Patent ID: 7189099

Claim:
An electrical connector for mating with a complementary connector receptacle, the electrical connector comprising: a housing configured and adapted for selective matable connection with a corresponding complementary connector receptacle; a pair of latch arms provided on opposite sides of the housing, each latch arm includes: latching projections at a forward end of the latch arm which are configured and adapted for selective engagement with corresponding latching means provided on the connector receptacle; and a hinge joint spaced a selected distance rearwardly from the forward end of the latch arm and spaced a selected distance forwardly from a rear end of the latch arm, the hinge joint joining the latch arm to a respective side of the housing; and a pair of latch guards extending from the sides of the housing and overlying at least a portion of a respective latch arm, wherein each latch guard extends distally and proximally of the hinge joint, wherein as a latch arm is twisted about the hinge joint, at least a portion of the latch arm abuts against the respective latch guard and additional twisting of the latch arm about the hinge joint is prevented.