Abstract:
A connector for coaxial cable is disclosed herein that has an outer body, the outer body has at least one thread on a rearward portion thereof, and tubular post having at least one projection thereon. The outer body and the tubular post are movable relative to one another to compress a portion of the coaxial cable in the connector and to draw the braided shield of the coaxial cable into the connector. The present coaxial connector accommodates coaxial cables with larger amounts of braided shielding. A related method for connecting the coaxial cable and connector is also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to coaxial cable connectors, and particularly to coaxial drop cable connectors capable of being connected to a terminal. 
   2. Technical Background 
   Coaxial cable connectors such as F-connectors are used to attach coaxial cables to another object such as an appliance or junction having a terminal adapted to engage the coaxial cable connector. Coaxial cable F-connectors are often used to terminate a drop cable in a cable television system. The coaxial cable typically includes a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, in turn surrounded by a conductive grounding foil and/or braided shield; the conductive grounding foil and/or braided shield are in turn surrounded by a protective outer jacket. The F-connector is secured over the prepared end of the jacketed coaxial cable, allowing the end of the coaxial cable to be connected with a terminal block, such as by a threaded connection with a threaded terminal of a terminal block. 
   Coaxial cable connectors can be installed on the coaxial cable by crimping the coaxial cable connector to the cable or by axial compression. These compression connectors are installed onto prepared cables by inserting the exposed cable core (dielectric and center conductor) into the connector and, more specifically, onto a post or support sleeve on the inside of the coaxial cable connector. The conductive grounding foil and braided shield are typically folded back over the protective outer jacket when the cable core is exposed. The post is interposed between the cable core (dielectric and center conductor) and the conductive grounding foil and/or braided shield. However, in certain coaxial cables, specifically head end cables (HEC), there may be multiple layers of conductive grounding foil and braided shield. The multiple layers of conductive grounding foil and braided shield cause the HEC cable to have a larger diameter than the typical coaxial cables, thereby making insertion of the prepared coaxial cable into the typical F-connectors difficult if not impossible. Thus, the termination of the HEC coaxial cables is extremely difficult, if not close to impossible, using standard techniques and materials. 
   While a larger coaxial cable connector may solve the problem, it would also increase the number of connectors that the tradesmen would need to stock, causing potential confusion, increased capital expenditures, and potential damage to those connectors if they are used incorrectly (on coaxial cables that are not HEC, for example). Therefore, a coaxial cable connector that can be inserted onto all types of coaxial cables, including HEC coaxial cables, is needed. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention is directed in one aspect to a connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, at least one braided shield surrounding the dielectric, and a jacket surrounding the at least one braided shield, the connector having an outer body comprising a rear end, a front end, a longitudinal axis, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal opening and having at least one thread on at least a portion of the internal surface adjacent the rear end of the outer body, and a tubular post disposed at least partially within the longitudinal opening of the outer body, the tubular post comprising a rear end, an inner surface and an outer surface, the rear end of the tubular post having at least one protrusion on the outer surface, and wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular post and at least a portion of the internal surface of the outer body define an annular cavity therebetween, wherein the outer body and tubular post are movable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis to compress at least a portion of the coaxial cable in the connector. 
   In another aspect, disclosed herein is a combination of a coaxial cable and a connector for coupling an end of the coaxial cable to a terminal, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, at least one braided shield surrounding the dielectric, and a jacket surrounding the at least one braided shield, the connector having an outer body comprising a rear end, a front end, a longitudinal axis and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal opening and having at least one thread proximate the rear end, a tubular post disposed at least partially within the longitudinal opening of the hollow body, the tubular post comprising a rear end, an inner surface and an outer surface, the rear end of the tubular post having at least one projection on the outer surface, and wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular post and at least a portion of the internal surface of the hollow body define an annular cavity therebetween, wherein the inner surface of the tubular post is configured to allow the dielectric and the inner conductor to enter the tubular post and to allow the at least one braided shield and the jacket to enter the annular cavity over the at least one projection, and a pin disposed in the tubular post to engage the inner conductor. 
   In another aspect, a method is disclosed for coupling a coaxial cable to a terminal, the coaxial cable having an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, a braided shield surrounding the dielectric, and a jacket surrounding the braided shield, the method including providing a coaxial connector comprising an outer body and a tubular post having at least one projection on an outer surface, the outer body being axially moveable relative to the tubular post and having at least one thread on an internal surface proximate a rear end of the outer body, engaging the coaxial cable with the outer body of the connector while rotating the outer body with respect to the coaxial cable, wherein the at least one thread draws the braided shield and jacket into an annular opening between the outer body and the outer surface of the tubular post, thereby longitudinally advancing the coaxial connector onto the coaxial cable, and moving the outer body and the tubular post relative to one another to engage a portion of the coaxial cable between the outer body and the rear end of the tubular post. 
   Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
   It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of an axial compression connector according to the prior art; 
       FIG. 2  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of one preferred embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  with a coaxial cable being inserted; 
       FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  with the coaxial cable engaging the outer body; 
       FIG. 5  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  with a coaxial cable fully inserted, but with braided shield extending out the rear of the coaxial cable connector; 
       FIG. 6  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  with the braided shield drawn into the coaxial cable connector and prior to axial compression of the coaxial cable connector; 
       FIG. 7  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 6  after axial compression of the coaxial cable connector; 
       FIG. 8  is a partial side cutaway view along the centerline of a second preferred embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of another preferred embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 9  with a coaxial cable being inserted; 
       FIG. 11  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 9  with the coaxial cable engaging the outer body; 
       FIG. 12  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 9  with a coaxial cable partially inserted and the braided shield extending out the rear of the coaxial cable connector; 
       FIG. 13  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 10  with the braided shield drawn into the coaxial cable connector and the coaxial cable fully inserted, but prior to axial compression of the coaxial cable connector; 
       FIG. 14  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 13  after axial compression of the coaxial cable connector; 
       FIG. 15  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of another preferred embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention with a coaxial cable engaging the outer body, 
       FIG. 16  is a side cutaway view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 15  after the coaxial cable has been inserted and axial compression of the coaxial cable connector; and 
       FIG. 17  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of another preferred embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. One embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2  and is designated generally throughout by the reference numeral  100 . 
     FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a coaxial cable connector  10  according to the prior art.  FIG. 2  schematically illustrates one preferred embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  100 , as disclosed herein, in an open configuration.  FIGS. 3–7  illustrate the coaxial cable connector  100  and the insertion onto a coaxial cable  60  in greater detail.  FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector in  FIG. 2 .  FIGS. 9–14  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention.  FIGS. 15–16  illustrate another alternative embodiment of a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention.  FIG. 17  illustrates yet another embodiment a coaxial cable connector according to the present invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the prior art coaxial cable connector  10  couples an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal. One example of a coaxial cable  60 , shown in  FIG. 3 , comprises an inner conductor  62 , a dielectric layer (or, simply, dielectric)  64  surrounding the inner conductor  62 , an outer conductor  66  surrounding the dielectric  64 , a braided shield  68  surrounding the dielectric  64 , and a jacket  70  surrounding the braided shield  68 . The braided shield  68  may include more than one layer of braided shield. For example, in many head end cables there are many layers of braided shield with a layer of outer conductor  66  disposed between each of the layers of braided shield. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first layer of outer conductor  66  is typically secured to the dielectric  64  and is not folded back over the jacket  70  with the other layers. However, if there are multiple layers of braided shield and outer conductors, the additional layers (interlaced between the braided shield layers) may be folded back with the braided shield  68  (See  FIG. 3 ) and are referred to collectively herein as braided shield. 
   The prior art coaxial cable connector  10  has a hollow body  12  that has a longitudinal axis A—A. At the front end  14  of coaxial cable connector  10  is a coupler, shown as embodied by a coupling nut  16 . The coupling nut  16  is shown with a generally hexagonal outer configuration with internal threads for engaging an appliance or junction having a terminal. At the front end of hollow body  12  is a nut retainer  18  that secures the coupling nut  16  to the hollow body  12 . The nut retainer  18  provides limited axial movement while allowing full rotational motion of the coupling nut  16 . Disposed within the nut retainer  18  is an insulator  20 . The insulator  20  provides mechanical support and a guide for centering pin  22 . The insulator  20  also serves to electrically match the coaxial structure impedance of the connector, and is typically made of a nonconductive plastic material, such as acetyl. 
   A tubular post  24  is disposed within a longitudinal opening  26  of hollow body  12 . The tubular post  24  has a front end  30  that engages the internal surface  28  of the hollow body  12  and a rear end  32  that preferably protrudes from the rear end  34  of the hollow body  12 . The outer surface  36  of the tubular post  24  has at least one projection  38  to engage the coaxial cable  60 . 
   Disposed within the longitudinal opening  40  of tubular post  24  is a second insulator  42  that, in addition to insulator  20 , provides mechanical support for the pin  22 . It also acts as a guide for centering pin  22  within the tubular post  24 . 
   A contact  44  is mounted internally in pin  22  by means of the press-fit to provide electrical and mechanical engagement between the pin  22  and the inner conductor  62  of the coaxial cable  60  with a spring clip. 
   The prior art connector  10  has an outer body  46  that is slideably mounted to the hollow body  12  by use of barb/press-fit configuration. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the rear end  32  of tubular post  24  extends into a longitudinal opening  48  of outer body  46 . The rear end  50  of outer body  46  has a chamfered portion  52  to receive the coaxial cable  60 . 
   A shell  54  is press-fit over the outer body  46  to provide additional mechanical strength to the outer body  46 . The shell  54  is preferably made of a metal material, while the outer body  46  is typically made from a plastic material. Some of the prior art connectors  10  may also have a label  56  to identify the coaxial cable connector  10 . 
   Coaxial cable connector  100  is schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 2–7 . Coaxial cable connector  100  has a longitudinal axis A—A and a hollow body  112 . The hollow body  112  is preferably made from a metallic material, such as brass, and is preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as nickel. At the front end  114  of coaxial cable connector  100  is a coupler, shown as embodied by a coupling nut  116 . The coupling nut  116  is shown with a generally hexagonal outer configuration with internal threads for engaging an appliance or junction having a terminal. The coupling nut  116  is also preferably made of a metallic material, such as brass, and it is also preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as nickel. At the front end of hollow body  112  is a nut retainer  118  that secures the coupling nut  116  to the hollow body  112 . The nut retainer  118  is preferably made from the same material as the coupling nut  116 . The nut retainer  118  provides limited axial movement while allowing full rotational motion of the coupling nut  116 . Disposed within the nut retainer  118  is an insulator  120 . The insulator  120  provides mechanical support and a guide for centering a pin  122 . The insulator  120  also serves to electrically match the coaxial structure impedance of the coaxial cable connector  100 , and is preferably made of a nonconductive plastic material, such as acetyl. The pin  122  is preferably made for a metallic material, such as brass, and is plated with a conductive material, such as gold, tin, or nickel-tin. 
   A tubular post  124 , disposed within a longitudinal opening  126  of hollow body  112 , is preferably made from a metallic material such as brass and is typically plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as tin or nickel-tin. The tubular post  124  has a front end  130  that engages the internal surface  128  of the hollow body  112  and a rear end  132  that preferably protrudes from the rear end  134  of the hollow body  112 . The outer surface  136  of the tubular post  124  has at least one projection  138  to engage the coaxial cable  60 . While three projections  138  are illustrated, there can be more or fewer and they may also have a helical configuration and still fall within the scope of the present invention. 
   Disposed within the longitudinal opening  140  of tubular post  124  is a second insulator  142  that, in addition to insulator  120 , provides mechanical support for the pin  122 . It also acts as a guide for centering a pin  122  within the tubular post  124 . Second insulator  142  is preferably made from a non-conductive plastic material, such as acetyl. 
   A contact  144  is mounted internally in pin  122  by means of the press-fit to provide electrical and mechanical engagement between the pin  122  and the inner conductor  62  of the coaxial cable  60  with a spring clip. The contact  144  is preferably made from a resilient, conductive material, such as beryllium copper and plated with a conductive material, such as gold. 
   The coaxial cable connector  100  has an outer body  146  that is slideably mounted to the hollow body  112  by use of barb/press-fit configuration. The outer body  146  is preferably made from a plastic material such as acetyl, but may also be constructed of an appropriate metallic material. As illustrated, the rear end  132  of tubular post  124  extends into a longitudinal opening  148  of outer body  146 . The rear end  150  of outer body  146  has a chamfered portion  152  to receive the coaxial cable  60 . Outer body  146  of coaxial cable connector  100  has at least one thread  156  on the internal surface  158  adjacent the rear end  150 . The thread  156  illustrated in the embodiment in  FIGS. 2–7  has at least two complete, contiguous turns, but the thread  156  may have fewer or more, and the thread  156  may also be interrupted (i.e., not continuous) and still come within the scope of the present invention. The at least one thread  156  may also include multiple start threads, including two or three multiple start threads, if so desired. As illustrated in the figures and as discussed below with reference to the other figures, when the outer body  146  is rotated with respect to coaxial cable  60  (counterclockwise rotation as shown in  FIG. 2 ), the thread  156  acts like an auger to pull the coaxial cable  60  and braided shield  68  into the longitudinal opening  148  and particularly an annular cavity  160  formed by the outer surface  162  of the tubular post  124  and the inner surface  158  of the outer body  146 . 
   A shell  154  is preferably press-fit over the outer body  146  to provide additional mechanical strength to the outer body  146 . The shell  154  is preferably made of an appropriate metallic material, while the outer body  146  is preferably made from a plastic material. The coaxial cable connector  100  may also have a label  156  for identification. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the prepared coaxial cable  60  is inserted into the longitudinal opening  148  of the outer body  146 . The chamfered portion  152  assists directing the outer portion of the coaxial cable into the longitudinal opening  148 . As the coaxial cable  60  is inserted, the inner conductor  62  engages the contact  144  of the pin  122 . 
   Coaxial cable connector  100  and coaxial cable  60  are then rotated relative to one another. For example, coaxial cable connector  100  is then rotated relative to the coaxial cable  60 , causing the thread  156  to engage the braided shield  68  (and indirectly cable jacket  70  due to the compression of the coaxial cable  60 ) as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The coaxial cable  60  may also be rotated relative to the coaxial cable connector  100 . The thread  156  acts like an auger to pull the coaxial cable  60  into the coaxial cable connector  100 . As noted above, the amount of braided shield  68  may be too large for the coaxial cable  60  to simply slip into the longitudinal opening  148  of the coaxial cable connector  100 . Thus, the coaxial cable connector  100  compresses the braided shield  68  and jacket  70  around the coaxial cable  60 , providing grip to allow the coaxial cable  60  to be axially pulled into the coaxial connector  100  during the relative rotation therebetween. As can also be seen in  FIG. 4 , the front end of the dielectric  64  engages the rear end of the second insulator  142 . As the coaxial cable  60  moves into the coaxial cable connector  100 , the second insulator  142 , the contact  144  (which is now in electrical communication with the inner conductor  62 ), and the pin  122  also move toward the front end  114  of the coaxial cable connector  100  along the longitudinal axis A—A as the dielectric  64  pushes the second insulator  142 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 5 , once the coaxial cable  60  has advanced sufficiently in the coaxial connector  100 , for example, to cause rear end  132  of post  124  to wedge between the outer conductor  66  and braided shield  68  (and the pin  122  has advanced forward within the coupling nut  116 ), if the coaxial connector  100  is continued to be rotated relative to the coaxial cable  60 , further rotation of the coaxial cable connector  100  causes the thread  156  to pull the braided shield  68  more fully into the coaxial cable connector  100 . See also  FIG. 6  where the braided shield  68  is completely within the coaxial cable connector  100 . 
   Once the coaxial cable connector  100  is correctly positioned on the coaxial cable  60  and the braided shield is drawn into the coaxial cable connector  100  (if so desired, the extra braided shield  68  could also be cut off), the coaxial cable connector  100  is axially compressed as is known in the art, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The compression of the coaxial cable connector  100  causes the outer body  146  and hollow body  112  to move axially toward each other along axis A—A. The thread  156  will retain at least a portion of the braided shield  68  as the outer body  146  moves forward relative to the coaxial cable  60 . As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , the thread  156  is axially positioned over the at least one projection  138  on the tubular post  124  to provide further grip between the coaxial cable  60  and the coaxial cable connector  100 . 
   An alternative embodiment of the coaxial cable connector is illustrated in  FIG. 8  as coaxial cable connector  100 ′. As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the coaxial cable connector  100 ′ has the same components as that of the coaxial cable connector  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 2–7 , but has a different tubular post  124 ′. More specifically, coaxial cable connector  100 ′ has a longitudinal axis A—A, a hollow body  112 , and a coupling nut  116 . At the front end of hollow body  112  is a nut retainer  118  that secures the coupling nut  116  to the hollow body  112 . Disposed within the nut retainer  118  is an insulator  120 . The insulator  120  provides mechanical support and a guide for centering a pin  122 . 
   Coaxial cable connector  100 ′ has an outer body  146  that is slideably mounted to the outer body  112  by use of barb/press-fit configuration. A shell  154  is preferably press-fit over the outer body  146  to provide additional mechanical strength to the outer body  146 . The rear end  150  of outer body  146  has a chamfered portion  152 . Outer body  146  of coaxial cable connector  100 ′ has at least one thread  156  on the internal surface  158  adjacent the rear end  150 . 
   The outer surface  162 ′ of the tubular post  124 ′ has a different configuration than in the previous embodiment. As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the outer surface  162 ′ has at least one thread  125 ′ disposed on the outer surface  162 ′. The thread  125 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 8  has at least two complete, contiguous turns, but it may have fewer or more, and it may also be interrupted (i.e., not continuous) and still come within the scope of the present invention. The thread  125 ′ may also include multiple start threads, including two or three multiple start threads, if so desired. Thread  125 ′ preferably has the same rotational orientation as thread  156 , for example both are left-handed threads, or both are right-handed threads. 
   Another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  200  according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 9–14 . Coaxial cable connector  200  has an outer body  202 , a shell  204 , a tubular post  206 , and a coupling nut  208 . The coaxial cable connector  200  may also have a label  210  to identify the coaxial cable connector  200 . 
   The outer body  202  is slideably mounted to the tubular post  206  by use of barb/press-fit configuration, and remains in the open configuration in  FIG. 9  until the coaxial cable connector  200  is later compressed. The outer body  202  is preferably made from a plastic material such as acetyl, but may also be constructed of a metallic material. As illustrated, the rear end  228  of tubular post  206  extends into a longitudinal opening  212  of outer body  202 . The rear end  214  of outer body  202  has a chamfered portion  216  to assist in guiding the coaxial cable  60  into the outer body  202 . Outer body  202  of coaxial cable connector  200  has at least one thread  218  on the internal surface  220  adjacent the rear end  214 . The thread  218  illustrated in this embodiment has at least two complete, contiguous turns, but the thread  218  may have fewer or more, and the thread  218  may also be interrupted (i.e., not continuous) and still come within the scope of the present invention. As noted above, the thread  218  acts like an auger to pull the coaxial cable  60 , and more particularly the braided shield  68  and jacket  70  into the longitudinal opening  212  and particularly an annular cavity  222  formed by the outer surface  224  of the tubular post  204  and the internal surface  220  of the outer body  202 . 
   The coupling nut  208  is shown with a generally hexagonal outer configuration with internal threads for engaging an appliance or junction having a terminal. The coupling nut  208  is also preferably made of a metallic material such as brass, and it is also preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as nickel. The coupling nut  208  is attached to the outer body  202  by a barb/press fit configuration that allows the coupling nut  208  to rotate relative to the outer body  202 . 
   The tubular post  206 , disposed within the longitudinal opening  212  of hollow body  202 , is preferably made from a metallic material such as brass and is also preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as tin or nickel-tin. The tubular post  206 , as noted briefly above, is slideably disposed in the outer body  202  by a shoulder on the coupling nut  208  that engages a lip on the outer body  202 . The tubular post  206  is illustrated in a forward position and is moved to a rearward position upon installation of the coaxial cable  60  as noted in detail below during compression. The tubular post  206  has a front end  226  and a rear end  228 . The outer surface  224  of the tubular post  206  has at least one projection  230  to engage the coaxial cable  60 . While three projections  230  are illustrated, there can be more or fewer and they may also have a helical configuration and still fall within the scope of the present invention. The projections may also be a thread as illustrated and described with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the prepared coaxial cable  60  is inserted into the longitudinal opening  212 , assisted by the chamfered portion  216  at the rear end  214  of outer body  202 . The dielectric  64  and the outer conductor  66  (as well as the inner conductor  62 ) are aligned with and are inserted into the longitudinal opening  232  of the tubular post  206 . 
   The coaxial cable connector  200  is then rotated relative to the coaxial cable  60 , causing the thread  218  to engage at least the braided shield  68  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The thread  218  acts like an auger to pull the coaxial cable  60  into the coaxial connector  200 . As with the embodiment described above, the amount of braided shield  68  may be too large for the coaxial cable to simply slip inside the coaxial cable connector  200 . Thus, the coaxial cable connector  200  compresses the braided shield  68  and jacket  70  around the coaxial cable  60 , providing grip to allow the coaxial cable  60  to be pulled into the coaxial connector  200 . As the coaxial cable  60  moves into the coaxial cable connector  200 , the inner conductor  62 , dielectric  64 , and outer conductor  66 , move toward the front end  226  of the tubular post  206  along the longitudinal axis A—A. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates the coaxial cable connector  200  with the coaxial cable  60  in a partially installed position. The coaxial cable jacket  70  and braided shield  68  have been pulled into the longitudinal opening  212  and into the annular cavity  222 . The coaxial cable jacket  70  and braided shield  68  have moved over the projections  230  on the tubular post  206 . The inner conductor  62 , dielectric  64 , and outer conductor  66  have continued to move along the longitudinal opening  232  of the tubular post  206  toward the front end  226 . 
   The coaxial cable  60  is fully inserted into the coaxial cable connector  200  in  FIG. 13 , but prior to axial compression. The coaxial cable jacket  70  and braided shield  68  are fully inserted into the outer body  202  and the inner conductor  62  extends through the coupling nut  208 , but the tubular post  206  remains in the forward position, with the thread  218  and the projections  230  axially displaced from one another. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates the coaxial cable connector  200  after compression, which can be done with standard tools and methods. In this configuration, the tubular post  206  has been moved relative to the coupling nut  208 , the outer body  202 , and the coaxial cable  60 . Preferably, the front end  226  of tubular post  206  is now even (flush) with the front end of the dielectric  62  (although that is not required, and might depend on the preparation technique for the cable and the skill of the technician). The rear end  228  of the tubular post  206  is now disposed at an axial position in line with the threaded region of the outer body and captures the cable jacket  70  and braided shield  68  between the projections  230  and the thread  218 . 
   Another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  300  is illustrated in  FIGS. 15–16 . Coaxial cable connector  300  has a hollow body  302  that has a longitudinal axis A—A. The hollow body  302  is preferably made from a metallic material, such as brass, and is preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as nickel. Alternatively, the hollow body  302  may be made of a plastic material, such as acetyl. At the front end  304  of coaxial cable connector  300  is a coupler, shown as embodied by a coupling nut  306 . The coupling nut  306  is shown with a generally hexagonal outer configuration with internal threads for engaging an appliance or junction having a terminal. The coupling nut  306  is also preferably made of a metallic material such as brass, it is preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as nickel. At the front end of hollow body  302  is a nut retainer  308  that secures the coupling nut  306  to the hollow body  302 . The nut retainer  308  is preferably made from the same material as the coupling nut  306 . The nut retainer  308  provides limited axial movement while allowing full rotational motion of the coupling nut  306 . Disposed within the nut retainer  308  is an insulator  320 . The insulator  320  provides mechanical support and a guide for centering a pin  322 . The insulator  320  also serves to electrically match the coaxial structure impedance of the connector, and is typically made of a nonconductive plastic material, such as acetyl. The pin  322  is preferably made of a metallic material, such as brass, and is plated with a conductive material, such as gold, tin, or nickel-tin. 
   A tubular post  324 , disposed within a longitudinal opening  326  of hollow body  302 , is preferably made from a metallic material such as brass, and is typically plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as tin or nickel-tin. The tubular post  324  has a front end  330  that engages the internal surface  328  of the hollow body  302  and a rear end  332  that preferably protrudes from the rear end  334  of the hollow body  302 . The outer surface  336  of the tubular post  324  has at least one projection  338  to engage the coaxial cable  60 . While three projections  338  are illustrated, there can be more or fewer and they may also have a helical configuration and still fall within the scope of the present invention. The projections may also be a thread as illustrated and described with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
   Disposed within the longitudinal opening  340  of tubular post  324  is a second insulator  342  that, in addition to insulator  320 , provides mechanical support for the pin  322 . It also acts as a guide for centering a pin  322  within the tubular post  324 . Second insulator  342  is preferably made from a non-conductive plastic material, such as acetyl. 
   A contact  344  is mounted internally in pin  322  by means of the press-fit to provide electrical and mechanical engagement between the pin  322  and the inner conductor  62  of the coaxial cable  60  with a spring clip. The contact  344  is preferably made from a resilient, conductive material, such as beryllium copper and plated with a conductive material, such as gold. 
   The coaxial cable connector  300  also has an outer body  346  that is slideably attached to the hollow body  302  by use of a press-fit. The outer body  346  is preferably made from a metallic material, such as brass, and is preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as nickel. As illustrated, the rear end  332  of tubular post  324  and a rear portion of hollow body  302  extend into a longitudinal opening  348  of outer body  346 . The rear end  350  of outer body  346  has a chamfered portion  352  to assist in guiding the coaxial cable  60  into the longitudinal opening  348 . Outer body  346  of coaxial cable connector  300  also has at least one thread  356  on the internal surface  358  adjacent the rear end  350 . The thread  356  illustrated in the embodiment in  FIGS. 15–16  has at least two complete, contiguous turns, but the thread  356  may have fewer or more, and the thread  356  may also be interrupted (i.e., not continuous) and still come within the scope of the present invention. As illustrated in the figures and as discussed above with reference to the other figures, the thread  356  acts like an auger to pull the coaxial cable  60  and braided shield  68  into the longitudinal opening  348  and particularly an annular cavity  360  formed by the outer surface  336  of the tubular post  324  and the inner surface  364  of the hollow body  302 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the coaxial cable  60 , having been prepared as is known in the art, is inserted into the longitudinal opening  348  of the outer body  346 . The chamfered portion  352  assists directing the outer portion of the coaxial cable into the longitudinal opening  348 . The inner conductor  62  engages the contact  344  of the pin  322 . 
   The coaxial cable connector  300  is then rotated relative to the coaxial cable  60 , causing the thread  356  to engage the braided shield  68  and cable jacket  70 . The thread  356  acts like an auger to pull the coaxial cable  60  into the coaxial connector  300 . As noted above, the amount of braided shield  68  may be too large for the coaxial cable to simply slip inside the coaxial cable connector  300 . Thus, the coaxial cable connector  300  compresses the braided shield  68  and jacket  70  around the coaxial cable  60 , providing grip to allow the coaxial cable  60  to be pulled into the coaxial connector  300 . As can also be seen in  FIG. 16 , the front end of the dielectric  64  engages the rear end of the second insulator  342 . As the coaxial cable  60  moves into the coaxial cable connector  300 , the second insulator  342 , the contact  344  (which is now in electrical communication with the inner conductor  62 ), and the pin  322  also move toward the front end  304  of the coaxial cable connector  300  along the longitudinal axis A—A as the dielectric  64  pushes the second insulator  342 . 
   Once the coaxial cable  60  is as forward in the coaxial connector  300  as possible (as is the pin  322  in the coupling nut  316  and in a similar fashion as with the first embodiment), if the coaxial connector  300  is continued to be rotated relative to the coaxial cable  60 , the thread  356  will pull the braided shield  68  more fully into the coaxial cable connector  300 . 
   Once the coaxial cable connector  300  is correctly positioned on the coaxial cable  60  and the braided shield is drawn into the coaxial cable connector  300  (if so desired, or the extra braided shield  68  could be cut off), the coaxial cable connector  300  is axially compressed as is known in the art. The compression of the coaxial cable connector  300  causes the outer body  346  and hollow body  302  to move axially toward each other along axis A—A. The thread  356  will retain at least a portion of the braided shield  68  and jacket  70  as the outer body  346  moves forward relative to the coaxial cable  60  and into the annular cavity  360 . As compression continues, a forward sloping portion  360  of the internal surface  358  of the outer body  346  engages the rear  334  of the hollow body  302  and deforms forward sloping portion  360  radially inward to engage the braided shield  68  and the cable jacket  70 . The rear  334  of the outer body  346  may also be positioned between the thread  356  of the outer body  348  and the shielded braid  68  and/or cable jacket  70 , as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . As can be seen in  FIG. 16  (and as with the other embodiments), the thread  356  is axially positioned over the at least one projection  338  on the tubular post  324  to provide further grip between the coaxial cable  60  (and particularly the shielded braid  68  and cable jacket  70 ) and the coaxial cable connector  300 . The shielded braid is also present in the annular cavity  360 . 
   Another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  400  according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The coaxial cable connector  400  has a BNC interface, known in the art. However, there are differences in the coaxial cable connector  400  according to the present invention and prior art BNC connectors. The coaxial cable connector  400  has a longitudinal axis A—A and a hollow body  402 . The hollow body  402  is preferably made from a metallic material, such as brass, and is preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as nickel. 
   A tubular post  404 , disposed within a longitudinal opening  406  of hollow body  402 , is preferably made from a metallic material such as brass and is typically plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as tin or nickel-tin. The tubular post  404  has a front end  408  that engages the internal surface  410  of the hollow body  402  and a rear end  412  that preferably protrudes from the rear end  414  of the hollow body  404 . The outer surface  416  of the tubular post  404  has at least one projection  418  to engage a coaxial cable. While three projections  418  are illustrated, here can be more or fewer and they may also have a helical configuration and still fall within the scope of the present invention. The projections may also be a thread as illustrated and described with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
   Disposed within the longitudinal opening  420  of tubular post  404  is a second insulator  424  that provides mechanical support for a pin  426 . It also acts as a guide for centering a pin  426  within the tubular post  404 . Second insulator  424  is preferably made from a non-conductive plastic material, such as acetyl. 
   A contact  428  is mounted internally in pin  426  by means of the press-fit to provide electrical and mechanical engagement between the pin  426  and the inner conductor  62  of the coaxial cable  60  with a spring clip. The contact  428  is preferably made from a resilient, conductive material, such as beryllium copper and plated with a conductive material, such as gold. 
   The coaxial cable connector  400  has an outer body  430  that is slideably mounted to the outer body  402  by use of barb/press-fit configuration. The outer body  430  is preferably made from a plastic material such as acetyl, but may also be constructed of an appropriate metallic material. As illustrated, the rear end  412  of tubular post  404  extends into a longitudinal opening  432  of outer body  430 . The rear end  434  of outer body  430  has a chamfered portion  436  to assist in directing a coaxial cable into the outer body  430 . Outer body  430  of coaxial cable connector  400  also has at least one thread  440  on the internal surface  442  adjacent the rear end  434 . The thread  440  illustrated in the embodiment in  FIG. 17  has two complete, contiguous turns, but the thread  440  may have fewer or more, and the thread  440  may also be interrupted (i.e., not continuous) and still come within the scope of the present invention. As illustrated in the figures and as discussed above with reference to the other figures, the thread  440  acts like an auger to pull the coaxial cable and braided shield into the longitudinal opening  432  and particularly an annular cavity  446  formed by the outer surface  416  of the tubular post  404  and the internal surface  442  of the outer body  430 . 
   A shell  450  is press-fit over the outer body  430  to provide additional mechanical strength to the outer body  430 . The shell  450  is preferably made of in the metal material, while the outer body  430  is typically made from a plastic material. The coaxial cable connector  400  may also have a label  452  to identify the coaxial cable connector  400 . 
   As with the previous embodiments and particularly the first embodiment of coaxial cable connector  100  in  FIGS. 2–7 , the coaxial cable connector  400  is attached to a coaxial cable in the same manner as described above. 
   Threads on the internal surface of the outer body in any of the embodiments disclosed herein may have left-handed or right-handed rotational orientation. For example, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17  has threads with one given orientation, while other embodiments in other figures have an opposite orientation. 
   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.