Push-on, pull-off coaxial connector apparatus and method

A male coaxial connector adapted for receiving a female connection member, said male coaxial connector defining an axial direction along its major axis, said connector comprising:

• means for receiving said female connection member;
• means for securing said female connection member in a locked position;
• means for applying a radial compression force on said female connection member;
• means for applying an axial force on said male connection member such that when said male coaxial connector is in a locked position, said axial force urges said male connection member into electrical engagement with said female connection member;
• means for unlocking said male coaxial connector by moving at least a component of said male coaxial connector in a forward axial direction with respect to said female connection member;
• and
• means for unlocking said male coaxial connector by moving at least a component of said male coaxial connector in a rearward axial direction with respect to said female connection member.

A method of locking a female connection member into secure electrical engagement with a male connection member, said method comprising:

• providing a spring basket around said male connection member, said spring basket having an open front end and being biased toward an open unlocked position;
• providing a sleeve around said male connection member and said spring basket, said sleeve being movable in an axial direction with respect to said spring basket such that when said sleeve is moved to a forward axial position or a rearward axial position with respect to said spring basket said spring basket is in its open unlocked position;
• providing a first spring around said male connection member;
• inserting said female connection member into said front end of said spring basket;
• and
• applying an axial force on said sleeve with respect to said spring basket of sufficient magnitude such that said sleeve is forced into a locked position, said sleeve translating a portion of said axial force into a radial compression force on said female connection member and said first spring translating a portion of said axial force into an axial force urging said male connection member into electrical engagement with said female connection member;
• and
• a second spring around said male connection member, said second spring biasing said sleeve toward a locked position.

A push-on, pull-off male coaxial connector configured to be snapped on or off a female connection member, comprising:

• a body having an axis, said body acting as a male connection member on said axis which is adapted to penetrate said female connection member when said male coaxial connector is connected to said female connection member;
• locking elements annularly spaced around said body and configured to move between a radial outward position in which the elements can pass said female connection member, and a radially inward position wherein said elements engage and are locked onto said female connection member;
• and
• a reciprocal sleeve around said body and said locking elements, said sleeve and said locking elements having a cooperating camming arrangement configured such that:
• (1) when said sleeve is in a forward position, said camming arrangement permits said locking elements to be in said radially outward position and unlocked from said female connection member, (2) when said sleeve is in a steady state intermediate position, said camming arrangement forces said locking elements into said radially inward position and locked on said female connection member, and (3) when in a rearward position, said camming arrangement permits said locking elements to be in said radially outward position and unlocked from said female connection member;
• and
• spring means captured between a locking mechanism body part and a spring capture provision on said body such that said spring means urges said body firmly against said female connection member when said male coaxial connector is connected to said female connection member and said locking mechanism are locked on said female connection member.

A push-on, pull-off male coaxial connector configured to be snapped on or off a female connection member, comprising:

• a body having an axis, said body acting as a male connection member on said axis which is adapted to penetrate said female connection member when said male coaxial connector is connected to said female connection member;
• an annular basket around said body having annularly spaced arms configured to move between an open, radial outward position in which the arms can slide over and embrace said female connection member, and a closed, radially inward position wherein said arms engage and are locked onto said female connection member;
• and
• a reciprocal sleeve around said body and said basket, said sleeve and said basket arms having a cooperating camming arrangement configured such that:
• (1) when said sleeve is in a forward position, said camming arrangement permits said arms to be open and unlocked from said female connection member, (2) when said sleeve is in a steady state intermediate position, said camming arrangement forces said arms into said closed position and locked on said female connection member, and (3) when in a rearward position, said camming arrangement permits said arms to be open and unlocked from said female connection member;
• and
• spring means captured between a basket body part and a spring capture provision on said body such that said spring means urges said body firmly against said female connection member when said male coaxial connector is connected to said female connection member and said arms are locked on said female connection member.

A push-on, pull-off male coaxial connector configured to be snapped on or off a female connection member, comprising:

• a body having an axis, said body acting as a male connection member on said axis which is adapted to penetrate said female connection member when said male connector is connected to said female connection member;
• and
• connector retention means for securing said male coaxial connector on said female connection member with said body spring-forced against said female connection member for improved electrical contact, comprising:
• a basket slidably retained on said body and having arms adapted to lockingly engage said female connection member, and
• spring means slidably retained on said body and captured between a first spring capture provision on said basket and a second spring capture provision on said body such that said spring means urges said second spring capture provision, and thus said body, firmly against said female connection member when said basket arms are locked on said female connection member.