Coaxial cable connector with pop-out pin

[0001] The invention relates generally to plugs for coaxial cables, and in particular plugs for coaxial cables attached to a terminal.

Description of the Related Art [0002] Coaxial cable plugs, such as axially crimp RCA, BNC and F plugs, are used to connect the coaxial cable to another object, such as a device or a splitter, having a terminal adapted to receive the plug. After cutting the end of the coaxial cable using one of several known cable preparation techniques, the cut end of the coaxial cable is inserted into the rear end of the plug. Then the plug is clamped axially using one of several known mounting tools and the plug and coaxial cable are permanently connected.

[0003] Most known plugs, which is disadvantageous, require the "blind entry" of the coaxial cable into the plug, which means that the inner insulation or sheath of the coaxial cable obstructs the view of the small hole in the plug into which the central coaxial cable should be inserted. The internal insulation or coating obstructs the view of the small hole mainly because the small hole is unfavorably recessed too deeply in the plug. Such known plugs do not provide any means to ensure proper centering of the inner insulation or the foam core of the coaxial cable inside the plug when plugging the coaxial cable into the plug.

[0004] In use, the pin in the RCA and F plugs protrudes past the front end of the plug. However, before using, there is no need for the pin to stick out of the plug. The pin of many known RCA and F plugs protrudes at all times, including in particular during transport or shipping. [0005] Many known plugs use separate or loose components that must be manipulated during assembly and are therefore prone to being lost. For example, the known RCA plug comes with a loose pin, which means that the pin is not an integral part of the plug body when shipped. Loose heels are prone to getting lost. Additional steps are needed to assemble the separate element.

[0006] Another known plug uses a central coaxial cable to push the plug pin. Using the middle cable coaxial cable to push the pin does not work well, if at all, when the middle cable is small in diameter.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a coaxial plug that is "easier to install" and has a clear visual indication that the plug is correctly mounted on the coaxial cable.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a plug that has a pin integrated into the plug body such that at least a portion of the pin remains in the plug body at all times.

[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a plug that has a pin that does not protrude from the plug before use.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a plug with a one-piece pin and having a clear visual indication that the plug is properly mounted on the coaxial cable.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plug that provides the user with a view of the opening into which the coaxial cable is to be inserted when inserting the coaxial cable during connection.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a plug that uses a foam coaxial cable core to push a plug pin.

[0013] Document US-A-5860833 describes an electrical plug according to the preamble of claim 1 with a probe placed in an axial hole in the insulator. The wall defining the axial opening has an internal projection and the probe has a matching recess to define, together with the projection, a stop relation limiting the axial movement of the probe in the first direction. The protrusion on the probe rests on an insulator to limit the axial movement of the probe in the second direction opposite to the first direction. The probe has a bayonet portion arranged to receive the female element in the first plug, with the probe in the second stop relation. The ring cap on the insulator has a crimp part on the insulator to maintain a constant relationship between the insulator and the ring cap. The nut on the ring cap stays stationary between the protrusion on the ring cap and the sleeve on the ring cap. The end of the probe opposite the bayonet part has a socket for receiving pins in the cable. The cable has an insulator that can be placed in the space inside the annular cap. The ring cap has many circumferential fingers that extend away from the bayonet portion of the probe, and which have projections at their outer ends. The fingers are separated from the clamping part on the sleeve. The conductive braid on the inner insulation of the cable is placed between the fingers and the clamped part of the sleeve and held still by the projections on the fingers and the clamping of the sleeve.

[0014] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description goes forward.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0015] An electrical plug for connecting to a coaxial cable is disclosed. The coaxial cable consists of a middle conductor and a layer of internal insulation surrounding the middle conductor. The electrical plug consists of: a longitudinal axis; rear end for receiving the coaxial cable; front end, body; bracket fixed mounted inside the body and a set of contacts movably mounted in the bracket, the contact set consists of a guide, a pin fixed in the guide, a pin having a front end and a rear end, and a terminal for realizing mechanical and electrical contact with the center conductor of the coaxial cable, the terminal it is fixed to the rear end of the pin; wherein the contact assembly may move along the longitudinal axis towards the front end of the electrical plug in response to the coaxial cable being inserted into the rear end of the electrical plug, the front end of the pin protruding from the body when the coaxial cable is fully inserted into the rear end of the electrical plug. Preferably, the rear side of the guide has a hole on the longitudinal axis for receiving a central coaxial cable. In preferred embodiments, the rear side of the guide is funnel-shaped to guide the central coaxial cable conduit toward the hole in the guide. Preferably, the inner insulation layer of the coaxial cable moves the contact assembly. Advantageously, the user can see the hole in the guide when attaching until the center conductor of the coaxial cable enters the hole. In preferred embodiments, the rear side of the guide is funnel-shaped with a hole on the longitudinal axis to receive the central coaxial cable conduit, so that the inner insulation layer, and not the central conduit cable, moves the contact assembly.

[0016] In one set of preferred embodiments, an RCA plug for connecting to a coaxial cable is disclosed, the coaxial cable comprising a central conductor and an inner insulation layer surrounding the central conductor. The electrical plug has a longitudinal axis; bracket fixed in the body; and a contact assembly movably mounted inside the bracket, the body, bracket and contact assembly have a common longitudinal axis, the contact assembly includes a guide, a pin fixedly fixed to the guide, the pin having a front end and a rear end, and a clamp for making mechanical and electrical contact with the middle conductor of the coaxial cable, the clamp being fixed to the rear end of the pin; wherein the contact assembly is able to move along the longitudinal axis towards the front end of the electric plug, such that the front end of the pin moves from the first position, completely inside the body, to the second position, at least partially protruding from the front end of the body, in response to insertion coaxial cable to the back end of the RCA plug.

[0017] In another set of preferred embodiments, a BNC plug is disclosed for attachment to a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable comprising a central conductor and an inner insulation layer surrounding the central conductor. The electrical plug has a longitudinal axis; rear end for receiving the coaxial cable; bracket fixed in the body; and a contact assembly movably mounted inside the bracket, the body, bracket and contact assembly have a common longitudinal axis, the contact assembly includes a guide, a pin fixedly fixed to the guide, the pin having a front end and a rear end, and a clamp for making mechanical and electrical contact with the middle conductor of the coaxial cable, the clamp being fixed to the rear end of the pin; wherein the contact assembly is capable of traveling along the longitudinal axis towards the front end of the electrical plug in response to the coaxial cable being inserted into the rear end of the BNC plug.

[0018] In another set of preferential embodiments, a plug F for connecting to a coaxial cable is disclosed, the coaxial cable comprising a central conductor and an inner insulation layer surrounding the central conductor. The electrical plug has a longitudinal axis; rear end for receiving the coaxial cable; front end; bracket fixed in the body; and a contact assembly movably mounted inside the bracket, the body, bracket and contact assembly have a common longitudinal axis, the contact assembly includes a guide, a pin fixedly fixed to the guide, the pin having a front end and a rear end, and a clamp for making mechanical and electrical contact with the middle conductor of the coaxial cable, the clamp being fixed to the rear end of the pin; wherein the contact assembly is able to move along the longitudinal axis towards the front end of the electrical plug, such that the front end of the pin slides from the first position, completely inside the body, to the second position in which the pin at least partially protrudes from the front end of the body, in reaction to inserting the coaxial cable into the back end of the F plug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The present invention will be described in greater detail and clarity by referring to the following drawings in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the RCA plug disclosed herein, showing the rear end of the RCA plug before connecting to the coaxial cable; [0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the RCA connector of FIG. 1, showing the front end of the RCA plug before connecting the RCA plug to the coaxial cable;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the RCA connector of FIG. 1 and parts of a coaxial cable, showing the front end of the RCA plug after connecting the RCA plug to the coaxial cable and before axial clamping;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RCA connector of FIG. 1 and a side view of the coaxial cable prior to attachment, including the contact assembly and the bracket;

[0024] FIG. 4A is an enlargement of the area 4A of FIG. 4;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RCA connector of FIG. 1 and a side view of the coaxial cable in the first connection step;

[0026] FIG. 5A is an enlargement of the area 5A of FIG. 5;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RCA connector of FIG. 1 and a side view of the coaxial cable in the second stage of attachment;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RCA connector of FIG. 1 and a side view of the coaxial cable, fully assembled together;

[0029] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the RCA plug contact assembly of FIG. 4, including the contact, guide and spring clip;

[0030] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the spring clip of FIG. 8;

[0031] FIG. 9 is a larger enlarged perspective view of the spring clip of FIG. 8A;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the BNC plug disclosed herein, showing the rear end of the BNC plug before connecting to the coaxial cable;

[0033] FIG. 11 a perspective view of the BNC plug of FIG. 10, showing the front end of the BNC plug before connecting the BN C plug to the coaxial cable;

[0034] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the BNC plug of FIG. 10 and parts of the coaxial cable showing the front end of the BNC plug after the BNC plug is attached to the coaxial cable;

[0035] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC plug of FIG. 10 and a side view of the coaxial cable before attachment;

[0036] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC connector of FIG. 10 and a side view of the coaxial cable in the first connecting step;

[0037] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC plug of FIG. 10 and a side view of the coaxial cable in the second connecting step;

[0038] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC plug of FIG. 10 and a side view of the coaxial cable, fully assembled together;

[0039] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the F plug disclosed herein, showing the rear end of the F plug before connecting to the coaxial cable;

[0040] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the F connector of FIG. 17 showing the front end of the F plug before connecting the F plug to the coaxial cable;

[0041] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the F connector of FIG. 17 and parts of a coaxial cable showing the front end of the F plug after connecting the F plug to the coaxial cable;

[0042] FIG. 20 is a partial side view of the F connector of FIG. 17;

[0043] FIG. 20A is an enlargement of the area 20A of FIG. twenty;

[0044] FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a BNC plug having a sheath, and a side view of the coaxial cable shown before connecting to the coaxial cable;

[0045] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the BNC plug of FIG. 21 and a side view of the coaxial cable in the first connection step;

[0046] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the BNC plug of FIG. 21 and a side view of the coaxial cable in the second stage of attachment;

[0047] FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the BNC plug of FIG. 21 and a side view of the coaxial cable in the third step of attachment;

[0048] FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the BNC plug of FIG. 21 and a side view of the coaxial cable, fully assembled together, and the front guide separated from it;

[0049] FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the plug of FIG. 21, in a flared condition;

[0050] FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the plug of FIG. 21, in neutral condition;

[0051] FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the back of the plug of FIG. 21, in neutral condition;

[0052] FIG. 29 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the plug of FIG. 21, in a closed state;

[0053] FIG. 30 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the contact assembly of the alternative embodiment of the BNC plug of FIG 21;

[0054] FIG. 31 is an enlarged side view of an alternative form of shirt implementation;

[0055] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the RCA connector of FIG. 1, showing that when inserting the coaxial cable, the small hole at the rear end of the RCA plug into which the central coaxial cable of Fig. 3 is to be inserted is visible to the user; and [0056] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the RCA plug according to the current state of the art, showing that when inserting a coaxial cable, the small hole at the rear end of the RCA plug, according to the current state of the art, into which the central coaxial cable of Fig. 3 is to be inserted, is not visible to the user;

[0057] For simplicity and clarity of illustrations, the figures of the drawings illustrate the general construction method and in order to avoid unnecessary obfuscation of the invention, descriptions and details of known features and techniques are omitted. In addition, the elements of the figures of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATION FORMS [0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an axially crimp RCA connector 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the RCA 100 plug before connecting the RCA plug and coaxial cable together. FIG. 1 shows the RCA 100 plug as it looks favorably before use, such as during transport or shipping and during storage, hereinafter referred to as "as shipped". Generally, the RCA connector 100 is cylindrical and has a front end 101, a rear end 102 and a central longitudinal axis 103. The front end 101 is for detachable attachment to a terminal (not shown). The back end 102 is for attachment to a coaxial cable. The RCA plug 100 includes a clamp ring 110 which is generally cylindrical in shape. Preferably, the clamping ring 110 is made of plastic. The cylindrical shaped cover 112 is attached to the clamping ring 110. Preferably, the cover 112 is made of metal. The clamping ring 110 is attached to the body 114 preferably by a press fit. Preferably the body 114 is made of metal. Generally, the cylindrical shaped bracket 116 is mounted inside the body 114. Preferably, the bracket 116 is made of metal. Generally, a cylindrical shaped guide 118 is secured inside the bracket 116. Preferably, the guide 118 is internal insulation. The clamping ring 110 the sheath 112, the body 114, the bracket 116 and the guide 118 have a common longitudinal axis 103. A small hole in the guide 118 near the rear end 102 of the RCA plug 100 on the longitudinal axis 103 forms a disk 120 which is preferably close to the rear end 102 of the RCA plug 100.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the RCA plug 100 showing the front end 101 of the RCA plug before connecting the RCA plug to the coaxial cable. FIG. 2 shows the RCA 100 plug in a favorable "as shipped" condition. The RCA 100 plug includes a 200 pin, which is an integral part of the RCA plug when shipped. The advantage is that the pin 200 does not protrude beyond the front end 101 of the RCA 100 plug being in the "as shipped" state. As a result, the body 114 of the RCA 100 plug protects the pin 200 from damage during transportation.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the RCA plug 100 and part of the coaxial cable or cable 300, showing the front end 101 of the RCA plug after the RCA plug is attached to the coaxial cable and before the axial clamping of the RCA plug. The cable 300 is fully inserted into the RCA 100 plug, and the tip or head of the pin 200 protrudes completely or is completely extended from the body 114. The advantage is that the user receives a visual indication that the cable 300 is fully inserted into the RCA plug 100, by which the user can see that the pin 200 has moved to the fully extended position. In FIG. 3, the front of the pin 200 projects beyond the front end 101 of the RCA 100 plug. At the final stage, the RCA plug 100 is axially clamped with one of several standard mounting tools, which causes the clamp ring 110 and body 114 to move toward each other and attachment is accomplished.

The pin 200 remains in the fully extended position shown in FIG. 3 after attachment (see FIG. 7);

[0061] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RCA 100 plug and a side view of the cable 300 before connecting together. FIG. 4 shows the RCA connector 100 in the same preferred "as shipped" state as shown in FIG. 2, with the ready-to-insert cable 300 prepared. The advantage is that the tip of the stud 200 is recessed inside the body 114 during shipping. The RCA plug 100 includes an insulating element 401 which supports the front of the pin 200 and holds the pin in the longitudinal axis 103 of the RCA plug 100. The insulating element 401 is generally a cylindrical support made of electrical insulating material. The stud 200 has an inner surface defining a cylindrical opening along the longitudinal axis 103 of the stud. The hole extends to the pin 200 from the rear end of the pin and the hole is about one-third the length of the pin. The aperture includes a wider portion 406, nearest the rear end of the pin 200, and a narrower portion 407, further from the rear end of the pin. The RCA 100 plug includes a spring clip or 402 clip mounted in the wider portion 406 of the hole. Contact assembly 800 (see FIG. 8) includes a guide 118, pin 200 and clamp 402. Contact assembly 800 is able to move longitudinally as a unit relative to body 114. Label 403 (not marked in FIG. 1, 2 or 3) is optionally located on the outer surface of the sheath 112. The cable 300 comprises a central conductor 431, surrounded by a layer of internal insulation, such as a foam core 432, surrounded by the outer conductor 433, surrounded by the coating 434.

[0062] FIG. 4A is an enlargement of the area 4A of FIG. 4 ;. The bracket 116 has an inner surface defining a cylindrical opening 422 along the longitudinal axis 103 of the bracket. The opening 422 extends along the length of the bracket 116. The guide 118 is secured inside the opening 422 of the bracket 116. The guide 118 includes a central portion with an outer diameter of 404 and integral front and rear flanges 411 and 412, each with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter 404, such as the outer diameter of 405 of the rear flange 412. The front portion of the guide 118, including the front flange 411, has many axial slots forming many segments. In one preferred embodiment, the front flange 411 has two (2) axial slots, thereby forming four (4) segments. Segments 413 and 415 are visible in FIG. 4A. Preferably the front flange 411 has a projection 417 preferably formed by a sharp corner on the rear side of the front flange 411 and a bevelled, conical or rounded corner 418 on the front side of the front flange.

The inner surface of the bracket 116 is provided with an annular groove 420, preferably in the front of the bracket. The inner wall forming the rear side of the groove 420 nearest the rear end 102 of the RCA connector 100 is preferably at an almost right angle to the inner surface of the bracket 116. The inner surface of the bracket 116 forming the side of the groove 420 furthest from the rear end 102 is angled to allow the guide 118 to be pushed out groove and out of the groove. The projection 417 of the front flange 411 of the guide 118 is capable of receiving the inner surface of the bracket 116 forming the rear side of the groove 420 of the bracket 116, which coupling prevents the guide from sliding longitudinally or withdrawing from the RCA connector 100. The corner 418 on the front flange 411 of the guide 118 allows the guide to slide forward relative to the bracket 116 when sufficient axial force is applied to the guide forward to cause radial bias to one or more segments of the front flange 411, allowing the front flange to move behind the front side of the 420 groove. The rear portion of the guide 118 preferably includes an angled surface 424 forming a funnel that assists in inserting the central conductor 431 of the cable 300 into the shield 120. In preferred embodiments, the guide 118 is machined or formed of a plastic material such as acetal. Placing the guide 118 and pin 200 near the rear end 102 of the RCA connector 100 reduces the blind entrance of the cable 300. The ratio of the diameters of the guide 118 and the groove 420 in the bracket 116 ensures that the guide contacts the inner surface of the bracket 116 and holds the pin 200 centered in the bracket hole 422. The larger outer diameter 405 of the rear flange 412 is sized to ensure that the guide 118 is centered in the hole 422 of the bracket 116. In preferred embodiments, the pin 200 engages the guide 118 with a metal spike 426. The metallic spike 426 is preferably embedded in the relatively flexible guide 118.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RCA 100 plug and a side view of the cable 300 in the first connection step. FIG. 5 shows the cable 300 partially inserted. The end of the central conductor 431 of the cable 300 has entered the narrower portion 407 of the pin hole 200. A standard cable preparation tool reveals the central conductor 431 of the cable 300 over a length shorter than distance 502. As a result, it is the insulation layer 432 of the cable 300, and not the middle conductor 431 of the cable 300, that pushes the contact assembly 800 into the body 114. In FIG. The contact assembly 800 has been moved forward an intermediate distance by pushing the guide 118 through the inner insulation layer 432.

[0064] FIG. 5A is an enlargement of the area 5A of FIG. 5. Four segments with cutouts (only segments 413 and 415 are visible) of the guide 118 is designed to fall and bend at bendable points (only bendable points 414 and 416 are visible) when sliding out as a result of inserting the cable 300 . The segments with notches of the guide 118 allow the guide to engage with the inner surface of the bracket 116 and also to slide the guide out of the groove 420 of the bracket 116 when the appropriate axial force is used. The front side of the front flange 411 is chamfered or rounded to facilitate the forward movement of the guide 118 relative to the bracket 116, and the rear side of the front flange is flat to prevent backward movement of the guide 118 relative to the bracket 116.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RCA connector 100 and a side view of the cable 300 of Fig. 3 and shows a second connection step. In FIG. 6 shows the fully embedded cable 300. FIG. 6, the pin 200 is in the final position in which the pin fully protrudes or is fully extended. An advantage of the RCA 100 plug is that the proper seating of the cable 300 is indicated by the final position of the pin 200. The protruding pin 200 provides visual confirmation of the proper insertion of the cable 300.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the RCA connector 100 and cable 300, assembled together, with the pin 200 remaining in the fully extended position. FIG. 7 shows the clamping ring 110, moved to a closed position, which presses the outer conductor 433 and the sheath 434 of the cable 300 into the bracket 116. In FIG. 7 RCA 100 plug shown in "in use" condition. In FIG. 6 and 7 the front part of the pin 200 protrudes beyond the front part 101 of the RCA 100 plug.

[0067] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the plug contact assembly 800

RCA 100. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of terminal 402.

[0068] Fig. 9 is a larger enlarged perspective view of the clamp 402. The clamp is preferably mounted by means of a press fit on the wider portion 406 of the pin hole 200. The clamp 402 includes four (4) teeth 911-914 at the front end 915 of the clamp 402 each shaped, to resiliently grip the middle conductor 431 of cable 300. The rear end 916 of the clamp 402 makes contact with the wall of the wider portion 406 of the stud bore 200, preferably by fitting the slide clamp inside the stud bore. Therefore, positive electrical and mechanical coupling of the stud 200 of the RCA plug 100 to the center conductor 431 of the cable 300 via terminal 402 is maintained. The design of the guide 118 and the pin 200 has been chosen so as to provide the required impedance range between the body 114 and the pin 200 in the required radio frequency operating range. The nominal impedance of the plugs according to the invention is 75 ohms. The required operating range of the RCA 100 radio connectors is acoustic frequencies. The required operating range of the radio frequencies of other plugs according to the invention covers frequencies up to 3 GHz.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an axially crimp BNC plug 1000 showing the rear end 1002 of the BNC plug before connecting to the coaxial cable 300. In FIG. 10 shows the BNC 1000 plug in the preferred "as shipped" preferred state. Generally, the BNC 1000 plug is cylindrical and has a front end 1001, a rear end 1002 and a central longitudinal axis 1003. The front end 1001 is for detachable attachment to a terminal (not shown). The back end 1002 is for attachment to a coaxial cable. The BNC 1000 plug includes a 1010 clamping ring, which is generally cylindrical. The cylindrical shaped cover 1012 is attached to the clamping ring 1010. The clamping ring 1010 is attached to the body 1014, preferably by means of a press fit. Preferably, the clamping ring 1010 is made of plastic, and the cover 1012 and body 1014 are made of metal. Bayonet joint 1015, comprising a gasket 1017 and a pair of washers 1021 and 1022, is snap-mounted at the front end 1001 of body 1014. Gasket 1017 is preferably made of polypropylene. Bayonet coupling 1015 and washers 1021 and 1022 are preferably metal. Coil spring 1025 is mounted between two washers 1021 and 1022. Coil spring 1025 is preferably metal. Generally, a cylindrical shaped bracket 1016 is mounted inside the body 1014. Preferably, the bracket 1016 is made of metal. Generally, the cylindrical shaped guide 1018 is secured inside the support 1016. Preferably, the guide 1018 is internal insulation. Clamping ring 1010, shield 1012, body 1014, bracket 1016 and guide 1018 have a common longitudinal axis 1003.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the BNC plug 1000 showing the front end 1001 of the BNC plug before connecting the BNC plug to the cable 300. In FIG. 11 shows the BNC 1000 plug in the preferred preferred state "as shipped". The BNC 1000 plug contains a 1100 pin, which is an integral part of the BNC plug at the time of loading. In a preferred embodiment, the pin 1100 does not protrude near the front end 1001 of the BNC 1000 plug, so that the body 1014 of the BNC plug 1000 protects the pin 1100 from damage during transport.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the BNC plug 1000 and part of the coaxial cable 300, showing the front end 1001 of the BNC plug after connecting the BNC plug to the cable 300, and before the axial clamping of the BNC plug. The cable 300 is fully inserted into the BNC 1000 plug and the pin 1100 completely protrudes or is completely extended from the body 1014. The advantage is that the user receives a visual indication that the cable 300 is fully inserted into the BNC 1000 plug, in that the user sees that the pin 1100 has moved to the fully extended position. In FIG. 12 pin 1100 approached the front end of 1001 BNC 1000 plug. At the final stage, the BNC 1000 plug is axially crimped using one of several standard mounting tools that causes the clamping ring 1010 and body 1014 to move toward each other and attachment is made. Pin 1100 remains in the fully extended position shown in FIG. 12 after attachment (see FIG. 16). [0072] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC 1000 plug and a side view of the cable 300, prior to connection. Section view in FIG. 13 shows the BNC plug 1000 in the same "as shipped" state, the perspective view of which is shown in FIG. 11, with the ready-to-insert cable 300 prepared. In a preferred embodiment, the pin 1100 is recessed into the body of the 1014. BNC plug 1000 includes a 1301 insulator body that supports the front of the 1100 pin and holds the pin in the central longitudinal axis 1003 of the BNC 1000 plug. Preferably, the insulator body 1301 is generally a cylindrical support made of electrical insulating material. Pin 1100 has an inner surface defining a cylindrical hole along the longitudinal axis 1003 of the pin. The hole extends to pin 1100 from the rear end of the pin and the hole is about one-third the length of the pin. In a preferred embodiment, the bore includes the wider portion 1006 closest to the rear end of the pin 1100, and the narrower portion 1007, further from the rear end of the pin. The BNC 1000 plug includes a 402 terminal mounted in the wider portion 1006 of the 1100 pin hole. Contact assembly 1300 includes a guide 1018, pin 1100 and terminal 402. The contact unit 1300 is able to move longitudinally as a unit relative to the body 114. Label 1303 (not marked on FIG. 10, 11 or 12) is optionally located on the outer surface of coating 1012.

[0073] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC 1000 plug and a side view of the cable 300 in the first connection step. In FIG. 14 shows cable 300, partially inserted into BNC 1000 plug. The end of the middle cable 431 of the cable 300 has entered the narrower part 1007 of the pin hole 1100. The advantage is that the standard cable preparation tool is used to prepare the cable 300 so that it is the inner insulation layer 432 of the cable 300, and not the middle conductor 431 of the cable 300, that pushes the contact assembly 1300 into the body 1014. In FIG. The contact assembly 1300 has been moved forward an intermediate distance by pushing the guide 1018 through the inner insulation layer 432.

[0074] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC 1000 plug and a side view of the cable 300 in the second connection step. In FIG. 15 shows the fully embedded cable 300. FIG. 13, the pin 1100 is in the final position in which the pin fully protrudes or is fully extended. An advantage of the BNC 1000 plug is that the proper seating of the 300 cable is signaled by the end position of the 1100 pin. The protruding pin 1100 gives visual confirmation of the proper insertion of the 300 cable.

[0075] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC 1000 plug and a side view of the cable 300, assembled together, with the pin 1100 remaining in the fully extended position. FIG. 16 shows the clamping ring 1010, moved to a closed position, which presses the outer conductor 433 and the sheath 434 of the cable 300 between the outer clamping ring 1010 and the support 1016. In FIG. 16 BNC 1000 plug shown "in use".

[0076] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the axially crimped F connector 1700 showing the rear end 1702 of the F connector before the F connector and the cable 300 are connected together. In FIG. 17 shows the F 1700 plug in the "as shipped" condition. The F 1700 plug is generally cylindrical and has a front end 1701, a rear end 1702 a central longitudinal axis 1703. The front end 1701 is for detachable attachment to a terminal (not shown). The back end of 1702 is for attachment to cable 300. The F 1700 plug includes a clamping ring 1710, which is generally cylindrical. Preferably, the clamping ring 1710 is made of plastic, and more preferably of molded acetal. The cylindrical shaped cover 1712 is attached to the clamping ring 1710. Preferably, the cover 1712 is made of metal. The clamping ring 1710 is attached to the body 1714 preferably by a press fit. Preferably the body 1714 is made of metal. Generally, a cylindrical shaped bracket 1716 is mounted inside the body 1714. Preferably, the bracket is made of metal. Generally, a cylindrical shaped guide 1718 is attached inside the bracket 1716. Preferably, the guide 1718 is internal insulation. Clamp ring 1710, cover 1712, body 1714, bracket 1716 and guide 1718 have a common longitudinal axis 1703.

[0077] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the F 1700 plug showing the front end 1701 of the F plug before connecting the F plug to the cable 300. In FIG. 18 shows the F 1700 plug in the "as shipped" condition. The F 1700 plug contains a 1800 pin, which is an integral part of the F connector when shipped. The advantage is that the 1800 pin does not protrude beyond the front part of the 1701 F 1700 plug. Thanks to this, the body 1714 of the F 1700 plug protects the 1800 pin from damage.

[0078] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the F 1700 plug and part of the cable 300, showing the front end of the 1701 F plug after connecting the F plug to the cable, and before the axial crimping of the F plug. The cable 300 is fully inserted into the F 1700 plug, and the tip or head of the 1800 pin completely protrudes or is completely extended from the body 1714. The advantage is that the user receives a visual indication that the cable 300 is fully inserted into the F 1700 plug, in that the user sees that the pin 1800 has moved to the fully extended position. In FIG. 19 the front part of the 1800 pin protrudes past the front end of the 1701 F 1700 plug. At the final stage, the F 1700 plug is axially clamped using one of several standard mounting tools that causes the clamp ring 1710 and body 1714 to move toward each other to complete the connection, and the F 1700 plug to enter the "in use" state (not shown). Pin 1800 remains in the fully extended position shown in FIG. 19 after joining.

[0079] FIG. 20 is a partial side view of the F 1700 plug in a preferred "as shipped" state, a perspective view of which is shown in FIG. 17 with a prepared, ready-to-insert cable 300. The advantage is that during shipping, the tip of the 1800 pin is recessed into the body of the 1714. The F 1700 plug includes the insulator body 2001, which supports the front part of the 1800 pin and holds the 1800 pin in the central longitudinal axis 1703 F 1700 plugs. Preferably, the insulator body 2001 is generally a cylindrical support made of electrical insulating material. The F 1700 plug includes a 402 clamp attached to the wider 2006 opening at the rear end of the 1800 stud. The contact assembly includes a 1718 guide, 1800 stud and 402 clamp. The contact assembly is able to move longitudinally as a unit relative to the 1714 body. Label 2003 (not marked) in FIG. 17, 18 and 19) is optionally located on the outer surface of the cover 1712. FIG. 20A is an enlargement of the area 20A of FIG. 20 and shows the contact assembly.

[0080] In FIG. 21-25 show other forms of implementation of BNC 2100 plugs with an alternative form of implementation of the extendable pin 2130 with attached sleeve 2140. FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC 2100 plug and a side view of the cable 300, before connecting them. In FIG. 21 shows the BNC 2100 plug in the preferred "as shipped" state, with the ready-to-insert 300 cable ready. The 2140 sleeve helps reduce the "blind entry" effect of the cable.

[0081] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the BNC 2100 plug and a side view of the cable 300 in the first connection step. FIG. 22 shows cable 300 partially inserted. Jacket 2140 acts as a guide for the inner insulation layer 432 of the cable 300 to enter the inner diameter of the bracket 2116. Because pin 2130 (and shirt 2140) is moved axially to bracket 2116 via cable 300, the bracket contacts the shirt and the shirt swings inward toward longitudinal axis 2103, so that shirt 2140 is partially closed by the inner diameter of bracket 2116. Shirt 2140 acts as a guide for the inner insulation layer 432 of the cable 300 for entry into the inner diameter of bracket 2116. The disposable 2150 front guide (to be removed after use) ensures the coaxiality of pin 2130 of bracket 2116. Proper placement of cable 300 can confirm the final position of pin 2130. The protruding pin 2130 provides visual confirmation of proper assembly of cable 300.

[0082] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the BNC 2100 plug and a side view of the cable 300 at the second connection stage. In FIG. 23 shows the fully seated cable 300. The arms 2141-2144 of the sheath 2140 are radially displaced inwardly inside the insulator hole of the plug 2111, causing the four metallic fingers (only finger 2131 and finger 2133 are shown) at the rear end of the pin with the notches 2130 to include, and preferably overlap, the middle conductor 431 of cable 300 .

[0083] FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the BNC 2100 plug and a side view of the cable 300 at the third stage of attachment. In FIG. 24 shows the clamp ring 2110, moved to the closed position, which grips the outer conductor 433 and the sheath 434 of the cable 300 between the clamp ring 2110 and the bracket 2116. At this point in the joining process, the disposable front guide 2150 can be removed and discarded.

[0084] FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the BNC 2100 plug and a side view of the cable 300, fully assembled together, and the front guide 2150, separated from them. In FIG. 25 shows an alternative implementation of the BNC 2100 plug in the "in use" state.

[0085] FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the T-shirt 2140 in a flared condition. T-shirt 2140 is made of non-conductive material, preferably of plastic such as acetal. T-shirt 2140 is either machined and parted or molded in an open or open position.

[0086] FIG. 27 is an enlarged sectional side view of the sheath 2140 in a partially closed or neutral state.

[0087] FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the back of the 2140 jersey in neutral. The 2140 jersey contains four (4) arms 2141-2144.

[0088] FIG. 29 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the T-shirt 2140 in the closed state. [0089] FIG. 30 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the contact assembly of an alternative embodiment of the BNC 2100 plug that includes a sheath 2140 and a pin 2130. The contact assembly moves forward inside the bracket 2116 when the cable 300 is inserted into the rear end 2102 of the BNC plug. The bias ensures that the 2140 jersey contacts the bracket hole 2116 and maintains the centering of pin 2130 in the bracket. T-shirt 2140 snaps on the back end of the 2130 pin, which allows the pin and shirt to maintain axial contact. This arrangement of the sheath 2140 and pin 2130 reduce the problem of "blind entry" of the cable 300. Preferably, the sheath 2140 has cutouts to allow uniform closure when pressed into the hole of the bracket 2116. The arms 2141-2144 of the sheath 2140 preferably close evenly and press axially towards the center four (4) fingers of the pin 2130 causing the fingers of the pin to close on the central conductor 431 of the cable 300 and make contact with it. This closing method guarantees good electrical and mechanical contact between the pin 2130 of the BNC 2100 plug and the center conductor 431 of the cable 300. Closing also prevents the middle conductor 431 of the 300 cable from bending because the arms 2141-2144 of the sheath 2140 do not exert columnar pressure on the central conductor. Jacket 2140 is at least partially closed by the inner diameter of the bracket 2116. Jacket 2140 also acts as a guide for the inner insulation layer 432 of the cable 300 to enter the inner diameter of the bracket 2116.

[0090] FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an alternative form of T-shirt 2160 that has an annular recess 2170 on an outer surface near the front end of the T-shirt. An alternative embodiment of the 2160 jersey has four arms (only arms 2161 and 2163 are shown). Annular recess 2170 provides a pivot point for arm deflection.

[0091] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the RCA connector 100 showing that when inserting the target 120 at the rear end 102 of the RCA connector into which the central conductor 431 of the coaxial cable 300 is to be inserted is easily visible to the user. When the cable 300 enters the rear end 102 of the RCA connector 100, the shield 120 preferably remains visible to the user until the center conductor 431 of the cable reaches the shield.

[0092] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the known RCA 3300 plug, showing that during insertion a disc (not shown) recessed at the rear end of the known RCA plug into which the central wire 431 of the coaxial cable 300 is to be inserted is not easily visible to the user. The inner insulation layer 432 or shell 434, or both the inner insulation layer and the cable sheath 300 block the view of the shield from the user before the center wire 431 reaches the shield (not shown) of the known 3300 plug. Still, the user must, after losing the shield view, which is disadvantageous, continue to insert cable 300 to the known RCA 3300 plug to continue connecting. Because the user loses sight of the shield of the known RCA 3300 plug before the center wire 431 reaches the shield, the center wire 431 may not enter the shield.

Even worse, the user will not be able to realize that the middle cable 431 failed to enter the shield of the RCA 3300 plug until after completing the electrical test the connection of a known plug and cable can reveal a problem. The disadvantages of the known RCA 3300 plug identified above also exist in known BNC and F plugs (not shown).

[0093] Although the present invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments, such description is for illustrative purposes only and cannot be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.