Patent Abstract:
A coaxial cable connector is attachable to a coaxial cable. The connector, in one embodiment, includes a compressible component, a coupler and a slider. The slider is configured to cause compression of the compressible component.

Full Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit and priority of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/896,156, filed on Oct. 1, 2010. The entire contents of such application are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Connectors are used to connect coaxial cables to various electronic devices such as televisions, antennas, set-top boxes, satellite television receivers, etc. Conventional coaxial connectors generally include a connector body having an annular collar for accommodating a coaxial cable, and an annular nut rotatably coupled to the collar for providing mechanical attachment of the connector to an external device and an annular post interposed between the collar and the nut. The annular collar that receives the coaxial cable includes a cable receiving end for insertably receiving a coaxial cable and, at the opposite end of the connector body, the annular nut includes an internally threaded end that permits screw threaded attachment of the body to an external device. 
         [0003]    This type of coaxial connector also typically includes a locking sleeve to secure the cable within the body of the coaxial connector. The locking sleeve, which is typically formed of a resilient plastic, is securable to the connector body to secure the coaxial connector thereto. In this regard, the connector body typically includes some form of structure to cooperatively engage the locking sleeve. Such structure may include one or more recesses or detents formed on an inner annular surface of the connector body, which engages cooperating structure formed on an outer surface of the sleeve. 
         [0004]    Conventional coaxial cables typically include a center conductor surrounded by an insulator. A conductive foil is disposed over the insulator and a braided conductive shield surrounds the foil-covered insulator. An outer insulative jacket surrounds the shield. In order to prepare the coaxial cable for termination with a connector, the outer jacket is stripped back exposing a portion of the braided conductive shield. The exposed braided conductive shield is folded back over the jacket. A portion of the insulator covered by the conductive foil extends outwardly from the jacket and a portion of the center conductor extends outwardly from within the insulator. 
         [0005]    Upon assembly, a coaxial cable is inserted into the cable receiving end of the connector body and the annular post is forced between the foil covered insulator and the conductive shield of the cable. In this regard, the post is typically provided with a radially enlarged barb to facilitate expansion of the cable jacket. The locking sleeve is then moved axially into the connector body to clamp the cable jacket against the post barb providing both cable retention and a water-tight seal around the cable jacket. The connector can then be attached to an external device by tightening the internally threaded nut to an externally threaded terminal or port of the external device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector; 
           [0007]      FIG. 1B  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the unassembled components of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1C  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1  in an uncompressed configuration; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1D  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 1  in a compressed configuration; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary coaxial cable connector in an uncompressed configuration; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  is an isometric view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2C  is an end view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2A  taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary coaxial cable connector in an uncompressed configuration; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  is an isometric views of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3C  is a end view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 3A  taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of still another exemplary coaxial cable connector in an uncompressed configuration; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary coaxial cable connector in an uncompressed configuration; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5B and 5C  are isometric views of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary coaxial cable connector in an uncompressed configuration; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6B  is an end view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 6A  taken along the line C-C in  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of still another exemplary coaxial cable connector in an uncompressed configuration; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 7B and 7C  are isometric views of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary coaxial cable connector in an uncompressed configuration; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8B  is an end view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 8A  taken along the line D-D in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary coaxial cable connector in an uncompressed configuration; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 9B  is an end view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 9A  taken along the line E-E in  FIG. 9A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. 
         [0028]    One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate to improved coaxial cable connectors. More specifically, the described cable connectors may include a compressible or deformable body and a post for receiving a prepared end of a coaxial cable between the compressible body and the post. A sliding ring disposed on the compressible body may engage an outer portion of the compressible body element following insertion of the coaxial cable between the post and the compressible body. Continued movement of the sliding ring relative to the compressible body may cause at least a portion of the compressible body to deform inwardly toward the post, thereby securing the coaxial cable to the connector. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , connector  100  may include a body  102 , a sliding ring  104 , and a rotatable nut  106 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 1B  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the unassembled components of coaxial cable connector  100  of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1B  also shows a cross-sectional view of a port connector  180  to which connector  100  may be connected. Port connector  180  may include a substantially cylindrical body  182  having external threads  184  that match internal threads  186  of rotatable nut  106 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 1B , in addition to connector body  102 , sliding ring  104 , and nut  106 , connector  100  may also include a post  108  and an O-ring  110 . 
         [0031]      FIGS. 1C and 1D  are cross-sectional views of coaxial cable connector  100  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in first and second assembled configurations, respectively. As described below,  FIG. 1C  illustrates connector  100  in the first, unsecured configuration and  FIG. 1D  illustrates connector  100  in the second, secured configuration. In each of  FIGS. 1C and 1D , connector  100  is shown unconnected to port connector  180  or to an end of a coaxial cable (not shown). 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIGS. 1B-1D , connector body  102  may include an elongated, cylindrical member, formed of a resilient, compressible, or deformable material, such as a soft plastic or semi-rigid rubber material. In exemplary implementations, connector body  102  may be formed of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene. Connector body  102  may include (1) an outer surface  112 , (2) an inner surface  114 , (3) a forward end  116  coupled to annular post  108  and rotatable nut  106 , and (4) a rear or cable receiving end  118 , opposite forward end  116 . 
         [0033]    In one implementation, forward end  116  of connector body  102  may include a stepped configuration to receive a rearward end of nut  106  thereon. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 1B , forward end  116  of connector body  102  may include a first cylindrical portion  120 , a second cylindrical portion  122  having a diameter larger than first cylindrical portion  120 , a third cylindrical portion  124  having a diameter larger than second cylindrical portion  122 , and a fourth cylindrical portion  125  having a diameter smaller than third cylindrical portion  124 . Third and fourth cylindrical portions  124 / 125  may form an intermediate portion of connector body  102  configured to engage sliding ring  104  in the first position, as shown in  FIG. 1C . More specifically, fourth cylindrical portion  125  may form an annular notch in outer surface  112  of third cylindrical portion  124  for engaging a corresponding structure in sliding ring  104  (described below). In one exemplary implementation, the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  124  may be approximately 0.385 inches. 
         [0034]    Cable receiving end  118  may include a fifth cylindrical portion  126  having a diameter larger than third cylindrical portion  124 . As shown in  FIGS. 1B-1D , a forward end (e.g., toward nut  106 ) of fifth cylindrical portion  126  may have a sloped or angled surface  128  for providing sliding engagement with a rearward end  150  of sliding ring  104  during movement of sliding ring  104  in a rearward direction A (shown by an arrow in  FIG. 1D ). For convenience, direction A may be referred to as “rearward,” but direction A could be referred to as any direction. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , outer surface  112  of fifth cylindrical portion  126  may include a plurality of notches or cut-outs  130  formed therein. More specifically, notches  130  may be formed at regular intervals about the periphery of fifth cylindrical portion  126 , such that upon movement of sliding ring  104  in rearward direction A, sliding ring  104  covers notches  130 . In an exemplary embodiment, notches  130  may formed as arrow-head shaped cut-outs in outer surface  112 , although other shapes may be used. 
         [0036]    Inner surface  114  of connector body  102  may include a first tubular portion  132 , a second tubular portion  134 , and a third tubular portion  136 . Tubular portions  132 - 136  may be concentrically formed within connector body  102  such that post  108  may be received therein during assembly of connector  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , first tubular portion  132  may be formed at forward end  116  of connector body  102  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of a body engagement portion  138  of post  108 . Second tubular portion  134  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  132  and may form an annular notch  140  with respect to first tubular portion  132 . Annular notch  140  may be configured to receive a body engagement barb  142  formed in post  108 . 
         [0037]    Third tubular portion  136  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of second tubular portion  134  and may form a cavity  144  for receiving a tubular extension  162  of post  108 . Furthermore, as described below, post  108  may include a tubular cavity  148  therein. During connection of connector  100  to a coaxial cable, tubular cavity  148  may receive a center conductor and dielectric covering of the inserted coaxial cable and cavity  144  may receive a jacket and shield of the inserted cable. 
         [0038]    Sliding ring  104  may include a substantially tubular body having a rearward end  150 , an inner annular protrusion  152 , and a forward end  154 . As shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , sliding ring  104  may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  124  Inner annular protrusion  152  may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of fourth cylindrical portion  125 , such that forward movement of sliding ring  104  relative to body  102  is limited by the interface between inner annular protrusion  152  and the substantially perpendicular end of third cylindrical portion  124  (relative to fourth cylindrical portion  125 ). In an exemplary implementation, an outside diameter of sliding ring  104  may be approximately 0.490 inches and the inside diameter of sliding ring  104  may be approximately 0.413 inches. 
         [0039]    Rearward end  150  of sliding ring  104  may include an angled or beveled inner surface  153 . One exemplary angle may be approximately 45 degrees, although other suitable angles or slopes may be used. Angled inner surface  153  may be configured to engage fifth cylindrical portion  126  and/or angled surface  128  during rearward movement of sliding ring  104  in direction A. 
         [0040]    In an exemplary implementation, sliding ring  104  may be formed of a material having a higher rigidity than that of connector body  102 . For example, a plastic material, such as Acetal may be used. In other implementations, a metal such as brass or an injection molded metal alloy (e.g., an Aluminum/Zinc alloy) may be used. 
         [0041]    Post  108  may be configured for receipt within body  102  during assembly of connector  100 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1B-1D , post  108  may include a flanged base portion  156  at its forward end for securing post  108  within annular nut  106 . The outside diameter of flanged base portion  156  may be larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  132 , thereby limiting insertion of post  108  within body  102  during assembly of connector  100 . 
         [0042]    Post  108  may include a substantially cylindrical body engagement portion  138  having an outside diameter approximately equal to the inside diameter of first tubular portion  132 . A rearward end of body engagement portion  138  may include body engagement barb  142  sized to fit within annular notch  140  during insertion of post  108  within body  102 . As shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , body engagement barb  142  may have an outermost diameter larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  132  and smaller than the inside diameter of second tubular portion  134 . Moreover, body engagement barb  142  may include a rearward facing angled portion  158  and a forward facing perpendicular portion  160 . 
         [0043]    During assembly of connector  100 , post  108  may be inserted rearwardly within first tubular portion  132 , such that angled portion  158  of barb  142  engages first tubular portion  132 . Once barb  142  passes to second tubular portion  134 , perpendicular portion  160  may abut a rearward perpendicular interface between first tubular portion  132  and second tubular portion  134  to prevent unwanted removal of post  108  from body  102 . In some implementations, the variance between the outermost diameter of barb  142  and the inside diameter of first tubular portion  132  may be such that post  108  may be forcibly removed from body  102 , if desired. 
         [0044]    Post  108  may include a tubular extension  162  projecting rearwardly from body engagement portion  138 . In exemplary implementations, an outside diameter of tubular extension  162  may be approximately 0.20 to 0.23 inches. Flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  and tubular extension  162  may together define inner chamber  148  for receiving a center conductor and insulator of an inserted coaxial cable. In one embodiment, the rearward end of tubular extension  162  may include one or more radially outwardly extending ramped flange portions or “barbs”  164  to enhance compression of the outer jacket of the coaxial cable and to secure the cable within connector  100 . In some implementations, a rearwardmost barb  164  may form a sharp edge for facilitating the separation of the shield and jacket from the insulator of an inserted coaxial cable. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , tubular extension  162  of post  108  and third tubular portion  136  of connector body  102  together define annular chamber  144  for accommodating the jacket and shield of an inserted coaxial cable. In exemplary implementations, the distance between the outside diameter of tubular extension  162  and the diameter of third tubular portion  136  is between about 0.0585 to 0.0665 inches. This may also be referred to as the installation opening of connector  100 . 
         [0046]    As also shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , following assembly of post  108  into connector body  102 , a rearward end of tubular extension  162  may be recessed with respect to an end of cable receiving end  118  of connector body  102 . In one implementation, post  108  may be recessed into connector body  102  by a distance of approximately 0.110 inches. 
         [0047]    Annular nut  106  may be rotatably coupled to forward end  116  of connector body  102  Annular nut  106  may include any number of attaching mechanisms, such as that of a hex nut, a knurled nut, a wing nut, or any other known attaching means, and may be rotatably coupled to connector body  102  for providing mechanical attachment of connector  100  to an external device, e.g., port connector  180 , via a threaded relationship. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , nut  106  may include an annular flange  166  configured to fix nut  106  axially relative to post  108  and connector body  102 . 
         [0048]    More specifically, annular flange  166  may project from an inner surface of nut  106  and may include an inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of flanged base portion  156  and the outside diameter of second cylindrical portion  122  of body  102 . During assembly of connector  100 , post  108  may be initially inserted within nut  106  and then within first tubular portion  132  in the manner described above. Once body engagement barb  142  engages the rearward perpendicular interface between first tubular portion  132  and second tubular portion  134 , nut  106  becomes axially trapped or fixed between flanged base portion  156  and body  102 . 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, O-ring  110  (e.g., a resilient sealing O-ring) may be positioned within annular nut  106  (e.g., adjacent to annular flange  166 ) to provide a substantially water-resistant seal between connector body  102  and annular nut  106 . 
         [0050]    Connector  100  may be supplied in an assembled condition, as shown in  FIG. 1C , in which sliding ring  104  is installed on connector body  102  in a forward (e.g., uncompressed) position. A prepared end of a coaxial cable may be received through cable receiving end  118  of body  102  to engage post  108  of connector  100 , as described above. Once the prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted into connector body  102  so that the cable jacket is separated from the insulator by the sharp edge of post  108 , sliding ring  104  may be moved axially rearward in direction A from the first position (shown in  FIG. 1C ) to the second position (shown in  FIG. 1D ). In some embodiments, a compression tool may be used to advance sliding ring  104  from the first position to the second position. 
         [0051]    As sliding ring  104  moves axially rearward in direction A, angled rearward end  150  of sliding ring  104  may engage the outer surface of fifth cylindrical portion  126 , thereby forcing fifth cylindrical portion  126  radially inward toward post  108  and compressing the shield/jacket of the coaxial cable against post  108 . Notches  130  in the outer surface of fifth cylindrical portion  126  may facilitate the radial compression of fifth cylindrical portion  126 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 1D , upon continued rearward movement of sliding ring  104 , a portion of sloped surface  128  may be received within the tubular body of sliding ring  104  adjacent to inner annular protrusion  152 . The engagement of sloped surface  128  with the tubular body of sliding ring  104  may assist in maintaining sliding ring  104  in the second position. In other instances, a friction relationship between fifth cylindrical portion  126  may be sufficient to maintain sliding ring  104  in the second position following securing of a coaxial cable to connector  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1D , when sliding ring  104  is in the second position, rearward end  150  may be spaced from an end of cable receiving end  118 . In one exemplary implementation, rearward end  150  may be spaced from the end of cable receiving end  118  by approximately 0.120 inches. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2C , another alternative implementation of a connector  200  is illustrated. The embodiment of  FIGS. 2A-2C  is similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1D , and similar reference numbers are used where appropriate. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A-2C , connector  200  may include connector body  202 , sliding ring  204 , nut  106 , post  108 , and O-ring  110 . 
         [0054]    Connector body  202 , similar to connector body  102  of  FIGS. 1A-1D , may include an elongated, cylindrical member, formed of a resilient, compressible, or deformable material, such as a soft plastic or semi-rigid rubber material. Connector body  202  may include (1) outer surface  212 , (2) inner surface  214 , (3) forward end  216  coupled to annular post  108  and rotatable nut  106 , and (4) cable receiving end  218 , opposite forward end  216 . 
         [0055]    In one implementation, forward end  216  of connector body  202  may include a stepped configuration to receive a rearward end of nut  106  thereon. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 2A , forward end  216  of connector body  202  may include a first cylindrical portion  220 , a second cylindrical portion  222  having a diameter larger than first cylindrical portion  220 , a third cylindrical portion  224  having a diameter larger than second cylindrical portion  222 , and a flared or ramped end portion  226  extending from third cylindrical portion  222  to cable receiving end  218  of connector body  202 . As shown, an initial outside diameter of flared end portion  226  may be substantially equal to the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  222 . In one embodiment, a peak outside diameter of flared end portion  226  (e.g., proximal to cable receiving end  218 ) may be approximately 0.09 inches larger than the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  222 . 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 2A , third cylindrical portion  224  of body  202  may include a first annular groove  228  Annular groove  228  may mate with a corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the first (e.g., non-compressed) position prior to compression of connector  200 . 
         [0057]    Flared end portion  226  may include a plurality of axial notches  230  formed therein, as best shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2C . In one exemplary embodiment, each of axial notches  230  may be substantially V-shaped and may be formed in a spaced relationship along an outer surface of flared end portion  226 . Notches  230  may extend from an interface of flared end portion  226  with third cylindrical portion  224  to an end of flared end portion  226 . In an exemplary implementation, notches  230  may have a maximum width of approximately 0.170 to 0.040 inches. In one implementation, connector body  202  may include six notches  230 , however any suitable number of notches  230  may be provided. 
         [0058]    Inner surface  214  of connector body  202  may include a first tubular portion  232 , a second tubular portion  234 , and a third tubular portion  236 . Tubular portions  232 - 236  may be concentrically formed within connector body  202  such that post  108  may be received therein during assembly of connector  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , first tubular portion  232  may be formed at forward end  216  of connector body  202  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of a body engagement portion  138  of post  108 . Second tubular portion  234  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  232  and may form an annular notch  240  with respect to first tubular portion  232  Annular notch  240  may be configured to receive a body engagement barb  142  formed in post  108 . 
         [0059]    Third tubular portion  236  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of second tubular portion  234  and may form a cavity  244  for receiving a tubular extension  162  of post  108 . Furthermore, as described below, post  108  may include a tubular cavity  148  therein. During connection of connector  200  to a coaxial cable, tubular cavity  148  may receive a center conductor and dielectric covering of the inserted coaxial cable and cavity  244  may receive a jacket and shield of the inserted cable. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2C , in an exemplary implementation, each of notches  230  may terminate a predetermined distance from the inside diameter of third tubular portion  236  thereby forming a continuous cylindrical inner surface  247  in an end of third tubular portion  236 . In one exemplary embodiment, the predetermined distance may be approximately 0.011 inches. Upon compression of flared end portion  226 , cylindrical inner surface  247  may form a continuous moisture seal about the inserted end of the coaxial cable, thereby preventing moisture from entering cavity  244  or tubular cavity  148 . 
         [0061]    Flared end portion  226  of body  202  may include a second annular groove  249 . Second annular groove  249  may mate with corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position following compression of connector  200 . 
         [0062]    Sliding ring  204  may include a substantially tubular body having a rearward end  250 , an inner annular protrusion  252 , and a forward end  254 . As shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , sliding ring  204  may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  224  Inner annular protrusion  252  may project from the inside of sliding ring  204  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of first annular groove  228 , such that undesired rearward movement of sliding ring  204  relative to body  202  is minimized or limited. 
         [0063]    Rearward end  250  of sliding ring  204  may include an angled, curved, or beveled surface. This curved surface may be configured to engage flared end  226  during rearward movement of sliding ring  204  in direction A to prevent or reduce damage caused to connector body  202  during rearward movement of sliding ring  204 . 
         [0064]    In an exemplary implementation, sliding ring  204  may be formed of a material having a higher rigidity than that of connector body  202 . For example, a plastic material, such as Acetal may be used. In other implementations, a metal such as brass or an injection molded metal alloy (e.g., an Aluminum/Zinc alloy) may be used. 
         [0065]    As described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D , post  108  may be configured for receipt within body  202  during assembly of connector  200  and may include flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  having a body engagement barb  142 , and tubular extension  162  projecting rearwardly from body engagement portion  138 . Flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  and tubular extension  162  together define inner chamber  148  for receiving a center conductor and insulator of an inserted coaxial cable. As shown in  FIG. 2A , in one implementation, the rearward end of tubular extension  162  may include a plurality of “barbs”  164  to enhance compression of the outer jacket of the coaxial cable and to secure the cable within connector  200 . 
         [0066]    Tubular extension  162  of post  108  and third tubular portion  236  of connector body  202  together define annular chamber  244  for accommodating the jacket and shield of an inserted coaxial cable. In exemplary implementations, the distance between the outside diameter of tubular extension  162  and the diameter of third tubular portion  236  is between about 0.0585 to 0.0665 inches. This may also be referred to as the installation opening of connector  200 . 
         [0067]    As also shown in  FIG. 2A , following assembly of post  108  into connector body  202 , a rearward end of tubular extension  162  may be recessed substantially even or flush with respect to an end of cable receiving end  218  of connector body  202 . 
         [0068]    Similar to annular nut  106  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D , annular nut  106  in  FIGS. 2A-2C  may be rotatably coupled to forward end  216  of connector body  202 . Annular nut  106  may include any number of attaching mechanisms, such as that of a hex nut, a knurled nut, a wing nut, or any other known attaching means, and may be rotatably coupled to connector body  202  for providing mechanical attachment of connector  200  to an external device, e.g., port connector  180 , via a threaded relationship. As illustrated in  FIG. 2B , in an exemplary implementation, annular nut  106  may include a two-part user engagement portion  263  that includes a hand turning portion  265 , and a tool turning portion  267  for engaging a tool, such as a socket or wrench. 
         [0069]    Connector  200  may be supplied in an assembled condition, as shown in  FIG. 2A , in which sliding ring  204  is installed on connector body  202  in a forward (e.g., uncompressed) position. A prepared end of a coaxial cable may be received through cable receiving end  218  of body  202  to engage post  108  of connector  200 , as described above. Once the prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted into connector body  202  so that the cable jacket is separated from the insulator by the sharp edge of post  108 , sliding ring  204  may be moved axially rearward in direction A from the first position (shown in  FIG. 2A ) to a second position (not shown). In some embodiments, a compression tool may be used to advance sliding ring  204  from the first position to the second position. 
         [0070]    As sliding ring  204  moves axially rearward in direction A, curved rearward end  250  of sliding ring  204  may engage the outer surface of flared end portion  226 , thereby forcing flared end portion  226  radially inward toward post  108  and compressing the shield/jacket of the coaxial cable against post  108 . Notches  230  in the outer surface of flared end portion  226  may facilitate the radial compression of flared end portion  226  by providing a number of collapsing regions on an outer surfaced of flared end portion  226 . 
         [0071]    Upon continued rearward movement of sliding ring  204 , annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  may engage second annular groove  249  in flared end  226  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position. In other implementations, a friction relationship between flared end portion  226  and sliding ring  204  may be sufficient to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second position following securing of a coaxial cable to connector  200 . 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3C , yet another alternative implementation of a connector  300  is illustrated. The embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3C  is similar to the embodiments described above and similar reference numbers are used where appropriate. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3C , connector  300  may include connector body  302 , sliding ring  204 , inner collar  305 , nut  106 , post  108 , and O-ring  110 . 
         [0073]    Connector body  302 , similar to connector body  102  of  FIGS. 1A-1D , may include an elongated, cylindrical member, formed of a resilient, compressible, or deformable material, such as a soft plastic or semi-rigid rubber material. Connector body  302  may include (1) outer surface  312 , (2) inner surface  314 , (3) forward end  316  coupled to annular post  108  and rotatable nut  106 , and (4) cable receiving end  318 , opposite forward end  316 . 
         [0074]    In one implementation, forward end  316  of connector body  302  may include a stepped configuration to receive a rearward end of nut  106  thereon. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3A , forward end  316  of connector body  302  may include a first cylindrical portion  320 , a second cylindrical portion  322  having a diameter larger than first cylindrical portion  320 , a third cylindrical portion  324  having a diameter larger than second cylindrical portion  322 , and a flared or ramped end portion  326  extending from third cylindrical portion  322  to cable receiving end  318  of connector body  302 . As shown, an initial outside diameter of flared end portion  326  may be substantially equal to the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  322 . In one embodiment, a peak outside diameter of flared end portion  326  (e.g., proximal to cable receiving end  318 ) may be approximately 0.09 inches larger than the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  322 . In other instances, the angle of flared end portion  326  may be approximately 6-10 degrees (e.g., 8 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis of connector  300 . This low angle, allows sliding ring  204  to easily move between the uncompressed and compressed positions. 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , third cylindrical portion  324  of body  302  may include a first annular groove  328  Annular groove  328  may mate with a corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the first (e.g., non-compressed) position prior to compression of connector  300 . 
         [0076]    In addition, flared end portion  326  may include a plurality of axial slots  330  formed therein, as best shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C . In one exemplary embodiment, each of axial slots  330  may extend through flared end portion  326  at an angle relative to an imaginary line extending radially from a central axis of connector body  302 . As shown in  FIG. 3C , the effect of forming angled slots  330  through flared end portion  326  is to create a number of substantially turbine-like fingers  331 , where slots  330 /fingers  331  appear to extend substantially tangentially from an outer diameter of post  108 . 
         [0077]    Slots  330 /fingers  331  may have an angle of approximately 45 degrees and a width of approximately 0.025 to 0.050 inches. Similar to notches  230  described above, slots  330 /fingers  331  may allow flared end portion  326  to collapse or compress in on itself (e.g., collapse) in a uniform manner when sliding ring  204  is moved from the uncompressed position (shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C ) to the compressed position (not shown). Furthermore, the angled nature of slots  330 /fingers  331  allow flared end portion  326  to collapse while maintaining a consistently circular inside diameter. Furthermore, the slots  330 /fingers  331  may reduce tool compression forces for a range of cable sizes by allowing fingers  331  to slide across each other by differing amounts depending on the size cable inserted. 
         [0078]    In one exemplary implementation, slots  330 /fingers  331  may extend from an interface of flared end portion  326  with third cylindrical portion  324  to an end of flared end portion  326 . In one implementation, connector body  302  may include eight slots  330 /fingers  331 , however any suitable number of slots  330 /fingers  331  may be provided (e.g., between six and twelve slots  330 /fingers  331 ). 
         [0079]    Inner surface  314  of connector body  302  may include a first tubular portion  332 , a second tubular portion  334 , a third tubular portion  336 , and a fourth tubular portion  337 . Tubular portions  332 - 337  may be concentrically formed within connector body  302  such that post  108  may be received therein during assembly of connector  300 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , first tubular portion  332  may be formed at forward end  316  of connector body  302  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of a body engagement portion  138  of post  108 . Second tubular portion  334  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  332  and may form an annular notch  340  with respect to first tubular portion  332 . Annular notch  340  may be configured to receive a body engagement barb  142  formed in post  108 . 
         [0080]    Third tubular portion  336  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of second tubular portion  334  and may form a forward cavity  344  for receiving a tubular extension  162  of post  108 . Furthermore, as described below, post  108  may include a tubular cavity  148  therein. During connection of connector  300  to a coaxial cable, tubular cavity  148  may receive a center conductor and dielectric covering of the inserted coaxial cable and forward cavity  344  may receive a jacket and shield of the inserted cable. 
         [0081]    Fourth tubular portion  337  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of third tubular portion  336  and may form rearward cavity  345  for receiving a rearward portion of tubular extension  162 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the increased inside diameter of fourth tubular portion  337  may form an annular notch in cavity  345  for receiving inner collar  305  therein. 
         [0082]    Inner collar  305  may be formed of a resilient or flexible material capable of uniformly compressing about the jacket and shield of the inserted cable. The resilient nature of inner collar  305  may form an effective seal between connector body  302  and the jacket and shield of the inserted cable, thereby preventing moisture from entering cavities  344 / 345  or tubular cavity  148  in post  108 . In some implementations, collar  305  may be co-injection molded into place within connector body  302 . 
         [0083]    In exemplary implementations, inner collar  305  may be formed of a rubber material, such as Santoprene or a resilient plastic or polymer material such as nylon 66. In one implementation, inner collar  305  may have a thickness of approximately 0.020 to 0.040 inches and have a length long enough to cover slots  230 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 3 , inner collar  305  may terminate forward of the forward end of slots  230 . 
         [0084]    Flared end portion  326  of body  302  may include a second annular groove  349  formed in an intermediate exterior portion thereof. Second annular groove  349  may mate with corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position following compression of connector  300 . 
         [0085]    Sliding ring  204  in  FIGS. 3A-3C  may be substantially similar to sliding ring  204  described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C . That is, sliding ring  204  may include tubular body having rearward end  250 , an inner annular protrusion  252 , and forward end  254 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , sliding ring  204  may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  324 . Inner annular protrusion  252  may project from the inside of sliding ring  204  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of first annular groove  328 , such that undesired rearward movement of sliding ring  204  relative to connector body  302  is minimized or limited. 
         [0086]    As described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIGS. 2A-2C , post  108  may be configured for receipt within body  302  during assembly of connector  300  and may include flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  having a body engagement barb  142 , and tubular extension  162  projecting rearwardly from body engagement portion  138 . Flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  and tubular extension  162  together define inner chamber  148  for receiving a center conductor and insulator of an inserted coaxial cable. As shown in  FIG. 3A , in one implementation, the rearward end of tubular extension  162  may include barb  164  to enhance compression of the outer jacket of the coaxial cable and to secure the cable within connector  300 . 
         [0087]    Tubular extension  162  of post  108 , third tubular portion  336 , and fourth tubular portion  337  of connector body  302  together define annular cavities  344 / 345  for accommodating the jacket and shield of an inserted coaxial cable. In exemplary implementations, the distance between the outside diameter of tubular extension  162  and the diameter of inside diameter of inner collar  305  is between about 0.0585 to 0.0665 inches. This may also be referred to as the installation opening of connector  300 . 
         [0088]    In one implementation, as shown in  FIG. 3A , following assembly of post  108  into connector body  302 , a rearward end of tubular extension  162  may extend beyond an end of cable receiving end  318  of connector body  302 . For example, tubular extension  162  may extend approximately 0.030 inches beyond an end of cable receiving end  318 . This configuration increases the visibility of post  108  in connector  300  during installation of a coaxial cable therein. 
         [0089]    In other implementations, as shown in  FIG. 4 , an end of tubular extension  162  may be substantially even or flush with respect to an end of cable receiving end  318  of connector body  302 . 
         [0090]    Similar to annular nut  106  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIGS. 2A-2C , annular nut  106  in  FIGS. 3A-3C  and  4  may be rotatably coupled to forward end  316  of connector body  302 . Annular nut  106  may include any number of attaching mechanisms, such as that of a hex nut, a knurled nut, a wing nut, or any other known attaching means, and may be rotatably coupled to connector body  302  for providing mechanical attachment of connector  300  to an external device, e.g., port connector  180 , via a threaded relationship. As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , in an exemplary implementation, annular nut  106  may include a two-part user engagement portion  263  that includes a hand turning portion  265 , and a tool turning portion  267  for engaging a tool, such as a socket or wrench. 
         [0091]    Connector  300  may be supplied in an assembled condition, as shown in  FIG. 3A , in which sliding ring  204  is installed on connector body  302  in a forward (e.g., uncompressed) position. A prepared end of a coaxial cable may be received through cable receiving end  318  of body  302  to engage post  108  of connector  200 , as described above. Once the prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted into connector body  302  so that the cable jacket is separated from the insulator by the sharp edge of post  108 , sliding ring  204  may be moved axially rearward in direction A from the first position (shown in  FIG. 3A ) to a second position (not shown). In some embodiments, a compression tool may be used to advance sliding ring  204  from the first position to the second position. 
         [0092]    As sliding ring  204  moves axially rearward in direction A, curved rearward end  250  of sliding ring  204  may engage the outer surface of flared end portion  326 , thereby forcing flared end portion  326  radially inward toward post  108  and simultaneously compressing inner collar  305 . This uniformly compresses the shield/jacket of the coaxial cable against post  108  and forms a watertight seal between connector body  302  and the shield/jacket of the coaxial cable. Slots  330  in the outer surface of flared end portion  326  may facilitate the radial compression of flared end portion  326  by providing a number of collapsing regions on an outer surfaced of flared end portion  326 . 
         [0093]    Upon continued rearward movement of sliding ring  204 , annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  may engage second annular groove  349  in flared end  326  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position. In other implementations, a friction relationship between flared end portion  326  and sliding ring  204  may be sufficient to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second position following securing of a coaxial cable to connector  300 . 
         [0094]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5C , yet another alternative implementation of a connector  500  is illustrated. The embodiment of  FIGS. 5A-5C  is similar to the embodiments described above and similar reference numbers are used where appropriate. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A-5C , connector  500  may include connector body  502 , sliding ring  204 , nut  106 , post  108 , and O-ring  110 . 
         [0095]    Connector body  502 , similar to connector body  102  of  FIGS. 1A-1D , may include an elongated, cylindrical member, formed of a resilient, compressible, or deformable material, such as a soft plastic or semi-rigid rubber material. Connector body  502  may include (1) outer surface  512 , (2) inner surface  514 , (3) forward end  516  coupled to annular post  108  and rotatable nut  106 , and (4) cable receiving end  518 , opposite forward end  516 . 
         [0096]    In one implementation, forward end  516  of connector body  502  may include a stepped configuration to receive a rearward end of nut  106  thereon. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5A , forward end  516  of connector body  502  may include a first cylindrical portion  520 , a second cylindrical portion  522  having a diameter larger than first cylindrical portion  520 , a third cylindrical portion  524  having a diameter larger than second cylindrical portion  522 , and a flared or ramped end portion  526  extending from third cylindrical portion  522  to cable receiving end  518  of connector body  502 . As shown, an initial outside diameter of flared end portion  526  may be substantially equal to the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  522 . In one embodiment, a peak outside diameter of flared end portion  526  (e.g., proximal to cable receiving end  518 ) may be approximately 0.09 inches larger than the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  522 . In other instances, the angle of flared end portion  526  may be approximately 6-10 degrees (e.g., 8 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis of connector  500 . 
         [0097]    As shown in  FIG. 5A , third cylindrical portion  524  of body  502  may include a first annular groove  528  Annular groove  528  may mate with a corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the first (e.g., non-compressed) position prior to compression of connector  500 . 
         [0098]    In addition, flared end portion  526  may include a plurality of axial slots or cuts  530  formed therein, as best shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C . In one exemplary embodiment, each of axial slots  530  may extend through flared end portion  526  in a substantially V-shaped manner in which the apex of the “V” is axial in relation to the open side of each slot  530 . Exemplary slots  530  may have a width of approximately 0.025 to 0.045 inches at the open end thereof. Similar to slots  330  described above in  FIGS. 3A-4 , slots  530  may allow flared end portion  526  to collapse or compress in on itself in a uniform manner when sliding ring  204  is moved from the uncompressed position (shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C ) to the compressed position (not shown). 
         [0099]    In one exemplary implementation, slots  530  may extend from an interface of flared end portion  526  with third cylindrical portion  524  to an end of flared end portion  526 . In one implementation, connector body  502  may include six slots  530 , however any suitable number of slots  530  may be provided. 
         [0100]    Inner surface  514  of connector body  502  may include a first tubular portion  532 , a second tubular portion  534 , and a third tubular portion  536 . Tubular portions  532 - 536  may be concentrically formed within connector body  502  such that post  108  may be received therein during assembly of connector  500 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , first tubular portion  532  may be formed at forward end  516  of connector body  502  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of a body engagement portion  138  of post  108 . Second tubular portion  534  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  532  and may form an annular notch  540  with respect to first tubular portion  532  Annular notch  540  may be configured to receive a body engagement barb  142  formed in post  108 . 
         [0101]    Third tubular portion  536  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of second tubular portion  534  and may form a cavity  544  for receiving a tubular extension  162  of post  108 . Furthermore, as described below, post  108  may include a tubular cavity  148  therein. During connection of connector  500  to a coaxial cable, tubular cavity  148  may receive a center conductor and dielectric covering of the inserted coaxial cable and forward cavity  544  may receive a jacket and shield of the inserted cable. 
         [0102]    Flared end portion  526  of body  502  may include a second annular groove  549  formed in an intermediate exterior portion thereof. Second annular groove  549  may mate with corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position following compression of connector  500 . 
         [0103]    Sliding ring  204  in  FIGS. 5A-5C  may be substantially similar to sliding ring  204  described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C . That is, sliding ring  204  may include tubular body having rearward end  250 , an inner annular protrusion  252 , and forward end  254 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , sliding ring  204  may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  524  Inner annular protrusion  252  may project from the inside of sliding ring  204  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of first annular groove  528 , such that undesired rearward movement of sliding ring  204  relative to connector body  502  is minimized or limited. 
         [0104]    As described above, post  108  may be configured for receipt within body  502  during assembly of connector  500  and may include flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  having a body engagement barb  142 , and tubular extension  162  projecting rearwardly from body engagement portion  138 . Flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  and tubular extension  162  together define inner chamber  148  for receiving a center conductor and insulator of an inserted coaxial cable. As shown in  FIG. 5A , in one implementation, the rearward end of tubular extension  162  may include barb  164  to enhance compression of the outer jacket of the coaxial cable and to secure the cable within connector  500 . 
         [0105]    Tubular extension  162  of post  108 , and third tubular portion  536  of connector body  502  together define annular cavity  544  for accommodating the jacket and shield of an inserted coaxial cable. In exemplary implementations, the distance between the outside diameter of tubular extension  162  and the diameter of third tubular portion  536  is between about 0.0585 to 0.0665 inches. This may also be referred to as the installation opening of connector  500 . 
         [0106]    In one implementation, as shown in  FIG. 5A , following assembly of post  108  into connector body  502 , a rearward end of tubular extension  162  may extend beyond an end of cable receiving end  518  of connector body  502 . For example, tubular extension  162  may extend approximately 0.030 inches beyond an end of cable receiving end  518 . In other implementations, an end of tubular extension  162  may be substantially even or flush with respect to an end of cable receiving end  518  of connector body  502 . 
         [0107]    Similar to annular nut  106  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIGS. 2A-2C , annular nut  106  in  FIGS. 5A-5C  may be rotatably coupled to forward end  516  of connector body  502 . Annular nut  106  may include any number of attaching mechanisms, such as that of a hex nut, a knurled nut, a wing nut, or any other known attaching means, and may be rotatably coupled to connector body  502  for providing mechanical attachment of connector  500  to an external device, e.g., port connector  180 , via a threaded relationship. As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , in an exemplary implementation, annular nut  106  may include a two-part user engagement portion  263  that includes a hand turning portion  265 , and a tool turning portion  267  for engaging a tool, such as a socket or wrench. 
         [0108]    Connector  500  may be supplied in an assembled condition, as shown in  FIG. 5A , in which sliding ring  204  is installed on connector body  502  in a forward (e.g., uncompressed) position. A prepared end of a coaxial cable may be received through cable receiving end  518  of body  502  to engage post  108  of connector  200 , as described above. Once the prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted into connector body  502  so that the cable jacket is separated from the insulator by the sharp edge of post  108 , sliding ring  204  may be moved axially rearward in direction A from the first position (shown in  FIG. 5A ) to a second position (not shown). In some embodiments, a compression tool may be used to advance sliding ring  204  from the first position to the second position. 
         [0109]    As sliding ring  204  moves axially rearward in direction A, curved rearward end  250  of sliding ring  204  may engage the outer surface of flared end portion  526 , thereby forcing flared end portion  526  radially inward toward post  108 . Slots  530  in the outer surface of flared end portion  526  may facilitate the radial compression of flared end portion  526  by providing a number of collapsing regions on an outer surfaced of flared end portion  526 . 
         [0110]    Upon continued rearward movement of sliding ring  204 , annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  may engage second annular groove  549  in flared end  526  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position. In other implementations, a friction relationship between flared end portion  526  and sliding ring  204  may be sufficient to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second position following securing of a coaxial cable to connector  500 . 
         [0111]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , yet another alternative implementation of a connector  600  is illustrated. The embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  is similar to the embodiments described above and similar reference numbers are used where appropriate. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , connector  600  may include connector body  602 , sliding ring  204 , nut  106 , post  108 , and O-ring  110 . 
         [0112]    Connector body  602 , similar to connector body  102  of  FIGS. 1A-1D , may include an elongated, cylindrical member, formed of a resilient, compressible, or deformable material, such as a soft plastic or semi-rigid rubber material. Connector body  602  may include (1) outer surface  612 , (2) inner surface  614 , (3) forward end  616  coupled to annular post  108  and rotatable nut  106 , and (4) cable receiving end  618 , opposite forward end  616 . 
         [0113]    In one implementation, forward end  616  of connector body  602  may include a stepped configuration to receive a rearward end of nut  106  thereon. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 6A , forward end  616  of connector body  602  may include a first cylindrical portion  620 , a second cylindrical portion  622  having a diameter larger than first cylindrical portion  620 , a third cylindrical portion  624  having a diameter larger than second cylindrical portion  622 , and a flared or ramped end portion  626  extending from third cylindrical portion  622  to cable receiving end  618  of connector body  602 . 
         [0114]    As shown, an initial outside diameter of flared end portion  626  may be substantially equal to the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  622 . In one embodiment, a peak outside diameter of flared end portion  626  (e.g., proximal to cable receiving end  618 ) may be approximately 0.09 inches larger than the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  622 . In other instances, the angle of flared end portion  626  may be approximately 6-10 degrees (e.g., 8 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis of connector  600 . 
         [0115]    As shown in  FIG. 6A , third cylindrical portion  624  of body  602  may include a first annular groove  628 . Annular groove  628  may mate with a corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the first (e.g., non-compressed) position prior to compression of connector  600 . 
         [0116]    Flared end portion  626  of body  602  may include a second annular groove  649  formed in an intermediate exterior portion thereof. Second annular groove  649  may mate with corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position following compression of connector  600 . 
         [0117]    In addition, flared end portion  626  may include a plurality of axial notches  630  formed therein. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6B , each of axial notches  630  may be substantially V-shaped and may be formed in a spaced relationship along an outer surface of flared end portion  626 . Notches  630  may extend from an interface of flared end portion  626  with third cylindrical portion  624  to an end of flared end portion  626 . In one implementation, connector body  602  may include six notches  630 , however any suitable number of notches  630  may be provided. 
         [0118]    In addition, as shown in  FIG. 6A , each of notches  630  may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of connector body  602 , such that a rearwardmost portion  631  of each notch  630  extends completely through flared end portion  626 . 
         [0119]    Exemplary slots  630  may have an outside width of approximately 0.075 to 0.040 inches, an inside width of approximately 0.030 to 0.020 inches (at an inside diameter of flared end portion  626 ), and an axial angle of approximately 15 to 35 degrees. Similar to notches  230  described above in  FIGS. 2A-2C , slots  630  may allow flared end portion  626  to collapse or compress in on itself in a uniform manner when sliding ring  204  is moved from the uncompressed position (shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) to the compressed position (not shown). 
         [0120]    Inner surface  614  of connector body  602  may include a first tubular portion  632 , a second tubular portion  634 , and a third tubular portion  636 . Tubular portions  632 - 636  may be concentrically formed within connector body  602  such that post  108  may be received therein during assembly of connector  600 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , first tubular portion  632  may be formed at forward end  616  of connector body  602  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of a body engagement portion  138  of post  108 . Second tubular portion  634  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  632  and may form an annular notch  640  with respect to first tubular portion  632 . Annular notch  640  may be configured to receive a body engagement barb  142  formed in post  108 . 
         [0121]    Third tubular portion  636  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of second tubular portion  634  and may form a cavity  644  for receiving a tubular extension  162  of post  108 . Furthermore, as described below, post  108  may include a tubular cavity  148  therein. During connection of connector  600  to a coaxial cable, tubular cavity  148  may receive a center conductor and dielectric covering of the inserted coaxial cable and forward cavity  644  may receive a jacket and shield of the inserted cable. 
         [0122]    Sliding ring  204  in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  may be substantially similar to sliding ring  204  described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C . That is, sliding ring  204  may include tubular body having rearward end  250 , an inner annular protrusion  252 , and forward end  254 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , sliding ring  204  may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  624  Inner annular protrusion  252  may project from the inside of sliding ring  204  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of first annular groove  628 , such that undesired rearward movement of sliding ring  204  relative to connector body  602  is minimized or limited. 
         [0123]    As described above, post  108  may be configured for receipt within body  602  during assembly of connector  600  and may include flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  having a body engagement barb  142 , and tubular extension  162  projecting rearwardly from body engagement portion  138 . Flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  and tubular extension  162  together define inner chamber  148  for receiving a center conductor and insulator of an inserted coaxial cable. As shown in  FIG. 6A , in one implementation, the rearward end of tubular extension  162  may include barb  164  to enhance compression of the outer jacket of the coaxial cable and to secure the cable within connector  600 . 
         [0124]    Tubular extension  162  of post  108 , and third tubular portion  636  of connector body  602  together define annular cavity  644  for accommodating the jacket and shield of an inserted coaxial cable. In exemplary implementations, the distance between the outside diameter of tubular extension  162  and the diameter of third tubular portion  636  is between about 0.0585 to 0.0665 inches. This may also be referred to as the installation opening of connector  600 . 
         [0125]    In one implementation, as shown in  FIG. 6A , following assembly of post  108  into connector body  602 , a rearward end of tubular extension  162  may extend beyond an end of cable receiving end  618  of connector body  602 . For example, tubular extension  162  may extend approximately 0.030 beyond an end of cable receiving end  618 . In other implementations, an end of tubular extension  162  may be substantially even or flush with respect to an end of cable receiving end  618  of connector body  602 . 
         [0126]    Similar to annular nut  106  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIGS. 2A-2C , annular nut  106  in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  may be rotatably coupled to forward end  616  of connector body  602 . Annular nut  106  may include any number of attaching mechanisms, such as that of a hex nut, a knurled nut, a wing nut, or any other known attaching means, and may be rotatably coupled to connector body  602  for providing mechanical attachment of connector  600  to an external device, e.g., port connector  180 , via a threaded relationship. As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , in an exemplary implementation, annular nut  106  may include a two-part user engagement portion  263  that includes a hand turning portion  265 , and a tool turning portion  267  for engaging a tool, such as a socket or wrench. 
         [0127]    Connector  600  may be supplied in an assembled condition, as shown in  FIG. 6A , in which sliding ring  204  is installed on connector body  602  in a forward (e.g., uncompressed) position. A prepared end of a coaxial cable may be received through cable receiving end  618  of body  602  to engage post  108  of connector  600 , as described above. Once the prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted into connector body  602  so that the cable jacket is separated from the insulator by the sharp edge of post  108 , sliding ring  204  may be moved axially rearward in direction A from the first position (shown in  FIG. 6A ) to a second position (not shown). In some embodiments, a compression tool may be used to advance sliding ring  204  from the first position to the second position. 
         [0128]    As sliding ring  204  moves axially rearward in direction A, curved rearward end  250  of sliding ring  204  may engage the outer surface of flared end portion  626 , thereby forcing flared end portion  626  radially inward toward post  108 . Slots  630  in the outer surface of flared end portion  626  may facilitate the radial compression of flared end portion  626  by providing a number of collapsing regions on an outer surfaced of flared end portion  626 . 
         [0129]    Upon continued rearward movement of sliding ring  204 , annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  may engage second annular groove  649  in flared end  626  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position. In other implementations, a friction relationship between flared end portion  626  and sliding ring  204  may be sufficient to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second position following securing of a coaxial cable to connector  600 . 
         [0130]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7C , yet another alternative implementation of a connector  700  is illustrated. The embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-7C  is similar to the embodiments described above and similar reference numbers are used where appropriate. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-7C , connector  700  may include connector body  702 , sliding ring  204 , nut  106 , post  108 , and O-ring  110 . 
         [0131]    Connector body  702 , similar to connector body  102  of  FIGS. 1A-1D , may include an elongated, cylindrical member, formed of a resilient, compressible, or deformable material, such as a soft plastic or semi-rigid rubber material. Connector body  702  may include (1) outer surface  712 , (2) inner surface  714 , (3) forward end  716  coupled to annular post  108  and rotatable nut  106 , and (4) cable receiving end  718 , opposite forward end  716 . 
         [0132]    In one implementation, forward end  716  of connector body  702  may include a stepped configuration to receive a rearward end of nut  106  thereon. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 7A , forward end  716  of connector body  702  may include a first cylindrical portion  720 , a second cylindrical portion  722  having a diameter larger than first cylindrical portion  720 , a third cylindrical portion  724  having a diameter larger than second cylindrical portion  722 , and a flared or ramped end portion  726  extending from third cylindrical portion  722  to cable receiving end  718  of connector body  702 . As shown, an initial outside diameter of flared end portion  726  may be substantially equal to the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  722 . In one embodiment, a peak outside diameter of flared end portion  726  (e.g., proximal to cable receiving end  718 ) may be approximately 0.09 inches larger than the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  722 . In other instances, the angle of flared end portion  726  may be approximately 6-10 degrees (e.g., 8 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis of connector  700 . 
         [0133]    As shown in  FIG. 7A , third cylindrical portion  724  of body  702  may include a first annular groove  725 . Annular groove  725  may mate with a corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the first (e.g., non-compressed) position prior to compression of connector  700 . 
         [0134]    In addition, flared end portion  726  may include a seal region  728  and a compression region  729 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7C , seal region  728  may be formed by the formation of an axial slot or channel  731  in an end of flared end portion  726 . In one implementation, channel  731  may be substantially cylindrical and may have a width ranging from approximately 0.015 inches to approximately 0.040 inches. The formation of channel  731  causes seal region  728  to remain in an inner region of flared end portion  726 . In one implementation, seal region  728  may be substantially cylindrical and may have a width ranging from approximately 0.015 to approximately 0.025 inches. 
         [0135]    Compression region  729  may be formed in a portion of flared end portion  726  outside of channel  731 . As shown best in  FIG. 7C , compression region  729  may include a plurality of axial slots or cuts  730  formed therein. In one exemplary embodiment, each of axial slots  730  may extend through compression region  729  and may allow flared end portion  726  to collapse or compress in on itself in a uniform manner when sliding ring  204  is moved from the uncompressed position (shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C ) to the compressed position (not shown). 
         [0136]    In one exemplary implementation, slots  730  may extend from an interface of flared end portion  726  with third cylindrical portion  724  to an end of flared end portion  726 . In one implementation, connector body  702  may include six slots  730 , however any suitable number of slots  730  may be provided. 
         [0137]    Inner surface  714  of connector body  702  may include a first tubular portion  732 , a second tubular portion  734 , and a third tubular portion  736 . Tubular portions  732 - 736  may be concentrically formed within connector body  702  such that post  108  may be received therein during assembly of connector  700 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , first tubular portion  732  may be formed at forward end  716  of connector body  702  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of a body engagement portion  138  of post  108 . Second tubular portion  734  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  732  and may form an annular notch  740  with respect to first tubular portion  732 . Annular notch  740  may be configured to receive a body engagement barb  142  formed in post  108 . 
         [0138]    Third tubular portion  736  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of second tubular portion  734  and may form a cavity  744  for receiving a tubular extension  162  of post  108 . As described above, a portion of third tubular portion  736  may form the inside surface of seal region  728 . 
         [0139]    Post  108  may include a tubular cavity  148  therein. During connection of connector  700  to a coaxial cable, tubular cavity  148  may receive a center conductor and dielectric covering of the inserted coaxial cable and forward cavity  744  may receive a jacket and shield of the inserted cable. 
         [0140]    Flared end portion  726  of body  702  may include a second annular groove  749  formed in an intermediate exterior portion thereof. Second annular groove  749  may mate with corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position following compression of connector  700 . 
         [0141]    Sliding ring  204  in  FIGS. 7A-7C  may be substantially similar to sliding ring  204  described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C . That is, sliding ring  204  may include tubular body having rearward end  250 , an inner annular protrusion  252 , and forward end  254 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , sliding ring  204  may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  724  Inner annular protrusion  252  may project from the inside of sliding ring  204  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of first annular groove  725 , such that undesired rearward movement of sliding ring  204  relative to connector body  702  is minimized or limited. 
         [0142]    As described above, post  108  may be configured for receipt within body  702  during assembly of connector  700  and may include flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  having a body engagement barb  142 , and tubular extension  162  projecting rearwardly from body engagement portion  138 . Flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  and tubular extension  162  together define inner chamber  148  for receiving a center conductor and insulator of an inserted coaxial cable. As shown in  FIG. 7A , in one implementation, the rearward end of tubular extension  162  may include barb  164  to enhance compression of the outer jacket of the coaxial cable and to secure the cable within connector  700 . 
         [0143]    Tubular extension  162  of post  108 , and third tubular portion  736  of connector body  702  together define annular cavity  744  for accommodating the jacket and shield of an inserted coaxial cable. In exemplary implementations, the distance between the outside diameter of tubular extension  162  and the diameter of third tubular portion  736  is between about 0.0585 to 0.0665 inches. This may also be referred to as the installation opening of connector  700 . 
         [0144]    In one implementation, as shown in  FIG. 7A , following assembly of post  108  into connector body  702 , a rearward end of tubular extension  162  may extend beyond an end of cable receiving end  718  of connector body  702 . For example, tubular extension  162  may extend approximately 0.030 beyond an end of cable receiving end  718 . In other implementations, an end of tubular extension  162  may be substantially even or flush with respect to an end of cable receiving end  718  of connector body  702 . 
         [0145]    Similar to annular nut  106  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIGS. 2A-2C , annular nut  106  in  FIGS. 7A-7C  may be rotatably coupled to forward end  716  of connector body  702 . Annular nut  106  may include any number of attaching mechanisms, such as that of a hex nut, a knurled nut, a wing nut, or any other known attaching means, and may be rotatably coupled to connector body  702  for providing mechanical attachment of connector  700  to an external device, e.g., port connector  180 , via a threaded relationship. As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , in an exemplary implementation, annular nut  106  may include a two-part user engagement portion  263  that includes a hand turning portion  265 , and a tool turning portion  267  for engaging a tool, such as a socket or wrench. 
         [0146]    Connector  700  may be supplied in an assembled condition, as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C , in which sliding ring  204  is installed on connector body  702  in a forward (e.g., uncompressed) position. A prepared end of a coaxial cable may be received through cable receiving end  718  of body  702  to engage post  108  of connector  700 , as described above. Once the prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted into connector body  702  so that the cable jacket is separated from the insulator by the sharp edge of post  108 , sliding ring  204  may be moved axially rearward in direction A from the first position (shown in  FIG. 7A ) to a second position (not shown). In some embodiments, a compression tool may be used to advance sliding ring  204  from the first position to the second position. 
         [0147]    As sliding ring  204  moves axially rearward in direction A, curved rearward end  250  of sliding ring  204  may engage the outer surface of flared end portion  726 , thereby forcing flared end portion  726  radially inward toward post  108 . Slots  730  in compression region  729  may facilitate the radial compression of flared end portion  726  by providing a number of collapsing regions on an outer surfaced of flared end portion  726 . 
         [0148]    Seal region  728  may be radially compressed toward post  108  upon continued rearward movement of sliding ring  204 . Channel  731  in flared end portion  726  may cause seal region to compress uniformly toward post  108 , thereby providing a watertight seal between connector body  702  and the cable jacket of the inserted cable end. 
         [0149]    Upon continued rearward movement of sliding ring  204 , annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  may engage second annular groove  749  in flared end portion  726  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position. In other implementations, a friction relationship between flared end portion  726  and sliding ring  204  may be sufficient to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second position following securing of a coaxial cable to connector  700 . 
         [0150]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , yet another alternative implementation of a connector  800  is illustrated. The embodiment of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  is similar to the embodiments described above and similar reference numbers are used where appropriate. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , connector  800  may include connector body  802 , sliding ring  204 , nut  106 , post  108 , and O-ring  110 . 
         [0151]    Connector body  802 , similar to connector body  602  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , may include an elongated, cylindrical member, formed of a resilient, compressible, or deformable material, such as a soft plastic or semi-rigid rubber material. Connector body  802  may include (1) outer surface  812 , (2) inner surface  814 , (3) forward end  816  coupled to annular post  108  and rotatable nut  106 , and (4) cable receiving end  818 , opposite forward end  816 . 
         [0152]    In one implementation, forward end  816  of connector body  802  may include a stepped configuration to receive a rearward end of nut  106  thereon. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 8A , forward end  816  of connector body  802  may include a first cylindrical portion  820 , a second cylindrical portion  822  having a diameter larger than first cylindrical portion  820 , a third cylindrical portion  824  having a diameter larger than second cylindrical portion  822 , and a flared or ramped end portion  826  extending from third cylindrical portion  822  to cable receiving end  818  of connector body  802 . 
         [0153]    As shown, an initial outside diameter of flared end portion  826  may be substantially equal to the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  822 . In one embodiment, a peak outside diameter of flared end portion  826  (e.g., proximal to cable receiving end  818 ) may be approximately 0.09 inches larger than the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  822 . In other instances, the angle of flared end portion  826  may be approximately 6-10 degrees (e.g., 8 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis of connector  800 . 
         [0154]    As shown in  FIG. 8A , third cylindrical portion  824  of body  802  may include a first annular groove  828 . Annular groove  828  may mate with a corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the first (e.g., non-compressed) position prior to compression of connector  800 . 
         [0155]    Flared end portion  826  of body  802  may include a second annular groove  849  formed in an intermediate exterior portion thereof. Second annular groove  849  may mate with corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position following compression of connector  800 . 
         [0156]    In addition, flared end portion  826  may include a plurality of interior axial notches  830  formed therein. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8B , each of interior axial notches  830  may be substantially V-shaped and may be formed in a radial spaced relationship in an interior portion of flared end portion  826 . That is, an exterior surface of flared end portion  826  may be uniform throughout its exterior, and notches  830  may be formed in an interior surface thereof. 
         [0157]    As shown, notches  830  may extend from an interior of flared end portion  826  toward the exterior of flared end portion  826  in a V-shaped configuration, with the inside portion of each notch  830  being narrower than an outside portion of each notch  830 . In one implementation, connector body  802  may include six notches  830 , however any suitable number of notches  830  may be provided. 
         [0158]    In addition, as shown in  FIG. 8A , each of notches  830  may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of connector body  802 , such that a rearwardmost portion of each notch  830  extends completely through an inside surface of flared end portion  826 . 
         [0159]    Exemplary slots  830  may have an outside width of approximately 0.065 to 0.075 inches, an inside width of approximately 0.025 to 0.035 inches (at in inside diameter of flared end portion  826 ), and an axial angle of approximately 15 to 35 degrees. Similar to notches  630  described above in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , notches  830  may allow flared end portion  826  to collapse or compress in on itself in a uniform manner when sliding ring  204  is moved from the uncompressed position (shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ) to the compressed position (not shown). 
         [0160]    Inner surface  814  of connector body  802  may include a first tubular portion  832 , a second tubular portion  834 , and a third tubular portion  836 . Tubular portions  832 - 836  may be concentrically formed within connector body  802  such that post  108  may be received therein during assembly of connector  800 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , first tubular portion  832  may be formed at forward end  816  of connector body  802  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of a body engagement portion  138  of post  108 . Second tubular portion  834  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  832  and may form an annular notch  840  with respect to first tubular portion  832 . Annular notch  840  may be configured to receive a body engagement barb  142  formed in post  108 . 
         [0161]    Third tubular portion  836  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of second tubular portion  834  and may form a cavity  844  for receiving a tubular extension  162  of post  108 . Furthermore, as described below, post  108  may include a tubular cavity  148  therein. During connection of connector  800  to a coaxial cable, tubular cavity  148  may receive a center conductor and dielectric covering of the inserted coaxial cable and forward cavity  844  may receive a jacket and shield of the inserted cable. In the manner described above, notches  830  may be formed in the surface of third tubular portion  836 , such that at least a portion of each notch  830  extends through the surface of third tubular portion  836 . 
         [0162]    Sliding ring  204  in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  may be substantially similar to sliding ring  204  described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C . That is, sliding ring  204  may include tubular body having rearward end  250 , an inner annular protrusion  252 , and forward end  254 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , sliding ring  204  may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  824  Inner annular protrusion  252  may project from the inside of sliding ring  204  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of first annular groove  828 , such that undesired rearward movement of sliding ring  204  relative to connector body  802  is minimized or limited. 
         [0163]    As described above, post  108  may be configured for receipt within body  802  during assembly of connector  800  and may include flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  having a body engagement barb  142 , and tubular extension  162  projecting rearwardly from body engagement portion  138 . Flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  and tubular extension  162  together define inner chamber  148  for receiving a center conductor and insulator of an inserted coaxial cable. As shown in  FIG. 8A , in one implementation, the rearward end of tubular extension  162  may include barb  164  to enhance compression of the outer jacket of the coaxial cable and to secure the cable within connector  800 . 
         [0164]    Tubular extension  162  of post  108 , and third tubular portion  836  of connector body  802  together define annular cavity  844  for accommodating the jacket and shield of an inserted coaxial cable. In exemplary implementations, the distance between the outside diameter of tubular extension  162  and the diameter of third tubular portion  836  is between about 0.0585 to 0.0665 inches. This may also be referred to as the installation opening of connector  800 . In one implementation, as shown in  FIG. 8A , following assembly of post  108  into connector body  802 , a rearward end of tubular extension  162  may be substantially even or flush with respect to an end of cable receiving end  818  of connector body  802 . 
         [0165]    Similar to annular nut  106  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIGS. 2A-2C , annular nut  106  in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  may be rotatably coupled to forward end  816  of connector body  802 . Annular nut  106  may include any number of attaching mechanisms, such as that of a hex nut, a knurled nut, a wing nut, or any other known attaching means, and may be rotatably coupled to connector body  802  for providing mechanical attachment of connector  800  to an external device, e.g., port connector  180 , via a threaded relationship. 
         [0166]    Connector  800  may be supplied in an assembled condition, as shown in  FIG. 8A , in which sliding ring  204  is installed on connector body  802  in a forward (e.g., uncompressed) position. A prepared end of a coaxial cable may be received through cable receiving end  818  of body  802  to engage post  108  of connector  800 , as described above. Once the prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted into connector body  802  so that the cable jacket is separated from the insulator by the sharp edge of post  108 , sliding ring  204  may be moved axially rearward in direction A from the first position (shown in  FIG. 8A ) to a second position (not shown). In some embodiments, a compression tool may be used to advance sliding ring  204  from the first position to the second position. 
         [0167]    As sliding ring  204  moves axially rearward in direction A, curved rearward end  250  of sliding ring  204  may engage the outer surface of flared end portion  826 , thereby forcing flared end portion  826  radially inward toward post  108 . In the manner described above, notches  830  in the flared end portion  826  may facilitate the radial compression of flared end portion  826  by providing a number of collapsing regions on an outer surfaced of flared end portion  826 . 
         [0168]    Upon continued rearward movement of sliding ring  204 , annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  may engage second annular groove  849  in flared end  826  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position. In other implementations, a friction relationship between flared end portion  826  and sliding ring  204  may be sufficient to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second position following securing of a coaxial cable to connector  800 . 
         [0169]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , yet another alternative implementation of a connector  900  is illustrated. The embodiment of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  is similar to the embodiments described above and similar reference numbers are used where appropriate. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , connector  900  may include connector body  902 , sliding ring  204 , nut  106 , post  108 , and O-ring  110 . 
         [0170]    Connector body  902 , similar to connector body  602  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , may include an elongated, cylindrical member, formed of a resilient, compressible, or deformable material, such as a soft plastic or semi-rigid rubber material. Connector body  902  may include (1) outer surface  912 , (2) inner surface  914 , (3) forward end  916  coupled to annular post  108  and rotatable nut  106 , and (4) cable receiving end  918 , opposite forward end  916 . 
         [0171]    In one implementation, forward end  916  of connector body  902  may include a stepped configuration to receive a rearward end of nut  106  thereon. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 9A , forward end  916  of connector body  902  may include a first cylindrical portion  920 , a second cylindrical portion  922  having a diameter larger than first cylindrical portion  920 , a third cylindrical portion  924  having a diameter larger than second cylindrical portion  922 , and a flared or ramped end portion  926  extending from third cylindrical portion  922  to cable receiving end  918  of connector body  902 . 
         [0172]    As shown, an initial outside diameter of flared end portion  926  may be substantially equal to the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  922 . In one embodiment, a peak outside diameter of flared end portion  926  (e.g., proximal to cable receiving end  918 ) may be approximately 0.09 inches larger than the outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  922 . In other instances, the angle of flared end portion  926  may be approximately 6-10 degrees (e.g., 8 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis of connector  900 . 
         [0173]    As shown in  FIG. 9A , third cylindrical portion  924  of body  902  may include a first annular groove  928 . Annular groove  928  may mate with a corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the first (e.g., non-compressed) position prior to compression of connector  900 . 
         [0174]    Flared end portion  926  of body  902  may include a second annular groove  949  formed in an intermediate exterior portion thereof. Second annular groove  949  may mate with corresponding annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position following compression of connector  900 . 
         [0175]    In addition, flared end portion  926  may include a plurality of axial holes  930  formed therein. Holes  930  may allow flared end portion  926  to compress in a uniform manner when sliding ring  204  is moved from the uncompressed position (shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) to the compressed position (not shown). 
         [0176]    In one exemplary embodiment, each of axial holes  930  may be substantially conical in shape with a larger diameter at an open end of each axial hole  930  (proximal to cable receiving end  918 ) and a smaller diameter at a closed end of each axial hole  930  (proximal to third cylindrical portion  924 ). In one implementation, the diameter of the open end of holes  930  is approximately 0.035 to 0.045 inches. 
         [0177]    As shown in  FIG. 9B , holes  930  may be formed in a radial spaced relationship about an end of flared end portion  926 . In this manner, both the interior and exterior surfaces of flared end portion  926  may be uniform, without any holes or notches formed therein. In one implementation, connector body  902  may include eighteen holes  930 , however any suitable number of holes  930  may be provided. 
         [0178]    Inner surface  914  of connector body  902  may include a first tubular portion  932 , a second tubular portion  934 , and a third tubular portion  936 . Tubular portions  932 - 936  may be concentrically formed within connector body  902  such that post  108  may be received therein during assembly of connector  900 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , first tubular portion  932  may be formed at forward end  916  of connector body  902  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of a body engagement portion  138  of post  108 . Second tubular portion  934  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of first tubular portion  932  and may form an annular notch  940  with respect to first tubular portion  932 . Annular notch  940  may be configured to receive a body engagement barb  142  formed in post  108 . 
         [0179]    Third tubular portion  936  may have an inside diameter larger than the inside diameter of second tubular portion  934  and may form a cavity  944  for receiving a tubular extension  162  of post  108 . Furthermore, as described below, post  108  may include a tubular cavity  148  therein. During connection of connector  900  to a coaxial cable, tubular cavity  148  may receive a center conductor and dielectric covering of the inserted coaxial cable and forward cavity  944  may receive a jacket and shield of the inserted cable. 
         [0180]    Sliding ring  204  in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  may be substantially similar to sliding ring  204  described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C . That is, sliding ring  204  may include tubular body having rearward end  250 , an inner annular protrusion  252 , and forward end  254 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , sliding ring  204  may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of third cylindrical portion  924  Inner annular protrusion  252  may project from the inside of sliding ring  204  and may have an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of first annular groove  928 , such that undesired rearward movement of sliding ring  204  relative to connector body  902  is minimized or limited. 
         [0181]    As described above, post  108  may be configured for receipt within body  902  during assembly of connector  900  and may include flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  having a body engagement barb  142 , and tubular extension  162  projecting rearwardly from body engagement portion  138 . Flanged base portion  156 , body engagement portion  138  and tubular extension  162  together define inner chamber  148  for receiving a center conductor and insulator of an inserted coaxial cable. As shown in  FIG. 9A , in one implementation, the rearward end of tubular extension  162  may include barb  164  to enhance compression of the outer jacket of the coaxial cable and to secure the cable within connector  900 . 
         [0182]    Tubular extension  162  of post  108 , and third tubular portion  936  of connector body  902  together define annular cavity  944  for accommodating the jacket and shield of an inserted coaxial cable. In exemplary implementations, the distance between the outside diameter of tubular extension  162  and the diameter of third tubular portion  936  is between about 0.0585 to 0.0665 inches. This may also be referred to as the installation opening of connector  900 . Following assembly of post  108  into connector body  902 , a rearward end of tubular extension  162  may be substantially even or flush with respect to an end of cable receiving end  918  of connector body  902 . 
         [0183]    Similar to annular nut  106  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIGS. 2A-2C , annular nut  106  in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  may be rotatably coupled to forward end  916  of connector body  902 . Annular nut  106  may include any number of attaching mechanisms, such as that of a hex nut, a knurled nut, a wing nut, or any other known attaching means, and may be rotatably coupled to connector body  902  for providing mechanical attachment of connector  900  to an external device, e.g., port connector  180 , via a threaded relationship. 
         [0184]    Connector  900  may be supplied in an assembled condition, as shown in  FIG. 9A , in which sliding ring  204  is installed on connector body  902  in a forward (e.g., uncompressed) position. A prepared end of a coaxial cable may be received through cable receiving end  918  of body  902  to engage post  108  of connector  900 , as described above. Once the prepared end of the coaxial cable is inserted into connector body  902  so that the cable jacket is separated from the insulator by the sharp edge of post  108 , sliding ring  204  may be moved axially rearward in direction A from the first position (shown in  FIG. 9A ) to a second position (not shown). In some embodiments, a compression tool may be used to advance sliding ring  204  from the first position to the second position. 
         [0185]    As sliding ring  204  moves axially rearward in direction A, curved rearward end  250  of sliding ring  204  may engage the outer surface of flared end portion  926 , thereby forcing flared end portion  926  radially inward toward post  108 . In the manner described above, axial holes  930  in the flared end portion  926  may facilitate the radial compression of flared end portion  926  by providing a number of collapsing regions within flared end portion  926 . 
         [0186]    Upon continued rearward movement of sliding ring  204 , annular protrusion  252  in sliding ring  204  may engage second annular groove  949  in flared end  926  to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second (e.g., compressed) position. In other implementations, a friction relationship between flared end portion  926  and sliding ring  204  may be sufficient to maintain sliding ring  204  in the second position following securing of a coaxial cable to connector  900 . 
         [0187]    The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments described herein to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments. 
         [0188]    For example, various features have been mainly described above with respect to a coaxial cables and connectors for securing coaxial cables. In other embodiments, features described herein may be implemented in relation to other types of cable or interface technologies. For example, the coaxial cable connector described herein may be used or are usable with various types of coaxial cable, such as 50, 75, or 93 ohm coaxial cable, or other characteristic impedance cable designs. 
         [0189]    Although the invention has been described in detail above, it is expressly understood that it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that the invention may be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Various changes of form, design, or arrangement may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the above mentioned description is to be considered exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is that defined in the following claims. 
         [0190]    No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7