US Patent 10283908 Connector with releasable latch member

An electrical connector includes a housing that holds multiple electrical conductors, a latch member pivotably coupled to an outer surface of the housing, and a shell surrounding the housing. The latch member includes stem extending between a front end and an opposite rear end. The latch member has a hook tip at the front end, a ramp surface at the rear end, and a pivot location disposed therebetween. The hook tip couples to a locking tab of a mating connector. A ridge of the shell protrudes inward from an interior surface of the shell and engages the ramp surface. Rearward movement of the shell causes the latch member to pivot from a locking position to a release position due to sliding engagement between the ridge and the ramp surface. The hook tip is disposed more proximate to the housing in the locking position than in the release position.