Abstract:
A coaxial cable connector includes a connector body having a longitudinal axis passing through first and second opposed body ends, a connector center conductor for transporting a signal through the connector, and a coil spring that is coiled about the longitudinal axis. The second body end is for engaging a male coaxial cable connector, and the coil spring urges an electromagnetic shield to protrude from the second body end.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/867,126, filed Sep. 28, 2015, pending, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/661,288, filed Oct. 26, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,147,955, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/554,572, filed on Nov. 2, 2011. The disclosure of the prior application[s] is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It is desirable to maintain continuity through a coaxial cable connector, which typically involves the continuous contact of conductive connector components which can prevent radio frequency (RF) leakage and ensure a stable ground connection. For example, physical contact between a nut and a post of a coaxial cable connector extends a continuous, uninterrupted ground path through the connector when the connector is mated onto a port. An additional continuity member, such as a metal spring or a metal washer, disposed within the connector is typically required to extend electrical continuity through the connector. However, not all coaxial cable connectors come equipped with the additional component required to extend electrical continuity through the connector. The absence of a continuity member within the connector adversely affects signal quality and invites RF leakage with poor RF shielding when the connector is mated onto the port. 
         [0003]    Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and method for a port that provides continuity through a standard coaxial cable connector not having an additional continuity member. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    One general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first end and a second end, the outer housing configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector at one or both of a first end and a second end, and a biasing member disposed within the outer housing to bias a post of the coaxial cable connector into contact with a coupling member of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the contact between the post and the coupling member extends continuity between the post and the coupling member. 
         [0005]    Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first end and a second end, the outer housing configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector at one or both of a first end and a second end, and a biasing member disposed within the outer housing to bias against a post of the coaxial cable, wherein the contact between the post and the biasing extends electrical continuity between the coaxial cable connector and the port. 
         [0006]    Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first portion and a second portion, a first insulator disposed within the first portion of the outer housing, a collar operably attached to the first insulator, the collar having a flange, and a biasing member disposed between the collar and a second insulator body, the biasing member configured to exert a biasing force against the collar in a first direction and against a second insulator body in a second direction when being compressed. 
         [0007]    Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first portion and a second portion, a first insulator disposed within the first portion of the outer housing, wherein a collar is operably attached to the first insulator, and a biasing member disposed within the outer housing, the biasing member biasingly engaging the collar. 
         [0008]    Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first portion and a second portion, a first moveable insulator disposed within the first portion, wherein a first collar is operably attached to the first moveable insulator, a second moveable insulator disposed within the second portion, wherein a second collar is operably attached to the second moveable insulator, and a biasing member disposed within the outer housing, the biasing member biasingly engaging the first collar and the second collar. 
         [0009]    Another general aspect relates to a port comprising an outer housing having a first end and a second end, the outer housing configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector at one or both of a first end and a second end, and a means to extend electrical continuity between a coupling member of the coaxial cable connector and a post of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the means is disposed within the outer housing. 
         [0010]    Another general aspect relates to a method of providing continuity to a coaxial cable connector, comprising providing an outer housing having a first end and a second end, the outer housing configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector at one or both of a first end and a second end, disposing a biasing member within the outer housing to bias at least one collar, and advancing the coaxial cable connector onto the outer housing to bring a post of the coaxial cable connector into engagement with the at least one collar, wherein the engagement between the post and the at least one collar biases the post into a coupling member of the coaxial cable connector to extend electrical continuity through the connector. 
         [0011]    Another general aspect relates to a port for a connector having a post and a coupler. The port comprises an outer housing having a first portion and a second portion, a collar having a flange configured to engage a post of a connector, and a first insulator body disposed within the first portion and having a mating edge configured to engage the flange. The port further comprises a second insulator body having a first end and a second end and disposed within the second portion. The port further comprises a biasing member at least partially surrounding the first insulator body and configured to engage the collar at a forward end and the first end of the second insulator body at a rearward end. Engagement of the port with the connector exerts a biasing force against the collar to contact the post and to bias the post into contact with a coupler to maintain physical and electrical contact between the post and the coupler. 
         [0012]    Another general aspect relates to a port for coupling a cable connector having a post and a coupler. The port comprises a collar configured to contact a post, a first insulator body disposed within at least a portion of the collar, a second insulator body spaced axially from the collar, and a biasing member disposed between the first insulator body and the second insulator body. The biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force against the first insulator body in one direction and against the second insulator body in another direction. The biasing force exerted against the first insulator body is transferred to a post so as to bias the post into contact with a coupler to maintain physical and electrical contact between the coupler and the post. 
         [0013]    Another general aspect relates to a port for a connector having a post and a coupler. The port comprises a collar configured to contact a post, an insulator body spaced axially from the collar, and a biasing structure having a first end and a second end. The second end is configured to exert a biasing force against the insulator body and the first end is configured to exert a biasing force from the collar to the post of a connector when the connector is coupled to the port so as to biasingly maintain physical and electrical contact between the post and a coupler. 
         [0014]    Still another general aspect relates to a port for biasingly maintaining an electrical ground path in a connector having a post and a coupler when the connector is coupled to the port. The port comprises a collar, an insulator body, and a biasing member configured to biasingly maintain a post and a coupler of a connector in electrical contact with one another during operation of the connector and when the connector is coupled to the port. 
         [0015]    The foregoing and other features of construction and operation will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of a port; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port having an embodiment of an alternative biasing member; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port having an embodiment of an alternative biasing member; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port having an embodiment of an alternative biasing member; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port in an original position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the port in a compressed or advanced position; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross-section view of a second embodiment of a port. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. Although certain embodiments 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 disclosure 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 disclosure. 
         [0026]    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. 
         [0027]    Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a port  100 . Embodiments of port  100  may terminate a coaxial cable connector, and may be configured to extend continuity through a standard coaxial cable by biasing the post into contact with the nut when the connector is terminated at the port. Terminating a coaxial cable connector may occur when the connector is mated, threadably or otherwise, with port  100 . Embodiments of port  100  may be a two-sided port, such as found in a splice, a one-sided equipment port, such as found on a cable box, an equipment port, such as found on a cell tower, or any conductive receptacle configured to mate with a coaxial cable connector and/or receive a center conductive strand of a coaxial cable. Embodiments of the port  100  may include a first end  1  and a second end  2 , and may have an inner surface  3  and an outer surface  4 . An annular flange portion  9  of the port  100  may be positioned between the first end  1  and the second end  2 , wherein the annular flange portion  9  may be a bulkhead or other physical portion that provides separation from a first portion  10  and a second portion  20  and also may provide an edge having a larger outer diameter than the outer surface  4  of the port  100 . For example, the annular flange portion  9  may separate a first portion  10 , or first side, and a second portion  20 , or second side. Embodiments of the first portion  10  of the port  100  may be configured to matably receive a coaxial cable connector, such as connector  1000  shown in  FIG. 2 . The outer surface  4  (or a portion thereof) of the port  100  may be threaded to accommodate an inner threaded surface of a coupling member  1030  of connector  1000 . However, embodiments of the outer surface  4  of the port  100  may be smooth or otherwise non-threaded. In further embodiments, the second portion  20  of the port  100  may also matably receive a coaxial cable connector, such as connector  1000 . It should be recognized that the radial thickness and/or the length of the port  100  and/or the conductive receptacle may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Moreover, the pitch and depth of threads which may be formed upon the outer surface  4  of the coaxial cable interface port  100  may also vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Furthermore, it should be noted that the port  100  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  100  electrical interface with a coaxial cable connector, such as connector  1000 . Further still, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the port  100  may be embodied by a connective interface component of a communications modifying device such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like. 
         [0028]    Referring still to  FIG. 1 , and with additional reference to  FIG. 2 , embodiments of port  100  may include an outer housing  90 , a first insulator body  50 , a second insulator body  60 , an electrical contact  30 , a collar  70 , and a biasing member  80 . Embodiments of port  100 ,  300  may include an outer housing  90 ,  390  having a first end  91 ,  391  and a second end  92 ,  392 , the outer housing  90 ,  390  configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector  1000  at one or both of a first end  91 ,  391  and a second end  92 ,  392 , and a biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280 ,  380  disposed within the outer housing  90 ,  390  to bias a post  1040  of the coaxial cable connector  1000  into contact with a coupling member  1030  of the coaxial cable connector  1000 , wherein the contact between the post  1040  and the coupling member  1030  extends continuity between the post  1040  and the coupling member  1030 . Further embodiments of port  100 ,  300  may include an outer housing  90 ,  390  having a first portion  10 ,  310 , and a second portion  320 , a first insulator  50 ,  350  disposed within the first portion  10 ,  310  of the outer housing  90 ,  390 , wherein a collar  70 ,  370   a  is operably attached to the first insulator  50 ,  350 , and a biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280 ,  380  disposed within the outer housing  90 ,  390 , the biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280 ,  380  biasingly engaging the collar  70 ,  370   a . Even further embodiments of port  100  may include an outer housing  90  having a first portion  10  and a second portion  20 , a first insulator  50  disposed within the first portion  10  of the outer housing  90 , a collar  70  operably attached to the first insulator  50 , the collar having a flange  75 , and a biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280  disposed between the collar  70  and a second insulator body  60 , the biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280  configured to exert a biasing force against the collar  70  in a first direction and against a second insulator body  60  in a second direction when being compressed. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  1000 . Embodiments of coaxial cable connector  1000  may be any standard coaxial cable connector which does or does not include an additional component or special structure to effectuate continuous grounding through the connector  1000 . More particularly, the coaxial cable connector  1000  may be an F connector, a 75 Ohm connector, a 50 Ohm connector, a connector used in wireless applications for attachment to an equipment port on a cell tower, a connector used with broadband communications, and the like. Moreover, embodiments of a coaxial cable connector  1000  may be operably affixed to a coaxial cable  10 , wherein the coaxial cable includes a center conductor  18  being surrounded by a dielectric  16 , which is surrounded by an outer conductive strand  14 , which is surrounded by a protective cable jacket  12 . Embodiments of the coaxial cable connector  1000  may include a coupling member  1030 , a post  1040 , a connector body  1050 , and other various components, such as a fastener or cap member. The coupling member  1030  may be operably attached to the post  1040  such that the coupling member  1030  may rotate freely about the post and ultimately thread onto or otherwise mate with the port  100 . Embodiments of the coupling member  1030  can be conductive; for example, can be comprised of metal(s) to extend continuity between the post  1040  and/or the outer threads of the port  100 . Other embodiments of the coupling member  1030  may be formed of plastic or similar non-metal material because electrical continuity may extend through contact the post  1040  and the port  100  (e.g. post  1040  to collar  70  or conductive insulator body  50 ). The post  1040  may be configured to receive a prepared end of the cable  10  as known to those skilled in the art, and may include a flange  1045  and a mating edge  46 ; the mating edge  46  may be configured to engage a collar  70  as the connector  1000  is threadably or otherwise advanced onto the port  1000 . The connector body  1050  can be operably attached to the post and radially surround the post  1040 , as known to those having skill in the art. 
         [0030]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , with continued reference to  FIG. 2 , embodiments of port  100  may include an outer housing  90 . Embodiments of the outer housing  90  may include a generally axial opening therethrough to accommodate one or more components within the outer housing  90 . The components disposed within the outer housing  90  may be moveable within the opening of the outer housing  90  in a generally axial direction. The outer housing  90  may have exterior threaded surface portions  94  that may correspond to a threaded inner surface of a coupler member  1030  of a coaxial cable connector  1000 . The outer housing  90  may also include a first portion  10 , a second portion  20 , and an annular flange portion  9  that can separate the first portion  10  and the second portion  20 . Embodiments of the first portion  10 , the second portion  20 , and the annular flange portion  9  may be structurally integral with each other forming a single, one-piece conductive component. Moreover, the outer housing  90  may include an annular recess  95  along an inner surface  93  of the outer housing  90 . The annular recess  95  may be a portion of the inner surface  93  that is recessed a distance, forming an edge  96 . Proximate or otherwise near the distal end of the second portion  20  (distal from the annular flange portion  9 ), a radially inwardly extending portion  98  may act as a stopper or other physical edge to restrain axial movement of a second insulator body  60  when biasing forces are exerted onto the second insulator body  60  during mating of the connector  1000  onto port  100 . Furthermore, embodiments of outer housing  90  may include an inner annular shoulder  97 , as depicted in  FIG. 6 . The shoulder  97  may protrude a distance from the inner surface  93  of the outer housing  90  to provide an edge for the biasing member  80  to rest on, make contact with, or bias against. The contact between the flat face of the shoulder  97  and the biasing member  80  may eliminate any grounding concerns by ensuring sufficient contact between the biasing member  80  and the outer housing  90 . The outer housing  90  should be formed of metals or other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed outer shell. Manufacture of the outer housing  90  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
         [0031]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , embodiments of the port  100  may include a first insulator body  50 . Embodiments of the first insulator body  50  may be a generally annular or cylindrical tubular member, and may be disposed or otherwise located within the generally axial opening of the outer housing  90 , proximate or otherwise near the first end  1  of the port  100 . In other words, the first insulator body  50  may be disposed within the first portion  10  of the outer housing  90 . The first insulator body  50  may include a first end  51 , a second end  52 , an inner surface  53 , and an outer surface  54 . Proximate the first end  51 , the first insulator body  50  may include a first mating edge  57  which is configured to physically engage a flange  75  of a collar  70  that may be disposed around the first insulator body  50 . Proximate or otherwise near the opposing second end, the first insulator body  50  may include a second edge  58 . The first insulator body  50  may have an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the outer housing  90  to allow the collar  70  to fit within the opening of the outer housing  90 . Moreover, the first insulator body  50  may include an inner opening  55  extending axially from the first end  51  through the second end  52 ; the inner opening  55  may have various diameters at different axial points between the first end  51  and the second end  52 . For example, the inner opening may be initially tapered proximate or otherwise near the first end  51  and taper inward to a constant diameter and then taper outward to a larger diameter proximate or otherwise near the second end  52 . The inner opening  55  may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate a portion of an electrical contact  30 , and when a coaxial cable connector  1000  is mated onto the port  100 , the inner opening  55  may accommodate a portion of a center conductor  18  of a coaxial cable. Furthermore, the first insulator body  50  should be made of non-conductive, insulator materials. Manufacture of the first insulator body  50  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, compression molding, injection molding, spraying, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
         [0032]    Embodiments of port  100  may also include a second insulator body  60 . Embodiments of the second insulator body  60  may be a generally annular or cylindrical tubular member, and may be disposed or otherwise located within the generally axial opening of the outer housing  90 , proximate or otherwise near the second end  2  of the port  100 . In other words, the second insulator body  60  may be disposed within the second portion  20  of the outer housing  90 . The second insulator body  60  may include a first end  61 , a second end  62 , an inner surface  63 , and an outer surface  64 . Proximate or otherwise near the first end  61 , the second insulator body  60  may include a first edge  67  which is configured to physically engage a biasing member  80 . For instance, the first edge  67  may be a surface of the second insulator body  60  that physically contacts the biasing member  80 . Proximate or otherwise near the second end  62 , the second insulator body  60  may include a second edge  68  that is configured to engage the inwardly radially extending portion  98  (e.g. a stopper) of the outer housing  90 ; the engagement of the second edge  86  and portion  98  can maintain a stationary position of the second insulator body  60  which provides a normal or otherwise reactant force against the biasing force of the biasing member  80  to facilitate the compression and/or biasing of the biasing member  80 . The second insulator body  60  may have an outer diameter that is sized and dimensioned to fit within the opening of the outer housing  90 . For example, the second insulator body  60  may be press-fit or interference fit within the opening of the outer housing  90 . Moreover, the second insulator body  60  may include an inner opening  65  extending axially from the first end  61  through the second end  62 ; the inner opening  65  may have various diameters at different axial points between the first end  61  and the second end  62 . For example, the inner opening may be initially tapered proximate or otherwise near the second end  62  and taper inward to a constant diameter and then taper outward to a larger diameter proximate or otherwise near the first end  61 . The inner opening  65  may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate a portion of an electrical contact  30 . Furthermore, the second insulator body  60  should be made of non-conductive, insulator materials. Manufacture of the second insulator body  60  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, compression molding, injection molding, spraying, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
         [0033]    Furthermore, embodiments of port  100  may include an electrical contact  30 . Embodiments of the electrical contact  30  may be a conductive element/member that may extend or carry an electrical current and/or signal from a first point to a second point. Contact  30  may be a terminal, a pin, a conductor, an electrical contact, and the like. Electrical contact  30  may include a first end  31  and an opposing second end  32 . Portions of the electrical contact  30  proximate or otherwise near the first end  31  may be disposed within the inner opening  55  of the first insulator body  50  while portions of the electrical contact  30  proximate or otherwise near the second end  32  may be disposed within the inner opening  65  of the second insulator body  60 . Moreover, embodiments of the electrical contact  30  may include a first socket  35   a  proximate or otherwise near the first end  31  of the contact  30  to receive, accept, collect, and/or clamp a center conductive strand  18  of a coaxial cable connector  1000 . Likewise, embodiments of the electrical contact  30  may include a second socket  35   b  proximate or otherwise near the second end  32 . The sockets  35   a ,  35   b  may be slotted to permit deflection to more effectively clamp and/or increase contact surface between the center conductor  18  and the socket  35   a ,  35   b . The electrical contact  30  may be electrically isolated from the collar  75  and the conductive outer shell  90  by the first and second insulator bodies  50 ,  60 . Embodiments of the electrical contact  30  should be made of conductive materials. 
         [0034]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , embodiments of the port  100  may further include a collar  70 . Embodiments of the collar  70  may be a generally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough. The collar  70  may be operably attached to the first insulator body  50 . For instance, the collar  70  may be disposed around the first insulator body  50 , proximate or otherwise near the first end  51 . The collar  70  may be press-fit or interference fit around the first insulator body  50 . Moreover, the collar  70  may include a first end  71 , a second end  72 , an inner surface  73 , and an outer surface  74 . Embodiments of the collar  70  may include a flange  75  proximate or otherwise near the first end  71 ; the flange  75  can be a radially inward protrusion that may extend a radial distance inward into the general axial opening of the collar  70 . The flange  75  may physically engage the mating edge  57  of the first insulator body  50  while operably configured, and may prevent axial movement of the collar  70  toward the second end  2  of the port  100  that is independent of the first insulator body  50 . In other words, when the collar  70  is engaged and displaced by a coaxial cable connector  1000  as the connector  100  is being threaded or otherwise inserted onto the first portion  10  of the outer housing  90 , the mechanical engagement between the flange  75  of the collar  70  and the mating edge  57  of the first insulator body  50  can allow the first insulator body  50  and the collar  70  to move/slide axially within the general opening of the outer housing  90  and engage the biasing member  80 . Furthermore, the collar  70  may include a mating edge  76  proximate or otherwise near the second end  72  of the collar  70 . The mating edge  76  may be configured to biasingly engage the biasing member  80 . Embodiments of the mating edge  76  of the collar  70  may be tapered or ramped to deflect/direct the deformation of the biasing member  80  towards the outer surface  54  of the first insulator body  50 . The degree of tapering, the direction of the taper, and the presence of a tapered mating edge  76  may be utilized to alter or control the amount of spring force exerted onto the internal component(s) of the port  100 . The collar  70  may be formed of metals or other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed cylindrical tubular body. Manufacture of the collar  70  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
         [0035]    Embodiments of the port  100  may further include a biasing member  80 . Embodiments of a biasing member  80  may be any component that is compressible and can exert a biasing force against an object (in a direction opposing the inward direction that the biasing member  80  is being compressed) to return to its original shape. For example, embodiments of the biasing member  80  may be a spring, a coil spring, a compression spring, a rubber gasket, one or more O-rings, rubber bushing(s), spacer(s), spring finger(s), and the like, that has a combination of rigidity and elasticity to compress/deform in a manner that exerts a biasing force against the collar  70 , in particular, against the mating edge  76  of the collar  70 . Furthermore, embodiments of the biasing member  80  may be disposed between the collar  70  and the second insulator body  60  within the general axial opening of the outer housing  90 . For instance, the biasing member  80  may biasingly engage the collar  70  at a first end  81  of the biasing member  80  and biasingly engage the second insulator body  60  at a second end  82  of the biasing member  80 . When a connector  1000  is threaded or otherwise inserted onto port  100 , the biasing member  80  can compress between the collar  70  and the second insulator body  60 , exerting a biasing force against the collar  70 , which can ultimately force the post  1040  back into contact with the coupling member  1030  to extend electrical continuity through the connector  1000  and continue through the port  100 . Additionally, the biasing of the collar  70  against the post  1040  can extend electrical continuity between the post  1040 , or mating edge of the post  1046 , and the collar  70 . For example, a mating edge  1046  (flat face of post flange) of the post can physically contact the flat mating edge (front face of collar) of the collar  70 , wherein contact is ensured due to biasing of the biasing member  80 . The biasing member  80  can be formed of conductive materials, such as metals, or non-conductive materials. For example, the biasing member  80  may be made of steel, beryllium copper, stainless steel, silicone, high-carbon wire, oil-tempered carbon wire, chrome vanadium, and the like. Further still, embodiments of the biasing member  80  may include the collar  70  integrally attached such that the biasing member  80  and the collar  70  are one piece that is configured to compress in response to a connector  1000  being threaded or axially advanced onto port  100 . 
         [0036]    Further embodiments of port  100  may not include a separate component to provide the biasing force, but rather the first insulator body  50  and/or the second insulator body  60  may include an integral biasing member. For instance, the first and/or second insulator bodies  50 ,  60  may include a projection of the plastic (or conductively coated plastic or conductive elastomer) that may act as biasing member. Embodiments of an integral biasing member may include the insulator body  50 ,  60  having an integral portion that is coiled to provide resilient properties to the insulator body  50 ,  60 .  FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of biasing member  800 , wherein metal deposition techniques are used to form an insulator having metal traces and a built in spring to provide biasing and continuity. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , embodiments of port  100  may include a biasing member  180 . Embodiments of biasing member  180  may share the same or substantially the same function as biasing member  80 ; however, biasing member  180  may be disposed between the first insulator body  50  and the second insulator body  60 , and configured to compress when a connector  1000  is threaded or otherwise inserted onto the port  100 . For instance, embodiments of biasing member  180  may biasingly engage the second edge  58  of the first insulator body  50  at a first end  181  and may biasingly engage the first edge  67  of the second insulator body  60 . Embodiments of biasing member  180  may be one or more resilient fingers disposed between the first and second insulator bodies  50 ,  60 . When a connector  1000  is threaded or otherwise inserted onto port  100 , the biasing member  180  can compress between the first insulator body  50  and the second insulator body  60 , exerting a biasing force against the first insulator body  50 , which can ultimately force the post  1040  back into contact with the coupling member  1030  to extend electrical continuity through the connector  1000  and continue through the port  100 . The biasing member  180  can be formed of conductive materials, such as metals, or non-conductive materials. For example, the biasing member  80  may be made of steel, stainless steel, beryllium copper, silicone, high-carbon wire, oil-tempered carbon wire, chrome vanadium, and the like. 
         [0038]    With reference now to  FIG. 5 , embodiments of port  100  may include a biasing member  280 . Embodiments of biasing member  280  may share the same or substantially the same function as biasing member  80 ; however, biasing member  280  may be disposed between the first insulator body  50  and the second insulator body  60 , and configured to compress when a connector  1000  is threaded or otherwise inserted onto the port  100 . For instance, embodiments of biasing member  280  may biasingly engage the second edge  58  of the first insulator body  50  at a first end  181  and may biasingly engage the first edge  67  of the second insulator body  60 . Embodiments of biasing member  180  may be a rubber gasket, a rubber collar, or any generally cylindrical member that is elastic and can compress between the first and second insulator bodies  50 ,  60  and exert a biasing force against the components. When a connector  1000  is threaded or otherwise inserted onto port  100 , the biasing member  280  can compress between the first insulator body  50  and the second insulator body  60 , exerting a biasing force against the first insulator body  50 , which can ultimately force the post  1040  back into contact with the coupling member  1030  to extend electrical continuity through the connector  1000  and continue through the port  100 . The biasing member  280  should be formed of non-conductive materials, such as rubber or similarly elastic material. 
         [0039]    Referring still to the drawings,  FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of port  100  in an original, rest position. The original rest position may refer to when the connector  1000  has not contacted the port  100 , and thus no deflection or compression of the components of port  100  has taken place.  FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of port  100  in a compressed position. The compressed position may refer to the position where the connector  1000  has been fully or substantially advanced onto port  100 . For instance, the biasing member  80  is more compressed than in the position shown in  FIG. 2 , and a stronger biasing force is being exerted against the collar  70 , and thus electrical continuity can be established and maintained between the post  1040  and the collar  70 . In the compressed position, the post  1040  of the connector  1000  is also forced/compressed/biased against the coupling member  1030 . However, those having skill in the art should appreciate that the post  1040  is biased against the coupling member  1030  prior to the fully compressed position, such as a position prior to full or substantial advancement on the port  100 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , the manner in which the port  100  extends continuity through a standard coaxial cable connector, such as connector  1000 , when the connector  100  is threaded or otherwise inserted onto the port  100  will now be described. In an original position (shown in  FIG. 6 ), the biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280  may be in a position of rest, and the collar  70  and a portion of the first insulator body  50  may extend a distance from the first end  91  of the outer housing  90  so that the post  1040  contacts the collar  70  prior to the coupling member  1030  threadably engaging the outer housing  90 , or after only a few revolutions of the coupling member  1030  onto the port  100 . However, embodiments of the port  100  in the original position may include the collar  70  at various axial distances from the first end  91  of the outer housing  90 , including embodiments where the collar  70  and the first insulator  50  are within the general opening of the outer housing  90  and not extending a distance from the first end  91 . As a connector  1000  is initially threaded or otherwise inserted (e.g. axially advanced) onto the first portion  10  of the outer housing  90 , the mating edge  1046  of the post  40  can physically engage the flange  75  of the collar  70 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Continuing to thread or otherwise axially advance the connector  1000  onto the port  100  can cause the collar  70  and the first insulator body  50  to displace further and further axially towards the second end  2  of the port  100  and compress the biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280 . Any compression/deformation of the biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280  caused by the axial movement of the collar  70  and/or the first insulator body  50  results in a biasing force exerted against the collar  70  and/or the first insulator body  50  in the opposing direction while the biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280  constantly tries to return to its original shape/rest position. The biasing force exerted onto the collar  70  and/or first insulator body  50  by the biasing member  80  transfers to a biasing force against the post  1040  in the same opposing direction (i.e. opposing the axial direction of the connector moving onto the port  100 ) which extends continuity between the connector  1000  and the port  100 . Additionally, the biasing force exerted against the post  1040  can axially displace and/or bias the post  1040  in the same opposing direction into physical contact with the coupling member  1030 . The physical contact between the post  1040  and the coupling member  1030 , if the coupling member  1030  is conductive, extends electrical continuity between the post  1040  and the coupling member  1030 , thereby providing a continuous grounding path through the connector  1000 . The connector  1000  may be threaded or otherwise axially advanced onto the post  100  until the compressed position, as shown in  FIG. 7 ; the biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280  can constantly exert a biasing force while in the fully compressed position, thereby, in addition to establishing, the compressed biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280  may maintain continuity through the connector  1000  which improves signal quality and afford improved RF shielding properties. 
         [0041]    In another embodiment, the port  100  can extend electrical continuity through the connector  1000  and onto the port  100  without the need for collar  70 . For instance, the first insulator body  50  and/or the second insulator body  60  may be formed of a conductive rubber, or conductive material may be applied to the first and second insulators  50 ,  60 . Accordingly, contact between the conductive insulators  50 ,  60  and the post  1040  may extend electrical continuity therebetween. Those having skill in the art should appreciate that a conductive coating may be applied to the entire outer body, just a front face/edge, or the front face/edge and the outer surfaces of the first and second insulators  50 ,  60 , (whichever insulator  50 ,  60  will contact a post of a coaxial cable connector may be conductively coated). 
         [0042]    With continued reference to the drawings,  FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of port  300 . Embodiments of port  300  may share the same or substantially the same structure and function as port  100 . However, embodiments of port  300  can be used specifically for two-sided ports to provide continuity to two connectors, such as at a splice connection. For example, both the first and the second insulator bodies  350 ,  360  are moveable within the axial opening of the outer housing  390  in response to the biasing force exerted by the biasing member  380  to axially displace and/or bias the post  1040  of a connector  1000  into physical contact with the coupling member  1000  as the connector is threaded or axially advanced onto the port  300 . The manner in which the port  300  provides continuity through the connector  1000  is the same or substantially the same as described above in association with port  100 . Moreover, the connectors configured to be threaded or axially advanced onto the port  300  may be the same or substantially the same as connector  1000 ; those skilled in the art should appreciate that a connector mated onto one end of port  300  can be of a different size, quality, standard, performance level, etc. than the connector mated onto the other end of the port  300 . 
         [0043]    Embodiments of port  300  may include an outer housing  390 , a first insulator body  350 , a first collar  370   a , a second insulator body  360 , a second collar  370   b , an electrical contact  330 , and a biasing member  380 . Embodiments of the outer housing  390 , the first insulator  350 , the first and second collars  370   a ,  370   b , the electrical contact  330 , and the biasing member  380  may share the same or substantially the same structure and function as the outer housing  90 , the first insulator  50 , the collar  70 , the electrical contact  30 , and the biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280 , respectively. However, embodiments of the biasing member  380  may biasingly engage the first collar  370   a  at one end  381  and a second collar  370   b  at a second end  382 . Further embodiments of port  300  may include an outer housing  390  having a first portion  310  and a second portion  320 , a first moveable insulator  350  disposed within the first portion  310 , wherein a first collar  370   a  is operably attached to the first moveable insulator  350 , a second moveable insulator  360  disposed within the second portion  320 , wherein a second collar  370   b  is operably attached to the second moveable insulator  360 , and a biasing member  380  disposed within the outer housing  390 , the biasing member  380  biasingly engaging the first collar  370   a  and the second collar  370   b.    
         [0044]    However, embodiments of port  300  may include a second insulator body  360  that is moveable within the general opening of the outer housing  90 , just as the first insulator body  350 . For instance, the second insulator body  360  may be a generally annular or cylindrical tubular member, and may be disposed or otherwise located within the generally axial opening of the outer housing  90 , proximate or otherwise near the second end  2  of the port  300 . Proximate the first end  361 , the second insulator body  360  may include a first mating edge  367  which is configured to physically engage a flange  375   b  of the second collar  370   b  that may be disposed around the second insulator body  360 . Proximate or otherwise near the opposing second end, the second insulator body  360  may include a second edge  368 . The second insulator body  360  may have an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the outer housing  390  to allow the second collar  370   b  to fit within the opening of the outer housing  390 . Moreover, the second insulator body  360  may include an inner opening  365  extending axially from the first end  361  through the second end  362 ; the inner opening  365  may have various diameters at different axial points between the first end  361  and the second end  362 . For example, the inner opening may be initially tapered proximate or otherwise near the second end  362  and taper inward to a constant diameter and then taper outward to a larger diameter proximate or otherwise near the first end  361 . The inner opening  365  may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate a portion of an electrical contact  330 , and when a coaxial cable connector  1000  is mated onto the port  300  on the second end  2  of the port  300 , the inner opening  365  may accommodate a portion of a center conductor  18  of a coaxial cable  10 . Furthermore, the second insulator body  360  should be made of non-conductive, insulator materials. Manufacture of the second insulator body  360  may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, compression molding, injection molding, spraying, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-8 , embodiments of a method of providing continuity through a coaxial cable connector  1000  may include the steps of providing an outer housing  90 ,  390  having a first end  91 ,  391  and a second end  92 ,  392 , the outer housing  90 ,  390  configured to terminate a coaxial cable connector  1000  at one or both of a first end  91 ,  391  and a second end  92 ,  392 , disposing a biasing member  80 ,  180 ,  280 ,  380  within the outer housing  90 ,  390  to bias at least one collar  70 ,  370   a ,  370   b  and advancing the coaxial cable connector  1000  onto the outer housing  90 ,  390  to bring a post  1040  of the coaxial cable connector  1000  into engagement with the at least one collar  70 ,  370   a ,  370   b , wherein the engagement between the post  1040  and the at least one collar  70 ,  370   a ,  370   b  biases the post  1040  into a coupling member  1030  of the coaxial cable connector  1000  to extend electrical continuity through the connector  1000 . 
         [0046]    While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.