Abstract:
A method of making a coaxial cable assembly is disclosed, the assembly comprising a coaxial cable and a connector, or connector termination, at least one end of the cable. A connector, comprised of connector components, is also disclosed. The method comprises placing connector components into contact with the cable before the connector components are assembled into a connector. The connector is assembled simultaneously with securing the connector to the cable to make a coaxial cable assembly. A method of preparing coaxial cable in a manner suitable for making coaxial cable assemblies is also disclosed. The coaxial cable assembly can be a jumper, or a lead.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of, and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/787,405, filed on Mar. 29, 2006, entitled “COAXIAL CONNECTOR AND COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHOD”, 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 coaxial cable/connector assemblies, and particularly to coaxial cable connectors suitable for coaxial assemblies. 
   2. Technical Background 
   Coaxial cable connectors such as RCA, BNC and 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. F-connectors are often used in conjunction with a length of coaxial cable to create a jumper cable assembly to interconnect components of a cable television system. A jumper typically has one coaxial connector (connector termination) at each end of the length of cable. The coaxial cable typically includes a center conductor, or inner conductor, surrounded by a plurality of outer cable components, for example the inner conductor is surrounded by a dielectric, in turn surrounded by one or more outer conductive layers, or metallic layers, such as a conductive grounding foil and/or braid, wherein the outer conductive arrangement is itself surrounded by a protective outer jacket. The dielectric can be plastic, rubber, glass, or ceramic. Various types of coaxial cable have different outer protective layers or jackets. The F-connector is typically secured over the prepared end of the jacketed coaxial cable by use of a crimp tool or compression tool specifically designed to crimp or actuate the connector. Once secured to the coaxial cable, the connector is then capable of transferring signals by engaging the connector with a threaded connection or threaded port, such as found on typical CATV electronic devices like set top converters, television sets or DVD players. 
   Crimp style F-connectors are known wherein a crimp sleeve is included as part of the connector body. A crimping tool must be used to deform the crimp sleeve onto the cable to secure the connector to a cable. For example, a special radial crimping tool, having jaws that form a hexagon, can be 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, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,050 to Hayward. However, crimping braided outer conductors can present some difficulties. To prevent deformation of the outer cable components in relation to the center conductor, a support sleeve of one form or another may be used. Usually, the braid is captured in a layer between a tubular outer ferrule and the connector body, wherein the outer ferrule is crimped onto the crimp sleeve which in turn is radially compressed into engagement with the cable, but such crimps are not typically considered to be highly reliable, because, for example, there are typically large voids in the interface allowing for corrosive degradation of the contact surfaces, and/or the mechanical pull strength to the joint does not approach the strength of the wire. Additionally, such a crimp connection typically allows relative movement between all three components, which results in a very poor, noisy electrical connection. 
   Another known form of F-connector includes an annular compression sleeve 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 an annular compression sleeve, typically plastic, 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 allowing such compression sleeve to be passed over the end of the coaxial cable prior to installation of the F-connector. The remainder of 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, which simultaneously causes the jacket of the coaxial cable to be compressed between the compression sleeve and the tubular post of the connector as the compression sleeve moves radially inward. An example of such a compression sleeve F-connector is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,675 to Samchisen. A number of commercial tool manufacturers provide compression tools for axially compressing the compression sleeve into such connectors. 
   Standardized cable preparation tooling and connector actuation tooling have lead to a de facto standard in cable preparation dimensions and connector envelope configurations. Additional requirements for both in-door and out-door use have resulted in connector designs that require a relatively large number of components. While standardized cable preparation tooling and connector actuation tooling has increased flexibility and interchangeability in field installations where an installer is concerned with making cable connection using one or a few connectors at a particular location, the implementation of these standardized connector and tooling systems for the manufacture of cable assemblies such as CATV jumper cables in large quantities tends to limit the efficiency of mass assembly of the jumpers, thereby causing unnecessary expense to be incurred in the manufacture of the assemblies. 
     FIGS. 1A-1C  are partial cutaway views along the centerline of a coaxial cable illustrating typical known in-field cable preparation.  FIG. 1A  shows cable  100  comprising center conductor  101 , dielectric  102  surrounding and in contact with the center conductor  101 , outer conductor or shield  103  surrounding and in contact with dielectric  102 , braid  104  surrounding and in contact with shield  103 , and jacket  105  surrounding and in contact with braid  104 . Basic preparation techniques are noted in steps  1  through  3 .  FIG. 1A  shows cable  100  cut out to a desired length.  FIG. 1B  shows the result of removing outer cable components to expose center conductor  101  and braid  103 . The standard exposed length of braid  106  is ¼″, and the standard exposed length of center conductor  107  is 5/16″. A multitude of industry standard tools are available to perform the necessary cuts to achieve the “standard” dimensions illustrated in  FIG. 1B .  FIG. 1C  shows the result of un-weaving of braid  104  and folding back of braid  104  along jacket  105 , which is typically performed manually and requires dexterity and time to accomplish properly. 
     FIG. 2  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of a known connector/cable combination. Connector  200  shown in  FIG. 2  illustrates a relatively high number (six) of component parts required to meet the combined indoor and outdoor functional requirements placed on many F connectors. Additionally,  FIG. 2  illustrates a difference in outer diameter between the outermost diameters of coupling nut  201  and body  204 , which provides a relatively small exposed region E 1  of the proximal side of coupling nut  201  in which to grasp the coupler  201  during installation. A limited difference in outer diameter E 1  (and the resulting limited area of exposure) can be somewhat mitigated by increasing clearance space  207  defined by the rear end  208  of the coupler  201  and the outer surface of body  204 , wherein space  207  can allow installer fingers a greater purchase area, but may not provide an entirely satisfactory solution, particularly if coupling nut  201  is plated with a relatively low coefficient of friction, or slippery, material, such as nickel. Clearance space  207  can be somewhat useful for pushing coupling nut  201  forward during installation, but more access to the back of coupling nut  201  but would be more advantageous. However, couplers are typically provided in standard sizes, and, for given standard coupler sizes, practical limits exist on reducing the outer diameter of the body of known connectors (for example because such connectors need to be able to receive the folded back braid of the cable and need to be able to clamp onto the cable, the outside diameter of the body needs to be large enough to structurally accommodate those features), so limitations exist on the flexibility of increasing the difference in outer diameter E 1  in known connectors, used in conjunction with known cable preparation methods. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Disclosed herein is a method of making a coaxial cable assembly, the assembly comprising a coaxial cable and a connector, or connector termination, at least one end of the cable. A connector, comprised of connector components, is also disclosed herein. The method comprises placing connector components into contact with the cable before the connector components are assembled into a connector. The connector is assembled simultaneously with securing the connector to the cable to make a coaxial cable assembly. Also disclosed herein is a method of preparing coaxial cable in a manner suitable for making coaxial cable assemblies. The coaxial cable assembly can be a jumper, or a lead. 
   The connector disclosed herein is comprised of a small number of components that can be installable on a coaxial connector cable in an extremely efficient manner in terms of time, labor, and material costs. Additionally, such a connector is easy to use as a cable termination, such as when applied as in a connector/cable assembly such as a jumper assembly, while providing provide necessary signal shielding and sufficient retention on the coaxial cable. Implementation of the method disclosed herein for cable preparation permits the connector disclosed herein to have a shortened length. The method of installing the connector onto coaxial cable permits flexibility and interchangeability during assembly, where, for example, various types and/or sizes of couplers can be matched with various shells and/or posts, which would not otherwise be available with connectors that require pre-assembly before attachment to a cable. 
   In one aspect, a method of making a coaxial cable assembly is disclosed herein, the method comprising: passing an end of a coaxial cable through an internal bore in a tubular shell, wherein the coaxial cable has a longitudinal axis; inserting a first portion of a tubular post axially into the end of the coaxial cable, wherein the shell is axially spaced away from the first portion of the post, and the shell does not surround the first portion of the post; and moving the shell axially relative to the post and the cable, wherein at least part of the shell surrounds at least part of the post. Preferably, a coupler is mounted on the post, fixedly or rotatably. In some embodiments, the shell limits axial movement of the coupler. In some embodiments, in the moving step, the shell and the post are press fit together. In some embodiments, after the moving step, part of the cable is sandwiched between the shell and the post. 
   In another aspect, a method of making a coaxial cable assembly is disclosed herein, the method comprising: passing an end of a coaxial cable through an internal bore in a tubular shell; inserting a tubular post into the end of the coaxial cable, wherein the shell is spaced away from the post, and the shell does not surround the post; and moving the shell and the post together sufficient to surround at least part of the post with at least part of the shell. 
   In some embodiments, before the inserting step, the shell is capable of sliding over the cable disposed within the internal bore of the shell. In some embodiments, the moving step further comprises bringing the shell into direct mechanical contact with the post. In some embodiments, the inserting step further comprises raising a raised portion of the cable radially outwardly; preferably, in the moving step, at least part of the raised portion of the cable is disposed between the at least part of the post and the at least part of the shell. In some embodiments, after the moving step, the shell limits movement of the coupler. 
   In some embodiments, the method further comprises, before the inserting step, mounting a coupler on the post. In some embodiments, the coupler is rotatably mounted on the post. In some embodiments, the coupler is fixedly mounted on the post. 
   In another aspect, a method of making a coaxial cable assembly is disclosed herein, the method comprising: providing a length of coaxial cable having an end, the cable comprising an inner conductor and outer components surrounding the inner conductor, the outer components comprising a first outer component surrounded by a second outer component; providing a tubular shell, a tubular post, and a coupler mounted on a front end of the post; inserting the end of the cable into a first end of the tubular shell; inserting a back end of the tubular post into the end of the cable, wherein the back end is wedged between the first outer component and the second outer component of the cable; and moving the tubular shell axially toward the front end of the post sufficient for the shell to surround at least a portion of the tubular post, thereby causing the shell and the post to transmit a compressive force to the second outer component sufficient to secure the shell and the post onto the cable. 
   In another aspect, a combination of coaxial cable connector components is disclosed herein, the combination comprising: a tubular shell having a shell inner diameter defining a internal bore adapted to accept a coaxial cable, and a shell outer diameter; a tubular post adapted to be inserted into the coaxial cable; and a coupler adapted to mount on the post and having a coupler outer diameter, wherein the ratio of the coupler outer diameter divided by the shell outer diameter is greater than 1.10. In some embodiments, the ratio of the coupler outer diameter divided by the shell outer diameter is greater than 1.20. In some embodiments, the ratio of the coupler outer diameter divided by the shell outer diameter is greater than 1.25. In some embodiments, the ratio of the coupler outer diameter divided by the shell outer diameter is greater than 1.30. 
   In another aspect, a combination is disclosed herein of a coaxial cable and a coaxial cable connector mounted on the cable, the connector consisting of a tubular post inserted into the cable, a tubular shell surrounding part of the cable and surrounding at least part of the tubular post, and a coupler mounted on the tubular post, wherein the shell is disposed on the cable and is axially spaced apart from the post in an uncompressed state, and wherein the shell at least partially surrounds the post in a compressed state. In some embodiments, part of the cable is sandwiched between the tubular post and the shell, and the shell and the post cooperatively impart a compressive force to the part of the cable, thereby securing the cable, the post, and the shell in a cable termination. 
   In another aspect, a method of preparing an end of a coaxial cable is disclosed herein, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, a braid surrounding the dielectric, and a protective layer surrounding the braid, the method comprising: removing a portion of the protective layer, a portion of the braid, and a portion of the dielectric from the end of the coaxial cable to provide a prepared end of the cable, wherein the prepared end comprises: a protective layer cut edge; a protruding portion of the braid that protrudes a length X from the cut edge of the protective layer, a protruding portion of the dielectric that protrudes a length Y from the cut edge of the protective layer, and a protruding portion of the inner conductor that protrudes a length Z from the cut edge of the protective layer, wherein the ratio of X/Y is less than 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of X/Y is less than 0.5. In some embodiments, the ratio of X/Y is less than 0.25. 
   In some embodiments, the protruding portion of the dielectric terminates in a dielectric cut edge, and the protruding portion of the inner conductor protrudes a length A from the dielectric cut edge. In some embodiments, length A is between 0.25 and 0.375 inch. In other embodiments, length A is about 0.25 inch. 
   In some embodiments, the coaxial cable further comprises a foil layer surrounding the dielectric. The foil layer can be disposed between the dielectric and the braid, or the foil layer can be disposed between the braid and the protective layer. 
   In some embodiments, the coaxial cable further comprises a foil layer disposed between the braid and the dielectric, wherein the removing step further comprises removing a portion of the foil layer, and wherein the prepared end further comprises a protruding portion of the foil layer that protrudes a length Y′ from the cut edge of the protective layer, wherein the length Y′ is less than or equal to the length Y, i.e. the protruding portion of the foil can extend y′ all the way up to the cut edge of the dielectric, and greater than the length X. In some embodiments, Y′ is about 5/16 inch. 
   In some embodiments, the method further comprises lifting at least part of the protruding portion of the braid radially outwardly, and in some embodiments, flaring at least part of the protruding portion of the braid radially outwardly. 
   In one embodiment, X is 1/16 inch, Y is 5/16 inch, Z is 9/16 inch, and A is ¼ inch. 
   In this aspect, a method of making a coaxial cable assembly with the cable thus is disclosed herein, the method comprising: before the removing step, providing a tubular shell having an internal bore and passing the cable through the internal bore. The shell is adapted to receive the cable through the internal bore, allowing the tubular shell to slide along the cable. The method of making a coaxial cable assembly may further comprise: providing a tubular post; inserting an end of the tubular post into the prepared end of the cable and under the braid; and moving the prepared end of the cable and the tubular post axially together with the tubular shell sufficient for the post and the shell to cooperatively apply a radial force to the braid thereby securing the shell and the post onto the cable. 
   In some embodiments, in the moving step, the protective layer and the braid are sandwiched between the tubular shell and the tubular post. 
   In some embodiments, after the moving step, the protruding portion of the braid is disposed in an annular cavity between the post and the shell. 
   In some embodiments, in the moving step, the shell directly physically contacts the post. In some embodiments, in the moving step, the post and the shell are press fit together. 
   In some embodiments, the end of the post comprises a radially raised portion, and the moving step further comprises moving the prepared end of the cable and the tubular post axially together with the tubular shell such that at least part of the shell surrounds the radially raised portion of the post. 
   In this aspect, the method can further comprise lifting at least part of the protruding portion of the braid radially outwardly, either before inserting the tubular post into the prepared end of the cable, or simultaneously with inserting the tubular post into the prepared end of the cable. 
   In some embodiments, the step of inserting the tubular post further comprises trapping the at least part of the protruding portion of the braid between the protective layer cut end and the tubular post. 
   In some embodiments, the providing step further comprises providing a coupler mounted on the tubular post. 
   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. 1A  shows a partial cutaway view of an end of a known coaxial cable. 
       FIG. 1B  shows the cable of  FIG. 1A  with outer cable components removed to expose braid and the center conductor. 
       FIG. 1C  shows the cable of  FIG. 1B  with the braid folded back over the jacket. 
       FIG. 2  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of a known connector connected to a cable, shown in partial cutaway view, prepared according to a known method. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  are partial cutaway views along the centerline of a coaxial cable illustrating the cable preparation method for the current invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view along the center line of the present invention components. 
       FIG. 5  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of the connector disclosed herein and a partial side cutaway view along the centerline of a cable prepared according to a method disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial side cutaway view along the centerline of the present invention with an F connector interface fully installed on coaxial cable. 
       FIG. 7  is a partial side cutaway view along the centerline of the present invention with an RCA connector interface fully installed on coaxial cable. 
   

   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. 
     FIGS. 3A-3C  are partial cutaway views along the centerline of a coaxial cable illustrating the cable preparation method as disclosed herein.  FIG. 3A  shows cable  100  comprising center conductor  101 , dielectric  102 , outer conductor or shield  103 , braid  104 , and jacket  105 . For some embodiments, such as a coaxial cable jumper, a desired length of cable  100  is cut, preferably making a clean cut. Referring to  FIG. 3B  with a desired length of cable  100 , the cable preparation includes removing a portion of the protective layer  105 , a portion of the braid  104 , and a portion of the dielectric  102  from the end of the coaxial cable to provide a prepared end of the cable, which can be effected using one or more known tools, wherein the prepared end comprises: a protective layer cut edge  110 ; a protruding portion of the braid  104  that protrudes a length X from the cut edge of the protective layer  105 , a protruding portion of the dielectric  102  that protrudes a length Y from the cut edge of the protective layer  105 , and a protruding portion of the inner conductor  101  that protrudes a length Z from the cut edge of the protective layer  105 , wherein the ratio of X/Y is less than 1, preferably less than 0.5, more preferably less than 0.25. Thus, the cable preparation includes removing outer components of the cable  100 , such as dielectric  102 , outer conductor or shield  103 , braid  104 , and/or jacket  105 , as appropriate, to expose a length A of the center conductor  101 , and to expose a length B of the shield  103 , and to expose a length C of the braid  103 , wherein the shield  103  and dielectric protrude beyond the end of the cable jacket  105  for a length D, where D=B+C, and the tip of the center conductor is disposed a length E away from the end of the cable jacket  105 , where E=A+B+C=A+D, wherein the ratio of C/B is less than 1, preferably less than 0.5, more preferably less than 0.25. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of lifting at least a portion of the exposed length C of braid  104  radially outwardly, e.g. away from shield  103 , preferably toward the end of jacket  105 . In some embodiments, the lifting comprises flaring at least a portion of the exposed length C of braid  104  away from shield  103 , for example by applying a tool having a conically tapered portion to the cable  100  and under exposed length C, or by applying part of the connector to the cable during connection of the connector onto the cable. 
   Even if desired dimensions for cable preparation disclosed herein are not readily achievable by use of industry standard available tooling intended for use in the field by a single installer, such desired dimension can be easily achieved by high speed factory production tooling. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , the connector components of connector  20  comprises a tubular shell  20 , a coupler  40 , and a tubular post  300 . In some preferred embodiments, the connector consists of the tubular shell  20 , a coupler  40 , and a tubular post  300 . Shell  20  is preferably made from metal and plated with a non-corrosive material such as nickel. Alternatively, shell  20  can be constructed from an engineering polymer, such as polyamides (e.g. nylon), polyesters, polyimides, and/or polysulfones. Preferably, coupler  40  is made from a conductive material such as brass and is plated with a corrosion resistant material, for example nickel. Alternatively, coupler  40  may be constructed from an engineering polymer. Tubular post  300  is preferably made from electrically conductive material, such as brass and is preferably plated with a conductive material such as tin. 
   In some embodiments, the braid  104  is flared by a tool, or by angled surface  302  of post  300  which is driven under the braid  104  thereby further reducing cable preparation time and effort. Thus, folding back of braid  104  over the outside of the jacket  105  as found in known cable preparation methods is eliminated, thereby reducing the amount of skill and time to prepare the cable. 
   As seen in  FIG. 4 , shell  20  is generally tubular and comprises outer diameter  21 , front end  23 , back end  24 , internal surface  22  defining internal bore  26  which extends between front and back ends,  23  and  24 . By generally tubular, we mean that either the outer surface or the internal surface  22 , or both, of shell  20  can have more than one diameter or shape. Internal surface  22  preferably has an internal chamfer  25  located proximate to front or back ends  23  and  24 , more preferably an internal chamfer  25  at both the front end  23  and the back end  24 . In some embodiments, both the front end  23  and back end  24  are each provided with chamfers  25  and shell  20  thereby making shell  20  bi-directional in regard to installation orientation, whereby cost can be further reduced by simplifying the installation process. In some embodiments, both the front end  23  and back end  24  are each provided with chamfers  25  and shell  20  is substantially symmetric about a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
   Coupler  40  comprises back end  41 , front end  44 , and internal surface  49  defining internal bore  46 . The coupler  40  shown in  FIG. 4  is in the form of a coupling nut, wherein internal surface  49  comprises internal chamfer  42 , inwardly projecting annular ridge  43 , internal threads  45 , and internal recess  47 . The reduced diameter of annular ridge  43  defines a reduced diameter through-bore section  48  of internal bore  46 . The increased diameter of internal recess  47  defines an increased diameter through-bore section  49  of internal bore  46 . Coupler  40  may also take other forms in other embodiments. Tubular post  300  is generally tubular and comprises back end  301 , front end  314 , outer surface  318 , and internal surface  317  defining through-bore  315 . By generally tubular, we mean that either internal surface  317  or outer surface  218 , or both, can have more than one diameter or shape. Back end  301  of tubular post  300  is adapted to be inserted into the end of the cable  100  and enter between braid  104  and shield  103 . Front end  314  is adapted to engage coupler  40 . In some embodiments, post  300  rotatably engages coupler  40 . The outer surface  318  of post  300  shown in  FIG. 4  comprises external tapered area  302  at back end  301 , outer diameter  303 , external annular face  304 , reduced diameter  305 , tapered portion  306 , outer diameter  307 , tapered portion  308 , outer diameter  309 , backward facing annular face  310 , outer diameter  311 , backward facing annular face  312 , and outer diameter  313 . The internal surface  317  of post  300  shown in  FIG. 4  comprises an inwardly projecting lip  316  which defines a reduced diameter through-bore portion  315  of internal bore  315 . The angled surface of external tapered area  302  can be used to engage exposed length C of braid  104  as the cable as post  300  and cable  100  are driven together during assembly in order to lift at least a portion of exposed length C radially outward. Tubular post  300  may also take other forms in other embodiments. 
     FIG. 5  shows a side cutaway view of connector  200  partially installed on coaxial cable, shown in partial side cutaway view along the centerline of the cable. Shell  20  is installed over prepared cable  100 . Coupler  40  is installed over tubular post  300 . After shell  20  is installed on cable  100  and coupler  40  is installed on post  300 , back end  301  of post  300  is then inserted into cable  100  between shield and braid. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , coupler  40  is capable of rotating around post  300 , that is, the diametral relationship of outer diameter  311  and through-bore  48  allows coupler  40  to rotate about tubular post  300  when coupler  40  is disposed about tubular post  300 . Forward movement of coupler  40  relative to post  300  is restrained by engagement of annular ridge  43  and backward facing annular face  312 , thereby preventing coupler  40  from falling off from the front end  314  of post  300 . 
   In use, the end of coaxial cable  100  is brought together with tubular post  300 , i.e. the back end  301  of tubular post  300 , such that the cable outer conductor  103 , dielectric  102  and center conductor  101  enter bore  317  of tubular post  300  such that cable  100  is impaled upon back end  301  of tubular post  300 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the back end  301 , tapered portion  302 , outer diameter  303  and reduced diameter  305  of tubular post  300  are driven between braided shield  104  and the outer conductor  103  of cable  100 , preferably until the dielectric  102  at the end of the cable  100  is flush with the front end  314  of tubular post  300 . Cable trim length as illustrated indicated in  FIG. 3B  is such that flared portion of cable braid  104  is forced into contact with, and may be shaped by, tapered portion  306  of tubular post  300 . In this embodiment, a small protuberance of braid  104  extends radially outwardly and axially beyond tapered portion  306 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6  which shows the connection between connector  200  and the cable  100  in the completed, i.e. fully installed or fully compressed, state, wherein shell  20  is advanced axially forward to surround at least a part of tubular post  300  and cable  100 . No further crimping or manipulation is required after shell  20  is fully advanced. Upon advancement of shell  20 , jacket  105  and braid  104  are preferably sandwiched between shell  20  and post  300 , shown in  FIG. 6  where internal surface  22  and outer diameter  303  of outer surface  318  of tubular post  300  sandwich jacket  105  and braid  104 . In some embodiments, a portion of braid  104  is disposed in an annular cavity formed between the inner surface of shell  20  and the outer surface of post  300 , and preferably seized therebetween, for example as seen in the annular cavity  500  shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . Trapping and seizing of braid  104  within such annular cavity as cavity  500  can provide additional and improved electrical grounding and improved mechanical retention of braid  104  thereby improving electrical and mechanical communication between cable  100  and connector  200 . When the connector in in embodiments such as shown in  FIG. 6  is fully installed on cable  100 , rearward axial movement of coupler  40  is limited by front end  23  of shell  20 . Lip  316  can serve to both position (for example, center) and restrain further axial movement of cable dielectric  102  with respect to the post  300 . 
   After the shell  20 , post  300  and coupler  40  are installed on cable  100 , the resulting connector/cable combination, or assembly, can then be placed into contact with a terminal, such as a threaded terminal. Using the advantage found in increased exposure area E 2  the coupler  40  may be tightened onto the threaded terminal for electrical and mechanical coupling of the coaxial cable  100 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of a connector  20 ′ disclosed herein fully installed on a cable  100  prepared according to the method disclosed herein. Both cable  100  and connector  20 ′ are shown in partial side cutaway view along the centerline of the cable and the connector. Coupler  40  of connector  20 ′ comprises an RCA connector interface fixedly mounted to the post. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the back end of coupler  40  abuts and physically directly contacts shell  200  in the fully installed state. 
   Thus, connectors as disclosed herein may take the form of type F connectors, RCA connectors, BNC connectors, and other types or varieties of connectors by providing an appropriate coupler and engagement between the coupler and the post. 
   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.