AU2018206740B2

AU2018206740B2 - Coaxial Cable Connector Having Electrical Continuity Member

Info

Publication number: AU2018206740B2
Application number: AU2018206740A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Noah Montena; Eric Purdy
Original assignee: PPC Broadband Inc
Current assignee: PPC Broadband Inc
Priority date: 2009-05-22
Filing date: 2018-07-18
Publication date: 2020-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-14
Also published as: AU2016203173A1; AU2016203173B2; AU2018206740A1

Abstract

A coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body; a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange; a nut, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the nut includes an internal lip, and wherein a second end portion of the nut corresponds to the portion of the nut extending from the second end of the nut to the side of the lip of the nut facing the first end of the nut at a point nearest the second end of the nut, and a first end portion of the nut corresponds to the portion of the nut extending from the first end of the nut to the same point nearest the second end of the nut of the same side of the lip facing the first end of the nut; and a continuity member disposed within the second end portion of the nut and contacting the post and the nut, so that the continuity member extends electrical grounding continuity through the post and the nut is provided.

Description

COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR HAVING ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY MEMBER TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to connectors used in coaxial cable communication

applications, and more specifically to coaxial connectors having electrical continuity members

that extend continuity of an electromagnetic interference shield from the cable and through the

connector.

BACKGROUND ART

Broadband communications have become an increasingly prevalent form of

electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for

transmission of broadband communications. Coaxial cables are typically designed so that an

electromagnetic field carrying communications signals exists only in the space between inner

and outer coaxial conductors of the cables. This allows coaxial cable runs to be installed next to

metal objects without the power losses that occur in other transmission lines, and provides

protection of the communications signals from external electromagnetic interference.

Connectors for coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interface ports to

electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices and cable communication

equipment. Connection is often made through rotatable operation of an internally threaded nut

of the connector about a corresponding externally threaded interface port. Fully tightening the

threaded connection of the coaxial cable connector to the interface port helps to ensure a ground

connection between the connector and the corresponding interface port. However, often

connectors are not properly tightened or otherwise installed to the interface port and proper

electrical mating of the connector with the interface port does not occur. Moreover, typical component elements and structures of common connectors may permit loss of ground and discontinuity of the electromagnetic shielding that is intended to be extended from the cable, through the connector, and to the corresponding coaxial cable interface port. Hence a need exists for an improved connector having structural component elements included for ensuring ground continuity between the coaxial cable, the connector and its various applicable structures, and the coaxial cable connector interface port.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed toward a first aspect of providing a coaxial cable connector

comprising; a connector body; a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post

includes a flange; a nut, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the

nut having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the nut includes an internal lip, and

wherein a second end portion of the nut corresponds to the portion of the nut extending from

the second end of the nut to the side of the lip of the nut facing the first end of the nut at a point

nearest the second end of the nut, and a first end portion of the nut corresponds to the portion of

the nut extending from the first end of the nut to the same point nearest the second end of the

nut of the same side of the lip facing the first end of the nut; and a continuity member disposed

within the second end portion of the nut and contacting the post and the nut, so that the

continuity member extends electrical grounding continuity through the post and the nut.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector comprising

a connector body; a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange; a

nut, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut having a first end

and an opposing second end, wherein the nut includes an internal lip, and wherein a second end

portion of the nut starts at a side of the lip of the nut facing the first end of the nut and extends

rearward to the second end of the nut; and a continuity member disposed only rearward the start of the second end portion of the nut and contacting the post and the nut, so that the continuity member extends electrical grounding continuity through the post and the nut

A third aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector comprising a

connector body; a post operably attached to the connector body, the post having a flange; a nut

axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut including an inward

lip; and an electrical continuity member disposed axially rearward of a surface of the internal

lip of the nut that faces the flange.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method of obtaining electrical

continuity for a coaxial cable connection, the method comprising: providing a coaxial cable

connector including: a connector body; a post operably attached to the connector body, the post

having a flange; a nut axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut

including an inward lip; and an electrical continuity member disposed axially rearward of a

surface of the internal lip of the nut that faces the flange; securely attaching a coaxial cable to

the connector so that the grounding sheath of the cable electrically contacts the post; extending

electrical continuity from the post through the continuity member to the nut; and fastening the

nut to a conductive interface port to complete the ground path and obtain electrical continuity in

the cable connection.

Definitions of specific embodiments of the invention as claimed herein follow.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a coaxial cable

connector comprising:

a connector body having a forward facing surface;

a post configured to engage the connector body when the connector is assembled,

wherein the post includes a flange having:

a first rearward facing surface; an intermediate surface extending from the first rearward facing surface of the flange;and a second rearward facing surface extending inward from the intermediate surface, the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post configured to face the forward facing surface of the connector body and form an annular space between the forward facing surface of the connector body and the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post; a coupler, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the coupler having: a first end configured for coupling to an interface port and an opposing second end; and an internal lip, the internal lip having a first surface facing the first end of the coupler and a second surface facing the second end of the coupler, wherein the annular space formed between the forward facing surface of the connector body and the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post is disposed axially rearward of the first surface of the internal lip of the coupler; and a continuity member disposed axially rearward of the first surface of the internal lip of the coupler and positioned along the post, the continuity member having: a post contact portion, the post contact portion positioned in the annular space formed between the forward facing surface of the connector body and the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post so as to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact with the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post during operation of the connector; and a coupler contact portion, the coupler contact portion positioned to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact with the coupler during operation of the connector.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a connector

comprising:

a body configured to engage a coaxial cable having a conductive electrical grounding

property, and having a forward most body surface;

a post having a first post surface and a second post surface, the second post surface

configured to face a rearward direction, be located rearward from the first post surface, be

located radially inward from the first post surface when the connector is assembled, the forward

most body surface and the second post surface forming an annular space therebetween when the

connector is assembled;

a coupler having a first coupler surface configured to engage the first post surface when

the connector is assembled, and a second coupler surface configured to face a rearward

direction when the connector is assembled, the coupler being configured to move between a

first position, where the first coupler surface contacts the first post surface, and a second

surface, where the first coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the first post

surface; and

a continuity element having a base portion configured to be positioned against the

second post surface, and having a biasing portion configured to be biasingly maintained in

contact with the coupler so as to form a continuous electrical contact path through the coupler,

the continuity element, and the second post surface during operation of the connector,

including, but not limited to, when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the

second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that

the continuity element maintains the continuous electrical contact path through the coupler, through the continuity element, and through the second post surface during operation of the connector and even when the connector is loosely installed on an interface port, wherein the continuity element is made of a conductive material sufficient to extend the conductive grounding property of the coaxial cable through the coupler, through the continuity element, through the second post surface, and to the interface port during operation of the connector and even when the connector is loosely installed.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a connector

comprising:

a body having a forward most body surface, the body configured to engage a coaxial

cable having an electrical grounding property;

configured to face a rearward direction, be located rearward from the first post surface, and be

located radially inward from the first post surface when the connector is assembled, the post

and the body each comprising separate and distinct unitary structures, the forward facing

surface of the connector body and the second post surface forming an annular space

therebetween when the connector is assembled;

position, where a forward facing coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the

first post surface; and

a conductive continuity member including:

a body contact surface configured to contact the forward most body surface; a coupler contact surface configured to be biasingly maintained in electrical contact with the second coupler surface so as to biasingly maintain an electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and through the coupler during operation of the connector, the coupler contact surface being made of a metallic material sufficient to extend the electrical grounding property of the coaxial cable to the coupler and form the maintained electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and the coupler during operation of the connector; and a post contact surface configured to be maintained in electrical contact with the second post surface so as to maintain an electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and through the post contact surface during operation of the connector, the post contact surface being made of a metallic material sufficient to extend the electrical grounding property of the coaxial cable to the second post surface and form the continuous electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and the second post surface during operation of the connector, wherein the conductive continuity member is configured to maintain the continuous electrical contact path through the post and through the coupler during operation of the connector when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that the conductive continuity member maintains the continuous electrical contact path through the post and through the coupler regardless of the location of the coupler relative to the post, and wherein the second post surface is configured to be oriented substantially parallel to the forward most body surface when the connector is loosely installed on an interface port and the conductive continuity member is configured to be positioned against the second post surface when the connector is loosely installed, and even when the connector does not contact the interface port.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a connector for

coupling a coaxial cable to an interface port, the connector comprising:

a body having a continuity member contact portion;

a post configured to engage the body, the post including an outward flange including a

rearward facing portion;

a coupler configured to rotate relative to the post and body, and move between a first

position and a second position, the coupler including:

a first end configured for coupling to the interface port; and

an inward protrusion having a forward facing coupler portion, a rearward facing

coupler portion, and an innermost coupler portion extending between the forward facing

coupler portion and the rearward facing coupler portion;

wherein the coupler is further configured to move between afirst coupler-to-post

position relative to the post, where the forward facing coupler portion of the coupler contacts

the rearward facing portion of the post, and a second coupler-to-post position relative to the

post, where the forward facing coupler portion of the coupler is spaced away from the rearward

facing portion of the post;

a metallic electrical ground pathway configured to extend between the rearward facing

portion of the outward flange of the post and the continuity contact member portion of the body

when the connector is assembled and during operation of the connector; and

wherein the metallic electrical ground pathway is configured to be maintained when the

coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, when the coupler is in

the first coupler-to-post position relative to the post, where the forward facing coupler portion

of the coupler contacts the rearward facing portion of the post, and when the coupler is in the

second coupler-to-post position relative to the post, where the forward facing coupler portion of

the coupler is spaced away from the rearward facing portion of the post, such that the metallic electrical ground pathway is maintained between the rearward facing portion of the outward flange of the post and the coupler regardless of a location of the coupler relative to the post during operation of the connector.

According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a coaxial cable

connector comprising:

a connector body having a forward facing surface;

a post having a flange with a rearwardly facing surface, and configured to engage the

connector body so as to form an annular space between the forward facing surface of the

connector body and the rearward facing surface of the flange of the post when the connector is

assembled;

a coupler configured to be coupled to an interface port and rotate relative to the post and

the body when the connector is assembled, the coupler having an internal lip; and

a continuity member having a post contact portion positioned in the annular space

formed between the forward facing surface of the connector body and the rearward facing

surface of the flange of the post so as to maintain physical and electrical contact with the

rearward facing surface of the flange of the post during operation of the connector.

Other embodiments of the invention are described herein are defined in the following

paragraphs:

1. A coaxial cable connector comprising;

a connector body;

a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange;

a nut, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut

having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the nut includes

an internal lip, and wherein a second end portion of the nut starts at a side of the lip of the nut facing the first end of the nut and extends rearward to the second end of the nut; and a continuity member disposed only rearward the start of the second end portion of the nut and contacting the post and the nut, so that the continuity member extends electrical grounding continuity through the post and the nut.

2. A coaxial cable connector comprising

a connector body;

a post operably attached to the connector body, the post having a flange;

a nut axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the nut

including an inward lip; and

an electrical continuity member disposed axially rearward of a surface of the

internal lip of the nut that faces the flange.

3. A method of obtaining electrical continuity for a coaxial cable connection, the

method comprising:

providing a coaxial cable connector including:

a connector body;

a post operably attached to the connector body, the post having a flange;

including an inward lip; and

an electrical continuity member disposed axially rearward of a surface of the

internal lip of the nut that faces the flange;

securely attaching a coaxial cable to the connector so that the grounding shield

of the cable electrically contacts the post; extending electrical continuity from the post through the continuity member to the nut; and fastening the nut to a conductive interface port to complete the ground path and obtain electrical continuity in the cable connection.

4. A coaxial cable connector comprising;

a post attached to a connector body, the post including a flange;

including an inward lip; and

means for extending electrical grounding continuity through the post and the nut,

the means disposed axially rearward of a surface of the internal lip of the

nut that faces the flange.

5. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 1, wherein the portion of the continuity

member that contacts the nut is flexible.

6. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 5, wherein there are multiple flexible

portions that contact the nut.

7. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 6, wherein the continuity member is

generally disc-like and wherein the flexible nut contact portions arch away from the

more generally disc-like portion of the electrical continuity member.

8. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 7, wherein the nut contact portions of the

continuity member each includes a tab that contacts the nut.

9. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 5, wherein the nut contact portion of the

continuity member is a flexible finger.

10. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 9, wherein the continuity member includes

multiple flexible fingers.

11. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 1, wherein the portion of the continuity

member that contacts post includes a securing member.

12. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 1, wherein the electrical continuity

member does not contact the connector body.

13. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 1, wherein at least a portion of the

electrical continuity member resides radially between the lip of the nut and the post.

14. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 13, wherein the electrical continuity

member is an oblong band.

15. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 1, wherein the nut does not touch the

connector body.

16. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 1, wherein the nut is threaded.

17. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 1, further including a sealing ring

positioned between the nut and the connector body to prevent ingress of unwanted

environmental contaminants.

18. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 1, further including a fastener member

having a central passageway with an internal ramped surface that deformably

compresses the outer surface of the connector body when the fastener member is

pressed into tight and secure position on the connector body.

19. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 1, further including an insertable

compression sleeve that is pushed into the connector body to squeeze against and

secure a coaxial cable therein.

20. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 15, wherein the location of the continuity

member, as assembled in the coaxial cable connector, prevents the connector body

from contacting the nut.

21. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 2, wherein the continuity member

electrically contacts both the nut and the post.

22. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 21, wherein the portion of the continuity

member that contacts the nut is flexible.

23. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 22, wherein there are multiple flexible

portions that contact the nut.

24. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 23, wherein the continuity member is

more generally disc-like portion of the electrical continuity member.

25. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 24, wherein the nut contact portions of the

continuity member each includes a tab that contacts the nut.

26. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 22, wherein the nut contact portion of the

continuity member is a flexible finger.

27. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 26, wherein the continuity member

includes multiple flexible fingers.

28. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 21, wherein the portion of the continuity

member that contacts the post includes a securing member.

29. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 2, wherein the electrical continuity

member does not contact the connector body.

30. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 2, wherein at least a portion of the

31. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 2, wherein the electrical continuity

member is an oblong band.

32. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 2, wherein the nut does not touch the

connector body.

33. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 2, wherein the nut is threaded.

34. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 2, further including a sealing ring

environmental contaminants.

35. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 2, further including a fastener member

having a central passageway with an internal ramped surface that deformably

compresses the outer surface of the connector body when the fastener member is

pressed into tight and secure position on the connector body.

36. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 2, further including an insertable

secure a coaxial cable therein.

37. The coaxial cable connector of paragraph 32, wherein the location of the continuity

from contacting the nut.

38. The method of obtaining electrical continuity for a coaxial cable connection of

paragraph 3, further wherein electrical continuity is obtained even when the nut is

not fully tightened onto the port, because only a few threads of the nut need to be

threaded onto the port to extend electrical continuity through the nut and to the cable

shielding via the electrical interface of the continuity member.

39. A coaxial cable connector comprising

a connector body;

a post attached to the connector body, the post having a flange;

including an inward lip; and an electrical continuity member positioned to contact the post and the nut, wherein the electrical continuity member contacts and electrically couples the post to the nut at a position other than the flange of the post.

40. The connector of paragraph 39, wherein the flange of the post has a forward facing

surface and a rearward facing surface; and

wherein the inward lip of the nut has a forward facing surface, a rearward facing

surface, and an innermost portion between the forward facing surface and

the rearward facing surface; and

wherein the continuity member contacts at least one of:

a) the innermost portion between the forward facing surface of the

inward lip; and

b) the rearward facing surface of the inward lip of the nut.

41. The connector of paragraph 40 wherein the forward facing surface of the nut rotates

about the rearward facing surface of the flange of the post.

42. The connector of paragraph 41 wherein the rearward facing surface of the flange of

the post is tapered.

43. The connector of paragraph 39, wherein the post further comprises a protrusion

rearward of the flange for holding the connector body in an assembled position.

44. The connector of paragraph 39, wherein the continuity member is press fit onto the

post.

45. The connector of paragraph 39, further comprising a fastener member having a

ramped surface to deformable compress and seal the connector body against a cable.

The foregoing and other features of construction and operation of the invention will be

more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure, taken in

conjunction with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective cut-away view of an embodiment of the

elements of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having an embodiment of an electrical

continuity member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the electrical continuity member

depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of the electrical

continuity member depicted in FIG. 1, without a flange cutout, in accordance with the present

invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of the electrical

continuity member depicted in FIG. 1, without a flange cutout or a through-slit, in accordance

with the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of the embodiment of a coaxial

cable connector having an electrical continuity member of FIG. 1, as assembled, in accordance

with the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of

a coaxial cable connector having an electrical continuity member and a shortened nut, in

accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of

a coaxial cable connector having an electrical continuity member that does not touch the

connector body, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrical continuity

member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of

a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member of FIG. 8, in accordance with

the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a further embodiment of an electrical continuity

member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment

of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member of FIG. 10, in accordance

with the present invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of still another embodiment of an electrical

continuity member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment

of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member of FIG. 12, in accordance

with the present invention;

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a still further embodiment of an electrical

continuity member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment

of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member of FIG. 14, in accordance

with the present invention;

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of even another embodiment of an electrical

continuity member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment

of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member of FIG. 16, in accordance

with the present invention;

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of still even a further embodiment of an electrical

continuity member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment

of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member of FIG. 18, in accordance

with the present invention;

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective cut-away view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable

connector including an electrical continuity member and having an attached coaxial cable, the

connector mated to an interface port, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 depicts a perspective cut-away view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable

connector having still even another embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in

accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity

member depicted in FIG. 21, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the coaxial cable connector

of FIG. 21, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 depicts a perspective cut-away view of another embodiment of a coaxial cable

connector having the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted in FIG. 22, in

accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 depicts an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the coaxial cable

connector of FIG. 24, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of still further even another embodiment of an

electrical continuity member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrical continuity

member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical continuity

depicted in FIG 27, yet comprising a completely annular post contact portion with no through

slit, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29 depicts a perspective cut-away view of another embodiment of a coaxial cable

connector operably having either of the embodiments of the electrical continuity member

depicted in FIGS. 27 or 28, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 30 depicts a perspective cut-away view of the embodiment of a coaxial cable

connector of FIG. 29, wherein a cable is attached to the connector, in accordance with the

present invention;

FIG. 31 depicts a side cross-section view of the embodiment of a coaxial cable

connector of FIG. 29, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 32 depicts a perspective cut-away view of the embodiment of a coaxial cable

present invention;

FIG. 33 depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an electrical continuity

member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 34 depicts a side view of the embodiment of an electrical continuity member

depicted in FIG. 33, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 35 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of an electrical continuity

member depicted in FIG. 33, wherein nut contact portions are bent, in accordance with the

present invention;

FIG. 36 depicts a side view of the embodiment of an electrical continuity member

depicted in FIG. 33, wherein nut contact portions are bent, in accordance with the present

invention;

FIG. 37 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of a further embodiment of a

coaxial cable connector having the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted in

FIG. 33, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 38 depicts a cut-away side view of a portion of the further embodiment of a coaxial

cable connector depicted in FIG. 37 and having the embodiment of the electrical continuity

member depicted in FIG. 33, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39 depicts an exploded perspective cut-away view of another embodiment of the

continuity member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 40 depicts a side perspective cut-away view of the other embodiment of the coaxial

cable connector of FIG. 39, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 41 depicts a blown-up side perspective cut-away view of a portion of the other

embodiment of the coaxial cable connector of FIG. 39, in accordance with the present

invention;

FIG. 42 depicts a front cross-section view, at the location between the first end portion

of the nut and the second end portion of the nut, of the other embodiment of the coaxial cable

connector of FIG. 39, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43 depicts a front perspective view of yet still another embodiment of an electrical

continuity member, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 44 depicts another front perspective view of the embodiment of the electrical

continuity member depicted in FIG. 43, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 45 depicts a front view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member

depicted in FIG. 43, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 46 depicts a side view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member

depicted in FIG. 43, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 47 depicts a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity

member depicted in FIG. 43, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 48 depicts an exploded perspective cut-away view of a yet still other embodiment

of the coaxial cable connector having the embodiment of the yet still other electrical continuity

member depicted in FIG. 43, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 49 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a the yet still other embodiment of a

coaxial cable connector depicted in FIG. 48 and having the embodiment of the yet still other

electrical continuity member depicted in FIG. 43, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 50 depicts a blown-up perspective cut-away view of a portion of the yet still other

embodiment of a coaxial cable connector depicted in FIG. 48 and having the embodiment of the

yet still other electrical continuity member depicted in FIG. 43, in accordance with the present

invention;

FIG. 51 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of an electrical continuity

member depicted in FIG 43, yet without nut contact tabs, in accordance with the present

invention;

FIG. 52 depicts a side view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member

depicted in FIG. 51, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 53 depicts a perspective cut-away view of a portion of an embodiment of a coaxial

cable connector having the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted in FIG.

51, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments of the present invention are 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 embodiments of the present invention.

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 coaxial cable connector

100 having an embodiment of an electrical continuity member 70. The coaxial cable connector

100 may be operably affixed, or otherwise functionally attached, to 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 embodied coaxial cable 10 may

include stripping the dielectric 16 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, such as cuprous

braided material, aluminum foils, thin metallic elements, or other like structures. 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. 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. The dielectric 16 may be comprised of materials suitable for electrical insulation, such as plastic foam material, paper materials, rubber-like polymers, or other functional insulating materials. 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 communication 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 further to FIG. 1, the connector 100 may also include a coaxial cable interface

port 20. The coaxial cable interface port 20 includes a conductive receptacle for receiving a

portion of a coaxial cable center conductor 18 sufficient to make adequate electrical contact.

The coaxial cable interface port 20 may further comprise a threaded exterior surface 23. It

should be recognized that the radial thickness and/or the length of the coaxial cable interface

port 20 and/or the conductive receptacle of the port 20 may vary based upon generally

recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or

equipment. Moreover, the pitch and height of threads which may be formed upon the threaded

exterior surface 23 of the coaxial cable interface port 20 may also vary based upon generally

recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or

equipment. Furthermore, it should be noted that the interface port 20 may be formed of a single

conductive material, multiple conductive materials, or may be configured with both conductive

and non-conductive materials corresponding to the port's 20 operable electrical interface with a

connector 100. However, the receptacle of the port 20 should be formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, like brass, copper, or aluminum. Further still, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the interface port 20 may be embodied by a connective interface component of a coaxial cable communications device, a television, a modem, a computer port, a network receiver, or other communications modifying devices such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like.

Referring still further to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector 100 may

further comprise a threaded nut 30, a post 40, a connector body 50, a fastener member 60, a

continuity member 70 formed of conductive material, and a connector body sealing member 80,

such as, for example, a body O-ring configured to fit around a portion of the connector body 50.

The threaded nut 30 of embodiments of a coaxial cable connector 100 has a first

forward end 31 and opposing second rearward end 32. The threaded nut 30 may comprise

internal threading 33 extending axially from the edge of first forward end 31 a distance

sufficient to provide operably effective threadable contact with the external threads 23 of a

standard coaxial cable interface port 20 (as shown, by way of example, in FIG. 20). The

threaded nut 30 includes an internal lip 34, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the

second rearward end 32 of the nut. The internal lip 34 includes a surface 35 facing the first

forward end 31 of the nut 30. The forward facing surface 35 of the lip 34 may be a tapered

surface or side facing the first forward end 31 of the nut 30. The structural configuration of the

nut 30 may vary according differing connector design parameters to accommodate different

functionality of a coaxial cable connector 100. For instance, the first forward end 31 of the nut

may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots,

openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate the operable joining

of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component

element, that may help prevent ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils,

and dirt, at the first forward end 31 of a nut 30, when mated with an interface port 20.

Moreover, the second rearward end 32, of the nut 30 may extend a significant axial distance to

reside radially extent, or otherwise partially surround, a portion of the connector body 50,

although the extended portion of the nut 30 need not contact the connector body 50. Those in

the art should appreciate that the nut need not be threaded. Moreover, the nut may comprise a

coupler commonly used in connecting RCA-type, or BNC-type connectors, or other common

coaxial cable connectors having standard coupler interfaces. The threaded nut 30 may be

formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal

alloys, facilitating grounding through the nut 30. Accordingly, the nut 30 may be configured to

extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of an interface

port 20 when a connector 100 is advanced onto the port 20. In addition, the threaded nut 30

may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example the external

surface of the nut 30 may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the nut 30 may be

comprised of a metal or other conductive material. The threaded nut 30 may be formed of

metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed nut body.

Manufacture of the threaded nut 30 may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning,

tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication

methods that may provide efficient production of the component. The forward facing surface

of the nut 30 faces a flange 44 the post 40 when operably assembled in a connector 100, so

as to allow the nut to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post 40

and the connector body 50, of the connector 100.

Referring still to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a connector 100 may include a post 40. The

post 40 comprises a first forward end 41 and an opposing second rearward end 42.

Furthermore, the post 40 may comprise a flange 44, such as an externally extending annular

protrusion, located at the first end 41 of the post 40. The flange 44 includes a rearward facing

surface 45 that faces the forward facing surface 35 of the nut 30, when operably assembled in a coaxial cable connector 100, so as to allow the nut to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post 40 and the connector body 50, of the connector 100. The rearward facing surface 45 of flange 44 may be a tapered surface facing the second rearward end 42 of the post 40. Further still, an embodiment of the post 40 may include a surface feature 47 such as a lip or protrusion that may engage a portion of a connector body 50 to secure axial movement of the post 40 relative to the connector body 50. However, the post need not include such a surface feature 47, and the coaxial cable connector 100 may rely on press-fitting and friction-fitting forces and/or other component structures having features and geometries to help retain the post 40 in secure location both axially and rotationally relative to the connector body

50. The location proximate or near where the connector body is secured relative to the post 40

may include surface features 43, such as ridges, grooves, protrusions, or knurling, which may

enhance the secure attachment and locating of the post 40 with respect to the connector body

50. Moreover, the portion of the post 40 that contacts embodiments of a continuity member 70

may be of a different diameter than a portion of the nut 30 that contacts the connector body 50.

Such diameter variance may facilitate assembly processes. For instance, various components

having larger or smaller diameters can be readily press-fit or otherwise secured into connection

with each other. Additionally, the post 40 may include a mating edge 46, which may be

configured to make physical and electrical contact with a corresponding mating edge 26 of an

interface port 20 (as shown in exemplary fashion in FIG. 20). The post 40 should be formed

such that portions of a prepared coaxial cable 10 including the dielectric 16 and center

conductor 18 (examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 20) may pass axially into the second end 42

and/or through a portion of the tube-like body of the post 40. Moreover, the post 40 should be

dimensioned, or otherwise sized, such that the post 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. Accordingly, where an embodiment of the post 40 may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable 10 under the drawn back conductive grounding shield 14, substantial physical and/or electrical contact with the shield 14 may be accomplished thereby facilitating grounding through the post 40. The post 40 should be conductive and may be formed of metals or may be formed of other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed post body. In addition, the post 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. Manufacture of the post may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

Embodiments of a coaxial cable connector, such as connector 100, may include a

connector body 50. The connector body 50 may comprise a first end 51 and opposing second

end 52. Moreover, the connector body may include a post mounting portion 57 proximate or

otherwise near the first end 51 of the body 50, the post mounting portion 57 configured to

securely locate the body 50 relative to a portion of the outer surface of post 40, so that the

connector body 50 is axially secured with respect to the post 40, in a manner that prevents the

two components from moving with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the axis of the

connector 100. The internal surface of the post mounting portion 57 may include an

engagement feature 54 that facilitates the secure location of a continuity member 70 with

respect to the connector body 50 and/or the post 40, by physically engaging the continuity

member 70 when assembled within the connector 100. The engagement feature 54 may simply

be an annular detent or ridge having a different diameter than the rest of the post mounting

portion 57. However other features such as grooves, ridges, protrusions, slots, holes, keyways,

bumps, nubs, dimples, crests, rims, or other like structural features may be included to facilitate

or possibly assist the positional retention of embodiments of electrical continuity member 70 with respect to the connector body 50. Nevertheless, embodiments of a continuity member 70 may also reside in a secure position with respect to the connector body 50 simply through press fitting and friction-fitting forces engendered by corresponding tolerances, when the various coaxial cable connector 100 components are operably assembled, or otherwise physically aligned and attached together. In addition, the connector body 50 may include an outer annular recess 58 located proximate or near the first end 51 of the connector body 50. Furthermore, the connector body 50 may include a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 55, wherein the outer surface 55 may be configured to form an annular seal when the second end 52 is deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable 10 by operation of a fastener member 60. The connector body 50 may include an external annular detent 53 located proximate or close to the second end 52 of the connector body 50. Further still, the connector body 50 may include internal surface features 59, such as annular serrations formed near or proximate the internal surface of the second end 52 of the connector body 50 and configured to enhance frictional restraint and gripping of an inserted and received coaxial cable 10, through tooth-like interaction with the cable. The connector body 50 may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 55. Further, the connector body 50 may be formed of conductive or non conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the connector body 50 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

With further reference to FIG. 1, embodiments of a coaxial cable connector 100 may

include a fastener member 60. The fastener member 60 may have a first end 61 and opposing

second end 62. In addition, the fastener member 60 may include an internal annular protrusion

63 (see FIG. 20) located proximate the first end 61 of the fastener member 60 and configured to mate and achieve purchase with the annular detent 53 on the outer surface 55 of connector body

(shown again, by way of example, in FIG. 20). Moreover, the fastener member 60 may

comprise a central passageway 65 defined between the first end 61 and second end 62 and

extending axially through the fastener member 60. The central passageway 65 may comprise a

ramped surface 66 which may be positioned between a first opening or inner bore 67 having a

first diameter positioned proximate with the first end 61 of the fastener member 60 and a

second opening or inner bore 68 having a second diameter positioned proximate with the

second end 62 of the fastener member 60. The ramped surface 66 may act to deformably

compress the outer surface 55 of a connector body 50 when the fastener member 60 is operated

to secure a coaxial cable 10. For example, the narrowing geometry will compress squeeze

against the cable, when the fastener member is compressed into a tight and secured position on

the connector body. Additionally, the fastener member 60 may comprise an exterior surface

feature 69 positioned proximate with or close to the second end 62 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 69 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. The first end 61 of the fastener member 60 may extend an axial

distance so that, when the fastener member 60 is compressed into sealing position on the

coaxial cable 100, the fastener member 60 touches or resides substantially proximate

significantly close to the nut 30. 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, hard plastics,

polymers, composites and the like, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the fastener

member 60 may be manufactured via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling,

injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or

other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

The manner in which the coaxial cable connector 100 may be fastened to a received

coaxial cable 10 (such as shown, by way of example, in FIG. 20) may also be similar to the way

a cable is fastened to a common CMP-type connector having an insertable compression sleeve

that is pushed into the connector body 50 to squeeze against and secure the cable 10. The

coaxial cable connector 100 includes an outer connector body 50 having a first end 51 and a

second end 52. The body 50 at least partially surrounds a tubular inner post 40. The tubular

inner post 40 has a first end 41 including a flange 44 and a second end 42 configured to mate

with a coaxial cable 10 and contact a portion of the outer conductive grounding shield or sheath

14 of the cable 10. The connector body 50 is secured relative to a portion of the tubular post 40

proximate or close to the first end 41 of the tubular post 40 and cooperates, or otherwise is

functionally located in a radially spaced relationship with the inner post 40 to define an annular

chamber with a rear opening. A tubular locking compression member may protrude axially into

the annular chamber through its rear opening. The tubular locking compression member may be

slidably coupled or otherwise movably affixed to the connector body 50 to compress into the

connector body and retain the cable 10 and may be displaceable or movable axially or in the

general direction of the axis of the connector 100 between afirst open position (accommodating

insertion of the tubular inner post 40 into a prepared cable 10 end to contact the grounding

shield 14), and a second clamped position compressibly fixing the cable 10 within the chamber

of the connector 100, because the compression sleeve is squeezed into retraining contact with

the cable 10 within the connector body 50. A coupler or nut 30 at the front end of the inner post

serves to attach the connector 100 to an interface port. In a CMP-type connector having an

insertable compression sleeve, the structural configuration and functional operation of the nut

may be similar to the structure and functionality of similar components of a connector 100

described in FIGS. 1-20, and having reference numerals denoted similarly.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-4, variations of an embodiment of an electrical continuity

member 70 are depicted. A continuity member 70 is conductive. The continuity member may

have a first end 71 and an axially opposing second end 72. Embodiments of a continuity

member 70 include a post contact portion 77. The post contact portion 77 makes physical and

electrical contact with the post 40, when the coaxial cable connector 100 is operably assembled,

and helps facilitate the extension of electrical ground continuity through the post 40. As

depicted in FIGS. 2-4, the post contact portion 77 comprises a substantially cylindrical body

that includes an inner dimension corresponding to an outer dimension of a portion of the post

40. A continuity member 70 may also include a securing member 75 or a plurality of securing

members, such as the tabs 75a-c, which may help to physically secure the continuity member

in position with respect to the post 40 and/or the connector body 50. The securing member

may be resilient and, as such, may be capable of exerting spring-like force on operably

adjoining coaxial cable connector 100 components, such as the post 40. Embodiments of a

continuity member 70 include a nut contact portion 74. The nut contact portion 74 makes

physical and electrical contact with the nut 30, when the coaxial cable connector 100 is

operably assembled or otherwise put together in a manner that renders the connector 100

functional, and helps facilitate the extension of electrical ground continuity through the nut 30.

The nut contact portion 74 may comprise a flange-like element that may be associated with

various embodiments of a continuity member 70. In addition, as depicted in FIGS. 2-3, various

embodiments of a continuity member 70 may include a through-slit 73. The through-slit 73

extends through the entire continuity member 70. Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 2, various

embodiments of a continuity member 70 may include a flange cutout 76 located on a flange

like nut contact portion 74 of the continuity member 70. A continuity member 70 is formed of

conductive materials. Moreover, embodiments of a continuity member 70 may exhibit resiliency, which resiliency may be facilitated by the structural configuration of the continuity member 70 and the material make-up of the continuity member 70.

Embodiments of a continuity member 70 may be formed, shaped, fashioned, or

otherwise manufactured via any operable process that will render a workable component,

wherein the manufacturing processes utilized to make the continuity member may vary

depending on the structural configuration of the continuity member. For example, a continuity

member 70 having a through-slit 73 may be formed from a sheet of material that may be

stamped and then bent into an operable shape, that allows the continuity member 70 to function

as it was intended. The stamping may accommodate various operable features of the continuity

member 70. For instance, the securing member 75, such as tabs 75a-c, may be cut during the

stamping process. Moreover, the flange cutout 76 may also be rendered during a stamping

process. Those in the art should appreciate that various other surface features may be provided

on the continuity member 70 through stamping or by other manufacturing and shaping means.

Accordingly, it is contemplated that features of the continuity member 70 may be provided to

mechanically interlock or interleave, or otherwise operably physically engage complimentary

and corresponding features of embodiments of a nut 30, complimentary and corresponding

features of embodiments of a post 40, and/or complimentary and corresponding features of

embodiments of a connector body 50. The flange cutout 76 may help facilitate bending that

may be necessary to form a flange-like nut contact member 74. However, as is depicted in FIG.

3, embodiments of a continuity member 70 need not have a flange cutout 76. In addition, as

depicted in FIG. 4, embodiments of a continuity member 70 need also not have a through-slit

73. Such embodiments may be formed via other manufacturing methods. Those in the art

should appreciate that manufacture of embodiments of a continuity member 70 may include

casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, coining, tapping, drilling, bending, rolling, forming, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.

With continued reference to the drawings, FIGS. 5 - 7 depict perspective cut-away

views of portions of embodiments of coaxial cable connectors 100 having an electrical

continuity member 70, as assembled, in accordance with the present invention. In particular,

FIG. 6 depicts a coaxial cable connector embodiment 100 having a shortened nut 30a, wherein

the second rearward end 32a of the nut 30a does not extend as far as the second rearward end

32 of nut 30 depicted in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 depicts a coaxial cable connector embodiment 100

including an electrical continuity member 70 that does not touch the connector body 50,

because the connector body 50 includes an internal detent 56 that, when assembled, ensures a

physical gap between the continuity member 70 and the connector body 50. A continuity

member 70 may be positioned around an external surface of the post 40 during assembly, while

the post 40 is axially inserted into position with respect to the nut 30. The continuity member

should have an inner diameter sufficient to allow it to move up a substantial length of the

post body 40 until it contacts a portion of the post 40 proximate the flange 44 at the first end 41

of the post 40.

The continuity member 70 should be configured and positioned so that, when the

coaxial cable connector 100 is assembled, the continuity member 70 resides rearward a second

end portion 37 of the nut 30, wherein the second end portion 37 starts at a side 35 of the lip 34

of the nut facing the first end 31 of the nut 30 and extends rearward to the second end 32 of the

nut 30. The location or the continuity member 70 within a connector 100 relative to the second

end portion 37 of the nut being disposed axially rearward of a surface 35 of the internal lip 34

of the nut 30 that faces the flange 44 of the post 40. The second end portion 37 of the nut 30

extends from the second rearward end 32 of the nut 30 to the axial location of the nut 30 that

corresponds to the point of the forward facing side 35 of the internal lip 34 that faces the first forward end 31 of the nut 30 that is also nearest the second end 32 of the nut 30. Accordingly, the first end portion 38 of the nut 30 extends from the first end 31 of the nut 30 to that same point of the forward facing side 35 of the lip 34 that faces the first forward end 31 of the nut 30 that is nearest the second end 32 of the nut 30. For convenience, dashed line 39 shown in

FIG. 5, depicts the axial point and a relative radial perpendicular plane defining the demarcation

of the first end portion 38 and the second end portion 37 of embodiments of the nut 30. As

such, the continuity member 70 does not reside between opposing complimentary surfaces 35

and 45 of the lip 34 of the nut 30 and the flange 44 of the post 40. Rather, the continuity

member 70 contacts the nut 30 at a location rearward and other than on the side 35 of the lip 34

of the nut 30 that faces the flange 44 of the post 40, at a location only pertinent to and within

the second end 37 portion of the nut 30.

With further reference to FIGS. 5-7, a body sealing member 80, such as an O-ring, may

be located proximate the second end portion 37 of the nut 30 in front of the internal lip 34 of the

nut 30, so that the sealing member 80 may compressibly rest or be squeezed between the nut 30

and the connector body 50. The body sealing member 80 may fit snugly over the portion of the

body 50 corresponding to the annular recess 58 proximate the first end 51 of the body 50.

However, those in the art should appreciate that other locations of the sealing member 80

corresponding to other structural configurations of the nut 30 and body 50 may be employed to

operably provide a physical seal and barrier to ingress of environmental contaminants. For

example, embodiments of a body sealing member 80 may be structured and operably assembled

with a coaxial cable connector 100 to prevent contact between the nut 30 and the connector

body 50.

When assembled, as in FIGS. 5-7, embodiments of a coaxial cable connector 100 may

have axially secured components. For example, the body 50 may obtain a physical fit with

respect to the continuity member 70 and portions of the post 40, thereby securing those components together both axially and rotationally. This fit may be engendered through press fitting and/or friction-fitting forces, and/or the fit may be facilitated through structures which physically interfere with each other in axial and/or rotational configurations. Keyed features or interlocking structures on any of the post 40, the connector body 50, and/or the continuity member 70, may also help to retain the components with respect to each other. For instance, the connector body 50 may include an engagement feature 54, such as an internal ridge that may engage the securing member(s) 75, such as tabs 75a-c, to foster a configuration wherein the physical structures, once assembled, interfere with each other to prevent axial movement with respect to each other. Moreover, the same securing structure(s) 75, or other structures, may be employed to help facilitate prevention of rotational movement of the component parts with respect to each other. Additionally, the flange 44 of the post 40 and the internal lip 34 of the nut 30 work to restrict axial movement of those two components with respect to each other toward each other once the lip 34 has contact the flange 44. However, the assembled configuration should not prevent rotational movement of the nut 30 with respect to the other coaxial cable connector 100 components. In addition, when assembled, the fastener member 60 may be secured to a portion of the body 50 so that the fastener member 60 may have some slidable axial freedom with respect to the body 50, thereby permitting operable attachment of a coaxial cable 10. Notably, when embodiments of a coaxial cable connector 100 are assembled, the continuity member 70 is disposed at the second end portion 37 of the nut 30, so that the continuity member 70 physically and electrically contacts both the nut 30 and the post 40, thereby extending ground continuity between the components.

With continued reference to the drawings, FIGS. 8 - 19 depict various continuity

member embodiments 170 - 670 and show how those embodiments are secured within coaxial

cable connector 100 embodiments, when assembled. As depicted, continuity members may

vary in shape and functionality. However, all continuity members have at least a conductive portion and all reside rearward of the forward facing surface 35 of the internal lip 34 of the nut and rearward the start of the second end portion 37 of the nut 30 of each coaxial cable connector embodiment 100 into which they are assembled. For example, a continuity member embodiment 170 may have multiple flange cutouts 176a-c. A continuity member embodiment

270 includes a nut contact portion 274 configured to reside radially between the nut 30 and the

post 40 rearward the start of the second end portion 37 of the nut 30, so as to be rearward of the

forward facing surface 35 of the internal lip 34 of the nut. A continuity member embodiment

370 is shaped in a manner kind of like a top hat, wherein the nut contact portion 374 contacts a

portion of the nut 30 radially between the nut 30 and the connector body 50. A continuity

member embodiment 470 resides primarily radially between the innermost part of the lip 34 of

nut 30 and the post 40, within the second end portion 37 of the nut 30. In particular, the nut 30

of the coaxial cable connector 100 having continuity member 470 does not touch the connector

body 50 of that same coaxial cable connector 100. A continuity member embodiment 570

includes a post contact portion 577, wherein only a radially inner edge of the continuity

member 570, as assembled, contacts the post 40. A continuity member embodiment 670

includes a post contact portion that resides radially between the lip 34 of the nut 30 and the post

, rearward the start of the second end portion 37 of the nut 30.

Turning now to FIG. 20, an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector 100 is depicted in

a mated position on an interface port 20. As depicted, the coaxial cable connector 100 is fully

tightened onto the interface port 20 so that the mating edge 26 of the interface port 20 contacts

the mating edge 46 of the post 40 of the coaxial cable connector 100. Such a fully tightened

configuration provides optimal grounding performance of the coaxial cable connector 100.

However, even when the coaxial connector 100 is only partially installed on the interface port

, the continuity member 70 maintains an electrical ground path between the mating port 20

and the outer conductive shield (ground 14) of cable 10. The ground path extends from the interface port 20 to the nut 30, to the continuity member 70, to the post 40, to the conductive grounding shield 14. Thus, this continuous grounding path provides operable functionality of the coaxial cable connector 100 allowing it to work as it was intended even when the connector

100 is not fully tightened.

With continued reference to the drawings, FIG. 21-23 depict cut-away, exploded,

perspective views of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector 100 having still even another

embodiment of an electrical continuity member 770, in accordance with the present invention.

As depicted, the continuity member 770 does not reside in the first end portion 38 of the nut 30.

Rather, portions of the continuity member 770 that contact the nut 30 and the post 40, such as

the nut contacting portion(s) 774 and the post contacting portion 777, reside rearward the start

(beginning at forward facing surface 35) of the second end portion 37 of the nut 30, like all

other embodiments of continuity members. The continuity member 770, includes a larger

diameter portion 778 that receives a portion of a connector body 50, when the coaxial cable

connector 100 is assembled. In essence, the continuity member 770 has a sleeve-like

configuration and may be press-fit onto the received portion of the connector body 50. When

the coaxial cable connector 100 is assembled, the continuity member 770 resides between the

nut 30 and the connector body 50, so that there is no contact between the nut 30 and the

connector body 50. The fastener member 60a may include an axially extended first end 61.

The first end 61 of the fastener member 60 may extend an axial distance so that, when the

fastener member 60a is compressed into sealing position on the coaxial cable 100 (not shown,

but readily comprehensible by those of ordinary skill in the art), the fastener member 60a

touches or otherwise resides substantially proximate or very near the nut 30. This touching, or

otherwise close contact between the nut 30 and the fastener member 60 coupled with the in

between or sandwiched location of the continuity member 770 may facilitate enhanced

prevention of RF ingress and/or ingress of other environmental contaminants into the coaxial cable connector 100 at or near the second end 32 of the nut 30. As depicted, the continuity member 770 and the associated connector body 50 may be press-fit onto the post 40, so that the post contact portion 777 of the continuity member 770 and the post mounting portion 57 of the connector body 50 are axially and rotationally secured to the post 40. The nut contacting portion(s) 774 of the continuity member 770 are depicted as resilient members, such as flexible fingers, that extend to resiliently engage the nut 30. This resiliency of the nut contact portions

774 may facilitate enhanced contact with the nut 30 when the nut 30 moves during operation of

the coaxial cable connector 100, because the nut contact portions 774 may flex and retain

constant physical and electrical contact with the nut 30, thereby ensuring continuity of a

grounding path extending through the nut 30.

Referring still further to the drawings, FIGS. 24 - 25 depict perspective views of

another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector 100 having a continuity member 770. As

depicted, the post 40 may include a surface feature 47, such as a lip extending from a connector

body engagement portion 49 having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a continuity

member engagement portion 48. The surface feature lip 47, along with the variably-diametered

continuity member and connector body engagement portions 48 and 49, may facilitate efficient

assembly of the connector 100 by permitting various component portions having various

structural configurations and material properties to move into secure location, both radially and

axially, with respect to one another.

With still further reference to the drawings, FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of still

further even another embodiment of an electrical continuity member 870, in accordance with

the present invention. The continuity member 870 may be similar in structure to the continuity

member 770, in that it is also sleeve-like and extends about a portion of connector body 50 and

resides between the nut 30 and the connector body 50 when the coaxial cable connector 100 is

assembled. However, the continuity member 870 includes an unbroken flange-like nut contact portion 874 at the first end 871 of the continuity member 870. The flange-like nut contact portion 874 may be resilient and include several functional properties that are very similar to the properties of the finger-like nut contact portion(s) 774 of the continuity member 770.

Accordingly, the continuity member 870 may efficiently extend electrical continuity through

the nut 30.

With an eye still toward the drawings and with particular respect to FIGS. 27-32,

another embodiment of an electrical continuity member 970 is depicted in several views, and is

also shown as included in a further embodiment of a coaxial cable connector 900. The

electrical continuity member 970 has a first end 971 and a second end 972. The first end 971 of

the electrical continuity member 970 may include one or more flexible portions 979. For

example, the continuity member 970 may include multiple flexible portions 979, each of the

flexible portions 979 being equidistantly arranged so that in perspective view the continuity

member 970 looks somewhat daisy-like. However, those knowledgeable in the art should

appreciate that a continuity member 970 may only need one flexible portion 979 and associated

not contact portion 974 to obtain electrical continuity for the connector 900. Each flexible

portion 979 may associate with a nut contact portion 974 of the continuity member 970. The

nut contact portion 974 is configured to engage a surface of the nut 930, wherein the surface of

the nut 930 that is engaged by the nut contact portion 974 resides rearward the forward facing

surface 935 of nut 930 and the start of the second end portion 937 of the nut 930. A post

contact portion 977, may physically and electrically contact the post 940. The electrical

continuity member 970 may optionally include a through-slit 973, which through-slit 973 may

facilitate various processes for manufacturing the member 970, such as those described in like

manner above. Moreover, a continuity member 970 with a through-slit 973 may also be

associated with different assembly processes and/or operability than a corresponding electrical

continuity member 970 that does not include a through-slit.

When in operation, an electrical continuity member 970 should maintain electrical

contact with both the post 940 and the nut 930, as the nut 930 operably moves rotationally

about an axis with respect to the rest of the coaxial cable connector 900 components, such as

the post 940, the connector body 950 and the fastener member 960. Thus, when the connector

900 is fastened with a coaxial cable 10, a continuous electrical shield may extend from the outer

grounding sheath 14 of the cable 10, through the post 940 and the electrical continuity member

970 to the nut or coupler 930, which coupler 930 ultimately may be fastened to an interface port

(see, for example port 20 of FIG. 1), thereby completing a grounding path from the cable 10

through the port 20. A sealing member 980 may be operably positioned between the nut 930,

the post 940, and the connector body 950, so as to keep environmental contaminants from

entering within the connector 900, and to further retain proper component placement and

prevent ingress of environmental noise into the signals being communicated through the cable

as attached to the connector 900. Notably, the design of various embodiments of the coaxial

cable connector 900 includes elemental component configuration wherein the nut 930 does not

(and even can not) contact the body 950.

Turning further to the drawings, FIGS. 33-38 depict yet another embodiment of an

electrical continuity member 1070. The electrical continuity member 1070 is operably

included, to help facilitate electrical continuity in an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector

1000 having multiple component features, such as a coupling nut 1030, an inner post 1040, a

connector body 1050, and a sealing member 1080, along with other like features, wherein such

component features are, for the purposes of description herein, structured similarly to

corresponding structures (referenced numerically in a similar manner) of other coaxial cable

connector embodiments previously discussed herein above, in accordance with the present

invention. The electrical continuity member 1070 has a first end 1071 and opposing second end

1072, and includes at least one flexible portion 1079 associated with a nut contact portion 1074.

The nut contact portion 1074 may include a nut contact tab 1078. As depicted, an embodiment

of an electrical continuity member 1070 may include multiple flexible portions 1079a-b

associated with corresponding nut contact portions 1074a-b. The nut contact portions 1074a-b

may include respective corresponding nut contact tabs 1078a-b. Each of the multiple flexible

portions 1079a-b, nut contact portions 1074a-b, and nut contact tabs 1078a-b may be located so

as to be oppositely radially symmetrical about a central axis of the electrical continuity member

1070. A post contact portion 1077 may be formed having an axial length, so as to facilitate

axial lengthwise engagement with the post 1040, when assembled in a coaxial cable connector

embodiment 1000. The flexible portions 1079a-b may be pseudo-coaxially curved arm

members extending in yin/yang like fashion around the electrical continuity member 1070.

Each of the flexible portions 1079a-b may independently bend and flex with respect to the rest

of the continuity member 1070. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 35 and 36, the flexible

portions 1079a-b of the continuity member are bent upwards in a direction towards the first end

1071 of the continuity member 1070. Those skilled in the relevant art should appreciate that a

continuity member 1070 may only need one flexible portion 1079 to efficiently obtain electrical

continuity for a connector 1000.

When operably assembled within an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector 1000,

electrical continuity member embodiments 1070 utilize a bent configuration of the flexible

portions 1079a-b, so that the nut contact tabs 1078a-b associated with the nut contact portions

1074a-b of the continuity member 1070 make physical and electrical contact with a surface of

the nut 1030, wherein the contacted surface of the nut 1030 resides rearward of the forward

facing surface 1035 of the inward lip 1034 of nut 1030, and rearward of the start (at surface

1035) of the second end portion 1037 of the nut 1030. For convenience, dashed line 1039

(similar, for example, to dashed line 39 shown in FIG. 5) depicts the axial point and a relative

radial perpendicular plane defining the demarcation of the first end portion 1038 and the second end portion 1037 of embodiments of the nut 1030. As such, the continuity member 1070 does not reside between opposing complimentary surfaces of the lip 1034 of the nut 1030 and the flange 1044 of the post 1040. Rather, the electrical continuity member 1070 contacts the nut

1030 at a rearward location other than on the forward facing side of the lip 1034 of the nut 1030

that faces the flange 1044 of the post 1040, at a location only pertinent to the second end 1037

portion of the nut 1030.

Referring still to the drawings, FIGS. 39-42 depict various views of another

embodiment of a coaxial cable connector 1100 having an embodiment of an electrical

continuity member 1170, in accordance with the present invention. Embodiments of an

electrical continuity member, such as embodiment 1170, or any of the other embodiments 70,

170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670, 770, 870, 970, 1070, 1270 and other like embodiments, may

utilize materials that may enhance conductive ability. For instance, while it is critical that

continuity member embodiments be comprised of conductive material, it should be appreciated

that continuity members may optionally be comprised of alloys, such as cuprous alloys

formulated to have excellent resilience and conductivity. In addition, part geometries, or the

dimensions of component parts of a connector 1100 and the way various component elements

are assembled together in coaxial cable connector 1100 embodiments may also be designed to

enhance the performance of embodiments of electrical continuity members. Such part

geometries of various component elements of coaxial cable connector embodiments may be

constructed to minimize stress existent on components during operation of the coaxial cable

connector, but still maintain adequate contact force, while also minimizing contact friction, but

still supporting a wide range of manufacturing tolerances in mating component parts of

embodiments of electrical continuity coaxial cable connectors.

An embodiment of an electrical continuity member 1170 may comprise a simple

continuous band, which, when assembled within embodiments of a coaxial cable connector

1100, encircles a portion of the post 1140, and is in turn surrounded by the second end portion

1137 of the nut 1130. The band-like continuity member 1170 resides rearward a second end

portion 1137 of the nut that starts at a side 1135 of the lip 1134 of the nut 1130 facing the first

end 1131 of the nut 1130 and extends rearward to the second end 1132 of the nut. The simple

band-like embodiment of an electrical continuity member 1170 is thin enough that it occupies

an annular space between the second end portion 1137 of the nut 1130 and the post 1140,

without causing the post 1140 and nut 1130 to bind when rotationally moved with respect to

one another. The nut 1130 is free to rotate, and has some freedom for slidable axial movement,

with respect to the connector body 1150. The band-like embodiment of an electrical continuity

member 1170 can make contact with both the nut 1130 and the post 1140, because it is not

perfectly circular (see, for example, FIG. 42 depicted the slightly oblong shape of the continuity

member 1170). This non-circular configuration may maximize the beam length between

contact points, significantly reducing stress in the contact between the nut 1130, the post 1140

and the electrical continuity member 1170. Friction may also be significantly reduced because

normal force is kept low based on the structural relationship of the components; and there are

no edges or other friction enhancing surfaces that could scrape on the nut 1130 or post 1140.

Rather, the electrical continuity member 1170 comprises just a smooth tangential-like contact

between the component elements of the nut 1130 and the post 1140. Moreover, if permanent

deformation of the oblong band-like continuity member 1170 does occur, it will not

significantly reduce the efficacy of the electrical contact, because if, during assembly or during

operation, continuity member 1170 is pushed out of the way on one side, then it will only make

more substantial contact on the opposite side of the connector 1100 and corresponding

connector 1100 components. Likewise, if perchance the two relevant component surfaces of

the nut 1130 and the post 1140 that the band-like continuity member 1170 interacts with have

varying diameters (a diameter of a radially inward surface of the nut 1130 and a diameter of a radially outward surface of the post 1140) vary in size between provided tolerances, or if the thickness of the band-like continuity member 1170 itself varies, then the band-like continuity member 1170 can simply assume a more or less circular shape to accommodate the variation and still make contact with the nut 1130 and the post 1140. The various advantages obtained through the utilization of a band-like continuity member 1170 may also be obtained, where structurally and functionally feasible, by other embodiments of electrical continuity members described herein, in accordance with the objectives and provisions of the present invention.

Referencing the drawings still further, it is noted that FIGS 43-53 depict different views

of another coaxial cable connector 1200, the connector 1200 including various embodiments of

an electrical continuity member 1270. The electrical continuity member 1270, in a broad sense,

has some physical likeness to a disc having a central circular opening and at least one section

being flexibly raised above the plane of the disc; for instance, at least one raised flexible portion

1279 of the continuity member 1270 is prominently distinguishable in the side views of both

FIG. 46 and FIG 52, as being arched above the general plane of the disc, in a direction toward

the first end 1271 of the continuity member 1270. The electrical continuity member 1270 may

include two symmetrically radially opposite flexibly raised portions 1279a-b physically and/or

functionally associated with nut contact portions 1274a-b, wherein nut contact portions 1274a-b

may each respectively include a nut contact tab 1278a-b. As the flexibly raised portions 1279a

b arch away from the more generally disc-like portion of the electrical continuity member 1270,

the flexibly raised portions (being also associated with nut contact portions 1274a-b) make

resilient and consistent physical and electrical contact with a conductive surface of the nut

1230, when operably assembled to obtain electrical continuity in the coaxial cable connector

1200. The surface of the nut 1230 that is contacted by the nut contact portion 1274 resides

within the second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230.

The electrical continuity member 1270 may optionally have nut contact tabs 1278a-b,

which tabs 1278a-b may enhance the member's 1270 ability to make consistent operable

contact with a surface of the nut 1230. As depicted, the tabs 1278a-b comprise a simple

bulbous round protrusion extending from the nut contact portion. However, other shapes and

geometric design may be utilized to accomplish the advantages obtained through the inclusion

of nut contact tabs 1278a-b. The opposite side of the tabs 1278a-b may correspond to circular

detents or dimples 1278ai-bi. These oppositely structured features 1278ai-bi may be a result of

common manufacturing processes, such as the natural bending of metallic material during a

stamping or pressing process possibly utilized to create a nut contact tab 1278.

As depicted, embodiments of an electrical continuity member 1270 include a cylindrical

section extending axially in a lengthwise direction toward the second end 1272 of the continuity

member 1270, the cylindrical section comprising a post contact portion 1277, the post contact

portions 1277 configured so as to make axially lengthwise contact with the post 1240. Those

skilled in the art should appreciated that other geometric configurations may be utilized for the

post contact portion 1277, as long as the electrical continuity member 1270 is provided so as to

make consistent physical and electrical contact with the post 1240 when assembled in a coaxial

cable connector 1200.

The continuity member 1270 should be configured and positioned so that, when the

coaxial cable connector 1200 is assembled, the continuity member 1270 resides rearward the

start of a second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230, wherein the second end portion 1237 begins

at a side 1235 of the lip 1234 of the nut 1230 facing the first end 1231 of the nut 1230 and

extends rearward to the second end 1232 of the nut 1230. The continuity member 1270

contacts the nut 1230 in a location relative to a second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230. The

second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230 extends from the second end 1232 of the nut 1230 to

the axial location of the nut 1230 that corresponds to the point of the forward facing side 1235 of the internal lip 1234 that faces the first forward end 1231 of the nut 1230 that is also nearest the second rearward end 1232 of the nut 1230. Accordingly, the first end portion 1238 of the nut 1230 extends from the first end 1231 of the nut 1230 to that same point of the side of the lip

1234 that faces the first end 1231 of the nut 1230 that is nearest the second end 1232 of the nut

1230. For convenience, dashed line 1239 (see FIGS 49-50, and 53), depicts the axial point and

a relative radial perpendicular plane defining the demarcation of the first end portion 1238 and

the second end portion 1237 of embodiments of the nut 1230. As such, the continuity member

1270 does not reside between opposing complimentary surfaces 1235 and 1245 of the lip 1234

of the nut 1230 and the flange 1244 of the post 40. Rather, the continuity member 1270

contacts the nut 1230 at a location other than on the side of the lip 1234 of the nut 1230 that

faces the flange 1244 of the post 1240, at a rearward location only pertinent to the second end

1237 portion of the nut 1230.

Various other component features of a coaxial cable connector 1200 may be included

with a connector 1200. For example, the connector body 1250 may include an internal detent

1256 positioned to help accommodate the operable location of the electrical continuity member

1270 as located between the post 1240, the body 1250, and the nut 1230. Moreover, the

connector body 1250 may include a post mounting portion 1257 proximate the first end 1251 of

the body 1250, the post mounting portion 1257 configured to securely locate the body 1250

relative to a portion 1247 of the outer surface of post 1240, so that the connector body 1250 is

axially secured with respect to the post 1240. Notably, the nut 1230, as located with respect to

the electrical continuity member 1270 and the post 1240, does not touch the body. A body

sealing member 1280 may be positioned proximate the second end portion of the nut 1230 and

snugly around the connector body 1250, so as to form a seal in the space therebetween.

With respect to FIGS 1-53, a method of obtaining electrical continuity for a coaxial

cable connection is described. A first step includes providing a coaxial cable connector

100/900/1000/1100/1200 operable to obtain electrical continuity. The provided coaxial cable

connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 includes a connector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250 and a

post 40/940/1040/1140/1240 operably attached to the connector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250,

the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240 having a flange 44/944/1044/1144/1244. The coaxial cable

connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 also includes a nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 axially

rotatable with respect to the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240 and the connector body

/950/1050/1150/1250, the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 including an inward lip

34/934/1034/1134/1234. In addition, the provided coaxial cable connector includes an

electrical continuity member 70/170/270/370/470/570/670/770/870/970/1070/1170/1270

disposed axially rearward of a surface 35/935/1035/1135/1235 of the internal lip

34/934/1034/1134/1234 of the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 that faces the flange

44/944/1044/1144/1244of the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240. A further method step includes

securely attaching a coaxial cable 10 to the connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 so that the

grounding sheath or shield 14 of the cable electrically contacts the post

/940/1040/1140/1240. Moreover, the methodology includes extending electrical continuity

from the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240 through the continuity member

/170/270/370/470/570/670/770/870/970/1070/1170/1270 to the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230.

A final method step includes fastening the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 to a conductive interface

port 20 to complete the ground path and obtain electrical continuity in the cable connection,

even when the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 is not fully tightened onto the port 20, because only

a few threads of the nut onto the port are needed to extend electrical continuity through the nut

/930/1030/1130/1230 and to the cable shielding 14 via the electrical interface of the

continuity member 70/170/270/370/470/570/670/770/870/970/1070/1170/1270 and the post

/940/1040/1140/1240.

Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are provided by the following statement

numbers 1 to 76.

Statement 1. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a connector body having a forward facing surface;

a post configured to engage the connector body when the connector is assembled,

wherein the post includes a flange having:

a first rearward facing surface;

an intermediate surface extending from the first rearward facing surface of the

flange;and

a second rearward facing surface extending inward from the intermediate

surface, the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post configured to face

the forward facing surface of the connector body and form an annular space between the

forward facing surface of the connector body and the second rearward facing surface of

the flange of the post;

a coupler, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the coupler

having:

a first end configured for coupling to an interface port and an opposing second

end; and

an internal lip, the internal lip having a first surface facing the first end of the

coupler and a second surface facing the second end of the coupler, wherein the annular

space formed between the forward facing surface of the connector body and the second

rearward facing surface of the flange of the post is disposed axially rearward of the first

surface of the internal lip of the coupler; and

a continuity member disposed axially rearward of the first surface of the internal lip of

the coupler and positioned along the post, the continuity member having: a post contact portion, the post contact portion positioned in the annular space formed between the forward facing surface of the connector body and the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post so as to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact with the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post during operation of the connector; and a coupler contact portion, the coupler contact portion positioned to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact with the coupler during operation of the connector.

Statement 2. The coaxial cable connector of statement 1, wherein the post is configured to

mount to the connector body so that relative axial motion therebetween is inhibited.

Statement 3. The coaxial cable connector of statement 1, wherein the post contact portion of

the continuity member is axially secured in the annular space formed between the forward

facing surface of the connector body and the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the

post.

Statement 4. The coaxial cable connector of statement 1, wherein the post contact portion of

the continuity member is axially secured in the annular space so as to maintain continuous

physical and electrical contact with the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post.

Statement 5. The coaxial cable connector of statement 1, wherein the coupler contact portion

of the continuity member is positioned to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact

with the coupler during operation of the connector.

Statement 6. The coaxial cable connector of statement 1, wherein the intermediate surface of

the post extends axially from the first rearward facing surface of the flange, and wherein the second rearward facing surface of the post extends radially inward from the intermediate surface.

Statement 7. The coaxial cable connector of statement 1, wherein the coupler contact portion

comprises a flexible portion having an arcuate portion extending between a first end portion and

a second end portion of the flexible portion, the first and second end portions of the flexible

portion integrally connecting the arcuate portion to the post contact portion, wherein the

flexible portion is raised above a plane of the post contact portion toward the second surface of

the internal lip the coupler and is configured to maintain physical and electrical contact with the

second surface of the internal lip the coupler, and wherein the arcuate portion of the coupler

contact portion is an arched portion.

Statement 8. The coaxial cable connector of statement 7, wherein the continuity member

comprises an arcuate slot formed between the coupler contact portion and the post contact

portion.

Statement 9. The coaxial cable connector of statement 7, wherein the first and second end

portions of the flexible portion are configured to exert symmetrical spring-like forces against

the arcuate portion such that the flexible portion is configured to resiliently engage the second

surface of the internal lip the coupler.

Statement 10. The coaxial cable connector of statement 1, wherein the coupler contact portion

comprises:

a first flexible portion having a first arcuate portion extending between a first end

portion and a second end portion of the first flexible portion, the first and second end portions

of the first flexible portion integrally connecting the first arcuate portion to the post contact

portion, wherein the first flexible portion is raised above a plane of the post contact portion and is configured to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact with the second surface of the internal lip the coupler; and a second flexible portion having a second arcuate portion extending between a first end portion and a second end portion of the second flexible portion, the first and second end portions of the second flexible portion integrally connecting the second arcuate portion to the post contact portion, wherein the second flexible portion is raised above the plane of the post contact portion and is configured to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact with the second surface of the internal lip the coupler; and wherein the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion of the coupler contact portion are arched portions.

Statement 11. The coaxial cable connector of statement 10, wherein the continuity member

comprises a first arcuate slot and a second arcuate slot formed between the coupler contact

portion and the post contact portion, and wherein the first flexible portion is symmetrically

radially opposite of the second flexible portion.

Statement 12. The coaxial cable connector of statement 10, wherein the first and second end

portions of the first flexible portion are configured to exert symmetrical spring-like forces

against the first arcuate portion such that the first flexible portion is configured to resiliently

engage the second surface of the internal lip the coupler, and

wherein the first and second end portions of the second flexible portion are configured

to exert symmetrical spring-like forces against the second arcuate portion such that the second

flexible portion is configured to resiliently engage the second surface of the internal lip the

coupler.

Statement 13. A connector comprising:

property, and having a forward most body surface; a post having a first post surface and a second post surface, the second post surface configured to face a rearward direction, be located rearward from the first post surface, be located radially inward from the first post surface when the connector is assembled, the forward most body surface and the second post surface forming an annular space therebetween when the connector is assembled; a coupler having a first coupler surface configured to engage the first post surface when the connector is assembled, and a second coupler surface configured to face a rearward direction when the connector is assembled, the coupler being configured to move between a first position, where the first coupler surface contacts the first post surface, and a second surface, where the first coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the first post surface; and a continuity element having a base portion configured to be positioned against the second post surface, and having a biasing portion configured to be biasingly maintained in contact with the coupler so as to form a continuous electrical contact path through the coupler, the continuity element, and the second post surface during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that the continuity element maintains the continuous electrical contact path through the coupler, through the continuity element, and through the second post surface during operation of the connector and even when the connector is loosely installed on an interface port, wherein the continuity element is made of a conductive material sufficient to extend the conductive grounding property of the coaxial cable through the coupler, through the continuity element, through the second post surface, and to the interface port during operation of the connector and even when the connector is loosely installed.

Statement 14. The connector of statement 13, wherein the post is configured to mount to the

body so that relative axial motion therebetween is inhibited.

Statement 15. The connector of statement 13, wherein the base portion of the continuity

member is maintained in the annular space formed between the forward most body surface of

the connector body and the second post surface of the post when the connector is assembled and

during operation of the connector.

Statement 16. The connector of statement 13, wherein the base portion of the continuity

member is axially secured in the annular space so as to maintain continuous physical and

electrical contact with the second post surface of the post.

Statement 17. The coaxial cable connector of statement 13, wherein the base portion of the

continuity member is positioned to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact with the

coupler during operation of the connector.

Statement 18. The connector of statement 13, further comprising a resilient sealing member

configured to provide a physical seal between the coupler and the body during operation of the

connector, wherein the base portion of the continuity element is configured to be sandwiched

between the second post surface and the forward most body surface when the connector is pre

installed, where the connector has not yet contacted the interface port and where the body has

not yet engaged the coaxial cable, and, wherein the resilient sealing member is separate from

the continuity element.

Statement 19. The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuous electrical contact path is

the only continuous electrical ground path extending between the coupler and the post when the

coupler and the post are not in direct electrical contact with one another during operation of the

connector.

Statement 20. The connector of statement 13, wherein the second post surface is configured to

be oriented substantially parallel to the forward most body surface when the connector is

loosely installed and when the connector is pre-installed, where the connector has not yet

contacted the interface port and where the body has not yet engaged the coaxial cable, and

wherein the forward most body surface faces a forward direction toward the interface port, and

the second post surface is configured to be oriented parallel to the forward facing body surface

when the connector is loosely installed, where the coupler is not fully tightened on the interface

port.

Statement 21. The connector of statement 13, wherein the forward most body surface is

configured to face a first side of the continuity element and the second post surface is

configured to face a second side of the continuity element when the connector is loosely

installed, where the coupler is not fully tightened on the interface port.

Statement 22. The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuity element is configured to

maintain the continuous electrical contact path during operation of the connector even when the

connector is loosely installed, where the coupler is not fully tightened on the interface port.

Statement 23. The connector of statement 22, wherein the continuous electrical contact path is

non-intermittent and not momentary.

Statement 24. The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuous electrical contact path

remains continuous during operation of the connector even when the post and the coupler are

spaced away from, and are not in electrical contact with, one another.

Statement 25. The connector of statement 13, wherein the connector is loosely installed when

the coupler is not fully tightened on an interface port, and when the post and the coupler are

spaced away from, and are not in electrical contact with, one another.

Statement 26 The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuity element is configured to

be anchored between the second post surface and the forward most body surface so as to be

maintained in constant and non-intermittent electrical contact with the second post surface

during operation of the connector when the connector is loosely installed, and wherein the

second post surface and the forward most body surface are configured to face one another to

form complementary opposing surfaces.

Statement 27. The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuity element includes a post

contact surface, a body contact surface, and a coupler contact surface, the post contact surface

and the body contact surface being configured to together form an anchored continuity portion,

the anchored continuity portion being configured to be sandwiched between the second post

surface and the forward most body surface so as to be secured in a fixed axial position relative

to the post and relative to the body, and

wherein the coupler contact surface is configured to form a non-anchored portion

configured to move relative to the anchored portion and to move relative to the post and the

body during operation of the connector when the connector is loosely installed.

Statement 28. The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuity element includes a post

contact surface configured to extend in a radial direction and have a radial length so as to make

radial lengthwise contact with the second post surface, and wherein the radial lengthwise

contact is not a point contact.

Statement 29. The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuity element includes a post

contact surface configured to form a continuity path through the second post surface, and the

post contact surface is configured so as to not extend along an axial direction and not make

axial lengthwise contact with the post during operation of the connector.

Statement 30. The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuity element includes a post

contact surface and a body contact surface, and the second post surface and the forward most

body surface are configured to face each other and lengthwise fit the post contact surface and

the body contact surface of the continuity element between the second post surface and the

forward most body surface when the connector is loosely installed.

Statement 31. The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuity element includes a post

contact surface and a first resilient arcuate portion and a second resilient arcuate portion radially

spaced from the first resilient arcuate portion, the first and second resilient arcuate portions

each extending between two radially spaced portions of the continuity element.

Statement 32. The connector of statement 13, wherein the continuity element includes a post

contact surface and an arched portion extending out of a plane defined by the post contact

surface, and wherein the arched portion is curved.

Statement 33. A connector comprising:

cable having an electrical grounding property;

therebetween when the connector is assembled;

direction when the connector is assembled, the coupler being configured to move between a first position, where the first coupler surface contacts the first post surface, and a second position, where a forward facing coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the first post surface; and a conductive continuity member including: a body contact surface configured to contact the forward most body surface; a coupler contact surface configured to be biasingly maintained in electrical contact with the second coupler surface so as to biasingly maintain an electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and through the coupler during operation of the connector, the coupler contact surface being made of a metallic material sufficient to extend the electrical grounding property of the coaxial cable to the coupler and form the maintained electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and the coupler during operation of the connector; and a post contact surface configured to be maintained in electrical contact with the second post surface so as to maintain an electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and through the post contact surface during operation of the connector, the post contact surface being made of a metallic material sufficient to extend the electrical grounding property of the coaxial cable to the second post surface and form the continuous electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and the second post surface during operation of the connector, wherein the conductive continuity member is configured to maintain the continuous electrical contact path through the post and through the coupler during operation of the connector when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that the conductive continuity member maintains the continuous electrical contact path through the post and through the coupler regardless of the location of the coupler relative to the post, and wherein the second post surface is configured to be oriented substantially parallel to the forward most body surface when the connector is loosely installed on an interface port and the conductive continuity member is configured to be positioned against the second post surface when the connector is loosely installed, and even when the connector does not contact the interface port.

Statement 34. The connector of statement 33, wherein the post is configured to mount to the

body so that relative axial motion therebetween is inhibited.

Statement 35. The connector of statement 33, wherein the post contact surface of the

conductive continuity member is axially secured in the annular space formed between the

forward facing surface of the connector body and the second post surface of the post.

Statement 36. The connector of statement 33, wherein the post contact surface of the

conductive continuity member is axially secured in the annular space so as to maintain

continuous physical and electrical contact with the second post surface of the post.

Statement 37. The coaxial cable connector of statement 33, wherein the coupler contact surface

with the coupler during operation of the connector.

Statement 38. The connector of statement 33, wherein the coupler contact surface of the

conductive continuity member is configured to be biasingly maintained in electrical contact

with the second coupler surface so as to biasingly maintain an electrical contact path through

the conductive continuity member and through the coupler during operation of the connector.

Statement 39. The connector of statement 33, wherein the conductive continuity member is

configured to be clamped against the second post surface when the connector is loosely

installed and when the connector does not contact the interface port.

Statement 40 The connector of statement 33, wherein the conductive continuity member is

biasingly maintained in electrical contact with the second coupler surface at all times during the

operation of the connector.

Statement 41. The connector of statement 33, wherein the connector is configured to maintain

the conductive continuity member in a sandwiched state, where the body contact surface of the

conductive continuity member contacts the forward most body surface of the body and where

the post contact surface of the conductive continuity member contacts the second post surface

of the post, when the connector is preinstalled, where the connector has not yet contacted the

interface port and where the body has not yet engaged the coaxial cable, when the connector is

loosely installed on the interface port, and when the connector is tightly installed on the

interface port.

Statement 42. The connector of statement 33, wherein the electrical contact path comprises a

continuity path configured to be continuously maintained during operation of the connector

even when the connector is loosely installed, and wherein the continuity path is not incidental

and not momentary.

Statement 43. The connector of statement 33, wherein the conductive continuity member is

configured to maintain the electrical contact path at all times during operation of the connector

even when the connector is loosely installed.

Statement 44. The connector of statement 33, wherein the electrical contact path is continuous

during operation of the connector even when the post and the coupler are spaced away from and

are not in electrical contact with one another.

Statement 45. The connector of statement 33, wherein loosely installed comprises a connector

where the coupler is not fully tightened on an interface port, and the post and the coupler are

spaced away from and are not in electrical contact with one another.

Statement 46. The connector of statement 33, wherein the conductive continuity member is

configured to be anchored between the second post surface and the forward most body surface

so as to be maintained in constant and non-intermittent electrical contact with the second post

surface during operation of the connector when the connector is loosely installed, and wherein

the second post surface and the forward most body surface are configured to face one another

and form complementary opposing surfaces that are spaced apart from one another.

Statement 47. The connector of statement 36, wherein the post contact surface and the body

contact surface of the conductive continuity member are configured together to form an

anchored continuity portion, the anchored continuity portion being configured to be sandwiched

between the second post surface and the forward most body surface so as to be secured in a

fixed position relative to the post and relative to the body, and wherein the coupler contact

surface is configured to form a non-anchored portion, the non-anchored portion being

body during operation of the connector when the connector is loosely installed.

Statement 48. The connector of statement 33, wherein the post contact surface of the

conductive continuity member is configured to extend along a radial direction and have a radial

length so as to make radial lengthwise contact with the second post surface, and wherein the

radial lengthwise contact is not a point contact.

Statement 49. The connector of statement 33, wherein the post contact surface of the

conductive continuity member is configured to form a continuity path through the second post surface, and the post contact surface is configured so as to not extend along an axial direction and not make axial lengthwise contact with the post during operation of the connector.

Statement 50. The connector of statement 33, wherein the second post surface and the forward

most body surface are configured to face each other and lengthwise fit the post contact portion

and the body contact portion of the conductive continuity member between the second post

surface and the forward most body surface so as to axially secure the post contact portion and

the body contact portion of the continuity member relative to the post and the body when the

connector is loosely installed.

Statement 51. The connector of statement 33, wherein the conductive continuity member

includes a first resilient arcuate portion and a second resilient arcuate portion radially spaced

from the first resilient arcuate portion, the first and second resilient arcuate portions each

extending between two radially spaced portions of the post contact portion of the conductive

continuity member.

Statement 52. The connector of statement 33, wherein the continuity member includes an

arched portion extending out of a plane of the post contact surface, and wherein the arched

portion is curved.

Statement 53. A connector for coupling a coaxial cable to an interface port, the connector

comprising:

a body having a continuity member contact portion;

rearward facing portion;

position and a second position, the coupler including:

a first end configured for coupling to the interface port; and an inward protrusion having a forward facing coupler portion, a rearward facing coupler portion, and an innermost coupler portion extending between the forward facing coupler portion and the rearward facing coupler portion; wherein the coupler is further configured to move between a first coupler-to-post position relative to the post, where the forward facing coupler portion of the coupler contacts the rearward facing portion of the post, and a second coupler-to-post position relative to the post, where the forward facing coupler portion of the coupler is spaced away from the rearward facing portion of the post; a metallic electrical ground pathway configured to extend between the rearward facing portion of the outward flange of the post and the continuity contact member portion of the body when the connector is assembled and during operation of the connector; and wherein the metallic electrical ground pathway is configured to be maintained when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, when the coupler is in the first coupler-to-post position relative to the post, where the forward facing coupler portion of the coupler contacts the rearward facing portion of the post, and when the coupler is in the second coupler-to-post position relative to the post, where the forward facing coupler portion of the coupler is spaced away from the rearward facing portion of the post, such that the metallic electrical ground pathway is maintained between the rearward facing portion of the outward flange of the post and the coupler regardless of a location of the coupler relative to the post during operation of the connector.

Statement 54. The connector of statement 53, wherein the continuous metallic electrical ground

pathway is formed by an electrical grounding continuity member.

Statement 55. The connector of statement 53, wherein the electrical grounding continuity

member is made of an integrally conductive and non-elastomeric material, and further

comprising an elastomeric sealing member positioned between the coupler and the body to provide a physical seal and barrier to ingress of environmental contaminants into the connector during operation of the connector.

Statement 56. The connector of statement 53, wherein the electrical grounding continuity

member comprises:

a conductive post contact portion configured to contact the rearward facing portion of

the outward flange of the post, and maintain a first metallic electrical grounding path with the

post;

a coupler contact portion configured to maintain contact with a rearward facing portion

of the coupler, and biasingly maintain a second metallic electrical grounding path between the

electrical grounding continuity member and the rearward facing portion of the coupler; and

a biasing portion configured to bias the coupler contact portion against the rearward

facing portion of the coupler, allow the coupler contact portion to move relative to the

conductive post contact portion when the coupler moves between the first coupler-to-post

position, where the forward facing coupler portion of the coupler contacts the rearward facing

portion of the post, and the second coupler-to-post position, where the forward facing coupler

portion of the coupler is spaced away from and does not contact the rearward facing portion of

the post, so as to maintain a third continuous metallic electrical grounding path between the

conductive post contact portion and the coupler contact portion.

Statement 57. The connector of statement 56, wherein the post contact portion of the continuity

member is maintained in an annular space formed between a forward facing surface of the body

and the rearward facing portion of the post during operation of the connector.

Statement 58. The connector of statement 56, wherein the post contact portion of the continuity

member is axially secured in an annular space so as to maintain continuous physical and

electrical contact with the rearward facing portion of the post during operation of the connector.

Statement 59. The coaxial cable connector of statement 56, wherein the coupler contact portion

with the coupler during operation of the connector.

Statement 60. The connector of statement 56 wherein the coupler contact portion of the

electrical grounding continuity member is configured to be biasingly maintained in electrical

contact with the rearward facing portion of the coupler so as to biasingly maintain an electrical

contact path through the conductive continuity member and through the coupler during

operation of the connector.

Statement 61. The connector of statement 56, wherein the electrical grounding continuity

member is configured to be clamped against the rearward facing portion of the coupler when

the connector is loosely installed, where the coupler is not fully tightened on the interface port,

and when the connector does not contact the interface port.

Statement 62. The connector of statement 56 wherein the electrical grounding continuity

member is biasingly maintained in electrical contact with the rearward facing portion of the

coupler at all times during the operation of the connector.

Statement 63. The connector of statement 56, wherein the electrical contact path comprises a

even when the connector is loosely installed, where the coupler is not fully tightened on the

interface port, and wherein the continuity path is not incidental and not momentary.

Statement 64. The connector of statement 56, wherein the electrical grounding continuity

member is configured to maintain the electrical contact path at all times during operation of the

connector even when the connector is loosely installed, where the coupler is not fully tightened

on the interface port.

Statement 65. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a connector body having a forward facing surface;

assembled;

Statement 66. The connector of statement 65, wherein the continuity member comprises a

coupler contact portion positioned to be biased against the coupler during operation of the

connector and when the coupler moves relative to the post and the connector body and even

when the coupler is not fully tightened on the interface port.

Statement 67. The connector of statement 65, wherein the coupler contact portion comprises a

flexible portion having an arcuate portion extending between a first end portion and a second

end portion of the flexible portion, the first and second end portions of the flexible portion

connecting the arcuate portion to the post contact portion, wherein the flexible portion extends

outside of a plane of the post contact portion and is configured to biasingly maintain physical

and electrical contact with the coupler, and wherein the continuity member comprises an

arcuate slot formed between the coupler contact portion and the post contact portion.

Statement 68. The connector of statement 65, wherein the coupler contact portion comprises: a first flexible portion having a first arcuate portion extending between a first end portion and a second end portion of the first flexible portion, the first and second end portions of the first flexible portion integrally connecting the first arcuate portion to the post contact portion, wherein the first flexible portion is raised above a plane of the post contact portion and is configured to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact with the second surface of the internal lip the coupler; and a second flexible portion having a second arcuate portion extending between a first end portion and a second end portion of the second flexible portion, the first and second end portions of the second flexible portion integrally connecting the second arcuate portion to the post contact portion, wherein the second flexible portion is raised above the plane of the post contact portion and is configured to maintain continuous physical and electrical contact with the second surface of the internal lip the coupler.

Statement 69. The connector of statement 65, wherein the post contact portion of the continuity

member is configured to be sandwiched in the annular space formed between the forward

facing surface of the connector body and the rearward facing surface of the flange of the post

during operation of the connector and even when the connector is preinstalled, where the

connector has not yet contacted the interface port and where the body has not yet engaged the

coaxial cable.

Statement 70. The connector of statement 65, wherein the flange of the post includes a first

rearward facing surface, an intermediate surface extending from the first rearward facing

surface of the flange, and the rearward facing surface comprises a second rearward facing

surface extending inward from the intermediate surface, the second rearward facing surface of

the flange of the post configured to face the forward facing surface of the connector body when

the connector is assembled.

Statement 71. The connector of statement 70, wherein the internal lip has a first surface

configured to face a rearward direction away from the interface port such that the annular space

surface of the flange of the post is disposed rearward from the first surface of the internal lip of

the nut when the connector is assembled.

Statement 72. The connector of statement 70, wherein the internal lip of the coupler includes a

first surface facing a rearward direction away from the interface port such that the annular space

the coupler.

Statement 73. The connector of statement 65, wherein the continuity member is disposed

axially rearward of the first surface of the internal lip of the coupler and positioned along the

post.

Statement 74. The connector of statement 65, wherein the flange includes a first rearward

facing surface, an intermediate surface extending from the first rearward facing surface of the

flange, and a second rearward facing surface extending inward from the intermediate surface,

the second rearward facing surface of the flange configured to face the forward facing surface

of the connector body and to form the annular space between the forward facing surface of the

connector body and the second rearward facing surface of the flange of the post.

Statement 75. The coaxial cable connector of statement 65, wherein the continuity member

comprises a coupler contact portion positioned to be biased against the coupler during operation

of the connector and when the coupler moves relative to the post and the connector body and

even when the coupler is not fully tightened on the interface port.

Statement 76. The connector of statement 71, wherein the continuity member is configured to

form an anchored continuity portion for being sandwiched between the second post surface and

the forward most body surface so as to be secured in a fixed position relative to the post and

relative to the body, and wherein the coupler contact portion is configured to form a non

anchored portion configured to move relative to the anchored portion and to move relative to

the post and the body during operation of the connector when the connector is loosely installed.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments

outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be

apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as

set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made

without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the

specific examples provided herein.

The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are

used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but not to exclude any

other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of

the term is required.

Claims

1. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a coupler member configured to engage an interface port, the coupler member

having a rearward facing coupler surface relative to a rearward direction away from the

interface port when the coupler member engages the interface port;

a body member having a forward facing body surface relative to a forward

direction toward the interface port;

a post member including a flange portion that is rearward from the rearward

facing coupler surface when the connector is assembled, the flange portion having a

rearward facing post surface relative to the rearward direction away from the interface

port when the connector is installed on the interface port, the post member being

configured to engage the body member so as to form a space between the rearward

facing post surface and the forward facing surface when the connector is assembled; and

a grounding member having a post contact portion configured to be located

rearward from the rearward facing coupler surface so as to extend in the space formed

between the forward facing body surface and the rearward facing post surface when the

connector is assembled and when the coupler member engages the interface port so as to

maintain consistent physical and electrical contact with the rearward facing post surface

during operation of the connector, and a coupler contact portion configured to biasingly

maintain contact with the rearward facing coupler surface during operation of connector,

wherein the coupler member includes a lip portion, the flange portion being

configured to engage the lip portion when the connector is assembled, and the coupler

contact portion of the grounding member being positioned to make contact with the

rearward facing coupler surface at a location rearward from the lip portion of the

coupler member.

2. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a coupler portion configured to engage an interface port, the coupler portion

interface port when the coupler portion engages the interface port;

a body portion having a forward facing body surface relative to a forward

direction toward the interface port;

a post portion including a flange portion that is rearward from the rearward

port when the connector is installed on the interface port, the post portion being

configured to engage the body portion so as to form a space between the rearward

a grounding portion having a post contact portion configured to be located

connector is assembled and when the coupler portion engages the interface port so as to

wherein the coupler portion includes a lip portion, the flange portion being

contact portion of the grounding portion being positioned to make contact with the rearward facing coupler surface at a location rearward from the lip portion of the coupler portion.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the post contact portion of the grounding portion

comprises a continuity member that is configured to maintain continuous physical and

electrical grounding contact with the rearward facing post surface of the post portion at

all times during operation of the connector.

4. The connector of claim 2, wherein the rearward facing post surface extends from the

flange portion of the post portion.

5. The connector of claim 2, wherein the grounding portion is a separate component from

the coupler portion, the body portion, and the post portion.

6. The connector of claim 2, wherein the post contact portion of the grounding portion

comprises a disc-like portion, and the coupler contact portion of the coupler portion

comprises a flexible biasing portion that extends from the disc-like portion.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein the flexible biasing portion is configured to arch

above a plane defined by the disc-like portion.

8. The connector of claim 2, wherein the post portion is press-fit to the body portion.

9. The connector of claim 2, wherein the post portion is configured to be axially secured to

the body portion so as to prevent the post portion from moving axially relative to the

body portion when the connector is assembled.

10. The connector of claim 2, wherein the space comprises an annular space formed

between the rearward facing post surface of the post portion and the forward facing

body surface of the body portion that encircles an inner portion of the post portion when

the connector is assembled.

11. The connector of claim 2, wherein the coupler contact portion comprises a flexible

portion having an arcuate portion extending between a first end portion and a second

end portion of the flexible portion, the first and second end portions of the flexible

portion integrally connecting the arcuate portion to the post contact portion of the post

member, wherein the flexible portion is raised above a plane of the post contact portion

and is configured to be biasingly maintained in contact with the rearward facing coupler

surface of the coupler, and wherein the arcuate portion of the coupler contact portion is

an arched portion.

12. The connector of claim 2, wherein the grounding portion includes an arcuate slot formed

between the coupler contact portion and the post contact portion.

13. The connector of claim 2, wherein the grounding portion comprises an arcuate portion

and a flexible portion having first and second end portions configured to exert

symmetrical spring-like forces against the arcuate portion so as to resiliently maintain the coupler contact portion of the continuity portion in contact with the rearward facing coupler surface of the coupler portion during operation of the connector.

14. The connector of claim 2, wherein the coupler contact portion of the grounding portion

comprises:

a first flexible portion having a first arcuate portion extending between a first

end portion and a second end portion of thefirst flexible portion, the first and second

end portions of the first flexible portion integrally connecting the first arcuate portion to

the post contact portion, wherein the first flexible portion is raised above a plane of the

post contact portion and is configured to be biasingly maintained in contact with the

rearward facing coupler surface of the coupler portion;

a second flexible portion having a second arcuate portion extending between a

first end portion and a second end portion of the second flexible portion, the first and

second end portions of the second flexible portion integrally connecting the second

arcuate portion to the post contact portion, wherein the second flexible portion is raised

above the plane of the post contact portion is configured to be biasingly maintained in

contact with the rearward facing coupler surface of the coupler portion; and

wherein the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion of the coupler

contact portion are arched portions.

15. The connector of claim 2, wherein the grounding portion comprises a first arcuate slot

and a second arcuate slot formed between the coupler contact portion of and the post

contact portion, and wherein the first flexible portion is symmetrically arranged radially

opposite of the second flexible portion.

16. The coaxial cable connector of claim 14, wherein the first and second end portions of

the first flexible portion are configured to exert symmetrical spring-like forces against

the first arcuate portion such that the first flexible portion is configured to resiliently

engage the rearward facing coupler surface of the coupler portion, and

wherein the first and second end portions of the second flexible portion are

configured to exert symmetrical spring-like forces against the second arcuate portion

such that the second flexible is configured to resiliently engage the rearward facing

coupler surface of the coupler portion.

17. The connector of claim 2, wherein the forward facing body surface of the body portion

comprises a forward most surface of the body portion relative to a forward direction

toward the interface port when the coupler portion engages the interface port.

18. The connector of claim 2, wherein the post contact portion of the grounding portion

comprising a post contact surface that is configured to face a forward direction toward

the interface port when the coupler portion engages the interface port, and wherein the

post contact surface is configured to be oriented parallel to the rearward facing post

surface when the connector is assembled, before the coupler portion of the assembled

connector is engaged with the interface port, before the body portion has engaged a

coaxial cable, and during operation of the connector.

19. The connector of claim 2, wherein the post contact portion of the grounding portion is

configured to maintain a continuous, non-intermittent, and not momentary ground path

with the rearward facing post surface of the post portion at all times during operation of

the connector.

20. The connector of claim 19, wherein the continuous, non-intermittent, and not

momentary ground path remains continuous during operation of the connector even

when the post portion and the coupler portion are spaced away from, and are not in

electrical contact with, one another during operation of the connector.

21. The connector of claim 2, wherein the rearward facing post surface comprises a first

rearward facing flange surface of the flange portion, the flange portion includes a

second rearward facing flange surface spaced away from the first rearward facing flange

surface and an intermediate surface between the first and second rearward facing flange

surfaces, and wherein the first rearward facing flange surface is configured to face

toward the forward facing body surface when the connector is assembled and while the

first rearward facing flange surface is maintained in contact with the post contact

surface of the grounding portion during operation of the connector.

22. The connector of claim 2, wherein the post portion includes an outwardly facing post

portion rearwardly spaced away from the post contact portion relative to the rearward

direction, and wherein the grounding portion includes a collar post contact portion that

rearwardly extends away from the post contact portion relative to the rearward direction

so as to encircle the outwardly facing post portion.

12 14 62 16 68 18

67 66 100 53 61 59 52 57 54 65

51 69 60

34 55 35 32 1/53

50 31 58

42 80

47 70

44 45 41 30 33 23

40 43

FIG. 1

60 10 30 63 50 53 12 23 33 18 26 46 70 16 14 40 80 20/53

FIG. 20