Patent ID: 8449314

Claim:
A method for tool-free latching of small sized two piece electrical connector, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a standard connector first end; (b) obtaining a connector second end having a pair of spring-mounted latch arms on two sides, each arm having a tooth end and a finger pad end formed therein; (c) obtaining an adapter plate having, (i) a body having sides and the body is configured and arranged to attach to a pin contact end or a socket contact receiving end of the standard connector first end, (ii) a channel through the body wherein the channel is configured and arranged to accommodate passage of the pin contact end or the socket contact receiving end of the standard connector first end to allow usage of the pin contact end or socket contact receiving end, and (iii) a pair of slots formed on the sides of the body, the slots each having an aperture and an interior end of the wherein the slots are configured and arranged for receiving the tooth end mounted on the latching arm of the connector second end; (d) attaching the adapter plate to the standard connector first end; (e) pushing manually the two ends of the connector together to mate the connector ends such that each arm and tooth is guided by the slot formed in the adapter; and (f) urging the pair of latch arms by the spring mounted therein such that the tooth mounted on each arm is guided by the slot and received by the aperture found in the interior end of the slot mating the two-piece connector.