Abstract:
The coaxial cable connector has a coupler, a post, and a ring that prevent interfaces from gapping and provide a robust alternative ground path that also RF shields the connector from both ingress and egress. The ring is disposed in between and engages at least a portion of a groove in the body and at least a portion of the channel in the coupler, radial movement of the coupler causes the axial movement of the body relative to the terminal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of, and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/261,541 filed on Nov. 16, 2009 entitled, “Integrally Conductive and Shielded Coaxial Cable Connector”, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to coaxial cable connectors, and particularly to coaxial cable connectors capable of securely connecting a coaxial cable to a terminal. 
     2. Technical Background 
     With the advent of digital signal in CATV systems, a rise in customer complaints due to poor picture quality in the form of signal interference resulting in what is known as “tiling” and the like has also occurred. Complaints of this nature result in CATV system operators having to send a technician to address the issue. Frequently it is reported by the technician that the cause of the problem is a loose F-connector fitting. Type F-connector fittings may be loose for many reasons; sometimes they are not properly tightened due to installation rules of system operators that prohibit the use of wrenches in-doors on customer equipment. Other times a homeowner may relocate equipment after the technician departs and may not adequately secure the F connectors. Additionally, some claim that F-connector couplers loosen due to vibration and/or heat and cold cycles. 
     Regardless, an improperly installed connector may result in poor signal transfer because there are discontinuities along the electrical path between the devices, resulting in a leak of radio frequency (“RF”) signal. That leak may be in the form of signal egress where the RF energy radiates out of the connector/cable arrangement. Alternately, an RF leak may be in the form of signal ingress where RF energy from an external source or sources may enter the connector/cable arrangement causing a signal to noise ratio problem resulting in an unacceptable picture. 
     Many of the current state of the art F connectors rely on intimate contact between the F male connector interface and the F female connector interface. If for some reason, the connector interfaces are allowed to pull apart from each other, such as in the case of a loose F male coupler, an interface “gap” may result. This gap can be a point of an RF leak as previously described. 
     To overcome this issue a number of approaches have been introduced including U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,990 (Bence, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 7,479,035 (Bence, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,062 (Palinkas, et al.) and US Patent application 20080102696 (Montena). While these approaches have been successful in varying degrees, it is desirable to provide a functioning connector junction that will operate at various stages of engagement. 
     To address the issue of loosening Type F couplers a number of approaches have been introduced including a lock-washer design produced by Phoenix Communications Technologies International (PCT), known at the TRS connector. While this approach may be somewhat successful in varying degrees, it is desirable to provide a functioning connector junction that will provide an improved locking mechanism. 
     It would be desirable therefore to provide a coaxial cable connector that provides a connection without gapping, an alternative ground path, and a way to RF shield both ingress and egress. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed herein is coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal, the coaxial cable connector including a body, the body comprising a rear end, a front end, an external surface, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the external surface having a groove, a coupler disposed proximate the front end of the body, the coupler having a front end and a back end and an opening extending therebetween, the opening having an internal surface and a channel in the internal surface, the opening receiving at least a portion of the body, and a ring having a forward facing surface and a rearward facing surface, the ring disposed in and engaging at least a portion of the groove in the body and at least a portion of the channel in the coupler, wherein radial movement of the coupler causes the axial movement of the body relative to the terminal. 
     In some embodiments, the coaxial cable connector includes a threaded member disposed in the opening of the coupler, the threaded member axially movable relative to the coupler and elastically biased against the front end of the body, the threaded member having a threaded opening to engage a corresponding threaded portion of the terminal. 
     In other embodiments, the front end of the body has fingers biased radially inward to engage a portion of the terminal. 
     In some embodiments, the internal surface of the coupler has a threaded portion to engage a corresponding threaded portion on a terminal. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal is disclosed, the coaxial cable connector includes a body, the body comprising a rear end, a front end, and an external surface, the body having a plurality of fingers at the front end of the body and the external surface having a groove and a threaded portion, a coupler disposed proximate the front end of the body, the coupler having a front end and a back end and an opening extending therebetween, the opening having an internal surface and a threaded portion in the internal surface corresponding to the threaded portion of the body, the opening receiving at least a portion of the body, and an elastic ring disposed in the opening of the coupler and adjacent the front end of the body, the elastic ring sealing the front end of the coupler when attached to the terminal. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention prior to engagement; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1  in partial engagement; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1  in full engagement; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention prior to engagement; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 9  in partial engagement; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 9  in full engagement; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention prior to engagement; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 15  in partial engagement; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 15  in full engagement; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 15 ; and 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a coaxial cable connector  20  has a coupler  30 , a body  60 , a ring  90 , a sealing member  100 , a post  110 , a gripping member  160 , and compression ring  150 . The coaxial cable connector  20  is an axial-compression type coaxial cable connector and the connection of the coaxial cable connector  20  to a coaxial cable is known in the art. The coaxial cable connector  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  in its unattached, uncompressed state. As described in more detail below, the ring  90  is snap fit onto the body  60 . The coupler  30  is then disposed over the body  60  and the ring  90 . The post  110  is then press-fit into the body  60 . Finally, the gripping member  160 , with the compression ring  150  disposed therein, is press-fit on to the body  60  to complete the coaxial cable connector  20 . The coupler  30  is free to rotate around the post  110  in the front portion of the body  60 . 
     The coupler  30  has a front end  32 , a back end  34 , and an opening  36  extending there between. The opening  36  of the coupler  30  has an internal surface  38 . The internal surface  38  includes a threaded portion  40  and a channel  42 . The channel  42  has a bottom surface  44  and a forward facing rear surface  46 . The coupler  30  also has a smooth outer surface  48  adjacent the front end  32  and a hexagonal configuration  50  adjacent the back end  34 . The coupler  30  is preferably made from a metallic material, such as brass, and it is plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as nickel. 
     The body  60  includes a front end  62 , rear end  64 , and an opening  66  extending therebetween. The body  60  also has an outer surface  68 , the outer surface  68  having a groove  70  near the front end  62 . The groove  70  includes a rearward facing surface  72  and a forward facing surface  74 . The body  60 , and in particular the front end  62 , has a plurality of fingers  76 . The plurality of fingers  76  have an opening or slot  78  between each of the fingers  76 . The plurality of fingers  76  are biased radially inward to engage a terminal, as described in detail below. The body  60  is also made from a metallic material, such as brass, and it is also plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as tin. 
     Ring  90  is preferably a c-shaped tapered cone and is disposed within both the channel  42  and the groove  70 . Ring  90  has a front end  92 , a back end  94 , and an external taper  96  such that ring  90  increases in outside diameter between the front end  92  and the back end  94 . Ring  90  engages the channel  42  at the forward facing rear surface  46  and the rearward facing surface  72  of groove  70 . Ring  90  is preferably made from a metallic material, such as heat treated beryllium copper. 
     A sealing member  100  can be included between the coupler  30  and the body  60  to prevent the ingress of moisture and debris, allowing the coaxial cable connector  20  to be used in an outdoor environment. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , the coaxial cable connector  20  has been installed onto a coaxial cable  180  as is known in the art. The coupler  30  of the coaxial cable connector  20  has been turned a few turns to engage a terminal  190  and, in particular, the threads  192  of the terminal  190 . The fingers  76  have begun to engage the terminal  190  providing mechanical and electrical communication between the terminal  190  and coaxial cable connector  20 , ensuring acceptable levels of RF performance in terms of grounding, shielding, and picture quality. As the coupler  30  of the coaxial cable connector  20  rotates and is drawn onto the terminal  190 , the forward facing rear surface  46  of channel  42  engages the ring  90 , which in turn engages the rearward facing surface  72  of groove  70 , driving the body  60  forward so fingers  76  engage the terminal  190 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the coaxial cable connector  20  fully engaged on the terminal  190 , where the terminal  190  makes physical and electrical contact with the body  60  and the cable  180 . The coupler  30  has been advanced as far as it can be on terminal  190 . Since the body  60  is in contact with the terminal  190 , the coupler  30  can not be turned any further due to the ring  90  engaging both the body  60  and the coupler  30 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  20 ′ a . Coaxial cable connector  20 ′ a  includes a coupler  30 ′ a , a body  60 ′ a , a ring  90 ′ a , a sealing member  100 ′ a , a post  110 ′ a , a gripping member  160 ′ a , and compression ring  150 ′ a . Coaxial cable connector  20 ′ a  also includes a pin  170 ′ a  that is disposed within a dielectric member  172 ′ a . Although the body  60 ′ a  and the post  110 ′ a  have a slightly different configuration from coaxial cable connector  20 ′ a , the function of these elements remains the same. As the coupler  30 ′ a  is rotated, the body  60 ′ a  is moved axially to engage a terminal (not shown) as discussed above. The remaining elements of coaxial cable connector  20 ′ a  also function as discussed and described above. 
     In  FIG. 5 , another alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  20   b  is illustrated. Coaxial cable connector  20   b  has a coupler  30   b  that is preferably made from a plastic material with an integral ring  90   b , rather than having it as an independent part of the coaxial cable connector  20   b . The integral ring  90   b  would be molded at the same time as the coupler  30   b.    
     Another alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  20   c  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The coaxial cable connector  20   c  has the plurality of fingers  76   c  attached to a slightly modified post  110   c  rather than being attached to the body  60   c . The post  110   c , having the plurality of fingers  76   c , is press fit into the body  60   c  from the front of the body  60   c . The coupler  30   c , as it is rotated to engage the terminal (not shown), engages the ring  90   c , which in turn pushes the body  60   c  and the post  110   c.    
     Yet another alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  20   d  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In this embodiment of coaxial cable connector  20   d , the plurality of fingers  76   d  are attached to a separate element  80   d  that is compressed between the body  60   d  and the post  110   d . The coupler  30   d , as it is rotated to engage the terminal (not shown), engages the ring  90   d , which in turn pushes the post  110   d , the element  80   d  with the plurality of fingers  76   d , and the body  60   d.    
     Another alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  20   e  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment of coaxial cable connector  20   e , the coupler  30   e  has a projection  90   e  that functions as the ring from the other embodiments. The projection  90   e  engages the post  110   e  and pulls the terminal in to the coaxial cable connector  20   e  as the coupler  30   e  is rotated. It should be noted that with this configuration, the coupler  30   e  is placed on the body  60   e  and the post  110   e  is then press-fit into the body  60   e , capturing the coupler  30   e  therebetween. To allow for this assembly, the threads  40   e  are formed into an insert  98   e , which is press-fit into the front portion of the coupler  30   e  after the coupler  30   e , the post  110   e  and the body  60   e  are assembled. 
     Another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  200  according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The coaxial cable connector  200  has a coupler  230 , a body  260 , a ring  290 , a sealing member  300 , a post  310 , a gripping member  360 , and compression ring  350 . Coaxial cable connector  200  also has a threaded member  370  and a helical spring  380  disposed in the coupler  230 . The coaxial cable connector  200  is an axial-compression type coaxial cable connector and the connection of the coaxial cable connector  200  to a coaxial cable is known in the art. The coaxial cable connector  200 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , is in its unattached, uncompressed state. 
     The coupler  230  has a front end  232 , a back end  234 , and an opening  236  extending there between. The opening  236  of the coupler  230  has an internal surface  238 . The internal surface  238  includes a hexagonal portion  240  and a channel  242 . The channel  242  has a bottom surface  244  and a forward facing rear surface  246 . The coupler  230  may have either a smooth outer surface  248  or hexagonal configuration. The coupler  230  is preferably made from a metallic material, such as brass, and it is plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as nickel. The coupler  230  may alternatively be made of a plastic material. 
     The body  260  includes a front end  262 , rear end  264 , and an opening  266  extending therebetween. The body  260  also includes an outer surface  268 , the outer surface  268  having a groove  270  near the front end  262 . The groove  270  also includes a rearward facing surface  272  and a forward facing surface  274 . The body  260  is also made from a metallic material, such as brass, and it is also plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as tin. 
     Ring  290  is preferably a c-shaped tapered cone and is disposed within both the channel  242  and the groove  270 . Ring  290  has a front end  292 , a back end  294 , and an external taper  296  such that ring  290  increases in outside diameter between the front end  292  and the back end  294 . Ring  290  engages the channel  242  at the forward facing rear surface  246  and the rearward facing surface  272  of groove  270 . Ring  290  is preferably made from a metallic material, such as heat treated beryllium copper. 
     A sealing member  300  can be included between the coupler  230  and the body  260  to prevent the ingress of moisture and debris, allowing the coaxial cable connector  200  to be used in an outdoor environment. 
     Threaded member  370  has an external hexagonal configuration  372  that has a sliding clearance fit with the hexagonal portion  240  of coupler  230 . The sliding clearance fit of threaded member  370  permits nesting of threaded member  370  within the hexagonal portion  240  of coupler  230  while allowing axial movement of threaded member  370  within coupler  230 . Further, this nesting relationship permits internal threaded member  370  to be rotatably moved by the rotation of coupler  230 . 
     Helical spring  380  is housed within coupler  230  between the front end  232  and the threaded member  370 . The helical spring  380  biases the threaded member  370  into intimate contact with body  260 . Helical spring  380  is preferably made from a heat treated spring steel and is preferably in a coil type arrangement as illustrated, but may alternately be constructed of a plastic material. As a further alternate configuration, helical spring  380  may be formed in stamped, flattened shape such as a wave washer or conical configuration. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the terminal  190  has been inserted through the opening  236  at the front end  232  of a coupler  230  where the threaded member  370  has been rotated by the rotation of coupler  230  and has engaged the terminal  190  and, more specifically, the threads  192 . A coaxial cable  180  has been installed on the coaxial cable connector  200 . The helical spring  380  biases the threaded member  370  against the body  260 . As the coupler  230  is rotated (and rotating the threaded member  370 ), the terminal  190  engages even more of the body  260 . See  FIG. 11 . As the coupler  230  is further rotated, the threaded member  370  moves along the terminal  190  towards the front end  232  of the coupler  230 . The relative positions of the coupler  230  and the body  260  remain the same during rotation of the coupler  230  because of the ring  290 . Ring  290  allows the coupler  230  to rotate about the body  260 , but rather than the body  260  moving axially to engage the terminal  190 , the threaded member  370  moves. With helical spring  380  positioned between the threaded member  270  and the front end  232  of the coupler, an increasing force on the threaded member  370 , due to compression of the spring  380 , keeps the terminal  190  in contact with the body  260 . 
     As a further alternate configuration, helical spring  380  may be constructed from a rubber material or conductive rubber material thus providing a combination of spring force, environmental sealing characteristics, RF sealing characteristics, and/or electrical grounding functions as illustrated as ring spring  380   a  in  FIG. 12 . The ring spring  380   a  is constructed from a rubber material or a conductive rubber and is illustrated in  FIG. 12  and a compressed or activated condition. As the coupler  230  is rotated and the threaded member  370  is advanced along the terminal  190 , the gap “A” is reduced and the ring spring  380   a  provides a number of advantages. First, the ring spring  380   a  fills the space between the threaded member  370 , the front end  232  of the coupler  230 , and the terminal  190 . The ring spring  380   a  also provides environmental sealing of the coaxial cable connector  200   a , RF sealing characteristics, electrical grounding functions, and an increased resistance to axial movement of the coupler  230  and the threaded member  370 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  200   b . In coaxial cable connector  200   b , a washer  390   b  is disposed between the front of the coupler  230   b  and the helical spring  380   b , which is biased against the threaded member  370   b.    
       FIG. 14  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  200   c . Coaxial cable connector  200   c  includes a coupler  230   c , a body  260   c , a ring  290   c , a sealing member  300   c , a post  310   c , a gripping member  360   c , compression ring  350   c , and a threaded member  370   c  and a helical spring  380   c  disposed in the coupler  230   c . Coaxial cable connector  200   c  also includes a pin  370   c  that is disposed within a dielectric member  372   c , both of which are disposed within the body  260   c . Although the body  260   c  and the post  310   c  have a slightly different configuration from coaxial cable connector  200 , the function of these elements remains the same. As the coupler  230   c  is rotated, the body  260   c  maintains contact with the terminal (not shown) as discussed above. The remaining elements of coaxial cable connector  200   c  also function as discussed and described above. 
     Another embodiment of the coaxial cable connector  400  according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The coaxial cable connector  400  has a coupler  430 , a body  460 , a ring  490 , a sealing member  500 , a post  510 , a gripping member  560 , and a compression ring  550 . This connector is also an axial-compression type coaxial cable connector and the connection of the coaxial cable connector  400  to a coaxial cable is known in the art. 
     The coupler  430  has a front end  432 , a back end  434 , and an opening  436  extending therebetween. The opening  436  of the coupler  430  has an internal surface  438 . The internal surface  438  includes a threaded portion  440 . Threaded portion  440  and the corresponding threads on the body  460  are preferably left-handed. The back end  434  is preferably rolled-over toward the body  460  to prevent the coupler  430  from being rotated off the front of the coaxial cable connector  400 . The coupler  430  may have either a smooth outer surface  448  or hexagonal configuration. The coupler  430  is preferably made from a metallic material, such as brass, and it is plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as nickel. The coupler  430  may alternatively be made of a plastic material. 
     The body  460  includes a front end  462 , rear end  464 , and an opening  466  extending therebetween. The body  460  also includes an outer surface  468 . The body  460  has at its front end  462  a plurality of fingers  476 , between each of the fingers  476  is an opening or slot  478 . The front end  462  and the plurality of fingers  476  are encircled by a circlip or a snap ring  482 . The snap ring  482  may be constructed from a metallic material such as heat-treated spring steel or, alternatively, from a rubber material or conductive rubber material, thus providing a combination environmental sealing characteristics, RF sealing characteristics, and/or electrical grounding functions. The body  460  is also made from a metallic material, such as brass, and it is also plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as tin. 
     A sealing member  500  can be included between the coupler  430  and the body  460  to prevent the ingress of moisture and debris, allowing the coaxial cable connector  400  to be used in an outdoor environment. 
     The ring  490  is disposed between the front end of  462  of the body  460  and the front end  432  of the coupler  430 . Ring  490  is constructed from a rubber material or a conductive rubber and is illustrated in  FIG. 15  in an uncompressed or un-activated condition. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the terminal  190  has been inserted through the opening  436  at the front end  432  of a coupler  430  where the fingers  476  have engaged the terminal  190 , and more specifically, the threads  192 . A coaxial cable  180  has been installed on the coaxial cable connector  400 . The circlip or a snap ring  482  biases the fingers  476  against the terminal  190 . The ring  490  fills the gap “B” as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . However, after the terminal  190  is inserted into the coupler  430  and as the coupler  430  is rotated (using the left-handed threads), the gap “B” is reduced as the ring  490  fills the space between the front end  432  of the coupler  430 , the front end  462  of the body  460 , and the terminal  190 . See  FIG. 17 . The ring  490  may also provide environmental sealing of the coaxial cable connector  400 , RF sealing characteristics, electrical grounding functions, and an increased resistance to axial movement of the coupler  430 . 
     As the coupler  430  is further rotated as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the front end  432  of the coupler  430  moves backward relative to the front end  462  of the body  460  and the terminal  190 . This causes the front end  462  of the body  460 , and in particular the fingers  476 , engage the front end  432  of the coupler  430  forcing the fingers  476  radially inward to apply even more pressure on the terminal  190 . 
     An alternative embodiment of coaxial cable connector  400   a  is partially illustrated in  FIG. 18 . The coaxial cable connector  400   a  has a coupler  430   a  and fingers  476   a  that engage the terminal  190 . A ring  490   a  is also disposed between the coupler  430   a  and the fingers  476   a . However, a backing ring  492   a  is positioned between the ring  490   a  and the fingers  476   a , and assists in keeping the ring  490   a  from entering the opening or slots  478  between the fingers  476   a . The backing ring  492   a  is preferably made of metal, such as brass, and plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as nickel. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  400   b . The coaxial cable connector  400   b  has a coupler  430   b , a body  460   b , a sealing member  500   b , a post  510   b , a gripping member  560   b , and a compression ring  550   b . Coaxial cable connector  400   b  also includes a pin  570   b  that is disposed within a dielectric member  572   b , both of which are disposed within the body  460   b . Although the body  460   b  and the post  410   b  have a slightly different configuration from coaxial cable connector  400 , the function of these elements remains the same. As the coupler  430   b  is rotated, the plurality of fingers  476   b  maintain contact with the terminal (not shown) as discussed above. The remaining elements of coaxial cable connector  400   b  also function as discussed and described above. 
     Another alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  400   c  is illustrated in  FIG. 20 . In coaxial cable connector  400   c , the plurality of fingers  476   c  are attached to a separate element  480   c , which is then press fit into the front of the body  460   c . The post  510   c  may also partially engage the separate element  480   c , having also been press fit into the body  460   c . As the coupler  430   c  is rotated, it engages the body  460   c , which moves the separate element  480   c  (and also the post  510   c ) forward so the plurality of fingers  476   c  engage the front of the coupler  430   c  in the same manner as discussed above. The plurality of fingers  476   c  are preferably made with heat-treated beryllium copper, which makes the plurality of fingers  476   c  more elastic and eliminates the need for the circlip or snap ring of the prior embodiments. 
     Yet another alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  400   d  is illustrated in  FIG. 21 . In coaxial cable connector  400   d , the plurality of fingers  476   d  are attached to the post  510   d , which is press fit into the body  460   d . The coupler  430   d , as it is rotated to engage the terminal (not shown), moves the body  460   d  forward, which also moves the post  510   d  forward so the plurality of fingers  476   d  engage the front of the coupler  430   d  as in the other embodiments. The plurality of fingers  476   d  are preferably made with heat-treated beryllium copper, which makes the plurality of fingers  476   d  more elastic and eliminates the need for the circlip or snap ring. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.