Patent ID: 8231400
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: G02B,H01R

Abstract:
1. A latch assembly for a connector comprising: a latch coupled to the connector, the latch including a crossbar and a latch arm extending from the crossbar, the latch arm configured to engage a mating connector; the latch includes an anchor point fixing the latch to the connector, the anchor point being positioned forward of the crossbar, the latch rotating about the anchor point between an open position, where the latch arm is configured to disengage from the mating connector, and a closed position, where the latch arm is configured to engage the mating connector; and a biasing mechanism engaging the crossbar of the latch rearward of the anchor point to bias the latch into the closed position, wherein the biasing mechanism rotates the crossbar about the anchor point, wherein in the closed position the latch assembly generates a latch force on the mating connector in a direction opposite to a load force imposed on at least one of the connector or the mating connector, the biasing mechanism extending axially in a direction non-parallel to the latch force.