Patent Publication Number: US-7217155-B2

Title: Compression connector for braided coaxial cable

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
   This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/092,197 filed Mar. 29, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,579, which is a continuation of part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/892,645 filed Jul. 16, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,326, which are all incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
   The present invention relates generally to coaxial cable connectors, and more particularly to coaxial cable connectors for providing a reliable connection between braided coaxial cable and trunk line equipment ports without adding unnecessary cost and complexity or negatively affecting network performance. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
   Coaxial cable is a typical transmission medium used in modern communications networks, such as CATV networks. The bulk of such networks are generally formed of standard “hard-line” coaxial cable, which includes a rigid or semi-rigid outer conductor and is typically covered with a weather protective jacket. Such a design effectively prevents radiation leakage and signal loss plus provides excellent physical protection (i.e., shielding) to the sensitive inner conductor and dielectric portions of the cable. Thus, it is customary to use standard hard-line coaxial cable to span at least the long, generally straight distances along the transmission portion of the network where leakage and signal loss would be more difficult to diagnose and where the negative effects thereof could more greatly affect the communications networks as a whole. 
   However, standard hard-line coaxial cable is quite costly and somewhat difficult to install as compared to large gauge, braided coaxial cable, such as RG11 type cable. Such cable typically includes a central conductor surrounded by a dielectric core which is surrounded by one or more layers of metal foil which is surrounded by a metal braided or wire mesh outer conductor, which is in turn surrounded by a protective outer jacket. Although such braided coaxial cable does not provide the level of physical protection afforded by standard hard-line coaxial cable, it is comparatively more structurally flexible. Thus, there are benefits to utilizing braided coaxial cable within a communications network wherever its inexpensive cost and structural flexibility would outweigh its comparative lack of physical protection versus standard hard-line coaxial cable. 
   Realizing this, many telecommunications and cable companies already utilize or would like to utilize the flexible, inexpensive braided coaxial cable on a widespread basis, such as, at minimum, to bend around physical obstacles at or near the actual locations (e.g., residences, businesses) to which their communication network signals are being delivered. 
   In order to maintain the electrical integrity of the communications network signals, it is critical that the braided coaxial cable, when used, be securely interconnected to the ports of the trunk line equipment that distributes and/or conditions such signals without disrupting the ground connection of the cable. Making this interconnection can be difficult, however, because the ports of most trunk line equipment have a “KS” type connection/interface, which is designed to be compatible with standard hard-line cable and equipment, whereas flexible coaxial cable having a braided outer conductor generally uses an “F” type connection/interface which is incompatible with the KS type ports. 
   One solution to this problem is to utilize an adapter to connect the incompatible “KS” and “F” connections; however, doing so adds non-nominal assembly costs, requires the workmanship of a skilled technician, and, even if such adapters are installed correctly, can compromise overall communications network performance. Another option is to use a specially fashioned hard-line coaxial cable connector, such as a threaded, crimped or compression coaxial cable connector. But use of such connectors with braided coaxial cable is not ideal for various reasons, including incompatibility, difficulty of installation and negative performance effects. 
   Thus, there is a need for a device that can provide an effective connection between braided coaxial cable and trunk line equipment ports without requiring the use of an adapter, incurring undue expense, negatively affecting system performance, or unduly complicating the installation process. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
   These and other needs are met by the present invention, which provides a device (e.g., a connector) for interconnecting coaxial cable of a communications network to a trunk line equipment port. By way of non-limiting example, the coaxial cable can be braided coaxial cable, such as RG11 or other large gauge braided coaxial cable. Also by way of non-limiting example, the communications network can be a computer, cable or telecommunications network (e.g., a CATV network or the like). Still also by way of non-limiting example, the trunk line equipment to which the cable is connected can be a tap, an amplifier, a filter, a trap, or the like, wherein the equipment port has a particular port interface, e.g., a “KS” type of port interface. 
   In accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the device is configured for interconnecting a segment of braided coaxial cable to an equipment port. To that end, the connector includes a connector body defining an internal bore and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the connector body has a port interface (e.g., a “KS” type port interface) and wherein the second end of the connector body includes one or more external ridges for engagement with a compression tool and an internal groove. Optionally, the internal bore of the body can have a diameter that varies in stepped or tapered fashion between the first and second ends of the connector body. 
   Still in accordance with one or more exemplary aspects of the present invention, the device further includes a post having a first end and a second end. The first end of the post is sized and configured for engagement with the connector body at a portion of the internal bore. The second end of the post includes a sleeve configured for engagement with at least the braided outer conductor of the coaxial cable. Typically the sleeve is inserted between the dielectric core and the braided outer conductor. However, other configurations are known in the art wherein the second end of the post abuts the metal foil layer or braided outer conductor as it is folded back over the protective outer jacket of the coaxial cable. The sleeve may include one or more serrations, barbs or tapers to assist the engagement of the braided outer conductor. 
   In still further accordance with one or more exemplary aspects of the present invention, the device further includes a compression member that has a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first end of the compression member may include an external protruding rib that is sized and configured to engage the groove on the internal groove at the second end of the connector body to retain the compression member in a first position wherein the second end of the compression member and connector body is capable of receiving a prepared end of the coaxial cable. Alternatively, the first end of the compression member may be sized to be press fit into the second end of the connector body. The second end of the compression member typically includes a flange which is configured to engage with a compression tool (not shown) which slidably axially advances the compression member further into the connector body. The force of the compression tool is sufficient to shear or dislodge the rib from the groove to permit further axial advancement of the compression member into the connector body. The flange may also have a diameter greater than the diameter of the internal bore at the second end of the connector body to limit or control the extent of the axial advancement of the compression member into the connector body. 
   The inner surface of the compression member includes a portion that is inwardly tapered from the first end toward the second end. As the compression member is axially advanced, the outer layers of the coaxial cable are compressed and held between the inner surface of the compression member and the sleeve of the post. 
   The outer surface of the compression member can include an annular groove at an intermediate portion between the external rib at the first end and the flange at the second end of the compression member. The outer surface may also include a shoulder between the annular groove and the flange that is sized to establish a press fit with the internal diameter of the second end of the connector body sufficient to retain the compression member in a second position fully axially advanced into the connector body. The annular groove may have side walls that can be inclined, perpendicular or radiussed. The annular groove provides for slight bending or flexure of the compression member to relieve the compressive stresses caused upon the axial advancement of the compression member and enables the connector to accommodate variations in the thicknesses of the foil layers, braided outer conductor and protective outer jacket of coaxial cables provided by assorted manufacturers. 
   In yet still further accordance with one or more exemplary aspects of the present invention, the device further includes or can further include one or more additional elements. Such elements can include, but are not limited to, (a) a sealing member such as an O-ring, disposed around the connector body adjacent to the port interface; (b) a covering element about the second end of the compression member; (c) a contact pin that has a first end adapted to engage a port of a piece of trunk line equipment, a second end for electrically engaging the center conductor of the coaxial cable, and an intermediate portion; (d) a collet at the second end of the contact pin which can include, if desired, a plurality of tines adapted to receive and retain the center conductor of the braided coaxial cable; and (e) one or more insulators disposed within the lumen of the connector body, and which electrically insulate the center contact pin and/ or collet from the connector body. 
   Still other aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention are discussed in detail below. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative examples of the present 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 present invention, and are incorporated in 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 present invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the views, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a cutaway perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a braided coaxial cable connector of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the braided coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a cutaway perspective view of the braided coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1  as a braided coaxial cable segment is being inserted therein; 
       FIG. 4  is a cutaway perspective view of the braided coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1  as the braided coaxial cable segment of  FIG. 3  is further inserted therein; 
       FIG. 5  is a cutaway perspective view of the braided coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1  in an assembled but uncompressed state after the braided coaxial cable segment of  FIG. 3  has been fully inserted therein; 
       FIG. 6A  is a cutaway perspective view of the braided coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1  in a compressed state with the braided cable segment of  FIG. 3  therein; 
       FIG. 6B  is a cutaway perspective enlarged view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 6A ; 
       FIG. 7  is a cutaway perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the braided coaxial cable connector of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 8  is a cutaway perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the braided coaxial cable connector of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
   Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a device  10  (e.g., a connector) is shown for interconnecting coaxial cable, such as coaxial cable within a communications network, to a trunk line equipment port. The device  10  of the present invention is highly advantageous because due to its structure and design, it is well suited for connecting coaxial cable (e.g., braided coaxial cable, especially large gauge braided coaxial cable as used within CATV networks) to the port of trunk line equipment (e.g., a tap, an amplifier, a filter, a trap, or the like) having a “KS” interface. 
   The connector  10  includes a connector body  12 , which, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and as shown in  FIG. 2 , has a generally cylindrical shape. The body  12  has a first end  16  and a second end  14  and a generally cylindrical intermediate portion  18 . A plurality of protruding ridges  20 A,  20 B,  20 C are provided between the second end  14  of the body  12  and the intermediary portion  18  and define recesses  21 A and  21 B therebetween. The protruding ridges include sidewalls that may be perpendicular or inclined relative to the outer surface of the connector body. 
   One or more of the protrusions  20 A,  20 B,  20 C are engageable by a tool (not shown) in order to firmly grasp the connector body during the axially compression of the compression member into the connector body once a cable segment has been inserted therein. It is understood that the number, size, shape and/or specific location of the protrusions  20 A,  20 B,  20 C can vary in accordance with the present invention, e.g., to ensure a proper fit with a compression tool. For example, according to some embodiments of the present invention, see, e.g.,  FIGS. 7 and 8 , there is only one protrusion  20 . Moreover, there need not be recesses  21 A,  21 B between the protrusions  20 A,  20 B,  20 C, in which case the protrusions would not have a protruding shape/appearance. However, it is currently preferred for there to be two or more recesses  21 A,  21 B since that enables usage of less overall material, and, in turn, provides a cost savings. 
   A continuous internal bore/lumen  19  is defined between the first end  16  and the second end  14  of the connector body  12 . The second end  14  of the connector body may include an internal groove  102 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the lumen  19  has a first, substantially constant diameter from the first end  16  of the body  12  through the intermediate portion  18  of the connector body and a second, substantially constant diameter between the second end  14  of the connector body and the intermediate portion of the connector body (i.e., the portion of the lumen corresponding to the protrusions  20 A,  20 B,  20 C). The multiple diameters within the internal bore create internal shoulder or step  72  within the internal bore for the engagement of the post and insulators and to provide sufficient annular space between the sleeve  66  of the post  60  and the connector body  12  to enable the connector  10  to accommodate a wide range of braided coaxial cable sizes from various manufacturers. 
   The connector body  12  also includes a port interface  22  and a nut portion  24 , both of which generally are located between the intermediary portion  18  and the first end  16  of the connector body, wherein the nut portion generally is proximal to the port interface. The port interface  22 , as shown, is a “KS” type of interface for enabling the connector  10  to connect a segment of braided coaxial cable to a trunk line equipment port (not shown). It is understood, however, that in accordance with the present invention the port interface  22  can also be a BNC, TNC, F, RCA, DIN male, DIN female, N male, N female connector, SMA male or SMA female type of interface if instead desired. 
   The nut portion  24  includes a plurality (typically six) of flats  26  for engagement (e.g., grasping) by a tool such as a wrench (not shown) in order to tighten the connector  10  to the trunk line equipment port via the port interface  22 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the diameter of the nut portion  24  is greater than that of the port interface  22 . Although this is not a requirement of the present invention, it is currently preferred so as to facilitate grasping of the hexagonal flats  26  without damaging the port interface  22 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connector  10  can include a sealing element  28  disposed between the port interface  22  and the nut portion  24 , e.g., against the nut portion. The presence of the sealing element  28  (e.g., an O-ring) is beneficial in that it provides added moisture resistance to the connector  10 ; however, the sealing element  28  can be omitted if desired, as shown in  FIGS. 6B and 8 . 
   The connector  10  further includes a forward insulator  30 , a center conductor contact  40 , a guide insulator  50  and a post  60 , each of which is sized and shaped to fit within the internal lumen  19  of the connector body  12 . The insulator  30  has a cylindrical outer shell  32  and an inner sleeve  34  disposed therewithin. As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the first end  16  of the connector body  12  includes a lip  35  having a diameter less than that of the outer shell  32  of the insulator  30  to ensure that the insulator can be inserted flush with the reduced inner diameter portion of the body and also to prevent inadvertent over-insertion thereof. 
   The inner sleeve  34  includes a center passageway  36  sized and shaped so as to accommodate the center conductor contact  40 , which, as shown, is in the form of a conductive pin. The conductive pin  40  has a first end  42 , a second end  44  and an intermediate portion  46 . A collet  48  is disposed at the second end  44  of the conductive pin  40 , wherein the outer diameter of the collet is greater than that of the central passageway  36  of the inner sleeve  34  such that the central passageway acts as a stop to ensure proper insertion of the conductive pin within the insulator  30 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the collet  48  includes a plurality of tines  49  to receive and retain the exposed end of the central conductor of the coaxial cable so as to pass the cable signal through the conductive pin  40  to the trunk line equipment port. 
   The connector may also include a guide insulator  50  which electrically isolates the collet  48  from the connector body  12 . Another purpose of the guide insulator  50  is to facilitate proper insertion of the center conductor of an inserted cable segment into the tines  49  of the conductive pin  40 . To that end, and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the guide insulator  50  has an outer cylindrical shell  52  and an inner lumen  54 , wherein a raised rim  56  is provided at the outer periphery of the lumen. As shown in  FIG. 1 , in an assembled connector  10  the tines  49  of the collet  48  of the conductive pin  40  fit within the lumen  54  and are seated against an internal shoulder  58  of the guide insulator  50  to prevent the conductive pin from being inadvertently moved following assembly of the connector  10 . 
   The post  60  has a first end  64 , a second end  62 , and a sleeve portion  66 . The post  60  has a generally cylindrical shape, wherein a lumen  68  is defined between its first end  64  and second end  62 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner diameter of the lumen  68  is substantially constant so as to receive and protect the dielectric core of the coaxial cable. 
   The first end  64  of the post  60  includes a first increased diameter segment  70 . According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the first increased diameter segment  70  is substantially constant. As shown in  FIG. 1 , when the connector  10  is assembled, the first increased diameter segment  70  is seated against the outer shell  52  of the guide connector  50  and maintained with the lumen  19  of the connector body  12  via a press fit against an internal shoulder or step  72 . The post  60  further includes a barb  74  at or near the second end  62 . According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the barb  74  tapers inwardly toward the second end  62  of the post  60  to assist in engaging the braided outer conductor of the coaxial cable. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an annular space  75  is defined between the connector body  12  and the sleeve portion  66  of the post  60 , wherein the annular space receives the outer protective jacket and braided wire sheath of the coaxial cable. 
   The connector  10  further includes a compression member  80  which has a first end  84 , a second end  82 , an inner surface  83  and an outer surface  85 . A continuous lumen  88  is formed between the first and second ends of the compression member  80 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression member is formed of a deformable plastic material such as acetyl resin, commonly known under the trade name Delrin®. The first end  84  of the compression member can include a protruding rib  100 . The rib  100  is configured to mate or slidingly engage with an internal groove  102  inside of the second end  14  of the connector body  12  so as to retain the compression member  80  in a first assembled but non-compressed position shown in  FIG. 1 . In this first position a properly prepared end of a coaxial cable (see  FIG. 3 ) may be inserted through an the opening  104  at the second end  82  of the compression member and into the lumen  19  at the second end  14  of the connector body  12 . The rib  100  is geometrically configured with a forward inclined sidewall to assist in the axial advancement of the compression member  80  into the connector body  12 , yet also with a perpendicular rearward sidewall so as to inhibit unintended removal of the compression member from the connector body. The height of the rib and its geometric configuration (e.g. inclination of its forward and rearward sidewalls) can be varied to achieve the desired ease of assembly and detachment of the compression member from the connector body, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,257 (see col. 4, ll. 22–31 and col. 5, ll. 44–55), which is incorporated herein by reference. 
   The second end  82  of the compression member is configured to be engaged by the compression tool (not shown) which will slidably axially advance the first end of the compression member further into the internal bore of the connector body  12 . The second end of the compression member further includes a flange  94  having a diameter greater than the internal diameter at the second end of the connector body  12 . The forward sidewall  95  of the flange acts as a stop to limit the axial advancement of the compression member into the connector body during installation of the connector on a cable segment. 
   The outer surface  85  of the compression member  80  includes an annular groove  86  between the first end  84  and the flange  94 . According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the annular groove has sidewalls  92  and  98  that can be perpendicular to the outer surface as is sidewall  92 , inclined as is sidewall  98  or otherwise radiussed. A first annular shoulder  96  is formed on the compression member between the first end  84  and the annular groove  86 . The diameter of the first annular shoulder  96  is only slightly less than the internal diameter of the second end  14  of the connector body to assist in maintaining a straight axial insertion of the compression member into the connector body. A second annular shoulder  90  is defined on the outer surface  85  between the annular groove  86  and the flange  94 . The outer diameter of the second shoulder  90  is sized and configured to establish a press fit with the internal diameter of the second end  14  of the connector body  12 . The press fit retains the compression member in the connector body sufficient to withstand the tensile forces on the cable segment without separation from the connector. 
   The inner surface  83  of the compression member  80  has an arcuate shape/profile. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the inner surface  83  of the compression member  80  tapers inwardly from the first end  84  toward the  84  second end  82  of the compression member  80 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a segment of braided coaxial cable  200  is depicted as it is being initially inserted within the proximal opening  104  of the connector  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The cable  200  includes a central conductor  204  surrounded by a dielectric core  202 . A braided outer conductor  208  surrounds the dielectric core  202  and is folded over a portion of an outer protective jacket  206  of the cable  200 . To render the cable  200  as it appears in  FIG. 3  and such that it is capable of proper insertion into the connector  10 , various layers of the cable are selectively removed to progressively expose an end of the center conductor  204  and an end of the dielectric core  202 , after which an end portion of the braid conductor  208  is folded over the outer jacket  206 . Although not shown in  FIG. 3 , the cable  200  can have one or more foil layers and/or wire sheaths forming the braided outer conductor to provide additional shielding of the signal carried on the central conductor. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a segment of braided coaxial cable  200  is depicted as it is being initially inserted within the proximal opening  104  of the connector  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The cable  200  includes a central conductor  204  surrounded by a dielectric core  202 . A braided outer conductor  208  surrounds the dielectric core  202  is folded over a portion of an outer protective jacket  206  of the cable  200 . To render the cable  200  as it appears in  FIG. 3  and such that it is capable of proper insertion into the connector  10 , various layers of the cable are selectively removed to progressively expose an end of the center conductor  204  and an end of the dielectric core  202 , after which an end portion of the braid conductor  208  is folded over the outer jacket  206 . Although not shown in  FIG. 3 , the cable  200  can have one or more foil layers and/or wire sheaths forming the braided outer conductor to provide additional shielding of the signal carried on the central conductor. 
   Following still further insertion of the cable  200 , and as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the sleeve  66  of the post  60  is fully inserted between the core  202  and the braid conductor  208 . Moreover, the center conductor  204  has been fed into and though the guide insulator  50  and into the collet  48  at the second end of the conductive pin  40 . At this stage of insertion, the compression member  80  is generally in contact with, but is not yet compressing the outer protective jacket  206  of the cable  200 . 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the connector  10  is shown in a compressed state, having the compression member fully axially advanced by a compression tool (not shown) following complete insertion of the cable as shown in  FIG. 5 . By way of non-limiting example, the compression tool can grasp or otherwise engage one or more of the protrusions  20 A,  20 B,  20 C of the connector body  12  as well as the second end  82  of the compression member  80  so as to slidingly axially advance the compression member  80  and into the body  12 . 
   As the compression member  80  is axially moved in a forward direction, the rib  100  is dislodged from the groove  102  at the second end  14  of the connector body  12 . Upon further advancement, the first annular  96  cooperates with the interior surface at the second end of the connector body to maintain a straight axial advancement of the compression member into the connector body. 
   As axial advancement continues, the inwardly tapered portion of the interior surface  83  of the compression member  80  exerts inwardly radial forces upon the inserted segment of cable  200 . The inwardly tapered portion of the interior surface compresses and traps the braided outer conductor  208  and the protective outer jacket  206  of the cable  200  between the inner surface  83  of the compression member  80  and sleeve  66  of the post  60 . The compression member continues to be axially advanced into the second end  14  of the connector body  12  until the annular shoulder  90  becomes firmly pressed into the second end  14  of the connector body or until the sidewall  95  of the flange  94  abuts the second end  14  of the connector body. 
   While the compression member  80  exerts radial force against the outer jacket  206  of the cable  200 , a secure connection is maintained between the cable  200  and the connector  10 . As noted above, the presence of the groove  86  is beneficial because it provides important radial flexibility and stress relief during the compression process and enables the connector  10  to accommodate variations in the thicknesses of the foil, braided outer conductors and protective outer jackets of cables from various manufacturers. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8  depict two alternate embodiments of the present invention. In  FIG. 7 , the connector  10   a  includes a covering element  300  made of a durable material (e.g., metal) that surrounds or encloses the second end of the compression member  80 , which is usually made of a comparatively less durable material (e.g., plastic). Thus, the covering element  300  protects the compression member  80  during and after installation and shields it from the effects of light and the environment. 
   According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the covering element  300  has a cylindrical body  310  and a flanged proximal end  320  shaped to fit around the flange  94  of the compression member  80 . The distal end  330  of the covering element  300  fits atop the connector body  12 . The covering element  300  can be placed in communication with the connector  10  via several techniques; however, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the covering element is press fit onto the connector body  12  and around the flange  94  of the compression member. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , another alternate embodiment of a connector  10   b  of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the connector  10   b  is a “feed through” wherein the connector does not include a conductive pin, and its insulator  30  does not have a collet  48 . Thus, when a cable segment  200  is inserted into the connector  10   b,  the protruding portion of the central conductor  204  of the cable will be flush with the insulator, and the exposed segment of the cable will be emerge from the first end  16  of the connector body  12 . This embodiment provides several comparative benefits versus those of  FIGS. 1–7 , including but not limited to, cost savings, improved corrosion resistance and ease of installation. 
   In sum, usage of the connectors  10 ,  10   a,    10   b  of the present invention entails connecting the connector to a trunk line equipment port via the port interface  22  (e.g., by using a tool to tighten the hexagonal flats  26  on the nut portion  24  of the connector body  12 ), then inserting a segment of braided coaxial cable  200  into the port via the connector (as shown in  FIGS. 3–5  and  6 A, and as discussed above), and then using a tool to firmly grasp the connector body  12  (e.g., by engaging and pressing upon the protrusions  20 ) and to axially advance the compression member  80  into a second compressed forward position. Thus, use of the connector  10 ,  10   a,    10   b  of the present invention entails simple steps and does not require an adapter, which, as noted above, is normally required to connect braided coaxial cable to trunk line equipment ports. Moreover, proper installation of the connectors  10 ,  10   a,    10   b  also do not require the use of a swivel joint. That, in turn, enables the connector  10  to function as a permanent affixture whereby it provides a more secure connection and exhibits increased tamper resistance as compared to easily reversible connectors that employ a swivel joint or the like. 
   Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to details of currently preferred embodiments, it is not intended that such details be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention, except as and to the extent that they are included in the following claims—that is, the foregoing description of the present invention is merely illustrative, and it should be understood that variations and modifications can be effected without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Moreover, any document(s) mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, as are any other documents that are referenced within the document(s) mentioned herein.