Abstract:
A coaxial cable connector having a front end for attachment to a terminal and a back end for attachment to a coaxial cable includes a body, a post mounted within the body; and a contact assembly movably mounted within the post. The contact assembly includes a guide, a contact mounted to the guide, and an insulator partially surrounding the contact. The contact assembly moves longitudinally toward the front end of the connector, such that the front end of the contact moves from a first position within the body to a second position proximate the connector interface, as the connector receives the coaxial cable. The guide has an opening for the center conductor, which is viewable to a user during attachment until the center conductor enters the opening. An adapter is also provided that can be shipped with connector for use in securing the coaxial cable connector on a coaxial cable.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to coaxial cable connectors and more particularly to coaxial cable connectors having a female configuration at an end opposite the connection point for a coaxial cable, and an optional adapter therefor. 
         [0002]    Coaxial cable connectors, such as axially-compressible RCA, BNC, and F connectors, are used to attach a coaxial cable to another object, such as an appliance or junction, having a terminal adapted to engage the coaxial cable connector. After an end of the coaxial cable is trimmed using one of several known cable preparation techniques, the trimmed end of the coaxial cable is inserted into a back end of the connector. Then, the coaxial cable connector is axially compressed using one of several known installation tools, and the coaxial cable connector and the coaxial cable become permanently attached to each other. 
         [0003]    Disadvantageously, many known connectors require “blind entry” of the coaxial cable into the connector, meaning that a small opening in the coaxial cable connector into which it is necessary to insert the center conductor of the coaxial cable becomes blocked from a user&#39;s view by a dielectric component or the jacket of the coaxial cable. The dielectric component or jacket blocks the user&#39;s view of the small opening primarily because the small opening is recessed too deeply in the coaxial cable connector. Such known coaxial cable connectors often make it difficult to ensure that the dielectric component, or foam core, of the coaxial cable is properly centered within the coaxial cable connector during insertion of the coaxial cable into the coaxial cable connector. 
         [0004]    Many known connectors utilize separate or loose components that must be manipulated during installation, and, therefore, are subject to loss or damage. For example, a known RCA connector is supplied with a loose contact, meaning that the contact is not integral with the body of the connector when shipped and is easily lost or misplaced. Additionally, such a coaxial cable connector is more cumbersome and expensive since extra manipulation is required to install the separate component. 
         [0005]    Therefore, a coaxial cable connector is needed that obviates these issues and provides a connector that is easy to install and allows the user a view for inserting the coaxial cable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Disclosed herein is a coaxial cable connector for attachment to a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center conductor, a dielectric layer surrounding the center conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric layer, the coaxial cable connector including a body having a front end, a back end, a longitudinal opening extending between the front end and the back end along a longitudinal axis, a post fixedly mounted within the body; and a contact assembly movably mounted to the post and capable of moving longitudinally relative to the body, the contact assembly further including a guide having an opening therein to receive the center conductor of the coaxial cable, a contact element having a fixed relationship to the guide and having a front end, a back end, and an opening extending between the front end and the back end to receive an electrical contact through the front end of the body, and an insulator disposed around at least a portion of the contact element, wherein the contact assembly is capable of moving along the longitudinal axis toward the front end of the coaxial cable connector in response to insertion of the coaxial cable into the back end of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the front end of the contact element is disposed adjacent the front end of the body when the coaxial cable is fully inserted into the back end of the coaxial cable connector. 
         [0007]    In other embodiments, the dielectric layer of the coaxial cable causes the contact assembly to move relative to the body. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the post has a circumferential groove in an inside surface of the post and the guide has a least one projection configured to engage the circumferential groove in a first position. 
         [0009]    In other embodiments, the coaxial cable connector includes a compression ring having an inside surface defining a longitudinal opening, the compression ring movable over at least a portion of the body to engage at least a portion of an outer jacket of the coaxial cable. 
         [0010]    In other embodiments, the insulator is capable of limiting longitudinal movement of the contact assembly relative to the body. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, an coaxial cable connector for attachment to a coaxial cable is disclosed, the coaxial cable having a center conductor, a dielectric layer surrounding the center conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric layer, the coaxial cable connector including a body having a front end, a back end, a longitudinal opening extending between the front end and the back end along a longitudinal axis, a post fixedly mounted within the body and having a circumferential groove in an inside surface thereof, and a contact assembly movably mounted to the post and capable of moving longitudinally relative to the body, the contact assembly including a guide having an opening therein to receive the center conductor of the coaxial cable and at least one projection configured to engage the circumferential groove in a first position, and a contact element having a fixed relationship to the guide and having a front end, a back end, and an opening extending between the front end and the back end to receive an electrical contact, wherein the contact assembly is capable of moving along the longitudinal axis toward the front end of the coaxial cable connector in response to insertion of the coaxial cable into the back end of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the front end of the contact element is disposed adjacent the front end of the body when the coaxial cable is fully inserted into the back end of the coaxial cable connector. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, a combination of an adapter for a coaxial cable connector and coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal is disclosed, the combination includes a body having a front end, a back end, a longitudinal opening extending between the front end and the back end along a longitudinal axis, a post fixedly mounted within the body and having a circumferential groove in an inside surface thereof, and a contact assembly movably mounted to the post and capable of moving longitudinally relative to the body, the contact assembly includes a guide having an opening therein to receive the center conductor of the coaxial cable and a contact element having a fixed relationship to the guide, and an adapter configured to be disposed on the front end of the coaxial cable connector body, the adapter includes a main body having a first end, a second end, and an interior surface defining an opening therethrough between the first end and the second end, the opening configured to pass over the front end of the coaxial cable connector, a forward facing surface configured to engage a portion of the body of the coaxial cable connector, and a rearward facing surface at the first end configured to engage a tool to compress the coaxial cable connector. 
         [0013]    In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a coaxial cable connector is disclosed, the method includes the steps of providing a coaxial cable connector having a body with a front end, a back end, a hexagonal portion, and a longitudinal opening extending between the front end and the back end along a longitudinal axis, inserting a post into the body from the back end of the body, inserting a contact assembly into the post so that the contact assembly is capable of moving longitudinally relative to the body, inserting a coaxial cable into the contact assembly of the coaxial cable connector, disposing an adapter over the front of the body of the coaxial connector, and axially compressing the adapter and the connector relative to one another thereby axially compressing the coaxial cable connector to secure the coaxial cable in the coaxial cable connector. 
         [0014]    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, and the appended drawings. 
         [0015]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention are exemplary and explanatory, 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 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an enlargement of Area  1 A of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3A-D  are views of an adapter to be used with a coaxial cable connector; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 1  at a first stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an enlargement of the Area  4 A of the connector of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 1  at a second stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 1  fully assembled and illustrating a portion of the compression tool engaging the connector and the adapter; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the another embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 8  at a first stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 8  at a second stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 10  with the front guide removed therefrom; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is an enlargement of contact assembly of the connector of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 12  with the coaxial cable inserted therein; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 12  fully assembled and illustrating a portion of the compression tool engaging the connector and the adapter; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 16  at a first stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 16  at a second stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 16  fully assembled and illustrating a portion of the compression tool engaging the connector and the adapter; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 20  at a first stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 20  at a second stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 20  fully assembled; 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a connector according to the present invention having an adapter placed thereon; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is an enlargement of the Area  24 A of the connector of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 24  at a first stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; 
           [0042]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 24  at a second stage of attachment of the coaxial cable; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 24  fully assembled and illustrating a portion of the compression tool engaging the connector and the adapter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    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. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , an axially-compressible connector  100  is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and in this embodiment takes the form of an RCA connector.  FIG. 1  shows the connector  100  prior to attachment together of the connector  100  and a coaxial cable  300 .  FIG. 1  shows the connector  100  as it preferably appears prior to use, such as during transport, or shipment, and during storage, hereinafter an “as shipped” state (without the coaxial cable  300 ). The connector  100  is generally tubular, and has a front end  101 , a back end  102 , and a central longitudinal axis  103 . The front end  101  is configured to be removably attached to a terminal (not shown) having a male conductor and, as illustrated, may include an adapter  301  that allows the use of a single tool for multiple connectors to axially compress the connector, as discussed in more detail below. The back end  102  is for attachment to coaxial cable  300 . The connector  100  also has a compression ring  110  that has a generally tubular shape and is preferably made from plastic. A tubular shaped shell  112  is mounted on the outside of the compression ring  110  and is preferably made of metal. The compression ring  110  is mounted onto a body  114 , preferably by a press-fit and is preferably also made of metal. A generally tubular shaped post  116  is mounted within the body  114  and is also preferably made of metal. A generally tubular shaped guide  118 , which is preferably a dielectric, is mounted within the post  116 . The compression ring  110 , shell  112 , body  114 , post  116  and guide  118  share the same longitudinal axis  103 . A small opening in the guide  118  near the back end  102  of the connector  100  at the longitudinal axis  103  forms a target  120  that is near the back end  102 . 
         [0046]    The connector  100  also includes a contact  200  that is an integral part of the connector  100  when shipped. The contact  200  does not extend beyond the front end  101  of the connector  100  when in the “as shipped” state. As a result, the body  114  of the connector  100  protects the contact  200  from damage during shipment. The connector  100  also includes an insulator body  401  that supports a front portion of the contact  200  and maintains the contact  200  along the longitudinal axis  103  of the connector  100 . The insulator body  401  is a generally tubular support made of electrically insulative material. The contact  200  has an inner surface  202  defining a cylindrical bore  204  along the longitudinal axis  103  of the contact  200 . The cylindrical bore  204  includes a narrower portion  456  nearest the back end of the contact  200 , and a wider portion  457  closer to the front end  101  of the contact  200 . The connector  100  includes spring clip, or clip,  402  mounted within the narrower portion  456  of the bore  204 . The clip  402  is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,159, assigned to the same assignee as the current assignee, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0047]    The guide  118 , the contact  200  and the clip  402  together make up a contact assembly. The contact assembly is capable of moving longitudinally as a unit relative to the body  114 . 
         [0048]    A label  403  is optionally affixed to the outer surface of the shell  112 . 
         [0049]    The cable  300 , as is known in the art, has a center conductor  431 , surrounded by a dielectric layer  432 , such as a foam core, surrounded by an outer conductor  433 , which in turn is surrounded by a jacket  434 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of Area  1 A of  FIG. 1 . The post  116  has an inner surface defining a cylindrical bore  422  along the longitudinal axis  103  of the length of post  116 . The guide  118  is mounted within the cylindrical bore  422  of the post  116 . The guide  118  includes a middle portion having an outer diameter  404 , and integral front and back flanges  411  and  412 , each having a larger outer diameter than outer diameter  404 , such as outer diameter  405  of the back flange  412 . A front portion of the guide  118 , including the front flange  411 , has a plurality of axial slits forming a plurality of segments. In one preferred embodiment, the front portion of the guide  118  has two (2) axial slits, thereby forming four (4) segments. Segments  413  and  415  are visible in  FIG. 2 . The front flange  411  has a shoulder  417  preferably formed by a sharp corner on a back side of the front flange  411 , and a chamfered, tapered or rounded surface  418  on a front side of the front flange  411 . The inner surface of the post  116  is provided with corresponding annular groove  420 . A forward facing surface of the groove  420  is at about a right angle to the inner surface of the post  116  to engage the shoulder  417  to prevent the post  118  from moving rearwardly. The rearward facing surface of the groove  420  is angled to allow the chamfered surface  418  of front flange  411  to be forced radially inward out of and past the groove  420 . A rear portion of the guide  118  preferably includes an angled surface  424 , forming a funnel, which aids in the insertion of the center conductor  431  of the cable  300  into the target  120 . In preferred embodiments, the guide  118  is machined or molded from a plastic material such as acetal. The location of the guide  118  and contact  200  being near the back end  102  of the connector  100  reduces the blind entry of the cable  300 . The diametral relationship between the guide  118  and the groove  420  in the post  116  ensures that the guide  118  engages the inner surface of the post  116  and keeps the contact  200  centered in the bore  422  of the post  116 . The larger outer diameter  405  of the back flange  412  is sized to further assist the centering of the guide  118  in the bore  422  of the post  116 . In preferred embodiments, the guide  118  is engaged to the contact  200  by means of a metallic barb  426  in the contact, which embeds itself in the guide  118 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 3A-C  illustrate the adapter  301  that is used with the connector  100  to axially compress the connector. As is known in the art, there are several different connector interfaces, including F-type, RCA, and BNC, among others. In order to permanently attach the connector to the coaxial cable, a tool must be used to compress the connector on the coaxial cable, either radially or axially. In the present invention, the connectors are axially compressible. However, each of the coaxial cable connector interfaces has a different diameter and length, requiring a different tool or a single tool with different inserts to accommodate the different cable connector interfaces. If the installer does not have the correct tool or the insert has been lost or misplaced, the installer has a difficult, if not impossible, time of correctly installing the coaxial cable connector. The present invention includes an adapter, such as adapter  301  that can be shipped on the front end of the coaxial cable connector and will replace the inserts that are now required. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-C , an adapter  301  has a main body  303 , an annular projection  305  at a back end  307 , and a plurality of slits  309  extending from the front end  311  toward the back end  307 . The annular projection  305  allows for engagement with an installation tool, not shown, but may not be needed with certain tools. The adapter  301  has an inner surface  313  that defines an opening  315  that is sized to the appropriate connector. For example, the opening  315  for an adapter for a BNC connector will be larger than that for an RCA connector. 
         [0052]    Additionally, as illustrated in an alternative embodiment of an adapter  301 ′ in  FIG. 3D , the internal surface  313 ′ may have two different diameters thereby creating a forward-facing shoulder  317 ′ that engages the front end of a connector rather than the front end  311 ′ (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , for example). Such an adapter is illustrated in  FIG. 16  where the shoulder  317 ′ engages the front of the connector. It should be noted that the distance between the shoulder  317 ′ and the front end  311 ′ may allow both or either of the surfaces (the shoulder or the front end) of the adapter  301 , 301 ′ to engage corresponding structures on the connector. For example, if the distance between the shoulder  317 ′ and the front end  311 ′ is shorter than the distance between the front of the connector and a structure on the outside of the connector (such as a flange or the ears on the BNC connector), then the shoulder  317 ′ will contact the connector and the front end  311 ′ of the adapter will not be able to engage a corresponding structure on the connector (see, e.g.,  FIG. 16 ). However, the opposite could also be true where the distance between the shoulder  317 ′ and the front end  311 ′ is longer than the distance between the front of a connector and a structure on the connector so that the end  311 ′ engages the structure on the connector rather than the shoulder  317 ′. Another embodiment of an adapter is described in detail in an application filed concurrently herewith and has attorney docket number SP07-183, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. 
         [0053]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  100  at a first stage of attachment with coaxial cable  300  and  FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the area  5 A in  FIG. 4 . In these figures, the cable  300  is partially inserted so that the center conductor  431  has entered the narrower portion  456  of the bore of the contact  200  and the clip  402 . A standard cable preparation tool exposes the center conductor  431  of the cable  300  a shorter amount than distance  502 . As a result, the dielectric layer  432  of the cable  300 , and not the center conductor  431  of the cable  300 , pushes directly on the guide  118  to push the contact assembly forward into body  114 . In  FIG. 5 , the contact assembly has been moved forward an intermediate distance relative to the post  116  as a result of the dielectric layer  432  pushing against the guide  118 . As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the flanges  411  have been deflected inward and out of the annular groove  420 . The four slotted segments (only segments  413  and  415  are shown) of the guide  118  are designed to deflect inward at bendable points  414 ,  416  as a result of the force by inserting the coaxial cable  300 . The center conductor  431  makes electrical contact with the clip  402 , which in turn is in electrical contact with the contact  200 . Since guide  118  is a dielectric, it insulates the body  114  from the contact assembly. 
         [0054]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  100  showing a second stage of attachment with the cable  300  fully seated. In  FIG. 6 , the contact  200  is in a final position, that is, the contact  200  is in the appropriate position for mating with a male connector at the front end  101 . The final positioning of the contact  200  is when the insulator body  401  engages the inside surface of body  114  at the front end  101  of connector  100 . An advantage of the connector  100  is that proper seating of the cable  300  is indicated by the final position of the contact  200  as the contact  200  provides visual confirmation of proper insertion of the cable  300 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  100  and the cable  300  assembled together with the contact  200  remaining in its final position. Also illustrated in  FIG. 7  is the adapter  301  engaged in one portion of a tool  500  and the front end of the connector  100 , as well as a second portion of the tool  500  engaging the back end  102  of the connector  100 . After the tool  500  is activated, the compression ring  110  is moved forward and into a closed position, engaging the outer conductor  433  and the jacket  434  of the cable  300  with the post  116 . The tool  500  and the adapter  301  are then removed and the connector  100  is in an “in use” state. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 8-11  show another embodiment of a connector  2100  according to the present invention, the connector  2100  has an alternative contact  200 ′ with a disposable front guide  2150 . The connector  2100  is also generally tubular, and has a front end  101 ′, a back end  102 ′, and a central longitudinal axis  103 ′. The front end  101 ′ is configured to be removably attached to a terminal having a male contact (not shown) and, although not illustrated, can be used with the adapter  301  as discussed above. The back end  102 ′ is for attachment to coaxial cable  300 . The connector  2100  also has a compression ring  110 ′ that has a generally tubular shape that is preferably made from plastic. A tubular shaped shell  112 ′ is mounted on the outside of the compression ring  110 ′ and is preferably made of metal. The compression ring  110 ′ is mounted onto a body  114 ′, preferably by a press-fit and preferably made of metal. A generally tubular shaped post  116 ′ is mounted within the body  114 ′ and is also preferably made of metal. A generally tubular shaped guide  118 ′, which is preferably a dielectric, is mounted within the post  116 ′. The compression ring  110 ′, shell  112 ′, body  114 ′, post  116 ′ and guide  118 ′ share the same longitudinal axis  103 ′. A small opening in the guide  118 ′ near the back end  102 ′ of the connector  100 ′ along the longitudinal axis  103 ′ forms a target  120 ′. The post  116 ′ and the guide  118 ′ have the same structures and operate in the same manner relative to one another as noted above with respect to connector  100 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the connector  2100  prior to attachment to the coaxial cable. The cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8  shows the connector  2100  in an “as shipped” state, with a prepared cable  300  ready for insertion. In a preferred embodiment, the contact  200 ′ is recessed within the body  114 ′. The connector  2100  includes an insulator body  401 ′ that supports a front portion of the disposable guide  2150  inserted into contact  200 ′ and maintains the contact at the central longitudinal axis  103 ′ of the connector  2100  rather than being disposed around the contact assembly in the “as shipped” configuration of the first embodiment. Preferably, the insulator body  401 ′ is a generally tubular support made of electrically insulative material. The contact  200 ′ has an inner surface  202 ′ defining a cylindrical bore  204 ′ along the longitudinal axis  103 ′ of the contact. The cylindrical bore  204 ′ includes a narrower portion  456 ′ nearest the back end of the contact  200 ′, and a wider portion  457 ′ farther from the back end of the contact  200 ′. The connector  2100  includes spring clip, or clip,  402 ′ mounted within the narrower portion  456  of the bore. The guide  118 ′, the contact  200 ′, the clip  402 ′, and disposable front guide  2150  together make up a contact assembly. The contact assembly is capable of moving longitudinally, as a unit, relative to the body  114 ′. A label  403 ′ is optionally affixed to the outer surface of the shell  112 ′. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  2100  and the cable  300  at a first stage of attachment.  FIG. 9  shows the cable  300  partially inserted into connector  2100 . A tip of the center conductor  431  of the cable  300  has entered the narrower portion  456 ′ of the bore  204 ′ of the contact  200 ′. The dielectric layer  432  of the cable  300 , and not the center conductor  431  of the cable  300 , pushes directly on the guide  118 ′ to push the contact assembly forward into body  114 ′. The disposable front guide  2150  maintains the contact  200 ′ along the central longitudinal axis  103 ′ of the connector  2100  and disposed in the opening of insulator body  401 ′. In  FIG. 9 , the contact assembly has been moved forward an intermediate distance as a result of the dielectric layer  432  pushing against the guide  118 ′. 
         [0059]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  2100  and the cable  300  at a second stage of attachment.  FIG. 10  shows the cable  300  fully seated where the contact  200 ′ is in a final position, that is, the contact  200 ′ is in the appropriate functional relationship relative to the front end  101 ′ of the connector  2100  and insulator body  401 ′. One advantage of the connector  2100  is that proper seating of the cable  300  is indicated by the final position of the disposable front guide  2150 . The disposable front guide  2150  provides visual continuation of proper insertion of the cable  300 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  2100  and the cable  300  assembled together with the contact  200 ′ remaining in the fully forward position.  FIG. 11  shows the compression ring  110 ′ moved into a closed position, which pinches the outer conductor  433  and the jacket  434  of the cable  300  with the post  116 ′. In  FIG. 11 , the connector  2100  is shown in an “in use” state with the contact  200 ′ adjacent the front end  101 ′ and the disposable front guide  2150  has been removed and is ready to be connected to another male configured terminal or cable. 
         [0061]    While not illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the connector  2100  may also be shipped with an adapter  301  mounted on the front end  101 ′. As noted above, the adapter  301  has an opening  315  that would accommodate the disposable front guide  2150  while the adapter  301  is mounted on the front end  101  of the connector  2100 . 
         [0062]      FIGS. 12-15  illustrate another embodiment of a connector  3100  according to the present invention.  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  3100  and cable  300  prior to attachment together.  FIG. 12  shows the connector  3100  in the same preferred “as shipped” state with a prepared cable  300  ready for insertion. The connector  3100  is also generally tubular, and has a front end  101 ″, a back end  102 ″, and a central longitudinal axis  103 ″. The front end  101 ″ is configured to be removably attached to a terminal with a male contact (not shown) and, although not illustrated, can be used with the adapter  301  discussed above. The back end  102 ″ is for attachment to coaxial cable  300 . The connector  3100  also has a compression ring  110 ″ that has a generally tubular shape that is preferably made from plastic. A tubular shaped shell  112 ″ is mounted on the outside of the compression ring  110 ″ and is preferably made of metal. The compression ring  110 ″ is mounted onto a body  114 ″, preferably by a press-fit and preferably made of metal. 
         [0063]    The connector  3100  includes an insulator body  3801  that supports a front portion of the contact  3200  and maintains the contact  3200  along the longitudinal axis  103 ″ of the connector  3100 . The insulator body  3801  is a generally tubular support made of electrically insulative material. The contact  3200  has an inner surface  3202  defining a cylindrical bore  3204  along the longitudinal axis  103 ″ of the contact. The bore  3204  extends into the contact  3200  from the back end of the contact  3200  and the bore  3204  extends there-through. The bore  3204  includes a narrower portion  456 ″ nearest the back end of the contact  3200 , and a wider portion  457 ″ closer to the front end  101 ″ of the contact  3200 . The connector  3100  includes spring clip, or clip,  402 ″ mounted within the narrower portion  456 ″ of the bore  3204 . A rear insulator or guide  3118 , preferable machined or molded from a plastic material such as acetal, is near the back end  102 ″ of the connector  3100  and particularly surrounds the narrower portion  456 ″ of the bore  3204  to reduce the blind entry of the cable  300 . The rear insulator  3118 , the insulator body  3801 , the contact  3200  and the clip  402 ″ make up a contact assembly  3800  as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The contact assembly  3800  is capable of moving longitudinally, as a unit, relative to the body  114 ″. 
         [0064]    A label  403  is optionally affixed to the outer surface of the shell  112 ″. The cable  300  comprises a center conductor  431 , surrounded by a dielectric layer, such as a foam core,  432 , surrounded by an outer conductor  433 , surrounded by a jacket  434 . 
         [0065]    Returning to  FIG. 12 , the contact assembly  3800  is mounted within the bore of the post  116 ″ in the “as shipped” state. The insulator body  3801  of contact assembly  3800  includes an annular ring  3802 . The inner surface of the post  116 ″ is provided with an annular groove  420 ″ preferably in a front portion thereof. A forward facing surface of the groove  420 ″ is at about a right angle to the inner surface of the post  116 ″ to engage the annular ring  3802  and prevent the contact assembly  3800  from longitudinally sliding or backing out of the connector  3100 . A rearward facing surface of the groove  420 ″ is angled to allow the annular ring  3802  to be forced out of and past the groove to allow the assembly  3800  to move forward relative to the post  116 ″ when a sufficient axial force in a forward direction is applied by the dielectric  432  of the coaxial cable  300  to the contact assembly  3800 . The diametral relationship between the annular ring  3802  and the groove  420 ″ in the post  116 ″ ensures that the guide  3118  engages the inner surface of the post  116 ″ and keeps the contact  3200  centered in the bore of the post  116 ″. 
         [0066]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  3100  and cable  300  showing a second stage of attachment.  FIG. 14  shows the cable  300  fully seated with the contact  3200  is in a final position, that is, the contact  3200  is in the appropriate relationship to the front of the connector  3100 . The dielectric layer  432  of coaxial cable  300  has pushed the contact assembly  3800  toward the front end  101 ″ of the connector  3100  and out of the post  116 ″. The contact assembly  3800  is maintained along the longitudinal axis  103 ″ by the insulator body  3801 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  3100  and the cable  300  assembled together with the contact  3200  in its final position. Also illustrated in  FIG. 15  is an adapter  301  engaging in one portion of a tool  500  and the connector  3100 , as well as a second portion of the tool  500  engaging the back end  102 ″ of the connector  3100 . After the tool is activated, the compression ring  110 ″ is moved forward and into a closed position, engaging the outer conductor  433  and the jacket  434  of the cable  300  with the post  116 ″. The tool  500  and the adapter  301  are then removed and the connector  3100  is in an “in use” state. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 16-19  illustrate a cross-sectional view of another connector  1000  according to the present invention. The cross-sectional view of  FIG. 16  shows the connector  1000  as a BNC connector in an “as shipped” state with a prepared cable  300  ready for insertion and an adapter  301 ′ attached to the front end  1001  of the connector  1000 . 
         [0069]    The connector  1000  is generally tubular, and has a front end  1001 , a back end  1002 , and a central longitudinal axis  1003 . The front end  1001  is for removable attachment to a terminal with a male contact (not shown). The back end  1002  is for attachment onto a coaxial cable. The connector  1000  includes a compression ring  1010  that is generally tubular shaped. A tubular shaped shell  1012  is mounted to the compression ring  1010 . The compression ring  1010  is mounted onto a body  1014 , preferably by a press fit. The compression ring  1010  is preferably plastic, while the shell  1012  and the body  1014  are preferably metallic. A generally tubular shaped post  1016  is mounted within the body  1014 , and is preferably metallic. A generally tubular shaped guide  1018  is mounted within the post  1016 , that is preferably a dielectric. The compression ring  1010 , shell  1012 , body  1014 , post  1016  and guide  1018  all share the same longitudinal axis  1003 . 
         [0070]    The connector  1000  includes an insulator body  1301  that supports a front portion of the contact  1100  and maintains the contact at the central longitudinal axis  1003  of the connector  1000 . Preferably, the insulator body  1301  is a generally tubular support made of electrically insulative material. The contact  1100  has a cylindrical bore  1104  along the longitudinal axis  1003  of the contact. Preferably, the bore  1104  includes a wider portion  1006  nearest the back end of the contact  1100  and a narrower portion  1007  closer to the front end of the contact  1100 . At the front end of the contact  1100 , the bore  1004  is sized to receive a male contact from the terminal (not shown). The connector  1000  includes a clip  1402  mounted within the wider portion  1006  of the bore  1104  at the rear of the contact  1100 . The guide  1018 , the contact  1100  and the clip  1402  make up a contact assembly  1300 . The contact assembly  1300  is capable of moving longitudinally as a unit relative to the body  1014 . A label  1303  is optionally affixed to the outer surface of the shell  1012 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  1000  and coaxial cable  300  at a first stage of attachment.  FIG. 17  shows the cable  300  partially inserted into the connector  1000 . The tip of the center conductor  431  of the cable  300  has entered into the bore  1104  of the contact  1100  at the rear thereof. A standard cable preparation tool is used to prepare the cable  300  such that the dielectric layer  432  of the cable  300 , and not the center conductor  431  of the cable  300 , pushes the contact assembly  1300  forward into the body  1014 . In  FIG. 17 , the contact assembly  1300  has been moved forward an intermediate distance as a result of the dielectric layer  432  pushing against the guide  1018 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  1000  and the cable  300  at a second stage of attachment. The body  1014  also has an annular projection  1200  with a rearward facing surface  1202 . The annular projection  1200  extends preferably continuously around the interior of body  1014 , but it may extend around only a portion of the circumference of the body  1014 . The annular projection  1200 , and the rearward facing surface  1202  in particular, are configured to engage the insulator body  1301  as it moves forward to prevent the contact assembly  1300  from moving too far toward the front end  1001 .  FIG. 18  shows the cable  300  fully seated such that the contact  1100  is in a final position, that is, the contact is fully pushed forward toward the front end  1001  where it, or more particularly the insulator body  1301 , engages the rearward facing surface  1202 , thereby limiting the longitudinal movement of the contact assembly  1300 . An advantage of the connector  1000  is that proper seating of the cable  300  is confirmed by the final position of the contact  1100 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  1000  and the cable  300  attached together with the contact  1100  remaining in the fully forward position.  FIG. 19  also illustrates the adapter  301 ′ engaged with one portion of a tool  500  and the connector  1000 , as well as a second portion of the tool  500  engaging the back end  1002  of the connector  1000 . After the tool is activated, the compression ring  1010  is moved forward and into a closed position, engaging the outer conductor  433  and the jacket  434  of the cable  300  with the post  1016 . The tool  500  and the adapter  301 ′ are then removed and the connector  1000  is in an “in use” state. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 20-23  show another embodiment of a connector  4100  according to the present invention.  FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view connector  4100  and cable  300  prior to attachment to each other and in the preferred “as shipped” state. 
         [0075]    The connector  4100  also includes a contact  4130  that is an integral part of the connector  4100  when shipped. The connector  4100  is generally tubular, and has a front end  4101 , aback end  4102 , and a central longitudinal axis  4103 . The front end  4101  is for removable attachment to a terminal (not shown) and a male contact member. The back end  4102  is for attachment onto a cable. The connector  4100  includes a compression ring  4110  that is generally tubular shaped. A tubular shaped shell  4112  is mounted to the compression ring  4110 . The compression ring  4110  is mounted onto a body  4114 , preferably by a press fit. The compression ring  4110  is preferably plastic, while the shell  4112  and the body  4114  are preferably metallic. A generally tubular shaped post  4116  is mounted within the body  4114 , and is preferably metallic. A sabot  4140  acts as a guide for the dielectric layer  432  of the cable  300  to enter the inner diameter of the post  4116 . A detailed description of the sabot  4140  can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,159, previously incorporated by reference. 
         [0076]    The connector  4100  includes an insulator body  4170  that supports a front portion of the contact  4130  and maintains the contact  4130  along the central longitudinal axis  4103  of the connector  4100 . Preferably, the insulator body  4170  is a generally tubular support made of electrically insulative material that at least partially surrounds the contact  4130  and more preferably completely surrounds contact  4130 . The guide  4118 , the contact  4130  and the sabot  4140  make up a contact assembly. A label  4303  is optionally affixed to the outer surface of the shell  1012 . The compression ring  4110 , shell  4112 , body  4114 , post  4116 , contact  4130 , and sabot  4140  all share the same longitudinal axis  4103 . 
         [0077]    As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , as the cable  300  is advanced and the dielectric  432  contacts the sabot  4140 , the sabot  4140  hinges inward toward the longitudinal axis  4103  such that the sabot  4140  is partially closed by the inner diameter of the post  4116  around the contact  4130 , and, together with the front insulator  4170 , is urged forward. The sabot  4140  also engages the contact  4130 , so that movement imparted to the rear side thereof (particularly by the cable  300 ) is also transmitted to the contact  4130 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  4100  and the cable  300  at a second stage of attachment, where the cable  300  is fully seated. The arms of the sabot  4140  are radially displaced inwardly within the bore of the connector post  4116 , causing four metallic fingers  4131 , 4133 , 4141 , 4144  at the back end of the sabot  4140  to close around the contact  4130 , and preferably on, the center conductor  431  of the cable  300 . The front insulator body  4170  also contacts an annular projection  4200  that has a rearward facing surface  4202  to prevent the contact  4130  from traveling too far forward. 
         [0079]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  4100  and the cable  300  at a third stage of attachment.  FIG. 23  shows the compression ring  4110 , moved into the closed position, which captures the outer conductor  433  and the jacket  434  of the cable  300  between the compression ring  4110  and the post  4116  by an appropriate tool, such as that described above along with an appropriate adapter, such as adapter  301 . 
         [0080]      FIGS. 24-28  illustrate a cross-sectional view of another connector  1700  according to the present invention. The cross-sectional view of  FIG. 24  shows the connector  1700  as a F-type connector in an “as shipped” state with a prepared cable  300  ready for insertion and an adapter  301 ′ attached to the front end  1701  of the connector  1700 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 24  shows the connector  1700  that is generally tubular, and has a front end  1701 , a back end  1702 , and a central longitudinal axis  1703 . The front end  1701  is for removable attachment to a terminal (not shown) and a male contact. The back end  1702  is for attachment onto the coaxial cable  300 . The connector  1700  includes a compression ring  1710  that is generally tubular shaped, which is preferably plastic, and more preferably, is molded acetal. A tubular shaped shell  1712  is mounted to the compression ring  1710 , and is preferably metallic. The compression ring  1710  is mounted onto a body  1714 , preferably by a press-fit and is preferably metallic. A generally tubular shaped post  1716  is mounted within the body  1714  and also preferably metallic. A generally tubular shaped guide  1718  is mounted within the post  1716  and is preferably a dielectric. The compression ring  1710 , shell  1712 , body  1714 , post  1716  and guide  1718  all share the same longitudinal axis  1703 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 25  is an enlargement of Area  25 A of  FIG. 24  and shows the contact assembly and guide  1718 . The guide  1718  is similar to the guides in the prior embodiments in that includes a middle portion having an outer diameter and integral front and back flanges. The front flange of guide  1718  also has a shoulder preferably formed by a sharp corner on the back side and a rounded surface on a front side of the front flange to engage and the corresponding annular groove of the post as noted above. Similarly, the rear portion of the guide  1718  also preferably includes an angled surface that forms a target  1720  for entry of the coaxial cable. In preferred embodiments, the guide  1718  is machined or molded from a plastic material such as acetal. The location of the guide  1718  and contact  1800  being near the back end  102  of the connector  100  reduces blind entry of the cable  300 . Also, the guide  1718  is engaged to the contact  1800  by means of a metallic barb in the contact  1800 , which embeds itself in the guide  1718 . 
         [0083]    The end of contact  1800  is recessed within the body  1714  during shipment and also within an insulator body  2001  that supports a front portion of the contact  1800  and maintains the contact  1800  along the longitudinal axis  1703  of the connector  1700 . Preferably, the insulator body  2001  is a generally tubular support made of electrically insulative material that at least partially surrounds the contact  1800  and more preferably completely surrounds contact  1800 . The connector  1700  includes a clip  1802  mounted within the back end of the contact  1800  to contact the center conductor of the coaxial cable. The contact  1800  also has a clip  1802  mounted at the front end to make electrical contact with the male connector at the terminal. The guide  1718 , the contact  1800  and the clips  1802  make up a contact assembly. The contact assembly is capable of moving longitudinally, as a unit, relative to the body  1714 . A label  2003  is optionally affixed to the outer surface of the shell  1712 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  1700  and the cable  300  at a first stage of attachment.  FIG. 9  shows the cable  300  partially inserted into connector  1700 . A tip of the center conductor  431  of the cable  300  has entered the contact  1800 . The dielectric layer  432  of the cable  300  pushes directly on the guide  1718  to push the contact assembly forward into body  1714 . The front flanges of the guide  1718  have been deflected inward and out of the annular groove in the post  1716 , allowing the guide  1718  to move forward. The insulator body  2001  also moves along with the contact  1800  toward the toward the front end  1701  of the connector  1700 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  1700  showing a second stage of attachment with the cable  300  fully seated. In  FIG. 27 , the contact  1800  is in a final position, that is, the contact  1800  is in the appropriate position for mating with a male connector at the front end  1701 . The final positioning of the contact  1800  is when the insulator body  2001  engages a rearward facing surface of body  1714  at the front end  1701  of connector  1700 . An advantage of the connector  1700  is that proper seating of the cable  300  is indicated by the final position of the contact  1800  and insulator body  2001  as they provide visual confirmation of proper insertion of the cable  300 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  1700  and the cable  300  assembled together with the contact  1800  remaining in its final position. Also illustrated in  FIG. 28  is the adapter  301 ′ engaged in one portion of a tool  500  and the connector  1700 , as well as a second portion of the tool  500  engaging the back end  1702  of the connector  1700 . After the tool  500  is activated, the compression ring  1710  is moved forward and into a closed position, engaging the outer conductor  433  and the jacket  434  of the cable  300  with the post  1716 . The tool  500  and the adapter  301  are then removed and the connector  1700  is in an “in use” state. 
         [0087]    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.