BACKGROUND

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

