(12) Ulllted States Patent
`Purdy
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,097,499 B1
`Aug. 29, 2006
`
`US007097499B1
`
`(54) COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR HAVING
`CONDUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT ELEMENT
`AND METHOD OF UsE THEREOF
`
`(75) Inventor, Eric Purdy’ Constantia’ NY (Us)
`
`(73) Ass1gnee: John Mezzahngua Associates, Inc.,
`East Syracuse’ NY(US)
`_
`_
`_
`_
`Subject to any d1scla1mer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`*
`_
`) Not1ce:
`
`(
`
`(21) Appl.No.:11/206,726
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Aug. 18, 2005
`
`5,470,257 A 11/1995 SZegda
`5,803,767 A
`9/1998 Matsumoto et 31.
`5,931,698 A
`8/1999 Kodama
`6,089,912 A
`7/2000 Tallis et a1.
`6,153,830 A * 11/2000 Montena ................. .. 174/88 C
`6,203,368 B1
`3/2001 Weidner
`6,217,383 B1
`4/2001 Holland et al.
`6,262,374 B1
`7/2001 Matsumoto et 31‘
`6,648,683 B1
`11/2003 Youtsey
`6,700,464 B1
`3/2004 Ling 6161.
`6,729,911 B1
`5/2004 Hu
`6,805,583 B1
`10/2004 Holliday et a1,
`6,808,415 B1* 10/2004 Montena ................... .. 439/584
`6,809,265 B1
`10/2004 Gladd et al.
`6,910,919 B1
`6/2005 Hung
`2003/0095015 A1
`5/2003 LoeifelholZ et al.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(200601)
`H01R 9/05
`(52) us. Cl. .................................................... .. 439/578
`
`_
`Primary ExamineriRoss Gush1
`(74) Alwmey] Age”! 0r Firmfschmeisers Olsen & Watts
`
`(58) Field of Classi?cation Search ....... .. 4396784585
`See application ?le for complete search history.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U'S' PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,879,102 A
`4/ 1975 Horak
`4,290,663 A
`9/1981 Fowler et a1.
`4355357 A 10/1932 Hayward
`4,739,126 A
`4/1988 Gutter Ft a1~
`4902246 A
`2/1990 Samchlsen
`5’046’952 A
`9/1991 Cohen et 31'
`5,066,248 A 11/1991 Gaver, Jr. et al.
`5,181,861 A
`1/1993 Gaver, Jr. et al.
`5,460,544 A 10/ 1995 Inaba et a1.
`
`A coaxial cable connector is provided, Wherein the connec
`tor comprises a conductive engagement element slidably
`positionable around a post element of the connector and
`entirely Within an internal cavity of a connector body of the
`connector. The conductive engagement element is con?g
`ured to physically and electrically contact a lengthwise
`portion of a coaxial cable as securely a?ixed to the connector
`With a fastener member facilitating an annular environmen
`tal seal betWeen the cable and the connector.
`
`15 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
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`230
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`.170
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`380
`
`19°
`
`260
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`11111111
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`CORNING EXHIBIT 1028
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`US 7,097,499 B1
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`1
`COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR HAVING
`CONDUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT ELEMENT
`AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
`
`BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
`
`1. Technical Field
`This invention relates generally to the ?eld of connectors
`for coaxial cables. More particularly, this invention provides
`for a coaxial cable connector comprising a conductive
`component being interactive With the outer conductive
`shield of a coaxial cable and a method of use thereof.
`2. Related Art
`Broadband communications have become an increasingly
`prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange
`and coaxial cables are common conduits for transmission of
`broadband communications. Connectors for coaxial cables
`are typically connected onto complementary interface ports
`to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic
`devices. In addition, connectors are often utiliZed to connect
`coaxial cables to various communications modifying equip
`ment such as signal splitters, cable line extenders and cable
`network modules.
`To help prevent the introduction of electromagnetic inter
`ference and to facilitate proper transmission of electromag
`netic communications, common coaxial cables are provided
`With an outer conductive grounding shield. In an attempt to
`further screen ingress of environmental noise and promote
`accurate electromagnetic information exchange, typical
`coaxial cable connectors are generally con?gured to contact
`With and electrically extend the conductive shield of
`attached coaxial cables. However, often the electrical con
`tact betWeen a coaxial cable and a typical coaxial cable
`connector is insufficient to properly extend the electrical
`shield betWeen the cable and the connector. Hence, prob
`lematic electromagnetic noise is introduced via the insu?i
`cient connective juncture betWeen the outer conductive
`shield of the cable and the common coaxial cable connector.
`Such problematic noise interference is disruptive Where an
`electromagnetic buffer or shield is not provided by an
`adequate electrical and/or physical interface betWeen the
`connector and the coaxial cable. Attempts have been made
`to increase electrical/physical contact betWeen common
`coaxial cable connector components and outer conductive
`shield elements of standard coaxial cables. For example,
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,919 to Hung, discloses a connector
`having a resilient member disposed to increase electrical
`contact With a coaxial cable and to secure the cable to the
`connector. HoWever, the physical design and corresponding
`operation of the connector described in Hung, leave the
`connector open to ingress of environmental contaminants
`such as moisture and dirt Which can disrupt the electrical
`connection and interfere With proper cable communications.
`It is desirable for a connector to physically seal to a coaxial
`cable to prohibit ingress of unWanted environmental con
`taminants. Existing connector designs do not provide
`enough electrical/physical contact to ensure an adequate
`electromagnetic shield extension betWeen the connector and
`the cable and do not provide a sufficient seal to safeguard
`against ingress of physical contaminants.
`Accordingly, there is a need in the ?eld of coaxial cable
`connectors for an improved connector design.
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides an apparatus for use With
`coaxial cable connections that offers improved reliability.
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`A ?rst general aspect of the invention provides a connec
`tor for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable
`having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the
`dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding
`shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by
`a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a con
`nector body having an internal cavity, a post element oper
`able Within the internal cavity of the connector body, the
`post element having a ?rst end adapted to be inserted into an
`end of the coaxial cable around the dielectric and under the
`conductive grounding shield thereof, a conductive engage
`ment element slidably positionable around the post element
`and entirely Within the internal cavity of the connector body,
`Wherein the conductive engagement element is con?gured
`With a substantially annular ring adapted to ?t around the
`conductive grounding shield of the coaxial cable, the sub
`stantially annular ring having ?exible members extending
`therefrom and aWay from the ?rst end of the post element
`When the conductive engagement element is slidably posi
`tioned around the post element, and a fastener member,
`Wherein said fastener member facilitates an annular envi
`ronmental seal around the coaxial cable as said fastener
`member is compressed toWard the connector body.
`A second general aspect of the invention provides a
`connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial
`cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric,
`the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding
`shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by
`a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a con
`nector body having a ?rst end for receiving the coaxial
`cable, a post element adapted to be fastened to an end of the
`coaxial cable When the cable is received into the ?rst end of
`the connector body, a fastener member, Wherein said fas
`tener member operates With the post element and connector
`body to form an annular compression seal around the coaxial
`cable, and a conductive engagement element con?gured to
`substantially encircle and electrically contact a lengthWise
`portion of the conductive grounding shield of the coaxial
`cable as the coaxial cable is received by the connector body
`and fastened to the post element.
`A third general aspect of the invention provides a con
`nector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial
`cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric,
`the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding
`shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by
`a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a con
`nector body having an internal cavity extending from a ?rst
`end of the connector body, the internal cavity adapted to
`receive the coaxial cable, a post element having a ?rst end
`adapted to be inserted into an end of the coaxial cable around
`the dielectric and under the conductive grounding shield
`thereof When the cable is received into the ?rst end of the
`connector body, a fastener member, operable to create an
`annular environmental seal around the coaxial cable as said
`fastener member is compressed toWard the connector body,
`and means for enhancing the annular electrical contact
`betWeen the connector body and a lengthWise portion of the
`conductive grounding shield of the coaxial cable as posi
`tioned over the ?rst end of the post element When inserted
`into the end of the coaxial cable.
`A fourth general aspect of the invention provides a
`method for electrically coupling a coaxial cable and a
`connector, the coaxial cable having a center conductor
`surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded
`by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding
`shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said
`method comprising providing a connector, Wherein the
`
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`US 7,097,499 B1
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`3
`connector includes a connector body having an internal
`cavity adapted to receive the coaxial cable, a post element
`adapted to be fastened to an end of the coaxial cable When
`the cable is received into the internal cavity of the connector
`body, a fastener member, Wherein said fastener member
`operates With the post element and connector body to form
`an annular compression seal around the coaxial cable, and a
`conductive engagement element, con?gured to substantially
`encircle and electrically contact a lengthWise portion of the
`conductive grounding shield of the coaxial cable as the
`coaxial cable is received by the connector body and fastened
`to the post element. The method also comprises enhancing
`electrical contact betWeen the coaxial cable and the connec
`tor body by fastening the post element to the coaxial cable,
`positioning the conductive engagement element around a
`lengthWise portion of the conductive grounding shield of the
`coaxial cable, and inserting the coaxial cable into the inter
`nal cavity of the connector body, Wherein the conductive
`engagement element resides physically and electrically
`betWeen the connector body and the conductive grounding
`shield of the coaxial cable as fastened to the post element.
`Moreover, the method comprises securing the coaxial cable
`to the connector by compressing the fastener member and
`forming an annular seal around the coaxial cable protecting
`the connector against entry of unWanted environmental
`contaminants and ?xing the cable to the connector.
`The foregoing and other features of the invention Will be
`apparent from the folloWing more particular description of
`various embodiments of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Some of the embodiments of this invention Will be
`described in detail, With reference to the folloWing ?gures,
`Wherein like designations denote like members, Wherein:
`FIG. 1 depicts a partially exploded, partially cut-aWay
`vieW of one embodiment of a connector, in accordance With
`the present invention;
`FIG. 2 depicts a perspective vieW of an embodiment of a
`conductive engagement element, in accordance With the
`present invention;
`FIG. 3 depicts a perspective vieW of an additional
`embodiment of a conductive engagement element, in accor
`dance With the present invention;
`FIG. 4 depicts a sectional side vieW of another embodi
`ment of a connector, in accordance With the present inven
`tion;
`FIG. 5 depicts a perspective vieW of another embodiment
`of a conductive engagement element, in accordance With the
`present invention;
`FIG. 6 depicts a cut-aWay perspective vieW of a further
`embodiment of a connector Without an inserted coaxial
`cable, in accordance With the present invention;
`FIG. 7 depicts a perspective vieW of a further embodiment
`of a conductive engagement element, in accordance With the
`present invention; and
`FIG. 8 depicts a cut-aWay perspective vieW of the embodi
`ment the connector of FIG. 6 With an inserted coaxial cable,
`in accordance With the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
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`Although certain embodiments of the present invention
`Will be shoWn and described in detail, it should be under
`stood that various changes and modi?cations may be made
`Without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
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`The scope of the present invention Will in no Way be limited
`to the number of constituting components, the materials
`thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof,
`etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of an embodi
`ment. The features and advantages of the present invention
`are illustrated in detail in the accompanying draWings,
`Wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements
`throughout the draWings.
`As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted
`that, as used in this speci?cation and the appended claims,
`the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural refer
`ents, unless the context clearly dictates otherWise.
`Referring to the draWings, FIG. 1 depicts a partially
`exploded, partially cut-aWay vieW of one embodiment of a
`connector 100 in accordance With the present invention. The
`connector 100 may include a coaxial cable 10 having a
`protective outer jacket 12, a conductive grounding shield 14,
`an interior dielectric 16 and a center conductor 18. The
`coaxial cable 10 may be prepared as embodied in FIG. 1 by
`removing the protective outer jacket 12 and draWing back
`the conductive grounding shield 14 to expose a portion of
`the interior dielectric 16. Further preparation of the embod
`ied coaxial cable 10 may include stripping the dielectric 16
`to expose a portion of the center conductor 18. The protec
`tive outer jacket 12 is intended to protect the various
`components of the coaxial cable 10 from damage Which may
`result from exposure to dirt or moisture and from corrosion.
`Moreover, the protective outer jacket 12 may serve in some
`measure to secure the various components of the coaxial
`cable 10 in a contained cable design that protects the cable
`10 from damage related to movement during cable instal
`lation. The conductive grounding shield 14 may be com
`prised of conductive materials suitable for providing an
`electrical ground connection. Various embodiments of the
`shield 14 may be employed to screen unWanted noise. For
`instance, the shield 14 may comprise a metal foil Wrapped
`around the dielectric 16, or several conductive strands
`formed in a continuous braid around the dielectric 16.
`Combinations of foil and/or braided strands may be utiliZed
`Wherein the conductive shield 14 may comprise a foil layer,
`then a braided layer, and then a foil layer. The conductive
`grounding shield 14 may be con?gured With various inter
`stitial patterns of foil and/or braided to layers. For example,
`FIG. 1 shoWs interstices 15 of the conductive grounding
`shield 14 as exposed during preparation of the coaxial cable
`10 for installation With a connector 100. Those in the art Will
`appreciate that various layer combinations may be imple
`mented in order for the conductive grounding shield 14 to
`effectuate an electromagnetic buffer helping to prevent
`ingress of environmental noise that may disrupt broadband
`communications. The dielectric 16 may be comprised of
`materials suitable for electrical insulation. It should be noted
`that the various materials of Which all the various compo
`nents of the coaxial cable 10 are comprised should have
`some degree of elasticity alloWing the cable 10 to ?ex or
`bend in accordance With traditional broadband communica
`tions standards, installation methods and/or equipment. It
`should further be recogniZed that the radial thickness of the
`coaxial cable 10, protective outer jacket 12, conductive
`grounding shield 14, interior dielectric 16 and/or center
`conductor 18 may vary based upon generally recogniZed
`parameters corresponding to broadband communication
`standards and/or equipment.
`Referring still further to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the
`connector 100 may further include a threaded nut 30 having
`a ?rst end 32 and opposing second end 34. The threaded nut
`30 may comprise an internal lip 36 located proximate the
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`second end 34 and con?gured to hinder axial movement of
`the post element 40. The threaded nut 30 may be formed of
`conductive materials facilitating grounding through the nut.
`Moreover, the threaded nut 30 may be formed of both
`conductive and non-conductive materials. For example the
`internal lip 36 may be formed of a polymer, While the
`remainder of the nut 30 may be comprised of a metal or other
`conductive material. In addition, the threaded nut 30 may be
`formed of metals or polymers or other materials that Would
`facilitate a rigidly formed body.
`With further reference FIG. 1, embodiments of a connec
`tor 100 may include a post element 40. The post element 40
`may comprise a ?rst end 42 and opposing second end 44.
`Furthermore, the second end 44 of the post element 40 may
`be con?gured to operatively contact internal lip 36 of
`threaded nut 30, thereby facilitating the prevention of axial
`movement of the post element 40 beyond the contacted
`internal lip 36. The post element 40 may be formed such that
`portions of a prepared coaxial cable 10 including the dielec
`tric 16 and center conductor 18 may pass axially into the ?rst
`end 42 and/or through the body of the post element 40.
`Moreover, the post element 40 should be dimensioned such
`that the post element 40 may be inserted into an end of the
`prepared coaxial cable 10, around the dielectric 16 and under
`the protective outer jacket 12 and conductive grounding
`shield 14. The post element 40 may be fastened to the
`coaxial cable 10. Further, the post element 40 may be
`dimensioned such that a conductive engagement element 90
`may be slidably positionable around the post element 40 and
`entirely Within an internal cavity 55 of a connector body 50.
`Accordingly, Where an embodiment of the post element 40
`may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable 10
`under the draWn back conductive grounding shield 14 sub
`stantial physical and/or electrical contact With the conduc
`tive grounding shield 14 may be accomplished thereby
`facilitating grounding and the extension of an electromag
`netic bulfer through the post element 40. The post element
`40 may be formed of metals or other conductive materials
`that Would facilitate a rigidly formed body. In addition, the
`post element 40 may also be formed of non-conductive
`materials such as polymers or composites that facilitate a
`rigidly formed body. In further addition, the post element 40
`may be formed of a combination of both conductive and
`non-conductive materials. For example, a metal coating or
`layer may be applied to a polymer of other non-conductive
`material. The post element 40 may operate With a connector
`body 50, Wherein an outer radial surface of the post element
`40 may engage an inner radial surface of the connector body
`50.
`Accordingly, as shoWn further in FIG. 1, embodiments of
`a connector 100 may include a connector body 50. The
`connector body 50 may comprise a ?rst end 52 and opposing
`second end 54. In addition, the connector body 50 may
`include a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 57. The
`outer surface 57 may be con?gured to form an annular seal
`around the coaxial cable 10 When the ?rst end 52 is
`deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable 10
`by a fastener member 60. Moreover, the connector body 50
`may include an internal cavity 55 axially extending from the
`?rst end 52 of the connector body 50. The internal cavity 55
`may be con?gured having dimension su?icient to receive a
`prepared coaxial cable 10. The connector body 50 may be
`formed of materials such as, polymers, bendable metals or
`composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compli
`ant outer surface 57. Further, the connector body 50 may be
`formed of conductive materials or a combination both
`conductive and non-conductive materials.
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`While the connector body is shoWn in FIG. 1 engaging the
`post element 40, it should be understood by those of
`ordinary skill that the connector body 50 and post element
`40 may be separately disengageable components. Moreover,
`it should further be understood that various embodiments of
`a connector 100 may include connector body 50 having an
`integral (non-disengageable) post element 40. Such an inte
`gral post element 40 of a connector body 50 in an embodi
`ment of a connector 100 may render connector operability
`similar to the functionality of connector 100 embodiments
`having separately engageable post element 40 and connector
`body 50 components. For example, an integral post element
`40 of a connector body 50 may be formed such that portions
`of a prepared coaxial cable 10 including the dielectric 16 and
`center conductor 18 may pass axially into a ?rst end 42
`and/or through an integral post element 40. Moreover, an
`integral post element 40 may be dimensioned such that a
`portion of such an integral post element 40 may be inserted
`into an end of a prepared coaxial cable 10, around the
`dielectric 16 and under the protective outer jacket 12 and
`conductive grounding shield 14. Such an integral post ele
`ment 40 may be fastened to the coaxial cable 10. Further, an
`integral post element 40 may be dimensioned such that a
`conductive engagement element 90 may be slidably posi
`tionable around the post element 40 and entirely Within the
`internal cavity 55 of the connector body 50. Furthermore,
`the outer surface 57 of a connector body 50 having an
`integral post element 40 may render connector 100 oper
`ability similar to the functionality of a connector 100 having
`a separately engageable (non-integral) connector body 50.
`Hence, the outer surface 57 of a connector body 50 having
`an integral post element 40 may be semi-rigid, yet compli
`ant. The outer surface 57 may be con?gured to form an
`annular seal When compressed against a coaxial cable 10 by
`a fastener member 60. In addition, an integral post element
`40 may be integrally joined With a connector body 50 such
`that the joining may form an unbroken surface betWeen the
`post element 40 and the connector body 50 and may provide
`additional physical/electrical contact points for grounding
`With a conductive grounding shield 14 of a coaxial cable 10
`and/or a conductive engagement element 90.
`Referring further still to FIG. 1, embodiments of a con
`nector 100 may also include a fastener member 60. The
`fastener member 60 may have a ?rst end 62 and opposing
`second end 64. In addition, the fastener member 60 may
`include an internal annular protrusion 63 located proximate
`the ?rst end 62 of the fastener member 60 and con?gured to
`help facilitate secure engagement With the outer surface 57
`of connector body 50. Moreover, the fastener member 60
`may comprise a central passageWay 65 de?ned betWeen the
`?rst end 62 and second end 64 and extending axially through
`the fastener member 60. The central passageWay 65 may
`comprise a ramped surface 66 Which may be positioned
`betWeen a ?rst opening or inner bore 67 having a ?rst
`diameter positioned proximate With the ?rst end 62 of the
`fastener member 60 and a second opening or inner bore 68
`having a second diameter positioned proximate With the
`second end 64 of the fastener member 60. The ramped
`surface 66 may act to deformably compress the outer surface
`57 of a connector body 50 When the fastener member 60 is
`operated to secure a coaxial cable 10. Since the diameter of
`the second opening or inner bore 68 of fastener member 60
`may be smaller than the outer surface 57 portion of the
`connector body 50 accepting the fastener member 60, the
`connector body 50 may be concentrically gripped so that the
`volume of the internal cavity 55 may be decreased. That is,
`the outer surface 57 of the connector body 50 may be
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`displaced or moved and compressed radially inwardly to
`decrease the volume of the internal cavity 55 When the
`fastener member 60 is slidingly moved toWard the second
`end 54 of the connector body 50. Compression and slidable
`movement of the fastener member may be effected by a
`compression tool. Examples of such tools may be PPC tools
`having model numbers VT-200 and VT-300 or Ripley tools
`having model numbers CAT-AS-EX and CAT-AS. As a
`result of the compression of the fastener member 60, the
`coaxial cable 10 may be ?rmly gripped or clamped betWeen
`the post element 40 and connector body 50. In this manner,
`the post element 40 may cooperate With the connector body
`50 to provide a generally continuous, annular, substantially
`360° environmental seal and grip on the coaxial cable 10. An
`example of this compression-type seal as effected by another
`alternate embodiment of a connector 200 is depicted in FIG.
`4. Advantageously, the operation of the fastener member 60
`Works to facilitate a seal against unWanted ingress of envi
`ronmental contaminants betWeen the connector body 50 and
`the fastener member 60, and can accommodate a Wide range
`of coaxial cable 10 types and siZes. Thus the need for
`connectors of various siZes can be avoided With a universal
`connector 100 of the present invention.
`Additionally, the fastener member 60 may comprise an
`exterior surface feature 69 positioned proximate With the
`second end 64 of the fastener member 60. The surface
`feature 69 may facilitate gripping of the fastener member 60
`during operation of the connector 100. Although the surface
`feature is shoWn as an annular detent, it may have various
`shapes and siZes such as a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling,
`or other friction or gripping type arrangements. It should be
`recognized, by those skilled in the requisite art, that the
`fastener member 60 may be formed of rigid materials such
`as metals, polymers, composites and the like.
`With further reference to FIG. 1, embodiments of a
`connector 100 may include a conductive engagement ele
`ment 90. Manufacture of the various components of the
`connector 100 including, but not limited to the threaded nut
`30, post element 40, connector body 50, fastener member 60
`and conductive engagement element 90 may comprise cast
`ing, extruding, cutting, stamping, punching, turning, drill
`ing, rolling, injection molding, spraying, bloW molding, or
`other fabrication methods that may provide e?icient produc
`tion of the various connector 100 components.
`With continued reference to the draWings, FIG. 2 depicts
`a perspective vieW of an embodiment of a conductive
`engagement element 90, in accordance With the present
`invention. The conductive engagement element 90 should be
`formed of a conductive material. Such materials may
`include, but are not limited to conductive polymers, plastics,
`conductive elastomers, conductive elastomeric mixtures,
`composite materials having conductive properties, metals,
`metal alloys, conductive rubber, and/or the like and/or any
`Workable combination thereof. Moreover, the conductive
`engagement element may include a ?rst end 92 and oppos
`ing second end 94. The ?rst end 92 may be adapted to
`receive at least a portion of a coaxial cable 10 (shoWn in
`FIG. 1), Wherein the coaxial cable 10 may be inserted into
`and/or through a central passageWay 95 of the conductive
`engagement element 90. A substantially annular ring 96 may
`be formed on the ?rst end 92 of the conductive engagement
`element 90 such that the substantially annular ring 96 may
`contact a lengthWise portion of the coaxial cable 10 When
`inserted into and/or through the central passageWay of the
`conductive engagement element 90. In addition, the con
`ductive engagement element may include ?exible members
`97 extending aWay from the substantially annular ring 96.
`
`8
`The siZe of, number of, and/or direction of extension of the
`?exible members 97 running aWay from the substantially
`annular ring 96 may vary. For example, as embodied in FIG.
`2, the conductive engagement element 90 may include
`several ?exible members 97 having similar Widths separated
`by equidistant slots therebetWeen, the slots having the same
`Width as the ?exible members 97, Wherein the ?exible
`members 97 and interspersed slots extend in a diagonal,
`helical-like fashion forming a tWisted casing-like structure
`surrounding the central passageWay 95 of the conductive
`engagement element 90. The ?exible members 97 may run
`to and connect With another substantially annular ring 98
`formed on the second end 94 of the conductive engagement
`element 90. HoWever, other conductive engagement element
`90 embodiments may not include a second substantially
`annular ring 98 to Which the ?exible members 97 may run;
`the extension of the ?exible members 97 may terminate
`Without adjoining another substantially annular ring 98.
`Furthermore, other conductive engagement element 90
`embodiments may include ?exible members 97 extending
`parallel With the axis of the central passageWay 95 (non
`diagonally), Wherein various slots formed therebetWeen may
`create spacing betWeen the ?exible members 97 that is not
`equidistant. Still further, the ?exible members 97 may be
`connected together in locations aWay from the substantially
`annular ring 96. For example, the members may form a
`substantially annular grid-like structure having ?exible
`properties. Even further still, the ?exible members 97 may
`bend or concave radially inWard While extending aWay from
`the substantially annular ring 96. Accordingly, the ?exible
`members may engage a coaxial cable 10 (see FIG. 1) When
`inserted into and/or through the central passageway 95 of the
`conductive engagement element 90. Where the ?exible
`members 97 extend in a helical-like fashion, they may
`contact the coaxial cable 10, as inserted, in a Wiping-type
`manner Which may increase the contact betWeen the con
`ductive engagement element 90 and the coaxial cable 10. In
`addition, ?exible members may be con?gured to surround
`the central passageWay 95 and may be adapted to ?t around
`an outer surface of a post element 40 and adapted to ?t
`radially Within at least a portion of a connector body 50 and
`a fastener member 60 (also shoWn in FIG).
`With additional reference to the draWings, FIG. 3 is
`illustrative of a perspective vieW of an additional embodi
`ment of a conductive engagement element 190, in accor
`dance With the present invention. The conductive engage
`ment element 190 may include a central passageWay 195,
`Wherein the central passageWay 195 may reside axially
`betWeen a ?rst end 192 and opposing second end 194 of the
`conductive engagement element 190. Moreover, like the
`embodied conductive engagement element 90 shoWn in FIG.
`2, the conductive engagement element 190 embodiment may
`include a substantially annular ring 196 formed at the ?rst
`end 192 of the conductive engagem