Abstract:
A connector for coaxial cable is disclosed herein that has an outer body and a clamp insert. The clamp insert is mounted at the rear of the body and accepts an end of a coaxial cable. Both the front and rear ends of the insert are deformed radially inwardly when the body and the insert and compressed so as to grip the coaxial cable and form a seal. A related method for connecting the coaxial cable and connector is also disclosed.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/755,262 filed on Dec. 29, 2005. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to coaxial cable connectors. 
   2. Technical Background 
   Coaxial cable connectors such as F-connectors are used to attach a coaxial cable to another object such as an appliance or device or junction having a terminal adapted to engage the 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, hereinafter collectively referred to as the outer conductor; the outer conductor is in turn surrounded by a protective outer jacket. The F-connector is secured over a prepared end of a 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, or with an adapter such as a female adapter that accepts the center conductor of the cable and has threads for threaded connection with the F-connector. 
   Crimp style F-connectors are known wherein a crimp sleeve is included as part of the connector body. A special radial crimping tool, having jaws that form a hexagon, is used to radially crimp the crimp sleeve around the outer jacket of the coaxial cable to secure such a crimp style F-connector over the prepared end of the coaxial cable. An example of such crimp connectors is disclosed within U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,050 to Hayward. 
   It is known in the art that the passage of moisture between the coaxial cable jacket and the surrounding F-connector can lead to corrosion, increased contact resistance, reduced signal strength, and excessive RF leakage from the connector. Various efforts have been made to form a seal between the F-connector and the jacket of the coaxial cable to preclude such moisture ingress. F-connectors are known in the cable television industry which utilize special sealing compounds in an effort to form leakproof seals. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,152 to Elliot, et al., discloses a crimp connector incorporating a glob of a gel or other movable sealing material within a cavity of the connector to form a seal between the jacket of the coaxial cable and the interior of the F-connector. 
   Still another form of F-connector is known wherein an annular compression sleeve is used to secure the F-connector over the prepared end of the cable. Rather than crimping a crimp sleeve radially toward the jacket of the coaxial cable, these F-connectors employ an annular compression sleeve that is initially attached to the F-connector, but which is detached therefrom prior to installation of the F-connector. The compression sleeve includes an inner bore for allowing such compression sleeve to be passed over the end of the coaxial cable prior to installation of the F-connector. The F-connector itself is then inserted over the prepared end of the coaxial cable. Next, the compression sleeve is compressed axially along the longitudinal axis of the connector into the body of the connector, simultaneously compressing the jacket of the coaxial cable between the compression sleeve and the tubular post of the connector. An example of such a compression sleeve F-connector is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,675 to Samchisen which discloses a compression sleeve type F-connector known in the industry as “Snap-n-Seal”. A number of commercial tool manufacturers provide compression tools for axially compressing the compression sleeve into such connectors. 
   Another known connector is the radial compression-type F-connector such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,257 to Szegda. A tubular locking member protrudes axially into the open rear end of the outer collar or sleeve. The tubular locking member is displaceable axially within the outer collar between an open position accommodating insertion of the tubular post into the prepared end of the coaxial cable, and a clamped position fixing the end of the cable within the F-connector. An O-ring is mounted on the rear end of the tubular locking member to seal the connection between the tubular locking member and the outer collar as the tubular locking member is axially compressed. Such connectors have been sold in the past under the designation “CMP”. The O-ring provided on the tubular locking member is exposed and unprotected prior to axial compression of the F-connector. 
   Known coaxial cable connectors employ collars or sleeves which can be compressed inwardly against the outer surface of a coaxial cable to secure a coaxial cable connector thereto. For example, a connector assembly for a signal transmission system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,274 to Hayward wherein a body portion threadedly engages a nut portion. The nut portion includes an internal bore in which a ferrule is disposed, the ferrule having an internal bore through which the outer conductor of a coaxial cable is passed. As the nut portion is threaded over the body portion, the ferrule is wedged inwardly to constrict the inner diameter of the ferrule, thereby tightening the ferrule about the outer surface of the cable. However, such connectors can not be installed quickly, as by a simple crimp or compression tool, but instead mating threads of such connector must be tightened, as by using a pair of wrenches. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Disclosed herein is 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, a braided shield surrounding the dielectric, and a jacket surrounding the braided shield. The connector comprises: a deformable clamp insert comprising a rear end, a front end, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal hole; a hollow body comprising a rear end, a front end surrounding at least a portion of the clamp insert, and an inner surface defining a longitudinal hole extending between the rear and front ends of the hollow body, wherein the clamp insert is axially moveable within the hollow body between a rearward position and a forward position; a tubular post disposed at least partially within the longitudinal hole of the hollow body, the tubular post having a rear end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface of the tubular post and the internal surface of the insert define an annular cavity therebetween; wherein, in the rearward position, the rear end of the insert has a rear inner diameter, and the front end of the insert has a front inner diameter, and the insert has a rear portion with a rearward outer diameter; wherein the longitudinal hole at the rear end of the outer body has a rear body inner diameter smaller than the rearward outer diameter; wherein, in the forward position, the front end and rear end of the body are deformed radially inwardly, wherein at least part of the rear portion is disposed within the longitudinal hole of the body. The connector preferably further comprises a coupler disposed proximate the front end of the body. 
   In the forward position, the rear end of the insert has a reduced rear inner diameter less than the rear inner diameter in the rearward position. 
   In the forward position, the front end of the insert has a reduced front inner diameter less than the front inner diameter in the rearward position. 
   Preferably, the insert is circumferentially continuous. 
   In some embodiments, at least a portion of the insert surrounds at least a portion of the tubular post in the forward position. 
   In some embodiments, the inner surface of the body comprises a rearward facing tapered portion, and wherein the front end of the insert contacts the rearward facing tapered portion in the forward position. 
   In some embodiments, the rear portion of the insert further comprises an outer surface comprising a forward facing tapered portion having the rearward outer diameter. 
   Also 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, a braided shield surrounding the outer conductor, and a jacket surrounding the braided shield, the connector comprising: a deformable clamp insert comprising a rear end, a front end, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal hole, wherein the end of the cable is disposed within the longitudinal hole; a hollow body comprising a rear end, a front end surrounding at least a portion of the clamp insert, and an inner surface defining a longitudinal hole extending between the rear and front ends of the hollow body, wherein the clamp insert is axially moveable within the hollow body between a rearward position and a forward position; a tubular post disposed at least partially within the longitudinal hole of the hollow body, the tubular post having a rear end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface of the tubular post and the internal surface of the insert define an annular cavity therebetween, wherein at least part of the tubular post is disposed between the outer conductor and the braided shield of the cable; wherein, in the rearward position, the rear end of the insert has a rear inner diameter, and the front end of the insert has a front inner diameter, and the insert has a rear portion with a rearward outer diameter; wherein the longitudinal hole at the rear end of the outer body has a rear body inner diameter smaller than the rearward outer diameter; wherein, in the forward position, the front end and rear end of the body are deformed radially inwardly, wherein at least part of the rear portion is disposed within the longitudinal hole of the body, thereby causing the rear end of the insert to contact and compress the jacket of the cable, and thereby sandwiching the jacket and/or the braided shield between the post and the front end of the insert. 
   Preferably, in the forward position, the rear end of the insert forms a 360° continuous seal around the jacket of the cable. 
   In some embodiments, the braided shield is folded back over the jacket of the cable and the front end of the insert directly contacts the braided shield in the forward position. 
   In some embodiments, the post further comprises a raised portion. The jacket and/or braided shield can be sandwiched between the front end of the insert and the raised portion of the post in the forward position, for example in order to improve pull strength. 
   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. 
   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 a first embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein, comprising a clamping insert in a rearward position. 
       FIG. 2  is a side cutaway view of the connector of  FIG. 1  with a coaxial cable, shown in partial side cutaway view, partially inserted into the connector. 
       FIG. 3  is a side cutaway view of the connector of  FIG. 1  with a coaxial cable, shown in partial side cutaway view, fully inserted into the connector. 
       FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view of the connector of  FIG. 1  with a partial view of a tool used to compress the connector such that the clamping insert is in a forward position. 
       FIG. 5  is a side cutaway view of the connector and cable of  FIG. 6  after the tool has been removed and the clamping insert is in the forward position. 
       FIG. 6  is a side cutaway view of the post of the connectors of  FIGS. 1-5 . 
       FIG. 7  is a side cutaway view of the clamping insert of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of a second embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein, comprising a clamping insert in a rearward position. 
       FIG. 9  is a side cutaway view of the clamping insert of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 10  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of a third embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein, comprising a clamping insert in a rearward position. 
       FIG. 11  is a side cutaway view of the clamping insert of  FIG. 3  in an uncompressed state. 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevated view of the clamping insert of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  is an end view of the clamping insert of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 14  is an end view of the clamping insert of  FIG. 3  shown in a compressed state. 
       FIG. 15  is a side cutaway view along the centerline of a fourth embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein, comprising a clamping insert in a rearward position, the clamping insert comprising a means of retaining the clamping insert within the connector body, wherein the connector is shown in an open state. 
       FIG. 16  is a side cutaway view of the connector of  FIG. 12  shown in a closed state. 
   

   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. 
     FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein, comprising a clamping insert in a rearward position.  FIG. 8  schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein, comprising a clamping insert in a rearward position.  FIG. 10  schematically illustrates a third embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein, comprising a clamping insert in a rearward position.  FIG. 2  schematically illustrates a coaxial cable partially inserted into the connector of  FIG. 1 , or, alternatively, the connector partially inserted onto the cable.  FIG. 3  schematically illustrates the connector of  FIG. 1  with a coaxial cable fully inserted into the connector or, alternatively, the connector fully inserted onto the cable.  FIG. 4  schematically illustrates the connector of  FIG. 1  and a coaxial cable and a tool used to compress the connector.  FIG. 5  schematically illustrates the connector and cable of  FIG. 4  after the tool has been removed and the clamping insert is in the forward position.  FIG. 6  schematically illustrates the post of the connectors of  FIGS. 1-5 ,  8 ,  10 , and  15 .  FIGS. 9 and 11  schematically illustrate the clamping inserts of  FIGS. 8 and 10 , respectively.  FIGS. 11-14  schematically illustrate the clamping insert of  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 15  schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of a connector as disclosed herein, comprising a clamping insert in a rearward position, the clamping insert comprising a means of retaining the clamping insert within the connector body, wherein the connector is shown in an open state.  FIG. 16  schematically illustrates the connector of  FIG. 15  shown in a closed state. 
   The connectors disclosed herein have a central longitudinal axis A-A, for example as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the connectors disclosed herein are used for coupling an end of a coaxial cable  200  to a terminal, such as on an appliance or other device such as an adapter. The coaxial cable  200  shown in  FIGS. 2-5  comprises an inner conductor  202 , a dielectric layer (or, simply, dielectric)  204  surrounding the inner conductor  202 , an outer conductor  206  surrounding the dielectric  204 , a braided shield  208  surrounding the outer conductor  206 , and a jacket  210  surrounding the braided shield  208 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the connector  10  comprises a hollow body  20 , a deformable clamping insert  30  disposed toward the rear end  22  of the body  20 , a coupler  40  disposed at or near the front end  24  of the body  20 , and a tubular post  50  disposed at least partially within the hollow body  20 . Clamping insert  30  is comprised of a deformable material, such as plastic, for example acetal, or such as soft metal or alloy, for example lead. Preferably, body  20 , and coupler  40  are made from a corrosion resistant material, for example nickel plated brass. Post  50  is made from electrically conductive material, preferably metal, for example tin-plated brass. 
   The hollow body  20  comprises a rear portion  20 A comprising the rear end  22 , a front portion  20 B comprising the front end  24 , and an internal surface  26  extending between the rear and front ends  22 ,  24  of the body  20 , the internal surface  26  defining a longitudinal hole  28 . The body  20  is generally tubular. 
   The clamping insert  30  comprises a rear portion  30 A comprising a rear end  32 , a front portion  30 B comprising a front end  34  surrounded by the hollow body  20 , and an inner surface  36  defining a longitudinal hole  38  extending between the rear and front ends  32 ,  34  of the clamping insert  30 . The clamping insert  30  is generally tubular. In some embodiments, the front end  34  contacts the hollow body  20 . In some embodiments, the front portion  30 B of clamping insert  30  comprises a forward facing tapered section  82  at or proximate the front end  34 . In some embodiments, the rear portion  30 A of clamping insert  30  comprises a forward facing tapered section  81 . In some embodiments, the rear end  32  of clamping insert  30  comprises a chamfer  83 . 
   The internal surface  26  of hollow body  20  comprises a rearward facing tapered portion  27 . 
   The tubular post  50  is disposed at least partially within the longitudinal hole  28  of the hollow body  20 . The post  50  comprises an outer surface  57  and an inner surface  56 , a head flange  53  and a tubular shank  51  extending rearwardly from head flange  53 . The tubular shank  51  comprises a rear end  52 , an inner surface  56  and an outer surface  57 , wherein at least the rear end  52  is disposed within the longitudinal hole  28  of the body  20 , and wherein the outer surface  57  of the tubular shank  51  and the internal surface  26  of the body  20  define an annular cavity  61  therebetween. The inner surface  56  defines a longitudinal hole  58  extending from the rear end  52  to the front end  54 . 
   In some embodiments, the post  50  comprises a raised ridge  60  or optionally, a plurality of raised ridges, located intermediate the rear end  52  and the front end  54 . In other embodiments, a raised ridge  60  or plurality of raised ridges is spaced away from the rear end  52  and surrounded by the front portion  20 B of body  20 . In  FIG. 2 , the raised ridge  60  is disposed longitudinally at or near the rearward facing tapered portion  27 . A forward location (i.e. forward of the rear end  52  of shank  51 ) of the raised ridge  60  allows the cable  200  to be installed with less disruption to the cable braid  208  during installation because the rear end  52  can penetrate the cable for some length before the raised ridge engages the cable. 
   The clamping insert  30  is disposed between the hollow body  20  and the outer surface  57  of the post  50 . The clamping insert  30  is axially moveable within the hollow body  20  between a rearward position, as depicted in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  8 ,  10 , and  15 , and a forward position, as depicted in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  16 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , in the rearward position, the inner surface  36  at the rear portion  30 A of the clamping insert  30  has a rear inner diameter D 1  and a rear outer diameter D 3 , and the inner surface  36  at the front portion  30 B of the clamping insert  30  has a front inner diameter D 2 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , in the forward position, the clamping insert  30  is compressed within the contours of the internal surface  26  of the hollow body  20 . In the forward position, the rear end  32  of the clamping insert  30  has a reduced rear inner diameter D 1 R which is less than the rear inner diameter D 1 , and the front end  34  of the clamping insert  30  has a reduced front inner diameter D 2 R which is less than the front inner diameter D 2 . Both the rear and front ends  32 ,  34  of the clamping insert  30  are displaced radially inwardly in the forward position as compared to their configurations in the rearward position. 
   In some embodiments, the front inner diameter D 2  and rear inner diameter D 1  of the clamping insert  30  are substantially equal in the rearward position. In other embodiments, the front inner diameter D 2  and the rear inner diameter D 1  of the clamping insert  30  are not equal in the rearward position. In some embodiments, the clamping insert  30  has a substantially constant inner diameter in the rear portion  30 A and front portion  30 B in the rearward position. Preferably, the clamping insert  30  is concentrically disposed within body  20 . 
   Clamping insert  30  is preferably mounted to the internal surface  26  of the body  20 . In some embodiments, the rear end  32  of the clamping insert  30  is press fit with the inner surface  26  of the body  20 , i.e. the clamping insert  30  is mounted onto the surface  26  of the body  20  by press fit. In other embodiments, the clamping insert  30  is mounted onto the inner surface  26  of the body  20  by shearable adhesive. In still other embodiments, the clamping insert  30  is not attached to the body  20 , i.e. the clamping insert  30  is disposed loosely within the longitudinal hole  28  of the body  20 . In yet other embodiments, the clamping insert is retained within the longitudinal hole  28  of the body  20  by means of one or more projections on the outer surface  80  of the clamping insert  30 , such as outward projecting barbs or ribs  39  as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , showing the outward projecting barbs or ribs  39  received in annular grooves  29  and  29 A provided in the internal surface  26  of body  20 , wherein the grooves  29  and  29 A are spaced apart to accommodate barbs or ribs  39  in both the rearward and forward positions. The clamping insert  30  moves axially within the body  20  between the rearward and forward positions. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the outward projecting barbs or ribs  39  engage the groove  29  closest to the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20  to facilitate maintaining the rearward position of the clamping insert  30  relative to the body  20 , for example during shipping and handling, before the connector is installed onto a cable. As shown in  FIG. 16 , in the forward position, the outward projecting barbs or ribs  39  engage the groove  29 A closest to the front end  24  of the hollow body  20 , thereby helping to retain the clamping insert  30  within the body  20  in the forward position, and thereby helping the connector to keep a grip on the cable. 
   The clamping insert  30  moves axially with respect to the post  50  between the rearward and forward positions. 
   The clamping insert  30  is preferably circumferentially continuous, i.e. 360 degrees continuous about a centerline axis, A-A. Although the clamping insert  30  is deformed in the forward position, the rear portion  30 A of clamping insert  30  forms a continuous 360 degree seal at the rear end of the clamping insert  30  in the forward position. In the forward position, the inner surface  36  of the rear portion  30 A of the clamping insert  30 , preferably at or near the rear end  32 , contacts the jacket  210  of the cable  200  and forms a seal with the cable. Preferably, in the forward position rear portion  30 A of the clamping insert  30  forms a seal between the rear portion  20 A of the hollow body  20  and the inner surface  36  of the clamping insert  30 . Preferably, in the forward position, the inner surface  36  of the front portion  30 B of the clamping insert  30 , preferably at the front end  34 , contacts the jacket  210  and/or braided shield  208  of the cable  200 . 
   In the forward position the clamping insert  30  compresses the jacket  210  and braided shield  208  of the cable  200  driving them against the post  50 . The jacket  210  and braided shield  208  are sandwiched between the front portion  30 B of clamping insert  30  and post  50 . 
   The front portion  20 B of hollow body  20  comprises a tubular sleeve  21  having a front end  24  which forms the front end  24  of the body  20 , wherein the front end  24  of the sleeve  21  preferably comprises a rearward facing tapered portion  27  configured to facilitate the displacement of the front end  34  of the clamping insert  30  radially inwardly. Preferably, the front end  34  of the clamping insert  30  is axially offset from the rearward facing tapered portion  27  in the rearward position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , to help provide more space to accommodate the folded back braid as the cable is inserted into the connector. 
   The outer surface  80  of the clamping insert  30  preferably comprises a forward facing tapered portion  82  configured to facilitate the displacement of the front end  34  of the clamping insert  30  radially inwardly when the front end  34  is driven against the rearward facing tapered portion  27  of the hollow body  20 . Additionally, the outer surface  80  of the clamping insert  30  preferable comprises a forward facing tapered portion  81  configured to facilitate the displacement of the rear portion  30 A of the clamping insert  30  radially inwardly when the clamping insert  30  and body  20  are driven together, for example clamping insert  30  is driven forward into body  20 . 
   In some embodiments, the forward tapered portion  81  of the clamping insert  30  does not substantially contact the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20  in the rearward position. In other embodiments, the forward tapered portion  81  of the clamping insert  30  contacts the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20  in the rearward position. In the forward position, clamping insert  30  contacts the rear end  22  of hollow body  20  and displaces the rear end  32  of the clamping insert  30  radially inwardly in the forward position. 
   In the rearward position, the end  201  of the coaxial cable  200  is inserted into the connector  10  to the extent that at least part of the inner conductor  202  and at least part of the dielectric  204  are disposed within the tubular shank  51 , and wherein at least part of the braided shield  208  and at least part of the jacket  210  are disposed in the annular cavity  61 . Preferably, in the forward position, at least a portion of the jacket  210  and at least a portion of the braided shield  208  are sandwiched between the clamping insert  30  and the rear end  52  of the tubular shank  51 . Preferably, in the forward position, the clamping insert  30  forms a seal between the jacket  210  and the rear end  32  of the clamping insert  30 , thereby sealing the annular cavity  60  at or near the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20 , as at  96  in  FIG. 4 . Preferably, in the forward position, the clamping insert  30  forms a seal between the jacket  210  and the inner surface  26  of the hollow body  20 , as at  98  in  FIG. 4 . 
   Preferably, in the forward position, the front portion  30 B of the clamping insert  30  forms a compressive ring between the rearward facing tapered portion  27  of the hollow body  20  and around the raised ridge  61  of the post  50  thereby sandwiching at least a portion of the jacket  210  and/or at least a portion of the braided shield  208 . 
   In the forward position, the clamping insert  30  preferably simultaneously acts as a compressive member: (1) between the rear portion  20 A of the hollow body  20  and the jacket  210 , thereby sealing the annular cavity  60  at or near the rear end  22  of the hollow body  20 ; and (2) between tapered portion  27  of the hollow body  20  and folded back braid  208 A and jacket  210  thereby capturing the cable  200  and forcing the cable into positive electrical and mechanical communication with the post  50 . 
   In some embodiments, the outer surface  57  of the tubular post  50  at or near the rear end  52  thereof comprises a smooth diameter  51 . 
   Preferably, the head flange  53  of the tubular post  50  is not disposed within the hollow body  20 . Preferably, the front portion  20 B of the hollow body  20  comprises a neck  23 , wherein the front portion  20 B of the hollow body  20  at the neck  23  is configured to axially engage the head flange  53  of the post  50 , thereby preventing the head flange  53  from entering the longitudinal hole  28  of the hollow body  20 . 
   Coupler  40  comprises a rear end  42 , a front end  44  for engaging a terminal, an inner surface  46  defining a longitudinal hole  48  extending from the rear end  42  to the front end  44 , such that at least a portion of the end of the cable can project into the longitudinal hole  48 . 
   In some embodiments, the coupler  40  comprises an inner surface  46  which is at least partially threaded for threadedly engaging a threaded port, wherein the coupler  40  may be referred to as a nut. The rear end  42  of the coupler  40  comprises a tail flange  43  configured to surround at least a portion of the neck  23  of the body  20 . The tail flange  43  comprises a forward facing portion  47  configured to axially engage the head flange  53  of the post  50 , thereby preventing the coupler  40  from axially sliding off the front end  24  of the body  20 . The outer surface  29  of the hollow body  20  preferably comprises an external shoulder  29   a  disposed rearward of the neck  23 , wherein the shoulder  29   a  is configured to axially engage the rear end  42  of the coupler  40 , thereby preventing the coupler  40  from axially sliding off the rear end  22  of the body  20 . An O-ring  90  is preferably disposed between the neck  23 , the head flange  53  of the post  50 , and the tail flange  43  of the coupler  40 . Prior to engaging the coupler  40  (and therefore the connector) to a terminal, the tail flange  43  is rotatably mounted around the neck  23 , and preferably the coupler  40  is freely rotatable around the neck  23 . Preferably, the tubular post  50  is fixedly attached to the hollow body  20 ; in some embodiments, the post  50  is attached to the body  20  by press fit, wherein the outer surface  57  of the post  50  is configured for press fit with the internal surface  26  of the hollow body  20  at the neck  23 . In some embodiments, the outer surface  57  of the post  50  comprises a plurality of ridges  55  for engaging the internal surface  26  of the hollow body  20  at the neck  23 . In other embodiments, the tubular post and the hollow body are formed as a single-piece unitary hollow body. As shown in  FIG. 1 , coupler  40  surrounds at least part of post  50  and/or at least part of body  20 . 
     FIGS. 8-14  show other preferred embodiments of a connector disclosed herein wherein the clamping insert comprises various means of aiding and/or controlling deformation of the clamping insert  30  during connector compression. 
     FIG. 9  further illustrates the clamping insert  30 ′ of  FIG. 8 . Internal grooves  84  and  85  aid and/or control deformation of the clamping insert  30 ′. Grooves  84  and  85  are selectively placed to weaken the clamping insert  30  at desired locations to promote bending at or near the grooves.  FIGS. 11-14  further illustrate the clamping insert  30 ″ of  FIG. 3  comprising a rear end  32 , a front end  34  surrounded by and contacting the hollow body  20 , and an inner surface  36  defining a longitudinal hole  38  extending between the rear and front ends  32 ,  34 , and a forward facing tapered section  82  proximate the front end  34 , a forward facing tapered section  81  proximate the rear end  32  and a chamfer  83  proximate the rear end  32 . A plurality of slots  83  proximate the rear and  32  provide a means to help the clamping insert to collapse radially inwardly during compression. In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , slots  83  proximate the rear end  32  do not traverse completely through the wall  85  and therefore help block a moisture path from the outside of the clamping insert to the inside of the clamping insert  30 ″ at the rear end  32 . Slots  83  are configured to close tightly upon compression as shown in  FIG. 14 . Clamping insert  30 ″ can be press fit with the inner surface  26  of the body  20 , i.e. the clamping insert  30  can be mounted onto the surface  26  of the body  20  by press fit. A raised annular rib  86  helps to provide an additional moisture block. An additional plurality of slots  84  proximate the front end  34  can be provided to collapse of the clamping insert  30 ″ radially inwardly during compression. 
   In use, the end  201  of a coaxial cable  200  is brought together with the rear end of the connector  10 , i.e. the rear end  32  of clamping insert  30 , such that the cable  200  passes into the longitudinal hole  38  of the clamping insert  30  and is impaled upon the rear end  52  of the shank  51  of the tubular post  50 . The rear end  52  of the shank  51  is driven between the braided shield  208  and the outer conductor  206  of the cable  200 , preferably until the dielectric  204  at the end  201  of the cable  200  is flush with the distal surface  54   a  of the end  54  of the post  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Distortion of cable  200  is minimized by the low profile configuration of the rear end  52  of the shank  51  of the tubular post  50 . Flaring of the braided shield  208  (and jacket  210 ) of the cable  200  is limited to the engaged length between the cable  200  and raised ridge  61  on the outer surface  57  of the tubular post  50 . 
   The body  20  and the tubular post  50  are then moved axially together, such as by implementation of a tool having first and second driving members  301 ,  302  which engage the rear end  32  of the clamping insert  30  and the head  53  of the tubular post  50 , respectively, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The compressive force generated by the first and second members  301 ,  302  axially moves the front end  34  of the clamping insert  30  into the sleeve  21  of the hollow body  20 , preferably until the front end  34  of the clamping insert  30  engages the rearward facing tapered portion  27  of the hollow body  20 , and such that the forward facing tapered portion  81  engages the rear end  22  of body  20 , thereby deforming the clamping insert  30  such that the front and rear ends  34 ,  34  of the clamping insert  30  are deflected radially inwardly against the cable  200 . 
   Preferably, the jacket  210  is simultaneously sandwiched between the clamping insert  30  and the rear end  52  of the shank  51  of the tubular post  50  and the tapered ridge  61 . With the connector  10  attached to the end  201  of the cable  200 , the connector  10  can then be placed into contact with a terminal such as a threaded terminal. The coupler  40  may be tightened onto the threaded terminal for electrical and mechanical coupling of the coaxial cable  200  to the terminal via the coaxial connector  10 . As the coupler  40  is rotated to engage the threads of the coupler  40  and the terminal, O-ring  90  is compressed to form a seal. 
   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.