Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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,
CABLE CONNECTOR
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
100031 Connectors are used to connect coaxial cables to various
electronic devices, such as
televisions, antennas, set-top boxes, satellite television receivers, audio
equipment, or other electronic
equipment. 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
connector body, the annular nut
includes an internally threaded end that permits screw threaded attachment of
the body to an external
device.
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[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. 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 locking 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, 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 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.
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Indeed, most cable television (CATV), multiple system 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
10007.11 In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a coaxial cable
connector configured to couple a coaxial cable to a second connector, the
coaxial cable connector
comprising a connector body having a forward end and a rearward end, the
forward end being
configured to connect to the second connector and the rearward end configured
to receive a coaxial
cable, a nut ro..atably coupled to the forward end of the connector body, an
annular post disposed
within the connector body, the annular post include an annular notch located
at the forward end of the
connector body, and a biasing element located in the annular notch, wherein
the biasing element
comprises a ail spring, wherein the coil spring extends beyond a front surface
of the connector body
when in an uncompressed state.
10007.21 In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a coaxial cable
connector system, comprising a first connector coupled to at least one of
video or audio equipment, and a
second connector configured to connect to the first connector, the second
connector comprising a
connector body having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end being
configured to connect to
the first connec tor and the rearward end configured to receive a coaxial
cable, a nut rotatably coupled to
the forward end of the connector body, and an annular post disposed within the
connector body, the
annular post include a biasing element located in a notch or groove located at
the forward end of the
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connector body, wherein the biasing element extends beyond a front surface of
the annular post when the
biasing element is in an uncompressed state, wherein the biasing element
comprises a coil spring.
[0007.3] In accordance with a further 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 roi atably coupled to the forward end of the connector body, an
annular post disposed
within the connector body, the annular post including an inner chamber
extending axially
therethrough, an end cap having a body and a forward flanged portion, wherein
the end cap is movable
in an axial direction relative to the post, and a biasing element, between the
end cap and the post, for
biasing the end toward a connector port.
[0007.4] In accordance with yet a further 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 rot atably 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
rearward portion of the nut, the annular post including an inner chamber
extending axially
therethrough, an end cap having a body and a forward flanged portion, wherein
the end cap body is
axially movab [y coupled to the forward flanged base portion of the post, and
a biasing element,
positioned between the forward flanged base portion and the forward flanged
portion of the end cap,
acting between the annular post and the end cap.
[0007.5] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided in combination a
connector having a rearward surface, and a coaxial cable connector connected
to the connector, the
coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body having a forward end and a
rearward cable
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. .
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 rearward portion of the nut, the annular post including an
inner chamber extending
axially therethrough, an end cap having a body and a forward flanged portion,
wherein the end cap body
is axially movably coupled to the forward flanged base portion of the post via
the inner chamber, the end
cap having a forward surface that engages the rearward surface of the
connector, and a biasing element,
positioned between the forward flanged base portion and the forward flanged
portion of the end cap,
acting between the post and the end cap, wherein the biasing element is
configured to be compressed
between the er d cap flanged portion and the annular post flanged base
portion.
[0007.6] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a coaxial
cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to a mating connector, the
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 post having a forward flanged base portion disposed within
a rearward extent of
the nut, an end cap axially movably coupled to the forward flanged base
portion of the post, and a
biasing element acting between the post and the end cap.
[0007.7] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided in
combination a connector terminal including a rearward facing wall, and a
coaxial cable connector
connected to the connector terminal, 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 oithe connector body, an annular post disposed within the
connector body, the post
having a forward flanged base portion disposed within a rearward extent of the
nut, an end cap axially
movably coupled to the forward flanged base portion of the post, and a biasing
element acting between
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the post and the end cap to urge a forward facing wall of the end cap against
the rearward facing wall
of the connector terminal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable
connector;
[0009] Fig. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable
connector of Fig. 1 in an
unconnected configuration; and
[0010] Fig. 3 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable
connector of Fig. 1 in a
connected con figuration.
[0011] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the unassembled components of
the coaxial cable
connector of Fig. 1 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;
[0012] Fig.5 is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of
Fig. 4 in an assembled, but
unconnected c Dnfiguration;
[0013] Figs. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8A through 8F are additional cross-
sectional views of the
unassembled components of the coaxial cable connector of Figs. 1 and 4;
[0014] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of
Fig. 4 in an assembled and
connected configuration.
[0015] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of
the coaxial cable
connector of Fig. 1 in an unconnected configuration;
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[0016] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of
Fig. 10 in a connected
configuration;
[0017] Fig. 12 is an isometric view of an exemplary wave washer-type
biasing element consistent
with an exemplary embodiment;
[0018] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of
the coaxial cable
connector of Fig. 1 in an unconnected configuration; and
[0019] Fig. 14 is an enlarged, isolated cross-sectional view of the forward
end of the post with the
end cap and the biasing element of Fig. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying
drawings. The same
reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar
elements. Also, the
following detailed description does not limit the invention.
[0021] A large number of home coaxial cable installations are often done by
"do-it yourself' lay-
persons who may not be familiar with such torque standards. 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.
[0022] 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
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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.
Embodiments described herein provide a connector with a biasing element that
helps prevent the
connector from being loosened, thereby helping to avoid a failed condition.
[0023] Figs. 1-3 depict an exemplary coaxial cable connector consistent
with embodiments
described herein. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, coaxial cable connector 10 may
include a connector body
12, a locking sleeve 14, an annular post 16 and a rotatable nut 18.
[0024] In one implementation, connector body 12, also referred to as collar
12, may include an
elongated, generally cylindrical member, which may be made from plastic, metal
or some other
material or combination of materials. Connector body 12 may include a forward
end 20 operatively
coupled to annular post 16 and rotatable nut 18. Connector body 12 may also
include a cable receiving
end 22 located opposite 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, such
as coaxial cable 100
(shown in Fig. I), in the forward direction as shown by arrow A in Fig. 2.
Cable receiving end 22 of
the connector body 12 may further include an inner sleeve engagement surface
24 for coupling with
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.
[0025] Locking sleeve 14 may include a substantially tubular member having
a rearward cable
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receiving end 30 and an opposite forward connector insertion end 32, which is
movably coupled to the
inner sleeve engagement surface 24 of connector body 12. As mentioned above,
the outer cylindrical
surface of locking sleeve 14 may include one or more ridges or projections 28,
which cooperate with
the groove or recess 26 formed in the inner sleeve engagement surface 24 of
the connector body 12 to
allow for the movable connection of locking sleeve 14 to 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 Fig. 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.
[0026] 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 have an
outer diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of connector body 12 and
may further include a
forward facing perpendicular wall 36, which serves as an abutment surface
against which the rearward
end of connector body 12 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 sleeve 14 and connector body 12 upon
insertion of the locking sleeve
14 within connector body 12 and advancement from the first position (Fig. 2)
to the second position
(Fig. 1).
[0027] 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.
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[0028] As discussed above, connector 10 may further include an annular post
16 coupled to the
forward end 20 of connector body 12. As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, annular
post 16 may include a
flanged base portion 38 at its forward end for securing annular post 16 within
rotatable nut 18.
Annular post 16 may also include an annular tubular extension 40 extending
rearwardly within body 12
and terminating adjacent the 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
(e.g., coaxial cable 100) 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
the inserted coaxial cable.
[0029] As illustrated in Figs. 1-3, nut 18 may be rotatably coupled to
forward end 20 of connector
body 12. Nut 18 may include any number of attaching mechanisms, such as a hex
nut, a knurled nut, a
wing nut, or any other known attaching mechanisms, 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. For example, nut 18 may include internal threads 52 that mate
with external threads of an
external connector, as described in more detail below. As illustrated in Figs.
2 and 3, annular nut 18
may include an annular flange 46. Annular flange 46 and flange 27 located in
forward end 20 of
connector 10 are configured to fix nut 18 axially relative to annular post 16
and connector body 12. In
one implementation, a resilient sealing 0-ring 47 may be positioned in nut 18
to provide a water
resistant seal between connector body 12, annular post 16 and nut 18.
[0030] Connector 10 may be supplied in the assembled condition, as shown in
Fig. 2, in which
locking sleeve 14 is pre-installed inside rearward cable receiving end 22 of
connector body 12. In such
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an assembled condition, coaxial cable 100 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
coaxial cable 100 and coaxial
cable 100 (together with locking sleeve 14) may be subsequently inserted into
rearward end 22 of
connector body 12.
[0031] 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 Figs. 2
and 3) 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 Fig. 3), such as a female F-81
connector, of an external device.
[0032] As illustrated in Fig. 3, port connector 48 may include a
substantially cylindrical body that
has external threads 54 that match internal threads 52 of nut 18. As will be
discussed in 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. This constant load
force enables connector
and port connector 48 to maintain signal contact should nut 18 become slightly
loosened from port
connector 48.
[0033] In an exemplary implementation, to provide this load force, flanged
base portion 38 of
annular post 16 may be configured to include an internal annular notch for
retaining a biasing element.
For example, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, flanged base portion 38 may
include a step configuration
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or annular notch 56 formed on an inner surface thereof. The annular notch 56
may extend from a
forward portion of annular post 16 to a front face 60 of annular post 16. In
an exemplary embodiment,
a biasing element 58 may be positioned within notch 56, as illustrated in Fig.
2.
100341 In one implementation, biasing element 58 may include a coil spring
that is made of a
conductive, resilient material that is configured to provide a suitable
biasing force between annular post
16 and rearward surface of port connector 48. The conductive nature of biasing
element 58 may also
enable effective transmission 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, as
described in more detail below. In other implementations, biasing element 58
may include multiple
coil springs, one or more wave springs (single or double wave), one or more
conical spring washers
(slotted or unslotted), one or more Belleville washers, or any other suitable
biasing element, such as a
conductive resilient component (e.g., a plastic or elastomeric member
impregnated or injected with
conductive particles), etc.
10035] As discussed above, in one embodiment, biasing element 58 may
include a coil spring. For
example, biasing element 58 may be a coil spring made from wire having a 0.008
inch diameter.
Alternatively, wires having any other diameter may be used to form biasing
element 58. As illustrated
in Fig. 3, biasing element 58 may have an overall width or diameter that is
sized substantially similar to
the diameter of annular notch 56. In one configuration, a forward edge of the
front edge of the annular
surface of notch 56 may be beveled or angled to facilitate insertion of
biasing element 58 into annular
notch 56. This may allow biasing element 58 to be easily press-fit and
retained within annular notch
56.
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100361 In an initial, uncompressed state (as shown in Fig. 2), biasing
element 58 may extend a
length "d" beyond forward surface 60 of annular post 16. In one
implementation, the length "d" may
be approximately 0.05 inches. However, in other implementations, length d may
be greater or smaller.
Upon insertion of port connector 48 (e.g., via rotatable threaded engagement
between threads 52 of
connector 10 and threads 54 of port connector 48 as shown in Fig. 3), rearward
surface 62 of port
connector 48 may come into contact with biasing element 58. In a position of
initial contact between
port connector 48 and biasing element 58 (not shown in Fig. 3), rearward
surface 62 of port connector
48 may be separated from forward surface 60 of annular post 16 by the distance
-d." The conductive
nature of biasing element 58 may enable effective transmission of electrical
and RF signals from port
connector 48 to annular post 16 even when separated by distance d, effectively
increasing the reference
plane of connector 10 with respect to port connector 48. In one
implementation, the above-described
configuration enables a functional gap or "clearance" between the reference
planes, thereby enabling
approximately 270 degrees or more of "back-off rotation of annular nut 18
relative to port connector
48 while maintaining suitable passage of electrical and RF signals.
[0037] Continued insertion of port connector 48 into connector 10 may cause
biasing element 58 to
compress, thereby providing a load force between flanged base portion 38 and
port connector 48 and
decreasing the distance between rearward surface 62 of port connector 48 and
forward surface 60 of
annular post 16. For example, when nut 18 is tightened, biasing element 58 may
be compressed such
that the front face of biasing element 58 becomes flush with forward surface
60 of annular post 16, as
illustrated in Fig. 3. The load force from compressed biasing element 58
(e.g., a coiled spring) may be
transferred to threads 52 and 54, thereby facilitating constant tension
between threads 52 and 54 and
causing a decreased likelihood that port connector 48 becomes loosened from
connector 10 due to
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external forces, such as vibrations, heating/cooling, etc. In addition, should
nut 18 loosen and the
rearward face 62 of port connector 48 begins to back away from the forward
face 60 of annular post 16,
the resilience of biasing element 58 will urge biasing element 58 to spring
back to its initial form so
that biasing element 58 will maintain electrical and RF contact with the
rearward face 62 of port
connector 48.
[0038] The above-described connector may pass electrical and RF signals
typically found in
CATV, satellite, closed circuit television (CCTV), voice over 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., help promote a
safer bond connection per NEC Article 250 when biasing element 58 is under
linear compression)
and RF shielding (Signal Ingress & Egress).
[0039] Upon installation, annular post 16 may be incorporated into a
coaxial cable (e.g., coaxial
cable 100) 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 electrically conductive
biasing element 58 in notch 56, biasing element 58 is able to ensure
electrical and RF contact at the
reference plane of port connector 48 at various distances with respect to
annular post 16, while
simultaneously requiring minimal additional structural elements with respect
to connector 10 as
compared to conventional connectors. Therefore, by providing biasing element
58 in the forward
portion of flanged base portion 38, connector 10 may allow for up to 270
degrees or more of "back-oft--
rotation of the nut 18 with respect to port connector 48 without signal loss.
In other words, biasing
element 58 helps to maintain electrical and RE continuity even if annular nut
18 is partially loosened.
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As a result, maintaining electrical and RF contact between the coaxial cable
connector 10 and port
connector 48 may be significantly improved as compared with prior art
connectors. Further,
compression of biasing element 58 provides equal and opposite biasing forces
between the internal
threads 52 of nut 18 and the external threads 54 of port connector 48, thereby
reducing the likelihood
of back-off due to environmental factors.
[0040] Referring now to Fig. 4, a cross-sectional view of the unassembled
components of coaxial
cable connector 10 of Fig. 1 in accordance with an exemplary implementation is
shown. Fig. 4 also
shows a cross-sectional view of a port connector 48 to which connector 10 may
be connected. As
shown in Fig. 4, in addition to nut 18, body 12, and locking sleeve 14,
connector 10 may also include a
post 16, an end cap 458, a biasing element 472, an 0-ring 446, and an 0-ring
37.
[0041] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of coaxial cable connector 10 of
Figs. 1 and 4 in an
assembled, but unconnected configuration, e.g., coaxial cable connector 10 is
not connected to port
connector 48, also shown in Fig. 5. As discussed above and shown in Fig. 5,
connector body 12 may
include an elongated, cylindrical member, which can be made from plastic,
metal, or any suitable
material or combination of materials. Cable receiving end 22 and locking
sleeve 14 are described with
respect to Figs. 6A and 6B, which show additional cross-sectional views of
connector body 12 and
locking sleeve 14. For convenience, the direction opposite to direction A may
be referred to as
"rearward," but this opposite direction could be labeled as any direction. 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
into the connector body
12 such that locking sleeve 14 is axially moveable in forward direction A
toward the forward end 20 of
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the connector body from a first position (e.g. shown in Figs. 5 and 6A) to a
second, axially advanced
position (e.g., shown in Figs. 1 and 6B). In the first position, locking
sleeve 14 may be loosely retained
by connector body 12. In the second position, locking sleeve 14 may be secured
within connector body
12.
100421 As also discussed above, connector 10 may further include annular
post 16 coupled to
forward end 20 of connector body 12. Forward end 20 of connector body 12,
annular post 16, and nut
18 are described with respect to Figs. 7A and 7B, which shows additional cross-
sectional views of
connector body 12, post 16, and nut 18. As illustrated in Figs. 7A, and 7B,
annular post 16 may include
a flanged base portion 38 at its forward end for securing annular post 16
within annular nut 18, as
shown in Fig. 5B. 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. Annular
tubular extension 40 and flanged base portion 38 together define an inner
chamber 441 (shown in Figs.
and 7B) for receiving a center conductor and insulator of an inserted coaxial
cable.
[0043] As shown in Figs. 5 and 7B, 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 connector 10 to an
external device, e.g.,
port connector 48, via a threaded relationship. As illustrated in Figs. 7A and
7B, nut 18 may include an
annular flange 445 configured to fix nut 18 axially relative to annular post
16 and connector body 12.
In one embodiment, 0-ring 446 (e.g., a resilient sealing 0-ring) may be
positioned within annular nut
18 to provide a substantially water-resistant seal between connector body 12,
annular post 16, and
annular nut 18
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[0044] Connector 10 may be supplied in the assembled condition, as shown in
Fig. 5, in which (1)
locking sleeve 14 is installed inside rearward cable receiving end 22 of
connector body 12, and (2) post
16 is fit into body 12 to rotatably secure nut 18. 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, as described above. In other embodiments, locking sleeve 14 may
first be 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. As discussed above, 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.
[0045] In each 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 direction A from the first position (shown
in Fig. 6A) to the
second position (shown in Fig. 6B). In some embodiments, a compression tool
may be used to advance
locking sleeve 14 from the first position to the second position. As locking
sleeve 14 moves axially
forward in direction A, 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 port connector 48,
such as an F-81 connector, of a piece of electronic equipment.
[0046] As illustrated in Fig. 5, port connector 48 may include a
substantially cylindrical body 50
having external threads 52 that match internal threads 54 of annular nut 18.
As discussed below with
respect to end cap 458, retention force between annular nut 18 and port
connector 48 may be enhanced
14
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
by providing a load force on the port connector 48. In one embodiment, the
load force may be a
substantially constant force.
[0047] The interaction of end cap 458, biasing element 472, and post 16 to
provide a load force is
described below with respect to Figs. 8A through 8F, which shows additional
cross-sectional views of
these components. As illustrated in Fig. 8A. end cap 458 may include a
substantially cylindrical body
462 having a flanged portion 464 extending radially from a forward portion 466
of end cap 458. A
forward surface 492 of flanged portion 464 is configured to interface with
rearward surface 453 of port
connector 48 (shown in Fig. 9) to provide an electrical path during connection
of port connector 48 to
connector 10.
[0048] End cap 458 may also include a rearward portion 468, which may have
an outer diameter
d, that is smaller than the outer diameter deo of body 462. In exemplary end
cap 458 (e.g., shown in
Fig. 6A), rearward portion 468 may include a tapered annular surface 470 that
provides an outer
diameter that is less than the outer diameter of end cap body 462. Further, in
one embodiment, biasing
element 472 may include an inner diameter db, substantially equal to outer
diameter deo of body 462.
[0049] Upon axial insertion of end cap 458 into biasing element 472, as
shown in Fig. 8B, rear
portion 468 of end cap 458 may pass through inner diameter db, of biasing
element 472 because, as
indicated above, the outer diameter of rear portion 468 may be smaller than
the inner diameter db, of
biasing element 472. Body 462 of end cap 458, however, may be pressed-fit into
biasing portion 472,
as outer diameter deo of body 462 is substantially equal to inner diameter db,
of biasing element 472.
Thus, as shown in Fig. 8B, biasing element 472 may be held around body 462 of
end cap 458. In other
words, end cap 458 may engage biasing element 472 to prevent or inhibit
separation of end cap 458
from biasing element 472.
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
100501 As shown in Figs. 8C and 8D. front portion 439 of post 16 may
include an annular surface
481, an annular surface 482, and an annular surface 483. Each of annular
surfaces 481, 482, and 483
may define an inner diameter of front portion 439 of post 16. In the
embodiment shown in Fig. 8C, an
inner diameter dp1 of annular surface 481 is less than an inner diameter do of
surface 482, which is less
than an inner diameter do of annular surface 83. As a result, the transition
from surface 481 to surface
482 forms an annular edge 484 of post 16. Further, as shown in Fig. 8C, inner
diameter dp1 may be less
than an outer diameter dbo of biasing element 472, inner diameter dp2 may be
substantially equal to
outer diameter dbo, and inner diameter dp3 may be larger than outer diameter
dbo.
100511 Thus, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8D, upon axial insertion of
biasing element 472 into
front portion 439 of post 16, the rear portion of biasing element 472 may be
pressed-fit into front
portion 439 of post 16 and against surface 482, as outer diameter dbo of
biasing element 472 is
substantially equal to inner diameter dp, of post 16. Thus, biasing element
472 may be held in post 16
by, for example, a friction engagement. In other words. post 16 may engage
biasing element 472 to
prevent or inhibit separation of biasing element 472 from post 16. Biasing
element 472, however,
cannot move rearward father than ridge 484 because surface 481 has inner
diameter dp1 less than outer
diameter db0 of biasing element 472.
[00521 Press fitting end cap 458 into biasing element 472, as shown in Fig.
8B, and biasing element
472 into post 16, as shown in Fig. 8D, may result in the combination of
components shown in Fig. 8E.
In the embodiment of Fig. 8E, post 16 may engage end cap 458 (using, for
example, biasing element
472) to prevent or inhibit separation of end cap 458 from post 16. If post 16
is press fit into body 12, as
shown in Fig. 7B, then end cap 458 may be prevented or inhibited from
separating from the whole of
assembled connector 10, as shown in Fig. 5. With this arrangement, the end cap
458 may be coupled
16
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
into forward end 439 of post 16. As discussed below, end cap 458 may be
axially movable with
respect to annular post 16 by compression of biasing element 472.
100531 Biasing element 472 may include a conductive, resilient element
configured to provide a
suitable biasing force between annular post 16 and end cap 458. The conductive
nature of biasing
element 472 may also provide an electrical path from surface 453 (e.g., the
outer shell) of port
connector 48 to annular post 16. In one embodiment, end cap 458 may also be
formed of a conductive
material, such as metal, to provide an electrical path from surface 453 of
port connector 48 the outer
shell of port connector 48 and annular post 16.
[0054] In one embodiment, biasing element 472 may include one or more coil
springs, one or more
wave springs (single or double waves), one or more a conical spring washers
(slotted or unslotted), one
or more Belleville washers, or any other suitable biasing element, such as a
conductive resilient
element (e.g., a plastic or elastomeric member impregnated or injected with
conductive particles), etc.
[0055] As illustrated in Figs. 4, 5, 8A through 8E, and 9, biasing element
472 may include a coil
spring having an inner diameter db, and an outer diameter dbo. In one
embodiment, inner diameter db, of
biasing element 472 may be sized substantially equal to an outer diameter of
end cap cylindrical body
62, such that biasing element 472 may be positioned around cylindrical body
462 of end cap 458 during
assembly of connector 10.
[0056] In an initial, uncompressed state (as shown in Fig. 8E), biasing
element 472 may be in a
relaxed state and a first axial distance dal may exist between an undersurface
491 of flange 464 of end
cap 458 and flange 38 of post 16. First axial distance dal is also shown in
Fig. 5 when connector 10 is
not connected to connector port 48. A force applied in the rearward direction
against a forward surface
17
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
492 of flange 464 relative to post 16 may move end cap 458 rearward relative
to post 16 and compress
biasing element 472.
100571 In a compressed state (as shown in Fig. 8F), biasing element 472 is
compressed, leaving a
second axial distance da2 between undersurface 91 of flange 464 of end cap 458
and flange 38 of post
16. The second axial distance da2 is also shown in Fig. 9, where connector 10
is connected to
connector port 48. As shown in Figs. 8E and 8F, first axial distance dal is
less than second axial
distance da2. As discussed above, outer diameter dõ of end portion 468 of end
cap 458 may be smaller
than inner diameter dp1 of surface 481. In this embodiment, end portion 468 of
end cap 458 may
extend into the volume defined inside surface 481.
100581 As shown in Fig. 9, rotatable threaded engagement between threads 52
of port connector 48
and threads 54 of nut 18 may cause the compression of biasing element 472. In
this case, rearward
surface 453 of port connector 48 may engage forward surface 492 of flanged
portion 464 of end cap
458. In a position of initial contact between port connector 48 and end cap
458 (not shown), rearward
surface 453 of port connector 48 may be separated by the distance dal from the
forward surface of
flanged base portion 38 of annular post 16. The conductive nature of biasing
element 472, end cap
458, and annular post 16 may provide an electrical path from the outer shell
of port connector 48 to
annular post 16. After further rotation of nut 18, in a second position of
contact between port
connector 48 and end cap 458 (shown in Fig. 9) rearward surface 453 of port
connector 48 may be
separated by the distance da2 from forward surface 492 of flanged base portion
38 of annular post 16.
This configuration may enable a functional gap or "clearance" that may allow
for a "back-off" rotation
of nut 18 relative to port connector 48 while maintaining suitable passage of
electrical and RF signals
18
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
to annular post 16. In one embodiment, the back-off rotation of nut 18
relative to post 16 may be
approximately 360 degrees.
[0059] As discussed, continued insertion of port connector 48 into
connector 10 may cause biasing
element 72 to compress, thereby moving end cap 458 axially relative to annular
post 16. The
compression of biasing element 472 may provide a load force between flanged
base portion 38 and end
cap 458, which is then transmitted to port connector 48. This load force is
transferred to threads 52 and
54, thereby facilitating constant tension between threads 52 and 54 and
facilitating a decreased
likelihood that port connector 48 becomes loosened from connector 10 due to
external forces. such as
vibrations, heating/cooling, etc.
[0060] The above-described connector may pass electrical and RF signals
typically found in
CATV. satellite. CCTV. VolP, 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
biasing element 72 is under linear compression) & RF shielding (Signal Ingress
& Egress).
[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, annular post 16 makes contact with the
reference plane of the mating
connector (e.g., port connector 48). By providing a spring-loaded end cap 458
for interfacing between
post 16 and port connector 48, and biasing the end cap 458 with biasing
element 472 located in front of
annular post 16, the connector 10 described herein ensures electrical and RI-.
contact at a more uniform
reference plane between port connector 48 and annular post 16. Furthermore, by
positioning biasing
element 472 outside of end cap 458, a more uniform electrically conductive
environment may be
19
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
provided. The stepped nature of post 16 enables compression of biasing element
472, while
simultaneously supporting direct interfacing between post 16 and port
connector 48. Further,
compression of biasing element 472 provides equal and opposite biasing forces
between internal
threads 54 of nut 18 and external threads 52 of port connector 48.
[0062] In one embodiment (not shown), body 462 of end cap 458 may be
tapered. In this
embodiment, when biasing element 472 is press fit onto end cap 458, end cap
458 may engage the most
forward end of biasing element 472 (e.g., the leading coil of biasing element
472 if biasing element 472
is a coil spring).
[0063] In yet another embodiment, outer diameter dee of end cap 458 may be
smaller than inner
diameter db, of biasing element 472. In this embodiment, end cap 458 may not
tightly hold biasing
element 472 and end cap 458 may be inserted into connector 10 (e.g., into nut
38) when connecting to
connector port 48. In one embodiment, end cap 458 may be omitted entirely,
instead relying on biasing
element 472 to provide biasing force against end surface 453 of connector port
48.
[0064] In another embodiment, outer diameter dbo of biasing element 472 may
be smaller than
inner diameter dp2 of surface 482 of post 16. In this embodiment, post 16 may
not tightly hold biasing
element 472 and biasing element 472 (possibly tightly held to end cap 458) may
be inserted into
connector 10 (e.g., into nut 18) when connecting to connector port 48.
[0065] In another embodiment, end cap 458 may be press fit such around
biasing element 472 such
that biasing element 472 is within the space formed by body 462 of end cap
458. Further, in another
embodiment, biasing element 472 may be press fit into post 16 such that a
portion of post 16 is within
a central space formed by element 472.
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
100661 Referring now to Figs. 10 and 11, another exemplary embodiment
associated with the
coaxial cable connector 10 of Fig. 1 is shown. For example. Figs. 10 and 11
depict an exemplary
coaxial cable connector 10 in an unconnected configuration and connected
configuration, respectively.
[0067] As discussed above, 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.
[0068] As illustrated in Figs. 1, 10 and 11, 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. 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 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. As discussed above, 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.
[0069] In each 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
21
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
14 may be moved axially forward in the direction of arrow A from the first
position (shown in Figs. 10
and 11) to the second position (shown in Fig. 1). As illustrated in Fig. 11,
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.
100701 To provide this load force, an internal diameter of flanged base
portion 38 of annular post
16 may be configured to include an annular notch 1056 for retaining a rearward
portion of an end cap
1058. Base portion 1038 may further include a retaining lip 1060 formed at the
forward end of base
portion 1038 adjacent to annular notch 56 for engagingly receiving end cap
1058. Retaining lip 1060
may have an internal diameter smaller than an internal diameter of annular
notch 1056.
[00711 As illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, end cap 1058 may include a
substantially cylindrical body
1062 having a flanged portion 1064 extending radially from a forward portion
1066 of end cap 1058.
Flanged portion 1064 is configured to interface with a rearward surface of
port connector 48 to provide
a uniform reference plane during connection of port connector 48 to connector
10.
100721 Rearward portion 1068 of end cap 1058 may include a radially
extending retaining flange
1070 configured to retain end cap 1058 with annular post 16. In one
implementation, retaining flange
1070 may be configured to include a rearwardly chamfered outer surface for
facilitating insertion of
retaining flange 1068 into flanged base portion 38 of annular post 16. Upon
axial insertion of end cap
1058 into annular post 16, retaining flange 1068 may engage retaining lip 1060
to prevent or inhibit
removal of end cap 1058 from annular post 16. With this arrangement, the end
cap 1058 can be easily
22
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
snap fit into the forward end of flanged base portion 1038. As discussed
below, end cap 1058 may be
axially movable with respect to annular post 16.
[0073] Consistent with embodiments described herein, a biasing element 1072
may be positioned
between a rearward surface of flanged portion 1068 and a forward surface of
base portion 1064.
Biasing element 1072 may include a conductive, resilient element configured to
provide a suitable
biasing force between annular post 16 and end cap 1058. The conductive nature
of biasing element
1072 may also facilitate passage of electrical and RF signals from port
connector 48 contacting end cap
1058 (see Fig. 11) to annular post 16 at varying degrees of insertion relative
to port connector 48 and
connector 10. In one exemplary embodiment, end cap 1058 may also be formed of
a conductive
material, such as metal, to facilitate transmission of electrical and RF
signals between port connector
48 and annular post 16.
[0074] In one implementation, biasing element 1072 may include one or more
coil springs, one or
more wave springs (single or double waves), one or more a conical spring
washers (slotted or
unslotted), one or more Belleville washers, or any other suitable biasing
element, such as a conductive
resilient element (e.g., a plastic or elastomeric member impregnated or
injected with conductive
particles), etc.
[0075] As illustrated in Fig. 10-12, biasing element 1072 may include a two-
peak wave washer
having an inside diameter -d," and an outside diameter "do." In one
implementation, the inside
diameter d, of biasing element 1072 may be sized substantially similarly to an
outer diameter of end
cap cylindrical body 1062, such that biasing element 1072 may be positioned
around end cap
cylindrical body 1062 during assembly of connector 10.
73
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
100761 In
an initial, uncompressed state (as shown in Fig. 10). biasing element 1072 may
extend a
length "z" beyond the forward end of base portion 1038. Upon insertion of port
connector 48 (e.g., via
rotatable threaded engagement between threads 52 and threads 54 as shown in
Fig. 11), the rearward
surface of port connector 48 may engage a forward surface of end cap flanged
portion 1064. In a
position of initial contact between port connector 48 and end cap 1058 (not
shown), the rearward
surface of port connector 48 may be separated from the forward surface of
annular post 16 by the
distance -z" + the thickness of end cap flanged portion 1064, illustrated as
"t" in Fig. 10. The
conductive nature of biasing element 1072, as well as conduction between end
cap 1058 and annular
post 16 may enable effective transmission of electrical and RF signals from
port connector 48 to
annular post 16 even when separated by distance z+t, effectively increasing
the reference plane of
connector 10. In one implementation, the above-described configuration enables
a functional gap or
"clearance" between the reference planes, thereby enabling approximately 360
degrees of "back-off'
rotation of annular nut 18 relative to port connector 48 while maintaining
suitable passage of electrical
and RF signals to annular post 16.
100771
Continued insertion of port connector 48 into connector 10 may cause biasing
element 1072
to compress, thereby enabling end cap 1058 to move axially within annular post
16. The compression
of biasing element 1072 providing a load force between flanged base portion
1038 and end cap 1058,
which is then transmitted to port connector 48. This load force is transferred
to threads 52 and 54,
thereby facilitating constant tension between threads 52 and 54 and
facilitating a decreased likelihood
that port connector 48 becomes loosened from connector 10 due to external
forces, such as vibrations,
heating/cooling, etc.
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
[0078] The above-described connector may pass electrical and RF signals
typically found in
CATV, satellite, CCTV, 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
biasing element 1072 is under linear compression) & RF shielding (Signal
Ingress & Egress).
[0079] 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 RE signals
propagated by the coaxial cable.
In order to transfer the signals, annular post 16 makes contact with the
reference plane of the mating
connector (e.g., port connector 48). By providing a spring-loaded end cap 1058
for interfacing between
post 16 and port connector 48, and biasing the end cap 1058 with biasing
element 1072 located in front
of annular post 16, the connector 10 described herein ensures electrical and
RF contact at a more
uniform reference plane between port connector 48 and annular post 16.
Furthermore, by positioning
biasing element 1072 outside of end cap 1058, a more uniform electrically
conductive environment
may be provided. The stepped nature of post 16 enables compression of biasing
element 1072, while
simultaneously supporting direct interfacing between post 16 and port
connector 48. Further,
compression of biasing element 1072 provides equal and opposite biasing forces
between internal
threads 54 of nut 18 and external threads 52 of port connector 48.
[0080] As described above, biasing elements described above (e.g., biasing
element 58, 472 and
1072) enhance retention force between the nut and the port connector by
providing a constant load
force on the port connector. Fig. 13 illustrates another exemplary embodiment
of coaxial cable
connector 10 in an unconnected configuration.
[0081] Referring to Figs. 13 and 14. connector 10 includes internal threads
1348, which cooperates
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
with an external thread of a mating connector port (not shown). Connector 10
also includes end cap
1350 coupled to the forward end 1352 (shown in Fig. 14) of the shoulder
portion 38 of the post 16 and
a biasing element 1354 acting between the end cap and the post. As illustrated
in Fig. 14, end cap 1350
may be a generally cup-shaped member having a base 1356 and a cylindrical wall
1358 extending
generally perpendicularly from the base. Base 1356 has a forward face 1360 and
an aperture 1362
formed therethrough, through which the center conductor of a cable extends for
connection to the port
connector (not shown).
[0082] The cylindrical wall 1358 of end cap 1350 terminates at a lip or
hook portion 1364 opposite
base 1356. Lip 1364 includes a forward facing wall 1366 and a rearward facing
chamfered wall 1368.
The inner diameter of lip 1364 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of
post shoulder portion 38 so
that, when assembled to the post, end cap 1350 is in a close axially sliding
relationship with the
shoulder portion of the post.
[0083] Shoulder portion 38 of post 16 is preferably provided with a radial
flange 1370 for retaining
end cap 1350 to the post. Specifically, radial flange 1370 extends radially
outwardly from the outer
diameter of post shoulder portion 38 and has an outer diameter slightly
smaller than the inner diameter
of cylindrical wall 1358 of end cap 1350. Radial flange 1370 further includes
a rearward facing wall
1372 and a forward facing chamfered wall 1374.
[0084] With this arrangement, end cap 1350 can be easily snap fit over the
forward end 1352 of the
post shoulder portion. Chamfered walls 1368 and 1374 of end cap 1350 and the
post radial flange
1370 facilitate forward insertion of the post into end cap 1350, while forward
facing wall 1366 of end
cap lip 1364 and rearward facing wall 1372 of post flange 1370 prevent removal
of post 16 from within
end cap 1350. However, a certain amount of axial movement between end cap 1350
and post 16 is
26
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
permitted.
100851 Thus assembled, end cap 1350 and post 16 define a chamber 1376
therebetween. Retained
within chamber 1376 is biasing element 1354 for urging post 16 and end cap
1350 in axially opposite
directions. In its initial non-compressed state, biasing element 1354
preferably separates end cap 1350
and post 16 at their maximum permitted axial distance. As will be discussed in
further detail below,
biasing element 1354 is compressible so as to permit chamber 1376 to decrease
in size.
[0086] Biasing element 1354 may be a compression spring, a wave spring
(single or double wave),
a conical spring washer (slotted or unslotted). a Belleville washer, or any
other suitable element for
applying a biasing force between the 16 and end cap 1350, without locking post
16 to end cap 1350. In
an exemplary implementation, biasing element 1354 may also be made from an
electrically conductive
material for conducting the electrical signal from post 16 to end cap 1350.
For example, biasing
element 1354 may be maintained in electrical contact with forward face 1378 of
the post shoulder
portion 38, and is further maintained in electrical contact with base 1356 of
end cap 1350. Thus,
electrical continuity is maintained between post 16 and end cap 1350.
[0087] Biasing element 1354 provides a biasing force on end cap 1350 urging
forward face 1360 of
the end cap in a forward direction, as indicated by arrow A in Fig. 13,
against a rearward face of a
mating external device port upon connection of connector nut 18 with the
external device. Biasing
element 1354 is also provided to further load the interference between nut
threads 48 and the port
connector threads to further maintain signal contact between the cable and the
port connector.
[0088] Retaining biasing element 1354 between end cap 1350 and forward face
1378 of the post
shoulder portion 38 provides a constant tension between post 16 and end cap
1350, which allows for up
to 360 degree "back-off' rotation of nut 18 on a terminal, without signal
loss. As a result, maintaining
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
electrical contact between coaxial cable connector 10 and the signal contact
of the port connector is
improved by a factor of 400-500%, as compared with prior art connectors.
[0089] In addition, as discussed above, in some implementations, locking
sleeve 14 illustrated in,
for example, Fig. 13, 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.
[0090] As a result of aspects described herein, a spring loaded coaxial RF
interface ("F" male
connector) is provided that continues to propagate and shield RF signals
regardless of torque
requirements, such as that recommended by the SCTE. This condition is met when
the biasing element
is under linear compression and/or the F Male connector-coupling nut allows a
gap (clearance) of less
than approximately 0.043 inches between the reference planes.
100911 The connector of the present invention passes electrical and RF
signals typically found in
CATV, satellite, CCTV. VoIP, data, video, high speed Internet, etc.. through
the mating ports (about
the connector reference planes). The spring loaded post provides power bonding
grounding (i.e., helps
promote a safer bond connection per NEC Article 250 when spring is under
linear compression) &
RF shielding (Signal Ingress & Egress).
[0092] Upon installation, the connector post is incorporated into the cable
between the cable foil
and the cable braid and carries the RF signals. In order to transfer the
signals, the post must make
contact with the reference plane of the mating connector. The wave spring
positioned in front of the
post flange, and located within the end cap, ensures electrical and RF contact
at the reference plane.
Also, the recess feature in the end cap retains the spring for compression
against the post interface,
thereby extending an opposite and equal force against the spring and the post
interface. The end cap is
28
CA 02681233 2016-04-08
retained externally on the post outer diameter with a snap feature and is
allowed to axially float. This
allows the electrical and RF signals to pass through the reference plane
during a 360 degree back off
rotation of the connector nut.
[0093] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have
been described herein
with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to
those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications
may be effected therein
by one skilled in the art.
[0094] The foregoing description of exemplary implementations provides
illustration and
description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments
described herein 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.
[0095] For example, various features have been mainly described above with
respect to coaxial
cables and connectors for securing coaxial cables. For example, the coaxial
cable connector described
herein may be used or usable with various types of coaxial cables, such as 50,
75, or 93 ohm coaxial
cables, or other characteristic impedance cable designs. In other
implementations, features described
herein may be implemented in relation to other types of cable interface
technologies.
[0096] 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
be modified. Various
changes of forn, 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.
29
CA 02681233 2009-09-30
100971 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. Further, the
phrase "based on" is
intended to mean "based, at least in part, on- unless explicitly stated
otherwise.
