Patent Publication Number: US-11024989-B2

Title: Coaxial cable connectors having an integrated biasing feature

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/395,227, filed Apr. 25, 2019, pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/682,538, filed Aug. 21, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,622,749, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/377,476, filed Aug. 19, 2016; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/407,483, filed Oct. 12, 2016; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/410,370, filed Oct. 19, 2016. In addition, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/395,227, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/662,535, filed Apr. 25, 2018. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/790,496, filed Jan. 10, 2019. The disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     In addition, the present application is related to the subject matter of U.S. Design patent Application No. 29/580,627, filed Oct. 11, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. D810,024; U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/580,628, filed Oct. 11, 2016 now U.S. Pat. No. D810,684; U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/587,518, filed Dec. 13, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. D810,685; and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/587,519, filed Dec. 13, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. D810,025, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Broadband communications have become an increasingly prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for transmission of broadband communications. Coaxial cables are typically designed so that an electromagnetic field carrying communications signals exists only in the space between inner and outer coaxial conductors of the cables. This allows coaxial cable runs to be installed next to metal objects without the power losses that occur in other transmission lines, and provides protection of the communications signals from external electromagnetic interference. 
     Connectors for coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interface ports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices and cable communication equipment. Connection is often made through rotatable operation of an internally threaded nut of the connector about a corresponding externally threaded interface port. Fully tightening the threaded connection of the coaxial cable connector to the interface port helps to ensure a ground connection between the connector and the corresponding interface port. 
     However, often connectors are not fully and/or properly tightened or otherwise installed to the interface port and proper electrical mating of the connector with the interface port does not occur. Moreover, typical component elements and structures of common connectors may permit loss of ground and discontinuity of the electromagnetic shielding that is intended to be extended from the cable, through the connector, and to the corresponding coaxial cable interface port. In particular, in order to allow the threaded nut of a connector to rotate relative to the threaded interface port, sufficient clearance must exist between the matching male and female threads. When the connector is left loose on the interface port (i.e., not fully and/or properly tightened), gaps may still exist between surfaces of the mating male and female threads, thus creating a break in the electrical connection of ground. 
     Lack of continuous port grounding in a conventional threaded connector, for example, when the conventional threaded connector is loosely coupled with an interface port (i.e., when in a loose state relative to the interface port), introduces noise and ultimately performance degradation in conventional RF systems. Furthermore, lack of ground contact prior to the center conductor contacting the interface port may also introduce an undesirable “burst” of noise upon insertion of the center conductor into the interface port. This noise may be sent back to the headend, causing packet errors. 
     In some conventional connectors having “finger” connectors, the formed finger connectors traditionally will lose their shape or “spring back” with repeated use or when stressed beyond a point of deformation. When the finger connectors lose their shape, the connector may not provide a tight coupling with an interface port. 
     Accordingly, there is a need to overcome, or otherwise lessen the effects of, the disadvantages and shortcomings described above. Hence a need exists for a coaxial cable connector having improved ground continuity between the coaxial cable, the connector, and the coaxial cable connector interface port. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate generally to data transmission system components, and more particularly to nut seal assemblies for use with a connector of a coaxial cable system component for sealing a threaded port connection, and to a coaxial cable system component incorporating the seal assemblies. 
     Community antenna television (CATV) systems and many broadband data transmission systems rely on a network of coaxial cables to carry a wide range of radio frequency (RF) transmissions with low amounts of loss and distortion. A covering of plastic or rubber adequately seals an uncut length of coaxial cable from environmental elements such as water, salt, oil, dirt, etc. However, the cable must attach to other cables, components and/or to equipment (e.g., taps, filters, splitters and terminators) generally having threaded ports (hereinafter, “ports”) for distributing or otherwise utilizing the signals carried by the coaxial cable. A service technician or other operator must frequently cut and prepare the end of a length of coaxial cable, attach the cable to a coaxial cable connector, or a connector incorporated in a coaxial cable system component, and install the connector on a threaded port. This is typically done in the field. Environmentally exposed (usually threaded) parts of the components and ports are susceptible to corrosion and contamination from environmental elements and other sources, as the connections are typically located outdoors, at taps on telephone poles, on customer premises, or in underground vaults. These environmental elements eventually corrode the electrical connections located in the connector and between the connector and mating components. The resulting corrosion reduces the efficiency of the affected connection, which reduces the signal quality of the RF transmission through the connector. Corrosion in the immediate vicinity of the connector-port connection is often the source of service attention, resulting in high maintenance costs. 
     Numerous methods and devices have been used to improve the moisture and corrosion resistance of connectors and connections. With some conventional methods and devices, operators may require additional training and vigilance to seal coaxial cable connections using rubber grommets or seals. An operator must first choose the appropriate seal for the application and then remember to place the seal onto one of the connective members prior to assembling the connection. Certain rubber seal designs seal only through radial compression. These seals must be tight enough to collapse onto or around the mating parts. Because there may be several diameters over which the seal must extend, the seal is likely to be very tight on at least one of the diameters. High friction caused by the tight seal may lead an operator to believe that the assembled connection is completely tightened when it actually remains loose. A loose connection may not efficiently transfer a quality RF signal causing problems similar to corrosion. 
     Other conventional seal designs require axial compression generated between the connector nut and an opposing surface of the port. An appropriate length seal that sufficiently spans the distance between the nut and the opposing surface, without being too long, must be selected. If the seal is too long, the seal may prevent complete assembly of the connector or component. If the seal is too short, moisture freely passes. The selection is made more complicated because port lengths may vary among different manufacturers. 
     Furthermore, coaxial cables are typically designed so that an electromagnetic field carrying communications signals exists only in the space between inner and outer coaxial conductors of the cables. This allows coaxial cable runs to be installed next to metal objects without the power losses that occur in other transmission lines, and provides protection of the communications signals from external electromagnetic interference. 
     Connectors for coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interface ports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices and cable communication equipment. Connection is often made through rotatable operation of an internally threaded nut of the connector about a corresponding externally threaded interface port. Fully tightening the threaded connection of the coaxial cable connector to the interface port helps to ensure a ground connection between the connector and the corresponding interface port. However, when the connector is not fully tightened or becomes loose, the ground connection between the connector and the interface port is lost. This loss of ground results in loss of video, internet service, and/or speed. 
     Therefore, in view of the aforementioned shortcomings and others known by those skilled in the art, it may be desirable to provide a seal and/or a sealing connector that applies a biasing force between the connector and the interface port to maintain an electrical ground path when the connector is not fully tightened. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to various aspects of the disclosure, a coaxial cable connector includes a nut having a seal-grasping surface portion and a seal having an elastically deformable tubular body attached to the nut. The body has a posterior end with a sealing surface that cooperatively engages the seal-grasping surface portion of the nut and an anterior end with a forward sealing surface configured to cooperatively engage an interface port. The nut defines a first through hole extending in the longitudinal direction and configured to receive a center conductor of a coaxial cable. The anterior end of the seal defines a second through hole extending in the longitudinal direction and configured to receive a center conductor of a coaxial cable. A center axis of the first through hole and a center axis of the second through hole are offset from one another such that the anterior end the seal is configured to urge at least the center conductor of the coaxial cable to an off-center position of the second through hole when the nut is coupled with the interface port thereby creating radial interference between the nut and the interface port. The nut is urged to make contact with the interface port whenever mounted thereon, thus maintaining electrical grounding between the nut and the port, even when the nut is loosely coupled with the interface port. 
     According to some aspects of the disclosure, a coaxial cable connector includes a body configured to engage a coaxial cable having a conductive electrical grounding property, a post configured to engage the body and the coaxial cable when the connector is installed on the coaxial cable, a nut configured to engage an interface port at a retention force, and a grounding member extending about the nut. The grounding member is configured to increase the retention force between the nut and the interface port so as to maintain an electrical ground connection between the interface port and the nut when the nut is in a loosely tightened position on the interface port 
     In various aspects, a coaxial cable connector includes a body configured to engage a coaxial cable having a conductive electrical grounding property, a post configured to engage the body and the coaxial cable when the connector is installed on the coaxial cable, a nut configured to engage an interface port at a retention force, and a retention adding element configured to increase the retention force between the nut and the interface port so as to maintain ground continuity between the interface port and the nut when the nut is in a loosely tightened position on the interface port. 
     In some aspects of the disclosure, the nut may include internal threads configured to engage the interface port at the retention force. 
     According to various aspects, the retention adding element may comprise a plurality of resilient fingers formed in a forward portion of the nut, and the fingers may be configured to define an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the interface port. In some aspects, at least one of the plurality of resilient fingers is configured to taper from a first diameter at a rearward end portion to a second smaller diameter at a middle portion. The at least one finger may be configured to flare out from the middle portion to a front end portion. In some aspects, the at least one finger may be configured define a bend point at the middle portion, and the bend point may be configured to further increase the retention force between the nut and the interface port. 
     According to some aspects, the coaxial cable connector may further comprise a cap extending about the plurality of resilient fingers. The cap may be configured to further increase the retention force between the nut and the interface port. 
     In some aspects, the retention adding element may include a pair of offset slots defining a finger configured to define an inner diameter of the nut that is smaller than an outer diameter of the interface port. 
     According to various aspects, the retention adding element may include a longitudinal slot extending through an entire length of the nut. The slot may be configured to permit the nut to be configured to define an inner diameter of the nut that is smaller than an outer diameter of the interface port. 
     In accordance with some aspects, the retention adding element may include a deformed portion along a portion of a circumference of the nut. The deformed portion may be configured to define an inner diameter of the nut that is smaller than an outer diameter of the interface port. 
     According to some aspects, the retention adding element may include a grounding member extending about the nut. The grounding member may be configured to extend beyond a forward end of the nut and engage the interface port. In some aspects, the grounding member may include at least one resilient finger configured to define an inner diameter of the grounding member that is smaller than an outer diameter of the interface port. According to some aspects, the grounding member may include an engagement feature configured to couple the grounding member to the nut. In some aspects, the engagement feature may include at least one resilient figure configured to couple the grounding member to the nut. 
     According to various aspects, the retention adding element may include a clip configured to engage the interface port through a cross-cut extending radially through the nut. 
     In some aspects, the retention adding element may include an offset creating feature configured to offset a center conductor of the coaxial cable relative to an axial center of the connector such that when the nut coupled with the interface port. The interface port may urge the center conductor in a direction opposite to the offset and a side of the nut of the connector is urged toward the interface port. 
     According to some aspects of the disclosure, the offset creating feature may include an insert configured to be received by the coupler. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description. 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective cut-away view of a conventional coaxial cable connector. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  are side, top, front, and perspective views of an exemplary nut in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  are side, top, front, and perspective views of an exemplary nut in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  are side, top, front, and perspective views of an exemplary nut in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  are side, top, front, and perspective views of an exemplary nut in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 14A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 15A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 17A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 17B  is a perspective view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 19A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 19B  is a perspective view of an exemplary clip in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20B  is a perspective view of an exemplary clip in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21B  is a perspective view of an exemplary clip in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 22A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 22B  is a perspective view of an exemplary clip in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 23A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 23B  is a perspective view of an exemplary clip in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 24  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 25A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 25B and 25C  are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary nut in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 26A and 26B  are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary connector of  FIG. 25A  coupled with an interface port. 
         FIGS. 27A and 27B  are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 28A and 28B  are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary cap in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another exemplary cap in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 30A  is a perspective and cross-sectional view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 30B and 30C  are cross-sectional views of the exemplary grounding member of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 30D  is a perspective view of the exemplary grounding member of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 30E  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary grounding member of  FIG. 30A  assembled on a connector. 
         FIG. 31A  is a perspective and cross-sectional view of an exemplary grounding member in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 31B and 31C  are cross-sectional views of the exemplary grounding member of  FIG. 31A . 
         FIGS. 31D and 31E  are perspective and side views of the exemplary grounding member of  FIG. 31A . 
         FIG. 31F  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary grounding member of  FIG. 31A  assembled on a connector. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of an exemplary coaxial cable connector in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 33  is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 32 . 
         FIG. 34  is a front view of the exemplary coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 32 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The accompanying figures illustrate various exemplary embodiments of coaxial cable connectors that provide improved ground continuity between the coaxial cable, the connector, and the coaxial cable connector interface port. Although certain embodiments of the present invention are 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 embodiments of the present invention. 
     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,  FIG. 1  depicts a conventional coaxial cable connector  100 . The coaxial cable connector  100  may be operably affixed, or otherwise functionally attached, to 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  FIG. 1  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, such as cuprous braided material, aluminum foils, thin metallic elements, or other like structures. 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, such as plastic foam material, paper materials, rubber-like polymers, or other functional insulating materials. 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 communication 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  FIG. 1 , the connector  100  may be configured to be coupled with a coaxial cable interface port  20 . The coaxial cable interface port  20  includes a conductive receptacle 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  23 . It should be recognized that the radial thickness and/or the length of the coaxial cable interface port  20  and/or the conductive receptacle of the port  20  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  23  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 operable electrical interface with the connector  100 . However, the receptacle of the port  20  should be formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, like brass, copper, or aluminum. 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 coaxial cable communications device, a television, a modem, a computer port, a network receiver, or other communications modifying devices such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like. 
     Referring still further to  FIG. 1 , the conventional coaxial cable connector  100  may include a coupler, for example, threaded nut  30 , a post  40 , a connector body  50 , a fastener member  60 , a continuity member  70  formed of conductive material, and a connector body sealing member  80 , such as, for example, a body O-ring configured to fit around a portion of the connector body  50 . The nut  30  at the front end of the post  40  serves to attach the connector  100  to an interface port. 
     The threaded nut  30  of the coaxial cable connector  100  has a first forward end  31  and opposing second rearward end  32 . The threaded nut  30  may comprise internal threading  33  extending axially from the edge of first forward end  31  a distance sufficient to provide operably effective threadable contact with the external threads  23  of the standard coaxial cable interface port  20 . The threaded nut  30  includes an internal lip  34 , such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end  32  of the nut. The internal lip  34  includes a surface  35  facing the first forward end  31  of the nut  30 . The forward facing surface  35  of the lip  34  may be a tapered surface or side facing the first forward end  31  of the nut  30 . The structural configuration of the nut  30  may vary according to differing connector design parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector  100 . For instance, the first forward end  31  of the nut  30  may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may help prevent ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, at the first forward end  31  of a nut  30 , when mated with the interface port  20 . Moreover, the second rearward end  32  of the nut  30  may extend a significant axial distance to reside radially extent, or otherwise partially surround, a portion of the connector body  50 , although the extended portion of the nut  30  need not contact the connector body  50 . The threaded nut  30  may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the nut  30 . Accordingly, the nut  30  may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of an interface port  20  when a connector  100  is advanced onto the port  20 . In addition, the threaded nut  30  may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example, the external surface of the nut  30  may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the nut  30  may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. The threaded nut  30  may be formed of metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed nut body. Manufacture of the threaded nut  30  may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. The forward facing surface  35  of the nut  30  faces a flange  44  of the post  40  when operably assembled in a connector  100 , so as to allow the nut to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post  40  and the connector body  50 , of the connector  100 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the connector  100  may include a post  40 . The post  40  may include a first forward end  41  and an opposing second rearward end  42 . Furthermore, the post  40  may include a flange  44 , such as an externally extending annular protrusion, located at the first end  41  of the post  40 . The flange  44  includes a rearward facing surface  45  that faces the forward facing surface  35  of the nut  30 , when operably assembled in a coaxial cable connector  100 , so as to allow the nut to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post  40  and the connector body  50 , of the connector  100 . The rearward facing surface  45  of flange  44  may be a tapered surface facing the second rearward end  42  of the post  40 . Further still, an embodiment of the post  40  may include a surface feature  47  such as a lip or protrusion that may engage a portion of a connector body  50  to secure axial movement of the post  40  relative to the connector body  50 . However, the post need not include such a surface feature  47 , and the coaxial cable connector  100  may rely on press-fitting and friction-fitting forces and/or other component structures having features and geometries to help retain the post  40  in secure location both axially and rotationally relative to the connector body  50 . The location proximate or near where the connector body is secured relative to the post  40  may include surface features  43 , such as ridges, grooves, protrusions, or knurling, which may enhance the secure attachment and locating of the post  40  with respect to the connector body  50 . Moreover, the portion of the post  40  that contacts embodiments of a continuity member  70  may be of a different diameter than a portion of the nut  30  that contacts the connector body  50 . Such diameter variance may facilitate assembly processes. For instance, various components having larger or smaller diameters can be readily press-fit or otherwise secured into connection with each other. Additionally, the post  40  may include a mating edge  46 , which may be configured to make physical and electrical contact with a corresponding mating edge  26  of the interface port  20 . The post  40  should be formed such that portions of a prepared coaxial cable  10  including the dielectric  16  and center conductor  18  may pass axially into the second end  42  and/or through a portion of the tube-like body of the post  40 . Moreover, the post  40  should be dimensioned, or otherwise sized, 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  should be conductive and may be formed of metals or may be formed of other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed post body. In 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, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     The coaxial cable connector  100  may include a connector body  50 . The connector body  50  may comprise a first end  51  and opposing second end  52 . Moreover, the connector body may include a post mounting portion  57  proximate or otherwise near the first end  51  of the body  50 , the post mounting portion  57  configured to securely locate the body  50  relative to a portion of the outer surface of post  40 , so that the connector body  50  is axially secured with respect to the post  40 , in a manner that prevents the two components from moving with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the axis of the connector  100 . The internal surface of the post mounting portion  57  may include an engagement feature  54  that facilitates the secure location of the continuity member  70  with respect to the connector body  50  and/or the post  40 , by physically engaging the continuity member  70  when assembled within the connector  100 . The engagement feature  54  may simply be an annular detent or ridge having a different diameter than the rest of the post mounting portion  57 . However other features such as grooves, ridges, protrusions, slots, holes, keyways, bumps, nubs, dimples, crests, rims, or other like structural features may be included to facilitate or possibly assist the positional retention of embodiments of the electrical continuity member  70  with respect to the connector body  50 . Nevertheless, embodiments of the continuity member  70  may also reside in a secure position with respect to the connector body  50  simply through press-fitting and friction-fitting forces engendered by corresponding tolerances, when the various coaxial cable connector  100  components are operably assembled, or otherwise physically aligned and attached together. Various exemplary continuity members  70  are illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,287,320, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the connector body  50  may include an outer annular recess  58  located proximate or near the first end  51  of the connector body  50 . Furthermore, the connector body  50  may include a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface  55 , wherein an inner surface opposing the outer surface  55  may be configured to form an annular seal when the second end  52  is deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable  10  by operation of a fastener member  60 . The connector body  50  may include an external annular detent  53  located proximate or close to the second end  52  of the connector body  50 . Further still, the connector body  50  may include internal surface features  59 , such as annular serrations formed near or proximate the internal surface of the second end  52  of the connector body  50  and configured to enhance frictional restraint and gripping of an inserted and received coaxial cable  10 , through tooth-like interaction with the cable. The connector body  50  may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface  55 . 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, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , the coaxial cable connector  100  may include a fastener member  60 . The fastener member  60  may have a first end  61  and opposing second end  62 . In addition, the fastener member  60  may include an internal annular protrusion  63  located proximate the first end  61  of the fastener member  60  and configured to mate and achieve purchase with the annular detent  53  on the outer surface  55  of connector body  50 . Moreover, the fastener member  60  may comprise a central passageway  65  defined between the first end  61  and second end  62  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  61  of the fastener member  60  and a second opening or inner bore  68  having a second diameter positioned proximate with the second end  62  of the fastener member  60 . The ramped surface  66  may act to deformably compress the outer surface  55  of a connector body  50  when the fastener member  60  is operated to secure a coaxial cable  10 . For example, the narrowing geometry will compress squeeze against the cable, when the fastener member is compressed into a tight and secured position on the connector body. Additionally, the fastener member  60  may comprise an exterior surface feature  69  positioned proximate with or close to the second end  62  of the fastener member  60 . The surface feature  69  may facilitate gripping of the fastener member  60  during operation of the connector  100 . Although the surface feature  69  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. The first end  61  of the fastener member  60  may extend an axial distance so that, when the fastener member  60  is compressed into sealing position on the coaxial cable  100 , the fastener member  60  touches or resides substantially proximate significantly close to the nut  30 . 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, hard plastics, polymers, composites and the like, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the fastener member  60  may be manufactured via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
     The manner in which the coaxial cable connector  100  may be fastened to a received coaxial cable  10  may also be similar to the way a cable is fastened to a common CMP-type connector having an insertable compression sleeve that is pushed into the connector body  50  to squeeze against and secure the cable  10 . The coaxial cable connector  100  includes an outer connector body  50  having a first end  51  and a second end  52 . The body  50  at least partially surrounds a tubular inner post  40 . The tubular inner post  40  has a first end  41  including a flange  44  and a second end  42  configured to mate with a coaxial cable  10  and contact a portion of the outer conductive grounding shield or sheath  14  of the cable  10 . The connector body  50  is secured relative to a portion of the tubular post  40  proximate or close to the first end  41  of the tubular post  40  and cooperates, or otherwise is functionally located in a radially spaced relationship with the inner post  40  to define an annular chamber with a rear opening. A tubular locking compression member may protrude axially into the annular chamber through its rear opening. The tubular locking compression member may be slidably coupled or otherwise movably affixed to the connector body  50  to compress into the connector body and retain the cable  10  and may be displaceable or movable axially or in the general direction of the axis of the connector  100  between a first open position (accommodating insertion of the tubular inner post  40  into a prepared cable  10  end to contact the grounding shield  14 ), and a second clamped position compressibly fixing the cable  10  within the chamber of the connector  100 , because the compression sleeve is squeezed into retraining contact with the cable  10  within the connector body  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2D , an exemplary nut  230  in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure is illustrated. The nut  230  can be used with the coaxial cable connector  100  in place of the conventional nut  30 . The nut  230  includes a plurality of slots  236  extending rearward in the axial direction of the nut  230  from the first forward end  31 . As illustrated, the plurality of slots  236  define a corresponding plurality of fingers  237 . Before being coupled with the interface port  20 , the plurality of fingers  237  are crimped radially inward such that the resulting inside diameter of the first forward end  31  of the nut  230  is smaller than the outside diameter of the interface port  20 . The fingers  237  are constructed of a material having sufficient resiliency such that the fingers  237  are configured to deflect radially outward to receive the interface port  20  therein when the nut  230  is coupled with the interface port  20 , while remaining biased radially inward. The fingers  237  remain biased radially inward to maintain constant contact with the threaded exterior surface  23  of the interface port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  230  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  230  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially or loosely tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  230  and the interface port  20  is maintained. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , an exemplary nut  230  may six slots  236  and six fingers  237 . However, nuts according to this disclosure could have more than six slots and fingers or less than six slots and fingers. Of course, at a minimum, two slots are needed to define a pair of fingers. Also, although  FIG. 1  shows six slots and fingers that are symmetrically arranged, the slots and fingers can also be asymmetrically arranged. Exemplary nuts can include an even number of fingers or an odd number of fingers. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , the slots  236  that are cut into the nut  230  in the axial direction of the nut  230  can be tapered such that the forward end of the slot  236  is wider than the rearward end of the slot  236 . With such a configuration, when the fingers  237  are crimped before attaching to the interface post, the forward ends assume a position relative to one another that is at least closer to parallel. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3D , another exemplary nut  330  in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure is illustrated. The nut  330  can be used with the coaxial cable connector  100  in place of the conventional nut  30 . The nut  330  includes two off-center slots  336  cut into first forward end  31  of the nut  330  to create a smaller finger  337  and a larger region  338 . Before being coupled with the interface port  20 , the finger  337  is crimped radially inward such that the resulting inside diameter of the first forward end  31  of the nut  330  is smaller than the outside diameter of the interface port  20 . The larger region  338  can remain uncrimped. The finger  337  is constructed of a material having sufficient resiliency such that the finger  337  is configured to deflect radially outward to receive the interface port  20  therein when the nut  330  is coupled with the interface port  20 , while remaining biased radially inward. The finger  337  remains biased radially inward to maintain constant contact with the threaded exterior surface  23  of the interface port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  330  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  330  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially or loosely tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  330  and the interface port  20  is maintained. As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , the slots can be cut in a direction that is not radially aligned with the center of the nut. Also, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , the slots can be cut in a non-tapered manner. Of course, the slots can be cut in a radial direction and can be tapered. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , another exemplary nut  430  in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure is illustrated. The nut  430  can be used with the coaxial cable connector  100  in place of the conventional nut  30 . The nut  430  includes a single slot  436  that is cut through the entire length of the nut  430  in the axial direction, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A, 4C , and  4 D. The first forward end  31  of the nut  430  can be crimped about its entire periphery or about a portion of the periphery prior to mounting on the interface port  20 . For example, the first forward end  31  may be crimped at either or both sides of slot  436 . The resulting inside diameter of the first forward end  31  of the nut  430  is smaller than the outside diameter of the interface port  20 . The nut  430  is constructed of a material having sufficient resiliency such that the first forward end  31  is configured to deflect radially outward to receive the interface port  20  therein when the nut  430  is coupled with the interface port  20 , while remaining biased radially inward. The first forward end  31  remains biased radially inward to maintain constant contact with the threaded exterior surface  23  of the interface port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  430  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  430  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially or loosely tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  430  and the interface port  20  is maintained. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5D , another exemplary nut  530  in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure is illustrated. The nut  530  can be used with the coaxial cable connector  100  in place of the conventional nut  30 . As best shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5C , the nut  530  may include a deformed portion  539  of the periphery of the first forward end  31  of the nut  530 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5C , the deformed portion  539  of the circumference of the forward end of the nut is deformed to form an inwardly-directed portion. The deformed portion  539  of the first forward end  31  of the nut  530  is thus configured to maintain a desired amount of interference with the interface port  20  when mounted thereon. The size of the deformed portion  539  of the circumference and the degree of inward deformation may be varied to achieve a desired amount of interference with the interface port  20  when the nut  530  is mounted thereon. The deformed portion  539  is constructed of a material having sufficient resiliency such that the deformed portion  539  is configured to deflect radially outward to receive the interface port  20  therein when the nut  530  is coupled with the interface port  20 , while remaining biased radially inward. The deformed portion  539  remains biased radially inward to maintain constant contact with the threaded exterior surface  23  of the interface port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  530  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  530  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially or loosely tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  530  and the interface port  20  is maintained. 
     In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  600  may include a nut  630  and a grounding member  690  connected with the nut  630 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the grounding member  690  may extend about a periphery of the nut  630 . The grounding member  690  may be connected with the nut  630  in any manner that ensures a ground path between the nut  630  and the grounding member  690 , such as, for example, a snap fit, interference fit, press fit, or the like. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the grounding member  690  may include one or more fingers  691  formed by cuts in the grounding member  690 . The fingers  691  are configured to project radially inward such that the resulting inside diameter of the fingers  691  is smaller than the outside diameter of the nut  630 . The fingers  691  are constructed of a material having sufficient resiliency such that the fingers  691  are configured to deflect radially outward to receive the nut  630  therein when the nut  630  is coupled with the grounding member  690 , while remaining biased radially inward. As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the fingers  691  may be configured such that a free end of the each finger extends in a rearward direction. Additionally or alternatively, the grounding member  690  may include one or more fixed protrusions  691 ′ extending inwardly from an inner surface of the grounding member  690 . 
     The nut  630  may include a circumferential groove  692  extending about the outer surface  693  of the nut  630 . Alternatively, the nut  630  may include one or more arcuate grooves (not shown) spaced apart circumferentially about the outer surface  693  of the nut  630 , wherein the one or more arcuate grooves correspond with the one or more fingers  692 . When the nut  630  is received by the grounding member  690 , for example, by sliding the nut  630  and the grounding member  690  relative to one another in the axial direction, the bias of the fingers  691  urges the fingers  691  into the groove  692  to couple the grounding member  690  with the nut  630 . It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the nut  630  and the grounding member  690  may be configured as a single piece. 
     The grounding member  690  may include one or more continuity fingers  694  formed by cuts in the grounding member  690 . The continuity fingers  694  are configured to project radially inward such that the resulting inside diameter of the continuity fingers  694  is smaller than the outside diameter of the interface port  20 . The continuity fingers  694  are constructed of a material having sufficient resiliency such that the fingers  694  are configured to deflect radially outward to receive the interface port  20  therein when the nut  630  is coupled with the interface port  20 , while remaining biased radially inward. As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the fingers  694  may be configured such that a free end  695  of the each finger  694  extends in a forward direction. In some embodiments, the free end  695  may have a squared-off shape. The fingers  694  remain biased radially inward to maintain constant contact with the threaded exterior surface  23  of the interface port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  630  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  630  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially or loosely tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  630  and the interface port  20  is maintained. 
     Although  FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a grounding member  690  having a plurality of fingers  691 , the grounding member  690  may have a single finger  694  that maintains contact between the grounding member  690  and the interface port  20 . For example, if the grounding member  690  includes a single finger  694  on one side of the grounding member  690 , the single finger  694  will push the internal thread  73  of the nut  630  against the threaded exterior surface  23  on that same side of the interface port  20  by creating a torque force about a point that is between the single finger  694  and the internal thread  73 , thus maintaining electrical continuity between the nut  630  and the port  20  through the grounding member  690 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the connector  600  may include a sleeve  99 , such as, for example, a torque sleeve or a gripping sleeve. In some embodiments, the sleeve  99  may be constructed of rubber, plastic, an elastomer, or the like. In some embodiments, the sleeve  99  may be overmolded onto the grounding member  690 . Alternatively, the sleeve  99  may be coupled with the grounding member  690  through a press-fit, snap-fit, interference-fit, or any other coupling relationship. 
     In addition to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , one or more continuity fingers may be configured to contact the port threads at different circumferential, longitudinal, and/or radial (i.e., helical or spiral) locations when the nut/sleeve is pushed (or rotated) toward the post, such as by configuring them to follow a helical path to helically contact the port threads. One way to do this would be to configure the fingers to have different lengths or to keep the same length but locate them so as to be at different longitudinal and/or radial locations so as to match the helix angle of standard port threads. Such a configuration may allow the nut or torque sleeve  99  to be more easily installed on the interface port by causing the fingers to engage different thread portions in a staggered fashion. Helically spaced port thread contact points may also result in a more reliable ground contact path (e.g., since such helix contact point may create a biasing force between different port thread portions or surfaces in the longitudinal direction when the nut/sleeve is in the installed position on the port. Alternatively, the inner surface of the one or more continuity fingers that contacts the port threads could be shaped to fit the port threads (e.g., include a set of helical threads or discontiguous segments that match the helix structure of the port threads).  FIGS. 7A-17B  illustrate a number of alternative embodiments similar to the connector  600  and grounding member  690  of  FIGS. 6A  and B. 
     For example,  FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate an exemplary coaxial cable connector  700  and grounding member  790  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but having continuity fingers  794  with free ends  795  that are rounded.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate an exemplary connector  800  and grounding member  890  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but having continuity fingers  894  with free ends  895  that are alternatingly extending in the forward and rearward directions.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate an exemplary connector  900  and grounding member  990  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but having trapezoidal continuity fingers  994  with triangular free ends  995  that include an inwardly directed barb  996 .  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate an exemplary connector  1000  and grounding member  1090  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but having trapezoidal continuity fingers  1094  with triangular free ends  1095 .  FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate an exemplary connector  1100  and grounding member  1190  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but having triangular continuity fingers  1194  with free ends  1195 .  FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate an exemplary connector  1200  and grounding member  1290  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but include a plastic finger insert  1297 .  FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate an exemplary connector  1300  and grounding member  1390  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but include a reverse finger  1398  extending radially inward from an internal surface of the continuity fingers  1394 .  FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate an exemplary connector  1400  and grounding member  1490  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but having continuity fingers  1494  with free ends  1495  that extend in the rearward direction.  FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate an exemplary connector  1500  and grounding member  1590  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but having continuity fingers  1594  that are helically arranged relative to the axial direction of the connector  1500  and have free ends  1595  that are angled to correspond with the helical arrangement.  FIGS. 16A and 16B  illustrate an exemplary connector  1600  and grounding member  1690  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but having continuity fingers  1694 ,  1694 ′ having different lengths.  FIGS. 17A and 17B  illustrate an exemplary connector  1700  and grounding member  1790  similar to connector  600  and grounding member  690 , but having continuity fingers  1794  that are spaced unevenly about the circumference of the grounding member  1790 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18, 19A, and 19B , an exemplary coaxial cable connector  1800  and nut  1830  are illustrated. The nut  1830  may include a cross-cut  1881  through the wall  1182  of the nut  1830 . The cross-cut  1881  may be disposed near to, but spaced from, the first forward end  31  of the nut  1830 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 19A , the cross-cut  1881  is at a middle region  1883  of the internal thread  73  along the axial direction. The cross-cut  1881  is configured to expose a portion of the threaded exterior surface  23  of the interface port  20  when the nut  1830  is coupled with the interface port  20 . A clip  1884 , such as, for example, a wire form, C-ring, or the like, can be coupled with the nut  1830  so as to extend through the cross-cut  1881  and into the interior of the nut  1830 . For example, the clip  1884  may include a C-shaped region  1885  with straighten portions  1886  extending from both ends of the C-shaped region  1885 . When the clip  1884  is coupled with the nut  1830 , the straighten portions  1886  are aligned with the cross-cut  1881  such that the straighten portions  1886  maintain contact with the threaded exterior surface  23  of the port  20 . In various aspects, the clip  1884  may be a metal stamping or a plastic finger that acts tangential to the mating interface port  20  and provides a force in the radial direction to maintain electrical ground between the nut  1830  and the threaded exterior surface  23  of the interface port  20 . In the case of wire form or metal stamping, such a member can provide electrical continuity. 
       FIGS. 20A-23B  illustrate a number of alternative embodiments similar to the connector  1800  and the clip  1884  of  FIGS. 18-19B . For example,  FIGS. 20A and 20B  illustrate an exemplary connector  2000  having a clip  2084  configured as a locking clip, wherein the ends  2087  of the straightened portions  2086  are angled complementary to one another.  FIGS. 21A and 21B  illustrate an exemplary connector  2100  having a clip  2184  configured to have multiple points of contact with the interface port  20 . For example, the clip  2184  includes two arcuate regions  2185 A extending from opposite ends of a straight region  2185 B. The two straighten portions  1886  extend from ends of the arcuate regions  2185 A. In addition, the nut  2130  includes two cross-cuts  1881 ,  1881 ′ configured to receive the straight portions  1886  and the straight region  2185 B, respectively.  FIGS. 22A and 22B  illustrate an exemplary connector  2200  having a spiral or helical clip  2284  configured to have multiple points of contact with the interface port  20  staggered in the axial direction. For example, the clip  2284  includes two staggered ends  2286 , and the nut  2130  includes two cross-cuts  1881 ,  1881 ′ staggered in the axial direction of the connector  2200 . The two cross-cuts  1881 ,  1881 ′ are configured to receive the two respective staggered ends  2286 .  FIGS. 23A and 23B  illustrate an exemplary connector  2300  having a clip  2384  similar to the connector  1800  and clip  1884 . However, as shown in  FIG. 23A , the cross-cut  1881  is disposed closer to the first forward end  31  of the connector  2300  compared to the cross-cut shown in  FIG. 19A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , an exemplary coaxial cable connector  2400  may be configured to align the coaxial cable off-center relative to the center of the mating interface port  20  to ensure that the nut  2430  of the connector  2400  will be biased toward one side and thus maintain ground between the nut  2430  and the interface port  20 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 24 , an insert  2448 , such as a plastic insert, may be placed inside the post  2440 . The insert  2448  includes a though hole  2449  extending the longitudinal direction and configured to received the center conductor  18  of the coaxial cable  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , axis X 1  is the center axis of the connector  2400  (i.e., nut  2430 , post  2440 , and body  2450 ) extending in the longitudinal direction, while axis X 2  is the center axis of the through hole  2449  of the insert  2448 . Axis X 1  and axis X 2  are not concentric, but are offset by a distance X. Axis X 1  and axis X 2  may be parallel to one another or non-parallel, as long as they are not concentric. Of course, if axis X 1  and axis X 2  are non-parallel, the axes may intersect at a point. 
     As a result of the above configuration, the insert  2448 , in particular, the off-center through hole  2449  urges at least the center conductor  18  of the coaxial cable  10  to the off-center position of axis X 2 . Thus, when the connector  2400  is coupled with the interface port  20 , the center conductor  18  of the coaxial cable  10  is received by a female end of the interface port  20 , while nut  2430  receives the interface port  20 . Because the center conductor  18  is offset by distance X, the interface port  20  urges the cable  10 , via the center conductor  18 , in a direction from axis X 2  toward axis X 1 . Thus, the side  2447  of the nut  2430  of the connector  2400  is urged toward the exterior threaded surface  23  at an adjacent side of the interface port  20  by the cable  10  being urged from axis X 2  toward axis X 1  via the center conductor  18 . As a result of the off-center coaxial cable, or at least the center conductor  18  of the coaxial cable  10 , the nut  2430  of the connector  2400  is biased to one side relative to the interface port  20  and creates radial interference between the nut  2430  and the interface port  20 . Thus, the nut  2430  makes constant contact with the interface port  20  when mounted thereon, thus maintaining electrical continuity between the nut  2430  and the port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  2430  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  2430  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially or loosely tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  2430  and the interface port  20  can be maintained. In other embodiments according to the disclosure, the center conductor  18  may be offset by the nut  2430  or the post  2440 , rather than by the plastic insert  2448 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25A through 26B , an exemplary coaxial cable connector  2500  is illustrated. The connector  2500  may include redundant port grounding contacts in addition to threads. For example, a nut  2530  may be provided with extended contact fingers formed in a way that promotes redundant contact, higher retention forces, and continuous port grounding even when loosely connected to an interface port. As shown in  FIGS. 25A-25C , the connector  2500  includes the nut  2530  having internal threading  2533  spaced axially from the edge of first forward end  31  and configured to provide operably effective threadable contact with the external threads  23  of the standard coaxial cable interface port  20 . 
     As illustrated is  FIGS. 25A through 26B , the nut  2530  may include a front portion  2536 , for example, forward of the internal threading  2533  in the axial direction, that tapers from a first diameter at a rearward end portion  2537  to a second smaller diameter at a middle portion  2538 . The front portion  2536  may then flare out from the middle portion  2538 , thereby defining a bend point  2538 ′, to a front end portion  2539  at the first forward end  31 . The front portion  2536  may include a tooth  2539   a  having a curved front end  2539   b  with a predetermined radius and flat angle at the rear end  2539   c . The front portion  2536  is crimped down to a final desired diameter. In some embodiments, the front portion  2536  may be slotted to form a plurality of fingers  2539 ′. The one or more fingers  2539 ′ have sufficient resiliency to radially deflect outward to receive the interface port therein. However, the bent fingers  2539 ′ remain biased radially inward to maintain constant contact with the interface port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  2530  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  2530  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  2530  and the interface port  20  is maintained. 
     As shown in  FIG. 26B , when the nut  2530  is coupled with the interface port  20 , the front portion  2536  provides a first contact point with the external threads  23  of the port  20 , the bend point  2538 ′ at the middle portion  2538  of the fingers  2539 ′ provides a second contact point (midway along the contact fingers  2539 ′) with the external threads  23  of the port  20 , and the internal threading  2533  provides a third contact point with the external threads  23  of the port  20 . The first and second contact point may further reduce the chance of losing ground contact, even when the connector  2500  is only loosely or partially coupled with the interface port  20  (i.e., when the internal threading  2533  is not coupled with the external threads  23  or is only loosely or partially coupled with the external threads  23 ). 
     The curved front end  2539   b  of the front contact tooth  2539   a  is configured to allow the tooth  2539   a  to ride over the threads  23  of the interface port  20  when installed on the port  20 . Thus, the connector  2500  facilitates easy insertion of the port  20  into the front portion  2536  of the connector  2500 . On the other hand, the flat angle at the rear end  2539   c  of the tooth  2539   a  is configured to engage a surface of the thread  23  of the port  20 , thereby making removal of the connector  2500  from the interface port  20  (e.g., by pulling off) more difficult. It should be appreciated that the nut  2530  may be a brass plus nut machined at a longer length with the front portion  2536 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27A through 28B , an exemplary coaxial cable connector  2700  is illustrated. The connector  2700  may be similar to the connector  2500  described with reference to  FIGS. 25A through 26B , but may include a cap  2730 ′, for example, a tapered cap, that assembles over the nut  2530  having extended contact fingers  2539 ′. The cap  2730 ′ may be configured to provide added spring force and protection for coupling with the interface port  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 27A through 28B , the cap  2730 ′ may be configured as a nose-cone/tapered cap and assembled over the nut  2530  that has the extended contact fingers  2539 ′. The one or more fingers  2539 ′ have sufficient resiliency to radially deflect outward to receive the interface port  20  therein. However, the bent fingers  2539 ′ remain biased radially inward to maintain constant contact with the interface port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  2530  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  2530  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  2530  and the interface port  20  is maintained. The cap  2730 ′ may be, for example, an injection molded sleeve with tapered front members  2730 ″. The tapered front members  2730 ″ overlie the fingers  2539 ′ of the nut  2530  and thereby compound the radial inward force of the fingers  2539 ′. The cap  2730 ′ may also serve to protect the fingers  2539 ′ of the nut  2530 . 
     In some aspects, mechanical engagement of the cap  2730 ′ to the connector  2700  may use, but is not limited to, inner diameter snap tabs  2730 ′″ that are molded into the cap  2730 ′ and fall into one or more grooves  2530   a  on the outer diameter of the nut  2530 . The cap  2730 ′ may also be attached by a press fit, with or without knurls, to the nut  2530  and/or to an existing torque member  99  so that the cap  2730 ′ and the nut  2530  rotate uniformly. Other methods of attachment may include threads or the displacement of material to pinch the cap  2730 ′ in place, such as a rolled edge. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates an alternative cap  2930 ′ configured to be assembled over the nut  2530 . As shown, the cap  2930 ′ includes a frustoconical nose cone  2930 ″ at its forward end. The cap  2930 ′ is configured to provide increased resistance against radially outward deflection of the fingers  2539 ′ of the nut  2530 , including when the nut is coupled with the interface port  20 . 
     Similar to cap  2730 ′, the cap  2930 ′ may be configured as a nose-cone/tapered cap and assembled over the nut  2530  that has the extended contact fingers  2539 ′. The one or more fingers  2539 ′ have sufficient resiliency to radially deflect outward to receive the interface port  20  therein. However, the cap  2930 ′ maintains the bent fingers  2539 ′ biased radially inward to maintain constant contact with the interface port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  2530  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  2530  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  2530  and the interface port  20  is maintained. The cap  2930 ′ may be, for example, an injection molded sleeve, and the frustoconical nose cone  2930 ″ overlies the fingers  2539 ′ of the nut  2530  and thereby resists a radial outward force of the fingers  2539 ′. The cap  2930 ′ may also serve to protect the fingers  2539 ′ of the nut  2530 . The cap  2930 ′ may be attached to the nut  2530  is any conventional manner. 
     While a metal snap spring may be provided to add spring pressure to the nut  2530 , a nose cone style cap  2730 ′,  2930 ′ may provide additional benefits in a more aesthetical manner and may be incorporated with an existing torque sleeve  99 . For example, a plastic support finger may be molded as part of the torque sleeve  99 . Consequently, a more ergonomic look and feel may be achieved, while simplifying assembly. 
     It should be appreciated that, despite the number of slots and fingers that are illustrated in  FIGS. 25A  though  28 B, connectors according to this disclosure could have any number of slots and fingers as desired. Of course, at a minimum, two slots are needed to create at least one finger. Also, the slots and fingers may be symmetrically arranged or asymmetrically arranged. Exemplary connectors can include an even number of fingers or an odd number of fingers. Also the depth and width of the slots and fingers, as well as the cross-sectional thickness and taper of the fingers may be varied as desired. 
     While conventional “RCA style” contact fingers do not have any retention adders, and rely solely on friction between the port and a smooth surface, the connectors  2500 ,  2700  described above with reference to  FIGS. 25A through 28B  provide a higher retention force while keeping insertion force low. As a result, these connectors  2500 ,  2700  help to keep the connector on the interface port  20  in the case that no threads are engaged or in the case that the threads are only loosely or partially engaged. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 30A-30E , an exemplary conductive insert  31072  in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure is illustrated. As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2E , the conductive insert  31072  may include a securing portion  31090  configured to be coupled to the forward end  31  of the nut  30 . The securing portion  31090  includes an annular ring  31092  sized to fit about an outer periphery of the forward end  31  of the nut  30  and a forward wall  31093  that extends radially inward from the annular ring  31092 . The securing portion  31090  includes a plurality of securing fingers  31094  that extend rearward in the axial direction from the forward wall  31093  to wrap back inside the forward end  31  of the nut  30  to secure the securing portion  31090  to the forward end  31  of the nut  30 . When the securing portion  31090  is coupled with the nut  30 , the forward wall  31093  of the conductive insert  31072  is disposed forward relative to the forward end  31  of the nut  30 . 
     The securing portion  31090  also includes a plurality of grounding fingers  31095  that extend inward from the forward wall  31093  beyond an inner surface of the securing fingers  31094 . As illustrated, the grounding fingers  31095  extend radially inward and rearward at an angle relative to the radial direction of the conductive insert  31072  and the nut  30 . The conductive insert  31072  is secured to the forward end  31  of the nut  30  by the securing portion  31090 . The securing portion  31090  restricts axial motion of the conductive insert  31072  relative to the nut  30  while permitting rotation of the nut  30  relative to the conductive insert  31072 . 
     As illustrated, the grounding fingers  31095  extend radially inward beyond threads of the internal threading  33  of the nut  30 . Thus, when coupled with the threaded exterior surface  23  of the coaxial cable interface port  20 , the grounding fingers  31095  promote redundant contact, higher retention forces, and continuous grounding from the interface port  20  through to the post  40 , even when the nut  30  is loosely connected (i.e., not fully tightened) to the interface port  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 31A-31F , an exemplary conductive insert  31172  in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure is illustrated. The conductive insert  31172  is substantially the same as the conductive insert  31072  described above, except for the orientation of the grounding fingers  31195 . In particular, the grounding fingers  31195  extend radially inward and forward at an angle relative to the radial direction of the conductive insert  31172  and the nut  30 . Thus, a radially innermost portion  31196  of each of the grounding fingers  31195  is forward of the forward end  31  and the internal threading  33  of the nut  30 . 
     As a result, the grounding fingers  31195  can make contact with the interface port  20  before the center conductor  18  in order to create a ground from the interface port  20  through to the post  40  and thus limit burst that would otherwise occur upon insertion of the center conductor  18  into the interface port  20  in the absence of a ground. Further, when coupled with the threaded exterior surface  23  of the coaxial cable interface port  20 , the grounding fingers promote redundant contact, higher retention forces, and continuous grounding from the interface port  20  through to the post  40 , even the nut  30  is when loosely connected (i.e., not fully tightened) to the interface port  20 . As a result, the conductive insert  31172  insures that the grounding fingers  31195  can make contact with the interface port  20  before the center conductor  18  when the connector  100  is coupled with the interface port  20  in order to create a ground from the interface port  20  through to the post  40  and thus limit burst that would otherwise occur upon insertion of the center conductor  18  into the interface port  20  in the absence of a ground. 
     With reference to the connector embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 32-34 , for ease of description, the coaxial cable system components such as connectors, termination devices, filters and the like, referred to and illustrated herein will be of a type and form suited for connecting a coaxial cable or component, used for CATV or other data transmission, to an externally threaded port having a ⅜ inch-32 UNEF 2A thread. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that many system components include a rotatable, internally threaded nut that attaches the component to a typical externally threaded port, the specific size, shape and component details may vary in ways that do not impact the invention per se, and which are not part of the invention per se. Likewise, the externally threaded portion of the port may vary in dimension (diameter and length) and configuration. For example, a port may be referred to as a “short” port where the connecting portion has a length of about 0.325 inches. A “long” port may have a connecting length of about 0.500 inches. All of the connecting portion of the port may be threaded, or there may be an unthreaded shoulder immediately adjacent the threaded portion, for example. In all cases, the component and port must cooperatively engage. According to the embodiments of the present invention, a sealing relationship is provided for the otherwise exposed region between the component connector and the externally threaded portion of the port. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 , an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a seal assembly  32190  for use with a coaxial connector  32100 ′, similar to the conventional coaxial connector  100  described above. The seal assembly  32190  includes a nut  32130 , a seal  32170 , and a seal ring  32180 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the exemplary seal  32170  has a generally tubular body that is elastically deformable by nature of its material characteristics and design. The seal  32170  may include a nonconductive elastomer and/or a conductive elastomer. The nonconductive elastomer may be made of, for example, an elastomeric material having suitable chemical resistance and material stability (i.e., elasticity) over a temperature range between about −40° C. to +40° C. A typical material can be, for example, silicone rubber. Alternatively, the material may be propylene, a typical O-ring material. Other materials known in the art may also be suitable. The interested reader is referred to http://www.applerubber.com for an exemplary listing of potentially suitable seal materials. The conductive elastomer may be an elastomeric material containing conductive fillers such as, for example, carbon, nickel, and/or silver. 
     The body of seal  32170  has an anterior end  32188  and a posterior end  32189 , the anterior end  32188  being a free end for ultimate engagement with an interface port, while the posterior end  32189  is for ultimate connection to the nut component  32130  of the seal assembly  32190 . The seal  32170  has a forward sealing surface  32173 , a rear sealing portion  32174  including an interior sealing surface  32175  that integrally engages the nut component  32130 , and an integral joint-section  32176  intermediate the anterior end  32188  and the posterior end  32189  of the tubular body. The forward sealing surface  32173  at the anterior end of the seal  32170  may include annular facets to assist in forming a seal with the port or may be a continuous rounded annular surface that forms effective seals through the elastic deformation of the internal surface and end of the seal compressed against the port. The integral joint-section  32176  includes a portion of the length of the seal which is relatively thinner in radial cross-section than the forward sealing surface  32173  to encourage an outward expansion or bowing of the seal upon its axial compression. 
     The nut component  32130  of the seal assembly  32190 , illustrated by example in  FIG. 33 , has an interior surface, at least a portion  32133  of which is threaded, a connector-grasping portion  32134  (e.g., a lip), and an exterior surface  136  including a seal-grasping surface portion  32137 . In an aspect, the seal-grasping surface  32137  can be a flat, smooth surface or a flat, roughened surface suitable to frictionally and/or adhesively engage the interior sealing surface  32175  of the seal  32170 . The exterior surface  32136  further includes a nut-turning surface portion  32138 . In some aspects, the nut-turning surface portion  32138  may have at least two flat surface regions that allow engagement with the surfaces of a tool such as a wrench. Typically, the nut-turning surface in this aspect will be hexagonal. Alternatively, the nut turning surface may be a knurled surface to facilitate hand-turning of the nut component. 
     The seal ring  32180  of the seal assembly  32190  has an inner surface  32182  and an outer surface  32184 . The inner surface  32182  includes a posterior portion  32183  having a diameter such that the seal ring  32180  is slid over the exterior surface  32136  of the nut component  32130  and creates a press-fit against the exterior surface  32136  of the nut component  32130 . The rear sealing portion  32174  of the seal  32170  may include an exterior sealing surface  32177  that is configured to integrally engage the seal ring  32180 . The sealing surface  32177  is an annular surface on the exterior of the tubular body. For example, the seal  32170  may have a ridge  32178  at the posterior end  32189  which defines a shoulder  32179 . The inner surface  32182  of the seal ring  32180  may include a seal-grasping portion  32185 . In an aspect, the seal-grasping portion  32185  can be a flat, smooth surface or a flat, roughened surface suitable to frictionally and/or adhesively engage the exterior sealing surface  32177  of the seal  32170 . In an aspect, the seal-grasping portion  32185  may include a ridge  32186  that defines a shoulder  32187  that is suitably sized and shaped to engage the shoulder  32179  of the ridge  32178  of the posterior end  32189  of the seal  32170  in a locking-type interference fit as illustrated in  FIG. 33 . 
     Upon engagement of the seal  32170  with the seal ring  32180 , a posterior sealing surface  32191  of the seal  32170  abuts a side surface  32192  of the nut  32130  as shown in  FIG. 33  to form a sealing relationship in that region. In its intended use, compressive axial force may be applied against one or both ends of the seal  32170  depending upon the length of the port intended to be sealed. The force will act to axially compress the seal whereupon it will expand radially, for example, in the vicinity of the integral joint-section  32176 . In an aspect, the integral joint-section  32176  is located axially asymmetrically intermediate the anterior end  32188  and the posterior end  32189  of the tubular body, and adjacent an anterior end of the exterior sealing surface  32177 , as illustrated. However, it is contemplated that the joint-section  32176  can be designed to be inserted anywhere between sealing surface  32175  and anterior end  32188 . The seal is designed to prevent the ingress of corrosive elements when the seal is used for its intended function. 
     It should be appreciated that the connector  32100 ′ may be used with various types of ports  20 . For example, the connector  32100 ′ may be used with a short port, a long port, or an alternate long port. A short port refers to a port having a length of external threads that extends from a terminal end of the port to an enlarged shoulder that is shorter than a length that the seal  32170 , in an uncompressed state, extends beyond a forward end of the nut  32130 . When connected to a short port, the seal  32170  is axially compressed between a forward facing surface of the seal ring  32180  and the enlarged shoulder of the short port. Posterior sealing surface  32191  is axially compressed against side surface  32192  of nut  32130 , and the end face of forward sealing surface  32173  is axially compressed against the enlarged shoulder, thus preventing ingress of environmental elements between the nut  32130  and the enlarged shoulder of the port  20 . 
     A long port refers to a port having a length of external threads that extends from a terminal end of the port to an unthreaded portion of the port having a diameter that is approximately equal to the major diameter of external threads. The unthreaded portion then extends from the external threads to an enlarged shoulder. The length of the external threads in addition to the unthreaded portion is longer than the length that the seal  32170 , in an uncompressed state, extends beyond a forward end of the nut  32130 . When connected to a long port, the seal  32170  is not axially compressed between a forward facing surface of the seal ring  32180  and the enlarged shoulder of the short port. Rather, the internal sealing surface  32175  is radially compressed against the seal grasping surface  32137  of the nut  32130  by the seal ring  32180 , and the interior portions of the forward sealing surface  32173  are radially compressed against the unthreaded portion of the long port, thereby preventing the ingress of environmental elements between the nut  32130  and the unthreaded portion of the long port. The radial compression of the forward sealing surface  32173  against the unthreaded portion of the port is created by an interference fit. An alternate long port refers to a port that is similar to a long port but where the diameter of the unthreaded portion is larger than the major diameter of the external threads. 
     As described above, in some embodiments, the forward sealing surface  32173  of the seal  32170  may include a conductive elastomer, and the forward sealing surface  32173  is forward of the center conductor  18 . Therefore, regardless of the size of the port, the conductive elastomer of the seal  32170  can make contact with the interface port  20  before the center conductor  18  in order to create a ground from the interface port  20  through to the post  40 , by way of the conductive elastomer and the nut  32130 , and thus limit burst that would otherwise occur upon insertion of the center conductor  18  into the interface port  20  in the absence of a ground. Furthermore, the conductive elastomer of the seal  32170  provides port continuity and RF shielding, even when the nut  32130  is loosely connected (i.e., not fully tightened) to the interface port  20 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , the exemplary coaxial cable connector  32100 ′ is configured to align the coaxial cable  10  off-center relative to the center of the mating interface port  20  to ensure that the nut  32130  of the connector  32100 ′ will be biased toward one side and thus maintain ground between the nut  32130  and the interface port  20 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , the anterior end  32188  of the tubular body of the seal  32170  includes a port engagement portion  32172  having a radial thickness that varies about its circumference. For example, the port engagement portion  32172  has a thickness that varies from a maximum thickness  32172   a  to a minimum thickness  32172   b  that are diametrically opposed to one another. The thickness of the port engagement portion  32172  gradually and continuously decreases from the maximum thickness  32172   a  to the minimum thickness  32172   b  in both circumferential directions extending from the location of the maximum thickness  32172   a . The anterior end  32188  of the tubular body of the seal  32170  defines a through hole  32173  extending the longitudinal direction and configured to receive the center conductor  18  of the coaxial cable  10 . 
     The nut  32130 , the post  32140 , and the body  32150  define a through hole  32199  extending in the longitudinal direction and configured to receive the center conductor  18  of the coaxial cable  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , axis XL 1  is the center axis of the through hole  32199  defined by the nut  32130 , the post  32140 , and the body  32150  extending in the longitudinal direction, while axis XL 2  is the center axis of the through hole  32173  of the anterior end  32188  of the tubular body of the seal  32170 . Axis XL 1  and axis XL 2  are not concentric, but are offset by a distance XL. Axis XL 1  and axis XL 2  may be parallel to one another or non-parallel, as long as they are not concentric. Of course, if axis XL 1  and axis XL 2  are non-parallel, the axes may intersect at a point. 
     As a result of the above configuration, the anterior end  32188  of the tubular body of the seal  32170 , in particular, the off-center through hole  32199  urges at least the center conductor  18  of the coaxial cable  10  to the off-center position of axis XL 2 . Thus, when the connector  32100 ′ is coupled with the interface port  20 , the center conductor  18  of the coaxial cable  10  is received by a female end of the interface port  20 , while nut  32130  receives the interface port  20 . Because the center conductor  18  is offset by distance XL, the interface port  20  urges the cable  10 , via the center conductor  18 , in a direction from axis XL 2  toward axis XL 1 . Thus, a side  32147  of the nut  32130  of the connector  32100 ′ is urged toward the exterior threaded surface  23  at an adjacent side of the interface port  20  by the cable  10  being urged from axis XL 2  toward axis XL 1  via the center conductor  18 . As a result of the off-center coaxial cable, or at least the center conductor  18  of the coaxial cable  10 , the nut  32130  of the connector  32100 ′ is biased to one side relative to the interface port  20  and creates radial interference between the nut  32130  and the interface port  20 . Thus, the nut  32130  is urged to make contact with the interface port  20  whenever mounted thereon, thus maintaining electrical grounding between the nut  32130  and the port  20  at all times, for example, even when the nut  32130  is not fully tightened to the interface port  20 . Thus, even when the nut  32130  is loosely coupled (i.e., partially or loosely tightened) with the interface port  20 , electrical ground between the nut  32130  and the interface port  20  can be maintained. 
     It should be understood that when a connector is being installed to a mating port and the center conductor makes contact with the ground path of the port, there may be a signal burst that can make its way into the network and cause speed issues and other network issues. However, in any of the aforementioned connectors, if the nut and/or the grounding member is configured with an axial length such that the grounding member and/or nut can make contact with the external threads of the port before the center conductor makes contact with the port, the signal burst can be prevented, and the signal from the center conductor will be transferred to the interface port. 
     The accompanying figures illustrate various exemplary embodiments of coaxial cable connectors that provide improved grounding between the coaxial cable, the connector, and the coaxial cable connector interface port. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 
     Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.