US 9,178,290 B2Granted

Coaxial cable connector having a continuity element

AssigneePpc Broadband, Inc.

InventorNoah P. Montena

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Abstract

A coaxial cable connector having, in one embodiment, a connector body or body member, a coupling element and a continuity element. The connector body is configured to be attached to a post. The continuity element is configured to maintain an electrical connection between the coupling element and the connector body.

Drawings

Claims69

Dependent claims

A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a connector body configured to be attached to a post, the connector body being a separate component from the post and configured to prevent axial movement between the body and the post when the body is attached to the post, the connector body having a first end, a second end, and an annular outer surface proximate the second end, the annular outer surface comprising a surface other than the second end of the connector body that is cylindrical and located near the second end of the connector body;
a coupling element configured to be rotated about the post, wherein the coupling element has an inner surface located inside the coupling element, and a radial end face surface extending outwardly from the inner surface, the radial end face surface comprising a radial surface that is configured to face an end of the coaxial cable toward a longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable connector;
and
a continuity element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface contacting only the radial end face surface of the coupling element and the second surface contacting only the annular outer surface of the connector body, the continuity element being separated from the post and positioned outside the inner surface of the coupling element and outside the connector body such that no portion of the continuity element is located either inside the connector body or inside the radial end face surface of the coupling element;
wherein the continuity element is configured to maintain an electrical connection between the coupling element and the connector body toward an axial direction, the axial direction comprising a general direction of a main axis of the coaxial cable connector and is not limited to a direction that is perfectly parallel to the main axis.

2 more elements

A coaxial cable connector for being attached to a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center conductor, a dielectric surrounding the center conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, the coaxial cable connector comprising:

a connector body configured to be attached to a post, and at least partially receive a coaxial cable when the connector is assembled, the connector body having a first end, a second end, and an annular outer surface proximate the second end;
a coupling element configured to rotate about the post when the connector is assembled, the coupling element having an inner surface extending along an axial direction, and an radial end face surface outwardly extending from the inner surface along a radial direction, the radial end face surface being configured to face toward a longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable connector;
and
a continuity element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface contacting only the radial end face surface of the coupling element and the second surface contacting only the annular outer surface of the connector body, the continuity element being separated from the post and positioned outside the inner surface of the coupling element and outside the connector body such that no portion of the continuity element is located either inside the connector body or inside the radial end face surface of the coupling element;
wherein the continuity element is configured to maintain electrical connection extending between the coupling element and the connector body and toward an axial direction.

2 more elements

A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a connector body configured to be attached to a post, the connector body being a separate component from the post and configured to prevent axial movement between the body and the post when the body is attached to the post, the connector body having a first end, a second end, and an annular outer surface proximate the second end, the annular outer surface comprising a surface other than the second end of the connector body that is cylindrical and located near the second end of the connector body;
a coupling element configured to be rotated about the post, wherein the coupling element has an axial inner surface located inside the coupling element, and a radial end face surface adjoining the axial inner surface, the radial end face surface comprising a radial surface that extends in a plane and is configured to face an end of the coaxial cable toward a longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the axial inner surface and the plane bound a cavity within the coupling element;
and
a continuity element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface contacting only the radial end face surface of the coupling element and the second surface contacting only the annular outer surface of the connector body, the continuity element being separated from the post and positioned outside the radial surface of the coupling element and outside the connector body such that no portion of the continuity element is located either inside the connector body or inside the cavity of the coupling element;
wherein the continuity element is configured to maintain an electrical connection between the coupling element and the connector body toward an axial direction, the axial direction comprising a general direction of a main axis of the coaxial cable connector and is not limited to a direction that is perfectly parallel to the main axis.

2 more elements

A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body member including a continuity engaging body surface having an annular body shape and an continuity engaging outer body diameter portion;
a post member having a post flange and a post portion encircled within the body portion when the connector is in an assembled state;
a coupler member configured to rotate and axially move relative to the post member and the body member when the connector is in an assembled state, the coupler member having an coupler interface port engaging portion configured to selectively engage an interface port, a rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion, a coupler lip configured to engage the post flange, and an inward facing coupler surface defining an annular coupler shape and an inner coupler diameter portion, the coupler lip having a forward facing coupler lip surface and a rearward facing coupler lip surface, the inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing coupler lip surface, and the inner coupler diameter portion being smaller than the continuity engaging outer body diameter portion of the continuity engaging body surface of the body member;
a continuity member configured to simultaneously maintain ground continuity with the rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion of the coupler member and with the continuity engaging body surface of the body member when the connector is in an fully assembled state and even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state;
wherein the continuity member includes a body encircling continuity portion that is configured to be located axially rearward from rearward facing coupler lip surface and encircle the continuity engaging body surface of the body member at an outer diameter location greater than an inner diameter location on the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;
and
wherein the body encircling continuity portion of the continuity member is configured so as to not contact the post when the connector is in the assembled state.

4 more elements

A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body member including a continuity engaging body surface having an annular body shape and an continuity engaging outer body diameter portion;
a post member having a post flange and a post portion encircled within the body portion when the connector is in an assembled state;
a coupler member configured to rotate and axially move relative to the post member and the body member when the connector is in an assembled state, the coupler member having an coupler interface port engaging portion configured to selectively engage an interface port, a rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion, a coupler lip configured to engage the post flange, and an inward facing coupler surface defining an annular coupler shape and an inner coupler diameter portion, the coupler lip having a forward facing coupler lip surface and a rearward facing coupler lip surface, the inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing coupler lip surface, and the inner coupler diameter portion being smaller than the continuity engaging outer body diameter portion of the continuity engaging body surface of the body member;
a continuity member configured to simultaneously maintain ground continuity with the rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion of the coupler member and with the continuity engaging body surface of the body member when the connector is in an fully assembled state and even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state;
wherein the continuity member includes a body encircling continuity portion that is configured to be located axially rearward from rearward facing coupler lip surface and encircle the continuity engaging body surface of the body member at an outer diameter location greater than an inner diameter location on the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;
wherein the body encircling continuity portion of the continuity member is configured so as to not contact the post when the connector is in the assembled state;
wherein the rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion of the coupler member comprises a rearward-most end portion of the coupler member.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

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US 9,178,290 B2Granted

Coaxial cable connector having a continuity element

AssigneePpc Broadband, Inc.

InventorNoah P. Montena

Life of this patent

About 4 years 3 months of term left · ends 28 Jan 2031 (estimated)

Priority11 Nov 2010

Filed28 Mar 2014

Granted3 Nov 2015

Today12 Oct 2026

Term ends28 Jan 2031

Priority11 Nov 2010

Granted3 Nov 2015

Term ends28 Jan 2031

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings are temporarily unavailable. Open the PDF at USPTO

Drawings

Claims69

Dependent claims

A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a connector body configured to be attached to a post, the connector body being a separate component from the post and configured to prevent axial movement between the body and the post when the body is attached to the post, the connector body having a first end, a second end, and an annular outer surface proximate the second end, the annular outer surface comprising a surface other than the second end of the connector body that is cylindrical and located near the second end of the connector body;
a coupling element configured to be rotated about the post, wherein the coupling element has an inner surface located inside the coupling element, and a radial end face surface extending outwardly from the inner surface, the radial end face surface comprising a radial surface that is configured to face an end of the coaxial cable toward a longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable connector;
and
a continuity element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface contacting only the radial end face surface of the coupling element and the second surface contacting only the annular outer surface of the connector body, the continuity element being separated from the post and positioned outside the inner surface of the coupling element and outside the connector body such that no portion of the continuity element is located either inside the connector body or inside the radial end face surface of the coupling element;
wherein the continuity element is configured to maintain an electrical connection between the coupling element and the connector body toward an axial direction, the axial direction comprising a general direction of a main axis of the coaxial cable connector and is not limited to a direction that is perfectly parallel to the main axis.

2 more elements

a connector body configured to be attached to a post, and at least partially receive a coaxial cable when the connector is assembled, the connector body having a first end, a second end, and an annular outer surface proximate the second end;
a coupling element configured to rotate about the post when the connector is assembled, the coupling element having an inner surface extending along an axial direction, and an radial end face surface outwardly extending from the inner surface along a radial direction, the radial end face surface being configured to face toward a longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable connector;
and
a continuity element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface contacting only the radial end face surface of the coupling element and the second surface contacting only the annular outer surface of the connector body, the continuity element being separated from the post and positioned outside the inner surface of the coupling element and outside the connector body such that no portion of the continuity element is located either inside the connector body or inside the radial end face surface of the coupling element;
wherein the continuity element is configured to maintain electrical connection extending between the coupling element and the connector body and toward an axial direction.

2 more elements

A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a connector body configured to be attached to a post, the connector body being a separate component from the post and configured to prevent axial movement between the body and the post when the body is attached to the post, the connector body having a first end, a second end, and an annular outer surface proximate the second end, the annular outer surface comprising a surface other than the second end of the connector body that is cylindrical and located near the second end of the connector body;
a coupling element configured to be rotated about the post, wherein the coupling element has an axial inner surface located inside the coupling element, and a radial end face surface adjoining the axial inner surface, the radial end face surface comprising a radial surface that extends in a plane and is configured to face an end of the coaxial cable toward a longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the axial inner surface and the plane bound a cavity within the coupling element;
and
a continuity element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface contacting only the radial end face surface of the coupling element and the second surface contacting only the annular outer surface of the connector body, the continuity element being separated from the post and positioned outside the radial surface of the coupling element and outside the connector body such that no portion of the continuity element is located either inside the connector body or inside the cavity of the coupling element;
wherein the continuity element is configured to maintain an electrical connection between the coupling element and the connector body toward an axial direction, the axial direction comprising a general direction of a main axis of the coaxial cable connector and is not limited to a direction that is perfectly parallel to the main axis.

2 more elements

A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body member including a continuity engaging body surface having an annular body shape and an continuity engaging outer body diameter portion;
a post member having a post flange and a post portion encircled within the body portion when the connector is in an assembled state;
a coupler member configured to rotate and axially move relative to the post member and the body member when the connector is in an assembled state, the coupler member having an coupler interface port engaging portion configured to selectively engage an interface port, a rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion, a coupler lip configured to engage the post flange, and an inward facing coupler surface defining an annular coupler shape and an inner coupler diameter portion, the coupler lip having a forward facing coupler lip surface and a rearward facing coupler lip surface, the inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing coupler lip surface, and the inner coupler diameter portion being smaller than the continuity engaging outer body diameter portion of the continuity engaging body surface of the body member;
a continuity member configured to simultaneously maintain ground continuity with the rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion of the coupler member and with the continuity engaging body surface of the body member when the connector is in an fully assembled state and even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state;
wherein the continuity member includes a body encircling continuity portion that is configured to be located axially rearward from rearward facing coupler lip surface and encircle the continuity engaging body surface of the body member at an outer diameter location greater than an inner diameter location on the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;
and
wherein the body encircling continuity portion of the continuity member is configured so as to not contact the post when the connector is in the assembled state.

4 more elements

A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body member including a continuity engaging body surface having an annular body shape and an continuity engaging outer body diameter portion;
a post member having a post flange and a post portion encircled within the body portion when the connector is in an assembled state;
a coupler member configured to rotate and axially move relative to the post member and the body member when the connector is in an assembled state, the coupler member having an coupler interface port engaging portion configured to selectively engage an interface port, a rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion, a coupler lip configured to engage the post flange, and an inward facing coupler surface defining an annular coupler shape and an inner coupler diameter portion, the coupler lip having a forward facing coupler lip surface and a rearward facing coupler lip surface, the inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing coupler lip surface, and the inner coupler diameter portion being smaller than the continuity engaging outer body diameter portion of the continuity engaging body surface of the body member;
a continuity member configured to simultaneously maintain ground continuity with the rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion of the coupler member and with the continuity engaging body surface of the body member when the connector is in an fully assembled state and even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state;
wherein the continuity member includes a body encircling continuity portion that is configured to be located axially rearward from rearward facing coupler lip surface and encircle the continuity engaging body surface of the body member at an outer diameter location greater than an inner diameter location on the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;
wherein the body encircling continuity portion of the continuity member is configured so as to not contact the post when the connector is in the assembled state;
wherein the rearward facing continuity engaging coupler portion of the coupler member comprises a rearward-most end portion of the coupler member.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description9,665 words

Summary763 words

#The following disclosure relates generally to the field of connectors for coaxial cables. More particularly, to embodiments of a coaxial cable connector having a continuity member that extends electrical continuity through the connector.

#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 equipment such as signal splitters, cable line extenders and cable network modules.

#To help prevent the introduction of electromagnetic interference, coaxial cables are provided with an outer conductive shield. In an attempt to further screen ingress of environmental noise, typical connectors are generally configured to contact with and electrically extend the conductive shield of attached coaxial cables. Moreover, electromagnetic noise can be problematic when it is introduced via the connective juncture between an interface port and a connector. Such problematic noise interference is disruptive where an electromagnetic buffer is not provided by an adequate electrical and/or physical interface between the port and the connector.

Brief description of the drawings18 figures

#Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

#FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a connector having a first embodiment of a nut-body continuity element.

#FIG. 2A depicts a first side view of a first embodiment of a nut-body continuity element.

Detailed description8,515 words

#Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 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 embodiment. 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 specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

#Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a connector 100. The connector 100 may include a coaxial cable 10 having a protective outer jacket 12, a conductive grounding shield 14 or shields 14, an interior dielectric 16 (potentially surrounding a conductive foil layer 15), and a center conductor 18. The coaxial cable 10 may be prepared by removing the protective outer jacket 12 and drawing back the conductive grounding shield 14 to expose a portion of the interior dielectric 16 (potentially surrounding a conductive foil layer 15). Further preparation of the embodied coaxial cable 10 may include stripping the dielectric 16 (and potential conductive foil layer 15) to expose a portion of the center conductor 18. The protective 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 installation. The conductive grounding shield 14 may be comprised 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 several conductive strands formed in a continuous braid around the dielectric 16 (potentially surrounding a conductive foil layer 15). 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. Those in the art will appreciate that various layer combinations may be implemented 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. Furthermore, there may be more than one grounding shield 14, such as a tri-shield or quad shield cable, and there may also be flooding compounds protecting the shield 14. 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 components of the coaxial cable 10 are comprised should have some degree of elasticity allowing the cable 10 to flex or bend in accordance with traditional broadband communications 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.

Facts

Application: 14/229,394Filed 28 Mar 2014 · continuation
Priority: 11 Nov 2010
Published: US 2014/0087578 A118 Sep 2014
Granted: 3 Nov 2015
Term ends: 28 Jan 2031
Estimated · howhide
20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification20 codes

H01R 9/0521
For coaxial cables: connection to outer conductor by action of a nut
H01R 9/05
Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable , e.g. tapping connections: for coaxial cables
H01R 9/0503
For coaxial cables: connection between two cable ends
H01R 9/0512
For coaxial cables: connections to an additional grounding conductor

Family

Application61/412,611Us provisional application · filed 11 Nov 2010
Application13/016,114Parent of this continuation · filed 28 Jan 2011
Application13/712,470Parent of this continuation · filed 12 Dec 2012
US 8,337,229 B2Parent of this continuation · filed 25 Dec 2012
Application14/092,103Parent of this continuation · filed 27 Nov 2013
US 2014/0273578 A1Pre-grant publication · published 18 Sep 2014
US 8,920,182 B2Parent of this continuation
US 8,920,192 B2Parent of this continuation
US 2012/0122329 A1Published application
US 2013/0102188 A1Published application
US 2014/0087578 A1Published application
US 9,147,949 B2Related patent
US 9,178,290 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

Timeline

11 Nov 2010Priority claimedParent application 61/412,611
28 Mar 2014Application filedUS 14/229,394
31 Mar 2014Assigned to Mr Advisors Limitedchange of name
31 Mar 2014Assigned to Ppc Broadband, Inc.change of name
31 Mar 2014Assigned to John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.assignment of assignor's interest
18 Sep 2014PublishedUS 2014/0087578 A1
3 Nov 2015GrantedUS 9,178,290 B2
12 Oct 2026TodayWithin its term
28 Jan 2031Term endsEstimated

Citations

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