Patent Abstract:
A connector used in coaxial cable communication applications, and more specifically to coaxial connectors having features for sealing against environmental contaminants, facilitating effective attachment to a corresponding interface port, and improving the efficiency of structures and processes for attaching the connectors to coaxial cables. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Full Description:
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
       [0001]    The following relates to connectors used in coaxial cable communication applications, and more specifically to coaxial connectors having features for sealing against environmental contaminants, facilitating effective attachment to a corresponding interface port, and improving the efficiency of structures and processes for attaching the connectors to coaxial cables. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Broadband communications have become an increasingly prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for transmission of broadband communications. Coaxial cables are typically designed so that an electromagnetic field carrying communications signals exists only in the space between inner and outer coaxial conductors of the cables. This allows coaxial cable runs to be installed next to metal objects without the power losses that occur in other transmission lines, and provides protection of the communications signals from external electromagnetic interference. Connectors for coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interface ports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices and cable communication equipment. Connection is often made through rotatable operation of an internally coupling member of the connector about a corresponding externally threaded interface port. Fully tightening the threaded connection of the coaxial cable connector to the interface port helps to ensure a ground connection between the connector and the corresponding interface port. However, often connectors are not properly tightened or otherwise installed to the interface port and proper electrical mating of the connector with the interface port does not occur. Moreover, when attached to an interface port, common connectors are often still susceptible to the unwanted introduction of environmental contaminants into the connector. In addition, common connectors often utilize cumbersome and/or costly components and installation processes associated with attaching the connectors to coaxial cables. Hence a need exists for an improved connector having structural features that facilitate efficient connection of the connector to an interface port, that help prevent the entry of unwanted environmental contaminants into the coaxial cable connector, and that improve cost and effectiveness with relation to how the connector attaches to a coaxial cable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    A first aspect of the present invention relates to a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body; a post, engageable with the connector body; a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the connector body, the coupling member having a first end and opposing second end; an outer sleeve engageable with the coupling member, the sleeve configured to rotate the coupling member; and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body, wherein the compression portion is configured to break apart from the body when axially compressed. 
         [0004]    A second aspect of the present invention relates to a coaxial cable connector comprising; a connector body; a post engageable with connector body; a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the connector body, the coupling member having a first end and opposing second end portion; a sealing element attached to the coupling member, wherein the sealing element prevents ingress of environmental elements proximate the first end of the coupling member; and an outer sleeve engageable with the coupling member, the sleeve configured to rotate the coupling member. 
         [0005]    A third aspect of the present invention relates to a coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; a post engageable with connector body; a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the connector body, the coupling member having a first end and opposing second end; a sealing element attached to the coupling member, wherein the sealing element prevents ingress of environmental elements proximate the first end of the coupling member; and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body, wherein the compression portion is configured to break apart from the body when axially compressed. 
         [0006]    A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of fastening a coaxial cable to a communication port, the method comprising: providing a coaxial cable connector including: a connector body; a post operably attached to the connector body; a coupling member axially rotatable with respect to the connector body; an outer sleeve engageable with the coupling member; and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body; axially compressing the compression portion to form an environmental seal around the coaxial cable, wherein when axially compressed, the compression portion breaks away from the body and securely connects to the coaxial cable; and fastening the coupling member to an interface port by operating the outer sleeve. 
         [0007]    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 
         [0008]    Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  depicts a cross-section view of a first embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  depicts a perspective view of the first embodiment of the coaxial cable connector prior to an embodiment of the sleeve is operably attached to an embodiment of a coupling member; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1C  depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the coaxial cable connector after secure attachment to an embodiment of a coaxial cable; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  depicts a cross-section view of a second embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  depicts a cross-section view of a third embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4A  depicts a cross-section view of a fourth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4B  depicts a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the coaxial cable connector prior to an embodiment of a sleeve is operably attached to an embodiment of a coupling member; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  depicts a cross-section view of a fifth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  depicts a cross-section view of a sixth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  depicts a cross-section view of an seventh embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer integral sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross-section view of an eighth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer integral sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  depicts a cross-section view of a ninth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer integral sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  depicts a cross-section view of a tenth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  depicts a cross-section view of an eleventh embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  depicts a cross-section view of a twelfth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a sealing member, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  depicts a cross-section view of a thirteenth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  depicts a cross-section view of a fourteenth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  depicts a cross-section view of a fifteenth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  depicts a cross-section view of a sixteenth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  depicts a cross-section view of a seventeenth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  depicts a cross-section view of an eighteenth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  depicts a cross-section view of a nineteenth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  depicts a cross-section view of a twentieth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-first embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-second embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-third embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of an outer sleeve, and an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-fourth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-fifth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-sixth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-seventh embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-eighth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, an embodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion configured to move axially external to an embodiment of a connector body; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-ninth embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, an embodiment of an outer sleeve, and an embodiment of a compression portion configured to move axially within an embodiment of a connector body. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    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. 
         [0042]    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. 
         [0043]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A-29  depict embodiments of a coaxial cable connector  100 - 128 . The coaxial cable connector  100 - 128  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. 1C ). The coaxial cable  10  may be prepared as embodied in  FIG. 1C  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 prevent ingress 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 should 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. 
         [0044]    Referring further to  FIGS. 1A-29 , a connector, such as connector  100 - 128  may also interact with a coaxial cable interface port  20 . The coaxial cable interface port  20  includes a conductive receptacle 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  23 . 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  23  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 - 128 . However, the receptacle of the port  20  should be formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, like brass, copper, or aluminum. Further still, it will 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. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-25 , embodiments of a coaxial cable connector  100 - 123  may further comprise a coupling member  30 , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90 , a compression portion  60 , a radial restriction member  65 , and a connector body seal member  5  (as shown in  FIG. 28 ), such as, for example, a body O-ring configured to fit around a portion of the connector body  50 . Embodiments of coupling member  30  may be coupling member  30   a ,  30   b , or  30   c  described in further detail infra. Embodiments of sleeve  90  may be sleeve  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c ,  90   d ,  90   e ,  90   f ,  90   g , or  90   h , described in further detail infra. Similarly, embodiments of radial restriction member  65  may be  65   a ,  65   b , or  65   c , described in further detail infra. Connector  100 - 123  may come in a preassembled configuration or may require additional operable attachment of the sleeve  90  to connector  100 - 123  during installation. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A , embodiments of connector  100  may include a coupling member  30   a , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   a , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   a.    
         [0047]    Embodiments of connector  100  may include a coupling member  30   a . The coupling member  30   a  of embodiments of a coaxial cable connector  100  has a first forward end  31   a  and opposing second rearward end  32   a . The coupling member  30   a  may comprise internal threading  33   a  extending axially from the edge of first forward end  31   a  a distance sufficient to provide operably effective threadable contact with the external threads  23  of a standard coaxial cable interface port  20  (as shown, by way of example, in  FIG. 1C ). The coupling member  30   a  includes an internal lip  34   a , such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end  32   a  of the coupling member. The internal lip  34   a  includes a surface  35   a  facing the first forward end  31   a  of the coupling member  30   a . The forward facing surface  35   a  of the lip  34   a  may be a tapered surface or side facing the first forward end  31   a  of the coupling member  30   a . However, the internal lip  34   a  of coupling member  30   a  may define the second end  32   a  of the coupling member  30   a , eliminating excess material from the coupling member  30   a . Located somewhere on the outer surface  36   a  of the coupling member  30   a  may be a retaining structure  37   a . The retaining structure  37   a  of the coupling member  30   a  may be an annular groove or recess that extends completely or partially around the outer surface  36   a  of the coupling member  30   a  to retain, accommodate, receive, or mate with an engagement member  97  of the sleeve  90 . Alternatively, the retaining structure  37   a  may be an annular protrusion that extends completely or partially around the outer surface  36   a  of the coupling member  30   a  to retain or mate with the engagement member  97  of the outer sleeve  90 . The retaining structure  37   a  may be placed at various axial positions from the first end  31   a  to the  32   a , depending on the configuration of the sleeve  90  and other design requirements of connector  100 . 
         [0048]    Moreover, embodiments of coupling member  30   a  may include an outer surface feature(s)  38   a  proximate or otherwise near the second end  32   a  to improve mechanical interference or friction between the coupling member  30   a  and the sleeve  90 . For instance, the outer surface feature  38   a  may extend completely or partially around the outer surface  36   a  proximate the second  32   a  of the coupling member  30   a  to increase a retention force between an inner surface  93  of the sleeve  90  and the outer surface  36   a  of the coupling member  30   a . The outer surface feature  38   a  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   a . In one embodiment, the coupling member  30   a  may be referred to as a press-fit coupling member. 
         [0049]    The structural configuration of the coupling member  30   a  may vary according differing connector design parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector  100 . For instance, the first forward end  31   a  of the coupling member  30   a  may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may help prevent ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, at the first forward end  31   a  of the coupling member  30   a , when mated with an interface port  20 . Those in the art should appreciate that the coupling member  30   a  need not be threaded. Moreover, the coupling member  30   a  may comprise a coupler commonly used in connecting RCA-type, or BNC-type connectors, or other common coaxial cable connectors having standard coupler interfaces. The coupling member  30   a  may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the coupling member  30   a . Further embodiments of the coupling member  30   a  may be formed of polymeric materials and may be non-conductive. Accordingly, the coupling member  30   a  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   a  may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example the external surface of the coupling member  30   a  may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the coupling member  30   a  may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. The coupling member  30   a  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   a  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   a  of the coupling member  30   a  faces a flange  44  the post  40  when operably assembled in a connector  100 , so as to allow the coupling member  30   a  to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post  40  and the connector body  50 , of the connector  100 . 
         [0050]    Embodiments of connector  100  may include a post  40 . The post  40  comprises a first forward end  41  and an opposing second rearward end  42 . 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 faces the forward facing surface  35   a ,  35   b ,  35   c  of the coupling member  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  when operably assembled in a coaxial cable connector, 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 - 128 . 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  47  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  47 , and the coaxial cable connector  100 - 128  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  43 , 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  (as shown in exemplary fashion in  FIG. 1C ) The post  40  should be formed such that portions of a prepared coaxial cable  10  including the dielectric  16  and center conductor  18  (examples shown in  FIG. 1C ) 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  should 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  should 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. 
         [0051]    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  and opposing second end  52 . 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. In addition, the connector body  50  may include an outer annular recess  58  located proximate or near the first end  51  of the connector body  50 . Furthermore, the connector body  50  may include a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface  55 , wherein the outer surface  55  may be configured to form an annular seal when the second end  52  is deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable  10  by operation of a compression portion  60 . The connector body  50  may include an outer ramped surface  56  and an internal annular notch  59  or groove proximate the second end  52  to structurally facilitate the deformation of the connector body  50 , as described in further detail infra. 
         [0052]    Moreover, the connector body  50  may include an external annular detent located proximate or close to the second end  52  of the connector body  50 . Further still, the connector body  50  may include internal surface features, such as annular serrations formed near or proximate the internal surface of the second end  52  of the connector body  50  and configured to enhance frictional restraint and gripping of an inserted and received coaxial cable  10 , through tooth-like interaction with the cable. The connector body  50  may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface  55 . Further, the connector body  50  may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the connector body  50  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. 
         [0053]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1A , embodiments of connector  100  may include a sleeve  90   a . The sleeve  90   a  may be engageable with the coupling member  30   a . The sleeve  90   a  may include a first end  91   a , a second  91   a , an inner surface  93   a , and an outer surface  94   a . The sleeve  90   a  may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. The sleeve  90   a  may be radially disposed over the coupling member  30   a , or a portion thereof, the connector body  50 , or a portion thereof the compression portion  60 , or a portion thereof, and radial restriction member  65 , or a portion thereof, while operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. Proximate or otherwise near the first end  91   a , the sleeve  90   a  may include an engagement member  97   a  configured to mate or engage with the retaining structure  37   a  of the coupling member  30   a . The engagement member  97   a  may be an annular lip or protrusion that may enter or reside within the retaining structure  37   a  of the coupling member  30   a . For example, in embodiments where the retaining structure  37   a  is an annular groove, the engagement member  97   a  may be a protrusion or lip that may snap into the groove located on the coupling member  30   a  to retain the sleeve  90   a  in a single axial position. In other words, the cooperating surfaces of the groove-like retaining structure  37   a  and the lip or protruding engagement member  97   a  may prevent axial movement of the sleeve  90   a  once the connector  100  is in an assembled configuration. Alternatively, the engagement member  97   a  may be an annular groove or recess that may receive or engage with the retaining structure  37   a  of the coupling member  30   a . For example, in embodiments where the retaining structure  37   a  of the coupling member  30   a  is an annular protrusion, the engagement member  97   a  may be a groove or recess that may allow the annular protruding retaining structure  37   a  of the coupling member  30   a  to snap into to retain the sleeve  90   a  in a single axial position. In other words, the cooperating surfaces of the protruding retaining structure  37   a  and the groove-like engagement member  97   a  may prevent axial movement of the sleeve  90   a  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   a  with respect to the rest of the connector  100  in an axial direction. Furthermore, the engagement member  97   a  of the sleeve  90   a  may be segmented such that one or more gaps may separate portions of the engagement member  97   a , while still providing sufficient structural engagement with the retaining structure  37   a.    
         [0054]    An embodiment of an assembled configuration of connector  100  with respect to the sleeve  90   a  may involve sliding the sleeve  90   a  over the coupling member  30   a  in an axial direction starting from the first end  31   a  and continuing toward the second end  32   a  of the coupling member  30   a  until sufficient mating and/or engagement occurs between the engagement member  97   a  of the sleeve  90   a  and the retaining structure  37   a  of the coupling member  30   a , as shown in  FIG. 1B . Once in the assembled configuration, rotation of the sleeve  90   a  may in turn cause the coupling member  30   a  to simultaneously rotate in the same direction as the sleeve  90   a  due to mechanical interference between the inner surface  93   a  of the sleeve  90   a  and the outer surface  36   a  of the coupling member  30   a . In some embodiments, the interference between the sleeve  90   a  and the coupling member  30   a  relies simply on a friction fit or interference fit between the components. Other embodiments include a coupling member  30   a  with an outer surface feature(s)  38   a , as described supra, to improve the mechanical interference between the components. Further embodiments include a sleeve  90   a  with internal surface features  98   a  positioned on the inner surface  93   a  to improve the contact between the components. Even further embodiments of connector  100  may include a sleeve  90   a  and a coupling member  30   a  both having surface features  98   a ,  38   a , respectively. Embodiments of the inner surface features  98   a  of the sleeve  90   a  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   a  and the coupling member  30 . In many embodiments, the inner surface features  98   a  of the sleeve  90   a  and the outer surface features  38   a  of the coupling member  30   a  may structurally correspond with each other. For example, the inner geometry of the sleeve  90   a  may reflect and/or structurally correspond with the outer geometric shape of the coupling member  30   a . Due to the engagement between the sleeve  90   a  and the coupling member  30   a , a user may simply grip and rotate/twist the sleeve  90   a  to thread the coupling element  30   a  onto an interface port, such as interface port  20 . Further still, embodiments of the sleeve  90   a  may include outer surface features  99   a , such as annular serrations or slots, configured to enhance gripping of the sleeve  90   a  while connecting the connector  100  onto an interface port. The sleeve  90   a  may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a rigid body. Further, the sleeve  90   a  may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the sleeve  90   a  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. 
         [0055]    Embodiments of connector  100  may include a compression portion  60 . Compression portion  60  may be operably attached to the connector body  50 . For instance, the compression portion  60  may be structurally integral with the connector body  50 , wherein the compression portion  60  separates or shears from the connector body  50  upon an axial force which in turn radially compresses the second end  52  of the connector body  50  onto the coaxial cable  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1C . The structural connection between the connector body  50  and the compression portion  60  may be thin or otherwise breakable when compressive, axial force is applied (e.g. by an axial compression tool). For example, the compression portion  60  may have a frangible connection with the connector body  50 . Moreover, the structural connection or configuration between the connector body  50  and the compression portion  60  may be defined by an internal annular notch  66  or groove of the compression portion  60  and an outer ramped surface  56  of the connector body  50 . The annular notch  59  of the connector body  50  may further facilitate the deformation of the second end  52  of the connector body  1350 . The compression portion  60  may be formed of the same material as connector body  50  because they may be structurally integral with each other. For example, the compression portion  60  may be comprised of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a rigid body. Further, the compression portion  60  may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the compression member  60  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. 
         [0056]    Furthermore, embodiments of connector  100  may include a radial restriction member  65   a . The radial restriction member  65   a  may be a bushing or similar annular tubular member disposed proximate the rearward second end  52  of the connector body  50 . For instance, the radial restriction member  65   a  may surround the compression portion  60  and a portion of the connector body  50  proximate the rearward second end  52 . The radial restriction member  65   a  may be a generally annular, hollow cylindrically-shaped sleeve-like member comprised of stainless steel or other substantially rigid materials which may structurally assist the crack and seal process of compression portion  60 . For instance, when the compression portion  60  is axially compressed in a direction towards the coupling member  30 , the radial restriction member  65   a  may axially displace along with the compression portion  60  and may prevent the compression portion  60  from splintering or otherwise displacing in a direction other than substantially axial towards the coupling member  30 . 
         [0057]    Embodiments of the compression portion  60  may create an environmental seal around the coaxial cable  10  when in the fully compressed position. Specifically, when the compression portion  60  (and the radial restriction member  65   a ) is axially slid or compressed towards the coupling member  30 , the structural connection between the compression portion  60  and the connector body  50  is severed, sheared, ruptured, etc., and the compression portion  60  comes into contact with the outer ramped surface  56  of the connector body  50 . The severing of the structural connection between the connector body  50  and the compression portion  60  essentially turns the internal notch  66   a  into a cooperative ramped surface with the outer ramped surface  56  of the connector body  50 . Due to the cooperative ramped surfaces, the axial compression (displacement) of the compression portion  60  evenly compresses the second end  52  of the connector body  50  onto the outer jacket  12  of the coaxial cable  10  and deforms the outer ramped surface  56 , as shown in  FIG. 1C . Accordingly, the compression portion  60  and potentially the radial restriction member  65   a  may be referred to as a crack and seal compression means with a radial restriction member  65   a . Those skilled in the requisite art should appreciate that the seal may be created by the compression portion  60  without the radial restriction member  65   a . However, the radial restriction member  65   a  significantly enhances the structural integrity and functional operability of the compression portion, for example, when it is compressed and sealed against an attached coaxial cable  10 . 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , embodiments of connector  101  may include a coupling member  30   a , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   a , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   c . Radial restriction member  65   c  may share the same or substantially the same function as radial restriction member  65   a . However, radial restriction member  65   c  may be a cap member, or similar generally annular, tubular member having an engagement surface for operable engagement with a compression tool. For instance, embodiments of the radial restriction member  65   c  may include an internal annular lip  63  or inwardly extending flange proximate a rearward end  62  of the radial restriction member  65   c . The radial restriction member  65   c  may surround or partially surround the compression portion  60  and a portion of the connector body  50  proximate the rearward second end  52 , wherein the internal annular lip  63  of the radial restriction member  65   c  may be configured to contact the compression portion  6   a  prior to or upon axial compression of the connector. The radial restriction member  65   c  may be comprised of stainless steel or other substantially rigid materials which may structurally assist the crack and seal process of compression portion  60 . For instance, when the compression portion  60  is axially compressed in a direction towards the coupling member  30 , the radial restriction member  65   c  may axially displace along with the compression portion  60  and may prevent the compression portion  60  from splintering or otherwise displacing in a direction other than substantially axial towards the coupling member  30 . Additionally, the internal lip  63  proximate the rearward end  62  of the radial restriction member  65   c  may provide an engagement surface for operable engagement with a compression tool, or other device/means that provides the necessary compression to compress seal connector  1302 . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , embodiments of connector  102  may include a coupling member  30   a , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   a , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   b . Radial restriction member  65   b  may share the same or substantially the same function as radial restriction member  65   a . However, radial restriction member  65   b  may be one or more straps or bands that extend annularly around or partially around the compression portion  60 . The radial restriction member  65   b  may be structurally attached to the compression portion  60  in a variety of methods, such as press-fit, adhesion, cohesion, fastened, etc. For instance, the radial restriction member  65   b  may reside within annular notches or grooves in the compression portion  60 . The notches or grooves may have various depths to allow the radial restriction member  65  to be flush with the outer surface of the compression portion  60 , to protrude from the outer surface of the compression portion  60 , or to reside completely beneath the outer surface of the compression portion  60 . Moreover, the radial restriction member  65  may be comprised of stainless steel or other substantially rigid materials which may structurally assist the crack and seal process of compression portion  60 . For instance, when the compression portion  60  is axially compressed in a direction towards the coupling member  30   a , the radial restriction member  65   b  may also prevent the compression portion  60  from splintering or otherwise displacing in a direction other than substantially axial towards the coupling member  30   a.    
         [0060]    With reference to  FIG. 4A , embodiments of connector  103  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   b , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   a.    
         [0061]    Embodiments of a connector  103  may include a coupling member  30   b . Coupling member  30   b  may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of coupling member  30   a . Accordingly, coupling member  30   b  has a first forward end  31   b , an opposing second rearward end  32   b , internal threading  33   b , an internal lip  34   b  including a surface  35   b  facing the first forward end  31   b  of the coupling member  30   b . However, the second rearward end  32   b , of the coupling member  30   b  may extend a significant axial distance to reside radially extent, or otherwise partially surround, a portion of the connector body  50 , although the extended portion of the coupling member  30   b  need not contact the connector body  50 . Additionally, coupling member  30   b  may include a retaining structure  37   b  on an outer surface  36   b  of the coupling member  30   b . The retaining structure  37   b  may share the same or substantially same structural and functional aspects of the retaining structure  37   a  described in association with, for example, connector  100 . Manufacture of the coupling member  30   b  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   b  of the coupling member  30   b  faces a flange  44  the post  40  when operably assembled in a coaxial cable connector, so as to allow the coupling member  30   b  to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post  40  and the connector body  50 . 
         [0062]    Embodiments of connector  103  may include an outer sleeve  90   b . Sleeve  90   b  may share the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve  90   a  described in association with, for example, connector  100 . Accordingly, sleeve  90   b  may include an engagement member  97   b  that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure  37   b  of the coupling member  30   b . For example, the sleeve  90   b  may include a first end  91   b , a second end  92   b , an inner surface  93   b , and an outer surface  94   b , and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. However, the sleeve  90   b  may be radially disposed over the coupling member  30   b , or a portion thereof, the connector body  50 , or a portion thereof, the compression portion  60 , or a portion thereof, and the radial restriction member  65 , while operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. Additionally, the sleeve  90   b  may include an annular ramped surface  95   b  or chamfer proximate or otherwise near the first end  91   b  to accommodate an increased diameter or general size of the coupling member  30   b  proximate a second, rearward end  32   b  of the coupling member  30   b . Embodiments of the ramped surface  95   b  may be structurally integral with the engagement member  97   b  and the body of the sleeve  90   b . Furthermore, embodiments of an assembled configuration of connector  103  with respect to the sleeve  90   b  may involve sliding the sleeve  90   b  over the coupling member  30   b  in an axial direction starting from the first end  31   b  and continuing toward the second end  32   b  of the coupling member  30   b  until sufficient mating and/or engagement occurs between the engagement member  97   b  of the sleeve  90   b  and the retaining structure  37   b  of the coupling member  30   b , as shown in  FIG. 4B . Sleeve  90   b  may also include outer surface feature(s)  99   b , such as annular serrations or slots, configured to enhance gripping of the sleeve  90  while connecting the coaxial cable connector onto an interface port. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of connector  104 . Embodiments of connector  104  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   b , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   c.    
         [0064]      FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of connector  105 . Embodiments of connector  105  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   b , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   b    
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , embodiments of connector  106  may include an integral sleeve  90   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   a.    
         [0066]    Embodiments of connector  106  may include an integral sleeve  90   c . An integral sleeve  90   c  may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. The integral sleeve  90   c  may include a first end  91   c , a second end  1392   c , an outer surface  93   c , and an outer surface  94   c . Furthermore, the integral sleeve  90   c  may include a coupling portion  95   c  proximate the first end  91   c  and a body portion  96   c  structurally integral with the coupling portion  95   c . The coupling portion  95   c  may include internal threads for operable engagement with an interface port, such as interface port  20 . For instance, the internal threads of the coupling portion  95   c  of the integral sleeve  90   c  may correspond to threads on the outer surface of an interface port. The coupling portion  95   c  may also include an internal lip  97   c , such as an annular protrusion. The internal lip  97   c  includes a surface  98   c  facing the first forward end  91   c  of the integral sleeve  90   c . The forward facing surface  98   c  of the lip  97   c  may be a tapered surface that corresponds to a tapered surface  45  of the post  40 . The forward facing surface  98   c  of the coupling portion  95   c  faces the flange  44  of the post  40  when operably assembled in a connector  106 , so as to allow the integral sleeve  90   c  to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post  40  and the connector body  50 . The structural configuration of the coupling portion  95   c  of integral sleeve  90   c  may vary according to differing connector design parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector. For instance, the first forward end  91   c  of the integral sleeve  90   c  may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may help prevent ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, at the first forward end  91   c  of the integral sleeve  90   c , when mated with an interface port  20 . Those in the art should appreciate that the coupling portion  95   c  need not be threaded. 
         [0067]    Moreover, the integral sleeve  90   c  includes a body portion  96   c  that may be structurally integral with the coupling portion  95   c  to form an outer sleeve that may surround the post  40 , the connector body  50 , the compression portion  60 , or a portion thereof, and the radial restriction member  65 , or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressed position. Because the body portion  96   c  may be structurally integral with the coupling portion  95   c , rotation or twisting of the body portion  96   c  can cause rotation or twisting of the coupling portion  95   c  to operably mate a coaxial cable connector, such as connector  106 , onto an interface port. Thus, the integral sleeve  90   c  includes a larger surface area to grip and twist the integral sleeve  90   c  to thread the coupling portion  95   c  fully onto the interface port, such as interface port  20 . Embodiments of the body portion  96   c  of the integral sleeve  90   c  may include outer surface features, such as annular serrations or slots, configured to enhance gripping of the integral sleeve  90   c  while connecting the coaxial cable connector onto an interface port. The body portion  96   c  of the sleeve  90   c  may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a rigid body, while the coupling portion  95   c  may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the connector. In other words, the integral sleeve  90   c  may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example, the external surface of the coupling portion  95   c  of the integral sleeve  90   c  may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the coupling portion  95   c  may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. Alternatively, the coupling portion  95   c  and the body portion  96   c  of the integral sleeve  90   c  may be formed of conductive materials such as metals or metal alloys, or may both be formed of polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed component. Manufacture of the integral sleeve  90   c  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. 
         [0068]      FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of connector  107 . Embodiments of connector  107  may include an integral sleeve  90   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   c.    
         [0069]      FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of connector  108 . Embodiments of connector  108  may include an integral sleeve  90   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   b.    
         [0070]    With reference now to  FIG. 10 , embodiments of connector  109  may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a sleeve  90   h , a sealing member  80 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   a.    
         [0071]    Embodiments of connector  109  may include a coupling member  30   c . Coupling member  30   c  may share some of the structural and functional aspects of embodiments of coupling member  30   a ,  30   b , such as being mated, threaded or otherwise, to a corresponding interface port  20 . Coupling member  30   c  may include a first end  31   c , a second end  32   c , an inner surface  33   c , at least a portion of which is threaded, a connector-grasping portion  39   c , and an outer surface  34   c , including a seal-grasping surface portion  36   c . The seal-grasping surface portion  36   c  may be a flat, smooth surface or a flat, roughened surface suitable to frictionally and/or adhesively engage an interior sealing surface  83  of the sealing member  80 . Embodiments of the seal-grasping surface portion  36   c  may also contain a ridge that together with the seal grasping surface portion  36   c  forms a groove or shoulder that is suitably sized and shaped to correspondingly engage an internal shoulder  87  of the sealing member  80  adjacent the interior sealing surface  83  in a locking-type interference fit between the coupling member  30   c  and the sealing member  80 . 
         [0072]    Moreover, the coupling member  30   c  may further include a coupling member-turning surface portion on an outer surface  84  of the sealing member  80 . The coupling member-turning surface portion may have at least two flat surface regions that allow engagement with the surfaces of a tool such as a wrench. In one embodiment, the coupling member-turning surface is hexagonal. Alternatively, the coupling member-turning surface may be a knurled surface to facilitate hand-turning of the nut component. Furthermore, upon engagement of the sealing member  80  with the coupling member  30   c , a rear sealing surface of the sealing member  80  abuts a side/edge surface of the coupling member  30   c  to form a sealing relationship in that region. In one embodiment, the connector-grasping portion  36   c  of the coupling member  30   c  is an internally-projecting shoulder that engages a flange  44  of the post  40  in such a manner that the coupling member  30   c  can be freely rotated as it is held in place as part of the connector. 
         [0073]    With continued reference to  FIG. 10 , connector  109  may include a sealing member  80 . The sealing member may include a first end  81 , a second end  82 , an inner surface  83 , and an outer surface  84 . The sealing member  80  may have a generally tubular body that is elastically deformable by nature of its material characteristics and design. In most embodiments, the seal member  80  is a one-piece element made of a compression molded, elastomer material having suitable chemical resistance and material stability (i.e., elasticity) over a temperature range between about −40° C. to +40° C. For example, the sealing member  80  may be made of silicone rubber. Alternatively, the material may be propylene, a typical O-ring material. Other materials known in the art may also be suitable. Furthermore, the first end  81  of sealing member  80  may be a free end for ultimate engagement with a port, while the second end  82  may be for ultimate connection to the coupling member  30   c . The sealing member  80  may have a forward sealing surface, a rear sealing portion including an interior sealing surface  83  that integrally engages the coupling member  30   c , and an integral joint-section intermediate the first and second end  81 ,  82  of the tubular body of the sealing member  80 . The forward sealing surface  85  at the first end  81  of the sealing member  80  may include annular facets to assist in forming a seal with the port, such as interface port  20 . Alternatively, forward sealing surface  85  may be a continuous rounded annular surface that forms effective seals through the elastic deformation of the inner surface  83  and end of the sealing member  80  compressed against the port. The integral joint-section includes a portion of the length of the sealing member  80  which is relatively thinner in radial cross-section to encourage an outward expansion or bowing of the seal upon its axial compression. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling member grasping surface includes an interior sealing surface which forms an annular surface on the inside of the tubular body, and an internal shoulder  87  of the tubular body adjacent the second end  82 . Accordingly, compressive axial force may be applied against one or both ends of the seal depending upon the length of the port intended to be sealed. The force will act to axially compress the seal whereupon it will expand radially in the vicinity of the integral joint-section. In one embodiment, the integral joint-section is located axially asymmetrically intermediate the first end  81  and the second end  82  of the tubular body, and adjacent an anterior end of the interior sealing surface  83 . Embodiments of the sealing member  80  may have an interior diameter at the integral joint-section equal to about 0.44 inches in an uncompressed state; the tubular body of the sealing member  80  may have a length from the first end  81  to the second end  82  of about 0.36 inches in an uncompressed state. However, it is contemplated that the joint-section can be designed to be inserted anywhere between she sealing surface and the first end  81 . The sealing member  80  may prevent the ingress of corrosive elements when the seal is used for its intended function. 
         [0074]    Referring still to  FIG. 10 , embodiments of connector  109  may include an outer sleeve  90   h . The outer sleeve  90   h  may be engageable with coupling member  30   c . Sleeve  90   h  may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve  90   a , described supra, and sleeve  90   d ,  90   f , described infra. Accordingly, the sleeve  90   h  may include a first end  91   h , a second end  92   h , an inner surface  93   h , and an outer surface  94   h . However, the sleeve  90   h  need not include an engagement member, such as an embodiment of engagement member  97   a . The mechanical interference to effectuate simultaneous rotation/twisting of the sleeve  90   h  and the coupling member  30   c  between coupling member  30   c  and sleeve  90   h  may rely on a press-fit or interference fit between the components. Alternatively, the sleeve  90   h  may and coupling member  30   c  may include corresponding internal (sleeve  90   h ) and external (coupling member  30   c ) surface features to facilitate mechanical interference between the components. Internal and external surface features of sleeve  90   h  and coupling member  30   c  may share the structural and functional aspects as surface features  98   a  and  38   a , as described in association with, for example, connector  100 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment of connector  110 . Embodiments of connector  110  may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a sleeve  90   h , a sealing member  80 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   c.    
         [0076]      FIG. 12  depicts an embodiment of connector  111 . Embodiments of connector  111  may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a sleeve  90   h , a sealing member  80 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   b.    
         [0077]    With continued reference to the drawings,  FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment of connector  112 . Embodiments of connector  112  may include a coupling member  30   a , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a sleeve  90   d , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   a.    
         [0078]    Embodiments of connector  112  may include a sleeve  90   d . Sleeve  90   d  may be engageable with the coupling member  30   a . Sleeve  90   d  may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve  90   a . Accordingly, sleeve  90   d  may include an engagement member  97   d  that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure  37   a  of the coupling member  30   a . Additionally, the sleeve  90   d  may include a first end  91   d , a second end  92   d , an inner surface  93   d , and an outer surface  94   d , and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Additionally, sleeve  90   d  may surround the coupling member  30   a , the post  40 , the connector body  50 , or a portion thereof, the compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65 , or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressed position. However, the sleeve  90   d  may extend towards the first end  31   a  of coupling member  30   a . In one embodiment, the first end  91   d  of the sleeve  90   d  may be flush or substantially flush with an edge of the coupling member  30   a  proximate or otherwise near the first end  31   a  of the coupling member  30   a . Moreover, the engagement member  97   d  may be located proximate or otherwise near the edge of the first end  91   d  of the sleeve  90   d . The engagement member  97   d  may be configured to mate or engage a retaining structure  37   a  of the coupling member  30   a  that is correspondingly located proximate or otherwise near the first end  31   a  of the coupling member  30   a.    
         [0079]      FIG. 14  depicts an embodiment of connector  113 . Embodiments of connector  113  may include a coupling member  30   a , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   d , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   c.    
         [0080]      FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment of connector  114 . Embodiments of connector  114  may include a coupling member  30   a , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   d , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   b.    
         [0081]    Referring now to  FIG. 16 , embodiments of connector  115  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   g , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   a.    
         [0082]    Embodiments of connector  115  may include an outer sleeve  90   g . Sleeve  90   g  may be engageable with the coupling member  30   b . Sleeve  90   g  may share the same or substantially the same function as sleeve  90   b  and sleeve  90   f  described infra. Accordingly, the sleeve  90   g  may include a first end  91   g , a second end  92   g , an inner surface  93   g , and an outer surface  94   g , and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Sleeve  90   g  may surround the coupling member  30   b , the post  40 , the connector body  50 , or a portion thereof, the compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65 , or a portion thereof, when in an assembled and/or compressed position. Moreover, the sleeve  90   g  may extend towards the first end  31   b  of coupling member  30   b . However, sleeve  90   g  may include an inwardly extending lip  97   g  proximate or otherwise near the first end  91   g  of the sleeve  90   g , which can help guide the coupling member  30   b  onto a corresponding interface port. The lip  97   g  may share the same structural and functional aspects of the engagement member  97   b . For instance, the lip  97   g  may radially inwardly extend a distance sufficient to prevent axial movement of the sleeve  90   g  in a direction towards the second end  32   b  of the coupling member  30   b  when operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. An embodiment of an assembled configuration of connector  115  with respect to the sleeve  90   g  may involve sliding the sleeve  90   g  over the coupling member  30   b  in an axial direction starting from the first end  31   b  and continuing toward the second end  32   b  of the coupling member  30   b  until sufficient mechanical interference and/or engagement occurs between the lip  97   g  of the sleeve  90   g  and frontal edge or mating surface of the coupling member  30   b . The simultaneous rotation/twisting of the sleeve  90   g  and the coupling member  30   b  may be effectuated in the same or similar manner as described between the sleeve  90   b  and the coupling member  30   b.    
         [0083]      FIG. 17  depicts an embodiment of connector  116 . Embodiments of connector  116  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   g , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   c.    
         [0084]      FIG. 18  depicts an embodiment of connector  117 . Embodiments of connector  117  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   g , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   b.    
         [0085]    With reference now to  FIG. 19 , embodiments of connector  118  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   f , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   a.    
         [0086]    Embodiments of connector  118  may include an outer sleeve  90   f . Sleeve  90   f  may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve  90   b . Accordingly, sleeve  90   f  may include an engagement member  97   f  that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure  37   b  of the coupling member  30   b . For example, the sleeve  90   f  may include a first end  91   f , a second end  92   f , an inner surface  93   f , and an outer surface  94   f , and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Additionally, sleeve  90   f  may surround the coupling member  30   b , the post  40 , the connector body  50 , or a portion thereof, the compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65 , or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressed position. However, the sleeve  90   f  may extend towards the first end  31   b  of coupling member  30   b . In one embodiment, the first end  91   f  of the sleeve  90   f  may be flush or substantially flush with an edge of the coupling member  30   b  proximate or otherwise near the first end  31   b  of the coupling member  30   b . Moreover, the engagement member  97   f  may be located proximate or otherwise near the edge of the first end  91   f  of the sleeve  90   f . The engagement member  97   f  may be configured to mate or engage a retaining structure  37   b  of the coupling member  30   b  that is correspondingly located proximate or otherwise near the first end  31   b  of the coupling member  30   b.    
         [0087]      FIG. 20  depicts an embodiment of connector  119 . Embodiments of connector  119  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   f , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   c.    
         [0088]      FIG. 21  depicts an embodiment of connector  120 . Embodiments of connector  120  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   f , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   b.    
         [0089]    Referring now to  FIG. 22 , embodiments of connector  121  may include a coupling member  30   a , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   e , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   a.    
         [0090]    Embodiments of connector  121  may include an outer sleeve  90   e . Sleeve  90   e  may share the same or substantially the same function as sleeve  90   a  and sleeve  90   d . Accordingly, the sleeve  90   e  may include a first end  91   e , a second end  92   e , an inner surface  93   e , and an outer surface  94   e , and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. Sleeve  90   e  may surround the coupling member  30   a , the post  40 , the connector body  50 , or a portion thereof, the compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65 , or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressed position. Moreover, the sleeve  90   e  may extend towards the first end  31   a  of coupling member  30   a . However, sleeve  90   e  may include an inwardly extending lip  97   e  proximate or otherwise near the first end  91   e  of the sleeve  90   e , which can help guide the coupling member  30   a  onto a corresponding interface port. The lip  97   e  may share the same functional aspects of the engagement member  97   a ,  97   d  of sleeve  90   a ,  90   d , respectively. For instance, the lip  97   e  may radially inwardly extend a distance sufficient to prevent axial movement of the sleeve  90   e  in a direction towards the second end  32   a  of the coupling member  30   a  when operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. An embodiment of an assembled configuration of connector  121  with respect to the sleeve  90   e  may involve sliding the sleeve  90   e  over the coupling member  30   a  in an axial direction starting from the first end  31   a  and continuing toward the second end  32   a  of the coupling member  30   a  until sufficient mechanical interference and/or engagement occurs between the lip  97   e  of the sleeve  90   e  and frontal edge or mating surface of the coupling member  30   a . The simultaneous rotation/twisting of the sleeve  90   e  and the coupling member  30   a  may be effectuated in the same or similar manner as described between the sleeve  90   a  and the coupling member  30   a.    
         [0091]      FIG. 23  depicts an embodiment of connector  122 . Embodiments of connector  122  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   e , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   c.    
         [0092]      FIG. 24  depicts an embodiment of connector  123 . Embodiments of connector  123  may include a coupling member  30   b , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , an outer sleeve  90   e , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   b    
         [0093]    Continuing to refer to the drawings,  FIGS. 25-27  depict an embodiment of connector  124 - 128  that may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a seal member  80 , a connector body  50 , a connector body seal element  5 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65 . Embodiments of a radial restriction member  65  may be radial restriction member  65   a , radial restriction member  65   b , or radial restriction member  65   c.    
         [0094]    Referring to  FIG. 25 , embodiments of connector  124  may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a sealing member  80 , a connector body seal element  5 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   a.    
         [0095]      FIG. 26  depicts an embodiment of connector  125 . Embodiments of connector  125  may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a sealing member  80 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   c.    
         [0096]      FIG. 27  depicts an embodiment of connector  126 . Embodiments of connector  127  may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a sealing member  80 , a compression portion  60 , and a radial restriction member  65   b.    
         [0097]    With reference to  FIGS. 28 and 29 , embodiments of connector  127 - 128  may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a seal member  80 , a connector body  50 , a sleeve  90   h , a connector body seal element  5 , and a compression portion  260 . Embodiments of a compression portion  260  may be compression portion  260   b  or compression portion  260   c.    
         [0098]      FIG. 28  depicts an embodiment of connector  127 . Embodiments of connector  127  may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a connector body seal member  5 , a sleeve  90   h , and a compression portion  260   b.    
         [0099]    Embodiments of connector  127  may include a compression portion  260   b . Compression portion  260   b  may be a fastener member that is inserted over the connector body  50  to deformably compress the connector body  50  onto the cable  10 . The compression portion  260   b  may have a first end  261  and opposing second end  262 . In addition, the compression portion  260  may include an internal annular protrusion  263  located proximate the first end  261  of the compression portion  260   b  and configured to mate and achieve purchase with the annular detent  53  on the outer surface  55  of connector body  50 . Moreover, the compression portion  260   b  may comprise a central passageway defined between the first end  261  and second end  262  and extending axially through the compression portion  260   b . The central passageway may comprise a ramped surface  266  which may be positioned between a first opening or inner bore having a first diameter positioned proximate with the first end  261  of the compression portion  260   b  and a second opening or inner bore having a second diameter positioned proximate with the second end  262  of the compression portion  260   b . The ramped surface  266  may act to deformably compress the outer surface  55  of a connector body  50  when the compression portion  260   b  is operated to secure a coaxial cable  10 . For example, the narrowing geometry will compress squeeze against the cable, when the compression portion is compressed into a tight and secured position on the connector body. Additionally, the compression portion  260   b  may comprise an exterior surface feature  269  positioned proximate with or close to the second end  262  of the compression portion  260   b . The surface feature  269  may facilitate gripping of the compression portion  260   b  during operation of the connector. Although the surface feature  269  is shown as an annular detent, it may have various shapes and sizes such as a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling, or other friction or gripping type arrangements. It should be recognized, by those skilled in the requisite art, that the compression portion  260   b  may be formed of rigid materials such as metals, hard plastics, polymers, composites and the like, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the compression portion  260   b  may be manufactured via 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. 
         [0100]      FIG. 29  depicts an embodiment of connector  128 . Embodiments of connector  128  may include a coupling member  30   c , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a sealing member  80 , a connector body seal member  5 , a sleeve  90   h , and a compression portion  260   c.    
         [0101]    Embodiments of connector  128  may include a compression portion  260   c . Compression portion  260   c  may be an insertable compression sleeve or tubular locking compression member that resides internally with respect to the connector body  50  in the compressed position. The compression portion  260   c  may include a first end  261   c , a second end  262   c , an inner surface  263 , and an outer surface  264   c . The compression portion  260   c  may be pushed into the connector body  50  to squeeze against and secure the cable  10 . For instance, the compression portion  260   c  may protrude axially into an annular chamber through the rear opening, and may be slidably coupled or otherwise movably affixed to the connector body  50  to compress into the connector body  50  and retain the cable  10 . The compression portion  260   c  may be displaceable or movable axially or in the general direction of the axis of the connector between a first open position (accommodating insertion of the tubular inner post  40  into a prepared cable  10  end to contact the grounding shield  14 ), and a second clamped position compressibly fixing the cable  10  within the chamber of the connector because the compression portion  260   c  is squeezed into retraining contact with the cable  10  within the connector body  50 . Furthermore, the compression portion  260   c  may include a lip  265   c  proximate the first end  261   c , wherein the lip  265   c  of the compression portion  260   c  mates with the internal groove of the connector body  50 . 
         [0102]    Further embodiments of a coaxial cable connector may include a coupling member  30 , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a sealing member  80 , a connector body seal member  5 , a sleeve  90 , a compression portion  60 / 260 , and a radial restriction member  65   a / 65   b / 65   c . Embodiments of sleeve  90  may include sleeve  90   a / 90   b / 90   d / 90   e / 90   f / 90   g / 90   h , or may simply share the same structural and functional aspects, yet be configured to operably attach to a coupling member having molded plastic threads, or a coupling member that is completely molded. Embodiments of a coupling member  30 , which may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of  30   a / 30   b / 30   c , may include plastic threads designed to seal against the external threads  23  of port  20  to keep moisture and other physical contaminants out. For example, the threads may be cut slightly different resulting in a differently shaped or dimensioned thread from the threads  23  of the port  20  to achieve a seal with the port  20 . Furthermore, the threads could be slightly over-sized causing the metallic threads  23  of the port  20  to slice, pierce, grind, etc., into and against the plastic threads of the plastic coupling member  30  as the plastic coupling member  30  is being threaded onto the port  20 . The threads can be molded or machined, and the coupling member  30  can be all plastic (molded or machined) or the coupling member  30  can have a plastic insert that has molded or cut threads. Additionally, the plastic threads may be shaped like pipe-threads causing the non-pipe-thread-shaped threads of the port  20  to seal against the plastic threads of the coupling member  30  when the coupling member  30  is advanced onto the port  20 . The threads may also include a small protrusion feature running along the threads that forms a seal with the threads of the port  20  as the coupling member  30  is advanced onto the port  20 . Embodiments of a plastic coupling member (or partially plastic coupling member having plastic threads), in addition to creating a physical seal, may inherently create a secure connection to the port  20  because a tight friction-fit may likely be formed with the port  20  as the threads of the coupling member  30  are advanced (with some amount of force that may be necessary to overcome the friction) onto the threads of the port  20 . 
         [0103]    Those skilled in the art should appreciate that various combinations and embodiments disclosed and described in detail herein may include a body seal element, such as connector body seal element  5 , to provide an environmental seal for the coaxial cable connector. 
         [0104]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-29 , a method of fastening a coaxial cable, such as coaxial cable  10 , to a communication port, such as port  20 . The method may comprise a step of providing a coaxial cable connector  100 - 128  including: a connector body  50 , a post  40  operably attached to the connector body  50 , the post  40  having a flange  44 , a coupling member  30   a / 30   b / 30   c  axially rotatable with respect to the post  40  and the connector body  50 , the coupling member  30   a / 30   b / 30   c  including a lip  34   a / 34   b / 36   c , an outer sleeve  90   a / 90   b / 90   c / 90   d / 90   e / 90   f / 90   g / 90   h  engageable with the coupling member  30   a / 30   b / 30   c , and a compression portion  60  structurally integral with the connector body  50 . Another method step may include axially compressing the compression portion  60  to form an environmental seal around the coaxial cable  10 , wherein when axially compressed, the compression portion  60  breaks away from the connector body  50  and securely connects to the coaxial cable  10 . Still another method step may include fastening the coupling member  30   a / 30   b / 30   c  to an interface port by operating the outer sleeve  90   a / 90   b / 90   c / 90   d / 90   e / 90   f / 90   g / 90   h.    
         [0105]    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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7