Apparatuses for maintaining electrical grounding at threaded interface ports

An electrical continuity apparatus for a coaxial cable interface port including an interface port, a cable connector, and a resilient member. The interface port includes a first end having a threaded outer surface, and the cable connector includes a coupler having a threaded inner surface. The coupler is configured to rotatably couple the threaded inner surface with the threaded outer surface of the first end of the interface port. The resilient member is arranged between the interface port and the cable connector and urges threads of the threaded inner surface of the coupler into engagement with threads of the threaded outer surface of the interface port to provide electrical continuity between the coupler and the threaded outer surface of interface port even when coupler is loosely tightened to the interface port.

BACKGROUND

Broadband communications have become an increasingly prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for transmission of broadband communications. Coaxial cables are typically designed so that an electromagnetic field carrying communications signals exists only in the space between inner and outer coaxial conductors of the cables. This allows coaxial cable runs to be installed next to metal objects without the power losses that occur in other transmission lines, and provides protection of the communications signals from external electromagnetic interference.

Connectors for coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interface ports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices and cable communication equipment. Connection is often made through rotatable operation of an internally threaded nut of the connector about a corresponding externally threaded interface port. Fully tightening the threaded connection of the coaxial cable connector to the interface port helps to ensure a ground connection between the connector and the corresponding interface port.

However, often connectors are not fully and/or properly tightened or otherwise installed to the interface port and proper electrical mating of the connector with the interface port does not occur. Moreover, typical component elements and structures of common connectors may permit loss of ground and discontinuity of the electromagnetic shielding that is intended to be extended from the cable, through the connector, and to the corresponding coaxial cable interface port. In particular, in order to allow the threaded nut of a connector to rotate relative to the threaded interface port, sufficient clearance must exist between the matching male and female threads. As shown inFIG. 16, when the connector is left loose on the interface port (i.e., not fully and/or properly tightened), gaps99may still exist between surfaces of the mating male and female threads, thus creating a break in the electrical connection of ground.

Accordingly, there is a need to overcome, or otherwise lessen the effects of, the disadvantages and shortcomings described above. Hence a need exists for an improved apparatus having structural component elements included for improving ground continuity between the coaxial cable, the connector and its various applicable structures, and the coaxial cable connector interface port.

SUMMARY

According to various aspects of the disclosure, an electrical continuity apparatus for a coaxial cable interface port includes an interface port, a cable connector, and a resilient member. The interface port includes a first end having a threaded outer surface, and the cable connector includes a coupler having a threaded inner surface. The coupler is configured to rotatably couple the threaded inner surface with the threaded outer surface of the first end of the interface port. The resilient member is arranged between the interface port and the cable connector and urges threads of the threaded inner surface of the coupler into engagement with threads of the threaded outer surface of the interface port to provide electrical continuity between the coupler and the threaded outer surface of interface port even when coupler is loosely tightened to the interface port.

According to some embodiments, the resilient member of the electrical continuity apparatus is configured to urge the coupler in an axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the interface port.

In some aspects, the interface port includes a second end spaced apart from the first end along a longitudinal axis of the interface port and a flange between the first end and the second end that defines a shoulder facing the first end. The resilient member may be arranged between the shoulder of the interface port and the coupler, the resilient member being configured to urge the coupler away from the shoulder in an axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the interface port, thereby urging threads of the threaded inner surface of the coupler into engagement with threads of the threaded outer surface of the interface port to provide electrical continuity between the coupler and the threaded outer surface of interface port.

According to various aspects, the resilient member may comprise a coil spring extending about the threaded outer surface of the first end of the interface port.

According to some aspects, as the coupler is rotated relative to the first end of the interface port in a tightening direction, a forward end face of the coupler compresses the resilient member against a rearward-facing surface of the shoulder and the resilient member reactively urges the coupler away from the shoulder such that rearward-facing surfaces of the threaded inner surface of the coupler contact forward-facing surfaces of the threaded outer surface of the first end of the interface port.

In other embodiments, the resilient member is configured to urge the coupler in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the interface port.

According to some aspects, the resilient member of the electrical continuity apparatus is arranged between the interface port and the cable connector in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the interface port. The resilient member may be configured to (i) urge the coupler and the first end of the interface port away from one another at a first location about a circumference of the interface port, and (ii) urge the coupler and the first end of the interface port toward one another at a second location about the circumference of the interface port that is diametrically opposed to the first location, thereby urging threads of the threaded inner surface of the coupler into engagement with threads of the threaded outer surface of the interface port to provide electrical continuity between the coupler and the threaded outer surface of interface port.

In various aspects, the threaded outer surface of the first end of the interface port includes a groove extending in the axial direction, the groove being configured to receive the resilient member.

According to some aspects, the threaded inner surface of the coupler includes a groove extending in the axial direction, the groove being configured to receive the resilient member.

In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, an electrical continuity apparatus for a coaxial cable interface port includes an interface port, a cable connector, and a resilient member. The interface port has a first end and a second end spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, and a flange between the first end and the second end that defines a shoulder facing the first end. The first end has a threaded outer surface. The cable connector includes a coupler having a threaded inner surface. The coupler is configured to rotatably couple the threaded inner surface with the threaded outer surface of the first end of the interface port. The resilient member is arranged between the shoulder of the interface port and the coupler and is configured to urge the coupler away from the shoulder in an axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the interface port, thereby urging threads of the threaded inner surface of the coupler into engagement with threads of the threaded outer surface of the interface port to provide electrical continuity between the coupler and the threaded outer surface of interface port.

In some aspects, the resilient member of the electrical continuity apparatus is configured to provide electrical continuity between the coupler and the threaded outer surface of interface port even when the coupler is loosely tightened to the interface port.

According to various aspects, the resilient member comprises a coil spring extending about the threaded outer surface of the first end of the interface port.

According to some aspects, as the coupler is rotated relative to the first end of the interface port in a tightening direction, a forward end face of the coupler compresses the resilient member against a rearward-facing surface of the shoulder and the resilient member reactively urges the coupler away from the shoulder such that rearward-facing surfaces of the threaded inner surface of the coupler contact forward-facing surfaces of the threaded outer surface of the first end of the interface port.

According to various aspects of the disclosure, an electrical continuity apparatus for a coaxial cable interface port includes an interface port, a cable connector, and a resilient member. The interface port has a first end along a longitudinal axis, and the first end has a threaded outer surface. The cable connector includes a coupler having a threaded inner surface. The coupler is configured to rotatably couple the threaded inner surface with the threaded outer surface of the female end of the interface port. The resilient member is arranged between the interface port and the cable connector in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the interface port. The resilient member is configured to (i) urge the coupler and the first end of the interface port away from one another at a first location about a circumference of the interface port, and (ii) urge the coupler and the first end of the interface port toward one another at a second location about the circumference of the interface port that is diametrically opposed to the first location, thereby urging threads of the threaded inner surface of the coupler into engagement with threads of the threaded outer surface of the interface port to provide electrical continuity between the coupler and the threaded outer surface of interface port.

In some aspects, the resilient member of the electrical continuity apparatus is configured to provide electrical continuity between the coupler and the threaded outer surface of interface port even when the coupler is loosely tightened to the interface port.

According to various aspects, the threaded outer surface of the first end of the interface port includes a groove extending in the axial direction, the groove being configured to receive the resilient member.

According to some aspects, the threaded inner surface of the coupler includes a groove extending in the axial direction, the groove being configured to receive the resilient member.

In accordance with any of the aforementioned various aspects, the interface port is a barrel connector, and the first end is a female end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, cable connectors2and3enable the exchange of data signals between a broadband network or multichannel data network5, and various devices within a home, building, venue or other environment6, For example, the environment's devices can include: (a) a point of entry (“PoE”) filter8operatively coupled to an outdoor cable junction device10; (b) one or more signal splitters within a service panel12which distributes the data service to interface ports14of various rooms or parts of the environment6; (c) a modem16which modulates radio frequency (“RF”) signals to generate digital signals to operate a wireless router18; (d) an Internet accessible device, such as a mobile phone or computer20, wirelessly coupled to the wireless router18; and (e) a set-top unit22coupled to a television (“TV”)24. In one embodiment, the set-top unit22, typically supplied by the data provider (e.g., the cable TV company), includes a TV tuner and a digital adapter for High Definition TV.

In some embodiments, the multichannel data network5includes a telecommunications, cable/satellite TV (“CATV”) network operable to process and distribute different RF signals or channels of signals for a variety of services, including, but not limited to, TV, Internet and voice communication by phone. For TV service, each unique radio frequency or channel is associated with a different TV channel. The set-top unit22converts the radio frequencies to a digital format for delivery to the TV. Through the data network5, the service provider can distribute a variety of types of data, including, but not limited to, TV programs including on-demand videos, Internet service including wireless or WiFi Internet service, voice data distributed through digital phone service or Voice Over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) phone service, Internet Protocol TV (“IPTV”) data streams, multimedia content, audio data, music, radio and other types of data.

In some embodiments, the multichannel data network5is operatively coupled to a multimedia home entertainment network serving the environment6. In one example, such multimedia home entertainment network is the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (“MoCA”) network. The MoCA network increases the freedom of access to the data network5at various rooms and locations within the environment6. The MoCA network, in one embodiment, operates on cables4within the environment6at frequencies in the range of 1125 MHz to 1675 MHz. MoCA compatible devices can form a private network inside the environment6.

As described above, the data service provider uses coaxial cables29and4to distribute the data to the environment6. The environment6has an array of coaxial cables4at different locations. The connectors2are attachable to the coaxial cables4. The cables4, through use of the connectors2, are connectable to various communication interfaces within the environment6, such as the female interface ports14illustrated inFIGS. 1-2. In the examples shown, female interface ports14are incorporated into: (a) a signal splitter within an outdoor cable service or distribution box32which distributes data service to multiple homes or environments6close to each other; (b) a signal splitter within the outdoor cable junction box or cable junction device10which distributes the data service into the environment6; (c) the set-top unit22; (d) the TV24; (e) wall-mounted jacks, such as a wall plate; and (f) the router18.

In one embodiment, each of the female interface ports14includes a stud or jack, such as the cylindrical stud34illustrated inFIG. 2. The stud34has: (a) an inner, cylindrical wall36defining a central hole configured to receive an electrical contact, wire, pin, conductor (not shown) positioned within the central hole; (b) a conductive, threaded outer surface38; (c) a conical conductive region41having conductive contact sections43and45; and (d) a dielectric or insulation material47.

In some embodiments, stud34is shaped and sized to be compatible with the F-type coaxial connection standard. It should be understood that, depending upon the embodiment, stud34could have a smooth outer surface. The stud34can be operatively coupled to, or incorporated into, a device40which can include, for example, a cable splitter of a distribution box32, outdoor cable junction box10or service panel12; a set-top unit22; a TV24; a wall plate; a modem16; a router18; or the junction device33.

During installation, the installer couples a cable4to an interface port14by screwing or pushing the connector2onto the female interface port34. Once installed, the connector2receives the female interface port34. The connector2establishes an electrical connection between the cable4and the electrical contact of the female interface port34.

Referring toFIGS. 3-5, the coaxial cable4extends along a cable axis or a longitudinal axis42. In one embodiment, the cable4includes: (a) an elongated center conductor or inner conductor44; (b) an elongated insulator46coaxially surrounding the inner conductor44; (c) an elongated, conductive foil layer48coaxially surrounding the insulator46; (d) an elongated outer conductor50coaxially surrounding the foil layer48; and (e) an elongated sheath, sleeve or jacket52coaxially surrounding the outer conductor50.

The inner conductor44is operable to carry data signals to and from the data network5. Depending upon the embodiment, the inner conductor44can be a strand, a solid wire or a hollow, tubular wire. The inner conductor44is, in one embodiment, constructed of a conductive material suitable for data transmission, such as a metal or alloy including copper, including, but not limited, to copper-clad aluminum (“CCA”), copper-clad steel (“CCS”) or silver-coated copper-clad steel (“SCCCS”).

The insulator46, in some embodiments, is a dielectric having a tubular shape. In one embodiment, the insulator46is radially compressible along a radius or radial line54, and the insulator46is axially flexible along the longitudinal axis42. Depending upon the embodiment, the insulator46can be a suitable polymer, such as polyethylene (“PE”) or a fluoropolymer, in solid or foam form.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the outer conductor50includes a conductive RF shield or electromagnetic radiation shield. In such embodiment, the outer conductor50includes a conductive screen, mesh or braid or otherwise has a perforated configuration defining a matrix, grid or array of openings. In one such embodiment, the braided outer conductor50has an aluminum material or a suitable combination of aluminum and polyester. Depending upon the embodiment, cable4can include multiple, overlapping layers of braided outer conductors50, such as a dual-shield configuration, tri-shield configuration or quad-shield configuration.

In one embodiment, the connector2electrically grounds the outer conductor50of the coaxial cable4. The conductive foil layer48, in one embodiment, is an additional, tubular conductor which provides additional shielding of the magnetic fields. In one embodiment, the jacket52has a protective characteristic, guarding the cable's internal components from damage. The jacket52also has an electrical insulation characteristic.

Referring toFIG. 5, in one embodiment an installer or preparer prepares a terminal end56of the cable4so that it can be mechanically connected to the connector2. To do so, the preparer removes or strips away differently sized portions of the jacket52, outer conductor50, foil48and insulator46so as to expose the side walls of the jacket52, outer conductor50, foil layer48and insulator46in a stepped or staggered fashion. In the example shown inFIG. 5, the prepared end56has a two step-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the prepared end has a three step-shaped configuration (not shown), where the insulator46extends beyond an end of the foil48and outer conductor50. At this point, the cable4is ready to be connected to the connector2.

Depending upon the embodiment, the components of the cable4can be constructed of various materials which have some degree of elasticity or flexibility. The elasticity enables the cable4to flex or bend in accordance with broadband communications standards, installation methods or installation equipment. Also, the radial thicknesses of the cable4, the inner conductor44, the insulator46, the conductive foil layer48, the outer conductor50and the jacket52can vary based upon parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards or installation equipment.

In one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, a cable jumper or cable assembly64includes a combination of the connector2and the cable4attached to the connector2. In this embodiment, the connector2includes a connector body or connector housing66and a fastener or coupler68, such as a threaded nut, which is rotatably coupled to the connector housing66. The cable assembly64has, in one embodiment, connectors2on both of its ends70. In some embodiments, the cable assembly64may have a connector2on one end and either no connector or a different connector at the other end. Preassembled cable jumpers or cable assemblies64can facilitate the installation of cables4for various purposes.

The cable connector of the present disclosure provides a reliable electrical ground, a secure axial connection and a watertight seal across leakage-prone interfaces of the coaxial cable connector.

The cable connector comprises an outer conductor engager or post, a housing or body, and a coupler or threaded nut to engage an interface port. The outer conductor engager includes an aperture for receiving the outer braided conductor of a prepared coaxial cable, i.e., an end which has been stripped of its outer jacket similar to that shown inFIG. 5, and a plurality of resilient fingers projecting axially away from the interface port. The body receives and engages the resilient fingers of the outer conductor engage to align the body with the outer conductor engager in a pre-installed state.

During installation, the body is bearing-mounted to the coupler and translates axially relative to the outer conductor engager as the coupler engages the interface port. The body is configured such that axial translation effects radial displacement of the resilient fingers against an outer peripheral surface of the braided conductor. In an installed state, the resilient fingers effect a reliable electrical ground from the outer conductor to the interface port through the outer conductor engager. Furthermore, the resilient fingers effect a secure mechanical connection between the coaxial cable and the connector as a barbed edge of each resilient finger retards the axial motion of the coaxial cable relative to the outer conductor engager. Finally, a watertight seal is produced at the mating interfaces between the outer conductor engager, the body, and the coupler. More specifically, the body and the coupler produce watertight seals with the outer conductor engager as each moves from a partially-installed state to a fully-installed state.

According to the disclosure, the aforementioned connectors2may be configured as coaxial cable connectors110,310, and the interface port14may be configured as barrel connectors150,250, as illustrated inFIGS. 7-15. For the purposes of establishing a directional frame of reference, the forward and rearward directions relative to the connector110,310and the barrel connector150,250are given by arrows F and R, respectively. When the connector110,310is installed on the barrel connector150,250, a forward end, portion, or direction is proximal to, or toward, the barrel connector150,250and a rearward end, portion, or direction is distal, or away, from the barrel connector150,250.

For purposes of this disclosure, with reference to the cable connectors110,310and the barrel connector150,250, a loosely assembled state or configuration refers to the cable connector110,310being coupled with the barrel connector150,250but not fully tightened. A fully assembled state or configuration refers to the cable connector110,310being fully tightened to the barrel connector150,350, that is, for example, when there is no space between an outer conductor engager (or post) of the cable connector110,310and the face of the interface port (i.e., the face of the barrel connector150,250).

According to various aspects of the disclosure, the coaxial cable connector110,310includes a threaded coupler or nut116rotatably coupled with a body or housing114. The threaded coupler116includes a threaded inner surface126having threads defined by forward-facing surfaces113and rearward-facing surfaces115angled relative to one another and connecting to one another at valleys117, In some aspects, the cable connector110,310may include an outer conductor engager or post112and a continuity member118that facilitates extension of electrical ground continuity through the outer conductor engager112and, in some aspects, through the coupler116.

In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, the barrel connector150,250includes two female ends152,154, at opposite ends of the barrel connector150,250in an axial direction X, to which coaxial cable connectors110,310may be operatively connected. A mid-section of the barrel connector150,250includes a hex head156that facilitates connection of the cable connectors110,310to the barrel connector150,250. For example, the hex head156may facilitate mounting of the barrel connector150,250to a wall plate or a bracket, or the hex head156may be gripped by a wrench while the cable connectors110,310are tightened to the barrel connector150,350.

The outer surface162,164of each of the respective female ends152,154is threaded so as to receive the threaded coupler116thereon. Each outer surface162,164includes threads defined by forward-facing surfaces163and rearward-facing surface165angled relative to one another and connecting to one another at valleys167. The threaded coupler116can be tightened to the barrel connector150by relative rotation from a loosely tightened state to a fully tightened state. The female ends152,154may be shaped and sized to be compatible with the F-type coaxial connection standard.

Referring toFIGS. 7-9, an embodiment of an apparatus100for improving electrical continuity between the cable connector110and the barrel connector150is disclosed. Particularly, the apparatus100is configured to improve electrical continuity between the threaded coupler116of the cable connector110and one of the ends152,154of the barrel connector150(female end152illustrated inFIG. 9). The apparatus100includes the cable connector110, the barrel connector150, and a resilient member170, such as a coil spring.

As shown inFIGS. 7-9, the resilient member170is disposed about the outer circumference of the female end152. A first end172of the resilient member170is proximate to and may abut a first shoulder158defined by the hex head156and facing the female end152. The resilient member170includes a second end174spaced from the hex head156when the resilient member170is in an uncompressed configuration (FIG. 8). As would be understood by persons skilled in the art, as the resilient member170is compressed in the axial direction, the second end174is disposed more proximate to the first end172.

Referring now toFIG. 9, when the threaded coupler116is coupled with the threaded outer surface162of the female end152, relative rotation of the coupler116relative to the female end152, for example, in a clockwise direction, brings a forward end face136of the threaded coupler116into contact with the second end174of the resilient member. Continued relative rotation of the coupler116relative to the female end152compresses the second end174of the resilient member170toward the hex head156. Meanwhile, the resilient member170provides a reactive force in the axial direction against the forward end face136of the threaded coupler116, which urges the threaded coupler116away from the hex head156in the axial direction. The threads of the threaded coupler116and the threaded outer surface162limit the movement of the threaded coupler116in the axial direction. That is, the threaded coupler116can only move in the axial direction until one or more of the forward facing surfaces163of the threaded outer surface162of the female end152contact one or more corresponding rearward facing surfaces115of the threaded coupler116. As a result of the reaction force of the compressed resilient member170, electrical continuity between cable connector110and the barrel connector150is maintained even when the threaded coupler116is loosely tightened (i.e., partially tightened, but not fully tightened) to the barrel connector150.

Referring toFIGS. 10-12, another embodiment of an apparatus200for improving electrical continuity between the cable connector110and a barrel connector250is disclosed. Particularly, the apparatus200is configured to improve electrical continuity between the threaded coupler116of the cable connector110and one of the ends252,254of the barrel connector250(female end252illustrated inFIG. 12). The apparatus200includes the cable connector110, the barrel connector250, and a resilient member270, which may be a type of leaf spring having first and second resilient fingers272,274connected together by a bridge portion276.

As shown inFIGS. 10-12, the barrel connector250includes axially-extending channels, or grooves,273,275cut into the outer surfaces262,264of the first and second ends252,254of the barrel connector250and an axially-extending channel, or groove,277cut into an outer surface266of the hex head256. The resilient member270and the channels273,275,277are cooperatively sized and configured such that the bridge portion276is received by channel277, while the first and second resilient fingers272,274are respectively received by channels273,275. In some aspects, the channels273,275,277may be referred to as single channel. Referring toFIG. 12(illustrated female end252), in an uncompressed (i.e., rest) configuration of the resilient member270, a middle portion278of the first resilient finger272is bowed outwardly at least beyond the one or more of the valleys267defined by the threaded outer surface262of female end252of the barrel connector250. As would be understood by persons skilled in the art, as the first resilient finger272is compressed inwardly in the radial direction, the middle portion278is disposed more proximate to the valleys267.

As shown inFIG. 12, when the threaded coupler116is coupled with the threaded outer surface262of the female end252, relative rotation of the coupler116relative to the female end252, for example, in a clockwise direction, brings the forward end face136of the threaded coupler116into contact with the middle portion278of the first resilient finger272. Continued relative rotation of the coupler116relative to the female end252causes the threads of the threaded coupler116to compress the middle portion278of the first resilient finger272radially inward toward the valleys267. Meanwhile, the first resilient finger272provides a reactive force in the radially-outward direction against the threads of the threaded coupler116. As a result, the first resilient finger272moves the threaded coupler116relative to the barrel connector250in a transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Thus, at a side253of the female end252opposite to the channel273, the threads of the coupler116and the threads of the outer surface262of the female end252are urged into close contact such that electrical continuity between cable connector110and the barrel connector250is maintained even when the threaded coupler116is loosely tightened (i.e., partially tightened, but not fully tightened) to the barrel connector250.

Referring now toFIGS. 13-15, another embodiment of an apparatus300for improving electrical continuity between the cable connector310and a barrel connector150is disclosed. Particularly, the apparatus300is configured to improve electrical continuity between the threaded coupler316of the cable connector310and one of the female ends152,154of the barrel connector150(female end152illustrated inFIG. 15). The apparatus300includes the cable connector310, the barrel connector150, and a resilient member370, which may be a type of leaf spring have a thread contact portion372and an optional post contact portion378.

As shown inFIGS. 13-15, the threaded coupler316includes an axially-extending channel, or groove,346cut into the inner threaded surface326of the coupler316. The channel346may extend from the forward end face336of the threaded coupler316to an inward flange348of the coupler316that bearingly engages the outer conductor engager (or post)112. The resilient member370and the channel346are cooperatively sized and configured such that the post contact portion378is disposed at the rearward end of the channel346, and the thread contact portion372extends forwardly from the post contact portion378. Referring toFIG. 14, in an uncompressed (i.e., rest) configuration of the resilient member370, a middle portion379of the thread contact portion372is bowed radially inward at least beyond one or more of the valleys317defined by the threaded inner surface326of threaded coupler316. As would be understood by persons skilled in the art, as the thread contact portion372is compressed outwardly in the radial direction, the middle portion379is disposed more proximate to the valleys317.

When the threaded coupler316is coupled with the threaded outer surface162of the female end152, relative rotation of the coupler316relative to the female end152, for example, in a clockwise direction, brings an end face153of the female end152of the barrel connector150into contact with the middle portion379of the thread contact portion372of the resilient member370. Continued relative rotation of the coupler316relative to the female end152causes the threads of the female end152of the barrel connector150to compress the middle portion379of the thread contact portion372radially outward toward the valleys317. Meanwhile, the thread contact portion372provides a reactive force in the radially-inward direction against the threads of the female end152of the barrel connector150. As a result, the resilient member370moves the threaded coupler316relative to the barrel connector150in a transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Thus, at a side347of the coupler316opposite to the channel346, the threads of the coupler316and the threads of the outer surface162of the female end152are urged into close contact such that electrical continuity between cable connector310and the barrel connector150is maintained even when the threaded coupler316is not fully tightened to the barrel connector150. Moreover, the post contact portion378of the resilient member370further extends continuity from the threads of the coupler316and outer surface162to a flange122of the outer conductor engager112.

Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above.