Connector for antennas and coaxial cable

A quick disconnect form of connector for antennas and coaxial cables serves to provide a highly rigid coupling with no relative movement between connector components. The springless device utilizes a clamp component which is threadably engaged with a nylon sleeve. The sleeve is configured having an internal passageway which passes over a conventional fixed bayonet type connector and incorporates internal ramps which engage the bayonet pins of the connector upon rotation of the sleeve. A contact shoulder is provided internally of the sleeve which is engaged with the antenna supporting clamp and compressively urged against the end surface of the fixed bayonet connector. The result is to tighten the sleeve ramp surface against the bayonet pins to achieve a very rigid connection. The integrity of this rigid connection is enhanced by the utilization of a polyamide material for the sleeve which is deformed by the bayonet pins of the bayonet type fixed connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Portable radio transmission and reception equipment typically is configured 
for convenient carrying by operational personnel working remotely from a 
central communications control station. Generally, such remote use 
subjects the portable transmission-reception devices to a substantial 
amount of wear and environmental abuse. To enhance the portability and 
robustness of such devices, the necessary antenna mount now most popular 
is formed as a helical spring, the outer periphery of which is protected 
by a polymeric cover such as a "shrink wrap" sheath. 
Because the small receiver-transmitters are serviced from time to time, and 
in view of the vulnerability of the small aerials to being otherwise 
contorted and abused during use, a convenient, removable form of 
connection serving both mechanical and electrical needs is employed for 
antenna attachment to the portable radio housings. Generally, an 
inexpensive and widely accepted "BNC" or bayonet type connector is 
employed to achieve this removability requirement. This connectors include 
a cylindrical base or shell portion which is rigidly coupled with the 
radio housing by a hex nut or the like and within which is mounted a 
dielectric surrounded tubular female connector. Forming part of the 
removable connector shell are two oppositely disposed bayonet pins or 
studs which extend outwardly from the shell surface a small distance. 
Mounted upon the lower portion of the helical spring antenna is a 
dielectric surrounded male coaxial connector which, in turn, is surrounded 
by a rotatably mounted coupling section having a knurled hand graspable 
surface and an integrally formed outer body containing two oppositely 
disposed diagonal slots, each terminating in a circular shaped detent. An 
Annular spring member within the assemblage biases this body member toward 
the spring antenna thereto such that a spring generated release permits 
sufficient relative movement between the two principal coupling pieces to 
achieve a bayonet pin movement into the noted detent. 
While the noted BNC type connector achieves a desirable "quick disconnect" 
feature, the spring biasing arrangement performing in conjunction with the 
noted ramp and detent approach permits a relative movement between the two 
connector pieces. This small amount of play or motion tends to permit a 
loosening of the connection over a period of use engendering unwanted 
interference or noise and the like detracting from transmission and 
reception by the devices. Additionally, the non-rigid form of coupling has 
been seen to promote a wear and failure of the connection at a pace for 
most applications which is considered excessive. 
The same form of wear and distortion has been witnessed in closely 
analogous connectors for coupling one coaxial cable to another in 
electrical equipment. With such cables, two transmission paths are 
involved instead of one as is typical with antenna mounts. However, the 
same form of deficiencies tend to occur, spurious noise generating 
movement due to wear occurring over the lifespans of the equipment with 
which they are intended to be used. 
SUMMARY 
The present invention is addressed to a connector for antennas and coaxial 
cables which, while remaining simple and fabricable on a cost efficient 
basis, achieves a rigid and secure mount between a transmission component 
and the device to which it is attached. With the inventive connector, a 
clamp structure is combined with a polymeric sleeve to form an easily 
derived compression characterized attachment geometry. By employing a 
polymeric material for the noted sleeve structure, a deforming engagement 
with fixed connector engaging components such as bayonet pins and the like 
may be derived to enhance the integrity of the coupling against vibratory 
and shock phenomena. 
Another feature of the invention is to provide an electrical connector for 
connecting a wire containing electrical transmission device to a 
complementary connector fixed to the housing of another electrical device 
having an end surface and engaging components for restraining the 
connector from upward movement. The connector includes an electrical lead 
having a pin connector portion electrically connectable with the 
transmission device for electrical connection with the complementary 
connector. A support assembly is provided for supporting the electrical 
lead, having a coupling portion and a contact shoulder. Further, a sleeve 
arrangement is mountable over the complementary connector, removably 
engageable with the engaging components, and includes an engaging region 
connectable with the support assembly coupling portion for effecting a 
compression, non-yielding engagement between the support assembly contact 
shoulders and the complementary connector end surface. 
Another feature of the invention provides a connector for mounting an 
electrical transmission component to a bayonet-type fixed connector having 
a cylindrical support shell, and end surface, oppositely disposed bayonet 
pins and surrounding a centrally-disposed conductive receiver. The 
connector includes a support clamp having a rearwardly disposed support 
portion for supporting the electrical transmission component, a coupling 
portion adjacent thereto, a compression shoulder and a conductor lead 
arrangement electrically communicating with the transmission component for 
removable connection with the conductive receiver. A spacer is included 
having a compression surface configured for receiving the compression 
shoulder in force transmitting communicating and an oppositely-disposed 
contact shoulder. A connector sleeve is provided having a cylindrical 
passageway extending therethrough, the connector sleeve being configured 
having an engaging region for receiving and engaging the support clamp 
coupling portion in compression-deriving connection upon relative movement 
therebetween. The passageway of the sleeve includes an internally disposed 
ramp arrangement having oppositely disposed ramp contact surfaces for 
engagement with the bayonet pins and a channel or slot arrangement for 
accessing the bayonet pins with the ramp contact surfaces upon positioning 
of the clamp passageway over the fixed connector cylindrical support, the 
channel arrangement extending to an end surface of the sleeve. With the 
arrangement, the connector sleeve, upon rotation, is drawn toward the 
bayonet-type fixed connector by the connector sleeve ramp contact surfaces 
engagement with the bayonet pin to effect connection of the fixed 
connector conductive receiver and the conductive lead, and upon relative 
movement of the support clamp and the connector sleeve, the ramp contact 
surfaces and the bayonet pins are urged into compressive engagement. 
Other objects of the invention will, in part, be obvious and will, in part, 
appear hereinafter. 
The invention, accordingly, comprises the apparatus possessing the 
construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which are 
exemplified in the following detailed disclosure. For a fuller 
understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should 
be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the 
accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Referring to FIG. 1, a personal radio intended to be hand carried by field 
personnel is represented generally at 10. Formed having a housing 12 of 
component and somewhat elongate shape, the ratio 10 provides for 
transmission and reception of communications, and thus includes 
transmission and reception components at region 14 thereof, as well as 
hand manipular controls such as are represented by knobs 16 and 18. 
Protruding or extending upwardly from the housing 12, in conventional 
fashion, is an antenna represented generally at 20 which includes a 
helically shaped spring type conductive component 22 which typically is 
covered with a polymeric material such as a "shrink wrap". A cap 24 is 
positioned at the top of this assemblage and it is the connector 
represented generally at 26 with which the instant invention is concerned. 
As shown in FIG. 2, the connector 26, from an external viewpoint, is seen 
to include a support clamp represented generally at 28 having a polygonal 
tool surface region 30 and a cylindrical connector sleeve 32. The 
connector 26 functions to very securely affix the antenna 20 to the 
housing 12 such that the flexible and spring type antenna body 22 may be 
subjected to many forms of flexure, impact, and the like, for which it is 
aptly designed, while not adversely affecting this necessary association 
with the circuit of housing 12 through connector 26. As represented in 
FIG. 3, such devices 10 often are carried upon a belt or the like by field 
personnel as represented in silhouette at 34. Movement of the human 
anatomy will impose flexure upon the antenna 20 which are accommodated for 
by the connector 26 of the invention. 
Referring to FIG. 4, the connector 26 is revealed in exploded fashion. In 
the figure, the lower portion of the helical spring component of the 
antenna is shown to include a helically formed antenna wire 40 over which 
is positioned a polymeric cover 42 which may be of a "shrink wrap" 
variety. The lower portion of wire antenna 40 is coupled to support clamp 
28 at the upwardly or rearwardly disposed support portion 44 thereof. 
Connection may be by employing ridges within portion 44 to engage the 
helical component 40, the connection being further buttressed by brazing, 
soldering, or the like. The metal clamp 28 further includes an integrally 
formed tool engagement surface 30 which may, for example, be of a 
polygonal geometry such as hexagonal providing for facile connection 
thereof with a wrench or the like. Extending from the tool engagement 
surface 30 is a cylindrical coupling portion 46 which carries externally 
disposed threads and extends to a compression shoulder 48 of circular 
periphery. From the compression shoulder 48 there is shown protruding a 
conductor lead 50 having the form of a rigid pin. 
The next sequential component in the connector 26 assemblage is a spacer 
represented generally at 52 which, for example, may be formed of an 
electrically insulative polymeric material such as a polyamide and which 
includes a centrally-disposed cylindrical passageway (not shown) for 
nestably receiving the conductive lead assemblage 50. Spacer 52 is formed 
having a compression surface 54 and an oppositely disposed contact 
shoulder 56 as well as an aligning collar 58 extending therefrom. 
Next in the sequence of components is the noted connector sleeve 32 which 
may, for example, be formed of an electrically insulative polymeric 
material such as a polyamide popularly marketed under the trade 
designation "Nylon". Connector sleeve 32 forms part of a support assembly 
with support clamp 28 and is of generally cylindrical shape, including a 
centrally-disposed cylindrical passageway 62 at the upper surface of which 
is located an engaging region 64, which is threaded to achieve threadable 
engagement with the corresponding threads of coupling portion 46 of clamp 
28. The lower region of passageway 62 is configured to define two 
integrally formed oppositely disposed circular ramps represented generally 
at 66 and having corresponding ramp contact surfaces, one of which is 
revealed in the figure at 68. Communicating with these ramps 66 are two 
oppositely disposed slots or channels 27 and 74. Finally, the sleeve 32 is 
seen to terminate in an annular end surface 76. 
The assemblage thus shown connects the antenna 20 with a conventional 
bayonet type fixed connector represented generally at 80 and including a 
cylindrical support shell 82 extending from an integrally formed flange 84 
to an annular shaped end surface 86. Additionally formed with the 
connector 80 are two oppositely disposed bayonet pins or ears 88 and 90. 
Within the hollow shell 82 there is positioned a centrally disposed 
conductive receiver which typically is enclosed within a dielectric sheath 
and is configured in female form to receive the conductive lead or pin 50 
extending from the clamp 28 upon mounting of the antenna 20 to the housing 
12. 
The mounting of connector 26 to the fixed connector 80 for initial 
purposes, may be considered a two step procedure. Looking to FIG. 5, the 
initial step in this procedure is illustrated. In the figure, the threaded 
coupling portion 46 of clamp 28 is seen threadably engaged with the 
corresponding engaging region 64 of connector sleeve 32. Such threaded 
engagement, however, is not to the extent of such relative motion between 
these components 28 and 32 which would utilize the full threaded expanse 
of either portion 46 or region 64. It may be noted, however, that the 
compression shoulder 48 of clamp 28 has engaged the corresponding 
compression surface 54 of insulative spacer 52 such that the aligning 
collar 58 thereof has commenced to be inserted along with conductor lead 
or pin 50 into the fixed connector 80. In this regard, note that an 
annular passageway 92 receives the collar 58, while a centrally-positioned 
conductive receiver 94 receives the pin type conductive lead 50. 
Additionally in this orientation, the contact shoulder 56 is spaced from 
the end surface 86 of connector 80 and the bayonet pins 88 and 90 have 
made contact with corresponding ramp surfaces 68 and 70 of ramp assemblage 
66. Additionally, it may be observed that the end surface 76 of connector 
sleeve 32 is in contact with the upwardly disposed surface of flange 84 of 
the fixed connector 80. While the above-described orientation of the 
various components of the connector 26 provides for an effective coupling 
of the antenna 20 with the housing 12 through the bayonet fixed connector 
80, the next step in the procedure provides a highly desirable rigid 
coupling system. 
Referring to FIG. 6, the latter procedure completing the mounting for 
desired rigidity is portrayed. In this regard, by rotating the clamp 28 
while retaining the connector sleeve 32 in a stationary posture, 
compression shoulder 48 of the clamp 28 will engage compression surface 54 
of spacer 52 to, in turn, urge the oppositely disposed contact shoulder 56 
thereof in to engagement with end surface 86 of fixed connector 80. 
Simultaneously, the ramps 68 and 70 of the connector sleeve 32 are pulled 
upwardly such that the bayonet pins 88 and 90 will tend to slightly deform 
the polymeric material of connector 32 to derive a more permanent form of 
connection. This latter, more permanent form of connection permits removal 
of the antenna 22, however, serves to resist any disconnection or 
loosening due to vibrationally induced rotation of the sleeve 32. Note 
that the deformation is evidenced by the lifting of end surface 76 of 
connector sleeve 32 from the upwardly disposed face or surface of flange 
84 of fixed connector 80. With this arrangement, no relative movement is 
permitted between the antenna 22 or its connector 26 and the fixed 
connector 80. 
Turning to FIG. 7, the connector approach of the instant invention is shown 
as applied to an embodiment for coupling a conventional coaxial cable with 
a bayonet-type fixed connector. This connector, as represented generally 
at 100, is shown including a support represented generally at 102 which is 
configured in generally cylindrical form as having an internally disposed 
cylindrical channel extending therethrough which is configured to nestably 
receive a coaxial cable 104. Clamp 102, as before, is configured as having 
an optional support portion 106 which extends downwardly to a polygonal 
tool engagement surface 108, and thence to a coupling portion 110. The 
clamp 102 is shown terminating in a compression shoulder 112. 
Cable 104 extends to a coaxial connector 14 of conventional design which 
includes an outer shell and within which is positioned a centrally 
disposed conductor pin of the conductor lead assemblage. The latter pin 
(not shown) is typically sheathed within a dielectric material. The 
connector is retained by a ferrule 116 providing for a compressive 
engagement with cable 104. Intermediate the connector 114 and ferrule 116 
is a cylindrical sleeve 118 having a compression surface 120 and an 
oppositely disposed contact shoulder 122. 
Next in the assemblage is a cylindrical connector sleeve 130 having a 
cylindrical centrally disposed passageway 132 extending therethrough and 
within which initially is disposed an engaging region 134. Region 134 
comprises internal screw threads configured for threadable engagement with 
the corresponding threads of coupling portion 110 of clamp 102. Connector 
sleeve 130 additionally is configured having two integrally formed and 
oppositely disposed ramps defined by ramp surfaces 136 and 138 (FIG. 8) 
which, as before, are accessed by respective channels or slots 140 and 
142. Connector sleeve 130 and, accordingly, the ramp surfaces 136 and 138 
may be provided as formed of a polyamide or other suitable electrically 
insulative polymeric material. The connector 100, as thus described, is 
completed by the positioning of a protective polymeric sheath 146 over 
coaxial cable 104 such that it is additionally nestable over support 
portion 106. 
Connector assembly 100, as before, is configured to be positioned over a 
conventional bayonet-type fixed connector Represented generally at 150 and 
including the cylindrical support shell 152 incorporating an annular 
flange 154 and which is fixed to the housing 156 of some given electrical 
device. Additionally, bayonet type pins or engaging components 158 and 160 
extend from the shell 152 which includes an end surface 162. A centrally 
disposed conductive receiver suited for coaxial connection is positioned 
within the shell 152. The bottom surface of connector sleeve 130 provides 
an end surface as represented at 144. 
Referring to FIG. 8, the connector 100 is shown in its final, rigid coupled 
orientation. In the figure, the compression shoulder 112 of clamp 102 is 
shown in abutting compressive contact with the corresponding compression 
surface 120 of spacer 118. Correspondingly, the oppositely disposed 
contact shoulder 122 of spacer 118 is compressively positioned against 
corresponding end surface 162 of fixed connector 150. This has caused the 
movement of connector sleeve 130 upwardly away from flange 154 of fixed 
connector 150 and the formation of a detent engagement of bayonet pins 158 
and 160 with corresponding deformable ramp surfaces 136 and 138. Thus, the 
highly rigid and desirable connection is made for this coaxial form of 
embodiment. 
Referring to FIG. 9, another connector assemblage for the coaxial 
embodiment is shown generally at 170. This assemblage is shown as employed 
for the connection of one housed circuit component to another one. For 
example, a circuit box is shown at 172 having coaxial leads 174 and 176 
extending from a coaxial lead or cable 178 to a circuit board 180. Cable 
178 in turn, is supported by a threaded connector 182 secured, in turn, by 
hex nut 184 and hex backing nut 186 to box 172. Threaded connector 182 
corresponds with a clamp as at 102. In this regard, the connector 182 
includes a coupling portion 188 which is seen to be threadably engaged 
with corresponding teeth of the thread array of an engaging region 190 of 
connector sleeve 192. As before, the coaxial structure 178 is terminated 
in a coaxial connector assemblage 194 which is retained upon the coaxial 
component 178 by ferrule 196. Connector 194 is seen to be positioned over 
the center, centrally disposed conductive receiver 198 of a bayonet-type 
fixed connector 200, having an end surface 202 and outwardly-extending 
flange 204. The connector is shown fixed to the housing 206 of a next 
adjacent electrical implement. As before, the end surface 202 of connector 
200 is positioned adjacent and in compression against the contact shoulder 
208 of a spacer 210. Spacer 210, in turn, is compressed by virtue of the 
compressive contact of its compression surface 212 with the corresponding 
compression shoulder 214 of the threaded connector 182. Connector sleeve 
192, as before, is configured having oppositely disposed internal ramps as 
at 216 and 218 which are accessed by respective bayonet connector pins 220 
and 222. Pins 220 and 222 are deformed into the polymeric sleeve material 
upon effecting the noted tightening of the threaded connector 182. Access 
to the pins 220 and 222 is by channels or slots (not shown) as described 
in conjunction with the earlier embodiments of the connector of the 
invention. 
Turning to FIG. 10, another embodiment for the connector of the invention 
is represented generally at 230. This connector is suited for mounting an 
antenna or a coaxial cable as discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and 8 
above. Connector 230 is depicted in operative association with a helical 
wire antenna 232, shown having a plastic sheath 234 positioned thereover 
prior to the carrying out of attachment by shrink wrap procedures. The 
support clamp assemblage of connector 230 is represented generally at 236 
as including a retainer collar 238 and a stud component 240. Retainer 
collar 238 is seen formed having an upwardly or rearwardly disposed 
support portion or neck 242 which is provided containing ridges 244 for 
enhancing its coupling with the plastic sheath 234. Collar 238 
additionally includes a polygonal tool engagement surface 246, however, 
because of the more expansive diametric extent of this surface, for many 
installations, it may be hand grasped to effect tightening of the collar 
238. Looking momentarily to FIG. 11, it may be observed that retainer 
collar 238 is formed having a centrally disposed cylindrical cavity 248 
located internally of the surface 246, as well as a cylindrical passageway 
250 within which the helical antenna 232 may be positioned. Cavity 248 
terminates in an abutting surface 252 and is seen to contain an internally 
disposed coupling portion 254. 
Returning to FIG. 10, the stud 240 is seen to include an upwardly disposed 
contact surface 256 from which extends a mounting stud 258 forming part of 
the rearward support and intended to connectably receive the lower portion 
of helical spring antenna 232. Stud component 240 also includes a 
compression shoulder 250 from which depends a conductive lead 262 having 
the earlier-discussed pin configuration. 
Next in the assemblage is a polymeric spacer shown at 264 and configured as 
spacer 52 described in conjunction with FIG. 4 to include a compression 
surface 266, a contact shoulder 268, and an aligning collar 270. A 
cylindrical passageway (not shown) extends through the spacer 264 for 
purposes of receiving the conductive lead 262 extending from stud 
component 240. 
The connector sleeve 280 of connector 230 preferably is formed of an 
electrically insulative polymeric material, for example a polyamide such 
as "Nylon". The sleeve 280 is formed having the centrally disposed 
passageway 282 therein and the outer cylindrical surface thereof is formed 
to provide a threaded cylindrical engaging region 284, the threads of 
which are engageable with the internally-disposed threads of coupling 
portion 254 of collar 246. As before, the connector sleeve 280 is 
configured having oppositely disposed integrally formed ramps 286 and 288 
(FIG. 11) as well as two oppositely disposed channels or slots 290 and 
292. Terminating in an end surface 294, the connector sleeve 280 is 
positionable over bayonet-type fixed connector 296, which is seen to 
include a cylindrical support shell 298 integrally formed with a flange 
300 and affixed to the housing of an electrical device 302. Cylindrical 
shell 298 is formed having oppositely disposed bayonet pins 304 and 306 
and extends to an end surface 380. 
Returning to FIG. 11, the operational aspects of the connector 230 are 
revealed. The figure represents an orientation of components for an 
initial closure procedure similar to that discussed in conjunction with 
FIG. 5. In this regard, it may be observed that the stud component 240 is 
positioned within cavity 248 of retainer collar 238. As such, the abutting 
surface 252 within the internal cavity 248 of collar 238 engages and 
compressively abutts against the corresponding contact surface 256 of stud 
component 240. This urges the corresponding compression shoulder 260 of 
stud component 240 into compressive engagement with the corresponding 
compression surface 266 of spacer 264. The assemblage thus is driven such 
that the aligning collar 270 of spacer 264, as well as the pin type 
conductive component 262 are urged into union with corresponding receiver 
components of fixed connector 296. As before, the collar 270 slides within 
the passageway 309 of connector 296. At this juncture, the end surface 294 
of sleeve component 280 has not made contact with the flange 300 of 
connector 296. Similarly, the contact shoulder 268 of spacer 264 has not 
contacted the end surface 308 of connector 296. However, by the simple and 
conventional expedient of making the bayonet connection by rotating 
connector sleeve 280, bayonet pins 304 and 306 have contacted and ridden 
upwardly upon corresponding ramps 286 and 288. Thus, a conventional first 
connection has been made. 
Turning to FIG. 12, upon rotation of retainer collar 238 (FIG. 10), for 
example by hand, the abutting surface 252 has further stud 240 downwardly 
by virtue of its contact against contact surface 256 thereof. 
Correspondingly, the compression shoulder 260 of stud 240 has, in turn, 
driven spacer 264, by contact against compression surface 266 thereof, 
downwardly. This downward movement of spacer 264 continues until abutting 
compressive contact is made between contact shoulder 268 and the end 
surface 308 of fixed connector 296 (FIG. 10). The result is a rigid 
tightening of the connector assembly 230 such that the bayonet pins 304 
and 306 tend to deform the polymeric material forming corresponding ramps 
286 and 288 to prevent, for example, vibration induced rotation and 
release of the connection. Note that with this tightening, surface 294 of 
connector sleeve 280 has elevated above flange 300 of connector 296. 
A connector configured as described in conjunction with FIGS. 4 through 6 
hereof was tested by coupling it in a vertical orientation to a support 
upon which was fixed a connector as described at 80. The antenna 
assemblage was about 61/2 inches in height. A striker arm of diameter of 
61/2 inches was coupled to a motor driven shaft and positioned to strike 
the antenna at an elevation of 5 inches from its base under a shaft 
rotational speed of 580 rpm. Nylon material was used for the connector 
sleeve of the tested device as described as 32 herein. Following the 
energization of the motor and rotation of the noted shaft and strike arm, 
following 15 minutes and 11 seconds of operation, representing 8,806 
impacts, the test was concluded, inasmuch as the helical spring of the 
antenna had bent below the strike arm's rotational plane. The nylon 
connector sleeve 32 remained in firm, tight, undamaged relationship with 
its associated fixed connector as described at 80 in conjunction with FIG. 
4. Similar tests carried out with standard BNC connectors, for example 
provided as Amphenol type 31-2-4051 devices experienced damage under the 
same test arrangement following motor energizations of three seconds with 
29 impacts and two minutes and seven seconds with 1,228 impacts with the 
striker arm. 
Since certain changes may be made in the above-described apparatus without 
departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended 
that all matter contained in the description thereof or shown in the 
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a 
limiting sense.