Connector having a coupler-body continuity member

• US 8,915,754 B2
• Filed: 11/27/2013
• Issued: 12/23/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/11/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: PPC Broadband Incorporated (Belden Inc.)
• Original Assignee: PPC Broadband Incorporated (Belden Inc.)
• Inventors: Montena, Noah P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Iuebke, R S
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tsukerman, Larisa
• Application Number:
  US14/092,003
• Publication Number:
  US 20140087588A1
• Time in Patent Office: 391 Days
• Field of Search: 439/271, 439/578, 439/686
• US Class Current: 439/578
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5202 Sealing means between parts of housing or between housing part and a wall, e.g. sealing rings
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5221 having cable sealing means
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/622 Screw-ring or screw-casing H01R13/623 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/646 specially adapted for high-frequency, e.g. structures providing an impedance match or phase match non-coaxed protective earth or shield arrangements H01R13/648; coaxed connectors specially adapted for high frequency H01R24/40
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/655 with earth brace
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6581 Shield structure
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2103/00 Two poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/38 having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/48 utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member H01R4/52 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/00 Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors of trolley lines B60M1/28
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/20 for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/26 for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device structural association with two-part coupling device H01R13/629
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/05 for coaxial cables
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/0503 Connection between two cable ends
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/0512 Connections to an additional grounding conductor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/0521 Connection to outer conductor by action of a nut
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/0524 Connection to outer conductor by action of a clamping member, e.g. screw fastening means H01R9/0515 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49208 by assembling plural parts

Abstract

A connector having a coupler-body continuity member is provided, wherein the coupler-body continuity member electrically couples a coupler and a body, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the coupler and the body. Furthermore, the coupler-body continuity member facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise.

Claims

1. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outer body surface and a forward facing body surface;

a post having a rearward facing post surface and configured to be separate from the body;

a coupler having a forward facing coupler surface, a first rearward facing coupler surface, a second rearward facing coupler surface, and an inner coupler surface extending along an axial direction between the first and second rearward facing coupler surfaces, the forward facing coupler surface configured to engage the rearward facing post surface when the connector is in an assembled state, the first rearward facing coupler surface being spaced axially rearward from the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;

a continuity member configured to provide a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body when the connector is in the assembled state and when the coupler and body move relative to one another, the continuity member being positioned outside the inner coupler surface and outside the body such that no portion of the continuity member is located either inside the body or inside the first rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;

a sealing member configured to form a seal between the inner coupler surface and the body, the seal being located axially forward from the continuity member when the connector is in the assembled state;

wherein the continuity member is metallic and does not contact the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;

wherein the body extends between the continuity member and a portion of the post, and the continuity member extends around a section of the body when the connector is in the assembled state;

wherein the coupler is configured to move between a first position, where the continuity member contacts the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface does not engage the forward facing body surface, and a second position, where the continuity member maintains contact with the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface engages the forward facing body surface;

wherein the continuity member is C-shaped;

wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring;

wherein the body extends inside the inner coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state; and

wherein the body, the post, the coupler, and continuity member each comprise separate and distinct structures.

2. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the body and the post are separate components of the connector.

3. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the body and the post are physically and functionally separate components.

4. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

5. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked with one another to prevent axial movement of one relative to the other when assembled.

6. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

7. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

8. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

9. The coaxial cable connector of claim 8, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

10. The coaxial cable connector of claim 8, wherein the radial surface is configured to face a rearward direction when the connector is in the assembled state.

11. The coaxial cable connector of claim 8, wherein the radial surface is not configured to face an end of the coupler.

12. The coaxial cable connector of claim 8, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

13. The coaxial cable connector of claim 8, wherein the radial surface is radially spaced outward from the inner coupler surface.

14. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is radially spaced outward from the inner coupler surface.

15. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a midpoint of the inner coupler surface.

16. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

17. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inner coupler surface is located proximate to an edge of the coupler.

18. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inner coupler surface extends from an edge of the coupler.

19. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

20. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from the first rearward facing coupler surface.

21. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from the first rearward facing coupler surface.

22. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction, extends from the first rearward facing coupler surface, and the first rearward facing coupler surface faces a rearward direction.

23. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inner coupler surface faces a first direction, extends from the first rearward facing coupler surface, and the first rearward facing coupler surface faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

24. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer surface.

25. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer annular surface.

26. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein first rearward facing coupler surface is cylindrical.

27. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the outer body surface does not include a forward end of the body.

28. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the outer body surface does not include an end of the body closest to the coupler when the connector is in the assembled state.

29. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to a forward end of the body.

30. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to an end of the body closest to the coupler when the connector is in the assembled state.

31. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the body includes a forward body end, and the outer body surface and the forward body end comprise separate and distinct portions of the body.

32. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is configured to maintain a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

33. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is configured to maintain a constant ground path between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

34. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is configured to maintain a consistent ground path in an axial direction between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

35. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

36. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.

37. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outer body surface and a forward facing body surface;

a post having a rearward facing post surface and configured to be separate from the body;

a coupler having a forward facing coupler surface, a first rearward facing coupler surface, a second rearward facing coupler surface, and an inner coupler surface extending along an axial direction between the first and second rearward facing coupler surfaces, the forward facing coupler surface configured to engage the rearward facing post surface when the connector is in an assembled state, the first rearward facing coupler surface being spaced axially rearward from the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state; and

a metal continuity member configured to provide a consistent ground path between the first rearward facing coupler surface and the outer body surface when the connector is in the assembled state and when the coupler and body move relative to one another, the metal continuity member being positioned outside the inner coupler surface, around a portion of the body, and around a portion of the post such that no portion of the metal continuity member is located either inside the body or inside the first rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

38. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, further comprising a sealing member configured to form a seal between the inner coupler surface and the body, the seal being located axially forward from the metal continuity member when the connector is in the assembled state.

39. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the metal continuity member does not contact the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

40. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the coupler is configured to move between a first position, where the metal continuity member contacts the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface does not engage the forward facing body surface, and a second position, where the metal continuity member maintains contact with the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface contacts the forward facing body surface.

41. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the metal continuity member is C-shaped.

42. The coaxial cable connector of claim 38, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

43. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inner coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

44. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the body, the post, the coupler, and metal continuity member each comprise separate and distinct structures, each having at least one component.

45. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the body, the post, the coupler, and metal continuity member each comprise separate and distinct structures, each having at least one component.

46. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the body and the post are separate components of the connector.

47. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the body and the post are physically and functionally separate components.

48. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

49. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked with one another to prevent axial movement of one relative to the other when assembled.

50. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

51. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

52. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

53. The coaxial cable connector of claim 52, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

54. The coaxial cable connector of claim 52, wherein the radial surface is configured to face a rearward direction when the connector is in the assembled state.

55. The coaxial cable connector of claim 52, wherein the radial surface is not configured to face an end of the coupler.

56. The coaxial cable connector of claim 52, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

57. The coaxial cable connector of claim 52, wherein the radial surface is radially spaced outward from the inner coupler surface.

58. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is radially spaced outward from the inner coupler surface.

59. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a midpoint of the inner coupler surface.

60. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

61. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the inner coupler surface is located proximate to an edge of the coupler.

62. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the inner coupler surface extends from an edge of the coupler.

63. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

64. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from the first rearward facing coupler surface.

65. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from the first rearward facing coupler surface.

66. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction, extends from the first rearward facing coupler surface, and the first rearward facing coupler surface faces a rearward direction.

67. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the inner coupler surface faces a first direction, extends from the first rearward facing coupler surface, and the first rearward facing coupler surface faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

68. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer surface.

69. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer annular surface.

70. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein first rearward facing coupler surface is cylindrical.

71. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the outer body surface does not include a forward end of the body.

72. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the outer body surface does not include an end of the body closest to the coupler when the connector is in the assembled state.

73. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to a forward end of the body.

74. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to an end of the body closest to the coupler when the connector is in the assembled state.

75. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the body includes a forward body end, and the outer body surface and the forward body end comprise separate and distinct portions of the body.

76. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

77. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a constant ground path between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

78. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a consistent ground path in an axial direction between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

79. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

80. The coaxial cable connector of claim 37, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.

81. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outer body surface and a forward facing body surface;

a post having a rearward facing post surface and configured to be separate from the body;

a coupler having a forward facing coupler surface, a first rearward facing coupler surface, a second rearward facing coupler surface, and an inner coupler surface extending along an axial direction between the first and second rearward facing coupler surfaces, the forward facing coupler surface configured to engage the rearward facing post surface when the connector is in an assembled state, the first rearward facing coupler surface being spaced axially rearward from the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;

a metal continuity member configured to provide a consistent ground path between the first rearward facing coupler surface and the outer body surface when the connector is in the assembled state and when the coupler and body move relative to one another, the metal continuity member being positioned outside the inner coupler surface, around a portion of the body, and around a portion of the post such that no portion of the metal continuity member is located either inside the body or inside the first rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state; and

a sealing member configured to form a seal between the inner coupler surface and the body, the seal being located axially forward from the metal continuity member when the connector is in the assembled state.

82. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the metal continuity member does not contact the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

83. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the coupler is configured to move between a first position, where the metal continuity member contacts the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface does not engage the forward facing body surface, and a second position, where the metal continuity member maintains contact with the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface contacts the forward facing body surface.

84. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the metal continuity member is C-shaped.

85. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

86. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inner coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

87. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the body, the post, the coupler, and metal continuity member each comprise separate and distinct structures, each having at least one component.

88. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the body and the post are physically and functionally separate components of the connector.

89. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

90. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked with one another to prevent axial movement of one relative to the other when assembled.

91. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

92. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

93. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

94. The coaxial cable connector of claim 93, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

95. The coaxial cable connector of claim 93, wherein the radial surface is configured to face a rearward direction when the connector is in the assembled state.

96. The coaxial cable connector of claim 93, wherein the radial surface is not configured to face an end of the coupler.

97. The coaxial cable connector of claim 93, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

98. The coaxial cable connector of claim 93, wherein the radial surface is radially spaced outward from the inner coupler surface.

99. The coaxial cable connector of claim 93, wherein the radial surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

100. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is radially spaced outward from the inner coupler surface.

101. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

102. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a portion of the inner coupler surface.

103. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a middle portion of the inner coupler surface.

104. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

105. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the inner coupler surface is located proximate to an edge of the coupler.

106. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the inner coupler surface extends from an edge of the coupler.

107. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

108. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from the first rearward facing coupler surface.

109. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from the first rearward facing coupler surface.

110. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction, extends from the first rearward facing coupler surface, and the first rearward facing coupler surface faces a rearward direction.

111. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the inner coupler surface faces a first direction, extends from the first rearward facing coupler surface, and the first rearward facing coupler surface faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

112. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer surface.

113. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer annular surface.

114. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein first rearward facing coupler surface is cylindrical.

115. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the outer body surface does not include a forward end of the body.

116. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the outer body surface does not include an end of the body closest to the coupler when the connector is in the assembled state.

117. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to a forward end of the body.

118. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to an end of the body closest to the coupler when the connector is in the assembled state.

119. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the body includes a forward body end, and the outer body surface and the forward body end comprise separate and distinct portions of the body.

120. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

121. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a constant ground path between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

122. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a consistent ground path in an axial direction between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

123. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

124. The coaxial cable connector of claim 81, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.

125. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outer body surface and a forward facing body surface;

a post having a rearward facing post surface and configured to be separate from the body;

a coupler having a forward facing coupler surface, a first rearward facing coupler surface, a second rearward facing coupler surface, and an inner coupler surface extending along an axial direction between the first and second rearward facing coupler surfaces, the forward facing coupler surface configured to engage the rearward facing post surface when the connector is in an assembled state, the first rearward facing coupler surface being spaced axially rearward from the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;

a metal continuity member configured to provide a consistent ground path between the first rearward facing coupler surface and the outer body surface when the connector is in the assembled state and when the coupler and body move relative to one another, the metal continuity member being positioned outside the inner coupler surface, around a portion of the body, and around a portion of the post such that no portion of the metal continuity member is located either inside the body or inside the first rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state; and

wherein the coupler is configured to move between a first position, where the metal continuity member contacts the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface does not engage the forward facing body surface, and a second position, where the metal continuity member maintains contact with the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface contacts the forward facing body surface.

126. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, further comprising a sealing member configured to form a seal between the inner coupler surface and the body, the seal being located axially forward from the metal continuity member when the connector is in the assembled state.

127. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the metal continuity member does not contact the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

128. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the metal continuity member is C-shaped.

129. The coaxial cable connector of claim 126, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

130. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inner coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

131. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the body and the post are physically and functionally separate components of the connector.

132. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

133. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked with one another to prevent axial movement of one relative to the other when assembled.

134. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

135. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

136. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

137. The coaxial cable connector of claim 136, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

138. The coaxial cable connector of claim 136, wherein the radial surface is configured to face a rearward direction when the connector is in the assembled state.

139. The coaxial cable connector of claim 136, wherein the radial surface is not configured to face an end of the coupler.

140. The coaxial cable connector of claim 136, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

141. The coaxial cable connector of claim 136, wherein the radial surface is radially spaced outward from the inner coupler surface.

142. The coaxial cable connector of claim 136, wherein the radial surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

143. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is radially spaced outward from the inner coupler surface.

144. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

145. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a portion of the inner coupler surface.

146. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a middle portion of the inner coupler surface.

147. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

148. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the inner coupler surface is located proximate to an edge of the coupler.

149. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the inner coupler surface extends from an edge of the coupler.

150. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

151. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from the first rearward facing coupler surface.

152. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

153. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction, extends from the first rearward facing coupler surface, and the first rearward facing coupler surface faces a rearward direction.

154. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the inner coupler surface faces a first direction, extends from the first rearward facing coupler surface, and the first rearward facing coupler surface faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

155. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer surface.

156. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer annular surface.

157. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein first rearward facing coupler surface is cylindrically shaped.

158. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the outer body surface does not include a forward end of the body.

159. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the outer body surface does not include an end of the body closest to the coupler when the connector is in the assembled state.

160. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to a forward end of the body.

161. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to an end of the body closest to the coupler when the connector is in the assembled state.

162. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the body includes a forward body end, and the outer body surface and the forward body end comprise separate and distinct portions of the body.

163. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

164. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a constant ground path between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

165. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a consistent ground path in an axial direction between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

166. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

167. The coaxial cable connector of claim 125, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.

168. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outer body surface and a forward facing body surface;

a post having a rearward facing post surface and configured to be separate from the body;

a coupler having a forward facing coupler surface, a first rearward facing coupler surface, a second rearward facing coupler surface, and an inner coupler surface extending along an axial direction between the first and second rearward facing coupler surfaces, the forward facing coupler surface configured to engage the rearward facing post surface when the connector is in an assembled state, the first rearward facing coupler surface being spaced axially rearward from the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;

a metal continuity member configured to provide a consistent ground path between the first rearward facing coupler surface and the outer body surface when the connector is in the assembled state and when the coupler and body move relative to one another, the metal continuity member being positioned outside the inner coupler surface, around a portion of the body, and around a portion of the post such that no portion of the metal continuity member is located either inside the body or inside the first rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;

a sealing member configured to form a seal between the inner coupler surface and the body, the seal being located axially forward from the metal continuity member when the connector is in the assembled state; and

wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inner coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

169. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the metal continuity member does not contact the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

170. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the coupler is configured to move between a first position, where the metal continuity member contacts the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface does not engage the forward facing body surface, and a second position, where the metal continuity member maintains contact with the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface contacts the forward facing body surface.

171. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the metal continuity member is C-shaped.

172. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

173. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the body, the post, the coupler, and the metal continuity member each comprise separate and distinct structures, each having at least one component.

174. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the body and the post are physically and functionally separate components of the connector.

175. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

176. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

177. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

178. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

179. The coaxial cable connector of claim 178, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

180. The coaxial cable connector of claim 178, wherein the radial surface is not configured to face an end of the coupler.

181. The coaxial cable connector of claim 178, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

182. The coaxial cable connector of claim 178, wherein the radial surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

183. The coaxial cable connector of claim 178, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

184. The coaxial cable connector of claim 178, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a portion of the inner coupler surface.

185. The coaxial cable connector of claim 178, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

186. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the inner coupler surface is located proximate to an edge of the coupler.

187. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

188. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

189. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

190. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction, extends from the first rearward facing coupler surface, and the first rearward facing coupler surface faces a rearward direction.

191. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer surface.

192. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer annular surface.

193. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein first rearward facing coupler surface is cylindrically shaped.

194. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the outer body surface does not include a forward end of the body.

195. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to a forward end of the body.

196. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to an end of the body closest to the coupler when the connector is in the assembled state.

197. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the body includes a forward body end, and the outer body surface and the forward body end comprise separate and distinct portions of the body.

198. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the metal continuity member is configured to maintain a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

199. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

200. The coaxial cable connector of claim 168, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.