LATCH FOR GROUND SHIELD OF AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

A latch assembly is provided for latching a ground shield around an electrical connector. The latch assembly comprises a latch receptacle portion and a latch insert portion. The latch receptacle portion comprises a receptacle main body, and a strap that is offset from the receptacle main body. The strap defines a slot between the strap and the receptacle main body. The latch receptacle portion also includes a window that is formed within the receptacle main body. The latch insert portion comprises a latch insert portion having an insert main body and a tongue, which is offset from the plane of the main body, with a latching projection formed on, and extending from, one side of the tongue. The strap exerts a normal, uniform force on the tongue thereby biasing the latching projection into the window. Consequently, the latch assembly remains fully engaged because of the force exerted on the tongue by the strap. A method is also provided for manufacturing a ground shield for an electrical connector. The method comprises the steps of stamping the latch receptacle portion from a first end of a stock material and stamping the latch insert portion from a second end of the stock material. The method also includes the steps of forming a latching projection extending outward from the tongue and offsetting a strap from the latch receptacle portion to form a slot between the window in the main body of the latch receptacle portion.