Patent ID: 6848932

Claim:
A latching assembly for securing a plurality of connector modules to a mating connector in mating engagement, comprising: at least one retainer member for connecting to the plurality of connector modules and holding said connector modules together in a group of connector modules, the retainer member connecting to said connector modules only along a common side thereof and not providing a housing around said plurality of connector modules; a latching lever including an elongated body portion extending between first and second opposing free ends, the latching lever first end defining a latching end for engaging the mating connector when said connector modules are mated to said mating connector, and the latching lever second end defining an activating end that is manipulatable by a user to urge said latching lever first end into and out of engagement with said mating connector; means for movably mounting said latching lever on said plurality of connector modules at a point of inflection intermediate said first and second ends thereof, the movable mounting means being integrally formed with said latching lever; and, a biasing member formed as part of said latching lever for applying a biasing force to said latching lever to urge said latching lever into an engagement position.