Abstract:
Coaxial cables and coaxial cable connectors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a connector includes a body portion having a first end and a second end and defining a bore, a contact member having a circumferential portion and at least one protruding member, an inner sleeve, a rotatable coupling nut, and a conductor retaining member. The at least one protruding member protrudes from the circumferential portion toward the second end of the body portion and within the bore. The rotatable coupling nut is rotatably coupled to the inner sleeve and electrically coupled to the contact member. The conductor retaining member is centrally disposed within the inner sleeve, and is configured to receive an inner conductor of the co-axial cable such that the inner conductor is free to pass through the conductor retaining member in a first direction, and restricted from passing through the conductor retaining member in a second direction.

Description:
PRIORITY APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/030,851 filed on Jul. 30, 2014 the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to coaxial connectors and, more particularly, to coaxial connectors and cables assemblies with conductor retaining members that require minimal coaxial cable preparation. 
     Coaxial cable connectors, such as F-connectors, are used to attach coaxial cables to another object such as an appliance or junction having a terminal adapted to engage the connector. For example, F-connectors are often used to terminate a drop cable in a cable television system. The coaxial cable typically includes an inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric layer, which is in turn surrounded by a conductive grounding foil and/or braid defining a conductive grounding sheath. The conductive grounding sheath is itself surrounded by a protective outer jacket. The F-connector is typically secured over the prepared end of the jacketed coaxial cable, allowing the end of the coaxial cable to be connected with a terminal block, such as by a threaded connection with a threaded terminal of a terminal block. 
     Crimp style F-connectors are connectors wherein a crimp sleeve is included as part of the connector body. A special radial crimping tool, having jaws that form a hexagon, is used to radially crimp the crimp sleeve around the outer jacket of the coaxial cable to secure such a crimp style F-connector over the prepared end of the coaxial cable. 
     Still another form of F-connector uses an annular compression sleeve to secure the F-connector over the prepared end of the cable. Rather than crimping a crimp sleeve radially toward the jacket of the coaxial cable, these F-connectors employ a plastic annular compression sleeve that is initially attached to the F-connector, but which is detached therefrom prior to installation of the F-connector. The compression sleeve includes an inner bore for following such compression sleeve to be passed over the end of the coaxial cable prior to installation of the F-connector. The end of the coaxial cable must be prepared by removing a portion of the outer braid and/or folding the outer braid back over the cable jacket. The F-connector itself is then inserted over the prepared end of the coaxial cable. 
     The difficult step of flaring and folding the outer braid over the outer jacket is a time consuming and difficult process. Further, small fragments of the outer braid may break off. These small fragments may cause electrical shorts in nearby electrical systems and/or enter the skin of cable installer. Additionally, the necessity of tools to connect the connector to the cable is undesirable. 
     Accordingly, alternative connectors that do not require the use of tools and also do not require that the outer braid be folded over the jacket may be desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to coaxial cable connectors that may be connected to a coaxial cable without the use of tools and without requiring that a braided outer connector layer be folded over an outer jacket layer of the coaxial cable. Only the inner connector of the coaxial cable is exposed during cable preparation. More specifically, upon insertion of a coaxial cable into the connector, a conductor retaining member contacts the inner conductor and retains the cable within the connector. Further, upon insertion of a coaxial cable into the connector, a protrusion member is interposed in an end-wise fashion between the braided outer conductor layer and the outer layer of the coaxial cable. A means for a continual ground path from the cable outer conductor grounding structure to the rotatable coupler of the connector is provided. A means for compressing the outer layer of the coaxial cable against the braided outer conductor layer and the protrusion member is also provided. 
     In one embodiment, a connector for connecting to a co-axial cable includes a body portion having a first end and a second end defining a bore, a contact member having a circumferential portion and at least one protruding member, an inner sleeve, a rotatable coupling nut, and a conductor retaining member. The contact member is electrically conductive. An outer surface of the circumferential portion of the contact member is at least partially disposed within the bore at the first end of the body portion, and the at least one protruding member protrudes from the circumferential portion toward the second end of the body portion and within the bore. The inner sleeve is at least partially disposed within the circumferential portion of the contact member. The rotatable coupling nut is rotatably coupled to the inner sleeve, wherein the rotatable coupling nut is electrically conductive and is electrically coupled to the contact member. The conductor retaining member is centrally disposed within the inner sleeve, and is configured to receive an inner conductor of the co-axial cable such that the inner conductor is free to pass through the conductor retaining member in a first direction toward the first end of the body portion, and is restricted from passing through the conductor retaining member in a second direction away from the rotatable coupling nut. 
     In another embodiment, a co-axial cable assembly includes a coaxial cable and at least one connector coupled to an end of the co-axial cable. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor positioned on an axis of the co-axial cable, an insulator layer surrounding the inner conductor, a braided outer conductor layer surrounding the insulator layer, and an outer layer surrounding the braided outer conductor layer. An end portion of the inner conductor is exposed beyond the insulator layer, the braided outer conductor layer, and the outer layer. The at least one connector includes a body portion, a contact member, an inner sleeve, a rotatable coupling nut, and a conductor retaining member. The body portion includes a first end and a second end defining a bore. A portion of the inner conductor, the insulator layer, the braided outer conductor layer, and the outer layer is disposed within the body portion. The contact member includes a circumferential portion and at least one protruding member. The contact member is electrically conductive, and an outer surface of the circumferential portion is at least partially disposed within the bore at the first end of the body portion. The at least one protruding member protrudes from the circumferential portion toward the second end of the body portion within the bore and extends into the braided outer conductor layer and between the insulator layer and the outer layer of the co-axial cable. The inner sleeve is at least partially disposed within the circumferential portion of the contact member. The rotatable coupling nut is rotatably coupled to the inner sleeve and nut is electrically conductive. The rotatable coupling nut is electrically coupled to the contact member. The inner conductor of the co-axial cable is disposed within the rotatable coupling nut. The conductor retaining member is centrally disposed within the inner sleeve, wherein the inner conductor of the co-axial cable is positioned through the conductor retaining member such that the inner conductor is restricted from passing through the conductor retaining member in a direction away from the rotatable coupling nut. 
     In yet another embodiment, a connector for connecting to a co-axial cable includes a body portion, a contact member, an inner sleeve, a rotatable coupling nut, and a conductor retaining member. The body portion has a first end and a second end defining a bore. The contact member includes a circumferential portion having a first end and a second end, a plurality of protruding members protruding from the first end of the circumferential portion into the bore defined by the body portion, and a plurality of contacting tabs extending from the second end of the circumferential portion. The contact member is electrically conductive, and an outer surface of the circumferential portion is at least partially disposed within the bore at the first end of the body portion. The inner sleeve is at least partially disposed within the circumferential portion of the contact member. The rotatable coupling nut is rotatably coupled to the inner sleeve and includes an interior surface. The rotatable coupling nut is electrically conductive. The plurality of contacting tabs contact the interior surface of the rotatable coupling nut. The conductor retaining member is centrally disposed within the inner sleeve. The conductor retaining member is configured to receive an inner conductor of the co-axial cable such that the inner conductor is free to pass through the conductor retaining member in a first direction toward the first end of the body portion, and is restricted from passing through the conductor retaining member in a second direction away from the rotatable coupling nut. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  schematically depicts a partial cross section view of a prepared coaxial cable according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 2A  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of an example coaxial cable connector according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 2B  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of the example coaxial cable connector depicted in  FIG. 2A  with a coaxial cable partially inserted therein according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 2C  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of the example coaxial cable connector depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  with a coaxial cable further partially inserted therein according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 2D  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of the example coaxial cable connector depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2C  with a coaxial cable fully inserted therein according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIGS. 3A-3F  schematically depict cross sectional views of alternative embodiments of a continual ground path from a braided outer conductor layer of a coaxial cable to a rotatable coupling nut of a coaxial cable connector according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 4A  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of an example coaxial cable connector providing a means for a continual ground path through an inner sleeve to a rotatable coupling nut of the coaxial cable connector according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 4B  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of an example coaxial cable connector providing a means for a continual ground path through a body portion to a rotatable coupling nut of the coaxial cable connector according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 4C  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of an example coaxial cable connector providing a means for a continual ground path through a rotatable coupling nut to a body portion of the coaxial cable connector according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  schematically depict partial cross sectional views of coaxial cable connectors providing a means for compressing an outer layer of the coaxial cable against a braided outer conductor layer of the coaxial cable and a protruding member of a contact member according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 5E  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a contact member having an optional snap-in feature according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIGS. 5F-5H  schematically depict perspective views of alternate contact members according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 6A  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of an example coaxial cable connector having a moveable body portion in an open or uncompressed position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 6B  schematically depicts a cross sectional view the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 6A  in a closed or compressed position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 7A  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a coaxial cable connector having a moveable body portion capable of displacing a cable jacket compressive portion in an open or uncompressed position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 7B  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 7A  in a closed or compressed position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIGS. 8A-8F  schematically depict front views of a plurality of alternative conductor retaining members according embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIGS. 8A ′- 8 F′ schematically depict side views of the plurality of conductor retaining members depicted in  FIGS. 8A-8F ; 
         FIG. 9A  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a conductor retaining member having a tube-like or cylindrical configuration according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 9B  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of the conductor retaining member of  FIG. 9A  installed in an insulator member according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 9C  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of the conductor retaining member of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  installed in an insulator member and having an inner conductor of a coaxial cable introduced according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 9D  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of the conductor retaining member installed in the insulator member as illustrated in  FIGS. 9B and 9C  with the inner conductor fully inserted into the conductor retaining member according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 10A  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of a conductor retaining member having a bristle-element configuration according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 10B  schematically depicts an end view of the conductor retaining member depicted in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 10C  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of the conductor retaining member depicted in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  having a cable center conductor inserted therein according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 10D  schematically depicts a partial cross sectional view of the conductor retaining member of  FIGS. 10A-10C  having a cable center conductor inserted therein according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 11A  schematically depicts a partial cross sectional view of a connector including a conductor retaining member and a first and second insulator members, wherein the first and second insulators are in an open position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 11B  schematically depicts a partial cross sectional view of the connector depicted in  FIG. 11A , wherein the first and second insulators are in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 12A  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of an insulator member configured to encapsulate a conductor retaining member as depicted in  FIGS. 8A-8F , wherein the insulator member is in an open position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 12B  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of the insulator member depicted in  FIG. 12A  in a closed position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 12C  schematically depicts a cross sectional view of another insulator member configured to encapsulate a conductor retaining member as depicted in  FIGS. 8A-8F , wherein the insulator member is in an open position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 12D  schematically depicts an end view of the insulator member depicted in  FIG. 12C , wherein the insulator member is in an open position according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein; 
         FIG. 12E  schematically depicts an end view of the insulator member depicted in  FIGS. 12C and 12D , wherein the insulator member is in a closed position; and 
         FIG. 12F  schematically depicts an exploded cross sectional view of an insulator member configured to encapsulate a conductor retaining member as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8F  wherein the insulator member has a two-part configuration in an un-assembled state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to coaxial cable connectors capable of being installed on a coaxial cable with limited preparation of the coaxial cable. More specifically, the coaxial cable connectors described herein do not require that the braided outer conductor layer of the coaxial cable be folded back over the outer jacket. Rather, only the inner conductor of the coaxial cable may be exposed at the stripped portion of the cable. Further, the installation of coaxial cable into the connector does not require the use of secondary compression or activation tools, although such tools may be used in some embodiments. As described in more detail below, a conductor maintaining member contacts the inner conductor and prevents the coaxial cable connector from being pulled off of the coaxial cable. Various embodiments of connectors and coaxial cable assemblies are described in detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an example coaxial cable  1000  is schematically illustrated in a partial cross-sectional view. The example coaxial cable  1000  comprises an inner conductor  1010  surrounded by an insulator layer  1020 . The insulator layer  1020  may also have a foil or other metallic covering  1030  in some embodiments. The coaxial cable  1000  further comprises a braided outer conductor layer  1040  which is covered and protected by an outer layer  1050  (i.e., a cable jacket). 
       FIG. 1  further illustrates a stripped portion  1060  of the coaxial cable  1000  that results from a cable stripping process. Only the inner conductor  1010  of the coaxial cable  1000  is exposed in the stripped portion  1060  having a predetermined length. Because only the inner conductor  1010  is exposed, and the braided outer conductor layer  1040  does not need to be prepared by folding it back over the outer layer  1050 , preparation of the coaxial cable  1000  is fast and efficient. Moreover, preparation of the coaxial cable  1000  in this manner eliminates many of the issues related to errant strands of the braided outer conductor layer  1040  that may be present when flaring and folding the braided outer conductor layer  1040 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , an example connector  100  for connecting to a coaxial cable is schematically illustrated in cross section. The coaxial cable connector  100  generally comprises a rotatable coupling nut  200 , an inner sleeve  300 , a contact member  400 , a body portion  700 , an insulator member  800 , and a conductor retaining member  900 . As described in more detail below, embodiments may optionally include a pressure member  500  and a seal  600 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , the rotatable coupling nut  200  has a front end  210 , a rear end  215 , and an opening  230  extending there between. The opening  230  of the rotatable coupling nut  200  has an internal surface  235  that includes a threaded portion  240  for engaging a corresponding threaded portion of a mated connector. The rotatable coupling nut  200  further includes an inwardly projecting ring  255  to engage a rearward facing annular surface  335  of the inner sleeve  300 . The rotatable coupling nut  200  may be made from any electrically conductive material. As a non-limiting example, the rotatable coupling nut is made from a metallic material, such as brass, and is plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as nickel. 
     The inner sleeve  300  has a front end  310  and a rear end  315 . Extending between the front end  310  and the rear end  315  is an internal surface  330 . A rearward facing annular surface  335  serves to rotatably retain the rotatable coupling nut  200 . 
     The contact member  400  has a front end  410  and a rear end  415 . Extending between the front end  410  and the rear end  415  is an internal surface  430 . The contact member  400  further comprises a bore  451 , a plurality of contacting members  412  extending outwardly at the front end  410 , and at least one protruding member  457  protruding from the rear end  415 . As described in more detail below, the contact member  400  electrically couples the rotatable coupling nut  200  to the braided outer conductor layer  1040  of the coaxial cable  1000  through the protruding members  457  and the contacting members  412 . The protruding members  457  pierce the braided outer conductor layer  1040  of the coaxial cable  1000  and the contacting members  412  are flared outwardly such that they contact an inner surface of the rotatable coupling nut  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, an outer surface  340  of the inner sleeve  300  engages the contact member  400  by a press fit. It should be understood that other coupling methods may also be utilized. The contact member  400  may be made from any electrically conductive material. For example, the contact member  400  may be made from a metallic material, such as brass, and plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as tin. However, the contact member  400  may be made from any appropriate material. 
     The pressure member  500  (also referred to herein as a “compression member”) is an optional component comprising various forms as will be shown in alternate embodiments herein. The pressure member  500  is a component that is configured to apply pressure to the outer layer  1050  of the coaxial cable  1000  to enhance electrical connection between the protruding members  457  of the contact member  400  and the braided outer conductor layer  1040  of the coaxial cable  1000 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2A , the pressure member  500  is in the form of an o-ring having an outside diameter  510 , an inside diameter  515  and a cross sectional diameter  520 . The pressure member  500  may be made from any compressible, rubber-like material such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). It should be understood that the pressure member  500  may be made from any other appropriate material. 
     An optional seal  600  has a front end  610  and a rear end  615 . Extending between the front end  610  and the rear end  615  is an internal surface  630 . The seal  600  further comprises an outer diameter  635 , an outer relief  640 , and tapered portions  645 . The seal  600  may made from a rubber-like material, such as silicone, but may be made from any appropriate material. 
     The body portion  700  has an internal surface  715  that extends between the front end  710  and the rear end  750  and defines a longitudinal opening  725 . The body portion  700  also has an inner surface  720  to engage the contact member  400 , and a recess  728 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the seal  600  is disposed within the recess  728  and is operable to prevent liquids and debris from entering the connector  100 . The body portion  700  may be made from plastic, such as acetal, but may be made from any appropriate material such as brass that is plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as nickel. 
     The insulator member  800  has a front end  810  and a rear end  815 . Extending between the front end  810  and the rear end  815  is an internal surface  830 . The insulator member  800  further comprises an inner diameter  835 , an outer diameter  840 , and an internal bore  845 . The internal bore  845  may have a tapered portion to assist in guiding the inner conductor  1010  of the coaxial cable  1000  into the conductor retaining member  900 . In the illustrated embodiment, the insulator member  800  maintains the conductor retaining member  900 . The insulator member  800  may be made as a multi-part construction in a clam-shell type configuration (see  FIGS. 12A-12F ). Alternatively, the insulator member  800  may be molded about conductor retaining member  900  by insert molding. In still other embodiments, the conductor retaining member  900  is integral with insulator member  800  or the conductor retaining member  900  is disposed within the connector  100  by other means. The insulator member  800  may be made from plastic, such as acetal, but may be made from any appropriate, non-electrically conductive material. 
     The conductor retaining member  900  has an aperture  930  between a front surface  910  and a rear surface  915 . As described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 2B-2D , the conductor retaining member  900  may take on any form such that it is capable of allowing movement of the inner conductor  1010  through the aperture  930  in an insertion direction indicated by arrow A (i.e., a first direction), and prevent or resist movement of the inner conductor  1010  through the aperture  930  in a second, opposite direction from the insertion direction. Accordingly, conductor retaining member  900  may be made in a number of configurations designed to retain the inner conductor  1010  and engage the insulator member  800 . It is noted that example conductor retaining member  900  configurations are depicted in  FIGS. 8A-11B  and are described in detail below. 
     The conductor retaining member  900  may be made from a metallic material, such as stainless steel, phosphor bronze, or beryllium copper, and may be plated with a corrosion-resistant material, such as tin or nickel. Alternatively, the conductor retaining member  900  is made from a rigid plastic or any other appropriate material. 
     The o-ring  550  is an optional component that is disposed between the rotatable coupling nut  200  and the body portion  700 . The o-ring  550  may be provided to prevent environmental items such as moisture and dirt from entering the connector  100 . The o-ring  550  may be made from a pliable rubber-like material such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). However, the o-ring  550  may be made from any appropriate material. 
     The assembly of coaxial cable connector  100  with coaxial cable  1000  will now be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C . Referring specifically to  FIG. 2B , a prepared coaxial cable  1000  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 ) is partially inserted through the longitudinal opening  725  of the body portion  700 . The inner conductor  1010  is guided by the tapered portion of the insulator member  800  such that it approaches the aperture  930  of the conductor retaining member  900 . The act of cable insertion is improved by not having the braided outer conductor layer  1040  exposed and folded back over the outer layer  1050 . The amount of clearance between the coaxial cable  1000  and the connector  100  components allow the coaxial cable  1000  to easily enter the connector  100 . 
     The inner conductor  1010  is pushed through the aperture  930  of the conductor retaining member  900 , sliding past flexible protrusions  940  (or fingers) defined by radial openings of the conductor retaining member  900 , causing the protrusions  940  to flex in a direction towards the connector interface  105  in one embodiment (see  FIGS. 8A-8F  for example conductor retaining member configurations). Once the inner conductor  1010  engages the protrusions  940 , it cannot be retracted in a direction opposite from the insertion direction without inverting the protrusions  940  to the reverse side of their original starting position, which requires a high degree of force. Thus, the inner conductor  1010  is directionally captured to achieve cable retention within the connector  100 . The retaining force of the conductor retaining member  900  upon the copper clad steel inner conductor  1010  is high such that it prevents the connector  100  from being pulled off of the coaxial cable  1000 . Insertion of the coaxial cable  1000  into the connector  100  may be accomplished completely by hand without the need for a secondary compression tool. However, such secondary compression tools may be utilized in some embodiments and depending on the particular style of the connector  100 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a partial cross sectional view of the connector  100  of  FIG. 2A  wherein the coaxial cable  1000  is further partially inserted into the connector  100 . The inner conductor  1010  is advanced to protrude beyond the front end  810  of the insulator member  800  while the outer layer  1050  of the coaxial cable  1000  enters the seal  600 . The outer relief  640  of the seal  600  gives way to allow the coaxial cable  1000  to more easily enter the connector  100 . The circumferentially arranged protruding members  457  of the contact member  400  are positioned to coaxially align with the face of the braided outer conductor layer  1040 . 
       FIG. 2D  is a partial cross sectional view of the connector  100  of  FIG. 2A  wherein the coaxial cable  1000  is fully inserted into the connector  100 . The inner conductor  1010  is advanced to protrude beyond the front end  210  of the rotatable coupling nut  200 . The protruding members  457  pierce the front face of the braided outer conductor layer  1040  such that they are interposed between the outer layer  1050  and the braided outer conductor layer  1040 . Alternatively, or coincidently, the protruding members  457  may be interposed between the metallic covering  1030 , the braided outer conductor layer  1040  and the outer layer  1050 . Accordingly, the protruding members  457 , the contacting members  412  and the body of the contact member  400  provide a transfer of the ground path from the braided outer conductor layer  1040  of the coaxial cable to the rotatable coupling nut  200  of the connector  100 . Specifically, the ground path is provided through the protruding members  457  and the contact member  400 , and may be transferred to the rotatable coupling nut  200  by rotational contact between the contacting members  412  of the contact member  400  and the rotatable coupling nut  200 . Pressure member  500  may be utilized to provide additional inward circumferential force to create pressure against the outer layer  1050  and translate the pressure against the braided outer conductor layer  1040  and the protruding members  457 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3F , various contact member configurations are schematically illustrated. The contact between the contact member, the inner sleeve, and the rotatable coupling nut provides a ground path between the braided outer conductor layer of the coaxial cable and the rotatable coupling nut. It should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the example contact members  400 A- 400 F depicted in  FIGS. 3A-3F , and that other configurations are also possible. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts an embodiment wherein the contacting members  412 A extend away from a body of the contact member  400 A and away from the front end  410 A. The contacting members  412 A (tabs in this embodiment, or in other embodiments, a single annular contacting member surface) contact an annular interior ring  270  of the rotatable coupling nut  200 A and a surface of the inner sleeve  300 A. 
       FIG. 3B  depicts an embodiment wherein the contacting members  412 B extend away from a body of the contact member  400 B and toward the rear end  415 B. The contacting members  412 B (or in some embodiments, a single annular contacting member surface) contact an annular interior ring  275  of the rotatable coupling nut  200 B and a surface of the inner sleeve  300 B. 
       FIG. 3C  depicts another embodiment wherein the contacting members  412 C extend away from a body of the contact member  400 C and canted toward the rear end  415 C. The contacting members  412 C (or in some embodiments, a single annular contacting member surface) contact an annular interior ring  280  of the rotatable coupling nut  200 C and a surface of the inner sleeve  300 C. 
       FIG. 3D  depicts another embodiment wherein the contacting members  412 D extend away from a body of the contact member  400 D and canted away from the front end  410 D. The contacting members  412 D (or in some embodiments, a single annular contacting member surface) contact an annular interior ring  285  of the rotatable coupling nut  200 D and a surface of the inner sleeve  300 D. 
       FIG. 3E  depicts an embodiment wherein the contacting members  412 E extend away from a body of the contact member  400 E and toward the rear end  415 E. The contacting members  412 E (or in some embodiments, a single annular contacting member surface) contact an annular interior ring  290  of the rotatable coupling nut  200 E and a surface of the inner sleeve  300 E. 
       FIG. 3F  depicts an embodiment with planar contacting members  412 F are configured slotted segmented portion that are flared radially outwardly and contact an annular interior ring  295  of the rotatable coupling nut  200 F. 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  are cross sectional views of alternate embodiments of a coaxial cable connector providing a means for a continual ground path between the contact member and the rotatable coupling nut. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4A , a front end  410  portion of the contact member  400  (e.g., either individual contacting members or a continuous contacting surface) contacts a surface of the electrically conductive inner sleeve  300 ′. The inner sleeve  300 ′ comprises one or more continuity features  312 ′ that are radially flared outward and contact an inner annular ring of the rotatable coupling nut  200 ′. In this manner, a continual ground path is provided between the braided outer conductor layer  1040  of the coaxial cable  1000  and the rotatable coupling nut  200 ′ through the protruding members  457 , the inner sleeve  300 ′ and the continuity feature(s)  312 ′. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4B , a front end  410  portion of the contact member  400  (e.g., either individual contacting members or a continuous contacting surface) is disposed between the insulator member  800 ″ and a surface of the electrically conductive body portion  700 ″. The body portion  700 ″ comprises one or more continuity features  712 ″ that are radially flared outward and contact an annular ring of the rotatable coupling nut  200 ″. In this manner, a continual ground path is provided between the braided outer conductor layer  1040  of the coaxial cable  1000  and the rotatable coupling nut  200 ″ through the protruding members  457 , the body portion  700 ″ and the continuity feature(s)  712 ″. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4C , a front end  410  portion of the contact member  400  (e.g., either individual contacting members or a continuous contacting surface) is disposed between the insulator member  800 ′″ and a surface of the electrically conductive body portion  700 ′. The rotatable coupling nut  200 ′ comprises one or more continuity features  212 ′″ that are radially flared inward and contact a surface of the body portion  700 ′″. In this manner, a continual ground path is provided between the braided outer conductor layer  1040  of the coaxial cable  1000  and the rotatable coupling nut  200 ′ through the protruding members  457 , the body portion  700 ′″ and the continuity feature(s)  212 ′. 
     Further,  FIGS. 4A-4C  schematically illustrate an alternative pressure member  500 ′ having a slotted arrangement for surrounding the outer layer  1050 . The alternative pressure member  500 ′ is an alternative to the o-ring-type pressure member  500  described above and depicted in  FIG. 2A . The alternative pressure member  500 ′ applies an inward force to the outer layer  1050  of the coaxial cable  1000  to ensure electrical contact between the braided outer conductor layer  1040  and the protruding members  457  of the contact member  400 . Additionally,  FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate a seal retainer  120  disposed within the body portion  700 ′. The seal retainer  120  has a front end  121  and a rear end  125 . Extending between the front end  121  and the rear end  125  is an internal surface  123 . The seal retainer  1200  further comprises a tapered membrane  124 . The seal retainer  1215  may be made from plastic, such as acetal, but may be made from any appropriate material. The seal retainer  1200  may be disposed within the body portion  700 ′ by a snap fit to both facilitate assembly of the seal  600  into and retained within the body portion  700 ′. The tapered membrane  124  serves to protect the tapered portion  645  of the seal  600  from accidental damage caused by the coaxial cable  1000  upon insertion and is flexible enough to allow the coaxial cable  1000  to be passed through the internal surface  123 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  are partial cross sectional views of embodiments of a coaxial cable connector  100  that provide a means for compressing the outer layer  1050  of the coaxial cable  1000  against the braided outer conductor layer  1040  and the protruding members  457 ′ of the contact member  400 ′. More specifically,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate contact member  400 ′ having integral outer fingers  425 ′,  425 ″ to serve in the place of, or in addition to, the pressure member  500  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . The integral outer fingers  425 ′,  425 ″ apply inward pressure on the outer layer  1050  of the coaxial cable  1000 . The integral outer fingers  425 ′,  425 ″ of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , respectively, are shown in two different geometric configurations illustrating that there are a number of possible shapes that may be employed. 
       FIGS. 5C and 5D  depict a slidable contact member  400 ″ wherein a portion of the slidable contact member  400 ″ is disposed within a channel  752  defined by the insulator member  800  and the inner sleeve  300 . A ramp  751  is provided in an inner surface of the body portion  700 . The integral outer fingers  425 ′″ of the slidable contact member  400 ′ are in an open position when slidable contact member  400 ′″ is a rearward position ( FIG. 5C ). When the slidable contact member  400 ′ is moved to a forward position within the channel  752  by insertion of the coaxial cable  1000 , the ramp  751  causes the outer fingers  751 ′″ to be radially compressed against the outer layer  1050  of the coaxial cable, thereby applying pressure thereto ( FIG. 5D ).  FIG. 5E  depicts a slidable contact member  400 ″″ as shown in  FIGS. 5C and 5D  and further comprising snap-in lugs  401  suitable for retention within the inner sleeve  300 . 
       FIGS. 5F-5H  are perspective views of alternate embodiments of contact members  400 E- 400 H provided for illustrative purposes.  FIG. 5F  illustrates a contact member  400 F having a body  414  without contacting members, and three protruding members  457 .  FIG. 5G  illustrates a contact member  400 G having a body  414  and a plurality of contacting members  412  extending from the body  414  at the front end  410  and three protruding members  457  extending from an inner circumference of the body  414  at the rear end  415 .  FIG. 5H  illustrates a contact member  400 H having a plurality of contacting members  412  extending from the body  414  at the front end  410  and three protruding members  457  extending from an inner circumference of the body  414  at the rear end  415 . The example contact member  400 H further includes a compression flange  411  from which three outer fingers  425  extend. The three outer fingers  425  are radially aligned with the three protruding members  457  in the illustrated example. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict an embodiment wherein the connector  100 A comprises a body coupling member  1100  partially disposed between the inner sleeve  300  and the rotatable coupling nut  200 . The body coupling member  1100  comprises a plurality of forward notches  1110  and a plurality of rear notches  1105 . The connector  100 A comprises a slidable body portion  700 A having a plurality of detents  770 . The detents  770  are disposed in the plurality of rear notches  1105  when the connector  100 A is in an uncompressed or open position. Using a tool, the connector  100 A may be closed by sliding the slidable body portion  700 A forward such that the detents  770  are disposed in the plurality of forward notches  1110 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict a connector  100 B similar to the connector  100 A illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , except that the slidable body portion  700 B includes an tapered portion  761  configured to press the plurality of outer fingers  425 A toward the plurality of protruding members  457  when the slidable body portion  700 B is transitioned from an open position ( FIG. 7A ) to a closed position ( FIG. 7B ). 
     Various non-limiting configurations of the conductor retaining member will now be described.  FIGS. 8A-8F and 8A ′- 8 F′ schematically illustrate views of non-limiting conductor retaining members  900 .  FIGS. 8A-8F  depict a front view of the example conductor retaining members  900 , while  FIGS. 8A ′- 8 F′ depict corresponding side view of the conductor retaining members  900  depicted in  FIGS. 8A-8F . The example conductor retaining members  900  have a disk-like configuration. In general, each of the example conductor retaining members  900  has a perimeter surface  905 , a front surface  910  and a rear surface  915 . Extending between the front surface  910  and the rear surface  915  is a central aperture sized to receive the inner conductor  1010  and a plurality of radial slots  935  that define a plurality of protrusions  940 . 
     The example conductor retaining member  900  of  FIGS. 8B and 8B ′ comprises canted portion  945  providing mechanical reinforcement against inner conductor  1010  withdrawal.  FIGS. 8C and 8C ′ additionally include external slots  950  at the perimeter surface  905  to provide resistance against rotational movement within the insulator member. The conductor retaining member  900  of  FIGS. 8D and 8D ′ comprises one or more engagement features, such as external protrusions  955 , at the perimeter surface  905  to provide resistance against rotational movement within the insulator member. The conductor retaining member  900  of  FIGS. 8E and 8E ′ comprises a slitted finger  960  at the perimeter surface  905  to provide resistance against rotational movement within the insulated member in the manner of a stamped thread configuration. The conductor retaining member  900  of  FIGS. 8F and 8F ′ comprises canted external protrusions  970  at the perimeter surface  905  to provide resistance against rotational movement within the insulator member and mechanical reinforcement against flexing. It should be understood that the variations depicted in  FIGS. 8A-8F and 8A ′- 8 F′ are for illustrative purposes, and that any combination of the illustrated features as well as those not illustrated may be utilized. 
       FIG. 9A  schematically illustrates in cross section an alternative conductor retaining member  1260  to the conductor retaining members  900  depicted in  FIGS. 8A-8F and 8A ′- 8 F′. The example conductor retaining member  1260  illustrated in  FIG. 9A  has a tube-like or cylindrical configuration. The conductor retaining member  1260  has a front end  1261  and a rear end  1262 . Extending between the front end  1261  and the rear end  1262  is an aperture  1264 . The conductor retaining member  1260  further comprises an outer surface  1263 , a plurality of end tangs  1265 , a plurality of radial tangs  1266 , a plurality of slots  1267 , and interior edge  1269 . 
       FIG. 9B  is a cross sectional view of the conductor retaining member  1260  inserted into an internal surface  830  of the insulator member  800 . The depth of insertion of conductor retaining member  1260  into the internal surface  830  of the insulator member  800  is limited by the end tangs  1265 . The plurality of radial tangs  1266  embed into the internal surface  830  of insulator member  800 , thereby preventing extraction of conductor retaining member  1260  from the internal surface. 
       FIG. 9C  is a partial cross sectional view of the insulator member  800  and the conductor retaining member  1260  as depicted in  FIG. 9C  with an inner conductor  1010  of a coaxial cable prior to insertion into the conductor retaining member  1260 .  FIG. 9D  is a partial cross sectional view wherein the inner conductor  1010  is inserted into the aperture  1264  of the conductor retaining member  1260 . The inner conductor  1010  radially expands the conductor retaining member  1260 , thereby causing the plurality of radial tangs  1266  to further embed into the internal surface  830  of the insulator member  800 . The interior edge  1269  of the radial tangs  1266  enter into the surface of the inner conductor  1010 , thereby preventing the inner conductor  1010  from being moved axially rearward. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10A-10D , another alternative conductor retaining member  1280  is schematically illustrated.  FIG. 10A  depicts the conductor retaining member  1280  in cross section, while  FIG. 10B  is a schematic end view of the conductor retaining member  1280  depicted in  FIG. 10A . The conductor retaining member  1280  has a bristle-type configuration. The conductor retaining member  1280  comprises an insulative portion  1281  that maintains retaining segments  1282  which fixture a plurality of radial bristle elements  1283 . The plurality of bristle elements  1283  are arranged such that they form an aperture  1284 . The insulative portion  1281  may be injection molded from a plastic material such as acetal or the like, for example. Retaining segments  1282  may likewise be constructed from a plastic material. The bristle elements  1283  may be made from a material such as a fine wire. 
       FIG. 10C  is a cross sectional illustration of the conductor retaining member  1280  depicted in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  with an inner conductor  1010  of a coaxial cable  1000  inserted therein. Insertion of the inner conductor  1010  into conductor retaining member  1280  causes the bristle elements  1283  to flex axially forward. Force applied to the coaxial cable  1000  to withdraw the inner conductor  1010  causes bristle elements  1283  to try to return to their original position. However, the diameter of the inner conductor  1010  prevents the aperture  1284  from returning to its original dimension, thereby forcing the bristle elements  1283  to be embedded into the surface of the inner conductor  1010 . In this manner, the inner conductor  1010  is prevented from being removed from the conductor retaining member  1280 .  FIG. 10D  is a cross sectional illustration of the conductor retaining member  1280  and coaxial cable  1000  of  FIG. 10C  taken along section line  10 D- 10 D. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate a connector  100 C having an alternative conductor retaining means. Referring to  FIG. 11A , the connector  100 C comprises a first insulator member  1500 , a conductor retaining member  1550 , and a second insulator member  1560 . The first insulator member  1500  partially comprises a first coupling surface  1505 , a first internal bore  1507 , a plurality of fingers  1508 , bumps  1509  and  1509 ′, and a second internal bore  1510 . The first insulator member  1500  is preferably made from an insulative material such as plastic and, as a non-limiting example, from acetal. The first internal bore  1507  extends from an insertion end  1501  of the first insulator member  1500  to the first coupling surface  1505 . The first coupling surface  1505  is non-orthogonally transverse to a central axis of the first internal bore  1507  (i.e., it is sloped). The second internal bore  1510  extends from the first coupling surface  1505  to an exit surface  1503  of the first insulator member  1500 . The outer surface of the first insulator member  1500  is at least partially disposed within the inner sleeve  300 . 
     The second insulator member  1560  partially comprises a base portion  1561 , a protruding portion  1567 , a second coupling surface  1562 , a third internal bore  1563  through the base portion  1561  and the protruding portion  1567 , a plurality of slots  1564 , and a plurality of ridges  1565 . The second insulator member  1560  may be made from an insulative material, such as plastic (e.g., acetal). The plurality of slots  1564  may include one or more inner circumferential slots  1564 . The protruding portion  1567  of the second insulator member  1560  is slidably disposed within the first internal bore  1507  of the first insulator member  1570 . The second coupling surface  1562  is non-orthogonally transverse to the central axis of the first internal bore  1507 . 
     The conductor retaining member  1550  comprises a central aperture  1555  and a face  1556 . The conductor retaining member  1550 , which may be configured as a circular disc, may be made from brass or other suitable material. The conductor retaining member  1550  is disposed within the first internal bore  1507  between the first coupling surface  1505  and the second coupling surface  1562  such that it is substantially orthogonal with respect to the central axis of the first internal bore  1507 . 
     In  FIG. 11A , a coaxial cable  1000  is partially inserted through the third internal bore  1563 , the central aperture  1555  and the second internal bore  1510 . The starting position of the conductor retaining member  1550  is maintained by bumps  1509  and  1509 ′ which hold the face  1556  of conductor retaining member  1550  orthogonal to the central axis of the first internal bore  1507 . 
       FIG. 11B  is a cross sectional schematic illustration of the connector  110 C shown in  FIG. 11A  wherein coaxial cable  1000  has been further advanced into the connector  100 C. The insulator layer  1020  of the coaxial cable  1000  is forced against the base portion  1561  of second insulator member  1560 , thereby driving the second insulator member  1560  into the conductor retaining member  1550 . The sloped second coupling surface  1562  of the second insulator member  1560  causes the conductor retaining member  1550  to tilt off-axis and be driven past bump  1509 ′ and against the sloped first coupling surface  1505  of the first insulator member  1500 . The slots  1564  of the second insulator member  1560  slide in relation to the fingers  1508  of the first insulator member  1500  to maintain alignment of the components. The ridges  1565  engage the fingers  1508  by means of a snap fit, thereby retaining the second insulator  5160  at least partially within the first insulator member  1500 . The tilting of the conductor retaining member  1550  causes the central aperture  1555  to engage the inner conductor  1010  of the coaxial cable  1000 , thereby capturing coaxial cable  1000  within the connector  100 C. 
     Alternative insulator members and means of the capturing conductor retaining member  900  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 12A-12F .  FIG. 12A  is a cross sectional view of an insulator member  1600  which comprises a cap  1605 , counter bore  1615 , an annular lip  1617 , a hinge  1620 , a trepan  1625 , a face  1628 , a taper  1630 , counter bore  1635 , a main portion  1650 , and a bore  1655 . The insulator member  1600  is made from an insulative material (e.g., acetal). A representative embodiment of a conductor retaining member  900  is shown in preparation for installation into the insulator member  1600 . In  FIG. 12B , the conductor retaining member  900  is inserted into counter bore  1635  with the front surface  910  positioned against the face  1628  of the insulator member  1600 . The cap  1605  is then closed by means of the hinge  1620  bringing the face  1610  against the rear surface  915  of the conductor retaining member  900  and engaging the annular lip  1617  with the trepan  1625 , thereby fully encapsulating the conductor retaining member  900  within the insulator member  1600 . The entire sub-assembly may now be assembled with the remaining connector components. 
       FIG. 12C  is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an insulator member  1700  which comprises a cap  1705 , a main portion  1710 , a hinge  1720 , a recess  1735 , a bore  1745 , a pin  1746 , and a hole  1747 . The insulator member  1700  is made from an insulative material (e.g., acetal).  FIG. 12D  illustrates the insulator member  1700  of  FIG. 12C  in a schematic end view wherein a representative version of a conductor retaining member  900  is shown at least partially inserted into the recess  1735  of the insulator member  1700 . As seen in  FIG. 12E , the cap  1705  is then closed by way of the hinge  1720 , thereby fully encapsulating the conductor retaining member  900  within the insulator member  1700 . The entire sub-assembly may now be assembled with the remaining connector components. 
       FIG. 12F  is a cross sectional view of an insulator member  1800  which is at least partially comprised of two insulator halves  1805  and  1805 ′, recesses  1835  and  1835 , a plurality of holes  1847 , and a plurality of pins  1846 . The insulator member  1800  is preferably made from an insulative material such (e.g., acetal). A representative embodiment of a conductor retaining member  900  is shown in preparation for installation into the example insulator member  1800 . The conductor retaining member  900  is inserted into the recess  1835 . Half  1805  is then mated with half  1805 ′ guided by a plurality of holes  1847 , and a plurality of pins  1846  thus fully encapsulating conductor retaining member  900  within insulator halves  1805  and  1805 ′. Bore halves  1855  and  1855 ′ mate to form an internal bore. The entire sub-assembly may now be assembled with the remaining connector components. 
     The conductor retention means (e.g., provided by the conductor retaining members described herein) and ground path means (e.g., provided by the contact members described herein) may be incorporated into any style of coaxial connector. For example, the conductor retaining members and contact members described herein may be incorporated into coaxial connectors sold by Corning Gilbert, Inc., such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,975,951, 5,997,350, 7,018,235, 7,182,639 and 7,331,820. 
     For the purposes of describing and defining the subject matter of the disclosure it is noted that the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. 
     Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the disclosure may occur to persons skilled in the art, the embodiments disclosed herein should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.