Abstract:
Provided is a cable assembly backshell capable of three angular configurations: straight, 45°, and 90°. The backshell is designed to rotate at two joints that allow it to assume these three angular configurations. A locking mechanism is associated with the backshell which prevents unintended reconfigurations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PUBLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation application and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/158,236, filed Jan. 17, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/754,072, filed Jan. 18, 2013, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to backshell connectors used to interconnect a cable, wire, or fiber optic cable to an electrical component. One embodiment of the present invention is a cable assembly backshell having a connector piece, a union piece, and a cable entry piece. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Connectors that interconnect a cable, wire, or fiber optic cable to an electrical component frequently include a backshell. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that a “backshell” is a rear portion of a connector, which is normally separate from a connector head that interfaces with the electronic component. Backshells are used to secure the cable via a clamp to the end of the connector. More specifically, a connector backshell is designed to be placed around that portion of a connector (the “plug” or “receptacle”) which contains the facilities for attaching wires or cables. A backshell may be designed to provide the necessary accommodations between an electrical cable clamping device and an electrical connector shell, or the backshell may include the clamping device. A backshell may also be used for shielding against electrical interference, mechanical injury, or physical damage due to environmental conditions. Some backshells include a strain-relieving cable clamp to secure the cable to the backshell and connector, which prevents the cable from separating from the backshell. 
     Backshells are used with copper cable, copper wire, or fiber optic cable connectors. Some backshells can be angled to orient a cable at a predetermined angle to the face of the electrical component to which the cable is interconnected. Angled backshells provide separation between different cables, accommodate using connectors in tight spaces, reduce stain on the cables, and reduce inadvertent movement or bending of the cables. Angled backshells are generally provided in three standard configurations: 0°, 45°, and 90°. These three standard configurations have been found to accommodate most design requirements for connections between a connector and an electrical component. However, angled backshells produced in these standard configurations are generally not interchangeable which limits their usefulness. Further, suppliers must stock backshells for each type of connector (copper cable or fiber optic cable) and entry angle, which increases inventory costs and storage space requirements. Contractors must also calculate and obtain the required amount of each type of angled backshell, which requires storing and controlling each type of backshell. Technicians working with the backshells must maintain backshells of each type at the job site. If an insufficient number of a backshell of a particular angular configuration are ordered by the contractor, or if the technician exhausts a backshell supply of one angular configuration, work may stop until the more required backshells are delivered. 
     Several types of backshells have been designed to address these issues and to provide a backshell that may be used for multiple types of connectors and cable angle entry. One design includes adapters made of semi-circular sections formed in various angles. An example of this type of connector is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 3,944,317, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Although the adapter of this design may allow the backshell to be used in various angles, the design further complicates inventory and control problems by using small, loose adapters of various angles and sizes. Further, the small adapters can be inadvertently introduced into the electrical component by the technician, which may cause damage to the component. Identification and removal of misplaced adapters from electrical components can be difficult and time consuming, further negatively impacting efficiency. 
     Other backshells can pivot to various angles. Examples of pivoting backshells are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,419,402, 7,862,369, and 7,997,923, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Backshells of these designs have a pivot point used to adjust the angle of the backshell. However, when the backshell is pivoted, the contained cable may be bent sharply and therefore these pivoting backshells may not be suitable for use with some types of cables. In addition, these backshells only articulate in one plane, which limits their use. The backshells also fail to fully protect the cable which may be exposed within the pivot arms unless a separate shield is utilized over this area. 
     A design with a rotatable body is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,435,066, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. This backshell has a rotatable joint that can be used to position the ends of the backshell at various angles to each other. However, because this backshell has only one rotating joint, some intended cable installations may not be possible. The backshell also has many exposed edges proximate to the rotatable joint that could damage a cable. Therefore, this rotating backshell is not suitable for some types of electrical or fiber optic cables. 
     Accordingly, there is an unmet need for a cable assembly backshell that improves efficiency of usage through reduced inventory, has no loose parts, is easy to adjust and reconfigure in the field, and is substantially sealed to provide environmental and radio frequency protection. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention contemplate a novel cable assembly backshell that has two rotatable joints. Thus, efficiency is improved by reducing inventory requirements as the backshell can be reconfigured and adjusted in the field to fit several standard angular configurations. The cable assembly backshell is generally comprised of a connector piece, a cable entry piece, and a union piece that interconnects the connector and cable entry pieces. The connector piece and the cable entry piece each have one end angled at approximately 22.5° and one straight end. The union piece has two ends angled at approximately 22.5°. The angled ends of the connector piece and the cable entry piece are each rotatably interconnected to the angled ends of the union piece to form two rotatable joints. By rotating the connector piece and the cable entry piece, the straight ends of the backshell can be positioned in four configurations: a straight configuration, two 45° configurations, and a 90° configuration. The present invention also generally relates to other areas of the electrical connection field such as d-subminiature connectors and other rectangular connector fields that may utilize the multi-angular connectors of the present invention. 
     A locking mechanism is included to prevent inadvertent or unintended reconfiguration of the backshell. The locking mechanism is contained by the union piece to prevent movement of the locking mechanism when it is in a locked position. It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide smooth angle transitions for fiber optic cable and copper cables with maximum bending radii requirements. The internal surfaces of the backshell have no sharp edges that could damage a cable in the backshell. 
     It is one aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a cable assembly backshell having no loose parts or components that may be dropped or lost, which reduces or eliminates foreign object damage to electrical components. The cable assembly backshell can easily be reconfigured in the field with an adapter to adjust from copper to fiber optic connector types and vice versa on both the connector piece and the cable entry piece. 
     In one embodiment, a rotatable cable assembly backshell is provided. The rotatable cable assembly backshell includes a connector piece with a first cylindrical body extending along a first longitudinal axis. The first cylindrical body has a first hollow interior and a first end oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the first longitudinal axis and a second end oriented at an angle of approximately 67.5 degrees to the first longitudinal axis. The first end is adapted to interconnect with a cable connector or connector head. The rotatable cable assembly backshell further includes a union piece with a second cylindrical body extending along a second longitudinal axis. The second cylindrical body has a second hollow interior and a third end oriented at an angle of approximately 67.5 degrees to the second longitudinal axis, the third end interconnected to the second end of the connector piece at a first rotatable joint. The second cylindrical body of the union piece has a fourth end oriented at an angle of approximately 112.5 degrees to the second longitudinal axis. The rotatable cable assembly backshell further includes a cable entry piece having a third cylindrical body extending along a third longitudinal axis. The third cylindrical body has a third hollow interior and a fifth end oriented at an angle of approximately 112.5 degrees to the third longitudinal axis, the fifth end interconnected to the fourth end of the union piece at a second rotatable joint. The third cylindrical body further includes a sixth end oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the third longitudinal axis, the sixth end adapted to interconnect to a cable terminator. 
     In one embodiment, a cable terminator comprises a copper cable terminator and the cable connector comprises a copper cable connector. In another embodiment, the cable terminator comprises a fiber optic cable terminator and the cable connector comprises a fiber optic cable connector. In some embodiments of the rotatable cable assembly backshell of the present invention, the first hollow interior of the connector piece, first rotatable joint, the second hollow interior of the union piece, the second rotatable joint, and the third hollow interior of the cable entry piece have smooth interior surfaces with no sharp edges. In another embodiment, the cable connector and the connector piece are combined to form a combined connector piece. In another embodiment, the cable terminator and the cable entry piece are combined to form a combined cable entry piece. 
     It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent rotation or movement of the connector piece and the cable entry piece relative to the union piece. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a first pair of diametrically opposed grooves formed in the first cylindrical body of the connector piece adjacent to the second end and a second pair of diametrically opposed grooves formed in the third cylindrical body of the cable entry piece adjacent to the fifth end. The locking mechanism further comprises a hole (which could comprise a cavity) in the second cylindrical body of the union piece, a retaining ring substantially centered on the hole in the second cylindrical body, the retaining ring having an interior diameter. A fastener with a cylindrical shaft and a protrusion on the cylindrical shaft is adapted to engage a slot in the hole to releasably interconnect the fastener to the union piece in an engaged position. The protrusion has an exterior diameter greater than the interior diameter of the retaining ring and the fastener is secured to the union piece when the protrusion on the cylindrical shaft is disengaged from the slot in the hole. A locking knob is interconnected to the cylindrical shaft of the fastener. The connector piece and the cable entry piece can rotate freely relative to the union piece when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position wherein the protrusion of the fastener is disengaged from the slot in the hole. When the locking mechanism is in a locked position, the protrusion of the fastener is engaged in the slot in the hole and the locking knob fits into one of the first pair of diametrically opposed grooves and one of the second pair of diametrically opposed grooves thus preventing the first rotatable joint and the second rotatable joint from rotating. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a rotatable cable assembly backshell is provided, the method generally comprising (1) forming a connector piece having a first cylindrical body extending along a first longitudinal axis, the first cylindrical body having a first hollow interior and a first end oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the first longitudinal axis, the first end adapted to interconnect with a cable connector or connector head, the first cylindrical body having a second end oriented at an angle of approximately 67.5 degrees to the first longitudinal axis; (2) forming a union piece having a second cylindrical body extending along a second longitudinal axis, the second cylindrical body having a second hollow interior and a third end oriented at an angle of approximately 67.5 degrees to the second longitudinal axis, the second cylindrical body having a fourth end oriented at an angle of approximately 112.5 degrees to the second longitudinal axis; (3) forming a cable entry piece having a third cylindrical body extending along a third longitudinal axis, the third cylindrical body having a third hollow interior and a fifth end oriented at an angle of approximately 112.5 degrees to the third longitudinal axis, the third cylindrical body having a sixth end oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the third longitudinal axis, the sixth end adapted to interconnect to a cable terminator; (4) interconnecting the second end of the connector piece to the third end of the union piece forming a first rotatable joint; and (5) interconnecting the fourth end of the union piece to the fifth end of the cable entry piece forming a second rotatable joint. While a general order of the method is described, it shall be understood that the method can include more or fewer elements or the order of the elements may be arranged differently than described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Optionally, the method may further comprise (6) interconnecting the first end of the connector piece to a cable connector; (7) interconnecting the sixth end of the cable entry piece to a cable terminator; and (8) forming a locking mechanism interconnected to the union piece, the locking mechanism operable to prevent inadvertent rotation of the connector piece and the cable entry piece relative to the union piece by engaging grooves formed in the first cylindrical body of the connector piece and the third cylindrical body of the cable entry piece. Optionally, a connector head or cable connector may be formed in the first end of the connector piece to form a combined connector piece and a cable terminator may be formed in the six end of the cable entry piece to form a combined cable entry piece. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of interconnecting a cable to an electrical component, the method generally comprising (1) providing a rotatable cable assembly backshell, the rotatable cable assembly backshell comprising: a connector piece having a first end and a second end; a union piece having a third end and a fourth end, the third end interconnected to the second end of the connector piece at a first rotatable joint; a cable entry piece having a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end interconnected to the fourth end of the union piece at a second rotatable joint; and a locking mechanism operable to prevent inadvertent rotation of the connector piece and the cable entry piece relative to the union piece; (2) interconnecting an end of the cable to a selected cable terminator; (3) interconnecting the selected cable terminator to the sixth end of the cable entry piece; (4) interconnecting a selected cable connector to the first end of the connector piece; (5) positioning the rotatable cable assembly backshell adjacent to a receptacle of the electrical component; (6) inserting the selected cable connector into the receptacle of the electrical component; (7) rotating the connector piece and the cable entry piece relative to the union piece to a predetermined angle; and (8) positioning the locking mechanism in a locked position. Optionally, the method of interconnecting the cable to the electrical component may further include (9) selecting a copper cable terminator or a fiber optic cable terminator to interconnect to the sixth; and (10) selecting a copper cable connector or a fiber optic cable connector to interconnect to the first end. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a cable assembly backshell environmentally sealed to function in hot, cold, dusty, wet, marine, and salty climates without degradation of operational characteristics or damage to electrical components. The cable assembly backshell of one embodiment has metallic plating on all exterior surfaces and all joints are sealed with o-rings. Alternatively, the exterior surfaces may be coated with a durable sealant to protect the surfaces from adverse environmental conditions. The plating or coatings prevent damage or degradation of the surfaces of the backshell. Further, the plating and/or coatings, and the seals prevent foreign objects and contaminates from entering the interior of the backshell. The contemplated cable assembly backshell provides radio frequency interference protection with 360° electrical bonding at both rotating joints and the connector piece and the cable entry piece. 
     It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a rotatable cable assembly backshell, comprising: a connector piece having a first cylindrical body extending along a first longitudinal axis, the first cylindrical body having a first hollow interior and a first end oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the first longitudinal axis, the first end adapted to interconnect with a cable connector, the first cylindrical body having a second end oriented at an angle of approximately 67.5 degrees to the first longitudinal axis; a union piece having a second cylindrical body extending along a second longitudinal axis, the second cylindrical body having a second hollow interior and a third end oriented at an angle of approximately 67.5 degrees to the second longitudinal axis, the third end interconnected to the second end of the connector piece at a first rotatable joint, the second cylindrical body having a fourth end oriented at an angle of approximately 112.5 degrees to the second longitudinal axis; and a cable entry piece having a third cylindrical body extending along a third longitudinal axis, the third cylindrical body having a third hollow interior and a fifth end oriented at an angle of approximately 112.5 degrees to the third longitudinal axis, the fifth end interconnected to the fourth end of the union piece at a second rotatable joint, the third cylindrical body having a sixth end oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the third longitudinal axis, the sixth end adapted to interconnect to a cable terminator. 
     It is yet another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of forming a rotatable cable assembly backshell, comprising: forming a connector piece having a first cylindrical body extending along a first longitudinal axis, the first cylindrical body having a first hollow interior and a first end oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the first longitudinal axis, the first end adapted to interconnect with a cable connector, the first cylindrical body having a second end oriented at an angle of approximately 67.5 degrees to the first longitudinal axis; forming a union piece having a second cylindrical body extending along a second longitudinal axis, the second cylindrical body having a second hollow interior and a third end oriented at an angle of approximately 67.5 degrees to the second longitudinal axis, the second cylindrical body having a fourth end oriented at an angle of approximately 112.5 degrees to the second longitudinal axis; forming a cable entry piece having a third cylindrical body extending along a third longitudinal axis, the third cylindrical body having a third hollow interior and a fifth end oriented at an angle of approximately 112.5 degrees to the third longitudinal axis, the third cylindrical body having a sixth end oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the third longitudinal axis, the sixth end adapted to interconnect to a cable terminator; interconnecting the second end of the connector piece to the third end of the union piece thereby forming a first rotatable joint; and interconnecting the fourth end of the union piece to the fifth end of the cable entry piece thereby forming a second rotatable joint. 
     It is still yet another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of interconnecting a cable to an electrical component, the method comprising: providing a rotatable cable assembly backshell, the rotatable cable assembly backshell comprising: a connector piece having a first end and a second end; a union piece having a third end and a fourth end, the third end interconnected to the second end of the connector piece at a first rotatable joint; a cable entry piece having a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end interconnected to the fourth end of the union piece at a second rotatable joint; and a locking mechanism operable to prevent inadvertent movement of the connector piece and the cable entry piece relative to the union piece; interconnecting an end of the cable to a selected cable terminator; interconnecting the selected cable terminator to the sixth end of the cable entry piece; interconnecting a selected cable connector to the first end of the connector piece; positioning the rotatable cable assembly backshell adjacent to a receptacle of the electrical component; inserting the selected cable connector into the receptacle of the electrical component; rotating the connector piece and the cable entry piece relative to the union piece to a predetermined angle; and positioning the locking mechanism in a locked position. 
     These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described below. Further, the Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as representing the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention, and, in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of the invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, explain the principles of the disclosures. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a cable assembly backshell according to one embodiment of the present invention in a straight configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 1  in a first 45° configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 1  in a 90° configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 1  in a second 45° configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 1  with a fiber optic cable terminator; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 1  with one embodiment of a cable terminator; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are section views of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 4  with a fiber optic terminator; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a cable assembly backshell according to another embodiment of the present invention in a straight configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 8  in a first 45° configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 8  in a 90° configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 8  in a second 45° configuration; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 8  with a copper cable terminator; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 8  with one embodiment of a cable terminator; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are section views of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 8  with a fiber optic cable terminator; 
         FIG. 15A  is an isometric view of a cable assembly backshell according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in a straight configuration; 
         FIG. 15B  is a front elevation view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16A  is an isometric view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 15A  in a first 45° configuration; 
         FIG. 16B  is a front elevation view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 17A  is an isometric view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 15A  in a 90° configuration; 
         FIG. 17B  is a front elevation view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 18A  is an isometric view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 15A  in a second 45° configuration; 
         FIG. 18B  is a front elevation view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 18A ; and 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the cable assembly backshell of  FIG. 15A . 
     
    
    
     To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention, the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided below: 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Number 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                 Cable assembly backshell 
               
               
                 4 
                 Connector piece 
               
               
                 6 
                 First cylindrical body 
               
               
                 8 
                 First longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 10 
                 First end 
               
               
                 11 
                 Angle 
               
               
                 12 
                 Cable connector 
               
               
                 14 
                 Second end 
               
               
                 16 
                 Union piece 
               
               
                 18 
                 Second cylindrical body 
               
               
                 20 
                 Second longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 22 
                 First rotatable joint 
               
               
                 24 
                 Third end 
               
               
                 26 
                 Fourth end 
               
               
                 28 
                 Cable entry piece 
               
               
                 30 
                 Third cylindrical body 
               
               
                 32 
                 Third longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 34 
                 Second rotatable joint 
               
               
                 36 
                 Fifth end 
               
               
                 38 
                 Sixth end 
               
               
                 39 
                 Threaded portion 
               
               
                 40 
                 Cable terminator 
               
               
                 42 
                 Locking mechanism 
               
               
                 44 
                 Grooves 
               
               
                 46 
                 Cylindrical housing 
               
               
                 48 
                 First spacer 
               
               
                 50 
                 Second spacer 
               
               
                 52 
                 Threaded connector 
               
               
                 54 
                 Terminator end piece 
               
               
                 56 
                 O-rings 
               
               
                 58 
                 First flexible ring 
               
               
                 60 
                 Barrel spacer 
               
               
                 62 
                 Flanges 
               
               
                 63 
                 Clamp 
               
               
                 64 
                 Second flexible ring 
               
               
                 65 
                 Screw 
               
               
                 66 
                 End piece 
               
               
                 67 
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 68 
                 Shaft 
               
               
                 69 
                 Head 
               
               
                 70 
                 Hole 
               
               
                 71 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 72 
                 Retaining ring 
               
               
                 73 
                 Protrusion 
               
               
                 74 
                 Locking knob 
               
               
                 76 
                 Extensions 
               
               
                 78 
                 Connector extension 
               
               
                 80 
                 Cable entry extension 
               
               
                 82 
                 Semicircular track 
               
               
                 83 
                 Ball bearing 
               
               
                 84 
                 Semi-circular grooves 
               
               
                 86 
                 Wire entry hole 
               
               
                 90 
                 Cable adapter 
               
               
                 102 
                 Cable assembly backshell 
               
               
                 104 
                 Connector piece 
               
               
                 106 
                 First cylindrical body 
               
               
                 108 
                 First longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 110 
                 First end 
               
               
                 112 
                 Cable connector 
               
               
                 114 
                 Second end 
               
               
                 116 
                 Union piece 
               
               
                 118 
                 Second cylindrical body 
               
               
                 120 
                 Second longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 122 
                 First rotatable joint 
               
               
                 124 
                 Third end 
               
               
                 126 
                 Fourth end 
               
               
                 128 
                 Cable entry piece 
               
               
                 130 
                 Third cylindrical body 
               
               
                 132 
                 Third longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 134 
                 Second rotatable joint 
               
               
                 136 
                 Fifth end 
               
               
                 138 
                 Sixth end 
               
               
                 139 
                 Threaded portion 
               
               
                 140 
                 Cable terminator 
               
               
                 142 
                 Locking mechanism 
               
               
                 144 
                 Grooves 
               
               
                 146 
                 First ring 
               
               
                 147 
                 Second ring 
               
               
                 148 
                 Threaded connector 
               
               
                 150 
                 Third ring 
               
               
                 152 
                 Fourth ring 
               
               
                 154 
                 Terminator end piece 
               
               
                 156 
                 Clamp 
               
               
                 157 
                 Screw 
               
               
                 158 
                 Flanged spacer 
               
               
                 160 
                 Flexible ring 
               
               
                 162 
                 First ring 
               
               
                 164 
                 Second ring 
               
               
                 166 
                 End piece 
               
               
                 167 
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 168 
                 Shaft 
               
               
                 169 
                 Head 
               
               
                 170 
                 Threaded hole 
               
               
                 172 
                 Retaining ring 
               
               
                 173 
                 Protrusion 
               
               
                 174 
                 Locking knob 
               
               
                 176 
                 Extensions 
               
               
                 178 
                 Connector piece extension 
               
               
                 180 
                 Cable entry piece extension 
               
               
                 182 
                 Grooves 
               
               
                 184 
                 Ball bearing 
               
               
                 186 
                 Semi-circular grooves 
               
               
                 188 
                 Semi-circular grooves 
               
               
                 190 
                 Cable adapter 
               
               
                 202 
                 Cable assembly backshell 
               
               
                 204 
                 Connector piece 
               
               
                 206 
                 First cylindrical body 
               
               
                 208 
                 First longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 210 
                 First end 
               
               
                 212 
                 Cable connector 
               
               
                 214 
                 Second end 
               
               
                 216 
                 Union piece 
               
               
                 218 
                 Second cylindrical body 
               
               
                 220 
                 Second longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 222 
                 First rotatable joint 
               
               
                 224 
                 Third end 
               
               
                 226 
                 Fourth end 
               
               
                 228 
                 Cable entry piece 
               
               
                 230 
                 Third cylindrical body 
               
               
                 232 
                 Third longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 234 
                 Second rotatable joint 
               
               
                 236 
                 Fifth end 
               
               
                 238 
                 Sixth end 
               
               
                 239 
                 Threaded portion 
               
               
                 240 
                 Cable terminator 
               
               
                 242 
                 Locking mechanism 
               
               
                 244 
                 Grooves 
               
               
                 246 
                 Collar 
               
               
                 248 
                 Closure 
               
               
                 250 
                 First cylinder 
               
               
                 252 
                 First spacer 
               
               
                 254 
                 Second spacer 
               
               
                 256 
                 Ring 
               
               
                 258 
                 Flexible ring 
               
               
                 260 
                 Terminator end piece 
               
               
                 262 
                 Clamps 
               
               
                 264 
                 Screw 
               
               
                 276 
                 Extensions 
               
               
                 290 
                 Cable adapter 
               
               
                 292 
                 Body 
               
               
                 294 
                 Threads 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should also be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a rotatable cable assembly backshell  2  of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in a straight configuration. The backshell  2  has a connector piece  4  with a first cylindrical body  6  generally extending along a first longitudinal axis  8 . The first cylindrical body  6  has a first hollow interior and a first end  10  oriented at an angle  11 A of approximately 90° to the first longitudinal axis  8 . The first end  10  is interconnected to a connector head or cable connector  12 , which in  FIG. 1  is adapted to interconnect to a fiber optic cable. Alternatively, a cable connector  12  adapted to interconnect to a copper cable may be interconnected to the cable assembly backshell  2 . A cable adapter  90  of one embodiment of the present invention is interconnected to the cable connector  12 . Cable adapters  90  of different configurations adapted to function with cables of different sizes and/or different types (such as fiber optic cables or copper cables) may be interconnected to the cable connector  12  of the present invention. Cable adapters are described in more detail in conjunction with  FIG. 19 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the cable connector  12  can be incorporated into the connector piece  4  without departing from the scope of the present invention. The first cylindrical body  6  has a second end  14  oriented at an angle  11 B of approximately 67.5° to the first longitudinal axis  8 . 
     A union piece  16  comprising a second cylindrical body  18  generally extending along a second longitudinal axis  20 , which in this configuration corresponds with the first longitudinal axis  8 , is interconnected to the connector piece  4  at a first rotatable joint  22 . The second cylindrical body  18  has a second hollow interior and a third end  24  oriented at an angle  11 B of approximately 67.5° to the second longitudinal axis  20 . The third end  24  is interconnected to the second end  14  of the connector piece  4  at the first rotatable joint  22 . The second cylindrical body  18  has a fourth end  26  oriented at an angle  11 C of approximately 112.5° to the second longitudinal axis  20 . 
     A cable entry piece  28  having a third cylindrical body  30  generally extending along a third longitudinal axis  32 , which in this configuration corresponds with the first longitudinal axis  8  and the second longitudinal axis  20 , is interconnected to the union piece  16  at a second rotatable joint  34 . The third cylindrical body  30  has a third hollow interior and a fifth end  36  oriented at an angle  11 C of approximately 112.5° to the third longitudinal axis  32 . The fifth end  36  is interconnected to the fourth end  26  of the union piece  16  at the second rotatable joint  34 . The third cylindrical body  30  has a sixth end  38  oriented at an angle  11 A of approximately 90° to the third longitudinal axis  32 . The sixth end  38  is interconnected to a cable terminator  40 . The cable assembly backshell  2  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is illustrated interconnected to a fiber optic cable connector  12  and a fiber optic cable terminator  40 ; however, a cable connector and a cable terminator adapted for a copper cable may optionally be interconnected to the backshell  2 . As appreciated by one of skill in the art, the cable terminator  40  and the cable entry piece  28  can be combined into one cable entry piece  28  without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The cable assembly backshell  2  has a locking mechanism  42  to prevent inadvertent or unintended rotation of the connector piece  4  and the cable entry piece  28  relative to the union piece  16 . The locking mechanism  42  is described in more detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Two diametrically opposed grooves  44 A and  44 B (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) are formed in the first cylindrical body  6  of the connector piece  4 . Two more diametrically opposed grooves  44 C and  44 D (illustrated in  FIG. 7A ) are formed in the third cylindrical body  30  of the cable entry piece  28 . Two extensions  76  of the locking mechanism  42  fit into the grooves  44  when the locking mechanism  42  is positioned in a locked configuration to prevent movement of the connector piece  4  and the cable entry piece  28 . Optionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, more grooves  44  may be formed in the first cylindrical body  6  and the third cylindrical body  30  to enable the locking mechanism  42  to lock the connector piece  4  and the cable entry piece  28  in additional angular configurations. For example, in one embodiment, grooves  44  are formed approximately every 10° around the circumference of the first cylindrical body  6  of the connector piece  4  proximate to the second end and around the circumference of the third cylindrical body  30  of the cable entry piece  28  proximate the fifth end  36 . 
     The exterior surfaces of the cable assembly backshell  2  are coated to protect the surfaces from damage caused by exposure to adverse environmental conditions. The coatings may comprise metallic plating on exterior surfaces of the bodies  6 ,  18 ,  30  of the connector piece  4 , union piece  16 , and the cable entry piece  28 , respectively. Alternatively, the exterior surfaces may be coated with a sealant. Further, seals are provided between all joints of the backshell. The seals may comprise o-rings (illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 6, and 7A ) to seal the first and second rotatable joints  22 ,  34 , the interconnections between the connector piece  4  and the cable connector  12  and between the cable entry piece  28  and the cable terminator  40 . The plating and the seals provide a barrier that protects the cable assembly backshell  2  from moisture, salt spray, and infiltration by dust or other foreign objects and contaminants. 
     The cable assembly backshell  2  also has electrical bonding between the cable connector  12 , the connector piece  4 , the union piece  16 , the cable entry piece  28 , and the cable terminator  40 . The electrical bonding protects the backshell  2  and components it is interconnected to from radio frequency interference and provides electrical grounding across all components of the backshell  102 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the cable assembly backshell  2  of  FIG. 1  is illustrated in a first 45° configuration. The connector piece  4  and the union piece  16  are in the same angular relationship as illustrated in  FIG. 1  where the first longitudinal axis  8  and the second longitudinal axis  20  are coincident. Here the cable entry piece  28  has been rotated 180° about the first longitudinal axis  8 , which positions the third longitudinal axis  32  approximately 45° clockwise relative to the first longitudinal axis  8 . Thus, the first end  10  is oriented at an angle  11 D of approximately 45° to the sixth end  38 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the cable assembly backshell  2  in a 90° configuration. The union piece  16  and the cable entry piece  28  are in the same orientation to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 2  when the third longitudinal axis  32  is angled approximately 45° from the second longitudinal axis  20 . The connector piece  4  has been rotated 180° about the second longitudinal axis  20 , which positions the first longitudinal axis  8  approximately 45° clockwise relative to the second longitudinal axis  20 . Thus, the first end  10  is oriented at an angle  11 A of approximately 90° to the sixth end  38 . 
     A second 45° configuration of the cable assembly backshell  2  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The connector piece  4  is in the same orientation regarding the union piece  16  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The cable entry piece  28  has been rotated 180° back to the position of the cable entry piece  28  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , orienting the first end  10  at an angle  11 D of approximately 45° to the sixth end  38 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an exploded view of the cable assembly backshell  2  of the present invention is illustrated with a fiber optic cable terminator  40 . The cable terminator  40  has a hollow cylindrical housing  46  with threads formed on an interior surface at each end of the housing  46 , a first spacer  48  with internal threads, a second spacer  50 , a threaded connector  52 , and a threaded terminator end piece  54 . O-rings  56  are positioned between all connections to form a seal to prevent contaminates from entering into the interior of the backshell  2 .  FIG. 5  also illustrates a threaded portion  39  formed on an exterior surface portion of the third cylindrical body  30  proximate the sixth end  38 . A hole  86  is illustrated in the union piece  16  for installation of a wire used to interconnect the connector piece  4 , union piece  16 , and the cable entry piece  28 . 
     An exploded view of the cable assembly backshell  2  with another embodiment of a cable terminator  40 A is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The cable terminator  40 A has a first flexible ring  58 , a barrel spacer  60  with flanges  62  at each end, a second flexible ring  64 , and an end piece  66  with internal threads an end proximate to the sixth end  38  of the cable entry piece  28 . The end piece  66  includes a clamp  63  that can be adjusted with a screw  65 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a section view of the cable assembly backshell  2  with a fiber optic cable terminator  40 . The locking mechanism  42  is illustrated in a locked position wherein a fastener  67  is engaged in a hole  70  in the second cylindrical body  18  of the union piece  16 .  FIG. 7B  is a detail view of the locking mechanism  42  in an unlocked position. The fastener  67  has a cylindrical shaft  68  adapted to be inserted into and retained in the hole  70 . A ring or protrusion  73  is positioned on the cylindrical shaft  68  of the fastener  67 . In one embodiment, the protrusion  73  fits into a slot formed in the hole  70  when the locking mechanism  42  is in the locked position to interconnect the fastener  67  to the second cylindrical body  18  of the union piece  16 . In another embodiment, threads are formed on the cylindrical shaft  68  of the fastener  67  to engage threads formed in the hole  70  to interconnect the fastener  67  to the cylindrical body  18  when the locking mechanism is in the locked position. 
     A head  69  with a lip  71  is formed at an outer end of the cylindrical shaft  68  of the fastener  67 . A retaining ring  72  is formed on the second cylindrical body  18  of the union piece  16 , the retaining ring  72  centered on the hole  70 . The protrusion  73  on the cylindrical shaft  68  of the fastener  67  has a larger diameter than the retaining ring  72  and the fastener  67  is secured to the second cylindrical body  18  of the union piece  16 . The locking mechanism  42  includes a locking knob  74  interconnected to the union piece  16  by the head  69  of the fastener  67 . The locking knob  74  has two wings or extensions  76  adapted to fit into the grooves  44  of the connector piece  4  and the cable entry piece  28  when the locking mechanism  42  is in the locked position as illustrated in  FIG. 7A . 
     When the fastener is disengaged from the hole  70 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the locking mechanism  42  is in the unlocked position and the locking knob  74 , first rotatable joint  22 , and the second rotatable joint  34  can rotate freely. Pushing the fastener  67  into the hole  70  causes the extensions  76  of the locking knob  74  to fit into the grooves  44  of the cable entry piece  28  and the connector piece which prevents the locking knob  74 , first rotatable joint  22 , and second rotatable joint  34  from rotating. Thus, the connector piece  4  and cable entry piece  28  are retained in a fixed position relative to the union piece  16 . 
       FIG. 7A  also illustrates additional elements of one embodiment of the cable assembly backshell  2  of the present invention. The connector piece  4  has an extension  78  formed at the second end  14  and the cable entry piece  28  has an extension  80  at the fifth end  36 . Semicircular tracks  82  are formed in the full circumference of the ends of the extensions  78 ,  80 . The tracks  82  fit a ball bearing  83 . Matching grooves are formed in the union piece  16  that correspond to the position of the ball bearings  83 . The grooves have a length sufficient to allow the connector piece  4  and the cable entry piece  28  to rotate up to about 180° back and forth along the same path. The extensions  78 ,  80  of the connector piece  4  and the cable entry piece  28  are retained in the union piece  16  by wires positioned in semi-circular grooves  84 A formed in the extensions  78 ,  80  and matching semi-circular grooves  84 B formed in the union piece  28 . The wires are installed through a hole  86  (illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 6 ) formed in the second cylindrical body  18  of the union piece  16 . The wires may be formed of stainless steel or any other material known in the art. O-rings  56  are positioned between the extensions  78 ,  80  and an interior surface of the second cylindrical body  18 . A plurality of conductors (not illustrated) are positioned adjacent to each of the o-rings  56  to provide conductivity between the each of the parts of the cable assembly backshell  2 . The plurality of conductors are adapted to provide electrical bonding between the cable connector  12 , the connector piece  4 , the union piece  16 , the cable entry piece  28 , and the cable terminator  40 . The plurality of conductors may be formed of any material and in any shape or size selected to provide electrical conductivity. In one embodiment the plurality of conductors are sliding springs.  FIG. 7A  also illustrates the smooth interior surfaces of the backshell  2 . The first hollow interior, first rotatable joint  22 , second hollow interior, second rotatable joint  34 , and the third hollow interior all have smooth interior surfaces with no sharp edges. 
     Another embodiment of a rotatable cable assembly backshell  102  of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 8-14 . Similar to the embodiment discussed above, the backshell  102  has a connector piece  104 , a first cylindrical body  106  generally extending along a first longitudinal axis  108 , and a first hollow interior. A first end  110  is interconnected to a cable connector  112 , which in  FIG. 8  is adapted to interconnect to a fiber optic cable. A cable adapter  190  of another embodiment of the present invention is interconnected to the cable connector  112 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the cable connector  112  can be incorporated into the connector piece  104  without departing from the scope of the present invention. The first end  110  is oriented at an angle  11 A of approximately 90° to the first longitudinal axis  108 . A second end  114  of the connector piece  104  is oriented at an angle  11 B of approximately 67.5° to the first longitudinal axis  108 . 
     The backshell  102  has a union piece  116  comprising a second cylindrical body  118  with a second hollow interior generally extending along a second longitudinal axis  120 , which in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 8  corresponds with the first longitudinal axis  108 . The union piece  116  has a third end  124  oriented at an angle  11 B of approximately 67.5° to the second longitudinal axis  120 . The third end  124  is interconnected to the second end  114  of the connector piece  104  at a first rotatable joint  122 . The union piece  116  has a fourth end  126  oriented at an angle  11 C of approximately 112.5° to the second longitudinal axis  120 . 
     A cable entry piece  128  having a third cylindrical body  130  and a third hollow interior generally extending along a third longitudinal axis  132  is interconnected to the union piece  116  at a second rotatable joint  134 . In this configuration, the third longitudinal axis  132  corresponds with the first longitudinal axis  108  and the second longitudinal axis  120 . The third cylindrical body  130  has a fifth end  136  oriented at an angle  11 C of approximately 112.5° to the third longitudinal axis  132 . The fifth end  136  is interconnected to the fourth end  126  of the union piece  116  at the second rotatable joint  134 . The third cylindrical body  130  has a sixth end  138  oriented at an angle  11 A of approximately 90° to the third longitudinal axis  132 , the sixth end  138  is interconnected to a cable terminator  140 . As appreciated by one of skill in the art, the cable terminator  140  and the cable entry piece  128  can be combined to form one cable entry piece  128  without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although the cable assembly backshell  102  is illustrated in  FIG. 8  interconnected to a copper cable connector  112  and a copper cable terminator  140 , a fiber optic cable connector and a fiber optic cable terminator may optionally be interconnected to the backshell  102 . 
     The first cylindrical body  106  of the connector piece  104  has two diametrically opposed grooves  144 A and  144 B (illustrated in  FIG. 10 ) to receive extensions  176  of the locking mechanism (illustrated in  FIGS. 14A, 14B ). Two more diametrically opposed grooves  144 C and  144 D (illustrated in  FIG. 14A ) are formed in the third cylindrical body  130  of the cable entry piece  128 . Two extensions  176  of a locking mechanism  142  (described below in more detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 14A and 14B ) fit into the grooves  144  when the locking mechanism  142  is positioned in a locked configuration. Optionally, in all embodiments of the present invention, additional grooves  144  may be formed in the first cylindrical body  106  and the third cylindrical body  130  to enable the locking mechanism  142  to lock the connector piece  104  and the cable entry piece  128  in additional angular configurations. In one embodiment of the present invention, grooves  144  are formed approximately every 5° around the exterior circumferences of the first cylindrical body  106  and the third cylindrical body  130  to enable the cable entry piece  128  and the connector piece  104  to be locked in a plurality of angular configurations. 
     Similar to the embodiment discussed above, the exterior surfaces of the cable assembly backshell  102  are coated to protect the surfaces from damage caused by exposure to adverse environmental conditions. The coatings may comprise metallic plating on exterior surfaces of the bodies  106 ,  118 ,  130  of the connector piece  104 , union piece  116 , and the cable entry piece  128 , respectively. Alternatively, the exterior surfaces may be coated with a sealant. Further, seals are provided between all joints of the backshell  102 . The seals may comprise o-rings (illustrated in  FIGS. 12, 13, and 14A ) to seal the first and second rotatable joints  122 ,  134 , the interconnections between the connector piece  104  and the cable connector  112  and between the cable entry piece  128  and the cable terminator  140 . The plating and the seals provide a barrier that protects the cable assembly backshell  102  from moisture, salt spray, and infiltration by dust or other foreign objects and contaminants. 
     The cable assembly backshell  102  also has electrical bonding between the cable connector  112 , the connector piece  104 , the union piece  116 , the cable entry piece  128 , and the cable terminator  140 . The electrical bonding protects the backshell  102  and electrical components it is interconnected to from radio frequency interference and provides electrical grounding across all components of the backshell  102 . 
     The joints  122 ,  134  allow the cable assembly backshell  102  to be aligned in four configurations. A straight configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 8  where the first longitudinal axis  108 , the second longitudinal axis  120 , and the third longitudinal axis  132  are coincident. The cable assembly backshell  102  of the present invention is illustrated in a first 45° configuration in  FIG. 9  in which the connector piece  104  and the union piece  116  are in the same angular relationship as illustrated in  FIG. 8  and the first longitudinal axis  108  and the second longitudinal axis  120  are coincident. In  FIG. 9 , the cable entry piece  128  has been rotated approximately 180° about the first longitudinal axis  108  which positions the third longitudinal axis  132  approximately 45° clockwise relative to the first longitudinal axis  108 . The first end  110  is oriented at an angle  11 D of approximately 45° to the sixth end  138 . 
     The backshell  102  of the present invention is illustrated in a 90° configuration in  FIG. 10  wherein the union piece  116  and the cable entry piece  128  are in the same orientation to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 9  and the third longitudinal axis  132  is angled approximately 45° from the second longitudinal axis  120 . The connector piece  104  has been rotated 180° about the second longitudinal axis  120 , orienting the first end  110  at an angle  11 A of approximately 90° to the sixth end  138 . 
     A second 45° configuration of the cable assembly backshell  102  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The connector piece  104  is in the same orientation regarding the union piece  116  as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The cable entry piece  128  has been rotated 180° back to the position of the cable entry piece  128  illustrated in  FIG. 8 , orienting the first end  110  at an angle  11 D of approximately 45° to the sixth end  138 .  FIG. 11  also illustrates the locking mechanism  142  in an unlocked position in which the extensions  176  are not positioned in the grooves  144 A,  144 B of the first cylindrical body  106  of the connector piece  104  or the grooves  144 C,  114 D of the third cylindrical body  130  of the cable entry piece  128 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of the cable assembly backshell  102  of the present invention with a copper cable terminator  140 . The cable terminator  140  includes a first ring  146  and a second ring  147 , a threaded connector  148  with threads formed on an interior surface on an end proximate the sixth end  138  and threads formed on an exterior surface portion on an end distal of the connector  148 , a third ring  150  and a fourth ring  152 , and a terminator end piece  154  with threads formed on an interior surface portion on an end proximate the sixth end  138 . The terminator end piece  154  includes a clamp  156  that can be tightened by turning a screw  157 . The terminator end piece  154  includes a clamp  156  that can be tightened by turning a screw  157 . A threaded portion  139  is formed on an exterior surface of the third cylindrical body  130  proximate the sixth end  138 . 
     A cable assembly backshell  102  with a cable terminator  140 A of another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The cable terminator  140 A has a flanged spacer  158 , a flexible ring  160 , a first ring  162 , a second ring  164 , and an end piece  166  with internal threads adapted to engage the threaded portion  139  of the sixth end  138  of the cable entry piece  128 . The end piece  166  includes a clamp  156  that can be adjusted by turning a screw  157 . 
     A section view of one embodiment of the cable assembly backshell  102  of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 14A . A locking mechanism  142  is illustrated in an unlocked position. The locking mechanism includes a threaded hole  170  in the second cylindrical body  118  of the union piece  116 . A retaining ring  172  is formed on the second cylindrical body  118  centered on the threaded hole  170 . A fastener  167  has a shaft  168  with threads adapted to threadably engage threads of the threaded hole  170 . A ring or protrusion  173  is formed on the shaft  168  of the fastener  167 . The protrusion  173  on the shaft  168  of the fastener  167  has a larger diameter than the retaining ring  172  and the fastener  167  is secured to the second cylindrical body  118  of the union piece  116 . 
     A head  169  is formed at an exterior end of the cylindrical shaft  168  of the fastener  167 . The head  169  of the fastener  167  secures a locking knob  174  to the union piece  116 . The locking knob  174  has two extensions  176 . When the fastener  167  is unthreaded from the hole  170 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14A , the locking mechanism  142  is in the unlocked position and the locking knob  174 , first rotatable joint  122 , and the second rotatable joint  134  can rotate freely. Rotating the fastener  167  into the threaded hole  170 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14B  causes the extensions  176  of the locking knob  174  to fit into the grooves  144  of the cable entry piece  128  and the connector piece  104 , preventing the locking knob  174 , first rotatable joint  122 , and second rotatable joint  134  from rotating. 
       FIG. 14A  also illustrates an extension  178  formed at the second end  114  of the connector piece  104 . The cable entry piece  128  also has an extension  180  at the fifth end  136 . Grooves  182  are formed in an interior surface of the second cylindrical body  118  of the union piece  116  to retain a ball bearing  184 . The extensions  178 ,  180  of the connector piece  104  and the cable entry piece  128  are retained in the union piece  116  by wires positioned in semi-circular grooves  186  formed in the extensions  178 ,  180  and corresponding semi-circular grooves  188  formed in the union piece  116 . The wires are installed through a hole  86  (illustrated in  FIGS. 12, 13 ) formed in the second cylindrical body  118  of the union piece  116 . The wires may be formed of stainless steel or any other material known in the art.  FIG. 14A  also illustrates the smooth interior surfaces of the backshell  102 . The first hollow interior, first rotatable joint  122 , second hollow interior, second rotatable joint  134 , and the third hollow interior all have smooth interior surfaces with no sharp edges. 
     Similar to the embodiment discussed above in conjunction with  FIG. 7A , the cable assembly backshell  102  includes a plurality of conductors (not illustrated) positioned adjacent to each of the o-rings  56  to provide conductivity between each of the parts of the cable assembly backshell  102 . The plurality of conductors are adapted to provide electrical bonding between the cable connector  112 , the connector piece  104 , the union piece  116 , the cable entry piece  128 , and the cable terminator  140 . The plurality of conductors may be formed of any material and in any shape or size selected to provide electrical conductivity. In one embodiment the plurality of conductors are sliding springs. 
       FIGS. 15A-19  illustrate still another embodiment of a rotatable cable assembly backshell  202  of the present invention. Turning now to  FIGS. 15A, 15B , two views of a backshell  202  are illustrated. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the backshell  202  has a connector piece  204 , a first generally cylindrical body  206  extending generally along a first longitudinal axis  208 , and a first hollow interior. A first end  210  is interconnected to a cable connector  212 . The first end  210  is oriented at an angle  11 A of approximately 90° to the first longitudinal axis  208 . A second end  214  of the connector piece  204  is oriented at an angle  11 B of approximately 67.5° to the first longitudinal axis  208 . 
     One of skill in the art will appreciate that the cable connector  212  can be incorporated into the connector piece  204  without departing from the scope of the present invention. The cable assembly backshell  202  may be interconnected to a fiber optic cable connector or a copper cable connector. In one embodiment, a cable connector adapted to work with either a fiber optic cable or a copper cable may be interconnected to the backshell  202 .  FIG. 15A  illustrates a cable adapter  290  of one embodiment of the present invention interconnected to the cable connector  212 . Cable adapters  290  of different configurations adapted to function with cables of different sizes and/or different types (such as fiber optic cables or copper cables) may be interconnected to the cable connector  212  of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 18A . Cable adapters  290  are described in more detail in conjunction with  FIG. 19 . 
     The backshell  202  has a union piece  216  comprising a second generally cylindrical body  218  with a second hollow interior generally extending along a second longitudinal axis  220 , which in the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 15A, 15B  corresponds with the first longitudinal axis  208 . The union piece  216  has a third end  224  oriented at an angle  11 B of approximately 67.5° to the second longitudinal axis  220 . The third end  224  is interconnected to the second end  214  of the connector piece  204  at a first rotatable joint  222 . The union piece  216  has a fourth end  226  oriented at an angle  11 C of approximately 112.5° to the second longitudinal axis  220 . 
     A cable entry piece  228  having a third generally cylindrical body  230  and a third hollow interior generally extending along a third longitudinal axis  232  is interconnected to the union piece  216  at a second rotatable joint  234 . In this configuration, the third longitudinal axis  232  corresponds with the first longitudinal axis  208  and the second longitudinal axis  220 . The third cylindrical body  230  has a fifth end  236  oriented at an angle  11 C of approximately 112.5° to the third longitudinal axis  232 . The fifth end  236  is interconnected to the fourth end  226  of the union piece  216  at the second rotatable joint  234 . The third cylindrical body  230  has a sixth end  238  oriented at an angle  11 A of approximately 90° to the third longitudinal axis  232 . The sixth end  238  is interconnected to a cable terminator  240 . All interior surfaces of the cable assembly backshell  202 , including the first hollow interior, first rotatable joint  222 , second hollow interior, second rotatable joint  234 , and the third hollow interior, are smooth and present no sharp edges that could damage a cable. 
     As appreciated by one of skill in the art, the cable terminator  240  and the cable entry piece  228  can be combined to form one cable entry piece  228  without departing from the scope of the present invention. The cable assembly backshell  202  may be interconnected to a fiber optic cable terminator or a copper cable terminator. In one embodiment, the backshell  202  is interconnected to a cable terminator adapted to work with either a fiber optic cable or a copper cable. 
     The first cylindrical body  206  of the connector piece  204  has two diametrically opposed grooves  244 A and  244 B to receive extensions  276  of the locking mechanism  242 . Two more diametrically opposed grooves  244 C and  244 D are formed in the third cylindrical body  230  of the cable entry piece  228 . The extensions  276  of the locking mechanism  242  fit into the grooves  244  when the locking mechanism  242  is positioned in a locked configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 15B . Optionally, additional grooves  244  may be formed in the first cylindrical body  206  and the third cylindrical body  230  to enable the locking mechanism  242  to lock the connector piece  204  and the cable entry piece  228  in additional angular configurations. In one embodiment of the present invention, grooves  244  are formed approximately every 15° around the exterior circumferences of the first cylindrical body  206  and the third cylindrical body  230  to enable the cable entry piece  228  and the connector piece  204  to be locked in a plurality of angular configurations. 
     As discussed above with respect to other embodiments of the present invention, the exterior surfaces of the cable assembly backshell  202  are coated to protect the surfaces from damage caused by exposure to adverse environmental conditions. The coatings may comprise metallic plating on exterior surfaces of the bodies  206 ,  218 ,  230  of the connector piece  204 , union piece  216 , and the cable entry piece  228 , respectively. Alternatively, a sealant may be applied to coat the exterior surfaces. Seals are provided between all joints of the backshell  202 . The seals may comprise o-rings to seal the first and second rotatable joints  222 ,  234 , the interconnections between the connector piece  204  and the cable connector  212  and between the cable entry piece  228  and the cable terminator  240 . The plating and the seals provide a barrier that protects the cable assembly backshell  202  from moisture, salt spray, and infiltration by dust or other foreign objects and contaminants. 
     In addition, the cable assembly backshell  202  has electrical bonding between the cable connector  212 , the connector piece  204 , the union piece  216 , the cable entry piece  228 , and the cable terminator  240 . The electrical bonding protects the backshell  202  and electrical components it is interconnected to from radio frequency interference and provides electrical grounding across all components of the backshell  202 . A plurality of conductors (not illustrated) are positioned adjacent to o-rings  56  at each joint of the cable assembly backshell  202  to provide conductivity between the each part of the cable assembly backshell  202 . The plurality of conductors are adapted to provide electrical bonding between the cable connector  212 , the connector piece  204 , the union piece  216 , the cable entry piece  228 , and the cable terminator  240 . The plurality of conductors may be formed of any material and in any shape or size selected to provide electrical conductivity. In one embodiment the plurality of conductors are sliding springs. 
     The joints  222 ,  234  allow the cable assembly backshell  202  to be aligned in four configurations. A straight configuration is illustrated in  FIGS. 15A, 15B  where the first longitudinal axis  208 , the second longitudinal axis  220 , and the third longitudinal axis  232  are coincident. The cable assembly backshell  202  of the present invention is illustrated in a first 45° configuration in  FIGS. 16A, 16B  in which the connector piece  204  and the union piece  216  are in the same angular relationship as illustrated in  FIGS. 15A, 15B  and the first longitudinal axis  208 , and the second longitudinal axis  220  are coincident. In  FIGS. 16A, 16B , the cable entry piece  228  has been rotated approximately 180° about the first longitudinal axis  208  which positions the third longitudinal axis  232  at an angle  11 D approximately 45° clockwise relative to the first longitudinal axis  208 . The first end  210  is oriented at an angle  11 D of approximately 45° to the sixth end  238 . 
     The backshell  202  of the present invention is illustrated in a 90° configuration in  FIGS. 17A, 17B  wherein the union piece  216  and the cable entry piece  228  are in the same orientation to each other as illustrated in  FIGS. 16A, 16B  and the third longitudinal axis  232  is angled approximately 45° from the second longitudinal axis  220 . The connector piece  204  has been rotated 180° about the second longitudinal axis  220 , orienting the first end  210  at an angle  11 A of approximately 90° to the sixth end  238 . 
     A second 45° configuration of the cable assembly backshell  202  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 18A, 18B . The connector piece  204  is in the same orientation regarding the union piece  216  as illustrated in  FIGS. 17A, 17B . However, the cable entry piece  228  has been rotated 180° back to the position of the cable entry piece  228  illustrated in  FIGS. 15A, 15B , orienting the first end  210  at an angle  11 D of approximately 45° to the sixth end  238 . Another embodiment of a cable adapter  290 A of the current invention is illustrated in  FIG. 18A . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of the cable assembly backshell  202  of the present invention. The locking mechanism  242  is in an unlocked position with the extensions  276  extracted from the grooves  244  formed in the first cylindrical body  206  and the third cylindrical body  230 . A threaded portion  239  formed on an exterior surface of the third cylindrical body  230  is illustrated proximate the sixth end  238 . 
     The cable terminator  240  illustrates a telescoping embodiment that facilitates access to the cable. The cable terminator  240  includes a collar  246 A,  246 B that is secured with a closure  248 , a first cylinder  250  with internal threads at the end distal from the sixth end  238 , a first spacer  252 , a second spacer  254  with threads formed on an exterior surface on an end proximate the sixth end  238 , a ring  256 , a flexible ring  258 , and a terminator end piece  260  with threads formed on an interior surface portion on an end proximate the sixth end  238 . The terminator end piece  260  includes clamps  262 A,  262 B that can be tightened by turning a screw  264 . The terminator end piece  154  includes a clamp  156  that can be tightened by turning a screw  157 . A threaded portion  139  is formed on an exterior surface of the third cylindrical body  130  proximate the sixth end  138 . The cable terminator  240  is adapted to interconnect to either a fiber optic cable or a copper cable. In one embodiment, the cable terminator is adapted to interconnect to both Kevlar reinforced fiber optic cable and shielded copper cable that meet military design specifications. 
       FIG. 19  also illustrates a cable adapter  290  of one embodiment of the present invention. The cable adapter  290  has a hollow, generally cylindrical body  292 . Threads  294  are formed on an exterior portion of the body  292  to threadably engage threads formed on an interior surface of the cable connector  212 . A spacer  296  fits between the cable adapter  290  and the cable connector  212 . The cable adapter  290  is adapted to interconnect to either a fiber optic cable or a copper cable. In one embodiment, the cable adapter is adapted to interconnect to both Kevlar reinforced fiber optic cable and shielded copper cable that meet military design specifications. In another embodiment, the cable adapter  290  is designed to meet military specifications for commonality, reliability and to interconnect to receptacles of various sizes and configurations. Another embodiment of a cable adapter  290 A of the current invention is illustrated in  FIG. 18A . Optionally, cable adapter  90  or  190  may be interconnected to cable connector  212 . 
     As previously described in conjunction with  FIGS. 7A and 14A , the cable assembly backshell  202  has an extension at the fifth end  236  of the cable entry piece  228 . Grooves are formed in an interior surface of the second cylindrical body  218  of the union piece  216  to retain a ball bearing. Extensions of the connector piece  204  and the cable entry piece  228  are retained in the union piece  216  by wires positioned in grooves formed in the extensions and corresponding grooves formed in an interior surface of the union piece  216 . The wires are installed through a hole  86  formed in the second cylindrical body  218  of the union piece  216 . The wires may be formed of stainless steel or any other material known in the art. 
     The cable assembly backshells  2 ,  102 ,  202  of all embodiments may be interconnected to any of the cable connectors  12 ,  112 ,  212  and/or cable terminators  40 ,  40 A,  140 ,  140 A, and  240  in any combination. For example, in one embodiment, cable assembly backshell  202  is interconnected to cable connector  12  and cable terminator  40 . In another embodiment, cable assembly backshell  202  is interconnected to cable connector  12  and cable terminator  40 A. In still another embodiment, cable connector  112  and cable terminator  140  are interconnected to cable assembly backshell  202 . In yet another embodiment, cable connector  112  and cable terminator  140 A are interconnected to cable assembly backshell  202 . 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be limiting. Using “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, and, additional items.