U.S. patent application number 14/329394 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for connector having a grounding member.
This patent application is currently assigned to PPC BROADBAND, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is PPC BROADBAND, INC.. Invention is credited to Mary Krenceski, Roger Mathews, Noah P. Montena.
Application Number | 20140322972 14/329394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44647595 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140322972 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krenceski; Mary ; et
al. |
October 30, 2014 |
CONNECTOR HAVING A GROUNDING MEMBER
Abstract
A coaxial cable connector includes, in one embodiment, a
conductive body member, a post member, a conductive nut member and
a conductive metal ring grounding member. The conductive metal ring
grounding member is configured to maintain electrical
grounding.
Inventors: |
Krenceski; Mary; (Troy,
NY) ; Mathews; Roger; (Syracuse, NY) ;
Montena; Noah P.; (Syracuse, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PPC BROADBAND, INC. |
East Syracuse |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PPC BROADBAND, INC.
East Syracuse
NY
|
Family ID: |
44647595 |
Appl. No.: |
14/329394 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13448937 |
Apr 17, 2012 |
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14329394 |
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13118617 |
May 31, 2011 |
8157589 |
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13448937 |
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12418103 |
Apr 3, 2009 |
8071174 |
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13118617 |
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12941709 |
Nov 8, 2010 |
7950958 |
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12418103 |
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12397087 |
Mar 3, 2009 |
7828595 |
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12941709 |
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10997218 |
Nov 24, 2004 |
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12397087 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/583 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 2103/00 20130101;
H01R 9/0524 20130101; H01R 13/6596 20130101; H01R 9/0512 20130101;
H01R 24/40 20130101; H01R 13/6584 20130101; H01R 9/0521 20130101;
Y10T 29/49174 20150115; H01R 13/5202 20130101; H01R 13/658
20130101; H01R 13/5219 20130101; H01R 13/622 20130101; Y10T
29/49204 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/583 |
International
Class: |
H01R 24/40 20060101
H01R024/40; H01R 13/6596 20060101 H01R013/6596 |
Claims
1. A coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial
cable, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a
dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive
grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded
by a protective outer jacket, the connector comprising: a
conductive body member including a forward body end portion and an
opposing rearward body end portion, the rearward body end portion
configured to receive a portion of the coaxial cable, the forward
body end portion having a forward facing body portion that
comprises a forward most surface of the conductive body member and
a conductive member outer body contact portion of a surface
extending at least partially in a radial direction when the
connector is assembled; a post member configured to engage the
conductive body member, wherein the post member is not integral
with the conductive body member, the post member having a forward
end including a flange and a rearward end, the rearward end
configured to be inserted into a portion of the coaxial cable
around the dielectric and under at least a portion of the
conductive grounding shield thereof to make electrical contact with
the conductive grounding shield of the coaxial cable; a conductive
nut member configured to rotate relative to the post member and the
conductive body member, the conductive nut member including a
forward nut end portion configured to be coupled to an interface
port, a rearward nut end portion, and an internal lip, the internal
lip having a forward lip surface facing the forward nut end portion
and a rearward lip surface facing the rearward nut end portion; a
conductive metal ring grounding member including a nut contact
portion configured to be electrically coupled to the conductive nut
member and a body contact portion configured to at least partially
encircle a portion of the conductive body member and be
electrically coupled to the conductive member outer body contact
portion of the conductive body member without contacting the
forward facing body portion of the conductive body member so as to
form a nut-body electrical circuit between the conductive nut
member and the conductive member outer body contact portion of the
conductive body member, extend electromagnetic shielding from the
coaxial cable through the connector, and inhibit RF ingress into
the connector when the connector is assembled; wherein the flange
of the post member is configured to electrically contact the
internal lip of the conductive nut member so as to form a first
electrical ground path between the post member and the conductive
nut member, and wherein the conductive metal ring grounding member
forms a second electrical ground path between the post member and
the conductive nut member when the connector is assembled; and
wherein the conductive metal ring grounding member is configured to
maintain the second electrical ground path in an unbroken state,
where the conductive metal ring grounding member is in electrical
contact with the post member and the conductive nut member, even
when the first electrical ground path is in a broken state, where
the flange of the post member is not in electrical contact with the
internal lip of the conductive nut member.
2. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
nut member includes an outer internal wall that axially extends
rearward from the internal lip.
3. The coaxial cable connector of claim 2, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member is configured to contact the outer
internal wall.
4. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member comprises a soft metal material.
5. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member comprises a compressible material.
6. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member is further configured to form an
annular seal between a surface of the conductive nut member and an
outer surface of the conductive body member so as to form a
physical barrier against ingress of environmental and
non-electrical contaminants.
7. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member comprises a conductively coated O-ring
sealing member that is configured to also form a physical seal
between the conductive nut member and the conductive body
member.
8. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member has a circular cross-sectional
shape.
9. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
member outer body contact portion comprises an external body
contact surface of the conductive body member.
10. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
member outer body contact portion comprises an external body
contact surface of the conductive body member that at least
partially faces a forward direction.
11. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
member outer body contact portion comprises an external body
contact surface of the conductive body member that faces toward the
rearward nut end portion of the conductive nut member.
12. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
body contact portion of the conductive metal ring grounding member
comprises an external surface of the conductive body member that at
least partially faces a rearward direction.
13. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the body
contact portion of the conductive metal ring grounding member is at
least partially located on a rearward portion of the conductive
metal ring grounding member.
14. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the nut contact
portion of the conductive metal ring grounding member is at least
partially located on an outward portion of the conductive metal
ring grounding member.
15. The coaxial cable connector claim 1, wherein the flange of the
post member is configured to engage the internal lip of the
conductive nut member so as to prevent axial movement of the post
member relative to the conductive nut member when the connector is
assembled.
16. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member is configured to fully encircle a
portion of the conductive body member when the connector is
assembled.
17. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member is positioned so as to be rearwardly
spaced from the internal lip of the conductive nut member such that
no portion of the conductive metal ring grounding member is located
inside the conductive body member when the connector is
assembled.
18. A coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial
cable, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a
dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive
grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded
by a protective outer jacket, the connector comprising: a
conductive body member including a forward body end portion and an
opposing rearward body end portion, the rearward body end portion
configured to receive a portion of the coaxial cable, the forward
body end portion having a forward facing body portion and a
conductive member outer body contact portion extending at least
partially in a radial direction away from the forward facing body
portion when the connector is in an assembled state; a post member
configured to engage the conductive body member, wherein the post
member is not integral with the conductive body member, the post
member having a forward end including a flange and a rearward end,
the rearward end configured to be inserted into the portion of the
coaxial cable around the dielectric and under at least a portion of
the conductive grounding shield thereof to make electrical contact
with the conductive grounding shield of the coaxial cable; a
conductive nut member configured to rotate relative to the post
member and the conductive body member, the conductive nut member
including a forward nut end portion configured to be coupled to an
interface port, a rearward nut end portion, and an internal lip,
the internal lip having a forward lip surface facing the forward
end portion of the nut and a rearward lip surface facing the
rearward end portion of the nut; a conductive metal ring grounding
member including a nut contact portion configured to be
electrically coupled to the conductive nut member and a body
contact portion configured to at least partially encircle a portion
of the conductive body member forward of the conductive member
outer body contact portion of the conductive body member and be
electrically coupled to the conductive member outer body contact
portion of the conductive body member without contacting the
forward facing body portion of the conductive body member so as to
form a nut-body electrical circuit between the conductive nut
member and the conductive member outer body contact portion of the
conductive body member, extend electromagnetic shielding from the
coaxial cable through the connector, and prevent RF ingress into
the connector when the connector is in an assembled state; wherein
the flange of the post member is configured to electrically contact
the internal lip of the conductive nut member so as to form a first
electrical ground path between the post member and the conductive
nut member, and wherein the conductive metal ring grounding member
forms a second electrical ground path between the post member and
the conductive nut member when the connector is in the assembled
state; wherein the conductive metal ring grounding member is
configured to maintain the second electrical ground path in an
unbroken state, where the conductive metal ring grounding member is
in electrical contact with the post member and the conductive nut
member, even when the first electrical ground path is in a broken
state, where the flange of the post member is not in electrical
contact with the internal lip of the conductive nut member; and
wherein the conductive metal ring grounding member comprises a soft
metal, compressible, and conductively coated O-ring sealing member
that is configured to form a physical seal between the conductive
nut member and the conductive body member so as to form a physical
barrier against ingress of environmental and non-electrical
contaminants when the connector is in the assembled state.
19. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the conductive
nut member includes an outer internal wall that axially extends
rearward from the internal lip.
20. The coaxial cable connector of claim 19, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member is configured to contact the outer
internal wall.
21. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the forward
facing body portion comprises a forward most surface of the
conductive body member.
22. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the conductive
member outer body contact portion comprises an external body
contact surface of the conductive body member.
23. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the conductive
member outer body contact portion comprises an external body
contact surface of the conductive body member that at least
partially faces a forward direction.
24. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the conductive
member outer body contact portion comprises an external body
contact surface of the conductive body member that faces toward the
rearward nut end portion of the conductive nut member.
25. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the conductive
member outer body contact portion comprises an external surface of
the conductive body member that at least partially faces a forward
direction.
26. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the body
contact portion of the conductive metal ring grounding member is at
least partially located on a rearward portion of the conductive
metal ring grounding member.
27. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the nut
contact portion of the conductive metal ring grounding member is at
least partially located on an outward portion of the conductive
metal ring grounding member and the body contact portion of the
conductive metal ring grounding member is at least partially
located on an inward portion of the conductive metal ring grounding
member.
28. The coaxial cable connector claim 18, wherein the flange of the
post member is configured to engage the internal lip of the
conductive nut member so as to prevent axial movement of the post
member relative to the conductive nut member when the connector is
in the assembled state.
29. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member is configured to fully encircle a
portion of the conductive body member forward of the conductive
member outer body contact portion of the conductive body member
when the connector is in the assembled state.
30. The coaxial cable connector of claim 18, wherein the conductive
metal ring grounding member is positioned so as to be rearwardly
spaced from the internal lip of the conductive nut member such that
no portion of the conductive metal ring grounding member is located
inside the conductive body member when the connector is in the
assembled state.
31. A coaxial cable connector comprising: a body member including a
forward facing body surface and a radially extending body grounding
contact surface; a post member configured to engage but be
separable from the body member and including a post protrusion; a
coupler including a coupler protrusion and a coupler-to-body
grounding coupler contact surface, the coupler being configured to
form a coupler-to-post electrical ground path when the coupler
protrusion is in electrical contact with the post protrusion; a
metal coupler-to-body grounding member including a coupler
grounding contact surface and a body grounding contact surface, the
metal coupler-to-body grounding member being configured to form a
coupler-to-body electrical ground path when the coupler grounding
contact surface is in electrical contact with the coupler-to-body
grounding coupler contact surface of the coupler and when the body
grounding contact surface is in electrical contact with the
radially extending body grounding contact surface of the body
member; wherein the metal coupler-to-body grounding member is
configured to at least partially encircle a portion of the body
member forward of the radially extending body grounding contact
surface of the body member; wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member is rearwardly spaced from the post protrusion and
the coupler protrusion such that no portion of the metal
coupler-to-body grounding member is located inside the body member;
wherein the metal coupler-to-body grounding member is configured to
maintain the coupler-to-body electrical ground path even when the
coupler-to-post ground path is interrupted when the post protrusion
is not in electrical contact with the coupler protrusion; and
wherein the metal coupler-to-body grounding member further
comprises a soft metal and conductively coated O-ring sealing
member that is configured to form a physical seal between the
coupler and the body member.
32. The connector of claim 31, wherein the coupler includes an
outer internal wall that axially extends rearward from the coupler
protrusion and has an inward facing outer internal wall surface,
and the metal coupler-to-body grounding member is configured to
electrically contact the inward facing outer internal wall surface
of the outer internal wall of the coupler.
33. The connector of claim 31, wherein the forward facing body
surface comprises a forward most surface of the body member.
34. The connector of claim 31, wherein the radially extending body
grounding contact surface of the body member comprises an external
body contact surface of the body member.
35. The connector of claim 31, wherein the radially extending body
grounding contact surface of the body member comprises an external
body contact surface that is positioned to face toward a rearward
coupler end portion of the coupler.
36. The connector of claim 31, wherein the radially extending body
grounding contact surface of the body member comprises an external
body surface.
37. The connector of claim 31, wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member is configured to fully encircle a portion of the
body member forward of the radially extending body grounding
contact surface of the body member.
38. The connector of claim 31, wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member is ring-shaped around a portion of the body member
forward of the radially extending body grounding contact surface of
the body member.
39. The connector of claim 31, wherein the body grounding contact
surface of the metal coupler-to-body grounding member is configured
to extend along a first longitudinal direction and the radially
extending body grounding contact surface of the body member extends
along a second longitudinal direction parallel to the first
longitudinal direction when the body grounding contact surface is
in electrical contact with the radially extending body grounding
contact surface such that the body grounding contact surface is an
electrical contact portion between the body grounding contact
surface and the radially extending body grounding contact
surface.
40. The connector of claim 39, wherein the electrical contact
portion extends along a radial direction substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector when the
connector is in an assembled state.
41. The connector of claim 31, wherein the body grounding contact
surface of the metal coupler-to-body grounding member is in
electrical contact with the radially extending body grounding
contact surface of the body member.
42. The connector of claim 41, wherein the electrical contact
portion extends along a radial direction substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector when the
connector is in an assembled state.
43. The connector claim 31, wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member is ring shaped around a longitudinal axis of the
connector.
44. The connector claim 31, wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member has a circular cross-sectional shape.
45. A coaxial cable connector comprising: a body member including a
forward facing body surface and a radially extending body grounding
contact surface; a post member configured to separably engage the
body member and including a post protrusion; a coupler including a
coupler protrusion and a coupler-to-body grounding coupler contact
surface, the coupler being configured to form a coupler-to-post
electrical ground path when the coupler protrusion is in electrical
contact with the post protrusion; a metal coupler-to-body grounding
member including a coupler grounding contact surface and a body
grounding contact surface, the metal coupler-to-body grounding
member being configured to form a coupler-to-body electrical ground
path when the coupler grounding contact surface is in electrical
contact with the coupler-to-body grounding coupler contact surface
of the coupler and when the body grounding contact surface is in
electrical contact with the radially extending body grounding
contact surface of the body member; wherein the body grounding
contact surface of the metal coupler-to-body grounding member is
configured to at least partially face the radially extending body
grounding contact surface of the body member; wherein the metal
coupler-to-body grounding member is rearwardly spaced from the post
protrusion and the coupler protrusion such that no portion of the
metal coupler-to-body grounding member is located inside the body
member; and wherein the metal coupler-to-body grounding member is
configured to maintain the coupler-to-body electrical ground path
even when the coupler-to-post ground path is interrupted when the
post protrusion is not in electrical contact with the coupler
protrusion.
46. The connector of claim 45, wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member further comprises a conductively coated O-ring
sealing member that is configured to form a physical seal between
the coupler, the body member, and a soft metal material.
47. The connector of claim 45, wherein the coupler further includes
an outer wall protrusion that axially extends rearward from the
coupler protrusion and has an inward facing surface, and the metal
coupler-to-body grounding member is configured to electrically
contact the inward facing surface of the outer wall protrusion of
the coupler.
48. The connector of claim 45, wherein the forward facing body
surface comprises a forward most surface of the body member.
49. The connector of claim 45, wherein the radially extending body
grounding contact surface comprises an external body contact
surface of the body member.
50. The connector of claim 45, wherein the radially extending body
grounding contact surface of the body member comprises an external
body contact surface that is positioned to face toward a rearward
coupler end portion of the coupler.
51. The connector of claim 45, wherein the radially extending body
grounding contact surface of the body member comprises an external
body surface.
52. The connector of claim 45, wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member is configured to fully encircle a portion of the
body member forward of the radially extending body grounding
contact surface of the body member.
53. The connector of claim 45, wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member is ring-shaped around a portion of the body member
forward of the radially extending body grounding contact surface of
the body member.
54. The connector of claim 45, wherein the body grounding contact
surface of the metal coupler-to-body grounding member is configured
to extend along first longitudinal direction and the radially
extending body grounding contact surface of the body member extends
along a second longitudinal direction parallel to the first
longitudinal direction when the body grounding contact surface is
in electrical contact with the radially extending body grounding
contact surface such that the body grounding contact surface is an
electrical contact portion between the body grounding contact
surface and the radially extending body grounding contact
surface.
55. The connector of claim 54, wherein the electrical contact
portion extends along a radial direction substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector when the
connector is in an assembled state.
56. The connector of claim 45, wherein the body grounding contact
surface of the metal coupler-to-body grounding member is configured
to form an electrical contact portion with the radially extending
body grounding contact surface of the body member.
57. The connector of claim 56, wherein the electrical contact
portion extends along a radial direction substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector when the
connector is in an assembled state.
58. The connector claim 45, wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member is ring shaped around a longitudinal axis of the
connector.
59. The connector claim 45, wherein the metal coupler-to-body
grounding member has a circular cross-sectional shape.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is continuation of, and claims the benefit
and priority of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/448,937, filed
on Apr. 17, 2012, which is a continuation of, and claims the
benefit and priority of, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/118,617, filed on May 31, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,589,
issued on Apr. 17, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of, and
claims the benefit and priority of the following applications: (a)
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/418,103, filed on Apr. 3, 2009,
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,071,174, issued on Dec. 6, 2011; and (b) U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/941,709, filed on Nov. 8, 2010, now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,950,958, issued on May 31, 2011, which is a
continuation of, and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/397,087, filed on Mar. 3, 2009, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,828,595, issued on Nov. 9, 2010, which is a continuation
of, and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/997,218, filed on Nov. 24, 2004. The entire contents of
such applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This following relates generally to the field of connectors
for coaxial cables. More particularly, this invention provides for
a coaxial cable connector comprising at least one conductively
coated member and a method of use thereof.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Broadband communications have become an increasingly
prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial
cables are common conduits for transmission of broadband
communications. Connectors for coaxial cables are typically
connected onto complementary interface ports to electrically
integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices. In
addition, connectors are often utilized to connect coaxial cables
to various communications modifying equipment such as signal
splitters, cable line extenders and cable network modules.
[0006] To help prevent the introduction of electromagnetic
interference, coaxial cables are provided with an outer conductive
shield. In an attempt to further screen ingress of environmental
noise, typical connectors are generally configured to contact with
and electrically extend the conductive shield of attached coaxial
cables. Moreover, electromagnetic noise can be problematic when it
is introduced via the connective juncture between an interface port
and a connector. Such problematic noise interference is disruptive
where an electromagnetic buffer is not provided by an adequate
electrical and/or physical interface between the port and the
connector. Weathering also creates interference problems when
metallic components corrode, deteriorate or become galvanically
incompatible thereby resulting in intermittent contact and poor
electromagnetic shielding.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the field of coaxial cable
connectors for an improved connector design.
SUMMARY
[0008] The following provides an apparatus for use with coaxial
cable connections that offers improved reliability.
[0009] A first general aspect relates to a connector for coupling
an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center
conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being
surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive
grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket,
said connector comprising a connector body, a coupling member, and
a conductive seal, the conductive seal electrically coupling the
connector body and the coupling member.
[0010] A second general aspect relates to a connector for coupling
an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center
conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being
surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive
grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket,
said connector comprising a post, having a first end and a second
end, the first end configured to be inserted into an end of the
coaxial cable around the dielectric and under the conductive
grounding shield thereof. Moreover, the connector comprises a
connector body, operatively attached to the post, and a conductive
member, located proximate the second end of the post, wherein the
conductive member facilitates grounding of the coaxial cable.
[0011] A third general aspect relates to a connector for coupling
an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center
conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being
surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive
grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket,
said connector comprising a connector body, having a first end and
a second end, said first end configured to deformably compress
against and seal a received coaxial cable, a post, operatively
attached to said connector body, a coupling member, operatively
attached to said post, and a conductive member, located proximate
the second end of the connector body, wherein the conductive member
completes a shield preventing ingress of electromagnetic noise into
the connector.
[0012] A fourth general aspect relates to a connector for coupling
an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center
conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being
surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive
grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket,
said connector comprising a connector body a coupling member, and
means for conductively sealing and electrically coupling the
connector body and the coupling member.
[0013] A fifth general aspect relates to a method for grounding a
coaxial cable through a connector, the coaxial cable having a
center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being
surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive
grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket,
said method comprising providing a connector, wherein the connector
includes a connector body, a post having a first end and a second
end, and a conductive member located proximate the second end of
said post, fixedly attaching the coaxial cable to the connector,
and advancing the connector onto an interface port until a surface
of the interface port mates with the conductive member facilitating
grounding through the connector.
[0014] A sixth general aspect relates to for a method for
electrically coupling a coaxial cable and a connector, the coaxial
cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the
dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the
conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer
jacket, said method comprising providing a connector, wherein the
connector includes a connector body, a coupling member, and a
conductive member electrically coupling and physically sealing the
connector body and the coupling member, fixedly attaching the
coaxial cable to the connector, and completing an electromagnetic
shield by threading the nut onto a conductive interface port.
[0015] A seventh general aspect relates to a connector for coupling
an end of a coaxial cable and for facilitating electrical
connection with a male coaxial cable interface port, the coaxial
cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the
dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the
conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer
jacket, the connector comprising a connector body, configured to
receive at least a portion of the coaxial cable, a post, having a
mating edge, the post configured to electrically contact the
conductive grounding shield of the coaxial cable, and a
conductively coated member, configured to reside within a coupling
member of the connector, the conductively coated member positioned
to physically and electrically contact the mating edge of the post
to facilitate grounding of the connector through the conductively
coated member and the post to the cable when the connector is
threadably advanced onto an interface port and to help shield
against ingress of unwanted electromagnetic interference.
[0016] An eighth general aspect relates to connector for coupling
an end of a coaxial cable and for facilitating electrical
connection with a male coaxial cable interface port, the coaxial
cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the
dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the
conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer
jacket, the connector comprising a connector body, configured to
receive at least a portion of the coaxial cable, a post, having a
mating edge, the post configured to electrically contact the
conductive grounding shield of the coaxial cable, and a
conductively coated member, configured to reside within a coupling
member of the connector, the conductively coated member positioned
to physically and electrically contact an inner surface of the
coupling member to facilitate electrical continuity between the
coupling member and the post to help shield against ingress of
unwanted electromagnetic interference.
[0017] A ninth general aspect relates to a connector for coupling
an end of a coaxial cable and facilitating electrical connection
with a male coaxial cable interface port, the coaxial cable having
a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being
surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive
grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, the
connector comprising a post having a mating edge, wherein at least
a portion of the post resides within a connector body, a coupling
member positioned axially with respect to the post, and means for
conductively sealing and electrically coupling the post and the
coupling member of the connector to help facilitate grounding of
the connector, wherein the means for conductively sealing and
electrically coupling physically and electrically contact the
mating edge of the post.
[0018] A tenth general aspect relates to a method for grounding a
coaxial cable through a connector, the coaxial cable having a
center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being
surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive
grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, the
method comprising providing a connector, wherein the connector
includes a connector body, a post having a mating edge, and a
conductively coated member positioned to physically and
electrically contact the mating edge of the post to facilitate
grounding of the connector through the conductively coated member
and the post to the cable, when the connector is attached to an
interface port, fixedly attaching the coaxial cable to the
connector, and advancing the connector onto an interface port until
electrical grounding is extended through the conductively coated
member.
[0019] An eleventh aspect relates generally to a method of
facilitating electrical continuity through a coaxial cable
connector, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded
by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive
grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded
by a protective outer jacket, the method comprising providing the
connector, wherein the connector includes a connector body, a post
having a mating edge, and a conductively coated member positioned
to physically and electrically contact an inner surface of the
coupling member to facilitate electrical continuity between the
coupling member and the post to help shield against ingress of
unwanted electromagnetic interference, fixedly attaching the
coaxial cable to the connector, and advancing the connector onto an
interface port.
[0020] The foregoing and other features of the invention will be
apparent from the following more particular description of various
embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described
in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like
designations denote like members, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1A depicts a sectional side view of a first embodiment
of a connector;
[0023] FIG. 1B depicts a sectional side view of a second embodiment
of a connector
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a
coupling member;
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a
post;
[0026] FIG. 4 depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a
connector body;
[0027] FIG. 5 depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a
fastener member;
[0028] FIG. 6 depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a
connector body having an integral post;
[0029] FIG. 7A depicts a sectional side view of the first
embodiment of a connector configured with a conductive member
proximate a second end of a post;
[0030] FIG. 7B depicts a sectional side view of the second
embodiment of a connector configured with a conductive member
proximate a second end of a post;
[0031] FIG. 8A depicts a sectional side view of the first
embodiment of a connector configured with a conductive member
proximate a second end of a connector body; and
[0032] FIG. 8B depicts a sectional side view of the second
embodiment of a connector configured with a conductive member
proximate a second end of a connector body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Although certain embodiments of the present invention will
be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that
various changes and modifications may be made without departing
from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present
invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting
components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative
arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example
of an embodiment. The features and advantages of the present
invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout
the drawings.
[0034] As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted
that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents, unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0035] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a first
and second embodiment of a connector 100. The connector 100 may
include a coaxial cable 10 having a protective outer jacket 12, a
conductive grounding shield 14, an interior dielectric 16 and a
center conductor 18. The coaxial cable 10 may be prepared as
embodied in FIGS. 1A and 1B by removing the protective outer jacket
12 and drawing back the conductive grounding shield 14 to expose a
portion of the interior dielectric 16. Further preparation of the
embodied coaxial cable 10 may include stripping the dielectric 16
to expose a portion of the center conductor 18. The protective
outer jacket 12 is intended to protect the various components of
the coaxial cable 10 from damage which may result from exposure to
dirt or moisture and from corrosion. Moreover, the protective outer
jacket 12 may serve in some measure to secure the various
components of the coaxial cable 10 in a contained cable design that
protects the cable 10 from damage related to movement during cable
installation. The conductive grounding shield 14 may be comprised
of conductive materials suitable for providing an electrical ground
connection. Various embodiments of the shield 14 may be employed to
screen unwanted noise. For instance, the shield 14 may comprise a
metal foil wrapped around the dielectric 16, or several conductive
strands formed in a continuous braid around the dielectric 16.
Combinations of foil and/or braided strands may be utilized wherein
the conductive shield 14 may comprise a foil layer, then a braided
layer, and then a foil layer. Those in the art will appreciate that
various layer combinations may be implemented in order for the
conductive grounding shield 14 to effectuate an electromagnetic
buffer helping to prevent ingress of environmental noise that may
disrupt broadband communications. The dielectric 16 may be
comprised of materials suitable for electrical insulation. It
should be noted that the various materials of which all the various
components of the coaxial cable 10 are comprised should have some
degree of elasticity allowing the cable 10 to flex or bend in
accordance with traditional broadband communications standards,
installation methods and/or equipment. It should further be
recognized that the radial thickness of the coaxial cable 10,
protective outer jacket 12, conductive grounding shield 14,
interior dielectric 16 and/or center conductor 18 may vary based
upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband
communication standards and/or equipment.
[0036] Referring further to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the connector 100 may
also include a coaxial cable interface port 20. The coaxial cable
interface port 20 includes a conductive receptacle 22 for receiving
a portion of a coaxial cable center conductor 18 sufficient to make
adequate electrical contact. The coaxial cable interface port 20
may further comprise a threaded exterior surface 24. Although,
various embodiments may employ a smooth as opposed to threaded
exterior surface. In addition, the coaxial cable interface port 20
may comprise a mating edge 26. It should be recognized that the
radial thickness and/or the length of the coaxial cable interface
port 20 and/or the conductive receptacle 22 may vary based upon
generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband
communication standards and/or equipment. Moreover, the pitch and
height of threads which may be formed upon the threaded exterior
surface 24 of the coaxial cable interface port 20 may also vary
based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to
broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Furthermore, it
should be noted that the interface port 20 may be formed of a
single conductive material, multiple conductive materials, or may
be configured with both conductive and non-conductive materials
corresponding to the port's 20 electrical interface with a
connector 100. For example, the threaded exterior surface may be
fabricated from a conductive material, while the material
comprising the mating edge 26 may be non-conductive or vice-versa.
However, the conductive receptacle 22 should be formed of a
conductive material. Further still, it will be understood by those
of ordinary skill that the interface port 20 may be embodied by a
connective interface component of a communications modifying device
such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network
module and/or the like.
[0037] Referring still further to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an embodiment of
the connector 100 may further comprise a coupling member 30, a post
40, a connector body 50, a fastener member 60, a conductively
coated mating edge member such as O-ring 70, and/or a connector
body conductive member, such as O-ring 80, and means for
conductively sealing and electrically coupling the connector body
50 and coupling member 30. The means for conductively sealing and
electrically coupling the connector body 50 and coupling member 30
is the employment of the connector body conductive member 80
positioned in a location so as to make a physical seal and
effectuate electrical contact between the connector body 50 and
coupling member 30.
[0038] With additional reference to the drawings, FIG. 2 depicts a
sectional side view of an embodiment of a coupling member 30 having
a first end 32 and opposing second end 34. The coupling element 30
may be a nut, a threaded nut, port coupling element, rotatable port
coupling element, and the like. The coupling element 30 may include
an inner surface, and an outer surface; the inner surface of the
coupling element 30 may be a threaded configuration, the threads
having a pitch and depth corresponding to a threaded port, such as
interface port 20. In other embodiments, the inner surface of the
coupling element 30 may not include threads, and may be axially
inserted over an interface port, such as port 20. The coupling
element 30 may be rotatably secured to the post 40 to allow for
rotational movement about the post 40. The coupling member 30 may
comprise an internal lip 36 located proximate the second end 34 and
configured to hinder axial movement of the post 40 (shown in FIGS.
1A and 1B). Furthermore, the coupling member 30 may comprise a
cavity 38 extending axially from the edge of second end 34 and
partial defined and bounded by the internal lip 36. The cavity 38
may also be partially defined and bounded by an outer internal wall
39. Embodiments of the coupling member 30 may touch or physically
contact the connector body 50 while operably configured, such as
when connector 100 is threaded and/or advanced onto port 20, as
shown in FIG. 1B. Alternatively, embodiments of the coupling member
30 may not touch or physically contact the connector body 50 while
operably configured, such as when connector 100 is threaded and/or
advanced onto port 20, as shown in FIG. 1A. For instance,
electrical continuity may be established and maintained through the
connector 100 (e.g. between the coupling member 30 and the post 40)
while the coupling member 30 does not touch the connector body 50.
The coupling member 30 may be formed of conductive materials
facilitating grounding through the connector. Accordingly the
coupling member 30 may be configured to extend an electromagnetic
buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of an
interface port 20 when a connector 100 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B)
is advanced onto the port 20. The coupling member 30 may also be in
physical and electrical contact with the conductively coated mating
edge member 70. Embodiments of the conductively coated mating edge
member 70 may be disposed within the generally axial opening of the
coupling member 30, and may physically contact the inner surface of
the coupling member 30 proximate the mating edge 46 of the post 40.
Other embodiments of the conductively coated mating edge member 70
may not physically contact the inner surface of the coupling member
30 until deformation of the conductively coated mating edge member
70 occurs. Deformation may occur when the connector 100 is threaded
onto the port 20 a sufficient distance such that the post 40 and
the port 20 act to compress the conductively coated mating edge
member 70. The physical and electrical contact between the
conductively coated mating edge member 70 may establish and
maintain electrical continuity between the coupler member 30 and
the post 40 to extend a RF shield and grounding through the
connector 100. In addition, the coupling member 30 may be formed of
non-conductive material and function only to physically secure and
advance a connector 100 onto an interface port 20. Moreover, the
coupling member 30 may be formed of both conductive and
non-conductive materials. For example the internal lip 36 may be
formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the nut 30 may be
comprised of a metal or other conductive material. In addition, the
coupling member 30 may be formed of metals or polymers or other
materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed body. Manufacture
of the coupling member 30 may include casting, extruding, cutting,
turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, or
other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of
the component.
[0039] With further reference to the drawings, FIG. 3 depicts a
sectional side view of an embodiment of a post 40. The post 40 may
comprise a first end 42 and opposing second end 44. Furthermore,
the post 40 may comprise a flange 46 operatively configured to
contact internal lip 36 of coupling member 30 (shown in FIG. 2)
thereby facilitating the prevention of axial movement of the post
beyond the contacted internal lip 36. Further still, an embodiment
of the post 40 may include a surface feature 48 such as a shallow
recess, detent, cut, slot, or trough. Additionally, the post 40 may
include a mating edge 49. The mating edge 49 may be configured to
make physical and/or electrical contact with an interface port 20
or conductively coated mating edge member or O-ring 70 (shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B). The post 40 should be formed such that portions
of a prepared coaxial cable 10 including the dielectric 16 and
center conductor 18 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) may pass axially
into the first end 42 and/or through the body of the post 40.
Moreover, the post 40 should be dimensioned such that the post 40
may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable 10,
around the dielectric 16 and under the protective outer jacket 12
and conductive grounding shield 14. Accordingly, where an
embodiment of the post 40 may be inserted into an end of the
prepared coaxial cable 10 under the drawn back conductive grounding
shield 14 substantial physical and/or electrical contact with the
shield 14 may be accomplished thereby facilitating grounding
through the post 40. The post 40 may be formed of metals or other
conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed body.
In addition, the post 40 may also be formed of non-conductive
materials such as polymers or composites that facilitate a rigidly
formed body. In further addition, the post may be formed of a
combination of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For
example, a metal coating or layer may be applied to a polymer of
other non-conductive material. Manufacture of the post 40 may
include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, injection
molding, spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication methods that
may provide efficient production of the component.
[0040] With continued reference to the drawings, FIG. 4 depicts a
sectional side view of a connector body 50. The connector body 50
may comprise a first end 52 and opposing second end 54. Moreover,
the connector body may include an internal annular lip 55
configured to mate and achieve purchase with the surface feature 48
of post 40 (shown in FIG. 3). In addition, the connector body 50
may include an outer annular recess 56 located proximate the second
end 54. Furthermore, the connector body may include a semi-rigid,
yet compliant outer surface 57, wherein the outer surface 57 may
include an annular detent 58. The outer surface 57 may be
configured to form an annular seal when the first end 52 is
deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable 10 by a
fastener member 60 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). Further still, the
connector body 50 may include internal surface features 59, such as
annular serrations formed proximate the first end 52 of the
connector body 50 and configured to enhance frictional restraint
and gripping of an inserted and received coaxial cable 10. The
connector body 50 may be formed of materials such as, polymers,
bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a
semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 57. Further, the connector
body 50 may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or
a combination thereof. Manufacture of the connector body 50 may
include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, injection
molding, spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication methods that
may provide efficient production of the component.
[0041] Referring further to the drawings, FIG. 5 depicts a
sectional side view of an embodiment of a fastener member 60 in
accordance with the present invention. The fastener member 60 may
have a first end 62 and opposing second end 64. In addition, the
fastener member 60 may include an internal annular protrusion 63
located proximate the first end 62 of the fastener member 60 and
configured to mate and achieve purchase with the annular detent 58
on the outer surface 57 of connector body 50 (shown in FIG. 4).
Moreover, the fastener member 60 may comprise a central passageway
65 defined between the first end 62 and second end 64 and extending
axially through the fastener member 60. The central passageway 65
may comprise a ramped surface 66 which may be positioned between a
first opening or inner bore 67 having a first diameter positioned
proximate with the first end 62 of the fastener member 60 and a
second opening or inner bore 68 having a second diameter positioned
proximate with the second end 64 of the fastener member 60. The
ramped surface 66 may act to deformably compress the outer surface
57 of a connector body 50 when the fastener member 60 is operated
to secure a coaxial cable 10 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B).
Additionally, the fastener member 60 may comprise an exterior
surface feature 69 positioned proximate with the second end 64 of
the fastener member 60. The surface feature 69 may facilitate
gripping of the fastener member 60 during operation of the
connector 100 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). Although the surface feature
is shown as an annular detent, it may have various shapes and sizes
such as a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling, or other friction or
gripping type arrangements. It should be recognized, by those
skilled in the requisite art, that the fastener member 60 may be
formed of rigid materials such as metals, polymers, composites and
the like. Furthermore, the fastener member 60 may be manufactured
via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, injection
molding, spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication methods that
may provide efficient production of the component.
[0042] Referring still further to the drawings, FIG. 6 depicts a
sectional side view of an embodiment of an integral post connector
body 90 in accordance with the present invention. The integral post
connector body 90 may have a first end 91 and opposing second end
92. The integral post connector body 90 physically and functionally
integrates post and connector body components of an embodied
connector 100 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). Accordingly, the integral
post connector body 90 includes a post member 93. The post member
93 may render connector operability similar to the functionality of
post 40 (shown in FIG. 3). For example, the post member 93 of
integral post connector body 90 may include a mating edge 99
configured to make physical and/or electrical contact with an
interface port 20 or conductively coated mating edge member or
O-ring 70 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The post member 93 of
integral should be formed such that portions of a prepared coaxial
cable 10 including the dielectric 16 and center conductor 18 (shown
in FIGS. 1A and 1B) may pass axially into the first end 91 and/or
through the post member 93. Moreover, the post member 93 should be
dimensioned such that a portion of the post member 93 may be
inserted, into an end of the prepared coaxial cable 10, around the
dielectric 16 and under the protective outer jacket 12 and
conductive grounding shield 14. Further, the integral post
connector body 90 includes an outer connector body surface 94. The
outer connector body surface 94 may render connector 100
operability similar to the functionality of connector body 50
(shown in FIG. 4). Hence, outer connector body surface 94 should be
semi-rigid, yet compliant. The outer connector body surface 94 may
be configured to form an annular seal when compressed against a
coaxial cable 10 by a fastener member 60 (shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B). In addition, the integral post connector body 90 may include
an interior wall 95. The interior wall 95 may be configured as an
unbroken surface between the post member 93 and outer connector
body surface 94 of integral post connector body 90 and may provide
additional contact points for a conductive grounding shield 14 of a
coaxial cable 10. Furthermore, the integral post connector body 90
may include an outer recess formed proximate the second end 92.
Further still, the integral post connector body 90 may comprise a
flange 97 located proximate the second end 92 and operatively
configured to contact internal lip 36 of coupling member 30 (shown
in FIG. 2) thereby facilitating the prevention of axial movement of
the integral post connector body 90 with respect to the coupling
member 30. The integral post connector body 90 may be formed of
materials such as, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials
that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer connector body
surface 94. Additionally, the integral post connector body 90 may
be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a
combination thereof. Manufacture of the integral post connector
body 90 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling,
injection molding, spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication
methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
[0043] With continued reference to the drawings, FIGS. 7A and 7B
depict a sectional side view of a first and second embodiment of a
connector 100 configured with a conductively coated mating edge
member 70 proximate a second end 44 of a post 40. The conductively
coated mating edge member 70 may be configured to reside within a
coupling member 30 of the connector 100, the conductively coated
member 70 positioned to physically and electrically contact the
mating edge of the post 40. The conductively coated conductively
coated mating edge member 70 should be conductive. For instance,
the conductively coated elastomeric member 70 should exhibit levels
of electrical and RF conductivity to facilitate grounding/shielding
through the connector 100. Additionally, embodiments of the
conductively coated conductively coated mating edge member 70 may
include a conductive coating or a partial conductive coating. For
purposes of conductivity, the conductive coating may cover the
entire outer surface of the coated mating edge member 70, or may
partially cover the outer surface of the coated mating edge member
70. For example, embodiments of the coated mating edge member 70
may include one or more strips/portions of conductive coating
spaced apart in a poloidal direction around the outer surface of
the coated mating edge member 70. In another embodiment, the coated
mating edge member 70 may include one or more strips/portions of
conductive coating spaced apart in a toroidal direction around the
outer surface of the mating edge member 70. Embodiments of the
coated mating edge member 70 may include various configurations of
conductive coating, including a weave-like pattern or a combination
of rings and strips along both the poloidal and toroidal direction
of the coated member 70. Coating the coated mating edge member 70
with a conductive coating can obtain high levels of electrical and
RF conductivity from the conductively coated mating edge member 70
which can be used to extend a RF shield/grounding path through the
connector 100.
[0044] Moreover, coating the coated mating edge member 70 may
involve applying (e.g. spraying and/or spraycoating with an
airbrush) a thin layer of conductive coating on the outer surface
of the coated mating edge member 70. Because only the outer surface
of the coated mating edge member 70 is coated with a conductive
coating, the entire cross-section of the coated mating edge member
70 need not be conductive (i.e. not a bulk conductive member).
Thus, the coated mating edge member 70 may be formed form
non-conductive elastomeric materials, such as silicone rubber
having properties characteristic of elastomeric materials, yet may
exhibit electrical and RF conductivity properties once the
conductive coating is applied to at least a portion of the coated
mating edge member 70. Embodiments of the conductive coating may be
a conductive ink, a silver-based ink, and the like, which may be
thinned out from a paste-like substance. Thinning out the
conductive coating for application on the coated mating edge member
70 may involve using a reactive top coat as a thinning agent, such
as a mixture of liquid silicone rubber topcoat, to reduce
hydrocarbon off-gassing during the thinning process; the reactive
topcoat as a thinning agent may also act as a bonding agent to the
outer surface (e.g. silicone rubber) of the coated mating edge
member 70. Alternatively, the conductive coating may be thinned
with an organic solvent as a thinning agent. The application of a
conductive coating onto the elastomeric outer surface or portions
of the coated mating edge member 70 may result in a highly
conductive and highly flexible skin or conductive layer on the
outer surface of the coated mating edge member 70. Thus, a
continuous electrical ground/shielding path may be established
between the post 40, the coated mating edge member 70, and an
interface port 20 due to the conductive properties shared by the
post 40, coated mating edge member 70, and the port 20, while also
forming a seal proximate the mating edge of the post 40.
[0045] The coated mating edge member 70 may comprise a
substantially circinate torus or toroid structure adapted to fit
within the internal threaded portion of coupling member 30 such
that the coated mating edge member 70 may make contact with and/or
reside continuous with a mating edge 49 of a post 40 when
operatively attached to post 40 of connector 100. For example, one
embodiment of the conductively coated conductively coated mating
edge member 70 may be an O-ring. The conductively coated
conductively coated mating edge member 70 may facilitate an annular
seal between the coupling member 30 and post 40 thereby providing a
physical barrier to unwanted ingress of moisture and/or other
environmental contaminates. Moreover, the conductively coated
conductively coated mating edge member 70 may facilitate electrical
coupling of the post 40 and coupling member 30 by extending
therebetween an unbroken electrical circuit. In addition, the
conductively coated conductively coated mating edge member 70 may
facilitate grounding of the connector 100, and attached coaxial
cable (shown in FIG. 1), by extending the electrical connection
between the post 40 and the coupling member 30. Furthermore, the
conductively coated conductively coated mating edge member 70 may
effectuate a buffer preventing ingress of electromagnetic noise
between the coupling member 30 and the post 40. The conductively
coated conductively coated mating edge member or O-ring 70 may be
provided to users in an assembled position proximate the second end
44 of post 40, or users may themselves insert the conductively
coated mating edge conductive O-ring 70 into position prior to
installation on an interface port 20 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B).
Additionally, the conductively coated conductively coated mating
edge member 70 may be formed of materials such including but not
limited to conductive polymers, plastics, conductive elastomers,
elastomeric mixtures, composite materials having conductive
properties, soft metals, conductive rubber, and/or the like and/or
any workable combination thereof, that may or may not need to be
coated with a conductive coating as described supra. Those skilled
in the art would appreciate that the conductively coated
conductively coated mating edge member 70 may be fabricated by
extruding, coating, molding, injecting, cutting, turning,
elastomeric batch processing, vulcanizing, mixing, stamping,
casting, and/or the like and/or any combination thereof in order to
provide efficient production of the component.
[0046] With still further continued reference to the drawings,
FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a sectional side view of a first and a
second embodiment of a connector 100 configured with a connector
body conductive member 80 proximate a second end 54 of a connector
body 50. The connector body conductive member 80 should be formed
of a conductive material. Such materials may include, but are not
limited to conductive polymers, plastics, elastomeric mixtures,
composite materials having conductive properties, soft metals,
conductive rubber, and/or the like and/or any workable combination
thereof. The connector body conductive member 80 may comprise a
substantially circinate torus or toroid structure, or other
ring-like structure. For example, an embodiment of the connector
body conductive member 80 may be an O-ring configured to cooperate
with the annular recess 56 proximate the second end 54 of connector
body 50 and the cavity 38 extending axially from the edge of second
end 34 and partially defined and bounded by an outer internal wall
39 of coupling member 30 such that the connector body conductive
O-ring 80 may make contact with and/or reside contiguous with the
annular recess 56 of connector body 50 and outer internal wall 39
of coupling member 30 when operatively attached to post 40 of
connector 100. The connector body conductive member 80 may
facilitate an annular seal between the coupling member 30 and
connector body 50 thereby providing a physical barrier to unwanted
ingress of moisture and/or other environmental contaminates.
Moreover, the connector body conductive member 80 may facilitate
electrical coupling of the connector body 50 and coupling member 30
by extending therebetween an unbroken electrical circuit. In
addition, the connector body conductive member 80 may facilitate
grounding of the connector 100, and attached coaxial cable (shown
in FIGS. 1A and 1B), by extending the electrical connection between
the connector body 50 and the coupling member 30. Furthermore, the
connector body conductive member 80 may effectuate a buffer
preventing ingress of electromagnetic noise between the coupling
member 30 and the connector body 50. It should be recognized by
those skilled in the relevant art that the connector body
conductive member 80, like the conductively coated mating edge
member 70, may be manufactured by extruding, coating, molding,
injecting, cutting, turning, elastomeric batch processing,
vulcanizing, mixing, stamping, casting, and/or the like and/or any
combination thereof in order to provide efficient production of the
component. I should be further recognized that the connector body
conductive member 80 may also be conductively coated like the
conductively coated mating edge member 70. For example, the
connector body conductive member 80 may include a conductive
coating or a partial conductive coating around the outer surface of
the connector body conductive member 80.
[0047] With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 6-8B, either or both of
the conductively coated conductively coated mating edge member or
O-ring 70 and connector body conductive member or O-ring 80 may be
utilized in conjunction with an integral post connector body 90.
For example, the conductively coated conductively coated mating
edge member 70 may be inserted within a coupling member 30 such
that it contacts the mating edge 99 of integral post connector body
90 as implemented in an embodiment of connector 100. By further
example, the connector body conductive member 80 may be positioned
to cooperate and make contact with the recess 96 of connector body
90 and the outer internal wall 39 of an operably attached coupling
member 30 of an embodiment of a connector 100. Those in the art
should recognize that embodiments of the connector 100 may employ
both the conductively coated conductively coated mating edge member
70 and the connector body conductive member 80 in a single
connector 100. Accordingly the various advantages attributable to
each of the conductively coated conductively coated mating edge
member 70 and the connector body conductive member 80 may be
obtained.
[0048] A method for grounding a coaxial cable 10 through a
connector 100 is now described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B
which depict a sectional side view of a first and a second
embodiment of a connector 100. A coaxial cable 10 may be prepared
for connector 100 attachment. Preparation of the coaxial cable 10
may involve removing the protective outer jacket 12 and drawing
back the conductive grounding shield 14 to expose a portion of the
interior dielectric 16. Further preparation of the embodied coaxial
cable 10 may include stripping the dielectric 16 to expose a
portion of the center conductor 18. Various other preparatory
configurations of coaxial cable 10 may be employed for use with
connector 100 in accordance with standard broadband communications
technology and equipment. For example, the coaxial cable may be
prepared without drawing back the conductive grounding shield 14,
but merely stripping a portion thereof to expose the interior
dielectric 16.
[0049] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B and additional
reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, further depiction of a method for
grounding a coaxial cable 10 through a connector 100 is described.
A connector 100 including a post 40 having a first end 42 and
second end 44 may be provided. Moreover, the provided connector may
include a connector body 50 and a conductively coated mating edge
member 70 located proximate the second end 44 of post 40. The
proximate location of the conductively coated mating edge member 70
should be such that the conductively coated conductively coated
mating edge member 70 makes physical and electrical contact with
post 40. In one embodiment, the conductively coated mating edge
member or O-ring 70 may be inserted into a coupling member 30 until
it abuts the mating edge 49 of post 40. However, other embodiments
of connector 100 may locate the conductively coated mating edge
member 70 at or very near the second end 44 of post 40 without
insertion of the conductively coated mating edge member 70 into a
coupling member 30.
[0050] Grounding may be further attained by fixedly attaching the
coaxial cable 10 to the connector 100. Attachment may be
accomplished by insetting the coaxial cable 10 into the connector
100 such that the first end 42 of post 40 is inserted under the
conductive grounding sheath or shield 14 and around the dielectric
16. Where the post 40 is comprised of conductive material, a
grounding connection may be achieved between the received
conductive grounding shield 14 of coaxial cable 10 and the inserted
post 40. The ground may extend through the post 40 from the first
end 42 where initial physical and electrical contact is made with
the conductive grounding sheath 14 to the mating edge 49 located at
the second end 44 of the post 40. Once, received, the coaxial cable
10 may be securely fixed into position by radially compressing the
outer surface 57 of connector body 50 against the coaxial cable 10
thereby affixing the cable into position and sealing the
connection. The radial compression of the connector body 50 may be
effectuated by physical deformation caused by a fastener member 60
that may compress and lock the connector body 50 into place.
Moreover, where the connector body 50 is formed of materials having
and elastic limit, compression may be accomplished by crimping
tools, or other like means that may be implemented to permanently
deform the connector body 50 into a securely affixed position
around the coaxial cable 10.
[0051] As an additional step, grounding of the coaxial cable 10
through the connector 100 may be accomplished by advancing the
connector 100 onto an interface port 20 until a surface of the
interface port mates with the conductively coated mating edge
member 70. Because the conductively coated mating edge member 70 is
located such that it makes physical and electrical contact with
post 40, grounding may be extended from the post 40 through the
conductively coated mating edge member 70 and then through the
mated interface port 20. Accordingly, the interface port 20 should
make physical and electrical contact with the conductively coated
mating edge member 70. The conductively coated mating edge member
70 may function as a conductive seal when physically pressed
against the interface port 20. Advancement of the connector 100
onto the interface port 20 may involve the threading on of attached
coupling member 30 of connector 100 until a surface of the
interface port 20 abuts the conductively coated mating edge member
70 and axial progression of the advancing connector 100 is hindered
by the abutment. However, it should be recognized that embodiments
of the connector 100 may be advanced onto an interface port 20
without threading and involvement of a coupling member 30. Once
advanced until progression is stopped by the conductive sealing
contact of conductively coated mating edge member 70 with interface
port 20, the connector 100 may be shielded from ingress of unwanted
electromagnetic interference. Moreover, grounding may be
accomplished by physical advancement of various embodiments of the
connector 100 wherein a conductively coated mating edge member 70
facilitates electrical connection of the connector 100 and attached
coaxial cable 10 to an interface port 20.
[0052] A method for electrically coupling a connector 100 and a
coaxial cable 10 is now described with reference to FIGS. 1A and
1B. A coaxial cable 10 may be prepared for fastening to connector
100. Preparation of the coaxial cable 10 may involve removing the
protective outer jacket 12 and drawing back the conductive
grounding shield 14 to expose a portion of the interior dielectric
16. Further preparation of the embodied coaxial cable 10 may
include stripping the dielectric 16 to expose a portion of the
center conductor 18.
[0053] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B and additional
reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, further depiction of a method for
electrically coupling a coaxial cable 10 and a connector 100 is
described. A connector 100 including a connector body 50 and a
coupling member 30 may be provided. Moreover, the provided
connector may include a connector body conductive member or seal
80. The connector body conductive member or seal 80 should be
configured and located such that the connector body conductive
member 80 electrically couples and physically seals the connector
body 50 and coupling member 30. In one embodiment, the connector
body conductive member or seal 80 may be located proximate a second
end 54 of a connector body 50. The connector body conductive member
80 may reside within a cavity 38 of coupling member 30 such that
the connector body conductive member 80 lies between the connector
body 50 and coupling member 30 when attached. Furthermore, the
particularly embodied connector body conductive member 80 may
physically contact and make a seal with outer internal wall 39 of
coupling member 30. Moreover, the connector body conductive member
80 may physically contact and seal against the surface of connector
body 50. Accordingly, where the connector body 50 is comprised of
conductive material and the coupling member 30 is comprised of
conductive material, the connector body conductive member 80 may
electrically couple the connector body 50 and the coupling member
30. Various other embodiments of connector 100 may incorporate a
connector body conductive member 80 for the purpose of electrically
coupling a coaxial cable 10 and connector 100. For example, the
connector body conductive member, such as O-ring 80, may be located
in a recess on the outer surface of the coupling member 30 such
that the connector body conductive O-ring 80 lies between the nut
and an internal surface of connector body 50, thereby facilitating
a physical seal and electrical couple.
[0054] Electrical coupling may be further accomplished by fixedly
attaching the coaxial cable 10 to the connector 100. The coaxial
cable 10 may be inserted into the connector body 50 such that the
conductive grounding shield 14 makes physical and electrical
contact with and is received by the connector body 50. In one
embodiment of the connector 100, the drawn back conductive
grounding shield 14 may be pushed against the inner surface of the
connector body 50 when inserted. Once received, or operably
inserted into the connector 100, the coaxial cable 10 may be
securely set into position by compacting and deforming the outer
surface 57 of connector body 50 against the coaxial cable 10
thereby affixing the cable into position and sealing the
connection. Compaction and deformation of the connector body 50 may
be effectuated by physical compression caused by a fastener member
60, wherein the fastener member 60 constricts and locks the
connector body 50 into place. Moreover, where the connector body 50
is formed of materials having and elastic limit, compaction and
deformation may be accomplished by crimping tools, or other like
means that may be implemented to permanently contort the outer
surface 57 of connector body 50 into a securely affixed position
around the coaxial cable 10.
[0055] A further method step of electrically coupling the coaxial
cable 10 and the connector 100 may be accomplished by completing an
electromagnetic shield by threading the coupling member 30 onto a
conductive interface port 20. Where the connector body 50 and
coupling member 30 are formed of conductive materials, an
electrical circuit may be formed when the conductive interface port
20 contacts the coupling member 30 because the connector body
conductive member 80 extends the electrical circuit and facilitates
electrical contact between the coupling member 30 and connector
body 50. Moreover, the realized electrical circuit works in
conjunction with physical screening performed by the connector body
50 and coupling member 30 as positioned in barrier-like fashion
around a coaxial cable 10 when fixedly attached to a connector 100
to complete an electromagnetic shield where the connector body
conductive member 80 also operates to physically screen
electromagnetic noise. Thus, when threaded onto an interface port
20, the completed electrical couple renders electromagnetic
protection, or EMI shielding, against unwanted ingress of
environmental noise into the connector 100 and coaxial cable
10.
[0056] Additionally, a method of facilitating electrical continuity
through a coaxial cable connector 100, the coaxial cable 10 having
a center conductor 18 surrounded by a dielectric 16, the dielectric
16 being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield 14, the
conductive grounding shield 14 being surrounded by a protective
outer jacket 12, may include the steps of providing the connector
100, wherein the connector 100 includes a connector body 50, a post
40 having a mating edge 46, and a conductively coated member 70
positioned to physically and electrically contact an inner surface
of the coupling member 30 to facilitate electrical continuity
between the coupling member 30 and the post 40 to help shield
against ingress of unwanted electromagnetic interference, fixedly
attaching the coaxial cable 10 to the connector 100, and advancing
the connector 100 onto an interface port 20.
[0057] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments of the
invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following
claims.
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