Patent Publication Number: US-2013244483-A1

Title: Coaxial cable connector having a collapsible connector body

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61/610,496, filed Mar. 14, 2012, and entitled “Coaxial Cable Connector Having A Collapsible Stamped Connector Body.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The following relates to connectors used in coaxial cable communication applications, and more specifically to a coaxial cable connector having a connector body configured to fasten to the coaxial cable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Reliable designs for connectors to fasten to cable exist in the art, but the art has reached a fundamental cost barrier relating to the number of components necessary to effectively fasten the connector to the cable. Efforts to combine parts which may then become separate during compression offer possible cost savings, but also present challenges relating to repeatable separation. Other designs rely on a deformable portion of the connector body that has been selectively weakened by difficult machining techniques. However, what designs using deformable portions of the connector body achieve in part reduction, it loses in process cost and material cost. Typically, the deformable connector body is made of thick brass, which not only drives up the material cost of the connector, but increases the difficulty surrounding the actual production of the component. Moreover, it is desirable to maintain electrical continuity through the connector and onto a port to create a RF shield that prevents ingress and egress of electromagnetic noise. 
     Thus, a need exists for a coaxial cable connector having a connector body that reliably fastens the connector to the cable to allow a reduction in total components of the connector, while also reducing overall costs. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect relates generally to a connector body comprising a body portion having one or more weakened portions disposed across the body portion to structurally weaken the body portion along a discontinuous revolution around the body portion, wherein upon axial compression of the connector body, the one or more weakened portions of the body portion buckle inward towards a coaxial cable to securely fasten the coaxial cable connector to the coaxial cable. 
     A second aspect relates generally to a connector body for a coaxial cable connector, the connector body comprising a body portion having a first end and a second end, a plurality of weakened body portions disposed circumferentially around the body portion, and a plurality of openings in the body portion located between the plurality of weakened body portions, wherein the plurality of weakened body portions are configured to buckle in a radially inward direction upon axial compression to engage a cable jacket of a coaxial cable, thereby fastening the connector body to the coaxial cable. 
     A third aspect relates generally to a coaxial cable connector configured to securely attach to a coaxial cable comprising a coupling member operably attached to a post, the post configured to receive a prepared end of the coaxial cable, a collapsible connector body having one or more weakened portions disposed across a body portion of the collapsible connector body, and a sleeve member configured to radially surround at least a portion of the collapsible connector body, wherein upon axial compression of the connector body, the one or more weakened portions of the connector body buckle inward towards the coaxial cable to securely fasten the coaxial cable connector to the coaxial cable. 
     A fourth aspect relates generally to a method of securing a connector body to a coaxial cable, comprising providing a connector body having a body portion, forming one or more weakened portions across the body portion of the connector body to structurally weaken the body portion along a discontinuous revolution around the body portion, wherein the forming of the one or more weakened portions across the body portion of the connector body facilitates a collapse of the body portion when the connector body is axially compressed, the collapse of the body portion in a radially inward direction towards the coaxial cable securely fastens the connector body to the coaxial cable. 
     The foregoing and other features of construction and operation of the invention will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a connector body in a first position; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the connector body; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a connector body in a first position; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of the connector body in a second position; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a connector body in a first position; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a connector body in a first position, with a coaxial cable inserted therein; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a connector body in a second position, attached to the coaxial cable; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector body in the first position; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector body in the second position; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a connector body in the second position, attached to the coaxial cable; and 
         FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a connector body in the second position, attached to the coaxial cable. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Although certain embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present invention. 
     As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  100 . The coaxial cable connector  100  may be operably affixed, or otherwise functionally attached, to a coaxial cable  10  having a protective outer jacket  12 , a conductive grounding shield  14 , an interior dielectric  16  and a center conductor  18  (the cable  10  being shown in  FIG. 2 ). The coaxial cable  10  may be prepared as embodied in  FIG. 2  by removing the protective outer jacket  12  and drawing back the conductive grounding shield  14  to expose a portion of the interior dielectric  16 . Further preparation of the embodied coaxial cable  10  may include stripping the dielectric  16  to expose a portion of the center conductor  18 . The protective outer jacket  12  is intended to protect the various components of the coaxial cable  10  from damage which may result from exposure to dirt or moisture and from corrosion. Moreover, the protective outer jacket  12  may serve in some measure to secure the various components of the coaxial cable  10  in a contained cable design that protects the cable  10  from damage related to movement during cable installation. The conductive grounding shield  14  may be comprised of conductive materials suitable for providing an electrical ground connection, such as cuprous braided material, aluminum foils, thin metallic elements, or other like structures. Various embodiments of the shield  14  may be employed to screen unwanted noise. For instance, the shield  14  may comprise a metal foil wrapped around the dielectric  16 , or several conductive strands formed in a continuous braid around the dielectric  16 . Combinations of foil and/or braided strands may be utilized wherein the conductive shield  14  may comprise a foil layer, then a braided layer, and then a foil layer. Those in the art will appreciate that various layer combinations may be implemented in order for the conductive grounding shield  14  to effectuate an electromagnetic buffer helping to preventingress of environmental noise that may disrupt broadband communications. The dielectric  16  may be comprised of materials suitable for electrical insulation, such as plastic foam material, paper materials, rubber-like polymers, or other functional insulating materials. It should be noted that the various materials of which all the various components of the coaxial cable  10  are comprised may have some degree of elasticity allowing the cable  10  to flex or bend in accordance with traditional broadband communication standards, installation methods and/or equipment. It should further be recognized that the radial thickness of the coaxial cable  10 , protective outer jacket  12 , conductive grounding shield  14 , interior dielectric  16  and/or center conductor  18  may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , a connector, such as connector  100  may also interact with a coaxial cable interface port  20 . The coaxial cable interface port  20  includes a conductive receptacle  23  for receiving a portion of a coaxial cable center conductor  18  sufficient to make adequate electrical contact. The coaxial cable interface port  20  may further comprise a threaded exterior surface  24  and a mating edge  26 . The mating edge  26  may be a front face of the port  20  that is configured to make electrical contact with a mating edge  46  of the post  40 . It should be recognized that the radial thickness and/or the length of the coaxial cable interface port  20  and/or the conductive receptacle of the port  20  may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Moreover, the pitch and height of threads which may be formed upon the threaded exterior surface  24  of the coaxial cable interface port  20  may also vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Furthermore, it should be noted that the interface port  20  may be formed of a single conductive material, multiple conductive materials, or may be configured with both conductive and non-conductive materials corresponding to the port&#39;s  20  operable electrical interface with a connector  100 . However, the receptacle of the port  20  can be formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, like brass, copper, or aluminum. Further still, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill that the interface port  20  may be embodied by a connective interface component of a coaxial cable communications device, a television, a modem, a computer port, a network receiver, or other communications modifying devices such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , embodiments of a coaxial cable connector  100  may further comprise a coupling member  30 , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , and an outer sleeve  90 . Connector  100  may come in a preassembled configuration or may require additional operable attachment of the sleeve  90  to connector  100  during installation. Embodiments of connector  101  may include an outer sleeve  190  as opposed to sleeve  90 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , and described in greater detail infra. Embodiments of connector  102 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , may not include an outer sleeve  90  or outer sleeve  190 . Embodiments of connector  100  are described with respect to a F-type connector; however, those having skill in the art should appreciate that connector  100  may be a BNC connector, SMA connector, N male connector, N female connector, UHF connector, DIN connectors, and the like. For instance, each type of coaxial cable connector may include a collapsible connector body, as shown and described in association with a F-type connector. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , embodiments of connector  100  may include a coupling member  30 . The coupling member  30  of embodiments of a coaxial cable connector  100  has a first forward end  31  and opposing second rearward end  32 . The coupling member  30  may comprise internal threading  33  extending axially from the edge of first forward end  31   a  distance sufficient to provide operably effective threadable contact with the external threads  24  of a standard coaxial cable interface port  20 . The coupling member  30  includes an internal lip  34 , such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end  32  of the coupling member  30 . The internal lip  34  includes a surface  35  facing the first forward end  31  of the coupling member  30 . The forward facing surface  35  of the lip  34  may be a tapered surface or side facing the first forward end  31  of the coupling member  30 . However, the internal lip  34  of coupling member  30  may define the second end  32   a  of the coupling member  30 , eliminating excess material from the coupling member  30 . Located somewhere on the outer surface  36  of the coupling member  30  may be a retaining structure  37 . The retaining structure  37  of the coupling member  30  may be an annular groove or recess that extends completely or partially around the outer surface  36  of the coupling member  30  to retain, accommodate, receive, or mate with an engagement member  97  of the sleeve  90 . Alternatively, the retaining structure  37  may be an annular protrusion that extends completely or partially around the outer surface  36  of the coupling member  30  to retain or mate with the engagement member  97  of the outer sleeve  90 . The retaining structure  37  may be placed at various axial positions from the first end  31  to the  32 , depending on the configuration of the sleeve  90  and other design requirements of connector  100 . 
     Moreover, embodiments of coupling member  30  may include an outer surface feature(s)  38  proximate or otherwise near the second end  32  to improve mechanical interference or friction between the coupling member  30  and the sleeve  90 . For instance, the outer surface feature  38  may extend completely or partially around the outer surface  36  proximate the second  32  of the coupling member  30  to increase a retention force between an inner surface  93  of the sleeve  90  and the outer surface  36  of the coupling member  30 . The outer surface feature  38  may include a knurled surface, a slotted surface, a plurality of bumps, ridges, grooves, or any surface feature that may facilitate contact between the sleeve  90  and the coupling member  30 . Those having skill in the requisite art should appreciate that embodiments of coupling member  30  may not include a retaining structure  37  or surface feature(s)  38 . For example, in embodiments such as connector  102  shown in  FIG. 5  that do not include an outer sleeve  90 , it may not be necessary for the coupling member  30  to include a retaining structure  37  or surface feature(s)  38 . 
     The structural configuration of the coupling member  30  may vary according differing connector design parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector  100 . Those in the art should appreciate that the coupling member  30  need not be threaded. Moreover, the coupling member  30  may comprise a coupler commonly used in connecting RCA-type, BNC-type connectors, N-female, wireless DIN connectors, SMA connectors, N male connectors, UHF connectors, or other common coaxial cable connectors having coupler interfaces configured to mate with a port. The coupling member  30  may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the coupling member  30 . Further embodiments of the coupling member  30  may be formed of polymeric materials and may be non-conductive. Accordingly, the coupling member  30  may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of an interface port  20  when a connector  100  is advanced onto the port  20 . In addition, the coupling member  30  may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example the external surface of the coupling member  30  may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the coupling member  30  may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. The coupling member  30  may be formed of metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed coupling member body. Manufacture of the coupling member  30  may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. The forward facing surface  35  of the coupling member  30  may faces a flange  44  the post  40  when connector  100  is operably assembled in a connector  100 , so as to allow the coupling member  30  to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post  40  and the connector body  50 , of the connector  100 , yet may still hinder or prevent axial movement with respect to those components. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , and additional reference to  FIG. 4 , embodiments of connector  100  may include a post  40 . The post  40  may include a first forward end  41 , an opposing second rearward end  42 , an inner surface  43   a , and an outer surface  43   b . Furthermore, the post  40  may comprise a flange  44 , such as an externally extending annular protrusion, located at the first end  41  of the post  40 . The flange  44  includes a rearward facing surface  45  that may face the forward facing surface  35  of the coupling member  30  when the connector  100  is operably assembled. The rearward facing surface  45  of flange  44  may be a tapered surface facing the second rearward end  42  of the post  40 . Further still, an embodiment of the post  40  may include a surface feature such as a lip or protrusion that may engage a portion of a connector body  50  to secure axial movement of the post  40  relative to the connector body  50 . However, the post need not include such a surface feature, and the coaxial cable connector  100  may rely on press-fitting and friction-fitting forces and/or other component structures having features and geometries to help retain the post  40  in secure location both axially and rotationally relative to the connector body  50 . The location proximate or near where the connector body is secured relative to the post  40  may include surface features, such as ridges, grooves, protrusions, or knurling, which may enhance the secure attachment and locating of the post  40  with respect to the connector body  50 . Moreover, various components having larger or smaller diameters can be readily press-fit or otherwise secured into connection with each other. Additionally, the post  40  may include a mating edge  46 , which may be configured to make physical and electrical contact with a corresponding mating edge  26  of an interface port  20 . The post  40  can be formed such that portions of a prepared coaxial cable  10  including the dielectric  16  and center conductor  18  (examples shown in  FIG. 2 ) may pass axially into the second end  42  and/or through a portion of the tube-like body of the post  40 . Moreover, the post  40  can be dimensioned, or otherwise sized, such that the post  40  may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable  10 , around the dielectric  16  and under the protective outer jacket  12  and conductive grounding shield  14 . Accordingly, where an embodiment of the post  40  may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable  10  under the drawn back conductive grounding shield  14 , substantial physical and/or electrical contact with the shield  14  may be accomplished thereby facilitating grounding through the post  40 . The post  40  can be conductive and may be formed of metals or may be formed of other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed post body. In addition, the post may be formed of a combination of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example, a metal coating or layer may be applied to a polymer of other non-conductive material. Manufacture of the post  40  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , and also  FIG. 3 , embodiments of a coaxial cable connector, such as connector  100 , may include a connector body  50 . The connector body  50  may comprise a first end  51 , opposing second end  52 , an inner surface  53 , and an outer surface  54 . The connector body  50  may be undergo permanent deformation resulting in a thin-walled body that can be formed by employing machining techniques such as stamping, deep draw, and the like, and/or a combination of manufacturing techniques. The thin wall of the connector body  50  may result in one or more weakened portion  58  along one or more proscribed bands at one or more locations around a body portion  50   a  of the connector body  50 . The connector body  50  may be further weakened by one or more openings  56  located between, adjacent, proximate, or otherwise near the weakened portion  58 . Embodiments of connector body  50  may include one or more openings  56  disposed around or partially around the connector body  50  in an annular or semi-annular pattern. Further embodiments of the connector body  50  may include a plurality of weakened body portions  58  and/or a plurality of openings  56  disposed circumferentially around the body portion  50   a . Alternatively, the openings  56  may not follow a rigid pattern, but may located at random locations along the body  50  that, when the body  50  is compressed, fasten the body  50  to the cable  10 . Embodiments of the openings  56  may be openings, holes, voids, piercing, perforations, and the like to the thin walled body of the connector body  50 . In some embodiments, the one or more weakened portions  58  of the connector body  50  may result from the creation of the one or more openings  56 . 
     Furthermore, embodiments of connector body  50  may include a body portion  50   a  having one or more weakened portions  58  disposed across the body portion  50   a  to structurally weaken the body portion  50   a  along a discontinuous revolution around the body portion  50   a . The revolution may be discontinuous because the body portion  50   a  need not be structurally weakened continuously around the body portion  50   a . For example, a given revolution around the body portion  50   a  may not be continuous and be interrupted by a plurality of openings  56  separating the weakened portion  58  of the connector body  50 . Alternatively, a given revolution around the body portion  50   a  may not be continuous and be interrupted by unweakened or weakened portions of the body portion  50   a  separating a plurality of openings  56 . Therefore, embodiments of the connector body  50  may be weakened at one or more locations in across/around the body portion  50   a , as opposed to a continuous revolution of weakened structure; the connector body  50  may have a discontinuously weakened structure. 
     Moreover, the weakened portions  58 , upon axial compression, may buckle inward towards the cable  10  to fasten the connector body  50  to the cable  10 , as described in greater detail infra. In addition to weakening the thin walled body of the connector body  50 , the plurality of openings  56  may conveniently provide visibility into the connector  100 , depending upon placement, which may afford the installer an advantageous view of the cable as it is inserted within the connector  100 , allowing the installer to assess proper insertion depth. For example, connector  101 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , may include an outer sleeve  190  positioned such that the openings  56  are exposed, providing visibility to the installer. 
     Furthermore, the connector body  50  may include a continuity portion  55  configured to make physical and electrical contact with the coupling member  30  to extend electrical continuity between the connector body  50  and the coupling member  30 . For instance, proximate the first end  51  of the connector body  50 , a continuity portion  55 , or a plurality of continuity portions  55 , may be flared out, or bent slightly backward and upward, to contact the second end  32  of the coupling member  30 . The continuity portion  55  of the connector body  50  may comprise just a portion of the first end  51 , or may comprise the entire first end  51  of the connector body  50  that has been modified to make contact with the second end  32  of the coupling member  30 . The continuity portion  55  of the connector body  50  may eliminate the need for a separate electrical continuity element, thus reducing the total number of components used in the connector assembly. Embodiments of the continuity portion  55  may be an integral resilient continuity member configured to extend electrical continuity between the coupling member  30  and the connector body  50 . 
     Moreover, the connector body may include a post mounting portion  57  proximate or otherwise near the first end  51  of the body  50 , the post mounting portion  57  configured to securely locate the body  50  relative to a portion of the outer surface of post  40 , so that the connector body  50  is axially secured with respect to the post  40 , in a manner that prevents the two components from moving with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the axis of the connector  100 . The internal surface of the post mounting portion  57  may include an engagement feature, such as an annular detent or ridge having a different diameter than the rest of the post mounting portion  57 . However other features such as grooves, ridges, protrusions, slots, holes, keyways, bumps, nubs, dimples, crests, rims, or other like structural features may be included. The connector body  50  may also include an annular protrusion  59  located proximate or close to the second end  52  of the connector body  50 . The annular protrusion  59  may help facilitate the movement of the outer sleeve  190 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , during compression of the connector body  50 . The annular protrusion  59  may also provide additional surface area for a compression tool head to engage during axial compression of the connector body  50 . The connector body  50  may be formed of materials such as metals, bendable metals, or similar materials that are conducive to creating a thin-walled body capable of being weakened by openings  56 . Further, the connector body  50  may be formed of conductive materials. Manufacture of the connector body  50  may include machining, stamping, deep draw techniques, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , embodiments of connector  100  may include a sleeve  90 . The sleeve  90  may be engageable with the coupling member  30 . The sleeve  90  may include a first end  91 , a second end  92 , an inner surface  93 , and an outer surface  94 . The sleeve  90  may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. The sleeve  90  may be radially disposed over the coupling member  30 , or a portion thereof, the post  40 , or a portion thereof, and the connector body  50 , or a portion thereof, while operably assembled. In other words, the outer sleeve  90  may cover the connector body  50  to block moisture entry paths of the connector body  50  if outdoor use is intended, or to block dust and other contaminants in an indoor environment. 
     Proximate or otherwise near the first end  91 , the sleeve  90  may include an engagement member  97  configured to mate or engage with the retaining structure  37  of the coupling member  30 . The engagement member  97  may be an annular lip or protrusion that may enter or reside within the retaining structure  37  of the coupling member  30 . For example, in embodiments where the retaining structure  37  is an annular groove, the engagement member  97  may be a protrusion or lip that may snap into the groove located on the coupling member  30  to retain the sleeve  90  in a single axial position. In other words, the cooperating surfaces of the groove-like retaining structure  37  and the lip or protruding engagement member  97  may prevent axial movement of the sleeve  90  once the connector  100  is in an assembled configuration. Alternatively, the engagement member  97  may be an annular groove or recess that may receive or engage with the retaining structure  37  of the coupling member  30 . For example, in embodiments where the retaining structure  37  of the coupling member  30  is an annular protrusion, the engagement member  97  may be a groove or recess that may allow the annular protruding retaining structure  37  of the coupling member  30  to snap into to retain the sleeve  90  in a single axial position. In other words, the cooperating surfaces of the protruding retaining structure  37  and the groove-like engagement member  97  may prevent axial movement of the sleeve  90  once the connector  100  is in an assembled configuration. Those having skill in the art should understand that various surface features effectuating cooperating surfaces between the coupling member  30  and the sleeve  90  may be implemented to retain the sleeve  90  with respect to the rest of the connector  100  in an axial direction. Furthermore, the engagement member  97  of the sleeve  90  may be segmented such that one or more gaps may separate portions of the engagement member  97 , while still providing sufficient structural engagement with the retaining structure  37 . 
     An embodiment of an assembled configuration of connector  100  with respect to the sleeve  90  may involve sliding the sleeve  90  over the coupling member  30  in an axial direction starting from the first end  31  and continuing toward the second end  32  of the coupling member  30  until sufficient mating and/or engagement occurs between the engagement member  97  of the sleeve  90  and the retaining structure  37  of the coupling member  30 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Once in the assembled configuration, rotation of the sleeve  90  may in turn cause the coupling member  30  to simultaneously rotate in the same direction as the sleeve  90  due to mechanical interference between the inner surface  93  of the sleeve  90  and the outer surface  36  of the coupling member  30 . In some embodiments, the interference between the sleeve  90  and the coupling member  30  relies simply on a friction fit or interference fit between the components. Other embodiments include a coupling member  30  with an outer surface feature(s)  38 , as described supra, to improve the mechanical interference between the components. Further embodiments include a sleeve  90  with internal surface features positioned on the inner surface  93  to improve the contact between the components. Even further embodiments of connector  100  may include a sleeve  90  and a coupling member  30  both having surface features. Embodiments of the inner surface features of the sleeve  90  may include a knurled surface, a slotted surface, a plurality of bumps, ridges, rib, grooves, or any surface feature that may facilitate contact between the sleeve  90  and the coupling member  30 . In many embodiments, the inner surface features of the sleeve  90  and the outer surface features  38  of the coupling member  30  may structurally correspond with each other. For example, the inner geometry of the sleeve  90  may reflect and/or structurally correspond with the outer geometric shape of the coupling member  30 . Due to the engagement between the sleeve  90  and the coupling member  30 , a user may simply grip and rotate/twist the sleeve  90  to thread the coupling element  30  onto an interface port, such as interface port  20 . Additionally, the sleeve  90  may include an annular ramped surface  95  or chamfer proximate or otherwise near the first end  91  to accommodate an increased diameter or general size of the coupling member  30  proximate a second, rearward end  32  of the coupling member  30 . Embodiments of the ramped surface  95  may be structurally integral with the engagement member  97  and the body of the sleeve  90 . Further still, embodiments of the sleeve  90  may include outer surface features, such as annular serrations or slots, configured to enhance gripping of the sleeve  90  while connecting the connector  100  onto an interface port. The sleeve  90  may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a rigid body. Further, the sleeve  90  may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the sleeve  90  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, stamping, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict a second embodiment of a coaxial cable connector, shown as connector  101 , having a modified outer sleeve, depicted as outer sleeve  190 . The outer sleeve  190  may share the same structural and functional aspects of outer sleeve  90 ; however, outer sleeve  190  may be configured to engage with the connector body  50 , as opposed to engaging the coupling member  30 . The outer sleeve  190  may share an interference fit with the connector body. Furthermore, the outer sleeve  190  may move with the compression of the connector body  50  to cover openings  56  to preventingress of moisture or other environmental elements. Similar to outer sleeve  90 , the outer sleeve  190  may cover the connector body  50  to block moisture entry paths of the connector body  50  if outdoor use is intended, or to block dust and other contaminants in an indoor environment. However, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a connector, such as connector  102 , may not include an outer sleeve  90 ,  190  to reduce the number of components in the assembled configuration of the connector. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6-9 , the manner in which the connector body  50  fastens to the cable  10  will now be described.  FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of connector  100 , wherein the connector body  50  is in a first position, and the cable  10  has been inserted within the connector  100  but not yet securely fastened to the connector  100 . The first position may reflect a position prior to axial compression of the connector body  50 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the weakened portions  58  between the openings  56  are in an original, unbuckled position, not yet securely contacting the cable jacket  12 .  FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of connector  100 , wherein the connector body  50  is in a second position, securely fastened to the cable  10 . The second position may reflect a position after axial compression of the connector body  50 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , the weakened portions  58  between openings  56  are in a securing position with respect to the cable jacket  12 , buckled inward to securely grip the cable jacket  12 . To achieve the second position of the connector body  50  from the first position of the connector body  50 , an installer can axially compress the connector  50 , typically using a compression tool (not shown) known to those skilled in the art. The axial compression of the connector body  50  may be done at a very low, and very consistent, force due to the thin wall thickness resulting from the drawing process when manufacturing the connector body  50 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  show connector  101  and connector  102 , respectively, in a second position, wherein the connector body  50  is securely fastened to the cable  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-11 , a method of securing or fastening a connector body  50  to a coaxial cable  10 , may include the steps of providing a connector body  50  having a body portion  50   a , forming one or more weakened portions  58  across the body portion  50   a  of the connector body  50  to structurally weaken the body portion  50   a  along a discontinuous revolution around the body portion  50   a , wherein the forming of the one or more weakened portions  58  across the body portion  50   a  of the connector body  50  may facilitate a collapse of the body portion  50   a  when the connector body  50  is axially compressed, further wherein the collapse of the body portion  50   a  in a radially inward direction towards the coaxial cable  10  can securely fasten the connector body  50  and/or connector  100  to the coaxial cable  10 . 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.