Abstract:
A connector for coaxial cable is disclosed herein which has a gripping ring positioned between a compression ring and a connector body. At least two opposed ends of the gripping ring are capable of being displaced radially inwardly for gripping the cable. A related method is also disclosed.

Description:
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 being connected to a terminal. 
   2. Technical Background 
   Coaxial cable connectors such as F-connectors are used to attach coaxial cable to another object such as an appliance or junction having a terminal adapted to engage the connector. Coaxial cable F-connectors are often used to terminate a drop cable in a cable television system. The coaxial cable typically includes a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, in turn surrounded by a conductive grounding foil and/or braid (hereinafter referred to as a conductive grounding sheath); the conductive grounding sheath is itself surrounded by a protective outer jacket. The F-connector is secured over the prepared end of the jacketed coaxial cable, allowing the end of the coaxial cable to be connected with a terminal block, such as by threadedly connection with a threaded terminal of a terminal block. 
   Crimp style F-connectors are known wherein a crimp sleeve is included as part of the connector body. A special radial crimping tool, having jaws that form a hexagon, is used to radially crimp the crimp sleeve around the outer jacket of the coaxial cable to secure such a crimp style F-connector over the prepared end of the coaxial cable. An example of such crimp connectors is disclosed within U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,050 to Hayward. 
   It is known in the art that the passage of moisture between the coaxial cable jacket and the surrounding F-connector can lead to corrosion, increased contact resistance, reduced signal strength, and excessive RF leakage from the connector. Those skilled in the art have made various efforts to form a seal between the F-connector and the jacket of the coaxial cable to preclude such moisture ingress. F-connectors are known in the cable television industry wherein special sealing compounds are included in an effort to form leakproof seals. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,152 to Elliot, et al., discloses a crimp connector incorporating a glob of a gel or other movable sealing material within a cavity of the connector to form a seal between the jacket of the coaxial cable and the interior of the F-connector. 
   Still another form of F-connector is known wherein an annular compression sleeve is used to secure the F-connector over the prepared end of the cable. Rather than crimping a crimp sleeve radially toward the jacket of the coaxial cable, these F-connectors employ a plastic annular compression sleeve that is initially attached to the F-connector, but which is detached therefrom prior to installation of the F-connector. The compression sleeve includes an inner bore for following such compression sleeve to be passed over the end of the coaxial cable prior to installation of the F-connector. The F-connector itself is then inserted over the prepared end of the coaxial cable. Next, the compression sleeve is compressed axially along the longitudinal axis of the connector into the body of the connector, simultaneously compressing the jacket of the coaxial cable between the compression sleeve and the tubular post of the connector. An example of such a compression sleeve F-connector is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,675 to Samchisen; such patent discloses a compression sleeve type F-connector known in the industry as “Snap-n-Seal”. A number of commercial tool manufacturers provide compression tools for axially compressing the compression sleeve into such connectors. 
   A somewhat related radial compression-type F-connector is disclosed within U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,257 to Szegda. A tubular locking member protrudes axially into the open rear end of the outer collar or sleeve. The tubular locking member is displaceable axially within the outer collar between an open position accommodating insertion of the tubular post into the prepared end of the coaxial cable, and a clamped position fixing the end of the cable within the F-connector. An O-ring is mounted on the rear end of the tubular locking member to seal the connection between the tubular locking member and the outer collar as the tubular locking member is axially compressed. Such connectors have been sold in the past under the designation “CMP”. The O-ring provided on the tubular locking member is exposed and unprotected prior to axial compression of the F-connector. 
   It is known in the coaxial cable field generally that collars or sleeves within a coaxial cable connector can be compressed inwardly against the outer surface of a coaxial cable to secure a coaxial cable connector thereto. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,274 to Hayward, a connector assembly for a signal transmission system is disclosed wherein a body portion threadedly engages a nut portion. The nut portion includes an internal bore in which a ferrule is disposed, the ferrule having an internal bore through which the outer conductor of a coaxial cable is passed. As the nut portion is threaded over the body portion, the ferrule is wedged inwardly to constrict the inner diameter of the ferrule, thereby tightening the ferrule about the outer surface of the cable. However, the connector shown in the Hayward &#39;274 patent is much more expensive than conventional F-connectors and can not be installed quickly, as by a simple crimp or compression tool; rather, the mating threads of such connector must be tightened, as by using a pair of wrenches. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one aspect, a connector is disclosed herein for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, a braided shield surrounding the dielectric, and a jacket surrounding the braided shield, the connector comprising: a hollow body comprising a rear end, a front end, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal hole; a compression ring comprising a rear end, a front end surrounding the hollow body, and an inner surface defining a longitudinal hole extending between the rear and front ends of the compression ring; a tubular post disposed at least partially within the longitudinal hole of the hollow body, the post comprising a tubular shank having a rear end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface of the tubular shank and the internal surface of the body define an annular cavity therebetween; and a deformable gripping ring disposed between the hollow body and the inner surface of the compression ring, the gripping ring comprising a rear end, a front end, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The compression ring is axially movable over the hollow body between a rearward position and a forward position. In the rearward position, the inner surface at the rear end of the gripping ring has a rear inner diameter, and the inner surface at the front end of the gripping ring has a front inner diameter. In the forward position, the gripping ring is compressed between the hollow body and the compression ring, the rear end of the gripping ring has a reduced rear inner diameter less than the rear inner diameter, and the front end of the gripping ring has a reduced front inner diameter less than the second front diameter. Preferably, the connector further comprises a coupler disposed proximate the front end of the body. 
   In some preferred embodiments, the front inner diameter and rear inner diameter of the gripping ring are substantially equal in the rearward position. In other preferred embodiments, the front inner diameter and the rear inner diameter of the gripping ring are not equal in the forward position. 
   Preferably, the gripping ring is concentrically mounted to the inner surface of the compression ring. In preferred embodiments, the gripping ring is mounted onto the inner surface of the compression ring by press fit. In other preferred embodiments, the gripping ring is mounted onto the inner surface of the compression ring by adhesive. In still other preferred embodiments, the gripping ring is not attached to the compression ring. Preferably, in the forward position, at least a portion of the gripping ring is disposed within the annular cavity. Preferably, at least a portion of the gripping ring is displaced radially outwardly as the compression ring is axially moved over the hollow body in the forward position. 
   The gripping ring is most preferably circumferentially continuous. Preferably, the gripping ring forms a continuous 360° seal in the forward position. 
   In the forward position, the inner surface of the gripping ring preferably, from the rear end to the front end thereof, contacts the jacket of the cable. Preferably, in the forward position, substantially all of the inner surface of the gripping ring contacts the jacket of the cable. Preferably, the compressive force applied by the gripping ring to the cable is sufficient to leave an indented footprint of the gripping ring on the jacket. 
   In the forward position, the gripping ring preferably forms a seal between the rear end of the hollow body and the compression ring. Preferably, the gripping ring is axially offset from the rear end of the tubular shank in the rearward position. Preferably, the front end of the gripping ring is axially offset from the rear end of the hollow body in the rearward position. Preferably, the front end of the gripping ring contacts the rear end of the hollow body in the forward position. In preferred embodiments, the rear end of the shank projects rearwardly past the rear end of the body. Preferably, at least a portion of the gripping ring surrounds at least a portion of the shank in the forward position. 
   In the forward position, the gripping ring preferably forms at least one seal, more preferably at least two seals, and even more preferably at least three seals inside the connector. 
   The inner surface of the compression ring preferably comprises a forward facing tapered portion configured to displace the rear end of the gripping ring radially inwardly. Preferably, the hollow body comprises a tubular sleeve having a rear end which forms the rear end of the body, wherein the rear end of the sleeve comprises a rearward facing tapered portion configured to displace the front end of the gripping ring radially inwardly. 
   The gripping ring is preferably axially offset from the rearward facing tapered portion in the rearward position. Preferably, the gripping ring contacts the rearward facing tapered portion in the forward position. 
   In preferred embodiments, the inner surface of the compression ring comprises a forward facing tapered portion configured to displace the rear end of the gripping ring radially inwardly. 
   Preferably, the gripping ring is axially offset from the forward facing tapered portion in the rearward position. The gripping ring preferably contacts the forward facing tapered portion in the forward position. 
   In preferred embodiments, the outer surface of the tubular post at or near the rear end comprises at least one raised ridge or a plurality of raised ridges. Preferably, the gripping ring is axially offset from the raised ridge in the rearward position. Preferably, at least part of the gripping ring surrounds the raised ridge in the forward position. 
   In another aspect, a connector is disclosed herein for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, a braided shield surrounding the dielectric, and a jacket surrounding the braided shield, the connector comprising: a hollow body comprising a rear end, a front end, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal hole; a compression ring comprising a rear end, a front end surrounding the hollow body, and an inner surface defining a longitudinal hole extending between the rear and front ends of the compression ring; a tubular post disposed at least partially within the longitudinal hole of the hollow body, the post comprising a tubular shank having a rear end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface of the tubular shank and the internal surface of the body define an annular cavity therebetween, wherein the inner surface is configured to allow the dielectric and the inner conductor to enter the shank and to allow the braided shield and the jacket to enter the annular cavity; and a deformable gripping ring disposed between the hollow body and the inner surface of the compression ring, the gripping ring comprising a rear end, a front end, an outer surface, and an inner surface; wherein the cable extends through the compression ring, through the gripping ring, and into the hollow body. The rear end of the shank is disposed between the braided shield and the dielectric, and part of the jacket and part of the braided shield are disposed in the annular cavity. The compression ring is axially movable over the hollow body between a rearward position and a forward position. In the rearward position, the inner surface at the rear end of the gripping ring has a rear inner diameter, and the inner surface at the front end of the gripping ring has a front inner diameter. In the forward position, the gripping ring is deformed by compression between the hollow body and the compression ring, the rear end of the gripping ring is displaced radially inwardly sufficient to reduce the rear inner diameter and to place the rear end of the gripping ring into contact with the jacket, and the front end of the gripping ring is displaced radially inwardly sufficient to reduce the front inner diameter and to place the front end of the gripping ring into contact with the jacket, wherein the jacket is sandwiched between the gripping member and the shank. 
   Preferably, the gripping ring is deformed such that it is displaced radially inwardly sufficiently to deform the jacket in the forward position. Preferably, the gripping ring forms a seal between the hollow body and the jacket in the forward position. 
   Preferably, the gripping ring forms a seal between the compression ring and the jacket in the forward position. Preferably, the gripping ring forms a seal between the compression ring and the hollow body in the forward position. In preferred embodiments, in the forward position, the gripping ring forms a seal simultaneously between the hollow body and the jacket. between the compression ring and the jacket, and between the compression ring and the hollow body. 
   Preferably, the inner surface of the gripping ring does not contact the jacket in the rearward position. Preferably, in the forward position, the inner surface of the gripping ring, from the rear end to the front end thereof, contacts the jacket of the cable. Preferably, in the forward position, substantially all of the inner surface of the gripping ring contacts the jacket of the cable. 
   In preferred embodiments, in the rearward position, the end of the coaxial cable is disposed within the connector, wherein at least part of the inner conductor and at least part of the dielectric are disposed within the tubular shank, and wherein at least part of the outer conductor and at least part of the jacket are disposed in the annular cavity. 
   Preferably, in the forward position, at least a portion of the jacket and at least a portion of the outer conductor are sandwiched between the gripping member and the rear end of the tubular shank. 
   Preferably, in the forward position, the gripping member forms a seal between the jacket and the rear end of the hollow body, thereby sealing the annular cavity at the rear end of the hollow body. Preferably, in the forward position, the gripping member forms a seal between the jacket and the inner surface of the compression ring. Preferably, in the forward position, the gripping member forms a seal between the hollow body and the inner surface of the compression ring. 
   In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a combination of a coaxial cable and a connector for coupling an end of the coaxial cable to a terminal, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, a braided shield surrounding the dielectric, and a jacket surrounding the braided shield, the connector comprising: a hollow body comprising a rear end, a front end, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal hole; a compression ring comprising a rear end, a front end surrounding the hollow body, and an inner surface defining a longitudinal hole extending between the rear and front ends of the compression ring; a tubular post disposed at least partially within the longitudinal hole of the hollow body, the post comprising a tubular shank having a rear end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface of the tubular shank and the internal surface of the body define an annular cavity therebetween, wherein the inner surface is configured to allow the dielectric and the inner conductor to enter the shank and to allow the braided shield and the jacket to enter the annular cavity; and a deformable gripping ring disposed between the hollow body and the inner surface of the compression ring, the gripping ring comprising a rear end, a front end, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The cable extends through the compression ring, through the gripping ring, and into the hollow body, wherein the rear end of the shank is disposed between the braided shield and the dielectric, and part of the jacket and part of the braided shield are disposed in the annular cavity. The compression ring is axially movable over the hollow body between a rearward position and a forward position. In the rearward position, the inner surface at the rear end of the gripping ring has a rear inner diameter, and the inner surface at the front end of the gripping ring has a front inner diameter. In the forward position, the gripping ring is deformed by compression between the hollow body and the compression ring, the rear end of the gripping ring is displaced radially inwardly sufficient to reduce the rear inner diameter and to place the rear end of the gripping ring into contact with the jacket, and the front end of the gripping ring is displaced radially inwardly sufficient to reduce the front inner diameter and to place the front end of the gripping ring into contact with the jacket, wherein the jacket is sandwiched between the gripping member and the shank. 
   In another aspect, a method of coupling a coaxial cable to a terminal is disclosed herein, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, a braided shield surrounding the dielectric, and a jacket surrounding the braided shield, the method comprising: (a) providing a connector comprising a hollow body, a compression ring disposed around a portion of the hollow body, a tubular post at least partially disposed within the hollow body, and a deformable gripping ring disposed between the compression ring and the hollow body, the gripping ring having a rear end and a front end; (b) inserting the cable into the compression ring until the tubular post is driven into the cable; and (c) moving the compression ring and the hollow body together to deform the deformable gripping ring and to displace both the front end and the rear end of the gripping ring radially inwardly sufficient to sandwich the jacket between the gripping ring and the tubular post. Preferably, the connector further comprises a coupler disposed around the hollow body, and the coupler engages the terminal after step (c). 
   Accordingly, a simple and inexpensive connector is disclosed herein that can easily be machined from a small number of components, and which can be quickly installed over the prepared end of a coaxial cable, for example by using a conventional axial compression installation tool. The connector preferably forms a reliable moisture proof seal between the connector and the jacket of the coaxial cable to preclude moisture from passing between the connector and the jacket of the coaxial cable extending therein. Preferably, the connector disclosed herein avoids the need for gels or other sealing compounds, although gels or other sealing compounds could be provided for additional strength and/or sealing. Furthermore, the connector disclosed herein provides a connector or connector/coaxial cable assembly or method which results in a pull-out strength which reduces dislodgement of the cable from the connector following installation. 
   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 side cutaway view along the centerline of one preferred embodiment of a connector, as disclosed herein, comprising a compression ring in a rearward position. 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of part of the connector of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a partial side cutaway view of a coaxial cable shown inserted into the connector of  FIG. 1  in side cutaway view. 
       FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view of the connector of  FIG. 1  with a partial view of tool used to compress the connector such that the compression ring is in a forward position. 
       FIG. 5  is a side cutaway view of the connector and cable of  FIG. 4  after the tool has been removed and the compression ring is in the forward position. 
       FIG. 6  is a side cutaway view of another preferred embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein comprising a gripping ring which is not fixedly attached to the compression ring. 
       FIG. 7  is a side cutaway view of still another preferred embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein comprising a gripping ring which is not fixedly attached to the compression ring. 
   

   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. One embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 , and is designated generally throughout by the reference numeral  10 . 
     FIG. 1  schematically illustrates one preferred embodiment of a connector, as disclosed herein, comprising a compression ring in a rearward position.  FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  schematically illustrates a coaxial cable inserted into the connector of  FIG. 1 , or, alternatively, the connector inserted onto the cable.  FIG. 4  schematically illustrates the connector of  FIG. 1  in conjunction with two portions of a tool used to compress the connector together such that the compression ring moves into a forward position, wherein the connector is shown in  FIG. 4  in a position just prior to removal of the tool therefrom.  FIG. 5  schematically illustrates the connector and cable after the tool has been removed and the compression ring is in the forward position.  FIG. 6  schematically illustrates another preferred embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein comprising a gripping ring which is not fixedly attached to the compression ring.  FIG. 7  schematically illustrates still another preferred embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein comprising another gripping ring which is not fixedly attached to the compression ring. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the connector  10  has a central longitudinal axis A—A. 
     FIGS. 1–5  show a connector  10  for coupling an end of a coaxial cable  200  to a terminal. The coaxial cable  200  shown in  FIG. 2  comprises an inner conductor  202 , a dielectric layer (or, simply, dielectric)  204  surrounding the inner conductor  202 , an outer conductor  206  surrounding the dielectric  204 , a braided shield  208  surrounding the dielectric  204 , and a jacket  210  surrounding the braided shield  208 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the connector  10  comprises a hollow body  20 , a compression ring  30  disposed at the rear end of the body  20 , a coupler  40  disposed at or near or proximate the front end of the body  20 , a tubular post  50  disposed at least partially within the hollow body  20 , and a deformable gripping ring  70  disposed between the hollow body  20  and the compression ring  30 . Gripping ring  70  is made of a deformable material, such as plastic, for example acetal, or such as soft metal or alloy, for example lead. Preferably, body  20 , compression ring  30 , and coupler  40  are made from a corrosion resistant material, for example nickel plated brass. Post 50  is made from electrically conductive material, preferably metal, for example tin-plated brass. 
   The hollow body  20  comprises a rear end  22 , a front end  24 , and an internal surface  26  extending between the rear and front ends  22 ,  24  of the body  20 , the internal surface  26  defining a longitudinal hole  28 . 
   The compression ring  30  comprises a rear end  32 , a front end  34  surrounding and contacting the hollow body  20 , and an inner surface  36  defining a longitudinal hole  38  extending between the rear and front ends  32 ,  34  of the compression ring  30 . 
   The tubular post  50  is disposed at least partially within the longitudinal hole  28  of the hollow body  20 , the post  50  comprising an outer surface  59  and an inner surface  56 , wherein the post  50  comprises a head flange  53  and a tubular shank  51  having a rear end  52 , an inner surface  56  and an outer surface  57 , wherein at least the rear end  52  is disposed within the longitudinal hole  28  of the body  20 , and wherein the outer surface  57  of the tubular shank  51  and the internal surface  26  of the body  20  define an annular cavity  60  therebetween. The inner surface  56  defines a longitudinal hole  58  extending from the rear end  52  to the front end  54 . 
   The deformable gripping ring  70  is disposed between the hollow body  20  and the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30 , the gripping ring  70  comprising a rear end  72  facing the rear end  32  of the compression ring  30 , a front end  74  facing the hollow body  20 , an outer surface  79  for contacting the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30 , and an inner surface  76  defining a longitudinal hole  78 . 
   The compression ring  30  is axially moveable over the hollow body  20  between a rearward position ( FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 ) and forward position ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Referring to  FIG. 2 , in the rearward position, the inner surface  76  at the rear end  72  of the gripping ring  70  has a rear inner diameter D 1 , and the inner surface  76  at the front end  74  of the gripping ring  70  has a front inner diameter D 2 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , in the forward position, the gripping ring  70  is compressed between the hollow body  20  and the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30 , the rear end  72  of the gripping ring  70  has a reduced rear inner diameter D 1 R which is less than the rear inner diameter D 1 , and the front end  74  of the gripping ring  70  has a reduced front inner diameter D 2 R which is less than the front inner diameter D 2 . Both the rear and front ends  72 ,  74  of the gripping ring  70  are displaced radially inwardly in the forward position. In some preferred embodiments, the front inner diameter D 2  and rear inner diameter D 1  of the gripping ring  70  are substantially equal in the rearward position. In other preferred embodiments, the front inner diameter D 2  and the rear inner diameter D 1  of the gripping ring  70  are not equal in the forward position. In some preferred embodiments, the gripping ring  70  has a substantially constant inner diameter in the rearward position. Preferably, the gripping ring  70  is concentrically mounted to the internal surface  26  of the compression ring  30 . Preferably, the rear end  72  of the gripping ring  70  is attached to the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30 . In preferred embodiments, the rear end  72  of the gripping ring  70  is press fit with the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30 , i.e. the gripping ring  70  is mounted onto the surface  26  of the compression ring  30  by press fit. In other preferred embodiments, the gripping ring  70  is mounted onto the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30  by adhesive. In other embodiments, the gripping ring  70  is not attached to the compression ring  30 , i.e. the gripping ring  70  is disposed loosely within the longitudinal hole  38  of the compression ring  30 , for example as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Preferably, the gripping ring  70  moves axially along with the compression ring  30  between the rearward and forward positions. Preferably, the gripping ring  70  moves axially with respect to the tubular sleeve  21  between the rearward and forward positions. 
   As seen in  FIG. 4 , in the forward position, at least a portion of the gripping ring  70  is disposed within the annular cavity  60 . In some preferred embodiments, at least a portion of the gripping ring  70  is displaced radially outwardly (e.g. as at  73  in  FIG. 4 ) as the compression ring  30  is axially moved over the hollow body  20  in the forward position. 
   The gripping ring  70  is circumferentially continuous, i.e. 360 degrees continuous about a centerline axis, A—A. Although the gripping ring  70  is deformed in the forward position, the gripping ring  70  forms a continuous 360 degree seal in the forward position. Preferably, in the forward position, the inner surface  76  of the gripping ring  70 , from the rear end  72  to the front end  74  thereof, contacts the jacket  210  of the cable  200 . Preferably, in the forward position, substantially all of the inner surface  76  of the gripping ring  70  contacts the jacket  210  of the cable  200 . Preferably, in the forward position the gripping ring  70  forms a seal between the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20  and the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30 . 
   The gripping ring  70  is preferably axially offset, as at Z 1  in  FIG. 2 , from the rear end  52  of the tubular shank  51  in the rearward position. Preferably the front end  74  of the gripping ring  70  is axially offset from the rear end  52  of the tubular shank  51  in the rearward position. The gripping ring  70  is preferably axially offset, as at Z 2  in  FIG. 2 , from the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20  in the rearward position. 
   Preferably the front end  74  of the gripping ring  70  contacts the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20  in the forward position. Preferably, the rear end  52  of the shank  51  projects rearwardly past the rear end  22  of the body  20 . As seen in  FIGS. 1–7 , the rear end  52  of the shank  51  extends from the front end  24  of the body  20  to at least the rear end  22  of the body  20 . In preferred embodiments, at least a portion of the gripping ring  70  surrounds at least a portion of the shank  51  in the forward position. 
   The hollow body  20  comprises a tubular sleeve  21  having a rear end  22  which forms the rear end  22  of the body  20 , wherein the rear end  22  of the sleeve  21  comprises a rearward facing tapered portion  27  configured to displace the front end of the gripping ring  70  radially inwardly. Preferably, the gripping ring  70  is axially offset from the rearward facing tapered portion  27  in the rearward position, as at Z 2  in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, the gripping ring  70  contacts the rearward facing tapered portion  27 , which further preferably displaces the front end  74  of the gripping ring  70  radially inwardly, in the forward position. 
   The inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30  preferably comprises a forward facing tapered portion  37  configured to displace the rear end  72  of the gripping ring  70  radially inwardly. Preferably, the gripping ring  70  does not contact the forward facing tapered portion  37  in the rearward position. Preferably, the gripping ring  70  contacts the forward facing tapered portion  37  and displaces the rear end of the gripping ring  70  radially inwardly in the forward position. 
   In the rearward position, the end  201  of the coaxial cable  200  is disposed within the connector  10 , wherein at least part of the inner conductor  202  and at least part of the dielectric  204  are disposed within the tubular shank  51 , and wherein at least part of the braided shield  208  and at least part of the jacket  210  are disposed in the annular cavity  60 . Preferably, in the forward position, at least a portion of the jacket  210  and at least a portion of the outer conductor  206  are sandwiched between the gripping ring  70  and the rear end  52  of the tubular shank  51 . Preferably, in the forward position, the gripping ring  70  forms a seal between the jacket  210  and the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20 , thereby sealing the annular cavity  60  at the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20 , as at  96  in  FIG. 4 . Preferably, in the forward position, the gripping ring  70  forms a seal between the jacket  210  and the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30 , as at  98  in  FIG. 4 . Preferably, in the forward position, the gripping ring  70  forms a seal between the hollow body  20  and the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30 , as at  94  in  FIG. 4 . Most preferably, in the forward position, the gripping ring  70  simultaneously forms a seal: (1) between the jacket  210  and the rear end of the hollow body  20 , thereby sealing the annular cavity  60  at the rear end of the hollow body  20 ; (2) between the jacket  210  and the inner surface of the compression ring  30 ; and (3) between the hollow body  20  and the inner surface of the compression ring  30 . In some embodiments, the compression ring  30 , the gripping ring  70 , and the body  50  are configured such that the gripping ring  70  deforms and entirely fills the space bounded by the compression ring, the rear end  52  of the shank  52 , and the jacket  210  of the cable  200  in the forward position, for example akin to a blivet, i.e. the gripping ring fills the space bounded between the sealed-off areas  94 ,  96 ,  98  as seen in  FIG. 4 . 
   The outer surface  59  of the tubular post  50  at or near the rear end  52  thereof preferably comprises a raised ridge  52   a  Preferably, the gripping ring  70  is axially offset from the raised ridge  52   a  in the rearward position. Preferably, at least part of the gripping ring  70  surrounds the raised ridge  52   a  in the forward position. In preferred embodiments, the outer surface  59  of the tubular post  50  at or near the rear end  52  thereof comprises a plurality of raised ridges  52   a  as seen, for example, in  FIGS. 1–7 . 
   Preferably, the head flange  53  of the tubular post  50  is not disposed within the hollow body  20 . Preferably, the front end  24  of the hollow body  20  comprises a neck  23 , wherein the front end  24  of the hollow body  20  at the neck  23  is configured to axially engage the head flange  53  of the post  50 , thereby preventing the head flange  53  from entering the longitudinal hole  28  of the hollow body  20 . 
   In preferred embodiments, the coupler  40  comprises a rear end  42 , a front end  44  for engaging a terminal, an inner surface  46  defining a longitudinal hole  48  extending from the rear end  42  to the front end  44 , such that at least a portion of the end of the cable can project into the longitudinal hole  48 . 
   In one preferred embodiment, the coupler  40  comprises an inner surface  46  which is at least partially threaded for threadedly engaging a threaded port, wherein the coupler  40  may be referred to as a nut. The rear end  42  of the coupler  40  comprises a tail flange  43  configured to surround at least a portion of the neck  23  of the body  20 . The tail flange  43  comprises a forward facing portion  47  configured to axially engage the head flange  53  of the post  50 , thereby preventing the coupler  40  from axially sliding off the front end  24  of the body  20 . The outer surface  29  of the hollow body  20  preferably comprises an external shoulder  29   a  disposed rearward of the neck  23 , wherein the shoulder  29   a  is configured to axially engage the rear end  42  of the coupler  40 , thereby preventing the coupler  40  from axially sliding off the rear end  22  of the body  20 . An O-ring  90  is preferably disposed between the neck  23 , the head flange  53  of the post  50 , and the tail flange  43  of the coupler  40 . Prior to engaging the coupler  40  (and therefore the connector) to a terminal, the tail flange  43  is rotatably mounted around the neck  23 , and preferably the coupler  40  is freely rotatable around the neck  23 . Preferably, the tubular post  50  is fixedly attached to the hollow body  20 ; in preferred embodiments, the post  50  is attached to the body  20  by press fit, wherein the outer surface  59  of the post  50  preferably is configured for press fit with the internal surface  26  of the hollow body  20  at the neck  23 , wherein the outer surface  59  of the post  50  preferably comprises a plurality of ridges  55  for engaging the internal surface  26  of the hollow body  20  at the neck  23 . In other embodiments, the tubular post and the hollow body are formed as a unitary hollow body. 
   Preferably, the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30  comprises a reduced inner diameter portion  33 , such that at least a portion of the gripping ring  70  is mounted on the reduced inner diameter portion  33 . In some preferred embodiments, the outer surface  79  of the gripping ring  70  comprises a reduced outer diameter  75  portion mounted on the reduced inner diameter portion  33  of the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30 . In some preferred embodiments, the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30  further comprises an increased outer diameter portion  77  adjacent the reduced outer diameter portion  75 , wherein the increased outer diameter portion  77  and the inner surface  36  of the compression ring  30  define an annular space  92  therebetween in the rearward position. Preferably, at least a portion of the gripping ring  70  fills at least a portion of the annular space  92  in the forward position. 
     FIGS. 6–7  show other preferred embodiments of a connector disclosed herein wherein the gripping ring is not attached to the inner surface of the compression ring, i.e. the gripping ring is loosely disposed inside the connector. 
     FIG. 7  a connector having a compression ring that does not have a reduced inner diameter portion (such as at  33  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) on which the gripping ring  70  is mounted. The gripping ring in  FIG. 7  has substantially constant inner diameter and a substantially constant outer diameter over the majority (&gt;50%) of its axial length. 
   In use, the end  201  of a coaxial cable  200  is brought together with the rear end of the connector  10 , i.e. the rear end  32  of compression ring  30 , such that the cable  200  enters the longitudinal hole  38  of the compression ring  30 , passes through the longitudinal hole  78  of the gripping ring  70 , and is impaled upon the rear end  52  of the shank  51  of the tubular post  50 . The rear end  52  of the shank  51  is driven between the braided shield  208  and the outer conductor  206  of the cable  200 , preferably until the dielectric  204  at the end  201  of the cable  200  is flush with the distal surface  54   a  of the end  54  of the post  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The compression ring  30  and the tubular post  50  are then moved axially together, such as by implementation of a tool having first and second driving members  301 ,  302  which engage the rear end  32  of the compression ring  30  and the head  53  of the tubular post  50 , respectively, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The compressive force generated by the first and second members  301 ,  302  axially moves the front end  34  of the compression ring  30  over the sleeve  21  of the hollow body  20 , preferably until the front end  34  of the compression ring  30  engages shoulder  25  on the outer surface of the hollow body  20 , thereby deforming the gripping ring  70  such that the front and rear ends  72 ,  74  of the gripping ring  70  are deflected radially inwardly against the jacket  210  of the cable  200 . Preferably, the jacket  210  is sandwiched between the gripping ring  70  and the rear end  52  of the shank  51  of the tubular post  50 . With the connector  10  attached to the end  201  of the cable  200 , the connector  10  can then be placed into contact with a terminal such as a threaded terminal. The coupler  40  may be tightened onto the threaded terminal for electrical and mechanical coupling of the coaxial cable  200  to the terminal via the coaxial connector  10 . As the coupler  40  is rotated to engage the threads of the coupler  40  and the terminal, ring  90  is compressed to form a seal. 
   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.