Abstract:
A coaxial cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to an equipment port, the coaxial cable including a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric material, the dielectric material being surrounded by an outer conductor, the coaxial cable connector including: a post including a first end adapted to be inserted into a prepared end of the coaxial cable between the dielectric material and the outer conductor, wherein the post includes a second end including an enlarged shoulder, wherein the enlarged shoulder has a radial face that faces away from the first end of the post, wherein the radial face is substantially flat; a body member adjacent to the post; a coupler including an internally-threaded region for engaging the equipment port; and a grounding member contacting the post and the coupler, wherein the grounding member provides an electrically-conductive grounding path through the post and the coupler while allowing the coupler to rotate, wherein the grounding member includes at least one resilient portion.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/438,532, filed Apr. 3, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/117,843 filed on May 27, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,612, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/332,925 filed on Dec. 11, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,955,126, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/541,903 filed on Oct. 2, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,479,035, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/043,844 filed on Jan. 25, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,990, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to electrical connectors, and more particularly to coaxial cable connectors capable of being connected to a terminal. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Coaxial cable connectors, such as type F connectors, are used to attach coaxial cable to another object or appliance, e.g., a television set or VCR having a terminal adapted to engage the connector. The terminal of the appliance includes an inner conductor and a surrounding outer conductor, 
         [0006]    Coaxial cable includes a center conductor for transmitting a signal. The center conductor is surrounded by a dielectric material, and the dielectric material is surrounded by an outer conductor; this outer conductor may be in the form of a conductive foil and/or braided sheath. The outer conductor is typically maintained at ground potential to shield the signal transmitted by the center conductor from stray noise, and to maintain a continuous desired impedance over the signal path. The outer conductor is usually surrounded by a plastic cable jacket that by the center conductor from stray noise, and to maintain a continuous desired impedance over the signal path. The outer conductor is usually surrounded by a plastic cable jacket that electrically insulates, and mechanically protects, the outer conductor. Prior to installing a coaxial connector onto an end of the coaxial cable, the end of the coaxial cable is typically prepared by stripping off the end portion of the jacket to bare the end portion of the outer conductor. Similarly, it is common to strip off a portion of the dielectric to expose the end portion of the center conductor. 
         [0007]    Coaxial cable connectors of the type known in the trade as “F connectors” often include a tubular post designed to slide over the dielectric material, and under the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, at the prepared end of the coaxial cable. If the outer conductor of the cable includes a braided sheath, then the exposed braided sheath is usually folded back over the cable jacket. The cable jacket and folded-back outer conductor extend generally around the outside of the tubular post and are typically received in an outer body of the connector; this outer body of the connector is usually fixedly secured to the tubular post. A coupler is rotatably secured around the tubular post and includes an internally-threaded region for engaging external threads formed on the outer conductor of the appliance terminal. 
         [0008]    When connecting the end of a coaxial cable to a terminal of a television set, equipment box, or other appliance, it is important to achieve a reliable electrical connection between the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and the outer conductor of the appliance terminal. This goal is usually achieved by ensuring that the coupler of the connector is fully tightened over the connection port of the appliance. When fully tightened, the head of the tubular post of the connector directly engages the edge of the outer conductor of the appliance port, thereby making a direct electrical ground connection between the outer conductor of the appliance port and the tubular post; in turn, the tubular post is engaged with the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. 
         [0009]    However, in many cases, it is difficult for an installer to reach the connection ports of the appliance with a wrench, and in some instances, it is even difficult for the installer to reach such connection ports with his or her fingers. As a result, it can often happen that typo F connectors are not fully tightened to the appliance port. In such a loose connection system, wherein the coupler of the coaxial connector is not drawn tightly to the appliance port connector, a gap exists between the outer conductor of the appliance port and the tubular post of the connector. Unless an alternate ground path exists, poor signal quality, and RFI leakage, will result. 
         [0010]    As mentioned above, the coupler is rotatably secured about the head of the tubular post. The head of the tubular post usually includes an enlarged shoulder, and the coupler typically includes an inwardly-directed flange for extending over and around the shoulder of the tubular post. In order not to interfere with free rotation of the coupler, manufacturers of such F-style connectors routinely make the outer diameter of the shoulder (at the head of the tubular post) of smaller dimension than the inner diameter of the central bore of the coupler. Likewise, manufacturers routinely make the inner diameter of the inwardly-directed flange of the coupler of larger dimension than the outer diameter of the non-shoulder portion of the tubular post, again to avoid interference with rotation of the coupler relative to the tubular post. In a loose connection system, wherein the coupler of the coaxial connector is not drawn tightly to the appliance port connector, an alternate ground path may fortuitously result from contact between the coupler and the tubular post, particularly if the coupler is not centered over, and axially aligned with, the tubular post. However, this alternate ground path is not stable, and can be disrupted as a result of vibrations, movement of the appliance, movement of the cable, or the like. 
         [0011]    Alternatively, there are some cases in which such an alternate ground path is provided by fortuitous contact between the coupler and the outer body of the coaxial connector, provided that the outer body is formed from conductive material. This alternate ground path is similarly unstable, and may be interrupted by relative movement between the appliance and the cable, or by vibrations. Moreover, this alternate ground path does not exist at all if the outer body of the coaxial connector is constructed of non-conductive material. Such unstable ground paths can give the to intermittent failures that are costly and time-consuming to diagnose. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a coaxial cable connector for connecting a coaxial cable to a connection port of an appliance, the coaxial cable connector being of the type that includes a tubular post and a coupler, such as a rotatable coupler, which ensures a reliable ground connection between the tubular post of the connector and an outer conductor of the appliance port, even if the coupler is not fully tightened onto the appliance port. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to provide such a coaxial cable connector which maintains a reliable ground path between the coupler and the tubular post, at least following installation of such connector onto the end of a coaxial cable. 
         [0014]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a coaxial connector that can be manufactured economically. 
         [0015]    These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds, 
         [0016]    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
         [0017]    Briefly described, the present invention relates to a coaxial cable connector comprising a tubular post, a coupler and a grounding means for providing an electrically conductive path between the post and the coupler. In accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention relates to a coaxial cable connector for coupling a prepared end of a coaxial cable to a threaded female equipment port, and including a tubular post having a first end adapted to be inserted into the prepared end of the coaxial cable between the dielectric material and the outer conductor thereof. A coupler is rotatably secured over the second end of the tubular post, and includes a central bore, at least a portion of which is threaded for engaging the female equipment port. An outer body is secured to the tubular post and extends about the first end of the tubular post for receiving the outer conductor, and preferably the cable jacket, of the coaxial cable. 
         [0018]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a resilient, electrically-conductive grounding member is disposed between the tubular post and the coupler. This grounding member engages both the tubular post and the coupler for providing an electrically-conductive path therebetween, but without restricting rotation of the coupler relative to the tubular post. 
         [0019]    For some preferred embodiments, the grounding member is generally arcuately shaped to extend around the tubular post over an arc of at least 225°, and may extend for a full 360°. This arcuately shaped grounding member may be in the form of a generally circular broken ring, or C-shaped member, as by bending a strip of metal wire into an arc. Preferably, the grounding member has a shape that is out-of-round, and more preferably oblong, rather than circular, in order to ensure reliable electrical contact with both the coupler and the tubular post. In order to retain the grounding member inside the coupler, the inner bore of the coupler may include an annular recess proximate to the end of the coupler that encircles the tubular post; at least portions of the grounding member are engaged with the annular recess to prevent the grounding member from being axially displaced within the coupler. 
         [0020]    As mentioned above, the tubular post may include an enlarged shoulder at the head thereof. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grounding member surrounds the enlarged shoulder of the tubular post, at least when the coaxial cable connector is assembled onto the prepared end of a coaxial cable, whereby at least portions of the grounding member engage the outer surface of such enlarged shoulder. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the grounding member is generally circular and includes a plurality of projections extending outwardly therefrom for engaging the coupler. In another embodiment of the present invention, the grounding member is generally circular and includes a plurality of projections extending inwardly therefrom for engaging the tubular post. 
         [0022]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the tubular post includes an enlarged shoulder extending inside the coupler, and including a first radial face that faces the opposite end of the tubular post. The coupler includes a flange directed inwardly toward the tubular post; this inwardly directed flange including a second radial face that faces toward the connection port of the appliance to which the coaxial cable is to be connected. The grounding member is disposed between the first radial face and the second radial face. In this embodiment, the grounding member is resilient relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector, and is compressed between the first radial face and the second radial face to maintain sliding electrical contact between the shoulder of the tubular post (via its first radial face) and the flange of the coupler (via its second radial face). 
         [0023]    The coaxial connector of the present invention may also include a sealing ring seated within the coupler for rotatably engaging the body member to form a seal therebetween. 
         [0024]    In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, conductive grease is substituted for a discrete grounding member. In this embodiment, an outer dimension of a portion of the tubular post is caused to be commensurate with an inner dimension of an adjacent portion of the coupler. While the gap between such adjacent portions, coupled with the lubrication provided by the conductive grease, is sufficient to permit rotation of the coupler relative to the tubular post, the conductive grease nonetheless functions to maintain reliable electrical coupling across such gap. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an F connector in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, including a body and a coupling nut; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the F connector of  FIG. 1 , including a preferred embodiment of a grounding member; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is an enlarged plan view of the preferred embodiment of the grounding member of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the F connector of  FIG. 1  through cut-line  3 - 3 , and a side view of a prepared coaxial cable ready to be inserted into a back end of the F connector; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the body of the F connector of  FIG. 1  through cut-line  3 - 3 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of a tubular post of the F connector of  FIG. 1 , through cut-line  3 - 3 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view of the coupling nut of the F connector of  FIG. 1  through cut-line  3 - 3 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the F connector of  FIG. 1  through cut-line  3 - 3 , and cross-sectional view of the prepared coaxial cable fully inserted into the back end thereof, prior to axial compression of the F connector; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the F connector of  FIG. 1  through cut-line  3 - 3 , and a cross-sectional view of the prepared coaxial cable fully inserted into the back end thereof, subsequent to axial compression of the F connector; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of a first alternate embodiment of an F connector having a first alternate grounding member; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 6B  is a slightly enlarged side view of the first alternate grounding member of  FIG.6 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6C  is a slightly enlarged plan view of the first alternate grounding member of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of an F connector having a second alternate grounding member; 
           [0042]      FIG. 7A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 7B  is a slightly enlarged side view of the second alternate grounding member of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 7C  is a slightly enlarged plan view of the second alternate grounding member of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of a third alternate embodiment of an F connector having a third alternate grounding member; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8A  is a slightly enlarged side view of the third alternate grounding member of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0047]      FIGS. 8B-8E  are slightly enlarged plan views of four styles of the third alternate grounding member of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth alternate embodiment of an F connector having one of a fourth alternate grounding member and a fifth alternate grounding member; 
           [0049]      FIG. 9A  is a slightly enlarged side view of the fourth alternate grounding member of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 9B  is a slightly enlarged plan view of the fourth alternate grounding member of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 9C  is a slightly enlarged side view of the fifth alternate grounding member of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 9D  is a slightly enlarged plan view of the fifth alternate grounding member of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view of a fifth alternate embodiment of an F connector having conductive grease that acts as a grounding member; 
           [0054]      FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional view of a front end of a sixth alternate embodiment of an F connector having a sixth alternate grounding member; 
           [0055]      FIG. 11A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of the sixth alternate grounding member of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 11C  is a plan view of the sixth alternate grounding member of  FIG. 11 ; and 
           [0058]      FIG. 11D  is a perspective view of the sixth alternate grounding member of  FIG. 11 . 
       
    
    
       [0059]    For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Furthermore, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0060]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an F connector  100  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention. The F connector  100  (hereinafter, “connector”) has a longitudinal axis  101 . The connector has a front end  102  and a back end  103 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the connector  100 . The connector  100  includes tubular post  104 , a coupling nut  105  rotatably secured over an end  106  of the tubular post for securing the connector to an appliance (not shown), and a body  108  secured to the tubular post. A shell  107  and a label  109  are secured to the body  108 . Preferably, the body  108  is made entirely of acetal plastic. Alternatively, the body  108  is made of brass, plated with nickel. The shell  107  acids strength to the plastic body  108  and protects the plastic body from ultraviolet light. The tubular post  104  is preferably metallic, and more preferably, made of brass, with a tin plating; as tin is more conductive than nickel. The coupling nut  105  is preferably metallic, and more preferably, formed from brass, plated with nickel or with another non-corrosive material. 
         [0062]    In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the coupling nut  105  is rotatably secured over an end  106  of the tubular post  104  via a neck  111  of the body  108 . Advantageously, an electrical grounding path is constantly maintained between the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 , including, in particular, when the coupling nut  105  of the connector  100  is not tightly fastened to the appliance. The electrical grounding path is provided by a resilient, electrically-conductive grounding member  110  disposed between the tubular post  104  and the coupling nut  105 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 2A  is an enlarged plan view of the preferred embodiment of the grounding member  110 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrically-conductive grounding member  110  is disposed between the tubular post  104  and the coupling nut  105 . The grounding member  110  contacts both the tubular post  104  and the coupling nut  105  for providing an electrically-conductive path therebetween, but without restricting rotation of the coupling nut relative to the tubular post. A preferred embodiment of the grounding member  110  shown in  FIG. 2A  is a spring member, or circlip, disposed between the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 , which establishes a stable ground path between the coupling nut and the post, and which is preferably constructed of a wire-type material. The grounding member  110  is retained in the coupling nut  105  by an annular recess  343  (see  FIG. 3C ) in the coupling nut. The spring action of the grounding member  110  serves to form a ground path from the coupling nut  105  to the tubular post  104  while allowing the coupling nut  105  to rotate. The grounding member  110  is resilient and is generally arcuately shaped. The grounding member  110  extends around the tubular post  104  over an arc of at least 225°, and may extend for a full 360°. The arcuately shaped grounding member  110  may be in the form of a generally circular broken ring, or C-shaped member, as by bending a strip of metal wire into an arc. Preferably, the grounding member  110  is a C-shaped metal clip that has an arcuate curvature that is non-circular. The grounding member  110  has a minimum diameter  201  and a maximum diameter  203 . Preferably, the grounding member  110  is made of stainless steel wire that has a wire diameter of between 0.010-inch and 0.020-inch; in a preferred embodiment, the wire diameter is about 0.016-inch. Stainless steel is a preferred metal for the grounding member  110  because it need not be plated for corrosion resistance. 
         [0064]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  100  through cut-line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 , and a side view of a prepared coaxial cable  301  ready to be inserted into a back end  103  of the connector. The center conductor  302  of the coaxial cable  301  is surrounded by a dielectric material  303 , and the dielectric material is surrounded by an outer conductor  304  that may be in the form of a conductive foil and/or braided sheath. The outer conductor  304  is usually surrounded by a plastic cable jacket  305  that electrically insulates, and mechanically protects, the outer conductor. 
         [0065]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the body  108  of  FIG. 1  through cut-line  3 - 3 .  FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of the tubular post  104  of  FIG. 1  through cut-line  3 - 3 .  FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view of the coupling nut  105  of  FIG. 1  through cut-line  3 - 3 . Referring now to  FIGS. 3 ,  3 A,  3 B and  3 C, the body  108  has a lip  310  at a front end of the body. The lip  310  has an outer diameter  311  and an inner diameter  312 . The coupling nut  105  is rotatably secured about a head  330  at the front end of the tubular post  104 . The head  330  of the tubular post  104  usually includes an enlarged shoulder  332 . The coupling nut  105  typically includes an inwardly-directed flange  340  that extends over and around the shoulder  332  of the tubular post  104 . In order to retain the grounding member  110  inside the coupling nut  105 , the inner, or central, bore  342  of the coupling nut  105  may include an annular recess  343  that is proximate to the end of the coupling nut that encircles the tubular post  104 . At least portions of the grounding member  110  are engaged with the annular recess  343  to prevent the grounding member from being axially displaced within the coupling nut  105 . The tubular post  104  may include an enlarged shoulder  332  at the head  330  thereof. The shoulder  332  has a first radial face  333  that faces the back end of the tubular post  104 . In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grounding member  110  surrounds the enlarged shoulder  332  of the tubular post  104 , at least when the connector  100  is assembled onto the prepared end of a coaxial cable  301 . At least portions of the grounding member  110  contact the outer surface  334  of such enlarged shoulder  332 . 
         [0066]    The coupling nut  105  has an inwardly-directed flange near the back end of the coupling nut. The coupling nut  105  has an inner diameter  341  at a back end of the coupling nut. In order to retain the buck end of the coupling nut  105  on the front end of the body  108 , the inner diameter  341  of the coupling nut has a dimension less than the outer diameter of the lip  310  of the body  108 . In order not to interfere with free rotation of the coupling nut  105 , the outer diameter  336  of the shoulder  332  (at the head  330  of the tubular post  104 ) is of smaller dimension than the inner diameter  344  of the central bore of the coupling nut  105 . Likewise, the inner diameter  341  of the inwardly-directed flange  340  of the coupling nut  105  is of larger dimension than the outer diameter  337  of the non-shoulder portion  338  of the tubular post  104 , again to avoid interference with rotation of the coupling nut  105  relative to the tubular post. 
         [0067]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  100  through cut-line  3 - 3 , and cross-sectional view of the prepared coaxial cable  301  fully inserted into the back end  103  thereof, prior to axial compression of the connector.  FIG. 4A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4 . Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 4A , the resilient, electrically-conductive grounding member  110  is shown disposed between the tubular post  104  and the coupling nut  105 . The grounding member  110  is disposed in the annular recess  343  that encircles the tubular post  104 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the connector  100  through cut-line  3 - 3 , and a cross-sectional view of the prepared coaxial cable  301  fully inserted into the back end  103  thereof, subsequent to axial compression of the connector.  FIG. 5A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 5 . Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 5A , as a result of axial compression by a standard compression tool (not shown), the tubular post  104  slides (to the right in the drawings) relative to the other components of the connector  100  and relative to the cable  301 , such that the shoulder  332  of the tubular post is radially inward of the grounding member  110 . At least a portion of the grounding member  110  engages the coupling nut  105  at the annular recess  343  of the coupling nut, and at least another portion of the grounding member engages tubular post  104  at the shoulder  332  of the tubular post. The tubular post  104  is in electrical contact with the outer conductor  304  of the cable  301  along the back portion of the tubular post, and the coupling nut  105  may engage the outer conductor of an appliance port (not shown). Therefore, when the connector  100  is fastened to an appliance port, there is maintained an electrical grounding path between the outer conductor  304  of the cable  301  and the outer conductor of the appliance port, whether or not the coupling nut  105  of the connector is tightly fastened to the appliance port. 
         [0069]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of a first alternate embodiment of a connector  600  having a first alternate grounding member  601  (see  FIGS. 6A-6C ), shown subsequent to axial compression.  FIG. 6A  is an enlargement of a portion of the first alternate embodiment of the connector  600  showing a portion of the first alternate grounding member  601 .  FIG. 6B  is a slightly enlarged side view of the first alternate grounding member  601 .  FIG. 6C  is a slightly enlarged plan view of the first alternate grounding member  601 . Referring now to  FIGS. 6 ,  6 A,  6 B and  6 C, the first alternate grounding member  601  is a spring finger grounding member retained between the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 . The first alternate grounding member  601  is constructed of a thin cross section of material such beryllium copper. The first alternate grounding member  601  comprises a ring portion  602  and a plurality of fingers  603  that project at approximately a 30° angle from the plane of the ring. The spring action of the fingers  603  extend to, and make contact with, a radial surface  604  near the back end of the coupling nut  105  that faces the front end of the coupling nut, which serve to connect a ground path from the coupling nut to the tubular post while allowing the coupling nut to rotate. The first alternate grounding member  601  has optional internal lugs  605  that contact the outer diameter  337  of the non-shoulder portion of the tubular post. 
         [0070]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of a connector  700  having a second alternate grounding member  701  (see  FIGS. 7A-7C ).  FIG. 7A  is an enlargement of a portion of the second alternate embodiment of the connector  700 , showing a portion of the second alternate grounding member  701 .  FIG. 7B  is a slightly enlarged side view of the second alternate grounding member  701 .  FIG. 7C  is a slightly enlarged plan view of the second alternate grounding member  701 . Referring now to  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A,  7 B and  7 C, the second alternate grounding member  701  is a radial grounding member retained between the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 . The second alternate grounding member  701  is constructed of a thin cross section of metallic material such as beryllium copper. The second alternate grounding member  701  comprises a ring portion  702  and a plurality of fingers  703  extending radially from the ring portion at about a 45° angle from the plane of the ring portion. The spring action of the fingers  703  extend to inner-diameter surfaces  705  of the coupling nut  105 , and serve to connect a ground path from the coupling nut to the tubular post  104  while allowing the coupling nut to rotate. 
         [0071]      FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of a third alternate embodiment of a connector  800  having a third alternate grounding member  801  (see  FIGS. 8A-8E ),  FIG. 8A  is a slightly enlarged side view of the third alternate grounding member  801 .  FIGS. 8B-8E  are slightly enlarged plan views of four styles of the third alternate grounding member  801 . Referring now to  FIG. 8  and  FIGS. 8A-8E , the third alternate grounding member  801  is a conductive member retained between the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 . The third alternate grounding member  801  is constructed of a thin cross section of metallic material such as brass or beryllium copper. The third alternate grounding member  801  comprises a ring  802  with multiple points of contact, or internal lugs,  803  around the inner perimeter of the ring and with multiple external lugs  804  around the outer perimeter of the ring. The lugs  803  and  804  serve to connect a ground path from the coupling nut  105  to the tubular post  104  while allowing the coupling nut to rotate.  FIGS. 8B-8E  show four styles with regard to the shape of the lugs  803  and  804  and the position of the lugs on the ring  802 .  FIG. 8  also exhibits an alternate embodiment comprising a sealing ring  805  for forming a moisture seal between the coupling nut  105  and the body  108  of the connector  801 . The sealing ring  805  is disposed between the back end of the coupling nut  105  and the body  108  for forming a seal therebetween. Preferably, the sealing ring  805  is made from ethylene propylene. Use of the sealing ring  805  is not limited to use in connectors having the third alternate grounding member  801 . The third alternate grounding member  801  may also be used in connectors without the sealing ring  805 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth alternate embodiment of a connector  900  having one of a fourth alternate grounding member  901  and a fifth alternate grounding member  911  (see  FIGS. 9A-9D ).  FIG. 9A  is a slightly enlarged side view of the fourth alternate grounding member  901 .  FIG. 9B  is a slightly enlarged plan view of the fourth alternate grounding member  901 .  FIG. 9C  is a slightly enlarged side view of the fifth alternate grounding member  902 .  FIG. 9D  is a slightly enlarged plan view of the fifth alternate grounding member  911 . The fourth and filth alternate embodiments of the grounding member  901  and  911 , respectively, comprise a C-shaped ring between the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 . The C-shaped ring is constructed of a thin cross section of metallic material such as beryllium copper or stainless steel. It is retained by a groove in the coupling nut. The spring action of the C-shaped ring serves to connect a ground path from the coupling nut  105  to the tubular post  104  while allowing the coupling nut to rotate. The fourth alternate grounding member  901  includes a circumferential metallic band  902 , which has a general circular shape and approximates a section of a hollow cylinder, that extends between first  903  and second  904  opposing ends. The band  902  has first  906  and second  907  opposing side edges extending along its length. The fourth alternate grounding member  901  includes a first generally radial wall  908  extending from the first side edge  906  of the band in a first radial direction, and a second generally radial wall  909  extending from the second side edge  907  of the band generally in said first radial direction. The band  902  contacts a first one of the group of members that includes the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 . The first  908  and second  909  radial walls contact the second of the group of members that includes the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 . The fifth alternate grounding member  911  includes a metallic band  912  extending along its length between first  913  and second  914  opposing ends, and extending along its width between first  916  and second  917  side edges. The band  912  is formed along its length into a generally circular shape. The band  912  is formed along its width into a generally concave shape with the side edges  916  and  917  projecting generally in a first radial direction. The fifth alternate grounding member  911  includes a plurality of projections  918  extending from the band  912  in a second radial direction opposite to the first radial direction. The first  916  and second  917  side edges of the band  912  contact a first one of the group of members that includes the coupling nut and the tubular post. The plurality of projections  918  contact the second of the group of members that includes the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 , 
         [0073]      FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view of a fifth alternate embodiment of a connector  1000  having conductive grease (not shown) that acts as a grounding member. The ground path is established by means of a close fit between the coupling nut  105  and the tubular post  104 . The conductive grease is disposed at a grease annular ring  1001  where mating portions of the tubular post  104  and coupling nut  105  have closely matching dimensions. Preferably, the conductive grease is a silver-loaded silicon lubricating material. The conductive grease serves to connect a ground path from the coupling nut  105  to the tubular post  104  while allowing the coupling nut to rotate. 
         [0074]      FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional view of a front end of a sixth alternate embodiment of an F connector  1100  that includes a body  1108 , and which has a sixth alternate grounding member  1101 .  FIG. 11A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11B  is a side view of the sixth alternate grounding member  1101 .  FIG. 11C  is a plan view of the sixth alternate grounding member  1101 .  FIG. 11D  is a perspective view of the sixth alternate grounding member  1101 . Referring now to  FIG. 11  and  FIGS. 11A-11D , the sixth alternate grounding member  1101  includes a circumferential metallic band  1112  extending between first  1113  and second  1114  opposing ends. The band  1112  has a generally circular shape that approximates a section of a hollow cylinder. The first  1113  and second  1114  ends of the band  1112  are disposed generally proximate to each other and are directed generally toward one another. The band  1112  has first and second opposing side edges  1115  and  1116 , respectively, extending along its length. The band generally de fines a section of a cylindrical surface. The sixth alternate grounding member  1101  includes a plurality of projections  1101  extending from at least one of the first and second side edges  1115  and  1116  of the band  1112 . The plurality of projections  1117  extend away from the cylindrical surface defined by the band  1112 . The band  1112  contacts a first one of the group of members that includes the coupling nut  1105  and the tubular post  1104 . The plurality of projections  1117  contact the second of the group of members that includes the coupling nut  1105  and the tubular post  1104 . 
         [0075]    In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector that ensures a reliable grounding path without creating undue interference with free rotation of the coupler relative to the remaining components of the connector; however, the present invention can also provide a reliable grounding path between a post and a coupler that does not rotate. Advantageously, a connector in accordance with the invention works with standard installation tools and with standard compression tools. The present invention can be used with both axially-compressible connectors as well as with older-style crimp-ring connectors. In some embodiments, the present invention is compatible with the use of a sealing ring for forming a moisture seal between the coupler and the outer body of the connector. 
         [0076]    While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various modifications and changes may be made to the described embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the grounding member can have a shape other than generally circular, such as square, hexagonal, octagonal, oval, etc. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0077]      100  F connector (“connector”) 
         [0078]      101  Longitudinal axis 
         [0079]      102  Front end 
         [0080]      103  Back end 
         [0081]      104  Tubular post 
         [0082]      105  Coupling nut 
         [0083]      106  End of tubular post 
         [0084]      107  Shell 
         [0085]      108  Body 
         [0086]      109  Label 
         [0087]      110  Grounding member 
         [0088]      111  Neck 
         [0089]      201  Minimum diameter 
         [0090]      203  Maximum diameter 
         [0091]      301  Coaxial cable 
         [0092]      302  Center conductor 
         [0093]      303  Dielectric material 
         [0094]      304  Outer conductor 
         [0095]      305  Jacket 
         [0096]      310  Lip of body 
         [0097]      311  Outer diameter of lip body 
         [0098]      312  Inner diameter of lip of body 
         [0099]      330  Head of tubular post 
         [0100]      332  Shoulder of tubular post 
         [0101]      333  First radial face of shoulder of tubular post 
         [0102]      334  Outer surface of shoulder 
         [0103]      336  Outer diameter of shoulder 
         [0104]      337  Outer diameter of non-shoulder portion of post 
         [0105]      338  Non-shoulder portion of post 
         [0106]      340  Inwardly-directed flange of coupling nut 
         [0107]      341  Inner diameter of inwardly-directed flange 
         [0108]      342  Bore of coupling nut 
         [0109]      343  Annular recess of coupling nut 
         [0110]      344  Inner diameter of bore of coupling nut 
         [0111]      600  First alternate connector 
         [0112]      601  First alternate grounding member 
         [0113]      602  Ring portion of first alternate grounding member 
         [0114]      603  Fingers of first alternate grounding member 
         [0115]      604  Radial surface of coupling nut 
         [0116]      605  Internal lugs of first alternate grounding member 
         [0117]      700  Second alternate connector 
         [0118]      701  Second alternate grounding member 
         [0119]      702  Ring portion of second alternate grounding member 
         [0120]      703  Fingers of second alternate grounding member 
         [0121]      800  Third alternate connector 
         [0122]      801  Third alternate grounding member 
         [0123]      802  Ring portion of third alternate grounding member 
         [0124]      803  Internal lugs of third alternate grounding member 
         [0125]      804  External lugs of third alternate grounding member 
         [0126]      805  Sealing ring 
         [0127]      900  Fourth alternate connector 
         [0128]      901  Fourth alternate grounding member 
         [0129]      902  Band of fourth alternate grounding member 
         [0130]      903  First end of band 
         [0131]      904  Second end of band 
         [0132]      906  First side edge of band 
         [0133]      907  Second side edge of band 
         [0134]      908  First radial wall of band 
         [0135]      909  Second radial wall of band 
         [0136]      911  Fifth alternate grounding member 
         [0137]      1000  Fifth alternate connector 
         [0138]      1001  Grease annular ring 
         [0139]      1100  Sixth alternate connector 
         [0140]      1101  Sixth alternate grounding member 
         [0141]      1104  Tubular post of sixth alternate connector 
         [0142]      1105  Coupling nut of sixth alternate connector 
         [0143]      1108  Body of sixth alternate connector 
         [0144]      1112  Band of sixth alternate grounding member 
         [0145]      1113  First end of band 
         [0146]      1114  Second end of band 
         [0147]      1115  First side edge of band 
         [0148]      1116  Second side edge of band 
         [0149]      1117  Projections on band