the reference
planes, thereby
enabling approximately 360 degrees or more of "back-off' rotation of annular
nut 18 relative
to port connector 48 while maintaining suitable passage of electrical and/or
RF signals.
[0090] Continued insertion of port connector 48 into connector 10 may cause
compression of second, angled portion 1520, thereby providing a load force
between flanged
base portion 38 and port connector 48 and decreasing the distance between
rearward surface
58 of port connector 48 and forward surface 56 of annular post 16. This load
force may be
transferred to threads 52 and 54, thereby facilitating constant tension
between threads 52 and
54 and decreasing the likelihood that port connector 48 will become loosened
from connector
due to external forces, such as vibrations, heating/cooling, etc.
- 27 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
[0091] Upon installation, the annular post 16 may be incorporated into a
coaxial cable
between the cable foil and the cable braid and may function to carry the RF
signals
propagated by the coaxial cable. In order to transfer the signals, post 16
makes contact with
the reference plane of the mating connector (e.g., port connector 48). By
retaining biasing
element 1510 in notch 1500 in annular post 16, biasing element 1510 is able to
ensure
electrical and RF contact at the reference plane of port connector 48. The
stepped nature of
post 16 enables compression of biasing element 1510, while simultaneously
supporting direct
interfacing between post 16 and port connector 48. Further, compression of
biasing element
1510 provides equal and opposite biasing forces between the internal threads
of nut 18 and
the external threads of port connector 48.
[0092] Referring now to Figs. 17-22, alternative implementations of biasing
elements are
shown. Each of the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 17-22 are configured for
attachment to
notched portion 1500 in annular post 16 in a manner similar to that described
above in
relation to Figs. 15A-16.
[0093] Fig. 17 illustrates an exemplary biasing element 1700 consistent
with
embodiments described herein. As shown in Fig. 17, biasing element 1700,
similar to
biasing element 1510 described above in relation to Figs. 15A-16, includes a
substantially
octagonal attachment portion 1705 having six angled sides 1710-1 to 1710-6 and
a resilient
center portion 1715 having a central opening 1720 provided therein. Unlike
octagonal ring
1600 of Fig. 16, attachment portion 1705 of Fig. 17 does not extend
substantially throughout
each of the eight possible sides in its octagonal perimeter. Instead, as
illustrated in Fig. 17,
attachment portion 1705 may include six of the octagonal perimeters sides 1710-
1 to 1710-6,
with opposing seventh and eighth sides not including corresponding attachment
portion sides.
-28-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
= ' '
Reducing the number of sides provided may decrease expense without
detrimentally
affecting performance.
[0094] In one implementation, attachment portion 1705 and center
portion 1715 may be
integrally formed from a sheet of resilient material, such as spring or
stainless steel. As
illustrated in Fig. 17, attachment portion 1705 may be formed by bending sides
1710-1 to
1710-6 substantially perpendicular relative to center portion 1715. In one
embodiment,
attachment portion 1705 may be connected to center portion 1715 via bends in
sides 1710-2
and 1710-5.
[0095] Resilient center portion 1715 may include a curved or U-
shaped configuration,
configured to provide center portion 1715 with a low portion 1725 disposed
between sides
1710-2 and 1710-4 and high portions 1730 adjacent sides 1710-4 and 1710-6.
That is,
resilient center portion 1715 is formed to create a trough between opposing
portions of
attachment portion 1705.
[0096] When the connector is in a first position (in which port
connector 48 is not
attached to connector 10), the relationship between low portion 1725 and high
portions 1730
causes low portion 1725 of biasing element 1700 to abut a forward edge of
annular post 16,
while high portions 1730 of biasing element 1700 are separated from the
forward edge of
annular post 16 by a distance equivalent to the depth of the trough formed
between low
portion 1725 and high portions 1730.
[0097] In a second position, similar to that shown in Fig. 5B (in
which port connector 48
is compressingly attached to connector 10), compressive forces imparted by
port connector
48 may cause resilient center portion 1715 to flatten out, thereby reducing
the separation
- 29 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
A '
between low portion 1725 and high portions 1730. Consequently, in this
position, rearward
edge 58 of port connector 48 is also brought closer to forward edge 56 of
annular post 16.
[0098] Attachment portion 1705 of biasing element 1700 may be configured to
have a
minimum inside width (e.g., between opposing octagonal sections) substantially
equal to the
outside diameter of lip portion 1505. Attachment portion 1705 may be further
configured to
include a number of attachment elements 1735 designed to engage notch portion
1500 of
flanged base portion 38. As illustrated in Fig. 17, in one exemplary
implementation,
attachment elements 1735 may include a number of detents or tabs 1740 formed
in
attachment portion 1705, such that an interior of each tab 1740 projects
within the interior
width of attachment portion 1705. In one exemplary implementation, attachment
portion
1705 may include four tabs 1740 (two of which are shown in Fig. 17) formed
around a
periphery of attachment portion 1705. In another exemplary implementation (not
shown),
more or fewer tabs 1740 may be formed around the periphery of attachment
portion 1705 to
engage notch portion 56 in annular post 16.
[0099] During assembly of connector 10, attachment portion 1705 of biasing
element
1700 may be engaged within flanged base portion 38, e.g., by forcing
attachment portion
1705 over the angled outside diameter of lip portion 1505. Continued rearward
movement of
biasing element 1700 relative to flanged base portion 38 causes tabs 1740 to
engage annular
notch portion 1500, thereby retaining biasing element 1700 to annular post 16,
while
enabling biasing element 1700 to freely rotate with respect to annular post
16.
100100] Fig. 18 illustrates an exemplary biasing element 1800 consistent with
embodiments described herein. As shown in Fig. 18, biasing element 1800,
similar to
biasing element 60 in Figs. 15A-16, may include a substantially octagonal
attachment portion
-30-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
=* '
1805 having angled sides 1810-1 to 1810-8 and a resilient center portion 1815
having a
central opening 1820 provided therein. Resilient center portion 1815 may be
formed
substantially perpendicularly with attachment portion 1805.
[001011 As illustrated in Fig. 18, attachment portion 1805 may include a
number of tabbed
portions 1825-1 to 1825-4 integrally formed with at least some of angled sides
1810-1 to
1810-8. For example, tabbed portion 1825-1 may be integrally formed with
angled side
1810-3, tabbed portion 1825-2 may be integrally formed with angled side 1810-
5, tabbed
portion 1825-3 may be integrally formed with angled side 1810-7, and tabbed
portion 1825-4
may be integrally formed with angled side 1810-1.
1001021 Tabbed portions 1825-1 to 1825-4 may include resilient tabs 1830-1 to
1830-4,
respectively, having an angled surface and configured to resiliently project
from a first end
1835 adjacent to the top of angled sides 1810 to a second end 1840 distal
from, and lower
than, first end 1835. In one exemplary embodiment, second distal end 1840 is
approximately
0.04" lower (e.g., in a vertical or axial direction) than first end 1835 of
resilient tabs 1830-1
to 1830-4.
[001031 In one implementation, the angled surfaces of resilient tabs 1830-1 to
1830-4 may
be configured to provide the biasing force between annular post 16 and port
connector 48.
As shown in Fig. 18, the angled surfaces of resilient tabs 1830-1 to 1830-4
may be
configured in such a manner as to render central opening 1820 substantially
rectangular in
shape.
[001041 For example, resilient tabs 1830-1 to 1830-4 may project from
respective angled
sides 1810-3, 1810-5, 1810-7, and 1810-1 in a parallel relationship to an
adjacent angled side
(e.g., side 1810-2, 1810-4, 1810-6, or 1810-8). For example, tabbed portion
1825-2 may
-31 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
project from angled side 1810-5 with resilient tab 1830-2 projecting from
tabbed portion
1825-2 parallel to angled side 1810-4. In one implementation, attachment
portion 1805 and
central portion 1815 may be stamped from a sheet of resilient material, such
as spring or
stainless steel.
[00105] When the connector is in a first position (in which port connector 48
is not
attached to connector 10), the relationship between second ends 1840 of
resilient tabs 1830-1
to 1830-4 and first ends 1835 of resilient tabs 1830-1 to 1830-4 may cause
second ends 1840
of resilient tabs 1830-1 to 1830-4 to abut a forward edge of annular post 16,
while first ends
1835 of resilient tabs 1830-1 to 1830-4 are separated from the forward edge of
annular post
16.
1001061 In a second position, similar to that shown in Fig. 15B (in which port
connector
48 is compressingly attached to connector 10), compressive forces imparted by
port
connector 48 may cause resilient tabs 1830-1 to 1830-4 to flatten out, thereby
reducing the
separation between first portions 1835 and second portions 1840. Consequently,
in this
position, rearward edge 74 of port connector 48 is also brought closer to the
forward edge of
annular post 16.
[00107] Attachment portion 1805 of biasing element 1800 may be configured to
have a
minimum inside width (e.g., between opposing octagonal sections) substantially
equal to the
outside diameter of lip portion 1505. Attachment portion 505 may be further
configured to
include a number of attachment elements designed to engage notch portion 1500
of flanged
base portion 38 (not shown in Fig. 18). Similar to the attachment elements
disclosed above
in relation to Fig. 17, the attachment elements of the current embodiment may
also include a
- 32 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
, =
number of tabs, detents, or lantzes for engaging notch portion 1500 in annular
post 16 and
retaining biasing element 1800 to annular post 16.
[00108] During assembly of connector 10, attachment portion 1805 of biasing
element
1800 may be engaged within flanged base portion 38, e.g., by forcing
attachment portion 505
over the angled outside diameter of lip portion 1505. Continued rearward
movement of
biasing element 1800 relative to flanged base portion 38 causes the attachment
elements to
engage annular notch portion 1500, thereby retaining biasing element 1800 to
annular post
16, while enabling biasing element 1800 to freely rotate with respect to
annular post 16.
[00109] Fig. 19 illustrates an exemplary biasing element 1900 consistent with
embodiments described herein. As shown in Fig. 19, biasing element 1900,
similar to
biasing element 1510 in Figs. 15A-16, may include a first, substantially
cylindrical
attachment portion 1905 and a resilient center portion 1910 having a central
opening 1913
provided therein. Resilient center portion 1910 may be formed substantially
perpendicularly
to cylindrical attachment portion 1905.
[00110] As illustrated in Fig. 19, resilient center portion 1910 may be
integrally formed
with substantially cylindrical attachment portion 1905 and may include a
number of arcuate
tabbed portions 1915-1 to 1915-3 connected to attachment portion 1905 by spoke
portions
1920-1 to 1920-3. Attachment portion 1905 may also include a center support
ring 1925
attached to an inside edge of spoke portions 1920-1 to 1920-3. Central support
ring 1925
may be positioned in a plane substantially level (e.g., in an axial direction)
with spoke
portions 1920 and an upper edge of attachment portion 1905.
[001111 Arcuate tabbed portions 1915-1 to 1915-3 may include resilient tabs
1930-1 to
1930-3, respectively, having an angled surface and configured to resiliently
project from
-33-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
spoke portions 1920-1 to 1920-3, respectively. For each tab 1930-1 to 1930-3,
a first end
1935 is radially connected to spoke portion 1920-1 to 1920-3, respectively.
Each tab 1930-1
to 1930-3 extends from first end 1935 to a second end 1940 distal from, and
lower than, first
end 1935. In one exemplary embodiment, second distal end 1940 is approximately
0.04"
lower than a respective spoke portion 1920 (e.g., in a vertical or axial
direction).
[00112] In one implementation, the angled surfaces of resilient tabs 1930-1 to
1930-3 may
be configured to provide the biasing force between annular post 16 and port
connector 48. In
one implementation, attachment portion 1905 and central portion 1915 may be
stamped from
a sheet of resilient material, such as spring or stainless steel.
[00113] When the connector is in a first position (in which port connector 48
is not
attached to connector 10), the relationship between second ends 1940 of
resilient tabs 1930-1
to 1930-3 and spoke portions 1920/central support ring 1925 of resilient tabs
1930-1 to 1930-
3 may cause second ends 1940 of resilient tabs 1930-1 to 1930-3 to abut a
forward edge of
annular post 16, while spoke portions 1920/central support ring 1925 are
separated from the
forward edge of annular post 16.
[00114] In a second position, similar to that shown in Fig. 15B (in which port
connector
48 is compressingly attached to connector 10), compressive forces imparted by
port
connector 48 may cause resilient tabs 1930-1 to 1930-3 to flatten out, thereby
reducing the
separation between spoke portions 1920 and second ends 1940. Consequently, in
this
position, rearward edge 74 of port connector 48 is also brought closer to the
forward edge of
annular post 16.
[00115] Attachment portion 1905 of biasing element 1900 may be configured to
have a
minimum inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of lip
portion 1505.
- 34 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
Attachment portion 1905 may be further configured to include a number of
attachment
elements designed to engage notch portion 1500 of flanged base portion 38 (not
shown in
Fig. 19). Similar to the attachment elements disclosed above in relation to
Fig. 16, the
attachment elements of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 19 may also include
a number of
tabs, detents, or lantzes for engaging notch portion 1500 in annular post 16
and retaining
biasing element 1900 to annular post 16.
[00116] During assembly of connector 10, attachment portion 1905 of biasing
element
1900 may be engaged within flanged base portion 38, e.g., by forcing
attachment portion
1905 over the angled outside diameter of lip portion 1505. Continued rearward
movement of
biasing element 1900 relative to flanged base portion 38 causes the attachment
elements to
engage annular notch portion 1500, thereby retaining biasing element 1900 to
annular post
16, while enabling biasing element 1900 to freely rotate with respect to
annular post 16.
[00117] Fig. 20 illustrates an exemplary biasing element 2000 consistent with
embodiments described herein. The embodiment of Fig. 20 is similar to the
embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 19, and similar reference numbers are used where
appropriate. However, in
distinction to biasing element 1900 of Fig. 19, spoke portions 2000-1 to 2000-
3 in Fig. 20 are
substantially larger than spoke portions 1920-1 to 1920-3 in Fig. 19. By
design, resilient tabs
2005-1 to 2005-3 in Fig. 20 are shorter in length than resilient tabs 1930-1
to 1930-3.
Increasing the size of spoke portions 1930 relative to tabs 2005 may provide
increased
strength in biasing element 2000.
[00118] Fig. 21 illustrates an exemplary biasing element 2100 consistent with
embodiments described herein. As shown in Fig. 21, biasing element 2100,
similar to
biasing element 1900 in Fig. 19, may include a first, substantially
cylindrical attachment
- 35 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
portion 2105 and a resilient center portion 2110 having a central opening 2115
provided
therein. Resilient center portion 2110 may be formed substantially
perpendicularly to
cylindrical attachment portion 2105. As illustrated in Fig. 21, resilient
center portion 2110
may be integrally formed with substantially cylindrical attachment portion
2105 and may
include a circular hub portion 2120 that includes a number of radially spaced
tab openings
2125-1 to 2125-4 formed therein. A number of arcuate, axially projecting
tabbed portions
2130-1 to 2130-4 may resiliently depend from circular hub portion 2120 in tab
openings
2125-1 to 2125-4, respectively.
[00119] Tabbed portions 2130-1 to 2130-4 may include resilient tabs 2135-1 to
2135-4,
respectively, having an angled surface and configured to resiliently project
within tab
openings 2125-1 to 2125-4, respectively. For each tab 2135-1 to 2135-4, a
first end 2140 is
axially connected to an outside edge of tab openings 2125-1 to 2125-4,
respectively. Each
tab 2135-1 to 2135-4 extends from first end 2140 to a second end 2145 distal
from, and lower
than, first end 2140 in an axial direction. In one exemplary embodiment,
second distal end
2145 is approximately 0.04" lower than circular hub portion 2120.
[00120] In one implementation, the angled surfaces of resilient tabs 2135-1 to
2135-4 may
be configured to provide the biasing force between annular post 16 and port
connector 48. In
one implementation, attachment portion 2105 and central portion 2110 may be
stamped from
a sheet of resilient material, such as spring or stainless steel.
[00121] When the connector is in a first position (in which port connector 48
is not
attached to connector 10), the relationship between second ends 2145 of
resilient tabs 2135-1
to 2135-4 and circular hub portion 2120 may cause second ends 2145 to abut a
forward edge
- 36 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
'
of annular post 16, while circular hub portion 2120 is separated from the
forward edge of
annular post 16.
[00122] In a second position, similar to that shown in Fig. 15B (in which port
connector
48 is compressingly attached to connector 10), compressive forces imparted by
port
connector 48 may cause resilient tabs 2135-1 to 2135-4 to flatten out, thereby
reducing the
separation between circular hub portion 2120 and second ends 2145.
Consequently, in this
position, rearward edge 58 of port connector 48 is also brought closer to
forward edge 56 of
annular post 16.
[00123] Attachment portion 2105 of biasing element 2100 may be configured to
have a
minimum inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of lip
portion 1505.
Attachment portion 2105 may be further configured to include a number of
attachment
elements designed to engage notch portion 1500 of flanged base portion 38 (not
shown in
Fig. 21). Similar to the attachment elements disclosed above in relation to
Fig. 16, the
attachment elements of the current embodiment may also include a number of
tabs, detents,
or lantzes for engaging notch portion 1500 in annular post 16 and retaining
biasing element
2100 to annular post 16.
[00124] During assembly of connector 10, attachment portion 2105 of biasing
element
2100 may be engaged within flanged base portion 38, e.g., by forcing
attachment portion
2105 over the angled outside diameter of lip portion 1505. Continued rearward
movement of
biasing element 2100 relative to flanged base portion 38 causes the attachment
elements to
engage annular notch portion 1500, thereby retaining biasing element 2100 to
annular post
16, while enabling biasing element 2100 to freely rotate with respect to
annular post 16.
-37-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
[00125] Fig. 22 illustrates an exemplary biasing element 2200 consistent with
embodiments described herein. As shown in Fig. 22, biasing element 2200 may
include a
first, substantially cylindrical attachment portion 2205 and a resilient
center portion 2210
having a central opening 2215 provided therein. As illustrated in Fig. 22,
resilient center
portion 2210 may be integrally formed with substantially cylindrical
attachment portion 2205
and may include a number of resilient spring elements 2220-1 to 2220-4 formed
therein.
[00126] As shown in Fig. 22, resilient spring elements 2220-1 to 2220-4
(collectively,
spring elements 2220), may be separated from each other by slots 2225-1 to
2225-4. Further,
spring elements 2220 may each include a spring opening 2230 therein
(individually, spring
openings 2230-1 to 2230-4). Each of spring elements 2220 may be formed in an
angled or
curved configuration, such that an inside edge of each spring element 2220
(e.g., the edge
toward central opening 2215) may be raised relative to an outside edge of each
spring
element 2220. In one exemplary embodiment, the inside edge of spring elements
2220 may
be raised approximately 0.04" ¨ 0.05" in an axial direction relative to the
outside edge of
spring elements 2220.
[00127] In one implementation, the angled or curved surfaces of spring
elements 2220
may be configured to provide the biasing force between annular post 16 and
port connector
48. In one implementation, attachment portion 2205 and resilient portion 2210
may be
stamped from a sheet of resilient material, such as spring or stainless steel.
[00128] When the connector is in a first position (in which port connector 48
is not
attached to connector 10), the relationship between the inside edge of each
spring element
2220 to the outside edge of each spring element 2220 may cause the outside
edge to abut a
-38-
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
==
forward edge of annular post 16, while the inside edge is separated from the
forward edge of
annular post 16.
1001291 In a second position, similar to that shown in Fig. 15B (in which port
connector
48 is compressingly attached to connector 10), compressive forces imparted by
port
connector 48 may cause resilient spring elements 2220 to flatten out, thereby
reducing the
separation between the inside edges of spring elements 2220 and the outside
edges of spring
elements 2220. Consequently, in this position, rearward edge 58 of port
connector 48 is also
brought closer to forward edge 56 of annular post 16.
1001301 Attachment portion 2205 of biasing element 2200 may be configured to
have a
minimum inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of lip
portion 1505.
Attachment portion 2205 may be further configured to include a number of
attachment
elements 2235 designed to engage notch portion 1500 of flanged base portion
38. Similar to
the attachment elements disclosed above in relation to Fig. 16, attachment
elements 2235
may include a number of tabs, detents, or lantzes for engaging notch portion
1500 in annular
post 16 and retaining biasing element 2200 to annular post 16.
1001311 During assembly of connector 10, attachment portion 2205 of biasing
element
2200 may be engaged within flanged base portion 38, e.g., by forcing
attachment portion
2205 over the angled outside diameter of lip portion 1505. Continued rearward
movement of
biasing element 2200 relative to flanged base portion 38 causes the attachment
elements to
engage annular notch portion 1500, thereby retaining biasing element 2200 to
annular post
16, while enabling biasing element 2200 to freely rotate with respect to
annular post 16.
[00132] The foregoing description of exemplary implementations provides
illustration and
description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments
described herein
- 39 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in
light of the above
teachings or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments.
[00133] For example, various features have been mainly described above with
respect to a
coaxial cables and connectors for securing coaxial cables. The above-described
connector
may pass electrical and radio frequency (RF) signals typically found in CATV,
Satellite,
closed circuit television (CCTV), voice of Internet protocol (VoIP), data,
video, high speed
Internet, etc., through the mating ports (about the connector reference
planes). Providing a
biasing element, as described above, may also provide power bonding grounding
(i.e., helps
promote a safer bond connection per NEC Article 250 when the biasing element
is under
linear compression) and RF shielding (Signal Ingress & Egress).
[00134] In other implementations, features described herein may be implemented
in
relation to other cable or interface technologies. For example, the coaxial
cable connector
described herein may be used or usable with various types of coaxial cable,
such as 50, 75, or
93 ohm coaxial cable, or other characteristic impedance cable designs.
[00135] Referring now to Figs. 23 and 24, another alternative implementation
of a
connector 10 is illustrated. The embodiment of Figs. 23 and 24 is similar to
the embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 2, and similar reference numbers are used where
appropriate. As shown in
Figs. 23 and 24, the retention force between annular nut 18 and port connector
48 (not shown
in Figs. 23 and 24) may be enhanced by providing a substantially constant load
force on the
port connector 48. To provide this load force, flanged base portion 38 of
annular post 16
may be configured to include a spring-type biasing portion 2300 formed
integrally therewith.
[00136] For example, in one implementation, annular post 16 may be formed of a
conductive material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc. During
manufacture of annular
- 40 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
post 16, tubular extension 40 in a forwardmost portion 2310 of flanged base
portion 38 may
be notched, cut, or bored to form expanded opening 2320. Expanded opening 2320
reduces
the thickness of the side walls of forwardmost portion 2310 of annular post
16. Thereafter,
forwardmost portion 2310 of flanged base portion 38 may be machined or
otherwise
configured to include a helical slot 2330 therein. Helical slot 2330 may have
a thickness Ts
dictated by the amount of forwardmost portion 2310 removed from annular post
16. In
exemplary implementations, thickness Ts may range from approximately 0.010
inches to
approximately 0.025 inches.
[00137] Formation of helical slot 2330 effectively transforms forwardmost
portion 2310 of
annular post 16 into a spring, enabling biased, axial movement of forward
surface 56 of
annular post 16 by an amount substantially equal to the thickness Ts of
helical slot 2330
times the number of windings of helical slot 2330. That is, if helical slot
2330 includes three
windings around forwardmost portion 2310, and Ts is 0.015 inches, the maximum
compression of biasing portion 2300 from a relaxed to a compressed state is
approximately
0.015 times three, or 0.045 inches. It should be understood that, although
helical slot 2330 in
Figs. 23 and 24 includes three windings, any suitable number of windings may
be used in a
manner consistent with aspects described herein. Further, because spring-type
biasing
portion 2300 is formed integrally with annular post 16, passage of electrical
and radio
frequency (RF) signals from annular post 16 to port connector 48 at varying
degrees of
insertion relative to port connector 48 and connector 10 may be enabled.
[00138] In an initial, uncompressed state (as shown in Fig. 23), forward
surface 56 of
annular post 16 may extend a distance "Ts" beyond a position of forward
surface 56 when
under maximum compressed (as shown in Fig. 24). Upon insertion of port
connector 48 (not
- 41 -
CA 02680989 2009-09-30
shown), rearward surface 58 of port connector 48 may come into contact with
forward
surface 56 of annular post 16, with biasing portion 2300 in a relaxed state
(Fig. 23).
[00139] Continued insertion of port connector 48 into connector 10 may cause
compression of helical slot 2330 in biasing portion 2300, thereby providing a
load force
between flanged base portion 38 and port connector 48. This load force may be
transferred to
threads 52 and 54, thereby facilitating constant tension between threads 52
and 54 and
decreasing the likelihood that port connector 48 will become loosened from
connector 10 due
to external forces, such as vibrations, heating/cooling, etc. As described
above, the
configuration of helical slot 2330 may enable resilient, axial movement of
forward surface 56
of annular post 16 by a distance substantially equivalent to a thickness of
helical slot 2330
times a number of windings of helical slot 2330 about annular post 16.
[00140] Because biasing portion 2300 is formed integrally with annular post
16, electrical
and RF signals may be effectively transmitted from port connector 48 to
annular post 16 even
when in biasing portion 2330 is in a relaxed or not fully compressed state,
effectively
increasing the reference plane of connector 10. In one implementation, the
above-described
configuration enables a functional gap or "clearance" of less than or equal to
approximately
0.043 inches, for example 0.033 inches, between the reference planes, thereby
enabling
approximately 360 degrees or more of "back-off' rotation of annular nut 18
relative to port
connector 48 while maintaining suitable passage of electrical and/or RF
signals. Further,
compression of biasing portion 2300 provides equal and opposite biasing forces
between the
internal threads of nut 18 and the external threads of port connector 48.
[00141] Although the invention has been described in detail above, it is
expressly
understood that it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art
that the invention may
- 42 -
CA 02680989 2016-04-26
be modified. Various changes of form, design, or arrangement may be made to
the
invention. Therefore, the above mentioned description is to be considered
exemplary, rather
than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is that defined in the
following claims. The
scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set
forth in the
examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description as a
whole.
[00142] No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present
application
should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless
explicitly described as
such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more
items. Where
only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used.
Further, the phrase
"based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly
stated otherwise.
=
- 43 -
