Patent Publication Number: US-9407016-B2

Title: Coaxial cable connector with integral continuity contacting portion

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/601,821 filed on Feb. 22, 2012 the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/198,765, filed Aug. 5, 2011, entitled “Coaxial Cable Connector with Radio Frequency Interference and Grounding Shield”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/653,095, filed Oct. 16, 2012, entitled “Coaxial Cable Connector with Integral RFI Protection,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The disclosure relates generally to coaxial cable connectors, and particularly to a coaxial cable connector having an integral contacting portion that is monolithic with another coaxial cable connector component and provides for continuity between a coaxial cable and an appliance equipment connection port for radio frequency interference (RFI) and grounding shielding other than by a separate continuity member, regardless of the tightness of the coupling of the coaxial cable connector to the appliance equipment connection port, and without restricting the movement of the coupler of the coaxial cable connector when being attached to the appliance equipment connection. 
     2. Technical Background 
     Coaxial cable connectors, such as type F connectors, are used to attach coaxial cable to another object or appliance, e.g., a television set, DVD player, modem or other electronic communication device having a terminal adapted to engage the connector. The terminal of the appliance includes an inner conductor and a surrounding outer conductor. 
     Coaxial cable includes a center conductor for transmitting a signal. The center conductor is surrounded by a dielectric material, and the dielectric material is surrounded by an outer conductor. The outer conductor may be in the form of a conductive foil and/or braided sheath. The outer conductor is typically maintained at ground potential to shield the signal transmitted by the center conductor from stray noise, and to maintain a continuous, desired impedance over the signal path. The outer conductor is usually surrounded by a plastic cable jacket that electrically insulates, and mechanically protects, the outer conductor. Prior to installing a coaxial connector onto an end of the coaxial cable, the end of the coaxial cable is typically prepared by stripping off the end portion of the jacket to expose the end portion of the outer conductor. Similarly, it is common to strip off a portion of the dielectric to expose the end portion of the center conductor. 
     Coaxial cable connectors of the type known in the trade as “F connectors” often include a tubular post designed to slide over the dielectric material, and under the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, at the prepared end of the coaxial cable. If the outer conductor of the cable includes a braided sheath, then the exposed braided sheath is usually folded back over the cable jacket. The cable jacket and folded-back outer conductor extend generally around the outside of the tubular post and are typically received in an outer body of the connector. The outer body of the connector is often fixedly secured to the tubular post. A coupler is typically rotatably secured around the tubular post and includes an internally-threaded region for engaging external threads formed on the outer conductor of the appliance terminal. Alternatively or additionally, the coupler may friction fit, screw and/or latch on to the outer conductor of the appliance terminal. 
     When connecting the end of a coaxial cable to a terminal of a television set, equipment box, modem, computer or other appliance, it is important to achieve a reliable electrical connection between the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and the outer conductor of the appliance terminal. Typically, this goal is usually achieved by ensuring that the coupler of the connector is fully tightened over the connection port of the appliance. When fully tightened, the head of the tubular post of the connector directly engages the edge of the outer conductor of the appliance port, thereby making a direct electrical ground connection between the outer conductor of the appliance port and the tubular post. The tubular post is engaged with the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. 
     The increased use of self-install kits provided to home owners by some CATV system operators has resulted in customer complaints due to poor picture quality in video systems and/or poor data performance in computer/internet systems. Additionally, CATV system operators have found upstream data problems induced by entrance of unwanted RF signals into their systems. Complaints of this nature result in CATV system operators having to send a technician to address the issue. Frequently, it is reported by the technician that the cause of the problem is due to a loose F connector fitting, sometimes as a result of inadequate installation of the self-install kit by the homeowner. An improperly installed or loose connector may result in poor signal transfer because there are discontinuities along the electrical path between the devices, resulting in ingress of undesired radio frequency (“RF”) signals where RF energy from an external source or sources may enter the connector/cable arrangement causing a signal to noise ratio problem resulting in an unacceptable picture or data performance. Many of the current state of the art F connectors rely on intimate contact between the F male connector interface and the F female connector interface. If, for some reason, the connector interfaces are allowed to pull apart from each other, such as in the case of a loose F male coupler, an interface “gap” may result. If not otherwise protected this gap can be a point of RF ingress as previously described. 
     As mentioned above, the coupler is typically rotatably secured about the head of the tubular post. The head of the tubular post usually includes an enlarged shoulder, and the coupler typically includes an inwardly-directed flange for extending over and around the shoulder of the tubular post. In order not to interfere with free rotation of the coupler, manufacturers of such F-style connectors routinely make the outer diameter of the shoulder (at the head of the tubular post) of smaller dimension than the inner diameter of the central bore of the coupler. Likewise, manufacturers routinely make the inner diameter of the inwardly-directed flange of the coupler of larger dimension than the outer diameter of the non-shoulder portion of the tubular post, again to avoid interference with rotation of the coupler relative to the tubular post. In a loose connection system, wherein the coupler of the coaxial connector is not drawn tightly to the appliance port connector, an alternate ground path may fortuitously result from contact between the coupler and the tubular post, particularly if the coupler is not centered over, and axially aligned with, the tubular post. However, this alternate ground path is not stable, and can be disrupted as a result of vibrations, movement of the appliance, movement of the cable, or the like. 
     Alternatively, there are some cases in which such an alternate ground path is provided by fortuitous contact between the coupler and the outer body of the coaxial connector, provided that the outer body is formed from conductive material. This alternate ground path is similarly unstable, and may be interrupted by relative movement between the appliance and the cable, or by vibrations. Moreover, this alternate ground path does not exist at all if the outer body of the coaxial connector is constructed of non-conductive material. Such unstable ground paths can give rise to intermittent failures that are costly and time-consuming to diagnose. 
     Coaxial cable connectors have attempted to address the above problems by incorporating a continuity member into the coaxial cable connector as a separate component. In this regard,  FIG. 1  illustrates a connector  1000  in the prior art having a coupler  2000 , a separate post  3000 , a separate continuity member  4000 , and a body  5000 . In connector  1000  the separate continuity member  4000  is captured between post  3000  and body  5000  and contacts at least a portion of coupler  2000 . Coupler  2000  is preferably made of metal such as brass and plated with a conductive material such as nickel. Post  3000  is preferably made of metal such as brass and plated with a conductive material such as tin. Separate conductive member  4000  is preferably made of metal such as phosphor bronze and plated with a conductive material such as tin. Body  5000  is preferably made of metal such as brass and plated with a conductive material such as nickel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments disclosed herein include a coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal. The connector has a coupler adapted to couple the connector to a terminal, a body assembled with the coupler and a post assembled with the coupler and the body. The post is adapted to receive an end of a coaxial cable. The coupler, the body or the post has an integral contacting portion. The contacting portion is monolithic with at least a portion of at least one of the coupler, the body, and the post. When the connector is coupled to the terminal and a coaxial cable is received by the body, the contacting portion provides for electrical continuity from an outer conductor of the coaxial cable through the connector to the terminal regardless of the tightness of the coupling of the connector to the terminal. Electrical continuity means a DC contact resistance from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the equipment port through the connector of less than about 3000 milliohms. Additionally, electrical continuity from an outer conductor of the coaxial cable through the connector to the terminal may be provided other than by a separate continuity component. The contacting portion is constructed of a material having an elastic/plastic property allowing it to maintain electrical and mechanical contact notwithstanding any interstice between components of the connector when assembled. The contacting portion is formable and forms to a contour of at least one of the body and the coupler when the body at least partially assembles with the coupler. The contacting portion may form to at least a partially arcuate shape. 
     In yet another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein include a coaxial cable connector having a coupler having a central bore and adapted to couple the connector to a terminal, a body having a central passage assembled with the coupler, and a post assembled with the coupler and the body. The post is disposed at least partially within the central passage of the body and at least partially within the central bore of the coupler. The body and the post are adapted to receive an end of a coaxial cable. The post has a contacting portion that provides for uninterrupted electrical continuity from an outer conductor of the coaxial cable received by the body and the post through the connector to the terminal coupled by the coupler regardless of the tightness of the coupling of the connector to the terminal. Electrical continuity means a DC contact resistance from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the equipment port through the connector of less than about 3000 milliohms. The contacting portion is constructed from a single piece of material with a portion of the post. The contacting portion is constructed of a material having an elastic/plastic property allowing it to maintain electrical and mechanical contact notwithstanding any interstice between components of the connector when assembled. The contacting portion is formable and forms to a contour of at least one of the body and the coupler when the post at least partially assembles with one of the body and the coupler. The contacting portion may form to at least a partially arcuate shape. The contacting portion may be a protrusion and may be radially projecting. Additionally or alternatively, the contacting portion may have a multi-cornered configuration. The contacting portion may form in response to a forming tool. The contacting portion may be segmented 
     In yet another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein include a method of providing uninterrupted continuity in a coaxial cable connector. The method includes providing components of a coaxial cable connector. At least one of the components has a formable continuity portion which is monolithic with the at least one of the components. The method also includes assembling the components to provide a coaxial cable connector. The assembling forms the electrical continuity portion to a contour of one of the other components. The components may be comprised from the group consisting of a coupler, a body, and a post. Electrical continuity means a DC contact resistance from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the equipment port through the connector of less than about 3000 milliohms. The method further includes receiving by one of the components a coaxial cable, and coupling by one of the components the coaxial cable connector to a terminal. The contacting portion provides for continuity from an outer conductor of the coaxial cable through the connector to the terminal other than by a separate component, and is regardless of the tightness of the coupling of the connector to the terminal. The contacting portion is constructed of a material having an elastic/plastic property allowing it to maintain electrical and mechanical contact notwithstanding any interstice between components when assembled. 
     In yet another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein include a coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal. The connector has a coupler adapted to couple the connector to a terminal and a body assembled with the coupler and adapted to receive an end of a coaxial cable. The coupler or the body has an integral contacting portion. The contacting portion is constructed from, and wherein the contacting portion is monolithic with at least a portion of at least one of the coupler and the body or a portion thereof. When the connector is coupled to the terminal and a coaxial cable is received by the body, the contacting portion provides for continuity from an outer conductor of the coaxial cable through the connector to the terminal other than by a separate component and regardless of the tightness of the coupling of the connector to the terminal. Electrical continuity means a DC contact resistance from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the equipment port through the connector of less than about 3000 milliohms. The contacting portion is constructed of a material having an elastic/plastic property allowing it to maintain electrical and mechanical contact notwithstanding any interstice between components of the connector when assembled. The contacting portion is formable and forms to a contour of at least one of the body and the coupler when the body at least partially assembles with the coupler. The contacting portion may form to at least a partially arcuate shape. 
     Additional features and advantages are set out in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side cross sectional view of a coaxial cable connector in the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  is a side, cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial connector comprising a post with a contacting portion providing an integral RFI and grounding shield; 
         FIG. 3A  is side, cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  in a state of partial assembly; 
         FIG. 3B  is a partial, cross-sectional detail view of the post of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  in a state of further assembly than as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , and illustrating the contacting portion of the post beginning to form to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 3C  is a partial, cross-sectional detail view of the post of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  in a state of further assembly than as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and illustrating the contacting portion of the post continuing to form to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 3D  is a partial, cross-sectional detail view of the post of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  in a state of further assembly than as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C  and illustrating the contacting portion of the post forming to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 4A  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the post of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  in which the post is partially inserted into a forming tool; 
         FIG. 4B  is a partial, cross-sectional detail view of the post of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  in which the post is inserted into the forming tool further than as illustrated in  FIG. 4A  using a forming tool and illustrating the contacting portion of the post beginning to form to a contour of the forming tool; 
         FIG. 4C  is a partial cross-sectional detail view of the post of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  in which the post is inserted into the forming tool further than as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrating the contacting portion of the post continuing to form to the contour of the forming tool; 
         FIG. 4D  is a partial cross-sectional detail view of the post of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  in which the post is fully inserted into the forming tool and illustrating the contacting portion of the post forming to the contour of the forming tool; 
         FIGS. 5A through 5H  are front and side schematic views of exemplary embodiments of the contacting portions of the post; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector comprising an integral pin, in the state of assembly with body having a contacting portion forming to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector illustrated in  FIG. 6  in a partial state of assembly illustrating the contacting portion of the body and adapted to form to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector comprising an integral pin, wherein the coupler rotates about a body instead of a post and the contacting portion is part of a component press fit into the body and forming to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector in a partial state of assembly and comprising an integral pin, wherein the coupler rotates about a body instead of a post and the contacting portion is part of a component press position in the body and forming to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 8A  is a front and side detail view of the component having the contacting portion of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector comprising a post-less configuration, and a body having a contacting portion forming to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector comprising a hex crimp body and a post having a contacting portion forming to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric, schematic view of the post of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  wherein the post has a contacting portion in a formed state; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric, cross-sectional view of the post and the coupler of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 2  illustrating the contacting portion of the post forming to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a coupler with a contacting portion forming to a contour of the post; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a post with a contacting portion forming to a contour of the coupler; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a post with a contacting portion forming to a contour behind a lip in the coupler toward the rear of the coaxial cable connector; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a post with a contacting portion forming to a contour behind a lip in the coupler toward the rear of the coaxial cable connector; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a body with a contacting portion forming to a contour behind a lip in the coupler toward the rear of the coaxial cable connector; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a post with a contacting portion forming to a contour of a coupler with an undercut; 
         FIG. 18A  is a partial, cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a post with a contacting portion forming to a contour of a coupler with an undercut having a prepared coaxial cable inserted in the coaxial cable connector; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial, cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a moveable post with a contacting portion wherein the post is in a forward position; and 
         FIG. 20  is a partial cross sectional view of the coaxial cable connector of  FIG. 19  with the movable post in a rearward position and the contacting portion of the movable post forming to a contour of the coupler. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts. 
     Coaxial cable connectors are used to couple a prepared end of a coaxial cable to a threaded female equipment connection port of an appliance. The coaxial cable connector may have a post, a moveable post or be postless. In each case though, in addition to providing an electrical and mechanical connection between the conductor of the coaxial connector and the conductor of the female equipment connection port, the coaxial cable connector provides a ground path from an outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the equipment connection port. The outer conductor may be, as examples, a conductive foil or a braided sheath. Maintaining a stable ground path protects against the ingress of undesired radio frequency (“RF”) signals which may degrade performance of the appliance. This is especially applicable when the coaxial cable connector is not fully tightened to the equipment connection port, either due to not being tightened upon initial installation or due to becoming loose after installation. 
     For purposes of this description, the term “forward” will be used to refer to a direction toward the portion of the coaxial cable connector that attaches to a terminal, such as an appliance equipment port. The term “rearward” will be used to refer to a direction that is toward the portion of the coaxial cable connector that receives the coaxial cable. The term “terminal” will be used to refer to any type of connection medium to which the coaxial cable connector may be coupled, as examples, an appliance equipment port, any other type of connection port, or an intermediate termination device. Additionally, for purposes herein, electrical continuity shall mean DC contact resistance from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the equipment port of less than about 3000 milliohms. Accordingly, a DC contact resistance of more than about 3000 milliohms shall be considered as indicating electrical discontinuity or an open in the path between the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and the equipment port. 
     Embodiments relate to a coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal. The connector has a coupler adapted to couple the connector to a terminal and a body assembled with the coupler and adapted to receive an end of a coaxial cable. The coaxial cable connector may also have a post. A contacting portion may be integral to one or more of the coupler, the body and/or the post. Moreover, the contacting portion may be integral with a component, that as non-limiting examples, may be one or more of the coupler, the body or the post, either individually or in combination. Additionally, the contacting portion may be of monolithic construction, being formed or constructed in a unitary fashion from a single piece of material, with that component or a portion of that component. In other words, and as a non-limiting example, if the contacting portion is of monolithic construction with the post, the contacting portion may be constructed from a single piece of material with the post or a portion of the post. Additionally, the contacting portion may have or be any shape, including shapes that may be flush or aligned with other portions of the coupler, the body, the post, or another component of the coaxial cable connector, or may protrude from the coupler, the body, the post, or another component of the coaxial cable connector. 
     Any portion of the coupler, body or post may be formed from any electrically conductive material, either a metal or a non-metal, provided that electrical continuity is maintained from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable through the connector to the equipment port. Further, a non-conductive material, as a non-limiting example, a polymer, with an electrically conductive coating or plating on a portion thereof may be used. Moreover, the body may be completely non-conductive, and electrical continuity from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable through the connector to the equipment port may be maintained through one or more of the other components of the coaxial cable connector. 
     The contacting portion may have any number of configurations, as non-limiting examples, partially or completely circular, single-cornered, or multi-cornered. When the coaxial cable connector is assembled, coupled to the terminal and a coaxial cable is received by the body, the contacting portion provides for electrical continuity from an outer conductor of the coaxial cable through the connector to the terminal other than by a separate component and regardless of the tightness or adequacy of the coupling of the connector to the terminal. The contacting portion may, but does not have to be at least partially radially projecting. The contacting portion may be formable and form to a contour of at least one of the body and the coupler. The contacting portion may form to at least a partially arcuate shape. Additionally and/or alternatively, the contacting portion may form in response to a forming tool. Further, a lubricant or grease, in particular a conductive lubricant or grease, may be applied to the contacting portion. 
     Embodiments also relate to a method of providing uninterrupted electrical continuity in a coaxial cable connector. The method includes providing components of a coaxial cable connector. At least one of the components has a formable electrical continuity portion. The method also includes assembling the components to provide a coaxial cable connector. The assembling forms the electrical continuity portion to a contour of one of the other components. The components may be comprised from the group consisting of a coupler, a body, and a post. The method further includes receiving by one of the components a coaxial cable, and coupling by one of the components the coaxial cable connector to a terminal. The contacting portion provides for electrical continuity from an outer conductor of the coaxial cable through the connector to the terminal other than by a separate component, and is regardless of the tightness or adequacy of the coupling of the connector to the terminal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  100 . The coaxial cable connector  100  has a front end  105 , a back end  195 , a coupler  200 , a post  300 , a body  500 , a shell  600  and a gripping member  700 . The coupler  200  at least partially comprises a front end  205 , a back end  295 , a central passage  210 , a lip  215  with a forward facing surface  216  and a rearward facing surface  217 , a through-bore  220  formed by the lip  215 , and a bore  230 . Coupler  200  is preferably made of metal such as brass and plated with a conductive material such as nickel. Alternately or additionally, selected surfaces of the coupler  200  may be coated with conductive or non-conductive coatings or lubricants, or a combinations thereof. Post  300 , may be tubular, at least partially comprises a front end  305 , a back end  395 , and a contacting portion  310 . In  FIG. 2 , Contacting portion  310  is shown as a protrusion integrally formed and monolithic with post  300 . Contacting portion  310  may, but does not have to be, radially projecting. Post  300  may also comprise an enlarged shoulder  340 , a collar portion  320 , a through-bore  325 , a rearward facing annular surface  330 , and a barbed portion  335  proximate the back end  395 . The post  300  is preferably made of metal such as brass and plated with a conductive material such as tin. Additionally, the material, in an exemplary embodiment, may have a suitable spring characteristic permitting contacting portion  310  to be flexible, as described below. Alternately or additionally, selected surfaces of post  300  may be coated with conductive or non-conductive coatings or lubricants or a combination thereof. Contacting portion  310 , as noted above, is monolithic with post  300  and provides for electrical continuity through the connector  100  to an equipment port (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) to which connector  100  may be coupled. In this manner, post  300  provides for a stable ground path through the connector  100 , and, thereby, electromagnetic shielding to protect against the ingress and egress of RF signals. Body  500  at least partially comprises a front end  505 , a back end  595 , and a central passage  525 . Body  500  is preferably made of metal such as brass and plated with a conductive material such as nickel. Shell  600  at least partially comprises a front end  605 , a back end  695 , and a central passage  625 . Shell  600  is preferably made of metal such as brass and plated with a conductive material such as nickel. Gripping member  700  at least partially comprises a front end  705 , a back end  795 , and a central passage  725 . Gripping member  700  is preferably made of a suitable polymer material such as acetal or nylon. The resin can be selected from thermoplastics characterized by good fatigue life, low moisture sensitivity, high resistance to solvents and chemicals, and good electrical properties. 
     In  FIG. 2 , coaxial cable connector  100  is shown in an unattached, uncompressed state, without a coaxial cable inserted therein. Coaxial cable connector  100  couples a prepared end of a coaxial cable to a terminal, such as a threaded female equipment appliance connection port (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). This will be discussed in more detail with reference to  FIG. 18A . Shell  600  slideably attaches to body  500  at back end  595  of body  500 . Coupler  200  attaches to coaxial cable connector  100  at back end  295  of coupler  200 . Coupler  200  may rotatably attach to front end  305  of post  300  while engaging body  500  by means of a press-fit. Front end  305  of post  300  positions in central passage  210  of coupler  200  and has a back end  395  which is adapted to extend into a coaxial cable. Proximate back end  395 , post  300  has a barbed portion  335  extending radially outwardly from post  300 . An enlarged shoulder  340  at front end  305  extends inside the coupler  200 . Enlarged shoulder  340  comprises a collar portion  320  and a rearward facing annular surface  330 . Collar portion  320  allows coupler  200  to rotate by means of a clearance fit with through-bore  220  of coupler  200 . Rearward facing annular surface  330  limits forward axial movement of the coupler  200  by engaging forward facing surface  216  of lip  215 . Coaxial cable connector  100  may also include a sealing ring  800  seated within coupler  200  to form a seal between coupler  200  and body  500 . 
     Contacting portion  310  may be monolithic with or a unitized portion of post  300 . As such, contacting portion  310  and post  300  or a portion of post  300  may be constructed from a single piece of material. The contacting portion  310  may contact coupler  200  at a position that is forward of forward facing surface  216  of lip  215 . In this way, contacting portion  310  of post  300  provides an electrically conductive path between post  300 , coupler  200  and body  500 . This enables an electrically conductive path from coaxial cable through coaxial cable connector  100  to terminal providing an electrical ground and a shield against RF ingress and egress. Contacting portion  310  is formable such that as the coaxial cable connector  100  is assembled, contacting portion  310  may form to a contour of coupler  200 . In other words, coupler  200  forms or shapes contacting portion  310  of post  300 . The forming and shaping of the contacting portion  310  may have certain elastic/plastic properties based on the material of contacting portion  310 . Contacting portion  310  deforms, upon assembly of the components of coaxial cable connector  100 , or, alternatively contacting portion  310  of post  300  may be pre-formed, or partially preformed to electrically contactedly fit with coupler  200  as explained in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 4A  through  FIG. 4D , below. In this manner, post  300  is secured within coaxial cable connector  100 , and contacting portion  310  establishes an electrically conductive path between body  500  and coupler  200 . Further, the electrically conductive path remains established regardless of the tightness of the coaxial cable connector  100  on the terminal due to the elastic/plastic properties of contacting portion  310 . This is due to contacting portion  310  maintaining mechanical and electrical contact between components, in this case, post  300  and coupler  200 , notwithstanding the size of any interstice between the components of the coaxial cable connector  100 . In other words, contacting portion  310  is integral to and maintains the electrically conductive path established between post  300  and coupler  200  even when the coaxial cable connector  100  is loosened and/or partially disconnected from the terminal, provided there is some contact of coupler  200  with equipment port. Although coaxial connector  100  in  FIG. 2  is an axial-compression type coaxial connector having a post  300 , contacting portion  310  may be integral to and monolithic with any type of coaxial cable connector and any other component of a coaxial cable connector, examples of which will be discussed herein with reference to the embodiments. However, in all such exemplary embodiments, contacting portion  310  provides for electrical continuity from an outer conductor of a coaxial cable received by coaxial cable connector  100  through coaxial cable connector  100  to a terminal, without the need for a separate component. Additionally, the contacting portion  310  provides for electrical continuity regardless of how tight or loose the coupler is to the terminal. In other words, contacting portion  310  provides for electrical continuity from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the terminal regardless and/or irrespective of the tightness or adequacy of the coupling of the coaxial cable connector  100  to the terminal. It is only necessary that the coupler  200  be in contact with the terminal. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A, 3B   3 C and  3 D, post  300  is illustrated in different states of assembly with coupler  200  and body  500 . In  FIG. 3A , post  300  is illustrated partially assembled with coupler  200  and body  500  with contacting portion  310  of post  300 , shown as a protrusion, outside and forward of coupler  200 . Contacting portion  310  may, but does not have to be, radially projecting. In  FIG. 3B , contacting portion  310  has begun to advance into coupler  200  and contacting portion  310  is beginning to form to a contour of coupler  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , contacting portion  310  is forming to an arcuate or, at least, a partially arcuate shape. As post  300  is further advanced into coupler  200  as shown in  FIG. 3C , contacting portion  310  continues to form to the contour of coupler  200 . When assembled as shown in  FIG. 3D , contacting portion  310  is forming to the contour of coupler  200  and is contactedly engaged with bore  230  accommodating tolerance variations with bore  230 . In  FIG. 3D  coupler  200  has a face portion  202  that tapers. The face portion  202  guides the contacting portion  310  to its formed state during assembly in a manner that does not compromise its structural integrity, and, thereby, its elastic/plastic property. Face portion  202  may be or have other structural features, as a non-limiting example, a curved edge, to guide the contacting portion  310 . The flexible or resilient nature of the contacting portion  310  in the formed state as described above, permits coupler  200  to be easily rotated and yet maintain a reliable electrically conductive path. It should be understood, that contacting portion  310  is formable and, as such, may exist in an unformed and a formed state based on the elastic/plastic property of the material of contacting portion  310 . As the coaxial cable connector  100  assembles contacting portion  310  transition from an unformed state to a formed state. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D  the post  300  is illustrated in different states of insertion into a forming tool  900 . In  FIG. 4A , post  300  is illustrated partially inserted in forming tool  900  with contacting portion  310  of post  300  shown as a protrusion. Protrusion may, but does not have to be radially projecting. In  FIG. 4B , contacting portion  310  has begun to advance into forming tool  900 . As contacting portion  310  is advanced into forming tool  900 , contact portion  310  begins flexibly forming to a contour of the interior of forming tool  900 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , contacting portion  310  is forming to an arcuate or, at least, a partially arcuate shape. As post  300  is further advanced into forming tool  900  as shown in  FIG. 4C , contacting portion  310  continues forming to the contour of the interior of forming tool  900 . At a final stage of insertion as shown in  FIG. 4C  contacting portion  310  is fully formed to the contour of forming tool  900 , and has experienced deformation in the forming process but retains spring or resilient characteristics based on the elastic/plastic property of the material of contacting portion  310 . Upon completion or partial completion of the forming of contacting portion  310 , post  300  is removed from forming tool  900  and may be subsequently installed in the connector  100  or other types of coaxial cable connectors. This manner of forming or shaping contacting portion  310  to the contour of forming tool  900  may be useful to aid in handling of post  300  in subsequent manufacturing processes, such as plating for example. Additionally, use of this method makes it possible to achieve various configurations of contacting portion  310  formation as illustrated in  FIGS. 5A through 5H .  FIG. 5A  is a side schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of post  300  where contacting portion  310  is a radially projecting protrusion that completely circumscribes post  300 . In this view, contacting portion  310  is formable but has not yet been formed to reflect a contour of coaxial cable connector or forming tool.  FIG. 5B  is a front schematic view of the post  300  of  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5C  is a side schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of post  300  where contacting portion  310  has a multi-cornered configuration. Contacting portion  310  may be a protrusion and may, but does not have to be, radially projecting. Although in  FIG. 5C  contacting portion  310  is shown as tri-cornered, contacting portion  310  can have any number of corner configurations, as non-limiting examples, two, three, four, or more. In  FIG. 5C , contacting portion  310  may be formable but has not yet been formed to reflect a contour of coaxial cable connector or forming tool.  FIG. 5D  is a front schematic view of post  300  of  FIG. 5C .  FIG. 5E  is a side schematic view of post  300  where contacting portion  310  has a tri-cornered configuration. In this view, contacting portion  310  is shown as being formed to a shape in which contacting portion  310  cants or slants toward the front end  305  of post  300 .  FIG. 5F  is a front schematic view of post  300  of  FIG. 5E .  FIG. 5G  is a side schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of post  300  where contacting portion  310  has a tri-cornered configuration. In this view contacting portion  310  is formed in a manner differing from  FIG. 5E  in that indentations  311  in contacting portion  310  result in a segmented or reduced arcuate shape  313 .  FIG. 5H  is a front schematic view of post  300  of  FIG. 5G . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that contacting portion  310  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5H  may be integral to and monolithic with post  300 . Additionally, contacting portion  310  may have or be any shape, including shapes that may be flush or aligned with other portions of post  300 , or may have any number of configurations, as non-limiting examples, configurations ranging from completely circular to multi-cornered geometries, and still perform its function of providing electrical continuity. Further, contacting portion  310  may be formable and formed to any shape or in any direction. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  110  comprising an integral pin  805 , wherein coupler  200  rotates about body  500  instead of post  300  and contacting portion  510  is a protrusion from, integral to and monolithic with body  500  instead of post  300 . In this regard, contacting portion  510  may be a unitized portion of body  500 . As such, contacting portion  510  may be constructed with body  500  or a portion of body  500  from a single piece of material. Coaxial cable connector  110  is configured to accept a coaxial cable. Contacting portion  510  may be formed to a contour of coupler  200  as coupler  200  is assembled with body  500  as illustrated in  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  110  in a state of partial assembly. Contacting portion  510  has not been formed to a contour of the coupler  200 . Assembling the coupler  200  with the body  500  forms the contacting portion  510  in a rearward facing manner as opposed to a forward facing manner as is illustrated with the contacting portion  310 . However, as with contacting portion  310 , the material of contacting portion  510  has certain elastic/plastic property which, as contacting portion  510  is formed provides that contacting portion  510  will press against the contour of the coupler  200  and maintain mechanical and electrical contact with coupler  200 . Contacting portion  510  provides for electrical continuity from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the terminal regardless of the tightness or adequacy of the coupling of the coaxial cable connector  100  to the terminal, and regardless of the tightness of the coaxial cable connector  100  on the terminal in the same way as previously described with respect to contacting portion  310 . Additionally or alternatively, contacting portion  310  may be cantilevered or attached at only one end of a segment. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  111  comprising an integral pin  805 , and a conductive component  400 . Coupler  200  rotates about body  500  instead of about a post, which is not present in coaxial cable connector  111 . Contacting portion  410  is shown as a protrusion and may be integral to, monolithically with and radially projecting from a conductive component  400  which is press fit into body  500 . Contacting portion  410  may be a unitized portion of conductive component  400 . As such, the contacting portion  410  may be constructed from a single piece of material with conductive component  400  or a portion of conductive component  400 . As with contacting portion  310 , the material of contacting portion  410  has certain elastic/plastic property which, as contacting portion  410  is formed provides that contacting portion  410  will press against the contour of the coupler  200  and maintain mechanical and electrical contact with coupler  200  as conductive component  400  inserts in coupler  200  when assembling body  500  with coupler  200  as previously described. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the coaxial cable connector  111  comprising an integral pin  805 , and a retaining ring  402 . The coupler  200  rotates about body  500  instead of a post. Contacting portion  410  may be integral with and radially projecting from a retaining ring  402  which fits into a groove formed in body  500 . The contacting portion  410  may be a unitized portion of the retaining ring  402 . As such, the contacting portion  410  may be constructed from a single piece of material with the retaining ring  402  or a portion of the retaining ring  402 . In this regard,  FIG. 8A  illustrates front and side views of the retaining ring  402 . In  FIG. 8A , contacting portion  410  is shown as three protrusions integral with and radially projecting from retaining ring  402 . As discussed above, the material of contacting portion  410  has certain elastic/plastic property which, as contacting portion  410  is formed provides that contacting portion  410  will press against the contour of the coupler  200  and maintain mechanical and electrical contact with coupler  200  as retaining ring  402  inserts in coupler  200  when assembling body  500  with coupler  200  as previously described. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the contacting portion  410  as illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8A  may be integral to the body  500  or may be attached to or be part of another component  400 ,  402 . Additionally, the contacting portion  410  may have or be any shape, including shapes that may be flush or aligned with other portions of the body  500  and/or another component  400 ,  402 , or may have any number of configurations, as non-limiting examples, configurations ranging from completely circular to multi-cornered geometries. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  112  that is a compression type of connector with no post. In other words, having a post-less configuration. The coupler  200  rotates about body  500  instead of a post. The body  500  comprises contacting portion  510 . The contacting portion  510  is integral with the body  500 . As such, the contacting portion  510  may be constructed from a single piece of material with the body  500  or a portion of the body  500 . The contacting portion  510  forms to a contour of the coupler  200  when the coupler  200  is assembled with the body  500 . 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  113  that is a hex-crimp type connector. The coaxial cable connector  113  comprises a coupler  200 , a post  300  with a contacting portion  310  and a body  500 . The contacting portion  310  is integral to and monolithic with post  300 . Contacting portion  310  may be unitized with post  300 . As such, contacting portion  310  may be constructed from a single piece of material with post  300  or a portion of post  300 . Contacting portion  310  forms to a contour of coupler  200  when coupler  200  is assembled with body  500  and post  300 . The coaxial cable connector  113  attaches to a coaxial cable by means radially compressing body  500  with a tool or tools known in the industry. 
       FIG. 11  is an isometric schematic view of post  300  of coaxial cable connector  100  in  FIG. 2  with the contacting portion  310  formed to a position of a contour of a coupler (not shown). 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric cross sectional view of post  300  and coupler  200  of connector  100  in  FIG. 2  illustrated assembled with the post  300 . The contacting portion  310  is formed to a contour of the coupler  200 . 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  114  comprising a post  300  and a coupler  200  having a contacting portion  210 . Contacting portion  210  is shown as an inwardly directed protrusion. Contacting portion  210  is integral to and monolithic with coupler  200  and forms to a contour of post  300  when post  300  assembles with coupler  200 . Contacting portion  210  may be unitized with coupler  200 . As such, contacting portion  210  may be constructed from a single piece of material with coupler  200  or a portion of coupler  200 . Contacting portion  210  provides for electrical continuity from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the terminal regardless of the tightness or adequacy of the coupling of the coaxial cable connector  114  to the terminal, and regardless of the tightness of coaxial cable connector  114  on the terminal. 
     Contacting portion  210  may have or be any shape, including shapes that may be flush or aligned with other portions of coupler  200 , or may have and/or be formed to any number of configurations, as non-limiting examples, configurations ranging from completely circular to multi-cornered geometries. 
       FIGS. 14, 15 and 16  are cross-sectional views of embodiments of coaxial cable connectors  115  with a post similar to post  300  comprising a contacting portion  310  as described above such that the contacting portion  310  is shown as outwardly radially projecting, which forms to a contour of the coupler  200  at different locations of the coupler  200 . Additionally, the contacting portion  310  may contact the coupler  200  rearward of the lip  215 , for example as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , which may be at the rearward facing surface  217  of the lip  215 , for example as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  116  with a body  500  comprising a contacting portion  310 , wherein the contacting portion  310  is shown as an outwardly directed protrusion from body  500  that forms to the coupler  200 . 
       FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  117  having a post  300  with an integral contacting portion  310  and a coupler  200  with an undercut  231 . The contacting portion  310  is shown as a protrusion that forms to the contours of coupler  200  at the position of undercut  231 .  FIG. 18A  is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector  117  as shown in  FIG. 18  having a prepared coaxial cable inserted in the coaxial cable connector  117 . The body  500  and the post  300  receive the coaxial cable ( FIG. 18A ). The post  300  at the back end  395  is inserted between an outer conductor and a dielectric layer of the coaxial cable. 
       FIG. 19  is a partial, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  118  having a post  301  comprising an integral contacting portion  310 . The movable post  301  is shown in a forward position with the contacting portion  310  not formed by a contour of the coupler  200 .  FIG. 20  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable connector  118  shown in  FIG. 19  with the post  301  in a rearward position and the contacting portion  310  forming to a contour of the coupler  200 . 
     It should be understood that while the invention has been described in detail with respect to various exemplary embodiments thereof, it should not be considered limited to such, as numerous modifications are possible without departing from the broad scope of the appended claims. It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.