Connector having a coupler-body continuity member

• US 8,920,182 B2
• Filed: 11/27/2013
• Issued: 12/30/2014
• 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): PAUMEN, GARY F
• Application Number:
  US14/092,103
• Publication Number:
  US 20140087578A1
• Time in Patent Office: 398 Days
• Field of Search: 439/271, 439/578, 439/678, 439/215
• US Class Current: 439/215
• 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path being located outside the inner coupler surface and outside the body such that no portion of the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path 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 at least part of the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path when the connector is in the assembled state;

wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path does not extend to the second rearward facing coupler surface;

wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends around and outside of 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends through 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path 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 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, and the coupler each comprise separate and distinct structures.

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

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

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

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

6. The coaxial cable connector of claim 5, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

7. The coaxial cable connector of claim 5, wherein the radial surface is not configured to face an end of the coupler.

8. The coaxial cable connector of claim 5, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

9. The coaxial cable connector of claim 5, wherein the radial surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. 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.

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

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

20. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein first rearward facing coupler surface is cylindrically shaped.

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

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

23. 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.

24. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, further comprising a metal continuity member configured to maintain the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

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

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

27. 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path being located outside the inner coupler surface, around a portion of the body, and so as to at least partially encircle a portion of the post such that no portion of the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path is located either inside the body or inside the first rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

28. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, 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 at least part of the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path when the connector is in the assembled state.

29. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path does not extend to the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

30. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the coupler is configured to move between a first position, where the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends to 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends to the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface contacts the forward facing body surface.

31. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path is C-shaped.

32. The coaxial cable connector of claim 28, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

33. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inner coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

34. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the body, the post, and the coupler each comprise separate and distinct structures.

35. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

36. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

37. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

38. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

39. The coaxial cable connector of claim 38, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

40. The coaxial cable connector of claim 38, wherein the radial surface is not configured to face an end of the coupler.

41. The coaxial cable connector of claim 38, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

42. The coaxial cable connector of claim 38, wherein the radial surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

43. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

44. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a portion of the inner coupler surface.

45. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

46. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the inner coupler surface is located proximate to an edge of the coupler.

47. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

48. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

49. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

50. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, 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.

51. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer surface.

52. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer annular surface.

53. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein first rearward facing coupler surface is cylindrically shaped.

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

55. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to a forward end of the body.

56. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, 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.

57. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, further comprising a metal continuity member configured to maintain the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

58. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

59. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.

60. The coaxial cable connector of claim 57, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

61. The coaxial cable connector of claim 57, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

62. The coaxial cable connector of claim 60, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

63. The coaxial cable connector of claim 62, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

64. The coaxial cable connector of claim 63, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

65. The coaxial cable connector of claim 63, wherein the radial surface is not configured to face an end of the coupler.

66. The coaxial cable connector of claim 64, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

67. The coaxial cable connector of claim 64, wherein the radial surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

68. The coaxial cable connector of claim 60, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

69. The coaxial cable connector of claim 68, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a portion of the inner coupler surface.

70. The coaxial cable connector of claim 69, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

71. The coaxial cable connector of claim 70, wherein the inner coupler surface is located proximate to an edge of the coupler.

72. The coaxial cable connector of claim 71, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

73. The coaxial cable connector of claim 72, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

74. The coaxial cable connector of claim 60, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

75. The coaxial cable connector of claim 74, 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.

76. The coaxial cable connector of claim 75, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer surface.

77. The coaxial cable connector of claim 76, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer annular surface.

78. The coaxial cable connector of claim 77, wherein first rearward facing coupler surface is cylindrically shaped.

79. The coaxial cable connector of claim 78, wherein the outer body surface does not include a forward end of the body.

80. The coaxial cable connector of claim 79, wherein the outer body surface is located proximate to a forward end of the body.

81. The coaxial cable connector of claim 80, 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.

82. The coaxial cable connector of claim 30, further comprising a metal continuity member configured to maintain the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

83. The coaxial cable connector of claim 82, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

84. The coaxial cable connector of claim 82, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.

85. The coaxial cable connector of claim 27, wherein the body, the post, and the coupler each comprise separate and distinct structures.

86. 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path being located outside the inner coupler surface, around a portion of the body, and so as to at least partially encircle a portion of the post such that no portion of the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path 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 at least part of the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path when the connector is in the assembled state; and

wherein the coupler is configured to move between a first position, where the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends to 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends to the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface contacts the forward facing body surface.

87. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path does not extend to the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

88. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path is C-shaped.

89. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

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

91. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the body, the post, and the coupler each comprise separate and distinct structures.

92. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

93. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

94. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

95. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

96. The coaxial cable connector of claim 95, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

97. The coaxial cable connector of claim 95, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

98. The coaxial cable connector of claim 95, wherein the radial surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

99. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

100. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a portion of the inner coupler surface.

101. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

102. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

103. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

104. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

105. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, 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.

106. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer annular surface.

107. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the outer body surface does not include a forward end of the body.

108. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, 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.

109. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, further comprising a metal continuity member configured to maintain the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

110. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

111. The coaxial cable connector of claim 86, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.

112. 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path being located outside the inner coupler surface, around a portion of the body, and so as to at least partially encircle a portion of the post such that no portion of the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends to 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends to the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface contacts the forward facing body surface.

113. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, 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 at least part of a continuity member when the connector is in the assembled state.

114. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path does not contact the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

115. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path is C-shaped.

116. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

117. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inner coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

118. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

119. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

120. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

121. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

122. The coaxial cable connector of claim 121, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

123. The coaxial cable connector of claim 121, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

124. The coaxial cable connector of claim 121, wherein the radial surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

125. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

126. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a portion of the inner coupler surface.

127. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

128. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

129. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

130. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

131. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, 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.

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

133. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the outer body surface does not include a forward end of the body.

134. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, 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.

135. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, further comprising a metal continuity member configured to maintain the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

136. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

137. The coaxial cable connector of claim 112, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.

138. 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path configured to extend 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path being located outside the inner coupler surface, around a portion of the body, and being located so as to at least partially encircle a portion of the post such that no portion of the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path is located either inside the body or inside the first rearward facing coupler surface 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.

139. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, 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 at least part of the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path when the connector is in the assembled state.

140. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path does not contact the second rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

141. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the coupler is configured to move between a first position, where the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends to 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 coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extends to the first rearward facing coupler surface and where the second rearward facing coupler surface contacts the forward facing body surface.

142. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path is C-shaped.

143. The coaxial cable connector of claim 139, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

144. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the body, the post, and the coupler each comprise separate and distinct structures.

145. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the body and the post do not comprise a single integral component.

146. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the body and the post are configured to be interlocked together when assembled.

147. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a continuity engaging portion.

148. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises a radial surface.

149. The coaxial cable connector of claim 148, wherein the radial surface is configured to face an end of the connector when the connector is in the assembled state.

150. The coaxial cable connector of claim 148, wherein the radial surface comprises a radial end-most surface of the coupler.

151. The coaxial cable connector of claim 148, wherein the radial surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

152. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface radially extends outward from the inner coupler surface.

153. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface is axially spaced rearward from a portion of the inner coupler surface.

154. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the inner coupler surface is located inside the coupler.

155. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the inner coupler surface faces an inward direction.

156. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the inner coupler surface is located axially forward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

157. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the inner coupler surface is located radially inward from a portion of the first rearward facing coupler surface.

158. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, 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.

159. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the first rearward facing coupler surface comprises an outer annular surface.

160. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the outer body surface does not include a forward end of the body.

161. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, 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.

162. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, further comprising a metal continuity member configured to maintain the coupler-body metallic continuity ground path extending between the coupler and the body even when the coupler is in a loose state.

163. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the axial direction comprises a general direction of a main axis of the connector.

164. The coaxial cable connector of claim 138, wherein the axial direction is not perfectly parallel to a main axis of the connector.