Coaxial cable connector with alignment and compression features.

(54) Title: COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR WITH ALIGNMENT AND COMPRESSION CHARACTERISTICS. (54) Tltle: COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR WITH ALIGNMENT AND COMPRESSION FEATURES.

(57) Summary

The present invention relates to a coaxial cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to an electrical device including a body, a threaded adapter, and a ported and compressed alignment mechanism between the body and the adapter to exert axial force against the adapter to maintain electrical contact between the adapter and the body. The connector body includes an external barrel formed with an internal compression band, and a compression collar carried on the external barrel and formed with an internal compression band. In response to compression of the connector by a compression tool, the internal and external compression bands deform and move from an uncompressed condition to a curled compressed condition on the coaxial cable to securely apply the connector to the coaxial cable.

(57) Abstract

A coaxial cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to an electrical device ineludes a body, a threaded fitting, and an alignment mechanism carried and compressed between the body and the fitting so as to exert an axial force against the fitting to maintain electrical contad between the fitting and the body. The body of the connector ineludes an outer barrel formed with an inner compression band, and a compression collar carried on the outer barrel and formed with an inner compression band. In response to compression of the connector by a compression tool, the inner and outer compression bands deform and move from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition crimped onto the coaxial cable so as to securely apply the connector to the coaxial cable.

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Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial

PATENT TITLE NO. 342154 _SE_ «CRPfAMA Dt FCON0MU

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Owner (s): PCT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Address: 2660 W, Broadway Rd., Mesa, Arlzona, 85202, USA

Denomination: COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR WITH ALIGNMENT AND COMPRESSION CHARACTERISTICS.

Classification: IC.8: H01R9 / 05

Inventor (s): TIMOTHY LEE YOUTSEY

Number:

MX / a / 2014/015207

REQUEST

International filing date:

June 2013

PRIORITY

Country:

US

US

Date:

June 2012 January 11, 2013

Number:

61/658,087

13/739,972

Validity: Twenty years

Expiration Date: June 11, 2033

The reference patent is granted based on articles 1 2nd fraction V, 6^or fraction lll, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

In accordance with article 23 of the Industrial Property Law, this patent has a validity of twenty non-extendable art, counted from the date of filing of the international application and will be subject to the payment of faith tariff to keep the rights in force.

Whoever subscribes to this title does so based on the provisions of artfeukfe 8 * fetodanes lll and 7 ° bis 2 of the Industrial Property Law (Orlo Office of the Federation (OÓ.P.) 06/27/1991, amended on 08/02/1994. 10/25/1996, 12/26/1907, 05/17/1999, 01/26/2004, 06/16/2005; 01/25/2006, 05/06/2009, 06.06 / 01/2010, 18 »β» Μβ, «ΛββΟΙβ, AND 04/09/2012); Articles 1 «, 3rd fraction V subsection a), 4th and 12th fractions I and lll of the Regulations of the MaafeaM Institute of Rapeded Industrial (DOF 12/14/1999, amended on 07/01/2002, 07/07/2004, 07/28/2004 and 09/07/2007); articles 1, 3, 4, 5 "section V, subsection a), 16 sections I and lll and 30 of the Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, returned on 10/10/2002, 07/08/2004, 08/04/20Q4 and 07/13/2007); 1, 3 and 5, subsection a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Head of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

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Issue Date: September 15, 2016

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

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NAHANNY CANAL REYES

Arenal No. 550. Floor 1,

Coi. Puebío Sania María Tepepan. Xochimic. CP 16020.

Mexico City

Tel.; 55¡ 53 3-1 07 00 www irrpi gob.rnx

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MX / 2016/75265 «Β»

343451 &gt;/?//:%&gt;/

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF IA PROPERTY • INDUSTRIAL

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COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR WITH ALIGNMENT AND CHARACTERISTICS

COMPRESSION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electrical apparatus, and more particularly to coaxial cable connectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Coaxial cables transmit radio frequency (RF) signals between transmitters and receivers and are used to interconnect televisions, set-top boxes, DVD players, satellite receivers, modems, and other electrical devices. Typical coaxial cables include an internal conductor surrounded by a flexible dielectric insulator and foil layer, a conductive metal tubular sheath or shield, and a polyvinyl chloride jacket. The RF signal is transmitted through the internal conductor. The conductive tubular shield provides a ground connection and inhibits electrical and magnetic interference with the RF signal on the inner conductor.

Coaxial cables must be attached with cable connectors to be attached to electrical devices.

Connectors typically have a connector body, a

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY industrial threaded adapter mounted for rotation at one end of the connector body, a hole that extends into the connector body from an opposite end to receive the coaxial cable, and an internal post inside the hole coupled in communication with the adapter. Generally, connectors are crimped on a prepared end of a coaxial cable to secure the connector to the coaxial cable. However, curling occasionally results in a crushed coaxial cable which supplies a signal · degraded by leakage, interference, or poor grounding. Also, while some connectors are mounted so tightly to the threaded connector body that threading the connector into an electrical connection can be very difficult, other connectors have adapters that mount loosely on the connector body that the electrical connection between the adapter and the inner pole can be interrupted when the adapter is moved from the pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principle of the invention, one embodiment of the coaxial cable connector includes an outer barrel, a compression collar applied to a rear end of the outer barrel, and a threaded adapter mounted for rotation to a front end of the outer barrel. The outer barrel has an internal compression band, and the

<img file="MX342154B_D0009.tif" />

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OE THE PROPERTY, _π ,,, Industrial Compression Collar has a compression band that surrounds the internal compression band formed on the outer bafflf. The inner and outer compression bands move between uncompressed and compressed positions in response to axial compression of the connector. In the compressed condition, the outer compression band rests against the inner compression band to deform the inner compression band radially inward.

In accordance with the principle of the invention, one embodiment of a coaxial cable connector includes a cylindrical body, an adapter mounted for rotation in the body, and an alignment mechanism carried between the body and the adapter. The alignment mechanism is compressed between the body and the adapter to exert an axial force against the adapter to maintain contact between the adapter and the body. The alignment mechanism includes a quasi-annular leaf spring integrally formed to the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

With reference to the figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coaxial cable connector constructed and arranged in accordance with the principles of the invention, having an adapter, an external barrel, and a compression collar, the coaxial cable connector is installed in a compressed condition applied to a coaxial cable;

Figs. Side 2A, respectively,

<img file="MX342154B_D0010.tif" />

and 2B are front 'and coaxial cable connector elevations of the

FIG. one;

FIG. 2C is an isolated perspective view of the outer barrel of the coaxial cable connector of ia FIG. one;

Figs. 3A and 3B are sectional views of the coaxial cable connector of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2A in an uncompressed condition and in a compressed condition, respectively;

Figs. 3C and 3D are enlarged sectional views of the coaxial cable connector of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2A;

Figs. 4A and 4B are sectional views of the coaxial cable connector of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2A in an uncompressed condition and a compressed condition, respectively, applied to the coaxial cable; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of FIG. 4B illustrating the coaxial cable connector of FIG. 1 in a compressed condition applied to the coaxial cable.

MEXICAN OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY, industrial

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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Reference is now made to the figures, in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same elements. FIG. 1 illustrates a coaxial cable connector 20 constructed and arranged in accordance with the principles of the invention, as it would appear in a crimped compressed condition on a coaxial cable 21. The connector embodiment shown is an F connector for use with an RG6 Coaxial Cable for example purposes, but it should be understood that the description below also applies to other types of coaxial cable connectors and other types of cables. Connector 20 includes a body 22 having opposite front and rear ends 23 and 24, a coupling nut or threaded adapter 25 mounted for rotation at front end 23 of body 22, and a compression collar 26 mounted to rear end 24 of body 22. Connector 20 has rotational symmetry about a longitudinal axis A illustrated in FIG. one. Coaxial cable 21 includes an internal conductor 30 and extends into connector 20 from rear end 24 in the applied condition of connector 20.

Inner conductor 30 extends through connector 20 and projects beyond adapter 25.

Figs. 2A and 2B show connector 20 in greater detail in an uncompressed condition not applied to cable β

coaxial 21. Adapter 25 is a sleeve that ex

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF Ι.Λ Mnwrrun

<img file="MX342154B_D0012.tif" />

opposite front and rear 31 and 32, an integrally formed arrii-l · © po'l 33 near the front end 31, and an integrally formed nut portion 34 close to the rear end 32. Referring also to FIG. 3A, the ring portion 33 has a smooth annular outer surface 35 and an opposite threaded inner surface 36 for engagement with an electrical device. Briefly, as a matter of explanation, the phrase electrical device, as used throughout the description, includes any electrical device that has a female pole to receive a male coaxial cable connector 20 for the transmission of RF signals, such as television cable, satellite television, Internet data, and the like. The nut portion 34 of the adapter 25 has a hexagonal outer surface 40 to receive the jaws of a tool and an opposed grooved inner surface 41 (shown in Fig. 3A) to receive gaskets and engage the body 22 of the connector 20.

Momentarily referring to FIG. 3A, an interior space 37 extends in the adapter 25 from a mouth 38 formed in the front end 31 of the adapter 25, to an opening 39 formed in the rear end 32, and is limited by the internal surfaces 36 and 41 of the portions ring and nut 33 and 34, respectively. Two annular channels 74 and 75 extend from the interior space 37 in the portion of

IMPI

MtXlCANO INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

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nut 34 of inner surface 41 continuously around nut portion 34. Referring again to FIG. 2B, the nut portion 34 of the adapter 25 is mounted on the front end 23 of the body 22 for rotation about axis A. The adapter 25 is constructed of a material or combination of materials having characteristics of a strong, hard, electrically conductive material. , rigid, durable and high, such as metal.

Still referring to FIG. 2B, the compression collar 26 has opposite front and rear ends 42 and 43, an annular side wall 44 extending between the front and rear ends 42 and 43, and an annular external compression band 45 formed on the side wall 44 in a generally intermediate location along axis A between front and rear ends 42 and 43 of compression collar 26. Referring now to FIG. 3A, the compression collar 26 has a smooth annular outer surface 50 and an opposite smooth annular inner surface 51. An interior space 52 limited by the inner surface 51 extends into the compression collar 26 from a mouth 53 formed at the rear end 43 of the compression collar 26 to an opening 54 formed in the front end 42. The interior space 52 is of a hole shape and dimensioned to receive the coaxial cable 21. Compression collar 26 friction fits over rear end 24 of body 22 of

IMPI • NSTITUTO MEXICANO OE LA FHOFIF.ÜAIj opening 54 for '^ Yiftiitl and relative rotation der'UUtírptr' connector 22 close to radial, axial movement

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and compression collar 26 around and along axis A, respectively. Compression collar 26 is constructed of a material or combination of materials that has characteristics of strong, hard, rigid, and durable material, such as metal, plastic, and the like.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A, the body 22 of the connector 20 is an assembly including a cylindrical outer barrel 60 and a cylindrical coaxial inner pole 61 arranged within the outer barrel 60. The inner pole 61 is an elongated sleeve extending along axis A and having rotational symmetry about axis A. Inner pole 61 has opposite front and rear ends 62 and 63 and opposite inner and outer surfaces 64 and 65. The outer surface 65 at the rear end 63 of the inner post 61 is formed with two annular edges 70a and 70b projecting toward the front end 62 and radially outward from axis A. As the term is used herein, radial means aligned along a radius extending from axis A. In addition, the term axial means extended or aligned parallel to axis A. Edges 70a and 70b are separated from each other along the rear end 63 of inner post 61. Edges 70a and 70b provide a grip on a cable applied to the coaxial cable connector

20.

<img file="MX342154B_D0015.tif" />

Now referring to the enlarged view of¹ Ure 3C, the outer surface 65 of the inner post 61 is formed with a series of outwardly directed protrusions 66a, 66b,

66c, 66d, and 66e spaced along inner pole 61 near front end 62. Each protrusion has a similar structure and projects radially out of the A axis; each of the protrusions 66a and 66d includes a front face directed towards the front end 62 of the inner post 61 and a rear face directed towards the rear end 63 of the inner post 61; each of the projections 66b and 66c includes a rear face directed towards the rear end 63 of the inner post 61; and the boss 66e includes a front face facing the front end 62 of the inner post 61. Each of the bosses 66a-66e extends a different radial distance away from axis A. The bosses 66a and 66b form an annular groove or channel 71 around the inner post 61 defined between the front face of the protrusion 66a and the rear face of the protrusion 66b. Outer barrel 60 attaches to inner pole 61 in the channel

71.

Still referring to FIG. 3C, the rear end 32 of the adapter 25 cooperates with the inner surface 41 of the nut portion 34 in the channel 74, the outer surface 65 of the inner post 61 on the boss 66c, and the face

MEXICAN INSTITUTE ttt Property form a prim ^ t vbdrerrren

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and 1 a porcioYi dé t'uereer- '· 73. In addition, the surface in the channel 75 rear groove of the projection 66d for toroidal 72 between the internal post to receive an internal annular seal 41 of the nut portion with the front face of the boss 66d and the outer surface 65 of the inner post 61 on the boss 66e to form a second toroidal volume 80 between the inner post 61 and the nut portion 34 to receive an annular seal

81. The adapter 25 is supported and carried on the inner post 61 by the annular joints 73 and 81, and the annular joints 73 and 81 prevent the introduction of moisture into the connector 20. Inner post 61 is constructed of a material or combination of materials having characteristics of strong, hard, rigid, durable and high electrically conductive material, such as metal, and ring seals 73 and 81 are constructed of one material or combination of materials having characteristics of deformable, resilient, shape memory material.

Turning now to FIG. 3A, the outer barrel 60 is an elongated cylindrical sleeve extending along the A axis with rotational symmetry about the A axis. The outer barrel 60 has a side wall 150 with opposite front and rear ends 82 and 83 and inner surfaces and outer faces 84 and 85. Inner surface 84 defines and limits a shaped internal cable receiving space 90

IMPIAS

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO • e the industrial rxopiírjAU _ and dimensioned to receive the coaxial cable 21, and in which the rear end 63 of the internal pole 61 is arranged. An opening 91 in the rear end 83 of the external barrel 60 communicates with the interior space 52 of compression collar 26 and leads into the interior cable receiving space

90. The front end 82 of the outer barrel 60 is formed with an inwardly projecting annular edge 92. The edge 92 abuts and is received in the channel 71 in a friction fit coupling, securing the outer barrel 60 to the inner post 61. The edge 92, together with the front end 23 of the body and the rear end 32 of the adapter 25, define a circumferential groove 87 that extends into the connector 20 of the outer surface 85 of the outer barrel 60.

The front end 82 of the outer barrel 60 is integrally formed with an alignment mechanism 93 positioned in the circumferential groove 87 between the outer barrel 60 and the adapter 25 to exert axial force between the outer barrel 60 and the adapter 25 to maintain contact between adapter 25 and internal post 61 of body 22. As seen in FIG. 2C, which illustrates outer barrel 60 in isolation, alignment mechanism 93 includes two springs 94 and 95 carried between edge 92 and a perimeter 85a of outer barrel 60 along outer surface 84. Spring 94 is a quasi-annular sheet having opposite ends 94a and 94b and a part

<img file="MX342154B_D0018.tif" />

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY media 94c. Spring 95 is a quasi-annular sheet having opposite ends 95a and 95b and a middle part 95c. As used herein, quasi-annular means a shape which extends arched through an arcuate segment of a circle less than a full circle. Springs 94 and 95 are sheets, formed from a flat, thin, elongated piece of arcuate material. Springs 94 and 95 are quasi-annular with respect to axis A. The ends 94a and 94b of the spring 94 are attached to the front end 82 of the outer barrel 60, and the middle part 94c is free from the front end 82, which projects axially away from the outer barrel 60 towards the adapter 25, so that the spring 94 it has a curved shape arched through a radial section and a convex shape in an axial direction. Spring 94 flexes along axis A in response to axial compression and spring 94 is maintained in a compressed condition in which the middle part 94c is close to the front end

82. In the compressed condition of the springs 94, the middle part 94c is positioned along the perimeter 85a between the edge side 92 and the outer surface 84 of the outer barrel 60, and the spring 94 exerts a forward axial deflection on the adapter 25.

Similarly, the ends 95a and 95b of the spring 95 are attached to the front end 82 of the outer barrel 60, and the middle part 95c is free from the front end 82,

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX342154B_D0019.tif" />

projecting axially away from the outer barrel 60 towards the adapter 25, so that the spring 95 has a curved shape arched through a radial section and a convex shape in an axial direction. Spring 95 flexes along axis Ά in response to axial compression and spring 95 is maintained in a compressed condition in which the middle part 95c is close to the front end 82. In the compressed condition of spring 95, middle part 95c is positioned between edge side 92 and outer surface 84 of outer barrel 60, and spring 95 exerts an axial deflection forward on adapter 25. In other embodiments, the Alignment mechanism 93 includes multiple springs, or is a disc or ring mounted on posts at front end 23 of outer barrel 60. Such alternative modalities of the alignment mechanism 93 have an annular sinusoidal or helical shape around axis A, and four forwardly projected circumferentially spaced contact points that rest against the adapter.

25.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, adapter 25 is mounted for free rotation on inner post 61 about axis A. To allow free rotation, ring seals 73 and 81 space nut portion 25 just off inner post 61 in a radial direction , creating an opening 86 that allows slight movement in

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

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radial direction and allowing adapter 25 to rotate with low rolling friction at annular joints 73 and 81. When adapter 25 is carried on body 22 and threaded or mated to an electrical device, alignment mechanism 93 is maintained in a compressed state, and the force exerted by the alignment mechanism 93 pushes the adapter 25 in a forward direction along line B in FIG. 3C, causing the alignment mechanism 93 to rest against the adapter 25 and causing a contact face 101 at the rear end 32 of the adapter 25 to contact the rear face of the protrusion 66c, which is a contact face 102 The forward directed force exerted by the alignment mechanism 93 overcomes the force of the resistant spring in the backward direction caused by the compression of the annular seal 73 within the toroidal volume 72. In this way, a permanent low friction connection is established that allows the adapter 25 to rotate freely on the inner pole 61 and maintains the adapter 25 and the inner pole 61 in permanent electrical communication.

The outer barrel 60 is constructed of a material or combination of materials having strong, rigid, size and shape memory, and electrically insulating material characteristics, as well as a low coefficient of friction, such as plastic or the like. The mechanism of

<img file="MX342154B_D0021.tif" />

iMPie ^

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE MOftBDA ».

alignment 93, it is integrally formed to the barriT ^ xterr it also has characteristics of strong, TTgT3o7 ™ ^ e * ~ ñTSffii5Tícr of size and shape, and electrically insulating, so that the compression of the alignment mechanism 93 causes the alignment mechanism 93 to produce a counteracting force in the opposite direction of compression, which tends to return the alignment mechanism 93 back to an original configuration aligned and coaxial to the A axis, so that adapter 25 remains coaxial to axis A.

With continued reference to FIG. 3C, springs and 95 are circumferentially offset from each other in circumferential groove 87. Middle portions 94c and 95c are diametrically offset, to provide a uniformly distributed application of force from opposite sides of body 22 toward the adapter 25. The arcuate and convex shape of springs 94 and 95 produces a reactive force in response to backward movement of adapter 25 when adapter 25 is threaded or engaged with an electrical device, such that adapter 25 is maintained in a coaxial aligned state with respect to axis A, thus maintaining the continuity of the connection between the contact faces 101 and 102 completely around the inner post 61. Maintaining alignment and connection ensures that a signal transmitted through connector 20 does not leak out of connector 20, that outside RF interference does not leak

INSTITUT!

OF

<img file="MX342154B_D0022.tif" />

20, and that connector 20 remains e 1 éoL1 icainejTteO ¹ to Earth. Furthermore, the interaction of the two middle parts 94c and 95c with the rear end 32 of the adapter 25 has a low coefficient of friction due to the material construction of those structural characteristics and the limited number of interference sites between the adapter 25 and the alignment mechanism 93. In other embodiments of the alignment mechanism 93, four contact points of the alignment mechanism 93 are evenly spaced to provide an evenly distributed application of force against the adapter 25 at the four contact points.

Referring again to FIG. 3A, the rear end 83 of the outer barrel 60 carries the compression collar 26. The side wall 150 of the outer barrel 60 with a reduced thickness near the rear end 83 and defines an internal compression band 152. Referring now to the enlarged view of FIG. 3D, the internal compression band 152 includes a major edge portion 103, a minor edge portion 104, and a curve 105 formed between them. Major and minor edge portions 103 and 104 have vertical edges protruding radially outward from axis A. Major edge portion 103 is formed proximal to rear end 83, minor edge portion 104 is formed

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M FORWARD PROPERTY of major edge portion 1 c75^&gt;and^sT*^^L the*

105 it is a thin flexible portion of the lüLUldl 15-0 wall between the major and minor edge portions 103 and 104, defining a sharp hinge between them. The major edge portion 103 has a first oblique face 110, which is an interference face, directed towards the rear end 83 of the outer barrel 60, and a second oblique face lll directed towards the front end 82 of the outer barrel 60. The minor edge portion 104 has a first oblique face 112, which is an interference face, directed towards the rear end 83 of the outer barrel 60, and a second oblique face 113 directed towards the front end 82 of the outer barrel 60. A V-shaped channel 114 is defined between the second and first faces lll and 112, respectively. The major and minor edge portions 103 and 104 are carried at the rear end 83 of the outer barrel 60 by a thin-walled ring 115 opposite the cable receiving space 90 of the edges 70a and 70b on the inner post 61. The ring Thin walled 115 is flexible and deflects radially inward toward axis A in response to a radially directed application of force. An annular shoulder 161, positioned toward the inside of ring 115, has a vertical splice surface 120 proximate to the outer surface 85 of the outer barrel 60.

Still referring to FIG. 3D, the wall

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

From the lateral OTPIKDAÚ 44 of the compression collar 26, the front end 42 has been made and forms the annular air band 45 * Θ5? Ϊ6ΤΤΚΓ · annular 45. The compression collar 26 includes a ring 122 extending toward in front of it, an oblique face 133 proximal to the outer compression band 45 positioned between the outer compression band 45 and the inner surface 51, and a vertical annular shoulder 134 formed proximal to the rear end 43 and inner surface 51 of the collar compression 26. External compression band 45 is a narrow notched portion of side wall 44 extending into interior space 52 and having an internal surface 123 and an opposite external surface 124, a first wall portion 125, a second wall portion opposite 126, and a flexible curve 130 in which the first and second wall portions 125 and 126 meet. The first and second wall portions 125 and 126 are rigid, and the curve

130 it is a live hinge that provides flexibility between the first and second wall portions 125 and 126. A compression gap 131 is defined between the first and second wall portions 125 and 126 of the external compression band 45. Ring 122 extends forward from the second wall portion 126 and terminates at a terminal edge 132, located in juxtaposition with the joint surface 120 of shoulder 116.

Still referring to FIG. 3D, fixed on the

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO ΟΪΙΛ FBOFfEDAD INDUSTRIAL external barrel 60, compression collar 26 closely surrounds external barrel 60, with the internal surface of compression collar 26 in direct contact in a friction fit coupling with external surface 85 of external barrel 60 to limit radial, axial, and relative rotational motion. Inner compression band 152 of outer barrel 60 receives and engages with outer compression band 45 of compression collar 26 to limit the radial, axial, and relative rotation movement of compression collar 26, with shoulder 134 separated from rear end 83 of the outer barrel 60, the oblique face 133 of the compression collar 26 in juxtaposition with the first face 110 of the major edge portion 103, the internal surface 123 of the external compression band 45 along the first wall portion 125 in juxtaposition with the second face lll of the major edge portion 103, curve 130 is received in channel 114 and against curve 105 , the inner surface 123 of the outer compression band 45 along the second wall portion 126 in juxtaposition with the first face 112 of the minor edge portion 104, and the terminal edge 132 of the compression collar 26 in juxtaposition with the junction surface 120 of the outer barrel 60, the arrangement defines a fixed condition of the compression collar 26 on the outer barrel 60.

In operation, cable connector 20 is useful

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX342154B_D0024.tif" />

for coupling a coaxial cable 21 to an electrical device in electrical communication. To do this, the cable connector is secured to coaxial cable 21 as shown in FIG. 4A. Coaxial cable 21 is prepared to receive cable connector 20 by removing a portion of a jacket 140 at one end 141 of coaxial cable 21 to expose an internal conductor 30, a dielectric insulator 143, a foil layer 144, and a flexible shield 145. Dielectric insulator 143 is removed to expose a predetermined length of inner conductor 30, and end of shield 145 is returned to cover a portion of jacket 140. End 141 of coaxial cable 21 is then inserted into connector 20 to fix connector 20 in an uncompressed condition, as shown in FIG. 4A. In this condition, inner post 61 is placed between shield 145 and foil layer 144 and is in electrical communication with shield 145.

Still referring to FIG. 4A, to fix the connector 20 in the uncompressed condition on the coaxial cable 21, the coaxial cable 21 is aligned with axis A and passes in the interior space 52 of the compression collar 26 along a direction indicated by the line arrow C. The coaxial cable 21 is then passed through the opening 91 and into the cable receiving space 90 is bounded by the inner pole 61, ensuring that the inner conductor is

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE nr ja INDUSTRIAL property

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align with axis A. Coaxial cable 21 continues to be moved forward along line C in FIG. 4A until coaxial cable 21 meets rear end 63 of inner post 61, where shield 145 is advanced over rear end 63 and edges 70a and 70b contact shield 145, and portion of shield 145 returned on liner 140 is in contact with inner surface 84 of outer barrel 60. Foil layer 144 and dielectric insulator 143 are also advanced forward within inner post 61 against inner surface 64 of inner post 61. In addition, forward movement of coaxial cable 21 along line C advances the coaxial cable to the position illustrated in FIG. 4A, with the free end of the dielectric insulator 143 positioned within the nut portion 34 of the adapter 25 and the inner conductor 30 extending through the interior space 37 of the annular portion 33 and projecting beyond the opening 38 of adapter 25. In this arrangement, shield 145 is in electrical communication contact with outer surface 65 of inner post 61. Furthermore, because alignment mechanism 93 bypasses adapter 25 in permanent electrical communication with internal pole 61, shield 145 is also in electrical communication with adapter 25 through internal pole 61, establishing continuity for the Mexican institute. OE LA EROEÍEOaw WWWIIAl connector 20

<img file="MX342154B_D0026.tif" />

FIGS. '3D and 47Γ, e? Tlá · the external barrel 60 protection and grounding between coaxial cable 21. With reference to the uncompressed condition of the connector 20, it has an internal diameter D, the internal surface 84 of the external barrel 60 and the edges 70a and 70b are separated by a distance G, and the length of connector 20 from front end 23 to rear end 43 is length L. In embodiments in which connector 20 will be used with RG6-style coaxial cables, the internal diameter D is approximately 8.4 millimeters, the distance G is approximately 1.4 millimeters, and the length L is approximately 19.5 millimeters. Other modalities, as would be used with other types of cables, will have different dimensions.

From the uncompressed condition, connector 20 moves into the compressed condition illustrated in FIG. 4B. The thin-walled internal and external compression bands 152 and 45 of the outer barrel 60 and compression collar 26 are useful for curling downward on the coaxial cable 21 to provide a secure, undamaged fit between connector 20 and cable coaxial 21. To compress connector 20, connector 20 is placed in a compression tool that holds connector 20 and compresses connector 20 axially along axis A from front and rear ends 23 and 43 along the arrow lines. E and F.

<img file="MX342154B_D0027.tif" />

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE Dt LA RKOPIEDAr

Axial compressive forces along ^{, N}9^T'' l^Lace'^&gt;,t? S ^ s E and F subdue the side walls of'lÍjdddü 150 «44 · -'de ·!

outer barrel respectively, and compression collar 26, tension, each driving to deform and bend in response to tension.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of rear end 24 of body 22 and compression collar 26, with coaxial cable 21 applied. When the compression tool operates, in response to the applied axial compression force, the rear end 43 of the compression collar 26 is advanced toward the outer barrel 60, causing the compression collar 26 and the outer barrel 60 to compress into the outer and inner compression bands 45 and 152, respectively. The oblique face 133 of the external compression band 45 meets the first face 110 of the major edge portion 103 of the internal compression band 152 when the joint surface 120 is advanced toward the compression collar 26. The oblique face 133 and the first face 110 are each oblique to the applied force and are parallel to each other, and the oblique face 133 and the first face 110 slide past each other obliquely to axis A.

The rear end 83 of the outer barrel 60 contacts and rests against the shoulder 134 of the compression collar 26, and when the first face 110 slides on the oblique face

133, rear end 83 pivots on shoulder 134, and the

IMPIOUS/

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

DE ΙΛ 7MJFI i ÍM U 'ring 115 warps inward, causing q'ffí /' Ú'-a DMaade internal compression 152 buckling ra di alment e — hac1a ¹ ίΐυϊτίΐ'σ '' • y * the V-shaped channel 114 deforms inward. When the V-shaped channel 114 is deformed inward, the outer compression band 45, under continuous compressive forces, buckles in the V-shaped channel 114. The first and second wall portions 125 and 126 are oriented obliquely inward toward axis A, such that the axial compressive force causes the first and second wall portions 125 and 126 to deform radially inward toward axis A and They join. Curve 130 is forced radially inward into V-shaped channel 114 and abuts against curve 105 to deform internal compression band 152 radially inward. The V-shaped channel 114 captures the buckled external compression band 45, ensuring that the external compression band 45 buckles radially, and when the major and minor edge portions 103 and 104 buckle in response to pivoting and in response to In contact with the external compression band 45, the external compression band 45 is additionally carried radially inward towards the edges 70a and 70b by the deformed V-shaped channel 114.

<td>Compression</td><td>keep going</td><td>until</td><td>than</td><td>the</td><td>band</td><td>of</td>

<td>external compression 45 se</td><td>closes from</td><td>way</td><td>than</td><td>the</td><td>space</td><td>of</td>

<td>compression 131 is removed</td><td colspan="2">, and the connector</td><td>20 se</td><td colspan="2">Put in</td><td>the</td>

MEXICAN INSTITUTE K &lt;* 5 = «I ^ S»

Dt PROPERTY compressed condition illustrated in FIGS. 3Έ $ ψ^τ*^{, Λ}4Β * γ —- 5rT

Although the process of moving connector 20 from ¹ 'the¹ 'eCTidréjÓTt · -not compressed to the compressed condition is presented and described above as a series of sequential steps, it should be understood that the compression of the connector 20 on the coaxial cable 21 is preferably performed in a smooth and continuous motion, taking less than one second.

In the compressed condition of the connector 20, the internal diameter D of the connector 20 is altered to an internal diameter D ', the internal surface of the outer barrel 60 and the pins 70 are now separated by a distance G', and the length of the body 22 of the connector is now a length L ', as indicated in FIG. 4B and FIG. 5. The distance G 'is less than half the distance G, the internal diameter D' is approximately the internal diameter D minus the distance G ', and the length L' is less than the length L. In embodiments where the connector 20 will be used with RG6 style coaxial cables, the internal diameter D 'is approximately 6.7 millimeters, the distance G' is approximately 0.5 millimeters, and the length L 'is approximately 18. C millimeters. Other modalities, as used with other types of cables, will have different dimensions. As seen in FIG. 4B, this significant reduction in diameter causes jacket 140 and shield 145 of coaxial cable 21 to engage and

INSTITUTO MEXICANO OE LA FKOKUUD »INDUSTRIAL curl between curve 105 and edges 70a and 7 (

<img file="MX342154B_D0028.tif" />

On the other hand, the curve 105 opposite the edges 70a and "^,TSBést'á '~¹'' is placed between edges 70a and 70b, so that jacket 140 and guard 145 curl between curve 105 and edges 70a and 70b in an axial location between edges 70a and 70b, which prevents cable removal coaxial 21 of connector 20. The first and second wall portions 125 and 126 are oriented transversely and generally tangentially to axis A to support the buckled internal compression band 152 in the buckled arrangement, and to resist removal of coaxial cable 21 preventing outward directed movement of the internal compression band 152.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the rigid material characteristics of the inner post 61 prevent the inner post 61 from being damaged by curling. Furthermore, because dielectric insulator 143 and inner conductor 30 are protected within inner post 61 and shield 145 is outside inner post 61 in contact with outer surface 65, the continuity of the connection between shield 145 and the inner pole 61 so that a signal transmitted through connector 20 does not leak out of connector 20, so that outside RF interference does not leak into connector 20, and so that connector 20 remains electrically grounded. The interaction between protection 145 and edges 70a and 70b,

<img file="MX342154B_D0029.tif" />

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE IA PROE1IDAIÍ INDUSTRIAL which project forward and radially out of axis A, further inhibits the movement of coaxial cable 21 backwards along a direction opposite to line F outside connector 20, ensuring that the connector 20 securely applied on the coaxial cable

21.

With connector 20 in the compressed condition, connector 20 can now be attached to an electrical device in a common and well-known manner by threading connector 20 onto a threaded post of a selected electrical device. The present invention is described above with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made in the disclosed embodiment without departing from the nature and scope of the present invention. Various other changes and modifications to the embodiment chosen herein for illustration purposes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Insofar as such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope of the same.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice it, the claimed invention is:

MEXICAN INSTITUTE ° f Ά non ida t&gt; inmutiial

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