Abstract:
An optical fiber connector includes a housing with at least one elongated cylindrical cavity, a fiber holder within the cavity including a ferrule which secures an optical fiber therein and a biasing member engaging the fiber holder to bias the ferrule towards an unmated position. A resilient metal latch is mounted on the housing for releasably securing the optical fiber connector to another component. A latch travel limiting structure prevents the latch from deflecting outside a desired predetermined path. Improved structures for mounting the latch on the housing and for creating a duplex connector assembly are also provided.

Description:
REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The Present Disclosure is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/391,547, filed with the U.S. Patent And Trademark Office (USPTO) on 21 Feb. 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. TBD, entitled “Optical Fiber Connector.” The &#39;547 Application is a National Phase Application of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/U.S.2010/046365, filed 23 Aug. 2010 also with the USPTO. The Present Disclosure claims priority to each of these Applications. In addition to the aforementioned claims of priority, the Present Disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/235,914, entitled “Optical Fiber Connector,” and filed 21 Aug. 2009 also with the USPTO. The contents of each of the aforementioned Applications are fully incorporated in their entireties herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     The Present Disclosure generally relates to optical fiber connectors and, more particularly, to connectors with improved latching structure and duplex clip. 
     Optical fiber connectors are an essential part of substantially any optical fiber based communication system. For instance, such connectors may be used to join segments of fiber into longer lengths, to connect fiber to active devices such as transceivers, detectors and repeaters, or to connect fiber to passive devices such as switches and attenuators. The central function of an optical fiber connector is to maintain or position two optical fiber ends such that the core of one fiber is axially aligned with the core of the other fiber. Consequently, the light from one fiber is coupled to the other fiber or transferred between the fibers as efficiently as possible. This is a particularly challenging task because the light-carrying region or core of an optical fiber is quite small. In single mode optical fibers, the core diameter is about 9 microns. In multi-mode fibers, the core can be as large as 62.5 to 100 microns and, hence, alignment is less critical. However, precise alignment is still a necessary feature to effectively interconnect the optical fibers. 
     Another function of an optical fiber connector is to provide mechanical stability to and protection for the optical junction in its working environment. Achieving low insertion loss in coupling two optical fibers is generally a function of the alignment of the fiber ends, the width of the gap between the ends, and the optical surface condition of either or both ends. 
     Precise alignment of the optical fiber is typically accomplished within the design of the optical terminus assembly. The typical optical terminus assembly includes a small cylindrical metal or ceramic ferrule at one end that has a high precision hole passing through its central axis. Glass or plastic optical fiber is secured within the hole of the ferrule using mechanical, adhesive or other retention methods. 
     In a connection between a pair of optical fibers, the ferrules are butted together in an end-to-end manner and light travels from one to the other along their common central axis. 
     In order to minimize the loss of light caused by the connection, it is highly desirable for the cores of the glass fibers to be precisely aligned. The ferrules are typically part of a spring loaded assembly that is movable along the central axis of the optical fibers. Upon mating, each ferrule typically moves approximately 0.5 mm away from its unmated position. 
     In order to expand the range of applications in which optical fiber connectors may be used, plastic housings are sometimes replaced with metal in order to permit the use of optical fiber connectors in extreme temperature, chemical or other environmental conditions. However, such metal housings create challenges relative to the latching structure between components containing the ferrules due to the high precision required and the relatively small distances the ferrules move when mated. That is, metal latch design and construction are challenging in several aspects. First, unlike the plastic housing-latch construction, the metal latch is typically a separate part that must be mounted to housing. Second, a metal latch has its own bending characteristics, which tends to be less stable than that of a plastic latch. Accordingly, additional measures are necessary to ensure that metal latches function correctly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     Accordingly, it is an object to solve the above described problems encountered with existing metal housing optical fiber connectors by providing an improved optical fiber latching structure. More specifically, an optical fiber connector includes a non-polymer housing with at least one elongated cylindrical cavity, a fiber holder within the cavity including a ferrule which secures an optical fiber therein and a biasing member engaging the fiber holder to bias the ferrule towards an unmated position. A resilient metal latch has a mounting portion for securing the latch to the housing, a manually manipulatable portion and at least one latching member for releasably securing the optical fiber connector to another component. A latch travel limiting structure is configured to engage the resilient metal latch and prevent the latch from deflecting outside a desired predetermined path. 
     If desired, the latch travel limiting structure may include a vertical stop surface to prevent the latch from deflecting away from the metal housing more than a predetermined distance and lateral stop surfaces to prevent the latch from deflecting out of a common plane that extends through a longitudinal axis of the connector and a longitudinal axis of the metal latch. The latch travel limiting structure may be a metal component having a latch receiving hole therein with a portion of the metal latch extending through the latch receiving hole. The optical fiber connector may include a member for securing both the fiber holder within the cavity and the latch travel limiting structure to the optical fiber connector. 
     If desired, an optical fiber connector may be provided having a housing with at least one elongated cylindrical cavity and a latch mounting projection extending from a surface of the metal housing. A fiber holder may be provided within the said cavity which includes a ferrule which secures an optical fiber therein. A biasing member engages the fiber holder to bias the ferrule towards an unmated position and a resilient metal latch has a W-shaped mounting portion, a manually manipulatable portion and at least one latching member for releasably securing the optical connector to another component. The W-shaped mounting portion may include a pair of resilient spaced apart arms engaging opposite sides of the latch mounting projection. 
     If desired, the latch mounting projection may include a locking projection extending therefrom and the W-shaped mounting portion of the resilient latch may include an opening through which the latch mounting projection extends. The opening in the W-shaped mounting portion may be circular and a portion of the locking projection positioned within the circular opening may be cylindrical and a portion of the locking projection above the W-shaped mounting portion may be wider than the circular opening in order to secure the latch to the housing. The metal latch may be a generally elongated strip of metal material having first and second ends, with the resilient spaced apart arms of the W-shaped mounting portion projecting from opposite edges of the elongated strip adjacent the first end. The manually manipulatable portion may be located adjacent the second end. The at least one latching projection may be located between the resilient spaced apart arms and the manually manipulatable portion. 
     The metal latch may further include a pair of latching members located between the resilient spaced apart arms and the manually manipulatable portion, with the latching members projecting from the opposite edges of the elongated strip. A latch travel limiting structure may be provided to engage the resilient metal latch and prevent the latch from deflecting beyond a desired predetermined path. The latch travel limiting structure may be configured to prevent the latch from deflecting away from the metal housing more than a predetermined distance and prevent the latch from deflecting out of a common plane that extends through a longitudinal axis of the connector and a longitudinal axis of the metal latch. The latch travel limiting structure may be a metal component having a hole with a portion of the metal latch extending through the hole. 
     A generally W-shaped metal holding device for holding two individual optical fiber connectors in a generally parallel side-by-side orientation may be provided. The device includes first and second clamping members with each of clamping member having a base with first and second oppositely facing sides, and a resilient arm extending from the first side of the base. The base and the resilient arm are dimensioned to clamp a respective one of the optical fiber connectors to hold the optical fiber connectors in the substantially side-by-side relationship. A bridge extends from the second side of each base to interconnect the first and second clamping members. A single common insertion opening is located between the resilient arms of each clamp member and aligned with but spaced from the bridge and dimensioned to permit at least a portion of an optical fiber connector assembly to pass through the common insertion opening and into one of the first and second clamp members. 
     If desired, the metal holding device may be an integrally formed, one-piece member formed of sheet metal material. The base and resilient arm of each clamping member may be arcuately shaped. The bridge may be arcuately shaped and include a radius of curvature, with each base including a radius of curvature and the radius of curvature of the bridge is on a side of the adapter opposite the radius of curvature of each base. Each base may include an opening for receiving a locking projection of an optical fiber connector therein. 
     A duplex optical fiber connector system includes the generally W-shaped clip to maintaining first and second optical fiber connectors in a generally parallel side-by-side orientation to enable simultaneous mating with a mating component. The base and resilient arm of each clamping member may be arcuately shaped and the base of each clamping member may engage a pair of cutouts in the connector housing. The housing of each optical fiber connector may have a locking projection extending therefrom and into an opening in the base of its respective clamping member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the Present Disclosure, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following Detailed Description, taken in connection with the accompanying Figures, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an optical fiber connector assembly including the latching structure of the Present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 1 , taken generally along Line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the connector housing with the latch mechanism spaced therefrom prior to mounting the latch on the housing; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 4A  in which the latch is mounted on the housing and a tool is positioned above the housing and latch assembly; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 4B  but after the tool has engaged the housing to secure the latch to the housing; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an optical fiber cable assembly including the latching structure of the Present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 5 , taken generally along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5  and with the connector assembly mated into an optical fiber adapter; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of duplex clip for creating a duplex connector assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the duplex clip of  FIG. 8  with the connector of  FIG. 1  secured therein and a second connector assembly positioned prior to insertion of the second connector assembly into the clip; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 9  but with both connectors secured in the clip; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 9  but showing the installation of the connectors of  FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 10  but showing the installation of the connectors of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the Present Disclosure may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the Figures, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments, with the understanding that the disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the Present Disclosure, and is not intended to limit the Present Disclosure to that as illustrated. 
     As such, references to a feature or aspect are intended to describe a feature or aspect of an example of the Present Disclosure, not to imply that every embodiment thereof must have the described feature or aspect. Furthermore, it should be noted that the description illustrates a number of features. While certain features have been combined together to illustrate potential system designs, those features may also be used in other combinations not expressly disclosed. Thus, the depicted combinations are not intended to be limiting, unless otherwise noted. 
     In the embodiments illustrated in the Figures, representations of directions such as up, down, left, right, front and rear, used for explaining the structure and movement of the various elements of the Present Disclosure, are not absolute, but relative. These representations are appropriate when the elements are in the position shown in the Figures. If the description of the position of the elements changes, however, these representations are to be changed accordingly. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , an optical fiber connector assembly  15  is depicted. Optical fiber connector  16  includes a plug or ferrule subassembly  20  for retaining a optical fiber cable  17  therein, a connector housing subassembly  30  in which plug  20  is positioned, and an elastomeric boot  29 . Plug  20  is formed of a ceramic ferrule  21  and a metal body  22  in which ferrule  21  is retained by either a press-fit or an adhesive. Metal body  22  is a generally cylindrical, hollow member with a collar  23  having a frusta-conical leading end  24  extending therefrom. As depicted, collar  23  has a series of facets or flat surfaces  23   a  on the outer surface thereof. Cylindrical body section  25  has a diameter smaller than that of collar  23  and thus forms a shoulder  23   b  against which one end of spring  28  abuts. Body  22  is formed of a copper alloy although other materials with similar properties and characteristics could be used. 
     Connector housing subassembly  30  includes a housing  31  having a generally rectangular outer surface and a generally cylindrical bore with a series of sections having different inner diameters. Leading end  31  a of housing  31  has a circular mating bore  32  from which ferrule  21  extends. Mating bore  32  is dimensioned to receive a cylindrical post  91  ( FIG. 7 ) of a mating component or adapter  90 . Rear end  31   b  of housing  31  has a relatively large threaded bore  33  for receiving the threaded leading end  53  of crimp body  51 . Central cavity  34  is located between mating bore  32  and threaded bore  33  and is dimensioned to receive body section  25  of plug  20  and spring  28  therein. Collar engaging bore  35  is located between mating bore  32  and central cavity  34  and is dimensioned to received collar  23  of plug  20  therein. More specifically, bore  35  is dimensioned to received collar  23  therein. The leading edge of bore  35  tapers to form a frusta-conical section  36  that leads into mating bore  32  and engages frusta-conical leading end  24  of collar  23 . 
     Housing  31  includes a raised latching block or projection  36  generally adjacent leading end  31  a thereof for securing latch  40  on an outer surface of housing  31 . Raised latching block  36  is generally rectangular and includes a pair of tapered edges  36   a  for guiding the mounting of latch  40  onto the block. A cylindrical head or projection  37  extends upward from body  36  for locking latch  40  in place. Duplex-locking or retention projection  38  is positioned on housing  31  on its lower surface or the surface opposite raised block  36  and latch  40 . Duplex retention projection  38  has a ramped surface  38   a  that tapers rearwardly towards the central axis of connector  16 . A forwardly facing shoulder  38   b  is used to secured connector assembly  16  to duplex clip  100  if desired. In addition, a pair of cutouts or notches  39  ( FIG. 9 ) may be provided on opposite sides of projection  38  in order to create shoulders  39   a  for retaining optional duplex clip  100 . Housing  31  is formed of aluminum although other materials of similar properties and characteristics could be used. 
     Latch  40  is a cantilevered structure formed of sheet metal and includes a generally W-shaped mounting portion  41 , a manually manipulatable portion or tab  42  and a pair of locking fingers  43  extending from opposite sides of latch  40  between tab  42  and mounting portion  41 . W-shaped mounting portion  41  includes a flat mounting plate  44  for positioning on a top surface  36   b  of raised block  36  and a pair of downwardly depending, resilient arms  45 . Arms  45  are somewhat curved and the distance between the tips  45   a  thereof is dimensioned so as to be slightly less than the lateral width of raised block  36  so that arms  45  deflect upon engagement of latch  40  with raised block  36 . A circular hole  46  is provided through mounting plate  44  through which cylindrical head  37  extends. Latch  40  is formed of beryllium copper although other materials of similar properties and characteristics could be used. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4C , upon positioning latch  40  on raised block  36  with cylindrical head  37  extending through hole  46  of latch  40 , the latch will remain in place on the raised block due to the gripping action of arms  45  on the side surfaces  36   c  of raised block  36 . A swaging tool or pin  110  is then be used to contact the center of top surface  37   a  of cylindrical head  37  in order to deform the portion of cylindrical head  37  that extends above mounting plate  44  and create a swaged head  37   b  that extends over mounting plate  44  and is larger in diameter than hole  46  to secure latch  40  on housing  31 . The engagement between side surfaces  36   c  and resilient arms  45  will prevent rotation of latch  40  around cylindrical head  37  even if the interconnection due to the swaged head  37   b  loosens. 
     The crimping aspect includes a metal crimp body  51  and a metal crimp tube  52 . Crimp body  51  is a generally cylindrical, hollow member with a threaded leading end  53  that is dimensioned to be inserted and rotated within threaded bore  33  of rear end  31   b  of housing  31  in order to secure crimp body  51  to housing  31  and retain plug  20  therein. Crimp body  51  has a tool collar  54  with flat surfaces  54   a  on opposite sides thereof to facilitate engagement of the collar in order to rotate crimp body  51  relative to housing  31 . A forwardly facing shoulder  55  having a diameter smaller than that of tool collar  54  is positioned at the junction of threaded leading end  53  and tool collar  54 . A smaller diameter crimp section  56  is located at the rear end of crimp body  51  and receives crimp tube  52  thereon. Crimp body  51  and crimp tube  52  are dimensioned so as to permit the strength member  17   a  of the optical fiber cable  17  to be positioned between the crimp tube  52  and the crimp section  56  of crimp body  51 . Upon applying a sufficient force, crimp tube  52  deforms around the strength member  17   a  of the optical fiber cable  17  and into recesses in crimp section  53  in order to retain the optical fiber cable  17 . Crimp body  51  is formed of a first type of aluminum and crimp tube  52  is made of a second, softer type of aluminum although other materials of similar properties and characteristics could be used as long as the crimp body is sufficiently strong and the crimp tube is sufficiently soft. Elastomeric boot  29  is positioned on the rear end of connector  16  and acts as a strain relief and limits the bending of optical fiber cable  17  as it exits the connector  16 . 
     Compression spring  28  is positioned between plug  20  and crimp body  51  with the leading end  28   a  of compression spring  28  engaging shoulder  23   b  of collar  23  and the rear end  28   b  of spring  28  engaging the leading edge  51  a of crimp body  51 . Plug  20 , housing  31  and crimp body  51  are dimensioned so that spring  28  forces frusta-conical leading end  24  of collar  23  into engagement with frusta-conical section  36  of bore  35  when the connector  16  is not mated to another component such as a connector. Upon mating with another component, ferrule  21  will engage such other component with sufficient force to overcome the force of spring  28  and plug  20  will move rearwardly relative to housing  31 . 
     Latch protection member  60  is a structure that limits the travel of latch  40  and is positioned between rear end  31   b  of housing  31  and forwardly facing shoulder  55  of crimp body  51 . Latch protection member includes a mounting section  61  with a circular opening  62  through which threaded leading end  53  of crimp body  51  extends. An angled arm  63  extends forwardly relative to mounting section  61  and includes a rectangular opening  64  therein. A generally S-shaped transition section  65  interconnects mounting leg  61  and angled arm  63 . Manually manipulatable tab  42  extends through rectangular opening  64 . The upper surface  64   a  of opening  64  limits the distance that latch  40  may deflect away from housing  31  as shown by arrow “A.” As a result, latch  40  is prevented from becoming unlatched from a mating component due to movement of latch  40  away from housing  31 . In addition, side surfaces  64   b  of opening  64  prevent latch  40  from moving laterally. As a result, latch  40  is constrained to move within a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of latch  40  and the central axis of connector assembly  15 . Latch protection member is formed of stainless steel although other materials of similar properties and characteristics could be used. 
     Assembly of optical connector assembly  15  generally encompasses the following steps. First, the various elements of the housing  31  are installed therein, and the crimp body  51  is screwed into the housing  31 . This forms a “connector head.” Second, an end of the plug  20  is inserted into the “connector head” and adhesive is then injected into the plug  20 . Third, the crimp body  51  and crimp tube  52  are threaded onto the cable  17 , which is then prepared for termination. Fourth, the cable  17  is inserted into the “connector head,” and crimped. Finally, the device is polished, and the elastomeric boot  29  is slid on. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , an alternate embodiment of an optical fiber connector assembly  70  is depicted that is similar to connector assembly  15  except that connector assembly  70  includes structure for environmentally sealing the connector. During the description of connector assembly  70 , like reference numbers are used with respect to like elements and the description of such elements is omitted. Optical fiber connector  71  includes a plug subassembly  20 , a connector housing subassembly  72  and elastomeric boot  83 . Housing  72  is similar to housing  31  except that housing  72  includes an annular recess  73  within circular mating bore  32  from which ferrule  21  extends. A rubber or silicone O-ring  74  is secured within recess  73  in order to create an environmental seal between optical fiber connector  70  and projection  91  of adapter  90  as best seen in  FIG. 7 . In addition, the rear end  72   b  of housing  72  includes an annular groove  75  in which center O-ring  76  is positioned. 
     Metal crimp body  77  is similar to metal crimp body  51  except that metal crimp body  77  includes an annular groove  78  between threaded leading end  53  and tool collar  79  for receiving rubber or silicone O-ring  76  therein. Tool collar  79  includes a pair of flat surfaces  79   a  on opposite sides thereof to facilitate engagement of the collar by an appropriate tool in order to rotate crimp body  77  relative to housing  72 . Crimp body  77  includes a boot engaging section  80  having an annular projection  81  which creates an annular groove  82  between tool collar  79  and annular projection  81  Annular projection  81  and annular groove  82  combine to engage an inner-surface  83   a  of elastomeric boot  83  in order to secure the elastomeric boot on crimp body  72  and crimp tube  52  with a reliable environmental seal. 
     Elastomeric boot  83  is similar to the elastomeric boot  29  of the first embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  except that the elastomeric boot  79  is formed of a softer, more flexible material to create a better seal. In addition, boot  83  projects forward over crimp body  72  to a location immediately adjacent tool collar  79  and the rear end  83   b  of elastomeric boot  83  is configured to engage optical fiber cable  17  so as to provide an environmental seal between the elastomeric boot  83  and optical fiber cable  17 . 
     Optical fiber connector assembly  70  is assembled in a manner similar to that of optical fiber connector assembly  15 , as described above. 
     Referring to the Figures, a metal duplex clip  100  may be provided if it is desired to interconnect a pair of optical fiber connectors  15 ,  70  in order to form a duplex connector assembly  110 . Metal clip  100  includes a pair of clamping or locking members  101  that have identical components but are the “mirror image” of each other. Each locking member includes an arcuate base  102  and an arcuate locking arm  103  extending from a first or outer side or edge  102   a  of arcuate base  102  adjacent the rear edge  102   b  of arcuate base  102 . As depicted, arcuate locking arms  103  are narrower in a direction parallel to the axis of the optical fiber cable  17  and are dimensioned so as to be somewhat flexible in order to facilitate mounting of the optical fiber connector assemblies  15 ,  70  in duplex locking clip  100 . Arcuate base  102  also includes a window or opening  104  for lockingly receiving the duplex retention projection  38  of housing  31  therein. An arcuate bridge or connection section  105  interconnects the two locking members  101  and is curved in an opposite direction as compared to the curvature of each arcuate base  102 . In other words, the axis about which bridge  105  is curved is on one side of the bridge  105  while the axes about which the arcuate bases  102  are curved, respectively, are on the opposite side of bridge  105 . 
     Through such a configuration, a single, common insertion opening  106  is created between the ends  103   a  of locking arms  103  through which all or a portion of a connector assembly is slid before the connector assembly is locked within one of the clamping members  101 . As depicted, the two arcuate bases  102  and connection section  105  will have some flexibility but the primary deflection when mounting the optical fiber connector assemblies  15 ,  70  within duplex locking clip  100  will occur through arcuate locking arms  103  since they are narrower in width relative to the longitudinal axes of the connectors. As depicted, clip  100  is integrally formed as a one-piece member stamped, although clip  100  could be formed from multiple components and other materials of similar properties and characteristics. 
     When inserting optical fiber connector assembly  15  of the first embodiment into clip  100 , a first connector assembly with its elastomeric boot  29  on cable  17  but spaced from the rest of the connector assembly is positioned so that its central axis is generally parallel to the central axes  101   a  of clamping members  101  but is spaced from and laterally aligned with insertion opening  106 . The connector assembly is positioned such that the optical fiber cable  17  rather than the connector is aligned with opening  106 . The connector assembly  15  is then moved laterally so that the cable  16  slides through opening  106  and the assembly is moved laterally within clip  100  to either of the clamping members. Connector assembly  15  is then slid along its central axis until duplex retention projection  38  slides into window  104  of base  102  to lock the connector assembly to clip  100 . Arcuate base  102  is positioned in cutouts  39  in order to secure base  102  between the shoulders  39   a  created by cutouts  39  and projection  38 . The second optical fiber connector assembly is then inserted in a similar manner into the other clamping member. 
     Once both assemblies have been inserted into their respective clamping members, the elastomeric boots  29  are slid into place on the connector assemblies. If desired, an alternate manner of assembly is to insert the first connector assembly into clip  100 , slide its elastomeric boot into place and then repeat the process with the second connector assembly. 
     When inserting optical fiber connector assembly  70  of the second embodiment into clip  100 , the process is identical to that of the connector assembly  15  of the first embodiment except that the elastomeric boot  83  may already be slid into place on the connector assembly. This is due to elastomeric boot  83  being softer than elastomeric boot  29  of the first embodiment. As a result, elastomeric boot  83  will deflect to some degree and thus reduce the amount of deflection required by locking arms  103 . Depending on the material used and the configuration of the clip  100 , it may, under some circumstances be possible to use this process with the connector assembly of the first embodiment. 
     While a preferred embodiment of the Present Disclosure is shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the foregoing Description and the appended Claims.