Patent Publication Number: US-2021194184-A1

Title: Connector having a grounding member

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/653,713, filed on Oct. 15, 2019, pending, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/050,726, filed on Jul. 31, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,446,983, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/431,018, filed on Feb. 13, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,038,284, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/094,451 filed on Apr. 8, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,570,859, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/448,937, filed on Apr. 17, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,312,611, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,617, filed on May 31, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,589, which is a continuation-in-part of both U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/418,103, filed on Apr. 3, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,071,174, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/941,709, filed on Nov. 8, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,950,958, which U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/941,709 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/397,087, filed on Mar. 3, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,595, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/997,218, filed on Nov. 24, 2004, abandoned. The entire contents of such applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This following relates generally to the field of connectors for coaxial cables. More particularly, this invention provides for a coaxial cable connector comprising at least one conductively coated member and a method of use thereof. 
     Related Art 
     Broadband communications have become an increasingly prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for transmission of broadband communications. Connectors for coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interface ports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices. In addition, connectors are often utilized to connect coaxial cables to various communications modifying equipment such as signal splitters, cable line extenders and cable network modules. 
     To help prevent the introduction of electromagnetic interference, coaxial cables are provided with an outer conductive shield. In an attempt to further screen ingress of environmental noise, typical connectors are generally configured to contact with and electrically extend the conductive shield of attached coaxial cables. Moreover, electromagnetic noise can be problematic when it is introduced via the connective juncture between an interface port and a connector. Such problematic noise interference is disruptive where an electromagnetic buffer is not provided by an adequate electrical and/or physical interface between the port and the connector. Weathering also creates interference problems when metallic components corrode, deteriorate or become galvanically incompatible thereby resulting in intermittent contact and poor electromagnetic shielding. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the field of coaxial cable connectors for an improved connector design. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following provides an apparatus for use with coaxial cable connections that offers improved reliability. 
     A first general aspect relates to a connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a connector body, a coupling member, and a conductive seal, the conductive seal electrically coupling the connector body and the coupling member. 
     A second general aspect relates to a connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a post, having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be inserted into an end of the coaxial cable around the dielectric and under the conductive grounding shield thereof. Moreover, the connector comprises a connector body, operatively attached to the post, and a conductive member, located proximate the second end of the post, wherein the conductive member facilitates grounding of the coaxial cable. 
     A third general aspect relates to a connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a connector body, having a first end and a second end, said first end configured to deformably compress against and seal a received coaxial cable, a post, operatively attached to said connector body, a coupling member, operatively attached to said post, and a conductive member, located proximate the second end of the connector body, wherein the conductive member completes a shield preventing ingress of electromagnetic noise into the connector. 
     A fourth general aspect relates to a connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said connector comprising a connector body a coupling member, and means for conductively sealing and electrically coupling the connector body and the coupling member. 
     A fifth general aspect relates to a method for grounding a coaxial cable through a connector, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said method comprising providing a connector, wherein the connector includes a connector body, a post having a first end and a second end, and a conductive member located proximate the second end of said post, fixedly attaching the coaxial cable to the connector, and advancing the connector onto an interface port until a surface of the interface port mates with the conductive member facilitating grounding through the connector. 
     A sixth general aspect relates to for a method for electrically coupling a coaxial cable and a connector, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, said method comprising providing a connector, wherein the connector includes a connector body, a coupling member, and a conductive member electrically coupling and physically sealing the connector body and the coupling member, fixedly attaching the coaxial cable to the connector, and completing an electromagnetic shield by threading the nut onto a conductive interface port. 
     A seventh general aspect relates to a connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable and for facilitating electrical connection with a male coaxial cable interface port, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, the connector comprising a connector body, configured to receive at least a portion of the coaxial cable, a post, having a mating edge, the post configured to electrically contact the conductive grounding shield of the coaxial cable, and a conductively coated member, configured to reside within a coupling member of the connector, the conductively coated member positioned to physically and electrically contact the mating edge of the post to facilitate grounding of the connector through the conductively coated member and the post to the cable when the connector is threadably advanced onto an interface port and to help shield against ingress of unwanted electromagnetic interference. 
     An eighth general aspect relates to connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable and for facilitating electrical connection with a male coaxial cable interface port, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, the connector comprising a connector body, configured to receive at least a portion of the coaxial cable, a post, having a mating edge, the post configured to electrically contact the conductive grounding shield of the coaxial cable, and a conductively coated member, configured to reside within a coupling member of the connector, the conductively coated member positioned to physically and electrically contact an inner surface of the coupling member to facilitate electrical continuity between the coupling member and the post to help shield against ingress of unwanted electromagnetic interference. 
     A ninth general aspect relates to a connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable and facilitating electrical connection with a male coaxial cable interface port, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, the connector comprising a post having a mating edge, wherein at least a portion of the post resides within a connector body, a coupling member positioned axially with respect to the post, and means for conductively sealing and electrically coupling the post and the coupling member of the connector to help facilitate grounding of the connector, wherein the means for conductively sealing and electrically coupling physically and electrically contact the mating edge of the post. 
     A tenth general aspect relates to a method for grounding a coaxial cable through a connector, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, the method comprising providing a connector, wherein the connector includes a connector body, a post having a mating edge, and a conductively coated member positioned to physically and electrically contact the mating edge of the post to facilitate grounding of the connector through the conductively coated member and the post to the cable, when the connector is attached to an interface port, fixedly attaching the coaxial cable to the connector, and advancing the connector onto an interface port until electrical grounding is extended through the conductively coated member. 
     An eleventh aspect relates generally to a method of facilitating electrical continuity through a coaxial cable connector, the coaxial cable having a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric, the dielectric being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield, the conductive grounding shield being surrounded by a protective outer jacket, the method comprising providing the connector, wherein the connector includes a connector body, a post having a mating edge, and a conductively coated member positioned to physically and electrically contact an inner surface of the coupling member to facilitate electrical continuity between the coupling member and the post to help shield against ingress of unwanted electromagnetic interference, fixedly attaching the coaxial cable to the connector, and advancing the connector onto an interface port. 
     The foregoing and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of various embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a sectional side view of a first embodiment of a connector; 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a connector 
         FIG. 2  depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a coupling member; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a post; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a connector body; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a fastener member; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a connector body having an integral post; 
         FIG. 7A  depicts a sectional side view of the first embodiment of a connector configured with a conductive member proximate a second end of a post; 
         FIG. 7B  depicts a sectional side view of the second embodiment of a connector configured with a conductive member proximate a second end of a post; 
         FIG. 8A  depicts a sectional side view of the first embodiment of a connector configured with a conductive member proximate a second end of a connector body; and 
         FIG. 8B  depicts a sectional side view of the second embodiment of a connector configured with a conductive member proximate a second end of a connector body. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of an embodiment. The features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. 
     As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict a first and second embodiment of a connector  100 . The connector  100  may include a coaxial cable  10  having a protective outer jacket  12 , a conductive grounding shield  14 , an interior dielectric  16  and a center conductor  18 . The coaxial cable  10  may be prepared as embodied in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  by removing the protective outer jacket  12  and drawing back the conductive grounding shield  14  to expose a portion of the interior dielectric  16 . Further preparation of the embodied coaxial cable  10  may include stripping the dielectric  16  to expose a portion of the center conductor  18 . The protective outer jacket  12  is intended to protect the various components of the coaxial cable  10  from damage which may result from exposure to dirt or moisture and from corrosion. Moreover, the protective outer jacket  12  may serve in some measure to secure the various components of the coaxial cable  10  in a contained cable design that protects the cable  10  from damage related to movement during cable installation. The conductive grounding shield  14  may be comprised of conductive materials suitable for providing an electrical ground connection. Various embodiments of the shield  14  may be employed to screen unwanted noise. For instance, the shield  14  may comprise a metal foil wrapped around the dielectric  16 , or several conductive strands formed in a continuous braid around the dielectric  16 . Combinations of foil and/or braided strands may be utilized wherein the conductive shield  14  may comprise a foil layer, then a braided layer, and then a foil layer. Those in the art will appreciate that various layer combinations may be implemented in order for the conductive grounding shield  14  to effectuate an electromagnetic buffer helping to prevent ingress of environmental noise that may disrupt broadband communications. The dielectric  16  may be comprised of materials suitable for electrical insulation. It should be noted that the various materials of which all the various components of the coaxial cable  10  are comprised should have some degree of elasticity allowing the cable  10  to flex or bend in accordance with traditional broadband communications standards, installation methods and/or equipment. It should further be recognized that the radial thickness of the coaxial cable  10 , protective outer jacket  12 , conductive grounding shield  14 , interior dielectric  16  and/or center conductor  18  may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the connector  100  may also include a coaxial cable interface port  20 . The coaxial cable interface port  20  includes a conductive receptacle  22  for receiving a portion of a coaxial cable center conductor  18  sufficient to make adequate electrical contact. The coaxial cable interface port  20  may further comprise a threaded exterior surface  24 . Although, various embodiments may employ a smooth as opposed to threaded exterior surface. In addition, the coaxial cable interface port  20  may comprise a mating edge  26 . It should be recognized that the radial thickness and/or the length of the coaxial cable interface port  20  and/or the conductive receptacle  22  may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Moreover, the pitch and height of threads which may be formed upon the threaded exterior surface  24  of the coaxial cable interface port  20  may also vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Furthermore, it should be noted that the interface port  20  may be formed of a single conductive material, multiple conductive materials, or may be configured with both conductive and non-conductive materials corresponding to the port&#39;s  20  electrical interface with a connector  100 . For example, the threaded exterior surface may be fabricated from a conductive material, while the material comprising the mating edge  26  may be non-conductive or vice-versa. However, the conductive receptacle  22  should be formed of a conductive material. Further still, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the interface port  20  may be embodied by a connective interface component of a communications modifying device such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like. 
     Referring still further to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an embodiment of the connector  100  may further comprise a coupling member  30 , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a fastener member  60 , a conductively coated mating edge member such as O-ring  70 , and/or a connector body conductive member, such as O-ring  80 , and means for conductively sealing and electrically coupling the connector body  50  and coupling member  30 . The means for conductively sealing and electrically coupling the connector body  50  and coupling member  30  is the employment of the connector body conductive member  80  positioned in a location so as to make a physical seal and effectuate electrical contact between the connector body  50  and coupling member  30 . 
     With additional reference to the drawings,  FIG. 2  depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a coupling member  30  having a first end  32  and opposing second end  34 . The coupling element  30  may be a nut, a threaded nut, port coupling element, rotatable port coupling element, and the like. The coupling element  30  may include an inner surface, and an outer surface; the inner surface of the coupling element  30  may be a threaded configuration, the threads having a pitch and depth corresponding to a threaded port, such as interface port  20 . In other embodiments, the inner surface of the coupling element  30  may not include threads, and may be axially inserted over an interface port, such as port  20 . The coupling element  30  may be rotatably secured to the post  40  to allow for rotational movement about the post  40 . The coupling member  30  may comprise an internal lip  36  located proximate the second end  34  and configured to hinder axial movement of the post  40  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Furthermore, the coupling member  30  may comprise a cavity  38  extending axially from the edge of second end  34  and partial defined and bounded by the internal lip  36 . The cavity  38  may also be partially defined and bounded by an outer internal wall  39 . Embodiments of the coupling member  30  may touch or physically contact the connector body  50  while operably configured, such as when connector  100  is threaded and/or advanced onto port  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1B . Alternatively, embodiments of the coupling member  30  may not touch or physically contact the connector body  50  while operably configured, such as when connector  100  is threaded and/or advanced onto port  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . For instance, electrical continuity may be established and maintained through the connector  100  (e.g. between the coupling member  30  and the post  40 ) while the coupling member  30  does not touch the connector body  50 . The coupling member  30  may be formed of conductive materials facilitating grounding through the connector. Accordingly the coupling member  30  may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of an interface port  20  when a connector  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) is advanced onto the port  20 . The coupling member  30  may also be in physical and electrical contact with the conductively coated mating edge member  70 . Embodiments of the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may be disposed within the generally axial opening of the coupling member  30 , and may physically contact the inner surface of the coupling member  30  proximate the mating edge  46  of the post  40 . Other embodiments of the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may not physically contact the inner surface of the coupling member  30  until deformation of the conductively coated mating edge member  70  occurs. Deformation may occur when the connector  100  is threaded onto the port  20  a sufficient distance such that the post  40  and the port  20  act to compress the conductively coated mating edge member  70 . The physical and electrical contact between the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may establish and maintain electrical continuity between the coupler member  30  and the post  40  to extend a RF shield and grounding through the connector  100 . In addition, the coupling member  30  may be formed of non-conductive material and function only to physically secure and advance a connector  100  onto an interface port  20 . Moreover, the coupling member  30  may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example the internal lip  36  may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the nut  30  may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. In addition, the coupling member  30  may be formed of metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed body. Manufacture of the coupling member  30  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     With further reference to the drawings,  FIG. 3  depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a post  40 . The post  40  may comprise a first end  42  and opposing second end  44 . Furthermore, the post  40  may comprise a flange  46  operatively configured to contact internal lip  36  of coupling member  30  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) thereby facilitating the prevention of axial movement of the post beyond the contacted internal lip  36 . Further still, an embodiment of the post  40  may include a surface feature  48  such as a shallow recess, detent, cut, slot, or trough. Additionally, the post  40  may include a mating edge  49 . The mating edge  49  may be configured to make physical and/or electrical contact with an interface port  20  or conductively coated mating edge member or O-ring  70  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). The post  40  should be formed such that portions of a prepared coaxial cable  10  including the dielectric  16  and center conductor  18  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) may pass axially into the first end  42  and/or through the body of the post  40 . Moreover, the post  40  should be dimensioned such that the post  40  may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable  10 , around the dielectric  16  and under the protective outer jacket  12  and conductive grounding shield  14 . Accordingly, where an embodiment of the post  40  may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable  10  under the drawn back conductive grounding shield  14  substantial physical and/or electrical contact with the shield  14  may be accomplished thereby facilitating grounding through the post  40 . The post  40  may be formed of metals or other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed body. In addition, the post  40  may also be formed of non-conductive materials such as polymers or composites that facilitate a rigidly formed body. In further addition, the post may be formed of a combination of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example, a metal coating or layer may be applied to a polymer of other non-conductive material. Manufacture of the post  40  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     With continued reference to the drawings,  FIG. 4  depicts a sectional side view of a connector body  50 . The connector body  50  may comprise a first end  52  and opposing second end  54 . Moreover, the connector body may include an internal annular lip  55  configured to mate and achieve purchase with the surface feature  48  of post  40  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In addition, the connector body  50  may include an outer annular recess  56  located proximate the second end  54 . Furthermore, the connector body may include a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface  57 , wherein the outer surface  57  may include an annular detent  58 . The outer surface  57  may be configured to form an annular seal when the first end  52  is deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable  10  by a fastener member  60  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Further still, the connector body  50  may include internal surface features  59 , such as annular serrations formed proximate the first end  52  of the connector body  50  and configured to enhance frictional restraint and gripping of an inserted and received coaxial cable  10 . The connector body  50  may be formed of materials such as, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface  57 . Further, the connector body  50  may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the connector body  50  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     Referring further to the drawings,  FIG. 5  depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of a fastener member  60  in accordance with the present invention. The fastener member  60  may have a first end  62  and opposing second end  64 . In addition, the fastener member  60  may include an internal annular protrusion  63  located proximate the first end  62  of the fastener member  60  and configured to mate and achieve purchase with the annular detent  58  on the outer surface  57  of connector body  50  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). Moreover, the fastener member  60  may comprise a central passageway  65  defined between the first end  62  and second end  64  and extending axially through the fastener member  60 . The central passageway  65  may comprise a ramped surface  66  which may be positioned between a first opening or inner bore  67  having a first diameter positioned proximate with the first end  62  of the fastener member  60  and a second opening or inner bore  68  having a second diameter positioned proximate with the second end  64  of the fastener member  60 . The ramped surface  66  may act to deformably compress the outer surface  57  of a connector body  50  when the fastener member  60  is operated to secure a coaxial cable  10  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Additionally, the fastener member  60  may comprise an exterior surface feature  69  positioned proximate with the second end  64  of the fastener member  60 . The surface feature  69  may facilitate gripping of the fastener member  60  during operation of the connector  100  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Although the surface feature is shown as an annular detent, it may have various shapes and sizes such as a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling, or other friction or gripping type arrangements. It should be recognized, by those skilled in the requisite art, that the fastener member  60  may be formed of rigid materials such as metals, polymers, composites and the like. Furthermore, the fastener member  60  may be manufactured via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     Referring still further to the drawings,  FIG. 6  depicts a sectional side view of an embodiment of an integral post connector body  90  in accordance with the present invention. The integral post connector body  90  may have a first end  91  and opposing second end  92 . The integral post connector body  90  physically and functionally integrates post and connector body components of an embodied connector  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Accordingly, the integral post connector body  90  includes a post member  93 . The post member  93  may render connector operability similar to the functionality of post  40  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). For example, the post member  93  of integral post connector body  90  may include a mating edge  99  configured to make physical and/or electrical contact with an interface port  20  or conductively coated mating edge member or O-ring  70  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). The post member  93  of integral should be formed such that portions of a prepared coaxial cable  10  including the dielectric  16  and center conductor  18  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) may pass axially into the first end  91  and/or through the post member  93 . Moreover, the post member  93  should be dimensioned such that a portion of the post member  93  may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable  10 , around the dielectric  16  and under the protective outer jacket  12  and conductive grounding shield  14 . Further, the integral post connector body  90  includes an outer connector body surface  94 . The outer connector body surface  94  may render connector  100  operability similar to the functionality of connector body  50  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). Hence, outer connector body surface  94  should be semi-rigid, yet compliant. The outer connector body surface  94  may be configured to form an annular seal when compressed against a coaxial cable  10  by a fastener member  60  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). In addition, the integral post connector body  90  may include an interior wall  95 . The interior wall  95  may be configured as an unbroken surface between the post member  93  and outer connector body surface  94  of integral post connector body  90  and may provide additional contact points for a conductive grounding shield  14  of a coaxial cable  10 . Furthermore, the integral post connector body  90  may include an outer recess formed proximate the second end  92 . Further still, the integral post connector body  90  may comprise a flange  97  located proximate the second end  92  and operatively configured to contact internal lip  36  of coupling member  30  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) thereby facilitating the prevention of axial movement of the integral post connector body  90  with respect to the coupling member  30 . The integral post connector body  90  may be formed of materials such as, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer connector body surface  94 . Additionally, the integral post connector body  90  may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the integral post connector body  90  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     With continued reference to the drawings,  FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict a sectional side view of a first and second embodiment of a connector  100  configured with a conductively coated mating edge member  70  proximate a second end  44  of a post  40 . The conductively coated mating edge member  70  may be configured to reside within a coupling member  30  of the connector  100 , the conductively coated member  70  positioned to physically and electrically contact the mating edge of the post  40 . The conductively coated mating edge member  70  should be conductive. For instance, the conductively coated elastomeric member  70  should exhibit levels of electrical and RF conductivity to facilitate grounding/shielding through the connector  100 . Additionally, embodiments of the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may include a conductive coating or a partial conductive coating. For purposes of conductivity, the conductive coating may cover the entire outer surface of the coated mating edge member  70 , or may partially cover the outer surface of the coated mating edge member  70 . For example, embodiments of the coated mating edge member  70  may include one or more strips/portions of conductive coating spaced apart in a poloidal direction around the outer surface of the coated mating edge member  70 . In another embodiment, the coated mating edge member  70  may include one or more strips/portions of conductive coating spaced apart in a toroidal direction around the outer surface of the mating edge member  70 . Embodiments of the coated mating edge member  70  may include various configurations of conductive coating, including a weave-like pattern or a combination of rings and strips along both the poloidal and toroidal direction of the coated member  70 . Coating the coated mating edge member  70  with a conductive coating can obtain high levels of electrical and RF conductivity from the conductively coated mating edge member  70  which can be used to extend a RF shield/grounding path through the connector  100 . 
     Moreover, coating the coated mating edge member  70  may involve applying (e.g. spraying and/or spraycoating with an airbrush) a thin layer of conductive coating on the outer surface of the coated mating edge member  70 . Because only the outer surface of the coated mating edge member  70  is coated with a conductive coating, the entire cross-section of the coated mating edge member  70  need not be conductive (i.e. not a bulk conductive member). Thus, the coated mating edge member  70  may be formed form non-conductive elastomeric materials, such as silicone rubber having properties characteristic of elastomeric materials, yet may exhibit electrical and RF conductivity properties once the conductive coating is applied to at least a portion of the coated mating edge member  70 . Embodiments of the conductive coating may be a conductive ink, a silver-based ink, and the like, which may be thinned out from a paste-like substance Thinning out the conductive coating for application on the coated mating edge member  70  may involve using a reactive top coat as a thinning agent, such as a mixture of liquid silicone rubber topcoat, to reduce hydrocarbon off-gassing during the thinning process; the reactive topcoat as a thinning agent may also act as a bonding agent to the outer surface (e.g. silicone rubber) of the coated mating edge member  70 . Alternatively, the conductive coating may be thinned with an organic solvent as a thinning agent. The application of a conductive coating onto the elastomeric outer surface or portions of the coated mating edge member  70  may result in a highly conductive and highly flexible skin or conductive layer on the outer surface of the coated mating edge member  70 . Thus, a continuous electrical ground/shielding path may be established between the post  40 , the coated mating edge member  70 , and an interface port  20  due to the conductive properties shared by the post  40 , coated mating edge member  70 , and the port  20 , while also forming a seal proximate the mating edge of the post  40 . 
     The coated mating edge member  70  may comprise a substantially circinate torus or toroid structure adapted to fit within the internal threaded portion of coupling member  30  such that the coated mating edge member  70  may make contact with and/or reside continuous with a mating edge  49  of a post  40  when operatively attached to post  40  of connector  100 . For example, one embodiment of the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may be an O-ring. The conductively coated mating edge member  70  may facilitate an annular seal between the coupling member  30  and post  40  thereby providing a physical barrier to unwanted ingress of moisture and/or other environmental contaminates. Moreover, the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may facilitate electrical coupling of the post  40  and coupling member  30  by extending therebetween an unbroken electrical circuit. In addition, the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may facilitate grounding of the connector  100 , and attached coaxial cable (shown in  FIG. 1 ), by extending the electrical connection between the post  40  and the coupling member  30 . Furthermore, the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may effectuate a buffer preventing ingress of electromagnetic noise between the coupling member  30  and the post  40 . The conductively coated mating edge member or O-ring  70  may be provided to users in an assembled position proximate the second end  44  of post  40 , or users may themselves insert the conductively coated mating edge conductive O-ring  70  into position prior to installation on an interface port  20  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Additionally, the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may be formed of materials such including but not limited to conductive polymers, plastics, conductive elastomers, elastomeric mixtures, composite materials having conductive properties, soft metals, conductive rubber, and/or the like and/or any workable combination thereof, that may or may not need to be coated with a conductive coating as described supra. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may be fabricated by extruding, coating, molding, injecting, cutting, turning, elastomeric batch processing, vulcanizing, mixing, stamping, casting, and/or the like and/or any combination thereof in order to provide efficient production of the component. 
     With still further continued reference to the drawings,  FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict a sectional side view of a first and a second embodiment of a connector  100  configured with a connector body conductive member  80  proximate a second end  54  of a connector body  50 . The connector body conductive member  80  should be formed of a conductive material. Such materials may include, but are not limited to conductive polymers, plastics, elastomeric mixtures, composite materials having conductive properties, soft metals, conductive rubber, and/or the like and/or any workable combination thereof. The connector body conductive member  80  may comprise a substantially circinate torus or toroid structure, or other ring-like structure. For example, an embodiment of the connector body conductive member  80  may be an O-ring configured to cooperate with the annular recess  56  proximate the second end  54  of connector body  50  and the cavity  38  extending axially from the edge of second end  34  and partially defined and bounded by an outer internal wall  39  of coupling member  30  such that the connector body conductive O-ring  80  may make contact with and/or reside contiguous with the annular recess  56  of connector body  50  and outer internal wall  39  of coupling member  30  when operatively attached to post  40  of connector  100 . The connector body conductive member  80  may facilitate an annular seal between the coupling member  30  and connector body  50  thereby providing a physical barrier to unwanted ingress of moisture and/or other environmental contaminates. Moreover, the connector body conductive member  80  may facilitate electrical coupling of the connector body  50  and coupling member  30  by extending therebetween an unbroken electrical circuit. In addition, the connector body conductive member  80  may facilitate grounding of the connector  100 , and attached coaxial cable (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), by extending the electrical connection between the connector body  50  and the coupling member  30 . Furthermore, the connector body conductive member  80  may effectuate a buffer preventing ingress of electromagnetic noise between the coupling member  30  and the connector body  50 . It should be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art that the connector body conductive member  80 , like the conductively coated mating edge member  70 , may be manufactured by extruding, coating, molding, injecting, cutting, turning, elastomeric batch processing, vulcanizing, mixing, stamping, casting, and/or the like and/or any combination thereof in order to provide efficient production of the component. I should be further recognized that the connector body conductive member  80  may also be conductively coated like the conductively coated mating edge member  70 . For example, the connector body conductive member  80  may include a conductive coating or a partial conductive coating around the outer surface of the connector body conductive member  80 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 6-8B , either or both of the conductively coated mating edge member or O-ring  70  and connector body conductive member or O-ring  80  may be utilized in conjunction with an integral post connector body  90 . For example, the conductively coated mating edge member  70  may be inserted within a coupling member  30  such that it contacts the mating edge  99  of integral post connector body  90  as implemented in an embodiment of connector  100 . By further example, the connector body conductive member  80  may be positioned to cooperate and make contact with the recess  96  of connector body  90  and the outer internal wall  39  of an operably attached coupling member  30  of an embodiment of a connector  100 . Those in the art should recognize that embodiments of the connector  100  may employ both the conductively coated mating edge member  70  and the connector body conductive member  80  in a single connector  100 . Accordingly the various advantages attributable to each of the conductively coated mating edge member  70  and the connector body conductive member  80  may be obtained. 
     A method for grounding a coaxial cable  10  through a connector  100  is now described with reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  which depict a sectional side view of a first and a second embodiment of a connector  100 . A coaxial cable  10  may be prepared for connector  100  attachment. Preparation of the coaxial cable  10  may involve removing the protective outer jacket  12  and drawing back the conductive grounding shield  14  to expose a portion of the interior dielectric  16 . Further preparation of the embodied coaxial cable  10  may include stripping the dielectric  16  to expose a portion of the center conductor  18 . Various other preparatory configurations of coaxial cable  10  may be employed for use with connector  100  in accordance with standard broadband communications technology and equipment. For example, the coaxial cable may be prepared without drawing back the conductive grounding shield  14 , but merely stripping a portion thereof to expose the interior dielectric  16 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and additional reference to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , further depiction of a method for grounding a coaxial cable  10  through a connector  100  is described. A connector  100  including a post  40  having a first end  42  and second end  44  may be provided. Moreover, the provided connector may include a connector body  50  and a conductively coated mating edge member  70  located proximate the second end  44  of post  40 . The proximate location of the conductively coated mating edge member  70  should be such that the conductively coated mating edge member  70  makes physical and electrical contact with post  40 . In one embodiment, the conductively coated mating edge member or O-ring  70  may be inserted into a coupling member  30  until it abuts the mating edge  49  of post  40 . However, other embodiments of connector  100  may locate the conductively coated mating edge member  70  at or very near the second end  44  of post  40  without insertion of the conductively coated mating edge member  70  into a coupling member  30 . 
     Grounding may be further attained by fixedly attaching the coaxial cable  10  to the connector  100 . Attachment may be accomplished by insetting the coaxial cable  10  into the connector  100  such that the first end  42  of post  40  is inserted under the conductive grounding sheath or shield  14  and around the dielectric  16 . Where the post  40  is comprised of conductive material, a grounding connection may be achieved between the received conductive grounding shield  14  of coaxial cable  10  and the inserted post  40 . The ground may extend through the post  40  from the first end  42  where initial physical and electrical contact is made with the conductive grounding sheath  14  to the mating edge  49  located at the second end  44  of the post  40 . Once, received, the coaxial cable  10  may be securely fixed into position by radially compressing the outer surface  57  of connector body  50  against the coaxial cable  10  thereby affixing the cable into position and sealing the connection. The radial compression of the connector body  50  may be effectuated by physical deformation caused by a fastener member  60  that may compress and lock the connector body  50  into place. Moreover, where the connector body  50  is formed of materials having and elastic limit, compression may be accomplished by crimping tools, or other like means that may be implemented to permanently deform the connector body  50  into a securely affixed position around the coaxial cable  10 . 
     As an additional step, grounding of the coaxial cable  10  through the connector  100  may be accomplished by advancing the connector  100  onto an interface port  20  until a surface of the interface port mates with the conductively coated mating edge member  70 . Because the conductively coated mating edge member  70  is located such that it makes physical and electrical contact with post  40 , grounding may be extended from the post  40  through the conductively coated mating edge member  70  and then through the mated interface port  20 . Accordingly, the interface port  20  should make physical and electrical contact with the conductively coated mating edge member  70 . The conductively coated mating edge member  70  may function as a conductive seal when physically pressed against the interface port  20 . Advancement of the connector  100  onto the interface port  20  may involve the threading on of attached coupling member  30  of connector  100  until a surface of the interface port  20  abuts the conductively coated mating edge member  70  and axial progression of the advancing connector  100  is hindered by the abutment. However, it should be recognized that embodiments of the connector  100  may be advanced onto an interface port  20  without threading and involvement of a coupling member  30 . Once advanced until progression is stopped by the conductive sealing contact of conductively coated mating edge member  70  with interface port  20 , the connector  100  may be shielded from ingress of unwanted electromagnetic interference. Moreover, grounding may be accomplished by physical advancement of various embodiments of the connector  100  wherein a conductively coated mating edge member  70  facilitates electrical connection of the connector  100  and attached coaxial cable  10  to an interface port  20 . 
     A method for electrically coupling a connector  100  and a coaxial cable  10  is now described with reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B . A coaxial cable  10  may be prepared for fastening to connector  100 . Preparation of the coaxial cable  10  may involve removing the protective outer jacket  12  and drawing back the conductive grounding shield  14  to expose a portion of the interior dielectric  16 . Further preparation of the embodied coaxial cable  10  may include stripping the dielectric  16  to expose a portion of the center conductor  18 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and additional reference to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , further depiction of a method for electrically coupling a coaxial cable  10  and a connector  100  is described. A connector  100  including a connector body  50  and a coupling member  30  may be provided. Moreover, the provided connector may include a connector body conductive member or seal  80 . The connector body conductive member or seal  80  should be configured and located such that the connector body conductive member  80  electrically couples and physically seals the connector body  50  and coupling member  30 . In one embodiment, the connector body conductive member or seal  80  may be located proximate a second end  54  of a connector body  50 . The connector body conductive member  80  may reside within a cavity  38  of coupling member  30  such that the connector body conductive member  80  lies between the connector body  50  and coupling member  30  when attached. Furthermore, the particularly embodied connector body conductive member  80  may physically contact and make a seal with outer internal wall  39  of coupling member  30 . Moreover, the connector body conductive member  80  may physically contact and seal against the surface of connector body  50 . Accordingly, where the connector body  50  is comprised of conductive material and the coupling member  30  is comprised of conductive material, the connector body conductive member  80  may electrically couple the connector body  50  and the coupling member  30 . Various other embodiments of connector  100  may incorporate a connector body conductive member  80  for the purpose of electrically coupling a coaxial cable  10  and connector  100 . For example, the connector body conductive member, such as O-ring  80 , may be located in a recess on the outer surface of the coupling member  30  such that the connector body conductive O-ring  80  lies between the nut and an internal surface of connector body  50 , thereby facilitating a physical seal and electrical couple. 
     Electrical coupling may be further accomplished by fixedly attaching the coaxial cable  10  to the connector  100 . The coaxial cable  10  may be inserted into the connector body  50  such that the conductive grounding shield  14  makes physical and electrical contact with and is received by the connector body  50 . In one embodiment of the connector  100 , the drawn back conductive grounding shield  14  may be pushed against the inner surface of the connector body  50  when inserted. Once received, or operably inserted into the connector  100 , the coaxial cable  10  may be securely set into position by compacting and deforming the outer surface  57  of connector body  50  against the coaxial cable  10  thereby affixing the cable into position and sealing the connection. Compaction and deformation of the connector body  50  may be effectuated by physical compression caused by a fastener member  60 , wherein the fastener member  60  constricts and locks the connector body  50  into place. Moreover, where the connector body  50  is formed of materials having and elastic limit, compaction and deformation may be accomplished by crimping tools, or other like means that may be implemented to permanently contort the outer surface  57  of connector body  50  into a securely affixed position around the coaxial cable  10 . 
     A further method step of electrically coupling the coaxial cable  10  and the connector  100  may be accomplished by completing an electromagnetic shield by threading the coupling member  30  onto a conductive interface port  20 . Where the connector body  50  and coupling member  30  are formed of conductive materials, an electrical circuit may be formed when the conductive interface port  20  contacts the coupling member  30  because the connector body conductive member  80  extends the electrical circuit and facilitates electrical contact between the coupling member  30  and connector body  50 . Moreover, the realized electrical circuit works in conjunction with physical screening performed by the connector body  50  and coupling member  30  as positioned in barrier-like fashion around a coaxial cable  10  when fixedly attached to a connector  100  to complete an electromagnetic shield where the connector body conductive member  80  also operates to physically screen electromagnetic noise. Thus, when threaded onto an interface port  20 , the completed electrical couple renders electromagnetic protection, or EMI shielding, against unwanted ingress of environmental noise into the connector  100  and coaxial cable  10 . 
     Additionally, a method of facilitating electrical continuity through a coaxial cable connector  100 , the coaxial cable  10  having a center conductor  18  surrounded by a dielectric  16 , the dielectric  16  being surrounded by a conductive grounding shield  14 , the conductive grounding shield  14  being surrounded by a protective outer jacket  12 , may include the steps of providing the connector  100 , wherein the connector  100  includes a connector body  50 , a post  40  having a mating edge  46 , and a conductively coated member  70  positioned to physically and electrically contact an inner surface of the coupling member  30  to facilitate electrical continuity between the coupling member  30  and the post  40  to help shield against ingress of unwanted electromagnetic interference, fixedly attaching the coaxial cable  10  to the connector  100 , and advancing the connector  100  onto an interface port  20 . 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.