Coaxial cable connector having electrical continuity member

• US 9,496,661 B2
• Filed: 12/12/2013
• Issued: 11/15/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: PPC Broadband Incorporated (Belden Inc.)
• Original Assignee: PPC Broadband Incorporated (Belden Inc.)
• Inventors: Purdy, Eric, Montena, Noah P., Amidon, Jeremy
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel, Tulsidas C
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHAMBERS, TRAVIS SLOAN
• Application Number:
  US14/104,393
• Publication Number:
  US 20140106615A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,069 Days
• Field of Search: 439/322, 439/578, 439583-585, 439/792
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/622 Screw-ring or screw-casing H01R13/623 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6592 the conductive member being a shielded cable
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2103/00 Two poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/38 having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/40 specially adapted for high frequency
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/48 utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member H01R4/52 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/05 for coaxial cables
• 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 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49123 Co-axial cable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49208 by assembling plural parts

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to an interface port, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, the connector comprising:

a body having a forward facing body surface and configured to engage a coaxial cable;

a post configured to engage the body and the coaxial cable when the connector is installed on the coaxial cable, the post including a first rearward facing post surface and a second rearward facing post surface, the second rearward facing post surface configured to be located axially rearward from the first rearward facing post surface and located radially inward from the first rearward facing post surface when the connector is assembled;

a coupler having a forward facing coupler surface configured to engage the first rearward facing post surface when the connector is assembled, a first rearward facing coupler surface, and a second rearward facing coupler surface, the second rearward facing coupler surface configured to be located axially rearward from the first rearward facing coupler surface and located radially outward from the first rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is assembled, the coupler being configured to move between a first position, where the forward facing coupler surface contacts the first rearward facing post surface, and a second position, where the forward facing coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the first rearward facing post surface;

an electrical grounding continuity member including;

a body contact surface configured to contact the forward facing body surface;

a coupler contact surface configured to be maintained in contact with the first rearward facing coupler surface so as to maintain a continuous electrical coupler contact path through the electrical grounding continuity member and through the coupler, the coupler contact surface being comprised of a metallic material sufficient to form the continuous electrical coupler contact path through the electrical grounding continuity member and the coupler during operation of the connector; and

a post contact surface configured to be maintained in electrical contact with the second rearward facing post surface so as to maintain a continuous electrical post contact path through the electrical grounding continuity member and through the post contact surface at all times during operation of the connector, the post contact surface being comprised of a metallic material sufficient to extend an electrical grounding property of the coaxial cable to the second rearward facing post surface and form the continuous electrical post contact path through the electrical grounding continuity member and the second rearward facing post surface during operation of the connector; and

a resilient sealing member configured to provide a physical seal between the coupler and the body during operation of the connector;

wherein the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to maintain the continuous electrical post contact path through the post at all times during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that the electrical grounding continuity member maintains the continuous electrical post contact path at all times during operation of the connector regardless of the location of the coupler relative to the post;

wherein the continuous electrical post contact path and the continuous electrical coupler contact path maintained by the electrical grounding continuity member together form a continuous electrical coupler-to-post ground path extending between the coupler and the post when the coupler and the post are not in direct electrical contact with one another during operation of the connector;

wherein no surface of the electrical grounding continuity member is located forward from the first rearward facing coupler surface during operation of the connector;

wherein the electrical grounding continuity member is comprised of a metallic material such that the continuous electrical coupler-to-post path extends through a central portion of the electrical grounding continuity member during operation of the connector;

wherein the second rearward facing post surface is configured to be oriented parallel to the forward facing body surface such that the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface face each other when the connector is in a loosely installed state on an interface port, where the coupler contacts the interface port and where the post does not contact the interface port;

wherein a portion of the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to extend between the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface when the connector is in the loosely installed state;

wherein the coupler is configured to be coupled to the interface port, and the body contact surface of the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to contact the forward facing body surface even when the coupler is not coupled to the interface port; and

wherein the post contact surface is configured to be maintained in contact with the second rearward facing post surface even when the coupler is not coupled to the interface port.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a cable fastener member movably coupled to the body and configured to fasten the coaxial cable to the connector.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the body, post, coupler, and electrical grounding continuity member are each comprised of a unitary structure.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the continuous electrical post contact path and the continuous electrical coupler contact path maintained by the electrical grounding continuity member form the only continuous electrical ground path extending between the coupler and the post when the coupler and the post move away from one another during operation of the connector.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the continuous electrical coupler-to-post ground path comprises a permanent and non-intermittent physical and electrical contact path with the second rearward facing post surface, and is configured to maintain continuity at all times during operation of the connector, and even when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the continuous electrical coupler-to-post continuity path remains continuous when the coupler is not fully tightened on an interface port and when the post and the coupler are spaced from and not in electrical contact with one another.

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the loosely installed state comprises a state of the connector where the coupler is not fully tightened on an interface port, and the post and the coupler are spaced from and not in electrical contact with one another.

8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to be anchored against the second rearward facing post surface so as to be maintained in non-intermittent electrical contact with the second rearward facing post surface during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

9. The connector of claim 1, wherein the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface are configured to face one another.

10. The connector of claim 1, wherein the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface are configured to form complementary opposing surfaces that are spaced apart from one another so as to fit an anchored continuity portion of the electrical grounding continuity member there between, and wherein the coupler contact surface is comprised of the metallic material sufficient to form the continuous electrical coupler contact path through the electrical grounding continuity member and the coupler without forming a physical seal between the complementary opposing surfaces during operation of the connector.

11. The connector of claim 1, wherein the post contact surface and the body contact surface are configured to form an anchored continuity portion of the electrical grounding continuity member, the anchored continuity portion being configured to be sandwiched between the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface so as to be secured in a fixed axial position relative to the post and relative to the body, and wherein the coupler contact surface is configured to form a non-anchored portion of the electrical grounding continuity member, the non-anchored portion being configured to move relative to the anchored portion of the continuity member and to move relative to the post and the body during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

12. The connector of claim 1, wherein the post contact surface of the electrical grounding continuity member does not extend along an axial direction.

13. The connector of claim 1, wherein the post contact portion of the electrical grounding continuity member is not configured to make axial lengthwise contact with the post.

14. The connector of claim 1, wherein the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface are configured to face each other and lengthwise fit the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the continuity member between the second rearward facing post surface of the post and the forward facing body surface during operation of the connector.

15. The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member includes a resilient flexible portion configured to arch out from a plane of the post contact surface of the continuity member along a curved path.

16. The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member includes a first resilient arcuate portion and a second resilient arcuate portion radially spaced from the first resilient arcuate portion, the first and second resilient arcuate portions each extending between two radially spaced portions of the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the electrical grounding continuity member.

17. The connector of claim 1, wherein when the connector is assembled, it is in an assembled state comprising a state of the connector where the coupler is configured to move relative to the post and body.

18. The connector of claim 1, wherein when the connector is assembled, it is in an assembled state comprising a state of the connector where the coupler is configured to rotate relative to the post and the body, where the coupler causes the post to contact interface port when the connector is moved to a fully tightened position relative to the interface port, and where the coupler causes the post to move away from being in contact with the interface port when the connector is moved to a loosely tightened position relative to the interface port.

19. The connector of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is configured such that the physical seal extends outside the electrical grounding continuity member so as to protect the electrical grounding member from being exposed to environmental contaminants during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the coupler is engaged to an interface port, and when the connector engaged to a coaxial cable.

20. The connector of claim 1, wherein the continuous electrical coupler-to-post ground path comprises a continuity path through the electrical grounding continuity member and through the second rearward facing post surface, and is configured to maintain the continuity path during operation of the connector, and even when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

21. The connector of claim 20, wherein the continuity path is not intermittent.

22. The connector of claim 20, wherein the continuity path is not momentary.

23. The connector of claim 20, wherein the continuity path is not incidental.

24. The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to maintain the continuous electrical coupler-to-post ground path in a constant electrical contact state during operation of the connector, and even when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

25. The connector of claim 24, wherein the constant electrical contact state is non-intermittent.

26. The connector of claim 24, wherein the constant electrical contact state is not momentary.

27. The connector of claim 1, wherein the post contact surface of the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to extend along a radial direction and have a radial length so as to make radial lengthwise contact with the second rearward facing post surface.

28. The connector of claim 27, wherein the radial lengthwise contact is not a point contact.

29. The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member includes an arched portion extending out of a plane of the post contact surface.

30. The connector of claim 29, wherein the arched portion is curved.

31. The connector of claim 1, wherein when the connector is assembled, it is in an assembled state comprising a state of the connector where the coupler is configured to rotate relative to the post and the body.

32. The connector of claim 31, wherein the assembled state comprises a state of the connector where the coupler is configured to move toward and away from the interface port.

33. A connector comprising:

a body having an outer body surface and configured to engage a coaxial cable having an electrical grounding property;

a post configured to be separably engaged with the body and prepared portion of the coaxial cable when the connector is installed on the coaxial cable, the post including a first post surface and a second post surface, the second post surface being configured to face a rearward direction, be located rearward from the first post surface, and be located radially inward from the first post surface;

a coupler having a first coupler surface configured to engage the first post surface when the connector is assembled, and a second coupler surface configured to face a rearward direction during operation of the connector, the coupler being configured to move between a first position, where the first coupler surface contacts the first post surface, and a second position, where a forward facing coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the first post surface;

a conductive continuity member including;

a body contact surface configured to contact the outer body surface during operation of the connector; and

a coupler contact surface configured to electrically contact the second coupler surface so as to create an electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and through the coupler, the coupler contact surface being made of a metallic material sufficient to extend the electrical grounding property of the coaxial cable to the coupler and form the electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and the coupler during operation of the connector; and

a resilient sealing member configured to provide a physical seal between the coupler and the body during operation of the connector;

wherein the conductive continuity member is configured to maintain a continuous electrical contact path through the post and the coupler at all times during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that the conductive continuity member maintains the continuous electrical contact path through the post and the coupler at all times during operation of the connector regardless of the location of the coupler relative to the post;

wherein the continuous electrical contact path through the post and the coupler maintained by the conductive continuity member remains even when the coupler and the post are not in direct electrical contact with one another during operation of the connector;

wherein the continuous electrical contact path extends through the conductive continuity member during operation of the connector;

wherein the second post surface is configured to be oriented substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the outer body surface when the connector is in a loosely installed state on an interface port; and

wherein the conductive continuity member is configured to be clamped between the second post surface and the outer body surface when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and even when the connector does not contact the interface port.

34. The connector of claim 33, wherein the connector includes a cable fastener member movably coupled to the body and configured to fasten the coaxial cable to the connector.

35. The connector of claim 33, wherein the body, post, coupler, and conductive continuity member are each made of a unitary structure.

36. The connector of claim 33, wherein the continuous electrical grounding path between the post and the coupler maintained by the conductive continuity member is the only continuous electrical ground path extending between the coupler and the post when the coupler and the post move away from one another during operation of the connector.

37. The connector of claim 33, wherein the continuous electrical ground path remains continuous when the post and the coupler are not spaced away from and not in electrical contact with one another.

38. The connector of claim 33, wherein the loosely installed state comprises a state of the connector where the coupler is not fully tightened on an interface port, and the post and the coupler are spaced from and not in electrical contact with one another.

39. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member is configured to be anchored between the second post surface and the outer body surface so as to be maintained in non-intermittent electrical contact with the second post surface during operation of the connector, and when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

40. The connector of claim 33, wherein the second post surface and the outer body surface are configured to face one another and form complementary opposing surfaces that are spaced apart from one another so as to fit a flat base portion of the conductive continuity member there between without forming a physical seal between the complementary opposing surfaces during operation of the connector.

41. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member includes a post contact surface, the post contact surface and the body contact surface are configured together to form an anchored continuity portion of the conductive continuity member, the anchored continuity portion being configured to be sandwiched between the second post surface and the outer body surface so as to be secured in a fixed axial position relative to the post and relative to the body, and wherein the coupler contact surface of the conductive continuity member is configured to form a non-anchored portion of the conductive continuity member, the non-anchored portion being configured to move relative to the anchored portion of the conductive continuity member and to move relative to the post and the body during operation of the connector and when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

42. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member includes a post contact surface that is configured to form a continuity path through the second post surface, the post contact surface being configured so as to not extend along an axial direction during operation of the connector.

43. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member includes a post contact surface that is configured to form a continuity path through the second post surface, the post contact surface being configured so as to not make axial lengthwise contact with the post.

44. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member includes a post contact surface, and the second post surface and the outer body surface are configured to face each other and lengthwise fit the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the conductive continuity member between the second post surface and the outer body surface so as to axially secure the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the conductive continuity member relative to the post and the body when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

45. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member includes a post contact surface, and a resilient flexible portion configured to arch out from a plane of the post contact surface along a curved path.

46. The connector of claim 33, wherein the continuous electrical contact path comprises a continuity path through the conductive continuity member and through the second post surface, and is configured to maintain the continuity path even when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

47. The connector of claim 46, wherein the continuity path is not intermittent.

48. The connector of claim 46, wherein the continuity path is not momentary.

49. The connector of claim 46, wherein the continuity path is not incidental.

50. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member is configured to maintain the continuous electrical ground path in a constant electrical grounding connection state during operation of the connector.

51. The connector of claim 50, wherein the constant electrical grounding connection state is non-intermittent.

52. The connector of claim 50, wherein the constant electrical grounding connection state is not momentary.

53. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member includes a post contact surface that is configured to extend along a radial direction and have a radial length so as to make radial lengthwise contact with the second post surface.

54. The connector of claim 53, wherein the radial lengthwise contact is not a point contact.

55. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member includes a post contact surface, and the conductive continuity member includes an arched portion extending out of a plane of the post contact surface.

56. The connector of claim 55, wherein the arched portion is curved.

57. The connector of claim 33, wherein the conductive continuity member includes a post contact surface, and the conductive continuity member includes a first resilient arcuate portion and a second resilient arcuate portion radially spaced from the first resilient arcuate portion, the first and second resilient arcuate portions each extending between two radially spaced portions of the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the conductive continuity member.

58. The connector of claim 57, wherein the constant state is non-intermittent and not momentary.

59. A connector comprising:

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

a post configured to be separably coupled to the body when the connector is assembled, the post including a first post surface and a second post surface, the second post surface configured to face a rearward direction, be located rearward from the first post surface, and be located radially inward from the first post surface when the connector assembled;

a coupler having a first coupler surface configured to engage the first post surface when the connector is assembled, and a second coupler surface configured to face a rearward direction when the connector is assembled, the coupler being configured to move between a first position, where the first coupler surface contacts the first post surface, and a second position, where the first coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the first post surface; and

a continuity element having a base portion configured to be pressed flat between the second post surface and the body and having a biasing portion configured to be maintained in contact with the coupler so as to form a continuous electrical contact path through the coupler, the continuity element, and the post at all times during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that the continuity element maintains the continuous electrical contact path through the coupler, the continuity element, and the post even when the connector is in a loosely installed state on an interface port;

wherein the connector is configured to engage the interface port, and the continuity element is made of a conductive material sufficient to extend the conductive grounding property of the coaxial cable through the coupler, the continuity element, the port, and to the interface port during operation of the connector; and

wherein the base portion of the continuity element is configured to be pressed against the second post surface even when the connector is not engaged to the interface port, and even when the body is not engaged to the coaxial cable.

60. The connector of claim 59, further comprising a resilient sealing member to provide a physical seal between the coupler and the body during operation of the connector.

61. The connector of claim 59, wherein the continuous electrical contact path is the only continuous electrical ground path extending between the coupler and the post when the coupler and the post are not in direct electrical contact with one another during operation of the connector.

62. The connector of claim 59, wherein no portion of the continuity element is located either inside the body or forward from the first coupler surface during operation of the connector.

63. The connector of claim 59, wherein the body includes an outer body surface, and the second post surface is configured to be oriented parallel to and spaced apart from the outer body surface of the body when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

64. The connector of claim 59, wherein the body includes a forward facing body surface, and the second post surface is configured to be oriented substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the forward facing body surface of the body when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

65. The connector of claim 59, wherein the continuous electrical contact path comprises a continuity path configured to be maintained during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, even when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and wherein the continuity path is not incidental, and not momentary.

66. The connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity element is configured to maintain the continuous electrical contact path in a constant state during operation of the connector.

67. The connector of claim 59, wherein the continuous electrical contact path remains continuous when the post and the coupler are not spaced away from and not in electrical contact with one another.

68. The connector of claim 59, wherein the loosely installed state comprises a state of the connector where the coupler is not fully tightened on an interface port, and the post and the coupler are spaced from and not in electrical contact with one another.

69. The connector of claim 59, wherein the body includes a forward facing body surface, and the continuity element is configured to be anchored between the second post surface and the forward facing body surface so as to be maintained in constant and non-intermittent electrical contact with the second post surface during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and wherein the second post surface and the outer body surface are configured to face one another and form complementary opposing surfaces that are spaced apart from one another so as to form a leak path there between and fit a base portion of the continuity element there between.

70. The connector of claim 59, wherein the body includes a forward facing body surface, and the continuity element includes a coupler contact surface, a post contact surface, and a body contact surface, the post contact surface and the body contact surface being configured together to form an anchored continuity portion, the anchored continuity portion being configured to be sandwiched between the second post surface and the forward facing body surface so as to be secured in a fixed axial position relative to the post and relative to the body, and wherein the coupler contact surface is configured to form a non-anchored portion, the non-anchored portion being configured to move relative to the anchored portion and to move relative to the post and the body during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

71. The connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface configured to extend along a radial direction and have a radial length so as to make radial lengthwise contact with the second post surface, and the radial lengthwise contact is not a point contact.

72. The connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface that is configured to form a continuity path through the second post surface, and the post contact surface is configured so as to not extend along an axial direction and not make axial lengthwise contact with the post during operation of the connector.

73. The connector of claim 59, wherein the body includes a forward facing body surface, the continuity element includes a post contact surface and body contact surface, and the second post surface and the forward facing body surface are configured to face each other and lengthwise fit the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the continuity element between the second post surface and the forward facing body surface so as to axially secure the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the continuity element relative to the post and the body when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

74. The connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface, and the continuity element includes a first resilient arcuate portion and a second resilient arcuate portion radially spaced from the first resilient arcuate portion, the first and second resilient arcuate portions each extending between two radially spaced portions of the post contact portion of the continuity element.

75. The connector of claim 59, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface, and an arched portion extending out of a plane of the post contact surface, and wherein the arched portion is curved.

76. The connector of claim 59, wherein the body includes a body surface configured to face a first side of the base portion of the continuity element and the second post surface is configured to face a second side of the base portion of the continuity element when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and even when the connector is not engaged to the interface port.

77. The connector of claim 76, wherein the first and second sides of the continuity element extend along a radial direction when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

78. A connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to an interface port, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, the connector comprising:

a body having a forward facing body surface and configured to engage a coaxial cable;

a post configured to engage the body and the coaxial cable when the connector is installed on the coaxial cable, the post including a first rearward facing post surface and a second rearward facing post surface, the second rearward facing post surface configured to be located axially rearward from the first rearward facing post surface and located radially inward from the first rearward facing post surface;

a coupler having a forward facing coupler surface configured to engage the first rearward facing post surface when the connector is assembled, a first rearward facing coupler surface, and a second rearward facing coupler surface, the second rearward facing coupler surface configured to be located axially rearward from the first rearward facing coupler surface and located radially outward from the first rearward facing coupler surface when the connector is assembled, the coupler being configured to move between a first position, where the forward facing coupler surface contacts the first rearward facing post surface, and a second position, where the forward facing coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the first rearward facing post surface;

an electrical grounding continuity member including;

a body contact surface configured to contact with the forward facing body surface when the connector is assembled, and even when the coupler is not coupled to an interface port; and

a coupler contact surface configured to be biasingly maintained in electrical contact with the first rearward facing coupler surface at all times during operation of the connector so as to biasingly maintain a continuous electrical contact path through the electrical grounding continuity member and through the coupler at all times during operation of the connector, the coupler contact surface being made of a metallic material sufficient to form the continuous electrical contact path through the electrical grounding continuity member and the coupler during operation of the connector; and

a resilient sealing member configured to provide a physical leak path seal between the coupler and the body during operation of the connector;

wherein the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to maintain the continuous electrical contact path through the post and the coupler—

at all times during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that the electrical grounding continuity member maintains the continuous electrical contact path through the post and the coupler at all times during operation of the connector regardless of the location of the coupler relative to the post;

wherein the electrical grounding continuity member comprises a metallic material such that the continuous electrical contact path extends through the electrical grounding continuity member at all times during operation of the connector;

wherein the second rearward facing post surface is configured to be oriented parallel to the forward facing body surface when the connector is in a loosely installed state;

wherein a surface of the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to extend between the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface, be oriented parallel to the second rearward facing post surface, be oriented parallel to the forward facing body surface, while being sandwiched against the second rearward facing post surface when the connector is in the loosely installed state on an interface port, and even when the connector does not contact the interface port; and

wherein the forward facing body surface comprises a forward most surface of the body.

79. The connector of claim 78, wherein the connector includes a cable fastener member movably coupled to the body and configured to fasten the coaxial cable to the connector.

80. The connector of claim 78, wherein the body, post, coupler, and electrical grounding continuity member are each made of a unitary structure.

81. The connector of claim 78, wherein the continuous electrical contact path extends between the body and the coupler during operation of the connector.

82. The connector of claim 78, wherein the continuous electrical contact path comprises a continuity path configured to be maintained even when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and wherein the continuity path is not incidental, and not momentary.

83. The connector of claim 78, wherein the continuous electrical contact path remains continuous when the post and the coupler are not spaced away from and are not in electrical contact with one another.

84. The connector of claim 78, wherein the loosely installed state comprises a state of the connector where the coupler is not fully tightened on an interface port, and the post and the coupler are spaced away from and not in electrical contact with one another.

85. The connector of claim 78, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to be anchored between the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface so as to be maintained in constant and non-intermittent electrical contact with the second rearward facing post surface during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and wherein the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface are configured to face one another and form complementary opposing surfaces that are spaced apart from one another during operation of the connector.

86. The connector of claim 78, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member includes a post contact surface, the post contact surface and the body contact surface being configured together to form an anchored continuity portion, the anchored continuity portion being configured to be sandwiched between the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface so as to be secured in a fixed axial position relative to the post and relative to the body, and wherein the coupler contact surface is configured to form a non-anchored portion, the non-anchored portion being configured to move relative to the anchored portion and to move relative to the post and the body during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

87. The connector of claim 78, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member includes a post contact surface configured to extend along a radial direction and have a radial length so as to make radial lengthwise contact with the second rearward facing post surface, and wherein the radial lengthwise contact is not a point contact.

88. The connector of claim 78, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member includes a post contact surface that is configured to form a continuity path through the second rearward facing post surface, and the post contact surface is configured so as to not extend along an axial direction and not make axial lengthwise contact with the post during operation of the connector.

89. The connector of claim 78, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member includes a post contact surface, and the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface are configured to face each other and lengthwise fit the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the continuity member between the second rearward facing post surface and the forward facing body surface when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

90. The connector of claim 78, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member includes a post contact surface, and the continuity member includes a first resilient arcuate portion and a second resilient arcuate portion radially spaced from the first resilient arcuate portion, the first and second resilient arcuate portions each extending between two radially spaced portions of the post contact portion of the electrical grounding continuity member.

91. The connector of claim 78, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member includes a post contact portion and an arched portion extending out of a plane of the post contact surface, and wherein the arched portion is curved.

92. The connector of claim 78, wherein the electrical grounding continuity member is configured to maintain the continuous electrical contact path in a constant state even when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

93. The connector of claim 92, wherein the constant state is non-intermittent and not momentary.

94. A connector comprising:

a body having a forward most body surface, and configured to engage a coaxial cable having an electrical grounding property;

a post having a first post surface and a second post surface, the second post surface configured to face a rearward direction, be located rearward from the first post surface, and be located radially inward from the first post surface when the connector is assembled, the post and the body each comprising separate and distinct unitary structures;

a coupler having a first coupler surface configured to engage the first post surface when the connector is assembled, and a second coupler surface configured to face a rearward direction when the connector is assembled, the coupler being configured to move between a first position, where the first coupler surface contacts the first post surface, and a second position, where a forward facing coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the first post surface; and

a conductive continuity member including;

a body contact surface configured to contact the forward most body surface;

a coupler contact surface configured to be biasing by maintained in electrical contact with the second coupler surface so as to biasingly maintain a continuous electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and through the coupler at all times during operation of the connector, the coupler contact surface being made of a metallic material sufficient to extend the electrical grounding property of the coaxial cable to the coupler and form the continuous electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and the coupler at all times during operation of the connector; and

a post contact surface configured to be maintained in electrical contact with the second post surface so as to maintain a continuous electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and through the post contact surface at all times during operation of the connector, the post contact surface being made of a metallic material sufficient to extend the electrical grounding property of the coaxial cable to the second post surface and form the continuous electrical contact path through the conductive continuity member and the second post surface during operation of the connector;

wherein the conductive continuity member is configured to maintain the continuous electrical contact path through the post and through the coupler at all times during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that the conductive continuity member maintains the continuous electrical contact path through the post and through the coupler regardless of the location of the coupler relative to the post;

wherein the continuous electrical contact path extends entirely through the conductive continuity member during operation of the connector; and

wherein the second post surface is configured to be oriented substantially parallel to the forward most body surface when the connector is in a loosely installed state on an interface port and the conductive continuity member is configured to be clamped against the second post surface when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and even when the connector does not contact the interface port.

95. The connector of claim 94, wherein the connector includes a cable fastener member movably coupled to the body and configured to fasten the coaxial cable to the connector.

96. The connector of claim 94, wherein the connector is configured to maintain the conductive continuity member in a sandwiched state, where the body contact surface of the conductive continuity member contacts the forward most body surface of the body and where the post contact surface of the conductive continuity member contacts the second post surface of the post, when the connector is in a pre-installed state, where the connector has not yet contacted the interface port and where the body has not yet engaged the coaxial cable, when the connector is in the loosely installed state on the interface port, and when the connector is in a tightly installed state on the interface port.

97. The connector of claim 94, wherein the continuous electrical contact path comprises a continuity path configured to be maintained even when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and wherein the continuity path is not incidental, and not momentary.

98. The connector of claim 94, wherein the conductive continuity member is configured to maintain the continuous electrical contact path in a constant state even when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

99. The connector of claim 98, wherein the constant state is non-intermittent and not momentary.

100. The connector of claim 94, wherein the continuous electrical contact path remains continuous during operation of the connector even when the post and the coupler are spaced away from and are not in electrical contact with one another.

101. The connector of claim 94, wherein the loosely installed state comprises a state of the connector where the coupler is not fully tightened on an interface port, and the post and the coupler are spaced away from and are not in electrical contact with one another.

102. The connector of claim 94, wherein the conductive continuity member is configured to be anchored between the second post surface and the forward most body surface so as to be maintained in constant and non-intermittent electrical contact with the second post surface during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and wherein the second post surface and the forward most body surface are configured to face one another and form complementary opposing surfaces that are spaced apart from one another.

103. The connector of claim 94, wherein the post contact surface and the body contact surface of the conductive continuity member are configured together to form an anchored continuity portion, the anchored continuity portion being configured to be sandwiched between the second post surface and the forward most body surface so as to be secured in a fixed axial position relative to the post and relative to the body, and wherein the coupler contact surface is configured to form a non-anchored portion, the non-anchored portion being configured to move relative to the anchored portion and to move relative to the post and the body during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

104. The connector of claim 94, wherein the post contact surface of the conductive continuity member is configured to extend along a radial direction and have a radial length so as to make radial lengthwise contact with the second post surface, and wherein the radial lengthwise contact is not a point contact.

105. The connector of claim 94, wherein the post contact surface of the conductive continuity member is configured to form a continuity path through the second post surface, and the post contact surface is configured so as to not extend along an axial direction and not make axial lengthwise contact with the post during operation of the connector.

106. The connector of claim 94, wherein the second post surface and the forward most body surface are configured to face each other and lengthwise fit the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the conductive continuity member between the second post surface and the forward most body surface so as to axially secure the post contact portion and the body contact portion of the continuity member relative to the post and the body when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

107. The connector of claim 94, wherein the conductive continuity member includes a first resilient arcuate portion and a second resilient arcuate portion radially spaced from the first resilient arcuate portion, the first and second resilient arcuate portions each extending between two radially spaced portions of the post contact portion of the conductive continuity member.

108. The connector of claim 94, wherein the continuity member includes an arched portion extending out of a plane of the post contact surface, and wherein the arched portion is curved.

109. A connector comprising:

a body configured to engage a coaxial cable having a conductive electrical grounding property, and having a forward most body surface;

a post having a first post surface and a second post surface, the second post surface configured to face a rearward direction, be located rearward from the first post surface, and be located radially inward from the first post surface when the connector is assembled;

a coupler having a first coupler surface configured to engage the first post surface when the connector is assembled, and a second coupler surface configured to face a rearward direction when the connector is assembled, the coupler being configured to move between a first position, where the first coupler surface contacts the first post surface, and a second surface, where the first coupler surface is spaced away from and does not contact the first post surface; and

a continuity element having a base portion configured to be clamped flat against the second post surface, and having a biasing portion configured to be biasingly maintained in contact with the coupler so as to form a continuous electrical contact path through the coupler, the continuity element, and the second post surface at all times during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the coupler is in the first position, when the coupler is in the second position, and while the coupler moves between the first and second positions such that the continuity element maintains the continuous electrical contact path through the coupler, through the continuity element, and through the second post surface even when the connector is in a loosely installed state on an interface port;

wherein the continuity element is made of a conductive material sufficient to extend the conductive grounding property of the coaxial cable through the coupler, through the continuity element, through the second post surface, and to the interface port even when the connector is in the loosely installed state; and

wherein the base portion of the continuity element is configured to be sandwiched between the second post surface and the forward most body surface when the connector is in a pre-installed state, where the connector has not yet contacted the interface port and where the body has not yet engaged the coaxial cable.

110. The connector of claim 109, further comprising a resilient sealing member configured to provide a physical seal between the coupler and the body during operation of the connector, and wherein the resilient sealing member comprises a separate component from the continuity element.

111. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuous electrical contact path is the only continuous electrical ground path extending between the coupler and the post when the coupler and the post are not in direct electrical contact with one another during operation of the connector.

112. The connector of claim 109, wherein no portion of the continuity element is located forward from the first coupler surface when the connector is assembled.

113. The connector of claim 109, wherein the second post surface is configured to be oriented substantially parallel to the forward most body surface when the connector is in the loosely installed state and when the connector is in the pre-installed state, where the connector has not yet contacted the interface port and where the body has not yet engaged the coaxial cable.

114. The connector of claim 109, wherein the forward most body surface faces a forward direction toward the interface port, and the second post surface is configured to be oriented parallel to the forward facing body surface when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

115. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuous electrical contact path comprises a continuity path configured to be maintained even when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and wherein the continuity path is not incidental, and not momentary.

116. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuous electrical contact path remains continuous even when the post and the coupler are not spaced away from and are not in electrical contact with one another.

117. The connector of claim 109, wherein the loosely installed state comprises a state of the connector where the coupler is not fully tightened on an interface port, and the post and the coupler are spaced away from and are not in electrical contact with one another.

118. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuity element is configured to be anchored between the second post surface and the forward most body surface so as to be maintained in constant and non-intermittent electrical contact with the second post surface during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state, and wherein the second post surface and the forward most body surface are configured to face one another and form complementary opposing surfaces.

119. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface, a body contact surface, and a coupler contact surface, the post contact surface and the body contact surface being configured together to form an anchored continuity portion, the anchored continuity portion being configured to be sandwiched between the second post surface and the forward most body surface so as to be secured in a fixed axial position relative to the post and relative to the body, and wherein the coupler contact surface is configured to form a non-anchored portion configured to move relative to the anchored portion and to move relative to the post and the body during operation of the connector, including, but not limited to, when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

120. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface configured to extend along a radial direction and have a radial length so as to make radial lengthwise contact with the second post surface, and wherein the radial lengthwise contact is not a point contact.

121. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface configured to form a continuity path through the second post surface, and the post contact surface is configured so as to not extend along an axial direction and not make axial lengthwise contact with the post during operation of the connector.

122. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface and a body contact surface, and the second post surface and the forward most body surface are configured to face each other and lengthwise fit the post contact surface and the body contact surface of the continuity element between the second post surface and the forward most body surface when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

123. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface and a first resilient arcuate portion and a second resilient arcuate portion radially spaced from the first resilient arcuate portion, the first and second resilient arcuate portions each extending between two radially spaced portions of the post contact surface continuity element.

124. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuity element includes a post contact surface and an arched portion extending out of a plane of the post contact surface, and wherein the arched portion is curved.

125. The connector of claim 109, wherein the forward most body surface is configured to face a first side of the continuity element and the second post surface is configured to face a second side of the continuity element when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

126. The connector of claim 125, wherein the first and second sides of the continuity element extend along a radial direction when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

127. The connector of claim 109, wherein the continuity element is configured to maintain the continuous electrical contact path in a constant state even when the connector is in the loosely installed state.

128. The connector of claim 114, wherein the constant state is non-intermittent and not momentary.