Connector having a coupler-body continuity member

• US 8,920,192 B2
• Filed: 12/12/2012
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): PAUMEN, GARY F
• Application Number:
  US13/712,470
• Publication Number:
  US 20130102188A1
• Time in Patent Office: 748 Days
• Field of Search: 439320-323, 439/578, 439/607.01, 439/607.03, 439/607.18
• 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 outward facing body surface;

a post having a flange, wherein the post is a separate component from the body;

a coupler having

an inwardly projecting internal lip configured to rotate about the flange of the post when the connector is in an assembled state, the lip having a forward facing lip surface and a rearward facing lip surface,

an inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing lip surface, and

a rearward facing coupler surface located rearward of the rearward facing lip surface; and

a continuity member configured to contact the rearward facing coupler surface and the outward facing body surface when the connector is in the assembled state, wherein the continuity member is located rearward of the inward facing coupler surface so that no portion of the continuity member is either radially inward of the inward facing coupler surface or radially inward of the outward facing body surface.

2. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member located forward of the continuity member and configured to form a seal between the inward facing coupler surface and the body when the connector is in the assembled state.

3. The coaxial cable connector of claim 2, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

4. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member does not contact the rearward facing lip surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

5. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member does not contact the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

6. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inward facing coupler surface extends rearward between the rearward facing lip surface and the rearward facing coupler surface.

7. The coaxial cable connector of claim 6, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface extends from the inward facing coupler surface.

8. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

9. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is C-shaped.

10. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state.

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

12. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a constant ground path between the coupler and the body when a ground path does not extend between the coupler and the post.

13. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body when a ground path does not extend between the coupler and the post.

14. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body when the coupler and the post are not in direct electrical contact with one another and when the coupler and the body are not in direct electrical contact with one another.

15. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body when the coupler and the post do not contact one another and when the coupler and the body do not contact one another.

16. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface is configured to face toward a rearward end of the coaxial cable connector.

17. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface is configured to face away from an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

18. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the coaxial cable connector has a rearward end portion and a forward end portion configured to be coupled to an interface port, and wherein the rearward facing coupler surface is configured to face toward the rearward end portion of the coaxial cable connector when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

19. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the coupler has a forward coupler end portion configured to be attached to an interface port and a rearward coupler end portion, and wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to rearwardly extend from the rearward facing lip surface to the rearward coupler end portion.

20. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to extend from the rearward facing lip surface toward a rearward direction away from an interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

21. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing coupler surface and configured to partially define a cavity when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state, and the continuity member is configured to be at least partially located in the cavity when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

22. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, and wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing coupler surface and configured to at least partially encircle the continuity member when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

23. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the outward facing body surface has a forward end portion that is configured to at least partially face toward an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

24. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the outward facing body surface at least partially faces a forward direction toward an interface port.

25. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the coupler includes an outer rearward coupler portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is configured to be encircled by the outer rearward coupler portion and a rearward body portion that is located rearward from the forward body portion, and wherein the outward facing body surface is located between the forward body portion and the rearward body portion.

26. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the outward facing body surface includes a continuity member engaging body portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion located forward from the continuity member engaging body portion, and wherein the coupler includes an outer coupler portion that is configured to encircle the forward body portion without encircling the continuity member engaging body portion when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

27. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member does not contact the coupler at a location inside of the coupler.

28. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the continuity member is located outside of the coupler and outside of the body.

29. The coaxial cable connector of claim 1, wherein the coupler has a forward end configured to be attached to an interface port and a rearward end, wherein rearward comprises a direction away from the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port, and wherein forward comprises a direction toward the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

30. The coaxial cable connector of claim 29, wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to extend from the rearward facing lip surface to a location between the forward end and the rearward end.

31. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outer body surface, and configured to engage a coaxial cable;

a post configured to engage the coaxial cable;

a coupler having an inward facing coupler surface, and a rearward facing coupler surface located rearward of the inward facing coupler surface, the rearward facing coupler surface configured to face at least a portion of the body;

a continuity member located rearward of the inward facing coupler surface such that no portion of the continuity member is located either inward from the inward facing coupler surface or inward from the outer body surface; and

wherein the continuity member is configured to maintain electrical contact with the rearward facing coupler surface and with the outer body surface so as to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body when the connector is in an assembled state, when the coupler does not physically contact the post, and when the coupler does not physically contact the body.

32. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the post includes a flange.

33. The coaxial cable connector of claim 32, wherein the coupler includes an inward projecting lip configured to rotate about the flange of the post when the connector is in the assembled state, the inward projecting lip including a forward facing lip surface and a rearward facing lip surface.

34. The coaxial cable connector of claim 32, further comprising a sealing member located forward of the continuity member and configured to form a seal between the inward facing coupler surface and the body when the connector is in the assembled state.

35. The coaxial cable connector of claim 34, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

36. The coaxial cable connector of claim 33, wherein the continuity member does not contact the rearward facing lip surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

37. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the continuity member does not contact the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

38. The coaxial cable connector of claim 33, wherein the inward facing coupler surface extends rearward between the rearward facing lip surface and the rearward facing coupler surface.

39. The coaxial cable connector of claim 38, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface extends from the inward facing coupler surface.

40. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the at least portion of the body faced by the rearward facing coupler surface includes a first portion of the body, a second portion of the body extending inside the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

41. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the continuity member is C-shaped.

42. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface faces at least partially toward a rearward end of the coaxial cable connector.

43. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface at least partially faces toward a rearward end of the coaxial cable connector.

44. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface faces away from an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

45. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface is configured to face away from an interface port along a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable connector when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

46. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the coaxial cable connector has a rearward portion and a forward portion configured to be coupled to an interface port, and wherein the rearward facing coupler surface is configured to face toward the rearward portion of the coaxial cable connector when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

47. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the coupler has a forward coupler end portion configured to be coupled to an interface port and a rearward coupler end portion, and wherein the inward facing coupler surface rearwardly extends from the rearward facing lip surface to the rearward coupler end portion.

48. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the inward facing coupler surface rearwardly extends from the rearward facing lip surface.

49. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface that rearwardly extends from the rearward facing coupler surface and partially defines a cavity when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state, and wherein the continuity member is at least partially located in the cavity when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

50. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, and wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface that rearwardly extends from the rearward facing coupler surface and encircles the continuity member when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

51. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the outer body surface has a forward end portion that at least partially faces toward an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

52. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the outer body surface at least partially faces a forward direction toward an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

53. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the coupler includes a rearward coupler portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is encircled by the rearward coupler portion and a rearward body portion that is located rearward from the forward body portion, and wherein the outer body surface is located between the forward body portion and the rearward body portion.

54. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the outer body surface includes a continuity member engaging body portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is located forward from the continuity member engaging body portion, and wherein the coupler includes a rearward coupler portion that encircles the forward body portion without encircling the continuity member engaging body portion when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

55. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the continuity member does not contact the coupler at a location inside of the coupler.

56. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the continuity member is located outside of the coupler and outside of the body.

57. The coaxial cable connector of claim 31, wherein the coupler has a forward facing lip surface at least partially facing toward an interface port, a rearward facing lip surface at least partially facing away from the interface port, and a forward end configured to be attached to the interface port, wherein rearward comprises a direction away from the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port, and wherein forward comprises a direction toward the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

58. The coaxial cable connector of claim 57, wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to extend from the rearward facing lip surface to a location between the forward end and a rearward end of the coupler.

59. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outward facing body surface;

a post having a flange, wherein the post is a separate component from the body;

a coupler having

an inwardly projecting internal lip configured to rotate about the flange of the post when the connector is in an assembled state, the lip having a forward facing lip surface and a rearward facing lip surface,

an inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing lip surface, and

a rearward facing coupler surface located rearward of the rearward facing lip surface; and

a continuity member configured to contact the rearward facing coupler surface and the outward facing body surface when the connector is in the assembled state, wherein the continuity member is located rearward of the inward facing coupler surface so that no portion of the continuity member is either radially inward of the inward facing coupler surface or radially inward of the outward facing body surface, wherein the continuity member does not contact either the rearward facing lip surface or the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state; and

an O-ring located forward of the continuity member and configured to form a seal between the inward facing coupler surface and the body when the connector is in the assembled state.

60. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the inward facing coupler surface extends rearward between the rearward facing lip surface and the rearward facing coupler surface.

61. The coaxial cable connector of claim 60, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface extends from the inward facing coupler surface.

62. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

63. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity member is C-shaped.

64. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state.

65. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state.

66. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a constant ground path between the coupler and the body when a ground path does not extend between the coupler and the post.

67. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body when a ground path does not extend between the coupler and the post.

68. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body when the coupler and the post are not in direct electrical contact with one another and when the coupler and the body are not in direct electrical contact with one another.

69. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body when the coupler and the post do not physically contact one another and when the coupler and the body do not physically contact one another.

70. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface is configured to at least partially face toward a rearward end of the coaxial cable connector.

71. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface is configured to at least partially face away from an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

72. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface at least partially faces a forward direction toward an interface port.

73. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the rearward facing coupler surface at least partially faces toward a rearward end of the coaxial cable connector.

74. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the coaxial cable connector has a rearward end portion and a forward end portion configured to be coupled to an interface port, and wherein the rearward facing coupler surface at least partially faces toward the rearward end portion of the coaxial cable connector when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

75. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the coupler has a forward coupler end portion configured to be coupled to an interface port and a rearward coupler end portion, and wherein the inward facing coupler surface rearwardly extends from the rearward facing lip surface to the rearward coupler end portion.

76. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the inward facing coupler surface rearwardly extends from the rearward facing lip surface at least partially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the coaxial cable connector.

77. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface that extends rearward from the rearward facing coupler surface and partially defines a cavity when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state, and wherein the continuity member is at least partially located in the cavity when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

78. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, and wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface that extends rearward from the rearward facing coupler surface and encircles the continuity member when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

79. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the outward facing body surface has a forward portion that at least partially faces toward an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

80. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the outward facing body surface at least partially faces a forward direction toward an interface port.

81. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the coupler includes a rearward coupler portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is encircled by the rearward coupler portion and a rearward body portion that is located rearward from the forward body portion, and wherein the outward facing body surface is located between the forward body portion and the rearward body portion.

82. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the outward facing body surface includes a continuity member engaging body portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is located forward from the continuity member engaging body portion, and wherein the coupler includes a rearward coupler portion that encircles the forward body portion without encircling the continuity member engaging body portion when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

83. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity member does not contact the coupler at a location inside of the coupler.

84. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity member is located outside of the coupler and outside of the body.

85. The coaxial cable connector of claim 59, wherein the coupler has a forward end configured to be attached to an interface port and a rearward end, wherein rearward comprises a direction away from the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port, and wherein forward comprises a direction toward the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

86. The coaxial cable connector of claim 85, wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to extend from the rearward facing lip surface to a location between the forward end and the rearward end.

87. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outward facing body surface;

a post having a flange, wherein the post is a separate component from the body;

a coupler having

an inwardly projecting internal lip configured to rotate about the flange of the post when the connector is in an assembled state, the lip having a forward facing lip surface and a rearward facing lip surface,

an inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing lip surface, and

a continuity engaging coupler surface, at least a portion of which is located rearward of the rearward facing lip surface; and

a continuity member configured to contact the continuity engaging coupler surface and the outward facing body surface when the connector is in the assembled state, wherein the continuity member is located outside of the inward facing coupler surface so that no portion of the continuity member is either radially inward of the inward facing coupler surface or radially inward of the outward facing body surface.

88. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, further comprising a sealing member located forward of at least a portion of the continuity member and configured to form a seal between the inward facing coupler surface and the body when the connector is in the assembled state.

89. The coaxial cable connector of claim 88, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

90. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the continuity member does not contact the rearward facing lip surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

91. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the continuity member does not contact the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

92. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface is a rearward facing coupler surface.

93. The coaxial cable connector of claim 92, wherein the inward facing coupler surface extends rearward between the rearward facing lip surface and the continuity engaging coupler surface.

94. The coaxial cable connector of claim 93, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface extends from the inward facing coupler surface.

95. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

96. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the continuity member is C-shaped.

97. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface comprises a rearward facing coupler surface that at least partially faces toward a rearward end of the coaxial cable connector.

98. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface comprises a rearward facing coupler surface that at least partially faces away from an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

99. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface comprises a rearward facing coupler surface that faces away from an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

100. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the coaxial cable connector has a rearward end portion and a forward end portion configured to be coupled to an interface port, and wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface comprises a rearward facing coupler surface that faces toward the rearward end portion of the coaxial cable connector when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

101. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the coupler has a forward coupler end portion configured to be coupled to an interface port and a rearward coupler end portion, and wherein the inward facing coupler surface rearwardly extends from the rearward facing lip surface to the rearward coupler end portion.

102. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to rearwardly extend from the rearward facing lip surface at least along a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable connector.

103. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface that rearwardly extends from the continuity engaging coupler surface and partially defines a cavity when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state, and wherein the continuity member is at least partially located in the cavity.

104. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, and wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface that rearwardly extends from the continuity engaging coupler surface and encircles the continuity member when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

105. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the outward facing body surface has a forward end portion that is configured to at least partially face toward an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

106. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the outward facing body surface at least partially faces a forward direction toward an interface port.

107. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the coupler includes a rearward coupler portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is encircled by the rearward coupler portion and a rearward body portion that is located rearward from the forward body portion, and wherein the outward facing body surface is located between the forward body portion and the rearward body portion.

108. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the outward facing body surface includes a continuity member engaging body portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is located forward from the continuity member engaging body portion, and wherein the coupler includes an outer coupler portion that encircles the forward body portion without encircling the continuity member engaging body portion when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

109. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the continuity member does not contact the coupler at a location inside of the coupler.

110. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the continuity member is located outside of the coupler and outside of the body.

111. The coaxial cable connector of claim 87, wherein the coupler has a forward end configured to be coupled to an interface port and a rearward end, wherein rearward comprises a direction away from the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port, and wherein forward comprises a direction toward the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

112. The coaxial cable connector of claim 111, wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to extend from the rearward facing lip surface to a location between the forward end and the rearward end.

113. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outer body surface, and configured to engage a coaxial cable;

a post configured to engage the coaxial cable;

a coupler having an inward facing coupler surface, and a continuity engaging coupler surface having a portion located rearward from the inward facing coupler surface; and

a continuity member located rearward from the inward facing coupler surface such that no portion of the continuity member is located either inward from the inward facing coupler surface or inward from the outer body surface; and

wherein the continuity member is configured to maintain electrical contact with the continuity engaging coupler surface and with the outer body surface when the connector is in an assembled state, and when the coupler and the post are not in physical contact with each other;

wherein rearward comprises a direction away from an interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port; and

wherein forward comprises a direction toward the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

114. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the post includes a flange, and is a separate component from the body, and the coupler includes an inwardly projecting internal lip configured to rotate about the flange of the post when the connector is in the assembled state, the inwardly projecting lip having a forward facing lip surface and a rearward facing lip surface, and the inward facing coupler surface extends rearward from the rearward facing lip surface.

115. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, further comprising a sealing member located forward of at least a portion of the continuity member and configured to form a seal between the inward facing coupler surface and the body when the connector is in the assembled state.

116. The coaxial cable connector of claim 115, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

117. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity member does not contact the rearward facing lip surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

118. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity member does not contact the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

119. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface is a rearward facing coupler surface.

120. The coaxial cable connector of claim 119, wherein the inward facing coupler surface extends rearward between the rearward facing lip surface and the continuity engaging coupler surface.

121. The coaxial cable connector of claim 120, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface extends from the inward facing coupler surface.

122. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

123. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity member is C-shaped.

124. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state.

125. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state.

126. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the coupler is configured to rotate about the post and the coupler, and wherein the continuity member is configured to maintain a constant ground path between the coupler and the body when the coupler rotates about the post.

127. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body when a ground path does not extend between the coupler and the post.

128. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the coupler is configured to rotate about the post, and wherein the continuity member is configured to maintain electrical continuity between the coupler and the body when the coupler rotates about the post and when the coupler and the body are not in direct electrical contact with one another.

129. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity member is configured to maintain a continuous and non-intermittent ground path between the coupler and the body when the coupler and the post do not physically contact one another and when the coupler and the body do not physically contact one another.

130. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface comprises a rearward facing coupler surface that at least partially faces toward a rearward end of the coaxial cable connector.

131. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface comprises a rearward facing coupler surface that at least partially faces toward a rearward direction.

132. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface comprises a rearward facing coupler surface that at least partially faces away from the interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

133. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the coaxial cable connector has a rearward end portion and a forward end portion configured to be coupled to an interface port, and wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface comprises a rearward facing coupler surface that at least partially faces toward the rearward end portion of the coaxial cable connector when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

134. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the coupler has a forward coupler end portion that is configured to be coupled to the interface port and a rearward coupler end portion, and wherein the inward facing coupler surface rearwardly extends to the rearward coupler end portion.

135. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the coupler includes an inward lip having a rearward facing lip surface, and wherein the inward facing coupler surface rearwardly extends from the rearward facing lip surface.

136. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface that extends rearward from the continuity engaging coupler surface and partially defines a cavity when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state, and wherein the continuity member is at least partially located in the cavity when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

137. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the inward facing coupler surface comprises a first inward facing coupler surface, and wherein the coupler includes a second inward facing coupler surface that extends rearward from the continuity engaging coupler surface and encircles the continuity member when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

138. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the outer body surface has a forward portion that at least partially faces toward an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

139. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the outer body surface at least partially faces a forward direction toward an interface port.

140. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the coupler includes a rearward coupler portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is encircled by the rearward coupler portion, the body also including a rearward body portion that is located rearward from the forward body portion, and the outer body surface is located between the forward body portion and the rearward body portion.

141. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the outer body surface includes a continuity member engaging body portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is located forward from the continuity member engaging body portion, and wherein the coupler includes an outer coupler portion that encircles the forward body portion without encircling the continuity member engaging body portion when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

142. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity member does not contact the coupler at a location inside of the coupler.

143. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the continuity member is located outside of the coupler and outside of the body.

144. The coaxial cable connector of claim 113, wherein the coupler has a forward facing lip surface, a rearward facing lip surface, a forward end configured to be coupled to an interface port, and a rearward end, wherein rearward comprises a direction away from the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port, and wherein forward comprises a direction toward the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

145. The coaxial cable connector of claim 144, wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to extend from the rearward facing lip surface to a location between the forward end and the rearward end.

146. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outer body surface, and configured to engage a coaxial cable;

a post configured to engage the coaxial cable;

a coupler having an inward facing coupler surface, and a continuity engaging coupler surface having a portion located outward from the inward facing coupler surface; and

a continuity member located outward from the inward facing coupler surface such that no portion of the continuity member is located either inward from the inward facing coupler surface or inward from the outer body surface; and

wherein the continuity member is configured to maintain electrical contact with the continuity engaging coupler surface and with the outer body surface when the connector is in an assembled state, and when the coupler and the post are not in physical contact with each other.

147. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the post includes a flange, and is a separate component from the body, and the coupler includes an inwardly projecting internal lip configured to rotate about the flange of the post when the connector is in the assembled state, the inwardly projecting lip having a forward facing lip surface and a rearward facing lip surface, and the inward facing coupler surface extends rearward from the rearward facing lip surface.

148. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, further comprising a sealing member located forward of at least a portion of the continuity member and configured to form a seal between the inward facing coupler surface and the body when the connector is in the assembled state.

149. The coaxial cable connector of claim 148, wherein the sealing member comprises an O-ring.

150. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member does not contact the rearward facing lip surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

151. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member does not contact the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

152. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface is a rearward facing coupler surface.

153. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the inward facing coupler surface extends rearward between the rearward facing lip surface and the continuity engaging coupler surface.

154. The coaxial cable connector of claim 153, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface extends from the inward facing coupler surface.

155. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

156. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member is C-shaped.

157. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state.

158. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body even when the connector is in a loosely assembled state.

159. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a constant ground path between the coupler and the body when a ground path does not extend between the coupler and the post.

160. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body when a ground path does not extend between the coupler and the post.

161. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a continuity ground path between the coupler and the body when the coupler and the post are not in direct electrical contact with one another and when the coupler and the body are not in direct electrical contact with one another.

162. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member is configured to form a consistent ground path between the coupler and the body when the coupler and the post do not physically contact one another and when the coupler and the body do not physically contact one another.

163. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface at least partially faces toward a rearward end of the coaxial cable connector.

164. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the coupler has a forward coupler end portion configured to be attached to an interface port and a rearward coupler end portion, and wherein the inward facing coupler surface rearwardly extends to the rearward coupler end portion.

165. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the outer body surface has a forward portion that at least partially faces toward an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

166. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the outer body surface at least partially faces a forward direction toward an interface port.

167. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the coupler includes a rearward coupler portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is encircled by the rearward coupler portion and a rearward body portion that is located rearward from the forward body portion, and wherein the outer body surface is located between the forward body portion and the rearward body portion.

168. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the outer body surface includes a continuity member engaging body portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is located forward from the continuity member engaging body portion, and wherein the coupler includes an outer coupler portion that encircles the forward body portion without encircling the continuity member engaging body portion when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

169. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member does not contact the coupler at a location inside of the coupler.

170. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the continuity member is located outside of the coupler and outside of the body.

171. The coaxial cable connector of claim 146, wherein the coupler has a forward facing lip surface, a rearward facing lip surface, a forward end configured to be coupled to an interface port, and a rearward end, wherein rearward comprises a direction away from the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port, and wherein forward comprises a direction toward the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

172. The coaxial cable connector of claim 171, wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to extend from the rearward facing lip surface to a location between the forward end and the rearward end.

173. A coaxial cable connector comprising:

a body having an outward facing body surface;

a post having a flange, wherein the post is a separate component from the body;

a coupler having

an inwardly projecting internal lip configured to rotate about the flange of the post when the connector is in an assembled state, the lip having a forward facing lip surface and a rearward facing lip surface,

an inward facing coupler surface extending rearward from the rearward facing lip surface, and

a continuity engaging coupler surface, at least a portion of which is located rearward of the rearward facing lip surface;

a continuity member configured to contact the continuity engaging coupler surface and the outward facing body surface when the connector is in the assembled state, wherein the continuity member is located outside of the inward facing coupler surface so that no portion of the continuity member is either radially inward of the inward facing coupler surface or radially inward of the outward facing body surface, wherein the continuity member does not contact either the rearward facing lip surface or the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state;

an O-ring located forward of at least a portion of the continuity member and configured to form a seal between the inward facing coupler surface and the body when the connector is in the assembled state; and

wherein rearward comprises a direction away from an interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port and forward comprises a direction toward the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

174. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the continuity member is discontinuous.

175. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface is a rearward facing coupler surface.

176. The coaxial cable connector of claim 175, wherein the inward facing coupler surface extends rearward between the rearward facing lip surface and the continuity engaging coupler surface.

177. The coaxial cable connector of claim 176, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface extends from the inward facing coupler surface.

178. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein a portion of the body extends inside the inward facing coupler surface when the connector is in the assembled state.

179. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the continuity member is C-shaped.

180. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the continuity engaging coupler surface at least partially faces toward a rearward end of the coaxial cable connector.

181. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the coupler has a forward coupler end portion configured to be coupled to an interface port and a rearward coupler end portion, and wherein the inward facing coupler surface extends from the rearward coupler end portion.

182. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the outward facing body surface has a forward portion that at least partially faces toward an interface port when the coaxial cable connector is coupled to the interface port.

183. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the coupler includes a rearward coupler portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is encircled by the rearward coupler portion and a rearward body portion that is located rearward from the forward body portion and is not encircled by the rearward coupler portion, and wherein the outward facing body surface comprises a continuity engaging body surface that is located between the forward body portion and the rearward body portion and is not encircled by the rearward coupler portion.

184. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the outward facing body surface includes a continuity member engaging body portion, wherein the body includes a forward body portion that is located forward from the continuity member engaging body portion, and wherein the coupler includes an outer coupler portion that encircles the forward body portion without encircling the continuity member engaging body portion when the coaxial cable connector is in the assembled state.

185. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the continuity member does not contact the coupler at a location inside of the coupler.

186. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the continuity member is located outside of the coupler and outside of the body.

187. The coaxial cable connector of claim 173, wherein the coupler has a forward end configured to be coupled to an interface port and a rearward end, wherein rearward comprises a direction away from the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port, and wherein forward comprises a direction toward the interface port when the coupler is coupled to the interface port.

188. The coaxial cable connector of claim 187, wherein the inward facing coupler surface is configured to extend from the rearward facing lip surface to a location between the forward end and the rearward end.