Patent ID: 8167641

Claim:
A connector assembly comprising: a communication connector comprising a main body and a flange projecting therefrom, the flange having opposite first and second flange surfaces and a flange through-hole extending therebetween; a stress-distribution member having a member surface that abuts the first flange surface, the stress-distribution member having a fastener opening aligned with the flange through-hole of the flange; a fastener element inserted through the flange through-hole and into the fastener opening of the stress-distribution member, the flange through-hole being sized and shaped to permit the fastener element to be freely inserted therethrough, the fastener element being secured to the stress-distribution member, the stress-distribution member distributing mechanical energy provided by the fastener element when the connector is in a shock or vibration environment; wherein a cross-section of the fastener element is less than a cross-section of the through-hole such that a spacing exists between an exterior surface of the fastener element and an interior surface of the through-hole, the fastener element being floatable within the through-hole when experiencing shock or vibration.