Patent Publication Number: US-7717725-B2

Title: Sealing assembly for a cable connecting assembly and method of joining cable connectors

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to connecting assemblies for cable, such as coaxial cable and, more particularly, to a sealing assembly for the connecting assemblies to avoid ingress of moisture and foreign matter between connectors on the connecting assemblies. The invention is also directed to a method of joining separate connectors. 
   2. Background Art 
   Cable connectors are used in many different industries and for a multitude of different applications. Coaxial cable is used extensively in the communications industry. Coaxial cable ends are commonly required to be connected to other lengths of cables, or at ports or other connecting locations, to establish electrical continuity at the connecting locations. 
   It is important in most applications that there be no migration of moisture between components at a connecting location as might compromise, or cause a failed, signal. At the same time, this migration of moisture may cause a progressive degradation of the components which may affect signal quality and/or inhibit, or eventually prohibit, the separation of the connectors, when this becomes necessary. 
   The cable industry has long been aware of the importance of sealing connections at locations that are prone to admitting moisture. A multitude of different sealing arrangements have been developed by those in the cable industry and other industries to avoid the above problems. Many such sealing arrangements, while potentially effective, are compromised by reason of improper installation, or their omission, by an installer. 
   Cable installation is particularly competitive, given the number of entities vying for business. Consequently, margins are generally low. Thus sealing assemblies are generally designed so that they will be cost effective both from a manufacturing standpoint and from the standpoint of installation. 
   Reliability of the sealing assemblies, however, is of the utmost importance since return visits necessitated by ineffective sealing may have a significant, if not devastating, financial impact on an installer. 
   Under normal conditions, if a sealing assembly is difficult or time consuming to install, shortcuts might be taken that result in an ineffectively sealed installation. In an extreme case, the sealing assembly may be altogether left off in the interest of convenience and time savings. This is particularly true in harsh, outdoor conditions in which installers may be required to perform. Aside from the ongoing time pressures, and high volume expectations, installers may be faced with the difficulty of effecting installations using gloves. 
   In spite of there being a multitude of different sealing assemblies currently in existence, it is still common to see shortcuts taken by installers that bypass specified procedures. 
   The above problems are aggravated by the variations in connector component constructions that do not allow standardization of sealing assemblies. As an example, the wireless industry has devised a number of equipment ports for outdoor use which do not provide for conventional, reliable seals, such as those using O-rings, and the like. There is generally little standardization of components other than those directly related to signal transmission properties and secure contact. 
   Consequently, it is not uncommon to see make-shift sealing accomplished at such connections. For example, sealing tape is commonly wrapped copiously over outdoor connections. This process may be expensive in terms of material and labor costs and also is largely ineffective. Given that most failures of power equipment result from moisture ingress, this ineffective sealing accounts for compromised signals, and potentially failures that necessitate return visits and burdensome repair work. 
   Since it is not practical to closely supervise all installers, the industry continues to contend with the above problems. The industry continues to search however for a seal design that will not impede or lengthen the installation process and that will be consistently used and reliably seal critical connection locations. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One form of the invention is directed to a sealing assembly for a coaxial cable connector, the connector having at one end a threaded nut for removable attachment to an RF port. The sealing assembly has a sealing subassembly changeable between a pre-assembled state and a sealing state. The sealing subassembly has at one end an engagement portion and at its other end a sealing portion. The engagement portion is mounted to the nut. An actuator is mounted on an external surface of the nut. Axial advancement of the actuator changes the sealing subassembly from the pre-assembled state into the sealing state and thereby causes the sealing portion to compress radially inwardly around the RF port. 
   In one form, the sealing subassembly has a hinge at which the sealing subassembly can bend to cause a first part of the sealing subassembly, on which the sealing portion is defined, to move radially inwardly relative to a second part of the sealing subassembly, on which the engagement portion is defined, as the sealing subassembly is changed from the pre-assembled state into the sealing state. 
   In one form, there are cooperating connecting parts on the second part of the sealing subassembly and nut that allow the sealing subassembly and nut to be press fit, and maintained, together. 
   In one form, the actuator is moved axially along a central axis between first and second positions to change the sealing subassembly from the pre-assembled state into the sealing state. The actuator and nut are maintained together and are movable relative to each other axially to allow the actuator component to be changed between the first and second positions. 
   In one form, the nut and actuator are keyed to each other to limit relative movement between the nut and actuator around the central axis, thereby allowing the actuator to be turned around the central axis to thereby turn the nut around the central axis. 
   In one form, the actuator surrounds the first part of the sealing subassembly so that the first part of the sealing subassembly is captive between the actuator and a radially outwardly facing surface on the RF port. 
   In one form, the radially outwardly facing surface has a first diameter and the sealing portion has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter with the sealing subassembly in the pre-assembled state. The sealing portion can be moved axially relative to the radially outwardly facing surface without any interference between the sealing portion and radially outwardly facing surface with the sealing subassembly in the pre-assembled state. 
   In one form, the actuator is moved axially between first and second positions to change the sealing subassembly from the pre-assembled state into the sealing state. The connecting assembly further has a boot assembly that is engagable with the actuator and manipulable to thereby move the actuator from the first position into the second position. 
   In one form, the boot assembly is configured to sealingly receive a part of the actuator and seal directly against and around a cable connected to the connector. 
   In one form, the sealing portion has a surface bounded by a radially outwardly opening “V” with the sealing subassembly viewed in cross section. 
   In one form, the sealing portion is provided in combination with a coaxial cable length operatively connected to the connector. 
   In one form, the nut and actuator are guided one against the other as the actuator is moved relative to the nut between the first and second positions and there are one of: a) cooperating threads on the nut and actuator that allow the nut and actuator to be turned relative to each other around the central axis to effect relative axial movement therebetween; and b) cooperating surfaces on the nut and actuator through which the nut and actuator can be guided slidingly against each other in a straight line generally parallel to the central axis. 
   In another form, a sealing assembly is provided for a connecting assembly having a first connector that can be electrically connected to a first length of coaxial cable and having a central axis. The first connector includes an internally threaded nut that can be engaged with external threads on a second connector to establish electrical connection between a first length of coaxial cable electrically connected to the first connector and one of: a) a second length of coaxial cable; or b) a port defined by the second connector. The sealing assembly has a sealing subassembly that is changeable between pre-assembled and sealing states and defines a sealing portion. The sealing assembly further includes an actuator assembly with an actuator component that is movable guidingly axially relative to the first nut between first and second positions. The actuator component, as an incident of moving between the first and second positions, changes the sealing subassembly from the pre-assembled state into the sealing state by bending a part of the sealing subassembly, and thereby changing an effective diameter of the sealing portion, that is engageable with a radially outwardly facing surface on a second connector to which the first connector is joined. 
   In one form, the sealing assembly includes a hinge at which the sealing subassembly bends to cause a first part of the sealing subassembly, on which the sealing portion is defined, to move radially inwardly relative to a second part of the sealing subassembly, as the sealing subassembly is changed from the pre-assembled state into the sealing state. 
   In one form, the nut and actuator component are keyed to each other to limit relative movement between the nut and actuator component around the central axis, thereby allowing the actuator component to be turned around the central axis and to thereby turn the nut around the central axis to facilitate threaded engagement of the nut with a second connector. 
   In one form, there are cooperating connecting parts on the sealing subassembly and nut that allow the sealing subassembly and nut to be press fit, and maintained, together. 
   In one form, the sealing portion has a surface bounded by a radially outwardly opening “V” with the sealing subassembly viewed in cross section. 
   In one form, the nut and actuator component are guided one against the other as the actuator component is moved relative to the nut between the first and second positions and there are one of: a) cooperating threads on the nut and actuator component that allow the nut and actuator components to be turned relative to each other around the central axis to effect relative axial movement therebetween; and b) cooperating surfaces on the nut and actuator component through which the nut and actuator component can be guided slidingly against each other in a straight line generally parallel to the central axis. 
   In one form, the connecting assembly further includes a boot assembly that is engageable with the actuator component and manipulable to thereby move the actuator component relative to the nut from the first position into the second position. 
   In one form, the boot assembly is configured to sealingly receive a part of the actuator component and seal directly against and around a first length of coaxial cable electrically connected to the first connector. 
   In another form, the invention is directed to a connecting assembly for cable. The connecting assembly has a first connector that can be electrically connected to a first length of coaxial cable and has a central axis. The first connector has an internally threaded nut that can be engaged with external threads on a second connector to establish electrical connection between a first length of coaxial cable electrically connected to the first connector and one of: a) a second length of coaxial cable; or b) a port defined by the second connector. Reconfigurable structure seals around a radially outwardly facing surface on a second connector to which the first connector is joined. 
   In one form, the reconfigurable structure has a sealing subassembly having a sealing portion. Structure is provided, cooperating between the nut and a part of the sealing subassembly, for press fitting and thereby maintaining the first connector and sealing subassembly together with the nut surrounding at least a part of the sealing subassembly. 
   In another form, the invention is directed to a method of joining first and second connectors. The method includes the steps of: providing a first connector with a first cable length operatively connected thereto; providing a second connector with a central axis and a radially outwardly facing surface; providing a sealing assembly; joining the first and second connectors together into a preliminary joined state; changing the relationship of the first and second connectors to a joined operative state wherein the first and second connectors are secured together; and changing the actuator component from a first position into a second position and thereby causing a part of the sealing subassembly to bend to thereby cause a sealing portion on the part of the sealing subassembly to be reduced from a first effective diameter to a second effective diameter, smaller than the first effective diameter, thereby to bring the sealing portion from a radially spaced relationship into sealing engagement with the radially outwardly facing surface. 
   In one form, the second connector has an effective outer diameter along an axial extent over which the sealing portion passes as the first and second connectors are changed from a separated state into the joined operative state and with the actuator in the first position the first effective diameter of the sealing portion is greater than the effective outer diameter of the second connector over the entire axial extent. 
   In one form, the actuator component is changed from the first position into the second position after the first and second connectors are changed into the joined operative state. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of one form of connecting assembly, including first and second connectors for mechanically and electrically connecting separate cable lengths, and incorporating a sealing assembly, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of a conventional connector, defining a port, to which a connecting assembly, consisting of one of the connectors and sealing assembly in  FIG. 1 , can be joined; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a connecting assembly, of the type that can be joined to the connector in  FIG. 2 , including one connector together with the inventive sealing assembly, that is joined to a cable length; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded, perspective view of one exemplary form of the connecting assembly in  FIG. 3 , with the sealing assembly consisting of a sealing subassembly and an actuator/actuator component that cooperate with a coupling component in the form of a nut; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged, perspective view of the components in  FIG. 4  in an assembled state and with the sealing subassembly in a pre-assembled state; 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of the assembled components of  FIG. 5  taken along line  6 - 6  therein; 
       FIG. 7  is a view as in  FIG. 6  from a different perspective; 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged, partially broken away, perspective view of the connecting assembly in  FIG. 4  with a connector thereon and a separate connector defining a cooperating port, and with the connectors in a separated state and with the sealing subassembly in the pre-assembled state; 
       FIG. 9  is a view as in  FIG. 8  wherein the connectors are threadably joined and the sealing subassembly is in the pre-assembled state; 
       FIG. 10  is a view as in  FIG. 9  wherein the actuator component has been repositioned to change the sealing subassembly into a sealing state; 
       FIG. 11  is a view as in  FIG. 6  with the sealing subassembly in the sealing state; 
       FIG. 12  is a view as in  FIG. 7  with the sealing subassembly in the sealing state; 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic representation of a sealing assembly, according to the invention, wherein an actuator/actuator component and nut are joined through cooperating connecting parts; 
       FIG. 14  is a view as in  FIG. 5  with corresponding components in the same state and with a modified form of actuator/actuator component including a knurled portion to facilitate gripping; 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded, partially broken away, perspective view of a connecting assembly, according to the present invention, including a separate connecting assembly, as in  FIG. 8 , with a modified form of actuator/actuator component to accommodate a boot assembly, with the boot assembly shown in a pre-assembly position; 
       FIG. 16  is a view as in  FIG. 15  with a connector on the connecting assembly and a connector defining a port threadably connected and with the boot assembly remaining in the  FIG. 15  position and the sealing subassembly in the pre-assembled state; 
       FIG. 17  is a view as in  FIG. 16  wherein the boot assembly has been moved axially to an assembly position against the actuator/actuator component; 
       FIG. 18  is a view as in  FIG. 17  wherein the boot assembly has been axially moved to reposition the actuator/actuator component to thereby change the sealing assembly from its pre-assembled state into its sealing state; 
       FIG. 19  is a view as in  FIG. 18  wherein the boot assembly has been moved axially away from the  FIG. 18  position to expose the connected components; 
       FIG. 20  is a schematic representation of the connector with which the boot assembly is associated, and with optional cooperating locking components to maintain the boot assembly in the  FIG. 18  position; and 
       FIG. 21  is a flow diagram representation of a method for joining first and second connectors, according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   In one form of the invention, a connecting assembly is provided for cable, as shown at  10  in  FIG. 1 . The connecting assembly  10  consists of a first connector  12 , made up of a coupling component  14  and at least one electrical connecting component  16 , that is operatively joined to a length of cable  18 . 
   The connecting assembly  10  consists additionally of a second connector  20  having a coupling component  22  that is mechanically connected to the coupling component  14 . The second connector  20  additionally has at least one electrical connecting component  24  that cooperates with the electrical connecting component(s)  16  on the first connector  12 , to define at least one conductive path through the joined first and second connectors  12 ,  20 . In  FIG. 1 , the second connector  20  is operatively joined to a second length of cable  18 . 
   Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a corresponding, conventional, second connector  20 ′ may define a port  26 , such as an RF port, with the same type of removable coupling component  22 ′ as at  22  in  FIG. 1 , and a corresponding electrical connecting component(s)  24 ′. 
   The environment in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is shown schematically since the invention is contemplated for use at any site whereat connectors are mechanically/electrically connected and where there is the potential for ingress of moisture and/or other foreign matter between the connectors as might compromise signal performance or system operation. 
   The inventive connecting assembly  10  of  FIG. 1  includes a sealing assembly  30 , that cooperates with the coupling component  14 , and consists of a sealing subassembly  32  with a sealing portion  34 , and an actuator assembly  36  with at least one actuator/actuator component  38 . The sealing subassembly  32  is changeable between pre-assembled and sealing states. The actuator component  38  is movable guidingly along a central axis of the connecting assembly  10  relative to the joined first and second connectors  12 ,  20  between first and second positions. As the actuator component  38  is advanced from its first position into its second position, the sealing subassembly  32  is changed from its pre-assembled state into its sealing state by causing the sealing portion  34  of the sealing subassembly  32  to be moved radially inwardly to be placed sealingly against and around a radially outwardly facing surface  40  on the second connector  20 , preferably by being compressed radially inwardly. 
   As seen in  FIG. 3 , the sealing assembly  30  may be made available in conjunction with the first connector  12  as a separate, combined connecting assembly  42 , that may be mechanically and electrically connected to the cable  18  and joined to: a) the second connector  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1 ; b) the second connector as shown at  20 ′ in  FIG. 2 ; or c) any other type of connector as might be used in the industry and at which sealing is desired. 
   The invention is concerned primarily with the mechanical coupling aspects of the connecting assemblies  10 ,  42 . The nature of the cable  18  and the electrical connecting components  16 ,  24 ,  24 ′ is not critical to the present invention and will not be described in detail herein. Myriad different types of cable are electrically joined to connectors in many different industries and for many different applications therewithin. Details of one exemplary electrical connecting component for coaxial cable are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,830, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
   In  FIGS. 4-12 , one specific form of the connecting assembly  42  is shown, both separately and as part of an overall connecting assembly at  10 ′, corresponding to the connecting assembly  10  in  FIG. 1 , wherein the first connector  12  on the connecting assembly  42  is joined to the second connector  20 ′ defining the port  26  and having the associated electrical component(s)  24 ′. It should be understood that this is but one exemplary form of the invention, as variations thereof, only some of which are set forth below, are contemplated. 
   The first connector  12  consists of the coupling component  14 , in this case in the form of a nut with internal threads  44  at one end of the first connector  12 , together with the electrical connecting component(s)  16 . The nut  14  has a generally cylindrical body  46  with a polygonally-shaped outer surface portion  48  that facilitates tightening and loosening, as with a conventional wrench. The nut  14  is thus removably attached through the threads, as to the port  26 , or any other threaded location at which an electrical and mechanical connection is to be made. 
   The sealing assembly  30  consists of the sealing subassembly  32  and the actuator assembly  36 , consisting potentially of multiple components, but in this case of a generally annular actuator/actuator component  38  mounted on an external surface of the nut  14 . The sealing subassembly  32  and actuator assembly  36  define a reconfigurable means for sealing around the surface  40 . 
   The components making up the connecting assembly  42  can be pre-assembled preparatory to joining the connecting assembly  42  to the cable  18  and to the second connector  20 ′. 
   In this embodiment, the electrical connecting component(s)  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , has a tubular body  50  with a central axis  52  that coincides with the central axes of the connecting assembly  42  and the connecting subassembly  10 ′. The nut  14  surrounds the body  50  and has a radially inwardly projecting, annular bead  54  with an axially facing shoulder  56  that abuts to a shoulder  58  on the body  50 . Through this arrangement, tightening of the nut  14  upon the port  26  causes the shoulder  56  to bear upon the shoulder  58  and thereby urge the connecting component(s)  16  in the direction of the arrow  60  in  FIG. 8  into positive electrical contact with the electrical component(s)  24 ′ on the second connector  20 ′. 
   The sealing subassembly  32  has a ring-shaped body  62  with a first part  64  defining the aforementioned sealing portion  34  and at its other end a second part  66 , defining an engagement portion, that is joined to a part of the connector  12 , and in this case mounted to the nut  14 . There are connecting parts on the second part  66  and nut  14 , respectively in the form of an annular, radially inwardly projecting bead  68 , and a complementary, radially outwardly opening annular recess  70 , that cooperate to allow the second part  66  of the sealing subassembly  32  and nut  14  to be press fit, and maintained, together. To allow this interaction, the second part  66  of the sealing subassembly  32 , and more preferably the entire sealing subassembly  32 , is made from a resilient material with good sealing properties, such as an elastomeric material. 
   By aligning the sealing subassembly  32  and nut  14  in coaxial relationship as in  FIG. 4 , and pressing the sealing subassembly  32  and nut  14  axially towards, and against, each other from the separated relationship shown in  FIG. 4 , the second part  66  can be stretched radially outwardly over the nut surface  72  at the nut end  74 . Once the bead  68  and recess  70  are moved into axial coincidence, the second part  66  tends towards it undeformed state, whereupon the annular bead  68  is drawn into the recess  70  to remain seated therewithin. The second part  66  and recess  70  together define a means, cooperating between the nut  14  and sealing subassembly  32 , for press-fitting, and thereby maintaining, the connector  12  and sealing subassembly  32  together with the nut  14  surrounding at least a part of the sealing subassembly  32 . 
   A split retaining ring  76  is seated in an annular undercut  78  through the nut surface  72  at an axial midportion between the nut end  74  and an opposite end  80 . The ring  76  is dimensioned to be deformable into the undercut  78  whereupon an outer surface  82  thereon is substantially flush with the nut surface  72  in the vicinity of the undercut  78 . 
   With the retaining ring  76  in place, the actuator component  38  can be directed from the separated position in  FIG. 4  axially towards the nut  14  with the preassembled sealing subassembly  32 . The annular inside surface  84  of the actuator component  38  has a diameter slightly greater than that of the nut surface  72 . As a rounded, leading edge  86  of the actuator component  38  encounters, and continues to move relative to, the retaining ring  76 , the retaining ring  76  becomes progressively wedged into the undercut  78  to allow passage of the leading edge  86  therepast. 
   With the actuator component  38  in the first position therefor, as in  FIG. 6 , the retaining ring  76  registers with an elongate, radially outwardly recessed, receptacle  88  through the surface  84 . The receptacle  88  has a radial dimension that allows the retaining ring  76  to spring outwardly, under restoring forces imparted by radially inward deformation, so as to secure the actuator component  38  and nut  14  against separation. More specifically, with the actuator component  38  in its first position, as seen in  FIGS. 6-9 , an axially facing shoulder  90  on the retaining ring  76  confronts an axially oppositely facing shoulder  92  bounding the receptacle  88 . This precludes separation of the actuator component  38  and nut  14  by reversal of the aforementioned assembly steps. 
   An oppositely facing shoulder  94  on the retaining ring  76  is abuttable to a shoulder  96  at the axially opposite extremity of the receptacle  88 . As the actuator component  38  is moved from its first position into its second position of  FIG. 10 , the shoulder  88  abuts the shoulder  94  on the retaining ring  76 . As a result, the actuator component  38  is confined by the retaining ring  76  to movement consistently in a predetermined axial range relative to the nut  14  between its first position and its second position. 
   With the connecting assembly  42  connected to the cable  18  and the actuator component  38  in its first position, the connecting assembly  42  can be aligned as in  FIG. 8  relative to the second connector  20 ′. In  FIG. 8 , the connectors  12 ,  20 ′ are in a separated state with the axis  52  of the connecting assembly  42  aligned with a central axis  98  on the second connector  20 ′. 
   By then moving the first and second connectors  12 ,  20 ′ axially towards each other, the internal threads  44  on the nut  14  can be initially engaged with external threads  100  on the port  26 . This represents a preliminary joined state for the first and second connectors  12 ,  20 ′. By then tightening the nut  14  to the port  26 , the first and second connectors  12 ,  20 ′ are changed into a joined operative state, wherein the first and second connectors  12 ,  20 ′ are secured together and at least one conductive path is defined through the joined first and second connectors  12 ,  20 ′ between the cable  18  and the port  26 , through the electrical component(s)  16 ,  24 ′. 
   In a preferred form, the actuator component  38  has a receptacle  102  that is configured to make keyed connection with the polygonally-shaped surface portion  48  of the nut  14 . The receptacle  102  may be bounded by a surface assembly  104  that is complementary in shape to the polygonally-shaped surface portion  48 . Alternatively, any cooperating arrangement that would effect keying between the nut  14  and actuator component  38  is contemplated. Through this keyed connection, the nut  14  follows rotational movement of the actuator component  38  around the central axis  52 . The receptacle  102  has a sufficient axial extent that keyed engagement will be maintained between the actuator component  38  and nut  14  with the actuator component  38  in both its first and second positions. 
   In this embodiment, the outer surface  106  of the actuator component  38  has peripherally spaced flats  108  that cooperatively produce a polygonal shape that can be engaged either by hand or by a conventional wrench to effect turning of the actuator component  38 . 
   With the system in the  FIG. 9  state, the sealing portion  34  of the sealing subassembly  32  resides in axial coincidence with the radially outwardly facing surface  40  on the port  26 . While the surface  40  is shown as smooth, it could be threaded or otherwise configured. 
   As seen in  FIG. 6 , the sealing portion  34 , as viewed in cross section, is bounded by a “V”, which “V” opens radially outwardly. The “V” is defined by surface portions  110 ,  112  that converge to an apex  114 . 
   With the construction of the sealing subassembly  32  shown, a hinge  116  is defined at a region between the first and second parts  64 ,  66  at which the first part  64  is allowed to be bent radially inwardly relative to the second part  66 , as indicated by the arrow  117 . The hinge  116  bends at a fulcrum defined at the outer corner  11   8  of the nut  14  at the nut end  74 . 
   In a preferred form, the apex  114  defines an effective inner diameter D ( FIG. 9 ) for the sealing subassembly  32  that is greater than that D 1  ( FIG. 8 ) of the port surface  40 , whereby in the  FIG. 9  arrangement, there is a slight circumferential, radial gap G between the apex  114  and surface  40 . Preferably, this diameter D is greater than the diameter for the entire axial extent of the port  26  that the sealing subassembly  32  is required to pass over, regardless of its profile. With this arrangement which is preferred but not required, there is no interference between the sealing subassembly  32  and port  26  as the system is changed from the state in  FIG. 8  to that in  FIG. 9 , wherein the apex  114  aligns over the surface  40 . 
   Once the  FIG. 9  state is realized, the actuator component  38  can be shifted axially in a straight line to be changed from its first position of  FIG. 8  into its second position of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . As this occurs, the leading edge  86  of the actuator component  38  bears against a ramp surface  120  to progressively bend the first part  64  radially inwardly to thereby reduce the effective diameter of the sealing portion  34 . The apex  114  on the sealing portion  34  initially moves from a radially spaced relationship to make line contact with the surface  40 , continuously therearound. The contact area progressively enlarges as the second part  66  bends radially inwardly and is captively compressed and deformed between the inside surface  84  of the actuator component  38 , adjacent to the leading edge  86 , and the port surface  40 . This enhancing sealing action is facilitated by making the first part  64  of the sealing subassembly  32  of progressively increasing thickness between the hinge  116  and the axial end  122 . By reason of this configuration, the axial contact width, and sealing pressure, between the sealing portion  34  and port surface  40 , progressively increase proportionately to a degree of compression of the first part  64  between the actuator component  38  and the port surface  40 . 
   Ideally, the sealing subassembly  32 , and at least the first part  64  thereof, is made from sufficiently resilient and soft material that will allow the sealing portion  34  to be changed over a significant range of diameters to thereby accommodate different profiles and sizes of components. Thus, a relatively universal construction can be made for the sealing subassembly  32  that will effectively establish and maintain a high integrity seal around the surface engaged thereby. 
   At the same time, the second part  66  of the sealing subassembly  32  is preferably compressed sealingly between the nut  14  and actuator component  38  to establish a positive seal that avoids ingress of moisture/matter between the leading edge  86  of the actuator component  38  and the nut  14 . 
   While in a preferred form, the system is configured as shown in  FIG. 8  preparatory to joining the connectors  12 ,  20 ′, it is also possible to configure the sealing assembly  30  so that it can be slid axially into the  FIG. 8  position after the nut  14  is tightened to the port  26 . This obviates the need to key the nut  14  and actuator component  38  together for purposes of turning the nut  14  to effect tightening thereof on a cooperating connector. 
   While the actuator component  38  is shown to be guided axially by the nut  14  in a straight line translatory path between its first and second positions, other cooperation between these components is contemplated. For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , a generic actuator component  38 ′, corresponding to the actuator component  38 , may be moved guidingly relative to the nut  14 ′ through cooperating connecting parts  124 ,  126 , respectively on these components, that apart from cooperating sliding surfaces, described above, may be cooperating threads, cooperating bayonet connecting parts, or any other type of connecting part known to those in the art. Other retaining structure might be incorporated to set a predetermined relationship, such as cooperating detents, latch components, etc. Components with a locking feature may be used for purposes of security. 
   In  FIG. 14 , a further modified form of actuator component is shown at  38 ″ with the sealing subassembly  32  and nut  14  operatively joined in a manner corresponding to that for the actuator component  38 , sealing component  32 , and nut  14  in  FIG. 5 . The only structural and functional distinction between the structures shown in  FIGS. 5 and 14  is that the actuator component  38 ″ has a knurled outer surface portion at  128 , defined by a plurality of raised axially extending ribs  130  equidistantly spaced fully around the circumference of the surface portion. The knurled surface portion  128  facilitates hand gripping and turning as well as axial shifting of the actuator component  38 ″. Thus, at least preliminary hand tightening of the nut  14  can be accomplished by manipulating the actuator component  38  through two or more user fingers gripping the knurled outer surface portion  128 . The surface portion  132  is flattened to produce a polygonal shape engagable by a conventional wrench. 
   A modified form of connecting assembly is shown at  42 ′ in  FIGS. 15-19 . The connecting assembly  42 ′ is depicted in association with the connector  20 ′, as shown in earlier Figures, with the connector  20 ′ defining the port  26  with the associated electrical component(s)  24 ′. 
   The connecting assembly  42 ′ differs from the connecting assembly  42  in two respects. First of all, the connecting assembly  42 ′ incorporates a boot assembly  140 . Secondly, the actuator component  38 ′″ has an outer surface  142  with a different configuration to accommodate the boot assembly  140 . In all other respects, the connecting assembly  42 ′ cooperates with the cable  18  and second connector  20 ′ in the same manner as described for the connecting assembly  42 . 
   The outer surface  142  on the actuator component  38 ′″ has a uniform diameter surface portion  144 , over approximately half of the axial extent of the actuator component  38 ′″, and a polygonally-shaped surface portion  146  over its other half. The configuration of the outer surface  142  is designed to cooperate with a receptacle  148  defined by a body  150  on the boot assembly  140 . 
   The receptacle  148  has a stepped diameter through bore  152  with: a) a small diameter portion  154  that closely sealingly engages fully around the outside surface  156  of the cable  18 ; b) an intermediate diameter portion  158  that accommodates the polygonally-shaped surface portion  146  on the actuator component  38 ′″; and c) a large diameter portion  160  that accommodates the uniform diameter surface  144  on the actuator component  38 ′″. 
   The connecting assembly  42 ′ can be changed from the  FIG. 15  state into the  FIG. 16  state by engaging the internal threads  44  on the nut  14  with the external threads  100  on the port  26  and turning the nut  14  by hand or through the polygonally-shaped surface portion  146  with a wrench to generate the desired torque to tighten the connection to the desired degree. Thereafter, the boot assembly  140  is shifted in the direction of the arrow  162  in  FIG. 16  from the separated, pre-assembly position in  FIG. 16  up to the  FIG. 17  actuating/assembly position, wherein an axially facing shoulder  164 , defined at a step between the intermediate and large diameter portions  158 ,  160  of the through bore  152 , abuts to the axial nut end  166 . In this position, the inside surface portion  168 , bounding the large diameter portion  160  of the through bore  152 , sealingly engages the uniform surface diameter portion  144  on the actuator component  38 ′″. An inside surface portion  170 , bounding the intermediate diameter portion  158 , sealingly surrounds an outer surface portion  172  on the body  50  to effect a seal therearound. An inside surface portion  174 , bounding the small diameter portion  154  of the through bore  152 , extends sealingly around the cable  18 . 
   In addition to the sealing that is afforded by the extended axial dimension of the boot assembly  140 , this construction presents a large outer surface  176  on the body  150  that is comfortably manipulated and facilitates positive hand grasping to facilitate axial shifting of the boot assembly  140 . By grasping and moving the boot assembly  140  in the direction of the arrow  178  in  FIG. 17 , the shoulder  164  bears upon the actuator component  38 ′″, thereby to allow shifting of the same from a first position in  FIG. 17  into a second position in  FIG. 18 , whereupon the sealing subassembly  32  is changed from its pre-assembled state into its sealing state, as respectively shown in these same Figures. 
   In the event that there is a need to access the connection at the port  26 , the boot assembly  140  can be axially moved in the direction of the arrow  180  in  FIG. 19 , from the  FIG. 18  position, to expose the same similarly as in  FIG. 16 , but with the sealing subassembly  32  in the sealing state. Thus, the boot assembly  140  provides an additional sealing aspect and also facilitates repositioning of the actuator component  38 ′″. 
   As shown in  FIG. 20 , a modified form of the boot assembly  140 ′ may perform an additional function. In  FIG. 20 , cooperating locking components  182 ,  184  are shown on the boot assembly  140 ′ and a connector  186  with which a connector, with which the boot assembly  140 ′ is associated, is joined. Through the locking components  182 ,  184 , a relationship for the boot assembly  140 ′, corresponding to that for the boot assembly  140  in  FIG. 18 , may be permanently maintained so as to prohibit access to the connection as might permit tampering or signal interference or theft. Provision might be made to limit access to authorized personnel by incorporating a safety feature into the locking components  182 ,  184  which allows only authorized personnel to effect release of the boot assembly  140 ′. 
   It should also be noted that supplementary sealing structure might also be utilized in conjunction with the inventive structure. For example, heat shrinkable sealing components, tape, O-rings, rubber boots, etc., might be incorporated. 
   With the structure described above, first and second connectors, with virtually an unlimited number of different constructions, may be connected through a method as depicted in block diagram form in  FIG. 21 . 
   As shown at block  188 , a first connector is provided with a first cable length operatively connected thereto. As shown at block  190 , a second connector with a central axis and a radially outwardly facing surface is provided. As shown at block  192 , a sealing assembly is provided. As shown at block  194 , the first and second connectors are joined together into a preliminary joined state. As shown at block  196 , the relationship of the first and second connectors is changed to a joined operative state, wherein the first and second connectors are secured together. As shown at block  198 , the actuator component is changed from its first position into its second position, thereby causing a part of the sealing subassembly to bend to thereby cause a sealing portion on the part of the sealing subassembly to be reduced from a first effective diameter to a second effective diameter smaller than the first effective diameter. This may bring the sealing portion from a radially spaced relationship into sealing engagement with a radially outwardly facing surface. 
   The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.