Patent Publication Number: US-7708589-B2

Title: Panel-mount connectors with latching features

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/945,603, filed Jun. 22, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors, and in particular to electrical connectors having latching features that facilitate mounting of the electrical connectors on panels. 
     Panel mount connectors are conventionally mounted to panels using fasteners such as brackets, clamps, bolts, or screws that form a mechanical connection between a given connector and the associated panel. These types of fasteners typically increase the overall footprint of the electrical connector, and can necessitate spacing between adjacent connectors substantially greater than that which would otherwise be required. The conventional fasteners can also necessitate multiple assembly steps to mount the connector on the associated panel. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an electrical connector assembly is configured to be mounted on a panel. The electrical connector assembly comprising an electrical connector having a connector housing, and a latch configured to be mounted on the housing. The latch further includes an engagement member configured to engage the panel as the housing is initially inserted through a panel opening. The latch translates in relation to the housing as the housing is further inserted through the panel opening after the engagement member has engaged the panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of an electrical connector assembly including an electrical connector and a latch constructed in accordance with aspects of the present invention, with the connector assembly mounted on a panel and the latch in a fully-installed configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a housing of the electrical connector shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the panel illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the latch illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the latch illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the latch illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the electrical connector assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 , showing the electrical connector mounted on the panel and the latch in a pre-load configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of an electrical connector assembly including an electrical connector and a latch constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment, with the connector assembly mounted on a panel and the latch in a fully-installed configuration. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 8 , with the panel removed. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the latch illustrated in  FIG. 9 , depicting the latch in its fully-installed state. 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of the latch illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , depicting the latch in its uninstalled state. 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the electrical connector and panel illustrated in  FIG. 8  as the electrical connector is mounted on the panel and the latch is in a pre-load position. 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of an electrical connector assembly including an electrical connector and a latch constructed in accordance with another alternative embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of a latch of the electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the electrical connector and panel illustrated in  FIG. 13  as the electrical connector is mounted on the panel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an electrical connector assembly  10  includes an electrical connector  13  and a latch  14  that is configured to attach to the connector  13  and to a panel  12  to mount the connector  13  onto the panel  12 . While the connector  13  is illustrated as a header connector, though it should be appreciated that the principles of the present invention can apply to other types of panel-mount connectors, including panel-mount receptacle connectors. The connector assembly  10  and its components are described herein with reference to a common coordinate system  11 , including a horizontal x-axis, a horizontal y-axis, and a vertical z-axis. The x-axis is also said to illustrate a front-to-back direction, the y axis is also said to illustrate a side-to-side direction, and the z-axis is also said to illustrate an up-and-down direction. Directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “in front of,” “behind,” and the like, are used with reference to the illustrated component orientations. These terms are used for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
     The connector  13  can include an electrically insulative housing  20  that can be formed from plastic using an injection molding process, or can alternatively be formed using other types of materials and processes. The housing  20  is rectangular as illustrated, but can assume any desired size and shape configured to mount onto the panel in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. As illustrated, the housing  20  includes opposing side walls  21 , and an opposing upper wall  23  and base  25  that join the upper and lower ends of the side walls, respectively. A rear end wall  27  can connect to the side walls  21 , upper wall  23 , and base  25 , respectively. The walls  21 ,  23 , and  27 , and base  25 , define a front opening to an internal cavity  24  configured to receive a contact  22  that is supported by the housing  20 . The contact  22  can be, for instance, a power contact or any other desired electrical contact. 
     The housing  20  of the connector  13  can further include a lip  28  that extends around the outer circumference of the housing  20 . As illustrated, the lip  28  projects out from the upper wall  23 , base  25 , and side walls  21 . The lip  28  can be discontinuous to define a pair of opposing vertically elongate and aligned notches  34  that extend through the lip  28  at both side walls  21 . The lip  28  can be said to divide the housing  20  into a forward portion  31  that extends forward from the lip  28 , and rear portion  33  that extends rearward from the lip  28 . The rear portion  33  can also include that portion of the housing  20  that is vertically aligned with the lip  28 . 
     The housing  20  can also include a pair of pockets  29  formed in the opposing side walls  21 . For instance, the pockets  29  can be rectangular and extend rearward from the front ends of side walls  21 . The pockets  29  can terminate prior to the lip  28 , and can be vertically aligned with the notches  34  formed in the lip  28 . The pockets  29  can further define a height substantially equal to the height of the notches  34 . 
     A guide member, such as an angled guide wall  30  can further be provided and juxtaposed with each pocket  29 . As illustrated, each guide wall  30  can attach to the corresponding side wall  21  at the rear vertical edge of the pocket  29 , and can extend forward and inward into the cavity  24 . The guide walls  30  can thus be angled with respect to the side walls  21 . The guide walls  30  define recesses  32  in the pockets  29  that can guide the latch  14  through the notches  34  into a desired position as the housing  20  is mounted on the panel  12 , as will be described in more detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the panel  12  can be provided as any support structure capable of supporting the connector assembly  10  when mounted onto the panel. As illustrated, the panel can include an opening  16  that extends through the panel  12  and is configured to receive the connector assembly  10 . The opening  16  can correspond generally to the shape of the outer circumference of the housing  20  (rectangular in the illustrated embodiment), and can be sized slightly greater than the perimeter of the front portion  31  of the housing  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , latch  14  can insulative, and formed from plastic using an injection molding process, or can alternatively be formed using other types of materials and processes. The latch  14  includes a substantially rectangular latch band  50 , first latch arms  52  that extend forward from the band  50 , and second latch arms  60  that extend rearward from the band  50 . The latch  14  constructed in accordance with the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of first latch arms  52  and two pairs of second latch arms  60 . 
     The band  50  includes a pair of opposing upper and lower walls  51  and  53  that define a width (“y” dimension) of the band  50  that is approximately equal to the corresponding width of the connector housing  20 . The band further includes a pair of opposing side walls  55  that are connected at their upper and lower ends to the upper and lower walls  51  and  53 , respectively. The side walls  55  define a height (“z” dimension) of the band  50  that is approximately equal to the corresponding height of the housing  20 . The band  50  is therefore configured to fit snugly around the housing  20 . 
     The first latch arms  52  define rear proximal ends  47  that are connected to the opposing side walls  55 , and front distal ends  49  disposed opposite the proximal ends  47 , and a main portion  54  extending between the proximal and distal ends  47  and  49 , respectively. The main portions  54  of the first latch arms  52  extend forward from the opposing side walls  55 , and can be sloped, and thus curve or otherwise extend toward each other in a direction of travel away from the latch band  50 . The distal ends  49  are thus disposed inward with respect to the proximal ends  47  when the band  50  is in a relaxed, or unconstrained, state. The latch arms  52  can extend from the side walls  55  at a location such that the arms are aligned with the pockets  29  when the latch band  50  is mounted onto the housing  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latch arms  52  extend from the vertical midpoint of the side walls  55 . 
     The distal end  49  of each latch arm  52  can be F-shaped, and include a first projection  56  that extends out from the distal end  49 , and a second projection  57  that extends out from the distal end  49 . The projections  56  and  57  can extend out from the distal end  49  at any angle, and are substantially perpendicular to the distal end  49  as illustrated. The first projection  56  is forwardly spaced with respect to the second projection  56  such that a gap  58  is defined between the projections  56  and  57 . The projections  56  and  57  thus provide an engagement member in the form of a catch defined by the gap  58  that is configured to engage the panel  12  when the connector assembly  10  is mounted on the panel  12 . The first projection  56  can be shorter than the second projection  57 , such that the first projection  56  extends out from the distal end  49  a distance less than that of the second projection  57 . While the projections  56  and  57  are illustrated as extending out from the distal end, it should be appreciated that the projections  56  and  57  can alternatively extend out from any location along the latch arms  52  to facilitate attachment of the connector assembly  10  to the panel  12 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , the latch  14  can further include two pairs of second arms  60 . Each pair second latch arms  60  includes a front proximal end  61  that is connected to the opposing side walls  55  of the latch band  50 , and a rear distal end  63  disposed opposite the proximal end  61 , and a main portion  67  extending between the proximal and distal ends  61  and  63 , respectively. The main portions  67  of the second latch arms  60  extend rearward from the opposing side walls  55 , and can be sloped, and thus curve or otherwise extend toward each other in a direction of travel away from the latch band  50 . The distal ends  63  are thus disposed inward with respect to the proximal ends  61  when the band  50  is in a relaxed configuration. The distal end  63  of each arm  60  can include a projection  62  that forms the rearward end of the arm  60 . The projection  62  provides an engagement member configured to mate with the connector housing  20 . The projection  62  can include a forward clip surface  65  that extends substantially perpendicular to the distal end  63 , and is thus configured to engage and seat against the rear end wall  27  of the housing  20  when the latch  14  is mounted onto the connector  13 . While the projection  62  is illustrated as extending out from the distal end, it should be appreciated that the projection  62  can alternatively extend out from any location along the latch arms  60  to facilitate attachment between the latch  14  and the housing  20 . 
     Each arm  60  of a given pair of arms  60  can be vertically aligned with each other, while each pair of arms can be vertically offset with respect to each other. For instance, as illustrated, a first pair of arms  60  can adjoin the latch band  50  proximate the top of the band  50 , while a second pair of arms  60  can adjoin the latch band  50  proximate the bottom of the band  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the connector assembly  10  can be mounted onto the panel  12  by first positioning the latch  14  on the housing  20  in an initial, or “pre- oad” position. The latch  14  is positioned in its pre-load position on the housing  20  by placing the latch  14  behind the connector  13 , and substantially aligning the band  50  with the outer periphery of the housing  20 . The latch  14  is then moved in the forward, i.e., in the “+x” direction, toward the housing  20 . The inwardly-curved arms  52  can be urged outwardly, i.e., away from each other, by hand, so that the housing  20  can initially be inserted between the arms  52 . The latch  14  can then be urged further toward the housing  20  so that the band  50  receives the housing  20  to mount the latch  14  onto the housing  20 . 
     The latch  14  can be further translated in the forward direction with respect to the housing  20  until the band  50  contacts the lip  28  of the housing  20 , thereby preventing further forward movement of the latch  14  in relation to the housing  20 . When the latch  14  is attached to the housing, the first arms  52  are extend forward from the latch band  50  so that each arm  52  is substantially aligned with, and is received by a respective one of the recesses  32  formed in the housing  20 . The arms  52  can further extend through the notches  34  that are defined by the lip  28 . 
     Once the latch  14  has been placed in its pre-load position on the housing  20 , the connector assembly  10  can then be mounted onto the panel  12 . In particular, the connector  13  is positioned behind the panel  12 , and is aligned with the opening  16  in the panel  12 . The connector  13  can then be initially moved toward the panel  12 , in the forward direction as denoted by the arrow  39  in  FIG. 7 . The first projections  56  of the latch arms  52  are aligned to fit through the opening  16 , while the longer second projections  57  are aligned with the panel  12  and catch the edge of the panel  12  proximate the opening  16  as the arms  52  reach the panel  12 . The edge of the panel  12  is therefore in alignment with the catch  58  of each latch arm  52 . The interference between the projection  57  and the panel  12  prevents the latch  14  from being further inserted through the opening  16 . 
     Because the latch arms  52  can have a length that is shorter than that of the front portion  33  of the housing  20 , the front portion  33  of the housing  20  can pass through the opening  16  when the projection  57  engages the panel  12 . Alternatively, the latch arms  52  can be longer than the front portion  33  of the housing  20 , such that the front portion  33  does not extend through the opening  16  when the projection  57  first engages the panel  12 . 
     When the latch  14  is engaged with the panel  12 , further forward movement of the housing  20  in relation to the panel  12  causes the latch  14  to slide rearward in relation to the housing  20 . As the housing  20  is moved forward in relation to the panel  12 , the distal ends  49  of the arms  52  ride along the angled guide walls  30  of the housing  20 . The orientation of the surfaces  30  causes the distal ends  49  of the arms  52  to move outwardly, i.e., away from the housing  20 , so that the edges of the panel  16  aligned with the arms  52  are captured by, i.e., become disposed within, the associated gap  58  between the first and second projections  56 ,  57  of the arms  52 . 
     Continued movement of the housing  20  in the forward direction eventually causes the lip  28  of the housing  20  to contact the panel  12 . Interference between the lip  28  and the panel  12  prevents further forward movement of the connector  13 . It should be appreciated that the lip  28  need not surround the circumference of the housing  20 , and that lip segments  28  extending from any of the side walls  21 , upper wall  23 , and base  25 , would prevent further forward movement of the housing  20  through the opening  16 . 
     The arms  60  are configured with a length sized so that that the projections  62  thereof reach the rear end wall  27  edge of the housing  20  at approximately the same time the lip reaches the panel  12 . The resilience of the arms  60  causes the projections  62  to move inwardly once the projection  62  have cleared the rearward edge of the housing  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Interference between the clip surface  65  of each projection  62  and the rear wall  27  secures the latch  14  to the housing  20 , and prevents movement of the housing  20  in the rearward direction. Because the engagement between the housing lip  28  and the panel  12  further prevents movement of the housing  20  in the forward direction, the housing  20  is thus captured between the panel  12  and the projections  60 , so that the connector  13  is secured to the panel  12  with no substantial float, i.e., movement in the forward and rearward directions, between the connector  13  and the panel  12  after the connector  13  has been mounted on the panel  12 . 
     The connector  13  can be removed from the panel by flexing arms  60  outward away from the housing  20  until the projections  62  become disengaged from the rear wall  27 . The housing  20  can then be moved rearward through the latch  14 . The latch  14  can be disengaged from the panel  12  by flexing arms  52  toward each other to remove the interference between the first  56  projection and the panel  12 , at which point the first projections  56  fit through the panel opening  16  as the latch is moved rearward. 
     The number and relative positions of the arms  52  and the arms  60  can be altered from that described herein in alternative embodiments. The latch arms  52  and  60  do not have to be arranged as opposing, identical pairs as in the latch  14 , and the number of arms  52  on each side of the latch  14  can be equal. Alternatively, at least one latch arm  52  can be provided and configured to attach to the panel  12 , while the other side of the housing  20  can be press-fit into the opening or otherwise attached to or supported by the panel  12 . Likewise, though four latch arms  60  have been described in conjunction with the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that at least one latch arm  60 , and alternatively at least one pair of latch arms, can be provided that attach to the housing  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-12 , a connector assembly  10   a  is constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment. As illustrated, the connector assembly includes an electrical connector  13   a  and a latch  70  that is configured to attach to the connector  13   a  and to the panel  12  to mount the connector  13   a  onto the panel  12 . The connector  13   a  includes a connector housing  20   a . In  FIGS. 8-12 , reference numerals identifying elements of connector  13   a  and housing  20   a  that correspond to like elements of connector  13  and housing  20  are denoted with like reference characters. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-9 , one side wall  21  is described, though it should be appreciated that the description can apply equally to both side walls  21  if a pair of latches  70  are desired. A substantially U-shaped bracket  78  is attached to the side wall  21  and includes a pair of outstanding legs  79  and a vertical cross beam  81  connected between the outer ends of the legs  79 , and thus spaced from the side wall  21  to define an opening extending between the cross beam  81  and the side wall  21 . A substantially L-shaped bracket  80  is also attached to the side wall  21 , and includes an upstanding leg  83  and a cantilevered vertical beam  85  extending down from the leg  83  and spaced from the side wall  21  to define an opening between the beam  85  and the side wall  21 . A projection  82  can be positioned adjacent the terminal end of the beam  85 . Alternatively, the projection  82  could attach to the free end of beam  85  to define a U-shaped bracket. A wedge-shaped projection  84  can attached to the side wall  21 , and flares outward away from the side wall in a rearward direction of travel. 
     The brackets  78  and  80 , and projection  82  are positioned on the side wall such that the openings defined by the brackets  78  and  80  are aligned with the pocket  29  formed in the side wall  21 . The projection  84  is positioned between the brackets  78  and brackets  80  in a front-rear direction, and is also in vertical alignment with the openings defined by the brackets  78  and  80 . The brackets  78  and  80 , and the projection  84  can retain the latch  70  on the housing  20   a , as will now be described. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10-11 , the latch  70  can be formed from plastic, using an injection molding process. The latch  70  can be formed using other types of materials and processes in the alternative. The latch  70  can include a main portion  72  defining a front end  73 , a rear end  75 , and first and second projections  74  and  76 , respectively, that extend out from the front end  73 . The main portion  72  can include a bent elbow  71  that joins the front end  73  and rear end  75  such that the front and rear ends are angled with respect to each other when the latch  70  is in a relaxed, or unconstrained, state. 
     The first projection  74  is forwardly spaced with respect to the second projection  76  such that a gap  77  is defined between the projections  74  and  76 . The projections  74  and  76  thus provide an engagement member in the form of a catch defined by the gap  77  that is configured to engage the panel  12  when the connector assembly  10   a  is mounted on the panel  12 . The first projection  74  can be shorter than the second projection  76 , such that the first projection  74  extends out from the front end  73  a distance less than that of the second projection  76 . The front end of the first projection  74  can be beveled. It should be appreciated that the projections  74  and  76  can alternatively extend out from any location along the latch  70  to facilitate attachment of the connector assembly  10   a  to the panel  12 . The latch further defines an opening  88  extending through the rear end  75  of the main portion  72 . The opening is sized to receive the wedge shaped projection  84 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , each latch  70  can be initially placed on the housing  20   a  in an initial, or “pre-load” position before the connector  13   a  is mounted on the panel  12 . In particular, the latch  70  can be placed in its pre-load position by aligning the rear end  75  of the latch  70  with the recess  32  and the notch  34 , and moving the latch  70  in the rearward (“−x”) direction so that the rearward end of the latch  70  passes through the gap  34 , and through the bracket  80 . The bent profile of the main portion  72  of the latch  70  causes the forward portion of the latch  70  to rest against the angled guide wall  30  at the bottom of the associated recess  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 12 , the connector  13   a  can be mounted on the panel  12  once the latch  70  has been placed in its pre-load position on the housing  20   a . In particular, the connector  13   a  is positioned behind the panel  12 , and is aligned with the opening  16  in the panel  12 . The connector  13   a  can then be initially moved toward the panel  12 , in the forward direction as denoted by the arrow  89   FIG. 12 , until the forward-most portion of the housing  20   a  passes through the opening  16 . 
     The first projection  74  of the latch  70  is aligned to fit through the opening  16 , while the longer second projections  76  is aligned with the panel  12  and catches the edge of the panel  12  proximate the opening  16  as the latch  70  reaches the panel  12 . The edge of the panel  12  is therefore in alignment with the catch  77 . The interference between the projection  76  and the panel  12  prevents the latch  70  from being further inserted through the opening  16 . 
     Because the front end of the latch  70  can terminate at a location rearward from the front end of the housing  20   a , the front portion  33  of the housing  20   a  can pass through the opening  16  when the projection  76  engages the panel  12 . Alternatively, the front end of the latch  70  can terminate at a position in front of the front end of the housing  20   a , such that the front portion  33  does not extend through the opening  16  when the projection  76  first engages the panel  12 . 
     When the latch  14  is engaged with the panel  12 , further forward movement of the housing  20   a  in relation to the panel  12  causes the latch  14  to slide rearward in relation to the housing  20 , such that the forward end of the latch  70  rides up the angled surface  30  of the housing  20   a . The angled orientation of the surface  30  causes the forward end of the latch  70  to move outwardly, away from the housing  20   a , so that the edge of the panel  12  proximate the proximate the latch  70  is captured by, i.e., becomes disposed within, the catch  77  defined by the first and second projections  74 ,  76 . 
     Forward movement of the housing  20   a  in relation to the latch  70  also causes the rearward end of the latch  70  to ride up the wedge-shaped projection  86 . The rearward edge of the latch  70  has an angled surface  86  that causes the rearward edge of the latch  70  to be captured between the bracket  82  and the underlying surface of the housing  20   a  as the edge moves upward and rearward. 
     The side of the projection  86  proximate the freestanding end of the substantially L-shaped bracket  80  of the housing  20   a  is higher than the other side of the projection  86 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . The projection  86  thus causes the side of the latch  70  proximate the freestanding end of the bracket  80  to rise by a distance greater than the other side of the latch  70 . The freestanding end of the bracket  80  can deflect to accommodate the relatively large deflection of the latch  70  caused by the high side of the projection  86 . Continued rearward movement of the latch  70  in relation to the housing  20   a  eventually causes the projection  86  to become disposed within an opening  88  formed in the latch  70 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The second projection  76  on the latch  70  is configured so that the second projection  76  contacts the forward edge of the bracket  78  as the projection  86  becomes disposed within the opening  88 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Interference between the bracket  78  and the second projection  76 , and interference between the wedge shaped projection  86  and the portion of the latch  70  that defines the opening  88  prevents movement of the housing  20   a  relative to the latch  70  in the forward and rearward directions. 
     The restraining effect of the brackets  78 ,  80  on the latch  70  flattens the latch  70 , i.e., bends the latch  70  from its original angled or knee-shaped profile, to a substantially flat profile as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . 
     The latch  70  can be formed with a substantially flat profile in its uninstalled state in alternative embodiments. The height of the bracket  78  in such embodiments can be increased beyond that depicted in  FIGS. 8-10 , so that the latch  70  can be angled in relation to the housing  20   a  when the latch  70  is in its pre-load position. 
     The use of one latch  70  to secure the connector  13   a  to the panel  12  is disclosed for exemplary purposes only. Two latches  70  positioned on opposite sides of the housing  20   a  can be used in the alternative. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-15 , a connector assembly  10   b  is constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment. As illustrated, the connector assembly  10   b  includes an electrical connector  13   b  having a connector housing  20   b , and a pair of latches  100  that are configured to attach to the connector  13   b  and to the panel  12  to mount the connector  13   b  onto the panel  12 . In  FIGS. 13-15 , reference numerals identifying elements of connector  13   b  and housing  20   b  that correspond to like elements of connector  13  and housing  20  are denoted with like reference characters. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the latches  100  can be formed from a metallic material such as stainless steel, or any alternative suitable material. Each latch  100  defines a front end  103  and a rear end  105 . The latch  100  includes an elongate main portion  102 , and a transverse portion  104  that extends out from the main portion  102  at the rear end  105  of the latch  100 . Each latch  100  also includes two tabs  108  that extend out (in the “+y” direction) from the outer ends of the transverse portions  104 . 
     Each latch  100  also includes a projection or tongue  110  joined at its forward end to the main portion  102  at the front end  103  of the latch  100 . The tongue  110  extends out from the main portion  102 , so that the rear end of the tongue  110  is spaced apart from the main portion  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the connector housing  20   b  defines a recess or channel  112  formed in each side wall configured to receive an associated one of the latches  100 . The housing  20   b  does not include the recesses  32  or the angled surfaces  30  of the housing  20  of the connector  10 . Each channel  112  can have a width (“z” dimension) that is slightly smaller than the length (“z”dimension) of the transverse portions  104  of the latches  100 , so that each latch  100  is mounted on the housing  20   b  and retained in its associated channel  112  by an interference fit. The latches  100  can be retained in the channels  112  by other suitable means, such as adhesive or fasteners, in alternative embodiments. 
     The channels  112  are depicted as extending substantially the entire length of the housing  20   b . The channels  112  can each extend a distance less than the entire length of the housing  20   b  in alternative embodiments. 
     A ledge or stop  114  can be inserted into each channel  112 , immediately behind the latch  100 . The stops  114  can be retained in the channels  112  by an interference fit or other suitable means. The stops  114  can be formed from plastic or other suitable materials. 
     The connector  13   b  can be mounted on the panel  12  by positioning the connector  13   b  behind the panel  12 , and substantially aligning the connector  13   b  with the opening  16  in the panel  12 . The connector  13   b  can be moved in the forward (“+x”) direction toward the panel  12 , in the direction denoted by the arrow  120  in  FIG. 15 , so that the forward end of the connector  13   b  becomes disposed within the opening  16 . 
     The tip-to-tip distance between the rearward ends of the tongues  110  can be greater than the width (“y” dimension) of the opening  16 . Accordingly, continued movement of the connector  13   b  toward the panel  12  eventually causes the tongues  110  to contact the edges of the panel  12  that define the sides of the opening  16 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . Additional movement of the connector  110  in the forward direction, in conjunction with the outwardly-angled orientation of the tongues  110 , causes the tongues  110  to deflect inwardly. 
     Continued movement of the connector  13   b  in the forward direction eventually causes the tongues  110  to clear the panel  12 . The resilience of the tongues  110  causes the tongues  110  to spring outward to their original orientations and grasp the panel  12  once the tongues  112  have cleared the panel  12 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . The tongue  110  thus provides an engagement member configured engage the panel  12  when the connector assembly  10   b  is mounted onto the panel  12 . 
     The stops  114  are positioned so that the stops  114  contact the rearward-facing side of the panel  12  immediately after the tongues  110  have cleared the panel  12 . Interference between the stops  114  and the panel  12  prevents substantial forward movement of the connector  13   b  in relation to the panel  12 . Interference between the rearward ends of the tongues  110  and the panel  12  prevents substantial rearward movement of the connector  13   b  in relation to the panel  12 . 
     The latches  100 , when configured as depicted in  FIGS. 13-15 , allow substantially no float, i.e., movement in the forward and rearward directions, between the connector  13   b  and the panel  12  after the connector  13   b  has been mounted on the panel  12 . If desired, float can be provided by bending or folding the rearward ends of the tongues  112 , to shorten the effective length of the tongues  112 . Float can also be achieved by positioning the stops  114  further back in the channels  112  in relation to the latches  100  than. 
     The use of two of the latches  100  to secure the connector  13   b  to the panel  12  is disclosed for exemplary purposes only. A single latch  100  can be used in the alternative. 
     The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of explanation and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments or preferred methods, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular structure, methods, and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein, as the invention extends to all structures, methods and uses that are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the relevant art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications to the invention as described herein, and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.