Coaxial cable connector and method of making same

A coaxial cable connector is provided, the connector includes: a connector body, a coupling member, a post having an post collar having a forward facing surface, a conductive grounding member operationally positioned axially forward of said forward facing surface of said post collar; whereby the coupling member, grounding member and post provide at least one grounding pathway.

This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan patent application number 101223741 filed on Dec. 7, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to the field of coaxial cable connectors.

BACKGROUND

A coaxial cable is a type of cable that is capable of transmitting an electrical signal. The coaxial cable may have an inner conducting wire that is separated from a tubular conductive shield by a tubular insulating layer. The core conducting wire may be a solid or braided wire formed from a metal such as copper. The conductive shield may be a foil layer or a braid of conducting metal, such as copper or aluminum. The conductive shield may be grounded to minimize interference. The insulating layer may be a dielectric that surrounds the core conducting wire and is surrounded by the conductive shield. The electromagnetic wave may exist within the insulating layer, and therefore the cable's characteristics, such as impedance, can be significantly affected by the characteristics of the insulator. The coaxial cable may have a protective sheath covering the conductive shield to further minimize interference and provide durability to the cable.

Coaxial cables are used extensively throughout modern communication networks. There are several coaxial cable connectors commonly used to facilitate connection of coaxial cables to each other and to various electronic equipment. Due to the wide variety of industrial and consumer applications for use of coaxial cables, it is important for a coaxial cable connector to maintain an accurate, durable, and reliable connection each and every time regardless of whether the coaxial cable connector is installed professionally or by a layperson.

As shown inFIG. 1-2, a coaxial cable connector91is typically adapted for connecting a coaxial cable90to a mating device92. As shown inFIG. 2, the mating device92comprises an F-connector95having external thread96, a contact face903and a conductive clamp98disposed on the inside. As shown inFIG. 1-2, typically the coaxial cable connector91creates a grounding path by tightly fastening the internal thread94of the coupling member93with the external thread96of the F-connector95of the mating device92, such that the contact face903of the F-connector95applies pressure on a forward end face902of the post99to keep positive contact between post99, coupling member93, and F-connector95. Typically this configuration creates a grounding path between the mating device92(as shown inFIG. 2) and a conductive shield901of the coaxial cable90(as shown inFIG. 1) thereby providing improved signal performance of a core conducting wire97.

For various reasons, such as movement of the equipment, vibrations, or improper installation of the connector, when operationally installed, the connection between the coaxial cable connector91(as shown inFIG. 1) and the mating device92(as shown inFIG. 2) may become loose. This may result in a poor signal quality and RFI leakage due to the weak connection between the conductors of the mating device92and the coaxial cable90. Therefore, a need exists for a coaxial cable connector that is configured to maintain proper connection performance between those conductors even in the event that the coaxial cable connector becomes loose or is improperly installed.

Typically, coaxial cable connectors have a connector body10comprising a conductive material such as steel or copper to create part of the grounding pathway as shown inFIG. 3. The use of only conductive materials in the connector body limits possible useful designs, limits use of new materials, limits applications in which the coaxial cable connector can be used, increases manufacturing costs, and increases the weight of the coaxial cable connector. Therefore, a need exists for a coaxial cable connector that is configured to provide at least one grounding pathway while allowing for the use of a connector body that comprises conductive and/or non-conductive materials or a combination of conductive and non-conductive materials.

Typically, coaxial cable connectors have a grounding member that is disposed on the outside of the connector such that the grounding member is exposed to the elements or contaminants such as moisture, corrosive agents, and/or dust, thereby effecting both the performance and longevity of the cable connector. Other variations of coaxial cable connectors dispose the grounding member between an O-ring and a coupling member to protect the grounding member from contamination. Therefore, a need exists for a coaxial cable connector that is configured to protect the grounding member from contamination or exposure to the elements or corrosion, or the failure or improper installation of a protective element such as an O-ring.

The instant invention addresses above-mentioned deficiencies and provides numerous other advantages.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an improved coaxial cable connector and method of making same that substantially obviates one or more of the limitations of the related art. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention includes a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body, coupling member, a post, a grounding member, a fastener member, a bushing, a tubular clamping body, and an O-ring.

The connector body has a first and second end. The first end of the connector is configured to receive the prepared end of a cable. The coupling member has a first and second end, the first end of said coupling member located near or proximate to the second end of the connector body. The second end of the coupling member is configured to interface with a mating device. The post has a forward and rearward end. The forward end of the post located near the coupling member when operationally installed and the rearward end configured to contact at least a portion of the conductive shield of the cable when the cable is operationally attached to the connector. The post has a post collar proximate the forward end of the post. The post collar has a forward facing surface and a rearward facing surface. The grounding member is conductive and is operationally installed forward of the forward facing surface of the post collar. Together, the grounding member, coupling member, and post create at least one grounding path. The coupling member may have an internal lip having a forward facing surface. When operationally installed, the forward facing surface of the coupling member may contact the rearward facing surface of the post, thereby providing another grounding path. The forward facing surface and rearward facing surface of the post collar may define an annular surface that may contact the internal surface of the coupling member defined between the forward facing surface of the internal lip of the coupling member and the second end of coupling member, thereby providing yet another grounding path. Furthermore, the grounding member may have resilient characteristics and/or post contact portions that facilitate contact of the grounding member with the coupling member and post. The grounding member may be operationally installed by coupling the coupling member to the mating device or by pressing the grounding member onto the post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the size thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., which are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present invention. The features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings.

Referring toFIG. 1, one embodiment of a coaxial cable connector91may be operably affixed, or otherwise functionally attached, to a coaxial cable90having an outer protective sheath (unnumbered), a conductive shield901, an interior dielectric (unnumbered) and a core conducting wire97. As is commonly known in the art, the coaxial cable90may be prepared by removing the outer protective sheath (unnumbered) and drawing back the conductive shield901to expose a portion of the interior dielectric (unnumbered). Further preparation of said coaxial cable90may include stripping the dielectric (unnumbered) to expose a portion of the core conducting wire97. The outer protective sheath (unnumbered) is intended to protect the various components of the coaxial cable90from damage which may result from a variety of factors including exposure to dirt, dust, moisture, or corrosion, or damage during installation, handling or use. The conductive shield901may be comprised of conductive materials suitable for providing an electrical grounding pathway, such as copper or aluminum or other materials having conductive properties. The conductive shield901may be comprised of braided, foils, or like structures. Various embodiments of the conductive shield901may be utilized to isolate the core conducting wire97from the environment. For instance, the conductive shield901may comprise a metal foil wrapped around the dielectric (unnumbered), or several conductive strands formed in a continuous braid around the dielectric (unnumbered). Combinations of foil and/or braided strands may be utilized wherein the conductive shield901may comprise a foil layer, then a braided layer, and then a foil layer. It is widely know in the arts, that various layer combinations may be implemented in order for the conductive shield901to effectuate an electromagnetic buffer to reduce the ingress or egress of electromagnetic radiation that may disrupt broadband communications. The dielectric (unnumbered) may be comprised of materials suitable for electrical insulation, such as plastic foam material, paper materials, rubber-like polymers, or other functional insulating materials. It should be noted that the various materials of which all the various components of the coaxial cable90are comprised should have some degree of elasticity allowing the coaxial cable90to flex or bend in accordance with traditional broadband communication standards, installation methods and/or equipment. It should further be recognized that the radial thickness of the coaxial cable90, outer protective sheath (unnumbered), conductive shield901, interior dielectric (unnumbered) and/or core conducting wire97may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment.

Referring toFIG. 2, an embodiment of the coaxial cable connector91may also include a mating device92. The mating device92includes a F-connector95having a conductive receptacle or conductive clamp98for receiving a portion of the core conducting wire97(as operationally shown in exemplary fashionFIG. 7) sufficient to make adequate electrical contact. The mating device92may further comprise an external thread96. It should be recognized that the radial thickness and/or the length of the mating device92and/or the F-connector95may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Moreover, the pitch and height of threads which may be formed upon the external thread96of the F-connector95may also vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Furthermore, it should be noted that the mating device92and/or the F-connector95may be formed of a single conductive material, multiple conductive materials, or may be configured with both conductive and non-conductive materials corresponding to the mating device92and/or the F-connector95operable electrical interface with a coaxial cable connector91. However, the receptacle of the mating device92and/or the F-connector95should be formed of a conductive material, such as steel, brass, copper, aluminum, or other suitable conductive material. Further still, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the mating device92and/or the F-connector95may be embodied by a connective interface component of a coaxial cable communications device, a television, a router, a computer port, a network receiver, or other communications devices such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like.

Referring toFIG. 3, an embodiment of the coaxial cable connector91may include a first end and second end. Said first end including a connector body10capable of receiving the prepared end of the coaxial cable90. Said second end may include a coupling member20.

Referring toFIG. 4, an embodiment of the coaxial cable connector91may include a coupling member20, a post60, the connector body10, a sealing member or O-ring70configured to fit around a portion of the connector body10, and a grounding member80. The coupling member20of embodiments of a coaxial cable connector91has a forward end having internal threading and opposing rearward end configured to engage the connector body10. The coupling member20may comprise internal threading extending axially from the edge of forward end a distance sufficient to provide operably effective threadable contact with the external threads96of a mating device92or F-connector95(as shown, by way of example inFIGS. 2-5and7).

Referring toFIG. 5, the coupling member20has a first end that is proximate and rotatable with respect to said connector body10at said second end of said connector body10and a second end configured to interface with a mating device92or F-connector95. The coupling member20includes an internal lip, such as an internal annular protrusion, located proximate the rearward end of the coupling member20, having a forward facing surface23. The forward facing surface23of the internal lip may be a tapered or angled surface generally facing the forward end of the coupling member20. The coupling member20includes an internal surface22that is annularly disposed between the forward facing surface23of the internal lip and the internal threading94of the coupling member20. The configuration of the internal surface22may vary to accommodate different functionality and configurations of the grounding member80. The internal surface22may further include structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate placement of said grounding member80. The coupling member20includes an internal ledge21that is annularly displaced proximate the rearward end of the coupling member20. The internal ledge21forms a collar. The internal ledge21generally faces the axial center of coupling member20. The configuration of the internal ledge21may vary according to different parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector91or O-ring70configuration. For instance, the internal ledge21may abut at a right angle the body of coupling member20or may taper or slope at constant or varying angles from the internal lip to the rearward end of the coupling member20. The internal ledge21may further include structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate placement of said O-ring70. Moreover, the rearward end the coupling member20may extend a significant axial distance to reside radially extent, or otherwise partially surround, a portion of the connector body10, although the extended portion of the coupling member20need not contact the connector body10. Moreover, the coupling member20may contact a tubular clamping body50, although the coupling member20need not contact the tubular clamping body50. The structural configuration of the coupling member20may vary according to differing connector parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector. For instance, the forward end of the coupling member20may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may help prevent ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, when mated with the mating device92or F-connector95. Those in the art should appreciate that the coupling member20need not be threaded. Moreover, the coupling member20may have features commonly used in connecting RCA-type, or BNC-type connectors, or other common coaxial cable connectors having standard coupler interfaces. The coupling member20may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the coupling member20. Accordingly, the coupling member20may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of a mating device92or F-connector95when a coaxial cable connector91is moved into contact with the mating device92or F-connector95. In addition, the coupling member20may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example the external surface of the coupling member20may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the coupling member20may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. The coupling member20may be formed of metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed coupling body. Manufacture of the coupling member20may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

Referring toFIGS. 4-7, an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector91may include a post60. When operationally installed, the post60is axially disposed inside of the coupling member20and connector body50. The post60comprises a forward end having a forward end face62and an opposing rearward end having a barbed engagement portion. The forward end face62of post60may be configured to make physical and electrical contact with a corresponding contact face903of the F-connector95or mating device92(as shown in exemplary fashion inFIG. 7). Furthermore, the post60may comprise a post collar65, such as an annular protrusion, disposed proximally to the forward end face62of external surface of post60. The post collar65includes a forward facing surface64that generally faces the forward end face62of post60. The post60may comprise a post neck61, such as an annular ledge, that is axially disposed between the forward facing surface64and the forward end face62. The configuration of the post neck61may vary to accommodate different functionality and configurations of the grounding member80. The post neck61may further include structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate placement of said grounding member80. For instance, the post neck61may abut at a right angle the forward facing surface64and/or the forward end face62of the post60, or may slope at constant or varying angles between the forward facing surface64and/or the forward end face62. The structural configuration of the post neck61may vary according to differing grounding member80design parameters to accommodate different functionality and manufacture of a coaxial cable connector91. The post collar65of the post60, includes a rearward facing surface63that contacts the forward facing surface23of the coupling member20, when operably assembled in a coaxial cable connector91, so as to allow the coupling member20to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post60and the connector body10, of the coaxial cable connector91. Furthermore, the rearward facing surface63may contact the forward facing surface23of the coupling member20, so as to provide a grounding path between the post60and coupling member20, when operably assembled in a coaxial cable connector91. The rearward facing surface63of the post collar65may be a tapered or sloped surface generally facing the rearward end of the post60. The post collar65of post60may include a annular surface axially defined between the forward facing surface64and the rearward facing surface63, that may contact the internal surface22of the coupling member20thereby providing a grounding path between the post60and coupling member20when operationally assembled. An embodiment of the post60need not include such a feature and the annular surface of the post collar65need not contact the internal surface22of the coupling member20(as shown in exemplarily fashion inFIGS. 6 & 6A). Further still, another embodiment of the post60may include a surface feature such as a lip or protrusion that may engage a portion of a tubular clamping body50to secure axial movement of the post60relative to the connector body10. The location proximate or near where the connector body10is secured relative to the post60may include surface features, such as ridges, grooves, protrusions, or knurling, which may enhance the secure attachment and locating of the post60with respect to the connector body10. The tubular clamping body50may also include a post mounting portion52capable of securing the post into operational position. However, the post60and/or the tubular clamping body50need not include such a surface feature, and the coaxial cable connector may rely on press-fitting, friction-fitting forces, and/or other component structures having features and geometries to help retain the post60in secure location both axially and rotationally relative to the connector body10.

Referring toFIGS. 4-7, the post60should be dimensioned, or otherwise sized, such that the post60may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable90, around the dielectric and under the conductive shield901(example shown inFIG. 7). The post60may have barbed engagement portion extending around the periphery thereof remote from the post neck61. Accordingly, where an embodiment of the post60may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable90under the drawn back conductive shield901, substantial physical and/or electrical contact with the conductive shield901may be accomplished thereby facilitating grounding through the post60. The post60should be conductive and may be formed of metals or may be formed of other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed post body. In addition, the post60may be formed of a combination of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example, a metal coating or layer may be applied to a polymer of other non-conductive material. Manufacture of the post60may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

Referring toFIGS. 4-7, an embodiment of the coaxial cable connector91may include a grounding member80. The grounding member80is conductive. Furthermore, embodiments of a grounding member80may exhibit resiliency. The grounding member80may be disposed axially forward of the forward facing surface64of post60when operationally assembled. Furthermore, the grounding member80may be disposed between the post neck61and the internal surface22of the coupling member20. The grounding member80may contact the internal surface22of the coupling member20and the post neck61and/or the forward facing surface64of post60when operationally assembled providing a grounding path between the coupling member20and the post60. As depicted inFIG. 6andFIG. 6Ain detail, the grounding member80may contact the forward facing surface64of post60and not simultaneously contact the post neck61. Another embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 5 & 7, the grounding member80may contact the post neck61, the forward facing surface64of post60, or both simultaneously to provide a grounding pathway between the coupling member20and the post60when operationally assembled. The grounding member80may have a post contact portion or post contact portions81(as shown in exemplary fashion inFIG. 4A). The post contact portion81of the grounding member80are depicted as resilient members, such as flexible fingers, that extend to resiliently engage the post60. This resiliency of the post contact portion81may facilitate enhanced contact with the post60when the coupling member20moves during operation of the coaxial cable connector91, because the post contact portion81may flex and retain constant physical and electrical contact with the post60and coupling member20, thereby ensuring continuity of a grounding path extending through the coupling member20, grounding member80, and post60. Another embodiment, not depicted but easily comprehensible by those skilled in the requisite art, may axially invert the grounding member80so that the post contact portion81contact the internal surface22of the coupling member20. As depicted, the grounding member80may be deformably compressed or press-fit onto the post60, so that the post contact portion81of the grounding member80are axially and/or rotationally secured to the post60. The grounding member80may be operationally deformably compressed or pressed into position by the contact face903of the F-connector95or mating device92(as shown in exemplary fashion inFIG. 5). Another embodiment of the coaxial cable connector91(not shown, but readily comprehensible by those of ordinary skill in the art), a grounding member80may be operationally installed between the post neck61and the internal surface22of the coupling member20, and retain constant physical and electrical contact with the post60and coupling member20, due to the resiliency of the grounding member80and not rely on the contact face903of the F-connector95or mating device92to be placed in operational position. Although the grounding member80is shown inFIG. 4-7as an annular ring, it may have various shapes and sizes, for example the grounding member80may extend axially forward of or around the forward end face62of the post60. The grounding member80may also include ridges, notches, protrusions, knurling, or other friction or gripping type arrangements. The grounding member80may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, steel or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the grounding member80. In addition, the grounding member80may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example the external surface of the grounding member80may be formed of a conductive material, while the remainder of the grounding member80may be comprised of a non-conductive material. The grounding member80may be formed of metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a resilient structure providing a grounding path between the post60and coupling member20. Manufacture of the grounding member80may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. Embodiments of a grounding member80may be formed, shaped, fashioned, or otherwise manufactured via any operable process that will render a workable component, wherein the manufacturing processes utilized to make the continuity member may vary depending on the structural configuration of the grounding member80. For example, a grounding member80having post contact portion81may be formed from a sheet of material that may be stamped and then bent into an operable shape, that allows the grounding member80to function as it was intended. Those in the art should appreciate that various other features may be provided on the grounding member80through stamping or by other manufacturing and shaping means. Accordingly, it is contemplated that features of the grounding member80may be provided to mechanically interlock or interleave, or otherwise operably physically engage complimentary and corresponding features of embodiments of a coupling member20and/or complimentary and corresponding features of embodiments of a post60.

Referring toFIGS. 4-7, embodiments of a coaxial cable connector91may include a connector body10. The connector body10may comprise a first end capable of receiving the prepared end of the coaxial cable90and opposing second end. Said first end may include a fastener member30, a bushing40, and tubular clamping body50. The elements of the connector body10, specifically the fastener member30, a bushing40, or tubular clamping body50, may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Further, the elements of the connector body10may be formed from materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a rigid or semi-rigid form for the operational joining of said elements. Manufacture of the connector body10may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component and/or components.

With further reference toFIGS. 4-7, embodiments of a connector body10may include a fastener member30. The fastener member30may have a first fastener end capable of receiving the prepared end of the coaxial cable90and opposing second end. The fastener member30may comprise a central passageway defined between the first end and second end and extending axially through the fastener member30. In addition, the fastener member30may include an inner surface feature such as a lip or protrusion that may engage a portion of the tubular clamping body50to secure movement of the fastener member30relative to the connector body10. The location proximate or near where the fastener member30is secured relative to the tubular clamping body50may include surface features, such as ridges, grooves, protrusions, or knurling, which may enhance the secure attachment and locating of the fastener member30with respect to the connector body10. The tubular clamping body50may include a corresponding portion capable of securing the fastener member30into operational position. However, the fastener member30and/or the tubular clamping body50need not include such a surface feature, and the coaxial cable connector91may rely on press-fitting and friction-fitting forces and/or other component structures having features and geometries to help retain the fastener member30in secure location both axially and rotationally relative to the connector body10. Moreover, the fastener member30may include a surface feature such as an internal annular lip or protrusion that may engage a portion of the bushing40to operably engage the bushing40on the prepared coaxial cable90. Additionally, the fastener member30may comprise an exterior surface feature positioned proximate with or close to the first end of the fastener member30. The surface feature may facilitate gripping of the fastener member30during operation of the coaxial cable connector91. Although the surface feature is shown inFIG. 4as an annular detent, it may have various shapes and sizes such as a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling, or other friction or gripping type arrangements. It should be recognized, by those skilled in the requisite art, that the fastener member30may be formed of rigid materials such as metals, hard plastics, polymers, composites and the like, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the fastener member30may be manufactured via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. The fastener member30may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or combinations conductive and non-conductive materials.

With further reference toFIG. 4-7, embodiments of a connector body10may include a bushing40. The bushing40may have a first bushing end capable of receiving the prepared end of the coaxial cable90and opposing second end. The bushing40may comprise a central passageway defined between the first end and second end and extending axially through the bushing40. The central passageway may comprise a ramped surface which may be positioned between a first opening or first bore having a first diameter positioned proximate with the first end of the bushing40and a second opening or second bore having a second diameter positioned proximate with the second bushing end of the bushing40. The ramped surface may act to deformably compress the outer surface of a coaxial cable90when the fastener member30is operated to secure a coaxial cable90. For example, the narrowing geometry may compress/squeeze the bushing40against the cable, when the fastener member30is compressed into a tight and secured position on the connector body. Although the external first and second ends of the bushing40are shown inFIG. 4to have annular features, the first and second bushing ends of the bushing40may have various shapes and sizes such as a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling, friction, gripping, or ramp type arrangements. It should be recognized, by those skilled in the requisite art, that the bushing40may be formed of rigid or semi-rigid materials such as metals, hard plastics, polymers, composites and the like, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the bushing40may be manufactured via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. The bushing40may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or combinations conductive and non-conductive materials.

With further reference toFIG. 4-7, embodiments of a connector body10may include a tubular clamping body50. The tubular clamping body50may have a first end capable of receiving the prepared end of the coaxial cable90and opposing second end proximate the coupling member20. The second end of the tubular clamping body50may include the post mounting portion52annularly disposed on the internal surface of the tubular clamping body50. Although the post mounting portion52are shown inFIGS. 4 and 7to have annular features, the post mounting portion52may have various shapes and sizes such as a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling, friction, gripping, or ramp type arrangements. However, the post mounting portion52need not include such a surface feature, and the coaxial cable connector91may rely on press-fitting and friction-fitting forces and/or other component structures having features and geometries to help retain the post60in secure location both axially and rotationally relative to the connector body10. The second end of the tubular clamping body50may also include a neck51, such as an external annular ledge. The neck51of the tubular clamping body50may generally face the away from the axial center of the tubular clamping body50. The neck51may be generally axially opposed from the internal ledge21of the coupling member20. The configuration of the neck51may vary to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector91or O-ring70configuration. For instance, the neck51may abut at a right angle to the body of the tubular clamping body50or may taper or slope at constant or varying angles away from or towards the second end of the tubular clamping body50. The neck51may further include structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate placement of the O-ring70. It should be recognized, by those skilled in the requisite art, that the tubular clamping body50may or may not contact coupling member20when operationally engaged. It should further be recognized, by those skilled in the requisite art, that the tubular clamping body50may be formed of rigid or semi-rigid materials such as metals, hard plastics, polymers, composites and the like, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the tubular clamping body50may be manufactured via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. The tubular clamping body50may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or combinations of conductive and non-conductive materials.

Thus the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a more reliable coaxial cable connector, provides multiple grounding paths even in the event of improper installation, protects delicate parts such as the grounding member from damage due to exposure to the environment or corrosive factors, allows for the use of non-conductive or combinations of conductive and non-conductive materials in the manufacture of the connector body thereby allowing for greater operational utility, economical production, allows for installation of the grounding member by means of operationally installing the coaxial cable connector to the mating device or by press fitting prior to operational installation, allows for lightweight design of the coaxial cable connector, and can be installed by professionals and laypersons alike.

While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the grounding member may have a continuous annular resilient post contact portion. By way of another example, embodiments of the coaxial cable connector may be configured or resized to facilitate use with various sizes of coaxial cables. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.