Abstract:
A connector for coaxial cable is disclosed herein that has an outer body and a collapsible insert. The insert grips the outermost protective layer of the cable when the insert is fully compressed. A related method for connecting the coaxial cable and connector is also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/755,476 filed on Dec. 29, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to coaxial cable connectors, and particularly to coaxial drop cable connectors.  
       TECHNICAL BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Coaxial cable connectors such as F-connectors are used to attach coaxial cables to another object such as an adapter or such as an appliance or junction having a terminal adapted to engage the coaxial cable connector. Coaxial cable F-connectors are often used to terminate a drop cable in a cable television system. The coaxial cable typically includes a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, in turn surrounded by a conductive grounding foil and/or braided shield, 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.  
         [0004]     Coaxial cable connectors can be installed on the coaxial cable by crimping the coaxial cable connector to the cable or by axial compression. These compression connectors are installed onto prepared cables by inserting the exposed cable core (conductive grounding foil and dielectric and center conductor) into the connector and, more specifically, onto a post (or mandrel or support sleeve) on the inside of the coaxial cable connector. The braided shield is typically folded back over the protective outer jacket when the cable core is exposed. The post is interposed between the cable core (conductive grounding foil and dielectric and center conductor) and the braided shield. In certain coaxial cables, specifically head end cables (HEC), there may be multiple layers of conductive grounding foil and braided shield. The multiple layers of conductive grounding foil and braided shield cause the HEC cable to have a larger diameter than the typical coaxial cables, thereby making insertion of the prepared coaxial cable into the typical F-connectors difficult if not impossible. Thus, the termination of the HEC coaxial cables is extremely difficult, if not close to impossible, using standard techniques and materials.  
         [0005]     Various types of coaxial cable have different outer protective layers or jackets.  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates in cross-section a known coaxial cable  10  comprising an inner conductor  12  surrounded by a dielectric layer  14 ; in turn, dielectric layer is surrounded by a conductive grounding foil  15  surrounded by a braided shield  16  which is covered by a protective outer cable jacket or protective layer  18 . Foil  15  and shield  16  can be collectively referred to as the outer conductor  17  of the cable  10 .  
         [0007]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate in cross-section a known connector, designated generally by reference numeral  25 , such as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,997,350 to Burris et al. Connector  25  includes a tubular post  32  having a first end  34  adapted to be inserted into the exposed end of coaxial cable  10  around the dielectric  14  and conductive grounding foil  15  thereof and under the braided shield  16 . Tubular post  32  has an opposing second end  36 . Connector  20  also includes a nut  38  having a first end  40  for rotatably engaging second end  36  of tubular post  32  and having an opposing second end  42  with an internally threaded bore  44  for threadedly engaging a threaded port (not shown). Connector  20  further includes a cylindrical body member  46  having a first end  48  and a second end  50 . First end  48  of cylindrical body member  46  includes a cylindrical sleeve  52  having an outer wall  54  and an inner wall  56  bounding a first central bore  58  extending about tubular post  32 . Second end  50  of cylindrical body member  46  is of a smaller diameter than first end  48  thereof, and engages tubular post  32  proximate its second end  36 . Cylindrical sleeve  52  has an open rear end portion  60  for receiving the outer jacket  18  of coaxial cable  10 ; this rear end portion  60  is deformable. Cylindrical sleeve  52  has a circular relief, or weakened area  62 , formed therein as by cutting a circular groove thereabout, to facilitate bending of cylindrical sleeve  52  at such point. Connector  20  also includes a compression ring  64  having a first end  66  and an opposing second end  68 . A central passageway  70  extends through compression ring  64  between first end  66  and second end  68 . A portion of central passageway  70  is formed by a first internal bore  72  communicating with the first end  66  of compression ring  64 . Central passageway  70  of compression ring  64  also includes an inwardly tapered annular wall  74  leading from first internal bore  72  and narrowing to a reduced diameter as compared with the internal diameter of first internal bore  72 . This inwardly tapered annular wall  74  causes the rear end portion  60  of cylindrical sleeve  52  to be deformed inwardly toward tubular post  32  and against cable jacket  18 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , as compression ring  64  is advanced axially over cylindrical body member  46  toward the second end  50  thereof. Tubular post  32  has a circular barb  76  formed thereabout proximate its first end  34 . Cylindrical sleeve  52  initially extends axially to a point proximate circular barb  76 .  
         [0008]      FIG. 4  is illustrative of an end of cable  10  prepared for use with the connector  25  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The braided shield  16  is pulled back over the protective layer  18 . A portion of the outer cylindrical surface of the conductive grounding foil  15  is exposed, and a portion of the outer cylindrical surface of the inner conductor  12  is also exposed.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     Disclosed herein is a method of coupling a coaxial cable to a connector, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, and a protective layer surrounding the outer conductor, the cable further comprising a prepared end having an exposed outer conductor and an exposed inner conductor, the connector comprising an outer body and a collapsible insert at least partially disposed within the outer body, the insert comprising a rearward facing shoulder, a rear ferrule portion, a weakened portion adjacent the rear ferrule portion, a bushing portion adjacent the weakened portion, and a forward conducting portion disposed adjacent the bushing portion, the method comprising: (a) inserting the prepared end of the cable into a rear end of the connector until the front end of the protective layer of the cable engages the rearward facing shoulder; (b) longitudinally compressing the insert, thereby causing the insert to collapse, and causing the rear ferrule portion to engage the protective layer, and causing the forward conducting portion to engage the exposed outer conductor. The insert is longitudinally compressible and generally tubular.  
         [0010]     Longitudinally compressing the insert causes the weakened portion of the insert to collapse. The longitudinal compression can cause the weakened portion to break, fold, bend, stretch, or otherwise deform.  
         [0011]     In some embodiments, at least part of the rear ferrule portion is disposed in a first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and at least part of the bushing portion is disposed in the first plane after the step of longitudinally compressing the insert.  
         [0012]     In some embodiments, at least part of the exposed outer conductor remains directly adjacent to the dielectric during the inserting and during the compressing.  
         [0013]     The protective layer is not forced away from the outer conductor of the cable during the inserting, and is not forced away from the outer conductor of the cable during the compressing.  
         [0014]     In some embodiments, the compressing step comprises engaging a front end of the insert and the rear end of the outer body with a tool and longitudinally compressing the insert towards the rear end of the outer body.  
         [0015]     In other embodiments, the outer body comprises at least one thread, and the compressing step comprises threadedly engaging the outer body with a threaded terminal, wherein advancement of the outer body onto the terminal causes the terminal to engage and longitudinally compress the insert towards the rear end of the outer body.  
         [0016]     In some embodiments, the outer body comprises at least one thread, and the compressing step comprises threadedly engaging the outer body with a threaded device, wherein movement together of the outer body and the threaded device causes the device to engage and longitudinally compress the insert towards the rear end of the outer body.  
         [0017]     In some embodiments, longitudinal compression of the insert causes part of the cable to egress from the rear end of the connector.  
         [0018]     In some embodiments, the outer surface of the forward conducting portion of the insert comprises at least one circumferential compression groove, and longitudinally compressing the insert causes the forward conducting portion to longitudinally compress at or proximate the circumferential compression groove, thereby causing the inner surface of the forward conducting portion of the insert at or proximate the circumferential compression groove to protrude radially inwardly.  
         [0019]     Preferably, the internal surface of the outer body comprises an inward protrusion disposed between the rear end and the front end, wherein the inward protrusion is capable of engaging the outer surface of the insert, thereby providing a forward stop to longitudinal movement of the insert and the cable toward the front end of the outer body.  
         [0020]     Preferably, the inner surface of the insert defines a rearward facing shoulder at or proximate the junction between the bushing portion and the forward conducting portion, and the front edge of the protective layer engages the rearward facing shoulder.  
         [0021]     Also disclosed herein is a connector for attaching to an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, and a protective layer surrounding the outer conductor. The connector comprises: an outer body comprising a rear end, an inwardly directed rear flange, a front end, a longitudinal axis, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal opening, wherein the inwardly directed rear flange defines an forward facing shoulder in the internal surface; and a collapsible insert disposed at least partially within the longitudinal opening of the outer body, the insert comprising an inner surface defining a longitudinal opening, an outer surface, a rear ferrule portion, a weakened portion adjacent the rear ferrule portion, a bushing portion adjacent the weakened portion, and a forward conducting portion disposed adjacent the bushing portion. In an uncompressed state, the weakened portion is disposed between the ferrule portion and the bushing portion, and the bushing portion is longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion. In a fully compressed state, the rear ferrule portion abuts the forward facing shoulder of the outer body, the weakened portion is deformed and/or broken, and at least part of the bushing portion is sandwiched between the ferrule portion and the internal surface of the outer body, thereby urging the ferrule portion radially inwardly. Preferably, at least a rear part of the bushing portion is not longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion in the fully compressed state. The insert is longitudinally compressible and generally tubular.  
         [0022]     The insert is capable of abutting and being compressed against the forward facing shoulder of the outer body, the forward facing shoulder of the outer body thereby providing a rearward stop to longitudinal movement of the insert toward the rear end of the outer body.  
         [0023]     In some embodiments, the outer surface of the forward conducting portion of the insert comprises at least one circumferential compression groove, and, in the fully compressed state, the forward conducting portion is longitudinally compressed at or proximate the circumferential compression groove and the inner surface of the forward conducting portion of the insert at or proximate the circumferential compression groove protrudes radially inwardly.  
         [0024]     Preferably, the internal surface of the outer body comprises an inward protrusion disposed between the rear end and the front end, wherein the inward protrusion is capable of engaging the outer surface of the insert, thereby providing a forward stop to longitudinal movement of the insert toward the front end of the outer body.  
         [0025]     Preferably, the inner surface of the insert defines a rearward facing shoulder at or proximate the junction between the bushing portion and the forward conducting portion.  
         [0026]     In some embodiments, the rear ferrule portion, the weakened portion, and the bushing portion are a single unitary piece. The single unitary piece may comprise plastic, metal, or metallized plastic, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the forward conducting portion comprises metal.  
         [0027]     In other embodiments, the rear ferrule portion, the weakened portion, the bushing portion, and the forward conducting portion are a single unitary piece, and the single unitary piece comprises metal.  
         [0028]     Movement of the insert toward the rear end of the outer body causes the rear ferrule portion to engage the forward facing shoulder of the outer body, and causes the weakened portion to deform or to break, and causes the bushing portion to move longitudinally toward the rear end of the outer body.  
         [0029]     In some embodiments, the rear ferrule portion comprises a tapered, or conical, outer surface of increasing diameter in the rearward direction. Thus, movement of the insert toward the rear end of the outer body causes the rear ferrule portion to engage the forward facing shoulder of the outer body, and causes the weakened portion to deform or to break, and causes the bushing portion to move longitudinally toward the rear end of the outer body and to ride on the tapered or conical outer surface of the rear ferrule portion in these embodiments.  
         [0030]     In some embodiments, movement of the insert toward the rear end of the outer body causes the forward conducting portion of the insert to longitudinally compress and cause the inner surface of the forward conducting portion of the insert to protrude radially inwardly.  
         [0031]     In some embodiments, the internal surface of the outer body comprises one or more threads. In some embodiments, the internal surface of the outer body comprises at least one thread on at least a portion of the internal surface adjacent the front end of the outer body.  
         [0032]     In some embodiments, the insert fits entirely within the longitudinal opening of the outer body in the uncompressed state. In some embodiments, the insert fits entirely within the longitudinal opening of the outer body in the fully compressed state.  
         [0033]     In some embodiments, the insert fits entirely within the longitudinal opening of the outer body in both the fully compressed state and the uncompressed state.  
         [0034]     Also disclosed herein is a connector in combination with a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, and a protective layer surrounding the outer conductor, the protective layer having an outermost cable diameter, the cable further comprising a prepared end having an exposed outer conductor and an exposed inner conductor. The combination comprises: an outer body comprising a rear end, an inwardly directed rear flange, a front end, a longitudinal axis, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal opening adapted to receive the cable and comprising at least one thread on at least a portion of the internal surface adjacent the front end of the outer body, wherein the inwardly directed rear flange defines an forward facing shoulder in the internal surface; and a collapsible insert disposed at least partially within the longitudinal opening of the outer body, the insert comprising an inner surface defining a longitudinal opening, an outer surface, a rear ferrule portion, a weakened portion adjacent the rear ferrule portion, a bushing portion adjacent the Weakened portion, and a forward conducting portion disposed adjacent the bushing portion. In an uncompressed state: the weakened portion is disposed between the ferrule portion and the bushing portion; the bushing portion is longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion; the rear ferrule portion, the weakened portion and the bushing portion are disposed between the internal surface of the outer body and the protective layer of the cable; and the forward conducting portion is disposed adjacent the exposed outer conductor and between the exposed outer conductor and the internal surface of the outer body. In a fully compressed state, the rear ferrule portion abuts the forward facing shoulder of the outer body, the weakened portion is deformed or broken, and at least a rear part of the bushing portion is sandwiched between the ferrule portion and the internal surface of the outer body, thereby urging the ferrule portion radially inwardly into the protective layer of the cable. In the fully compressed state, at least a rear part of the bushing portion is preferably not longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion.  
         [0035]     The protective layer and at least a portion of the internal surface of the outer body define a first annular cavity therebetween. The rear ferrule portion, the weakened portion, and the bushing portion are disposed in the first annular cavity. The exposed outer conductor and at least a portion of the internal surface of the outer body define a second annular cavity therebetween. The forward conducting portion is disposed in the second annular cavity.  
         [0036]     In the fully compressed state, at least part of the forward conducting portion protrudes radially inwardly against the exposed outer conductor of the cable. The outer surface of the forward conducting portion of the insert comprises at least one circumferential compression groove, and, in the fully compressed state, the forward conducting portion is longitudinally compressed at or proximate the circumferential compression groove and the inner surface of the forward conducting portion of the insert at or proximate the circumferential compression groove protrudes radially inwardly against the exposed outer conductor of the cable.  
         [0037]     The inner surface of the insert defines a rearward facing shoulder at or proximate the junction between the bushing portion and the forward conducting portion. The rearward facing shoulder is capable of engaging a front end of the protective layer of the cable, thereby providing a forward stop to longitudinal movement of the cable toward the front end of the insert.  
         [0038]     Movement of the insert toward the rear end of the outer body causes the cable to move toward the rear of the outer body, causes the rear ferrule portion to engage the forward facing shoulder of the outer body, causes the weakened portion to deform or break, and causes the bushing portion to move longitudinally toward the rear end of the outer body.  
         [0039]     Movement of the insert toward the rear end of the outer body causes the cable to move toward the rear of the outer body, causes the rear ferrule portion to engage the forward facing shoulder of the outer body, causes the weakened portion to deform or break, and causes the bushing portion to move longitudinally toward the rear end of the outer body and to ride on the tapered or conical outer surface of the rear ferrule portion.  
         [0040]     Movement of the insert toward the rear end of the outer body causes the forward conducting portion of the insert to longitudinally compress and cause the inner surface of the forward conducting portion of the insert to protrude radially inwardly and against the exposed outer conductor.  
         [0041]     Also disclosed herein is a connector for attaching to an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, and a protective layer surrounding the outer conductor. The connector comprises: an outer body comprising a rear end, an inwardly directed rear flange, a front end, a longitudinal axis, and an internal surface extending between the rear and front ends of the body, the internal surface defining a longitudinal opening and having at least one thread on at least a portion of the internal surface adjacent the front end of the outer body, wherein the inwardly directed rear flange defines an forward facing shoulder in the internal surface; and a collapsible insert disposed at least partially within the longitudinal opening of the outer body, the insert comprising an inner surface defining a longitudinal opening, an outer surface, a rear ferrule portion, a bushing portion, a weakened portion disposed between the ferrule portion and the bushing portion, and a forward conducting portion disposed adjacent the bushing portion. In an uncompressed state, the weakened portion is disposed between the ferrule portion and the bushing portion, and the bushing portion is longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion. The longitudinally compressible generally tubular insert is capable of abutting and being compressed against the forward facing shoulder of the outer body. In a fully compressed state, the rear ferrule portion abuts the forward facing shoulder of the outer body, the weakened portion is deformed or broken, and at least a rear part of the bushing portion is sandwiched between the ferrule portion and internal surface of the outer body, thereby urging the ferrule portion radially inwardly. Preferably, at least a rear part of the bushing portion is not longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion.  
         [0042]     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.  
         [0043]     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  
       [0044]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional representation of a known coaxial cable.  
         [0045]      FIG. 2  is a side cutaway view of a known coaxial cable connector in an uncompressed state.  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  is a side cutaway view of the known connector of  FIG. 2  in a fully compressed state.  
         [0047]      FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a known cable prepared for use with the known connector of  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  
         [0048]      FIGS. 5-7  illustrate a first embodiment of the coaxial cable connector disclosed herein.  
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates a known cable prepared for use with the connectors disclosed herein.  
         [0050]      FIGS. 9-10  illustrate a second embodiment of a coaxial cable connector as disclosed herein.  
         [0051]      FIGS. 11-12  illustrate a third embodiment of a coaxial cable connector as disclosed herein.  
         [0052]      FIGS. 13-14  illustrate a fourth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector as disclosed herein.  
         [0053]      FIG. 15  illustrates a fifth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector as disclosed herein.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0054]     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.  
         [0055]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates in cross-section a known coaxial cable  10 .  FIGS. 2-3  schematically illustrate a known coaxial cable connector  25 .  FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a known cable prepared for use with a known connector.  FIGS. 5-7  illustrate a first embodiment of the coaxial cable connector disclosed herein.  FIG. 8  illustrates a known cable prepared for use with the connectors disclosed herein.  FIGS. 9-10  illustrate a second embodiment of a coaxial cable connector as disclosed herein.  FIGS. 11-12  illustrate a third embodiment of a coaxial cable connector as disclosed herein.  FIGS. 13-14  illustrate a fourth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector as disclosed herein.  FIG. 15  illustrates a fifth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector as disclosed herein.  
         [0056]     Representative of a first set of embodiments, coaxial cable connector  100  is schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 . Coaxial cable connector  100  has a longitudinal axis A-A and a hollow outer body  110 . The outer body comprises a rear end  112 , an inwardly directed rear flange  114  at the rear end  112 , a front end  116 , and an internal surface  118  extending between the rear and front ends  112 ,  116  of the body  110 . The internal surface  118  defines a longitudinal opening  120  that extends all the way through the outer body  110 . The inwardly directed rear flange  114  defines a forward facing shoulder  122  in the internal surface  118 .  
         [0057]     A collapsible, longitudinally compressible, insert  130  is disposed at least partially within the longitudinal opening  118  of the outer body  110 . In  FIGS. 5-7 , the insert  130  is disposed entirely within the longitudinal opening  118 . The insert  130  is generally tubular. The insert  130  comprises an inner surface  132  defining a longitudinal opening  140 , an outer surface  136 , a rear ferrule portion  140 , a weakened portion  142  adjacent the rear ferrule portion  140 , a bushing portion  144  adjacent the weakened portion  142 , and a forward conducting portion  146  disposed adjacent the bushing portion  144 .  
         [0058]     In some embodiments, the weakened portion  142  comprises a reduced wall thickness. In other embodiments, the weakened portion  142  comprises a plurality of slits or holes. In still other embodiments, the weakened portion  142  comprises a material that is more ductile, or more easily deformed, than the bushing portion. Other embodiments comprise two or more of these features together.  
         [0059]     As seen in  FIG. 5 , the insert  130  is capable of abutting, and being compressed against, the forward facing shoulder  122  of the outer body  110 . The forward facing shoulder  122  of the outer body  110  thereby provides a rearward stop to longitudinal movement of the insert  110  toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 5  shows the connector  100  in an uncompressed state. The weakened portion  142  is disposed between the ferrule portion  140  and the bushing portion  144 , and the bushing portion  144  is longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion  140 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 8  schematically illustrates coaxial cable  10  that comprises an inner conductor  12 , a dielectric  14  surrounding the inner conductor  12 , an outer conductor  17  surrounding the dielectric  14 , and a protective layer  18  surrounding the outer conductor  17 . The outer conductor  17  may comprise braided wire or braided shield  16 , metal foil  15 , a metal sleeve, or some combination thereof. The cable  10  comprises a prepared end  20 , having an exposed outer conductor  22  and an exposed inner conductor  24 , suitable for use with the connectors disclosed herein.  
         [0062]      FIG. 5  also shows the connector  100  in an uncompressed state, with a coaxial cable  10  inserted therein.  
         [0063]      FIG. 6  shows the connector  100  in a fully compressed state and engaging coaxial cable  10 . The rear ferrule portion  140  abuts the forward facing shoulder  122  of the outer body  110 . The weakened portion  142  has collapsed. The weakened portion  142  can be deformed and/or ruptured. In some embodiments, the weakened portion  142  is broken. In other embodiments, the weakened portion stretches. In some embodiments, the weakened portion  142  is plastically deformed. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , at least a rear part of the bushing portion  144  is not longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion  140 . At least a rear part  150  of the bushing portion  144  is sandwiched between the ferrule portion  140  and the internal surface  118  of the outer body  110 , which urges the ferrule portion  140  radially inwardly.  
         [0064]     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , at least part of the inner surface  132  of the bushing portion  144  defines an annular space  152  that receives at least part of the outer surface  136  of the rear ferrule portion  140  in the fully compressed state.  
         [0065]     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , the outer surface  136  of the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130  comprises at least one circumferential compression groove  154 . In the fully compressed state, the forward conducting portion  146  is longitudinally compressed at (or proximate) the circumferential compression groove  154  and the inner surface  132  of the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130  at or proximate the circumferential compression groove  154  protrudes radially inwardly at protrusion  156  to grip the exposed outer conductor  22  of the cable  10 . The forward conducting portion  146  is brought into tighter gripping engagement with the cable  10 . In other embodiments, the inner surface  132  of the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130  comprises at least one circumferential compression groove  154  and the forward conducting portion  146  is brought into tighter gripping engagement with the cable  10  in the fully compressed state.  
         [0066]     Referring again to  FIGS. 5-6 , the internal surface  118  of the outer body  110  comprises an inward protrusion  160  disposed between the rear end  112  and the front end  116 . The inward protrusion  160  is capable of engaging the outer surface  136  of the insert  130  in order to provide a forward stop to longitudinal movement of the insert  130  toward the front end  116  of the outer body  110 .  
         [0067]     The inner surface  132  of the insert  130  defines a rearward facing shoulder  162  at or proximate the junction between the bushing portion  144  and the forward conducting portion  146 .  
         [0068]     As understood from  FIGS. 5 and 6 , movement of the insert  130  toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110  causes the rear ferrule portion  140  to engage the forward facing shoulder  122  of the outer body  110 , and causes the weakened portion  142  to collapse, by deforming or breaking, which causes the bushing portion  144  to move longitudinally toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110 . Forward conducting portion  146  also moves rearwardly toward the rear end  112  of the body  110 . Rear ferrule portion  140  substantially does not move longitudinally during compression.  
         [0069]     In some embodiments, the rear ferrule portion  140  comprises a tapered, or conical, outer surface  164  of increasing diameter in the rearward direction, i.e. of decreasing diameter in the forward direction, such that movement of the insert  130  toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110  causes the rear ferrule portion  140  to engage the forward facing shoulder  122  of the outer body  110 , and causes the weakened portion  144  to collapse, i.e. deform or break, and causes the bushing portion  144  to move longitudinally toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110  and to ride on the tapered or conical outer surface  164  of the rear ferrule portion  140 . Engagement of the bushing portion  144  with the rear ferrule portion  140 , whether weakened portion  142  is sandwiched therebetween or not, forces rear ferrule portion  140  radially inwardly to grip and compress the protective layer  18  of the cable  10 .  
         [0070]     In some embodiments, movement of the insert  130  toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110  causes the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130  to longitudinally compress and cause the inner surface  132  of the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130  to protrude radially inwardly. The inward radial protrusion  156  increases the surface contact area between portion  146  and the exposed outer conductor  22  of the cable  10  and/or increases the grip of the insert  130  on the exposed outer conductor  22  to help increase the electrical connectivity between the outer conductor  22  and the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130 . In some embodiments, contact between insert  130  and the exposed outer conductor  22  results in contact between the insert  130  and braided shield  16 . In other embodiments, contact between insert  130  and the exposed outer conductor  22  results in contact between the insert  130  and conductive ground foil  15 . In other embodiments, contact between insert  130  and the exposed outer conductor  22  results in contact between the insert  130  and conductive ground foil  15  as well. as braided shield  16 .  
         [0071]     The internal surface  118  of the outer body  110  in some embodiments comprises one or more threads. The internal surface  118  of the outer body  110  comprises at least one thread on at least a portion of the internal surface  110  at or near the front end  116  of the outer body  110 . The outer body  110  may then be threadedly engaged to a threaded terminal, or an adapter, or some other threaded device  30  to which the connector  100  is to be coupled. An adapter  30  is shown in  FIG. 6  as an illustration. The outer surface of the outer body is provided with a hexagonal configuration or other shape suitable for engagement with a tool serves. The outer body in some embodiments is made integrally of a single unitary piece.  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , the insert  130  fits entirely within the longitudinal opening  120  of the outer body  110  in the uncompressed state, and the insert  130  also fits entirely within the longitudinal opening  120  of the outer body  110  in the fully compressed state. That is, the insert  130  lies between the rear end  112  and front end  116 , and outer body  110  completely surrounds and envelopes insert  130 . In other embodiments, the insert  130  fits partially within the longitudinal opening  118  of the outer body  110  in the uncompressed state, for example by jutting out beyond front end  116 . In some embodiments, the insert  130  fits partially within the longitudinal opening  118  of the outer body  110  in the fully compressed state.  
         [0073]     As seen in  FIG. 5 , in an uncompressed state: the weakened portion  142  is disposed between the ferrule portion  140  and the bushing portion  144 ; the bushing portion  144  is longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion  140 ; the rear ferrule portion  140 , the weakened portion  142  and the bushing portion  144  are disposed between the internal surface  118  of the outer body  110  and the protective layer  18  of the cable  10 ; and the forward conducting portion  146  is disposed adjacent the exposed outer conductor  24 . The forward conducting portion  146  is disposed between the exposed outer conductor  22  and the internal surface  118  of the outer body  110 .  
         [0074]     As seen in  FIG. 6 , in a fully compressed state, the rear ferrule portion  144  abuts the forward facing shoulder  122  of the outer body  110 , the weakened portion  142  is deformed or broken, and at least part (such as a rear part as illustrated)  150  of the bushing portion  144  is sandwiched between the ferrule portion  140  and the internal surface  118  of the outer body  110 , thereby urging the ferrule portion  140  radially inwardly into the protective layer  18  of the cable  10 . At least a rear part  150  of the bushing portion  144  is not longitudinally spaced away from the ferrule portion  140 .  
         [0075]     Referring again to  FIGS. 5-6 , the protective layer  18  and at least a portion  166  of the internal surface  118  of the outer body  110  define a first annular cavity  168  therebetween. The rear ferrule portion  140 , the weakened portion  142 , and the bushing portion  144  are disposed in the first annular cavity  168 .  FIG. 5  shows the rear ferrule portion  140 , the weakened portion  142 , and the bushing portion  144  disposed in the first annular cavity  168  in the uncompressed state.  FIG. 6  shows the rear ferrule portion  140 , the weakened portion  142 , and the bushing portion  144  disposed in the first annular cavity in the fully compressed state. Also, the exposed outer conductor  22  and at least a portion  170  of the internal surface  118  of the outer body  110  define a second annular cavity  172  therebetween. The forward conducting portion  146  is disposed in the second annular cavity  172 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  both show the forward conducting portion  146  disposed in the second annular cavity  172 .  
         [0076]     In some embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 6 , in the fully compressed state, at least part  156  of the forward conducting portion  146  protrudes radially inwardly against the exposed outer conductor  22  of the cable  10 . The outer surface  136  of the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130  comprises at least one circumferential compression groove  154 , and, in the fully compressed state, the forward conducting portion  146  is longitudinally compressed at or proximate the circumferential compression groove  154  and the inner surface  132  of the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130 , at or proximate the circumferential compression groove  154 , protrudes radially inwardly at protrusion  156  against the exposed outer conductor  22  of the cable  10 .  
         [0077]     The internal surface  118  of the outer body  110  comprises an inward protrusion  160  disposed between the rear end  112  and the front end  116 , wherein the inward protrusion  160  is capable of engaging the outer surface  136  of the insert  130 , thereby providing a forward stop to longitudinal movement of the insert  130  toward the front end  116  of the outer body  110 . The inner surface  132  of the insert  130  defines a rearward facing shoulder  162  at (or proximate) the junction between the bushing portion  144  and the forward conducting portion  146 . The rearward facing shoulder  162  is capable of engaging a front end  19  of the protective layer  18  of the cable  10 , and shoulder  162  thereby provides a forward stop to longitudinal movement of the cable  10  toward the front end  116  of the outer body  110 .  
         [0078]     As understood from  FIGS. 5 and 6 , movement of the insert  130  toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110  causes the cable  10  to move toward the rear  112  of the outer body  110 , causes the rear ferrule portion  140  to engage the forward facing shoulder  122  of the outer body  110 , causes the weakened portion  142  to deform or break, leading to collapse of the insert  130 , and causes the bushing portion  144  to move longitudinally toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110 . In some embodiments, the bushing portion  144  moves longitudinally toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110  and rides on a tapered outer surface  164  of the rear ferrule portion  140 . Movement of the insert  130  toward the rear end  112  of the outer body  110  causes the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130  to longitudinally compress and causes the inner surface  132  of the forward conducting portion  146  of the insert  130  to protrude radially inwardly and against the exposed outer conductor  22  to help increase electrical connectivity between the exposed outer conductor  22  and the forward conducting portion  146 . The forward conducting portion  146  can then contact a corresponding outer conductor portion of a terminal or device  30 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0079]     The inner surface of the forward conducting portion  146  is adapted to allow the exposed outer conductor  22  to pass longitudinally therethrough. In some embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 5 , the inner surface  132  of the forward conducting portion  146  is conically tapered, with its internal diameter increasing in the rearward direction. Such a conical taper assists in centering the exposed outer conductor  22  during insertion of the cable  10  into the connector (or engagement of the connector onto the cable  10 ).  
         [0080]     In some embodiments, the insert  130  is easily rotatable with respect to the outer body  110  until the weakened part collapses. Insert  130  can be made free-spinning around outer body  110  before collapse.  
         [0081]     Connector  100  can be assembled by placing the insert  130  into the longitudinal opening  120  of the outer body  110 , by inserting the rear ferrule portion  140  first, the insert  130  being adapted to flex radially inwardly so as to allow the rear ferrule portion  140 , the weakened portion  142 , and the bushing portion  144  to pass rearwardly, with respect to outer body  110 , under protrusion  160 , then to expand so that insert  130  engages protrusion  160 .  
         [0082]     Representative of a second set of embodiments, connector  100 A in  FIGS. 9 and 10  is provided with a forward O-ring  180  disposed between the inner surface  118  of the outer body  110  and the outer surface  136  of the insert  130 . In some embodiments, the forward O-ring  180  is selected to permit free rotation between body  110  and insert  130  until the insert  130  collapses. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the forward O-ring  180  is compressed between the outer body  110 , the insert  130 , and the terminal or device  30  to which the connector  100  is being coupled. Compression of the forward O-ring  180  helps to form a 360° environmentally tight seal at or proximate the front end of the connector. In some embodiments, such as depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 9 , the insert  130  is provided with a front flange  182  extending radially outwardly. The front flange  182  provides a rearward stop to prevent the forward O-ring  180  from moving longitudinally rearward. Forward O-ring  180  can be placed inside longitudinal opening  120  and into contact with insert  130  and/or outer body  110 , after insert  130  is assembled into outer body  110 .  
         [0083]     Representative of a third set of embodiments, connector  100 B in  FIGS. 11 and 12  is provided with, in addition to a forward O-ring  180 , a rear O-ring  186  disposed between the inner surface  118  of the outer body  110  and the rear end of the rear ferrule portion  140  of the insert  130 . In some embodiments, the rear O-ring  186  is selected to permit free rotation between body  110  and insert  130  until the insert collapses. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , upon compression of the insert  130  against the rear flange  114  of the outer body  110 , the rear O-ring  186  is compressed between the outer body  110 , the insert  130 , and the protective layer  18  of the cable  10 . Compression of the rear O-ring  186  helps to form a 360° environmentally tight seal proximate the rear end of the connector  100 B. Rear O-ring  186  can be placed inside longitudinal opening  120  and into contact with outer body  110 , before insert  130  is assembled into outer body  110 .  
         [0084]     Representative of a fourth set of embodiments, connector  100 C in  FIGS. 13 and 14  is provided with, in addition to a rear O-ring  186 , a front ring  190  disposed at or proximate the front end  116  of the outer body  110 . The front ring  190  is shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  as being disposed forward of the internal threads  200  of the outer body  110 . Threaded engagement between the connector  100 C and a terminal or other threaded device  30  will sandwich the front ring  190  between the inner surface  118  of the outer body  110  and the terminal or device  30  to help form a 360° environmentally tight seal proximate the front end  116  of the connector  100 C. In some embodiments, the front ring  190  is made of ductile material such as plastic.  
         [0085]     In some embodiments, the outer body  110  is a single piece unitary body. In embodiments with a rear O-ring  186 , the rear O-ring  186  is placed inside the outer body, then  
         [0086]     At least a portion of the outer surface  117  of the outer body  110  comprises a gripping portion  119  that facilitates gripping the connector. In some embodiments, the outer surface  117  of the outer body  110  comprises a hexagonal outer configuration generally surrounding the outer body  110  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the hexagonal outer configuration extends longitudinally over a majority (greater than 50%) of the longitudinal length L of the outer body, from the rear end  112  to the front end  116 . In other embodiments, the hexagonal outer configuration extends longitudinally over more than 75% of the longitudinal length L of the outer body  110 , from the rear end  112  to the front end  116 . In still other embodiments, the outer surface  117  of the outer body  110  is provided with a plurality of ridges or grooves, such as a knurled surface. In some embodiments, the outer surface  117  of the outer body  110  comprises a hexagonal outer configuration and a plurality of ridges or grooves. Thus, the outer body  110  can be handled, gripped, and/or rotated, for example to threadedly engage the outer body  110  to a terminal or device  30 , and without a separate nut member or other coupler member. An internally threaded outer body  110  thus performs the function of a nut without the need to have a separate nut member. The outer body  110  can thus provide a large gripping portion  119  that facilitates rotation either by hand or by tool, such as a wrench, or by both.  
         [0087]     In some embodiments, a connector disclosed herein consists of an outer body  110  and an insert  130 . In other embodiments, a connector disclosed herein consists of an outer body  110 , an insert  130 , and one O-ring disposed within the longitudinal opening  120  of the outer body  110 . In still other embodiments, a connector disclosed herein consists of an outer body, an insert, and a plurality of circular rings, such as O-rings, disposed within the longitudinal opening  120  of the outer body  110 .  
         [0088]     The connector disclosed herein does not require any post or mandrel or other such member that is inserted between the metal foil  15  and braided shield  16 , nor between the dielectric  14  and the outer conductor  17  of the cable  10  in order to lift the braided shield  16  or the outer conductor  17  radially outward, i.e. the connector disclosed herein is post-less. Accordingly, minimal pressure is required to insert the cable  10  into the connector disclosed herein (or the connector onto the cable) as compared to known connectors having a post (or mandrel) that must be driven into the cable. Moreover, the connector avoids the lifting up and/or folding back of any part of the outer conductor  17  (such as the braid  16 ) of the cable  10 . The outer conductor  17  is not lifted away from its original position which is concentric with (and parallel to) the inner conductor  12  of the cable  10 , i.e. the foil  15  as well as the braid  16  remains concentric with the inner conductor  12  and dielectric  14 . No step of preparing the cable by lifting or expanding any part of the outer conductor is required with the connectors and methods disclosed herein.  
         [0089]     The connector disclosed herein can be used with various types of coaxial cable, for example cables with relatively stiff cable outer layers such as hard line cable, or for example with cables with relatively soft jackets.  
         [0090]     The outer body  110  is made from a rigid material. The outer body  110  can be made from a metallic material, such as brass or aluminum, or from plastic, such as acetyl.  
         [0091]     The insert  130  can be made from a metallic material, such as brass or aluminum, or from plastic, but the forward conducting portion  146  is made from a material that conducts electricity well, such as brass. Insert  130  can be made entirely of a single material, such as brass, or insert  130  can be made from a combination of materials; for example, the forward conducting portion  146  can be made of brass, and the rear ferrule portion  140 , weakened portion  142 , and bushing portion  144  can be made of plastic. In some embodiments, insert  130  can be integrally formed into a single unitary piece. In other embodiments, insert  130  can be assembled from a plurality of sectional parts; for example, rear ferrule portion  140 , weakened portion  142 , and bushing portion  144  can be formed into a single-piece unitary body made of plastic to provide a first section  131  of the insert  130 , and the forward conducting portion  146  can be made of brass to provide a second section  133  of the insert  130 , wherein the first and second sections  131 ,  133  can be placed in proximity within the outer body  110 , and the second section of the insert engages protrusion  160  to keep both the first and second sections inside the outer body  110 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . Sections  131  and  133  may be attached to each other, or may remain separate by directly adjacent inside outer body  110 , for example forming an insert assembly.  
         [0092]     Metal members or portions, such as brass members, can be plated with a conductive, corrosion resistant material, such as nickel, gold, tin, nickel-tin, cadmium or white bronze (copper-zinc-tin).  
         [0093]     Referring again now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the prepared end  20  of coaxial cable  10  is inserted into the longitudinal opening  120  at the rear end  112  of outer body  110 . Further insertion of the cable  10  is assisted by the conically tapered portion of the inner surface  132  of the forward conducting portion  146 . The cable  10  is inserted until the front end  19  of the protective layer  18  of the cable  10  engages the rearward facing shoulder  162  of the insert  130 . Insert  130  is prevented from moving forward with respect to the outer body  110  by protrusion  160 . Insert  130  is then longitudinally compressed with a force sufficient to collapse weakened portion  142 . Insert  130 , as well as cable  10 , translate rearward with respect to outer body  110  until the bushing portion  144  forces rear ferrule portion  140  into the protective layer  18  of the cable. Longitudinal compression can be effected by using a tool that engages the outer surface  117  at the rear end  112  of outer body  110  simultaneously with the front end  135  of insert  130 . Alternatively, longitudinal compression can be effected by engaging the connector  100  onto a terminal or a device  30  which presses on front end  135  of the insert  130 ; for example, threaded engagement with a threaded terminal brings insert  130  into contact with the terminal, and further threaded advancement onto the terminal forces insert  130  backward into the outer body  110  to compress, and collapse, insert  130 .  
         [0094]     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.