Abstract: An extended reach latch for an engine cowling and the like, including a housing having a housing slot, a hook pin carried in the housing, a hook having a hook slot, with the hook pin in the hook slot for sliding of the hook relative to the housing, first, second and third links, a first link pin joining the hook and the first link and sliding in the housing slot, a second link pin joining the first and second links, a third link pin joining the second and third links, with the third link pivoting on the hook pin, an outer handle pivotally mounted on the first link pin for movement between an open position and a closed position, and having an outer handle slot for the second link pin, and an inner handle pivotally mounted on the first link pin for movement between an open position and a closed position, and having an inner handle slot for the third link pin, with movement of the inner handle from its open position to its closed position moving the hook into the housing a first distance, and with movement of th

Abstract: A hook latch mechanism for joining two members of an engine cowl or the like, with the hook latch mechanism carried on one member on a mounting bolt and a keeper carried on the other member, and with a keeper engaging hook spaced from the handle.

Abstract: A hold down device is provided using a drive knob having a clutch therein which turns a drive shaft for moving a pawl shaft in and out with respect to the drive shaft. A pawl on the end of the pawl shaft is provided with a cam-like surface which engages a cam-like aperture in a pawl receptacle. The pawl shaft has a cam follower which rides within a cam surface in a cam bracket that surrounds the shaft. Under the urging of a spring, the position of the pawl is controlled from its fully extended, unlocked position to a pre-capture position where the pawl is oriented at approximately 45.degree. to an aperture within the pawl receptacle. Insertion of the pawl into the pawl receptacle forces the pawl to rotate an additional 45.degree. against the urging of the spring. After full insertion of the pawl into the receptacle, the pawl rotates back to its 45.degree. position where it is captured therein.

Abstract: A toggle latch is shown which retains a structure, such as an aircraft door, latched against a second structure, such as the fuselage. The latch includes a housing having a latch actuator joined to the housing a first pivot point and a latch member joined to the housing at a second pivot point. A linkage joins the latch actuator and latch member at third and fourth pivot points. In the latched position, the fourth pivot point is positioned past a center line between the first and third pivot points to create the over-center, toggle effect of the latch. A safety catch is pivoted within the latch actuator which extends into a passage in the actuator. The safety catch also engages the housing when the toggle latch is in its latched position to lock the latch closed. Insertion of a tool into the passage engages the safety catch to remove it from its locking contact with the housing and free the latch actuator for opening the latch.

Abstract: A low-profile, over-center tension latch assembly is provided which has a handle (20) which opens fully for inspection or adjustment of the assembly while under load, and which may be indexed into a position with a link mechanism (70) in order to act therewith for releasing a keeper engaging member (50) from engagement with a keeper assembly. The handle (70) is locked in a closed position in a manner which secures it to the link mechanism (70) while trapping the keeper engaging member (50) therebetween. The arrangement of the handle (20), keeper engaging member (50) and link mechanism (70) is such as to allow the assembly to be aerodynamically flush mounted with the surface of the structure in which it is installed. Both the handle (20) and the keeper engaging member (50) are pivotally mounted at an end of the link mechanism which is opposite that end which mounts the link mechanism to the aircraft structure.

Abstract: A double hook latch includes a hook assembly, and means for adjusting the position of the hook assembly relative to a keeper arm. Each hook is mounted to independently rotate and the hook assembly can pivot to accommodate misalignment of a keeper arm.

Abstract: A latch assembly wherein a latch bolt and a latch trigger are unlatched by rotation of a sleeve adjacent the latch trigger which causes the latch trigger to pivot out of engagement with the latch bolt.

Abstract: A latching mechanism including an engageable latch bolt and latch trigger each adapted to be pivoted from a first preselected position wherein the latch bolt and latch trigger are engaged to a second predetermined position where the latch bolt and the latch trigger are disengaged such disengagement being accomplished by actuation of a latch trigger actuator which overcomes an actuator biasing means which links the latch bolt and the latch trigger.

Abstract: A latching mechanism having a keeper, a mounting bushing, and an engaging member adapted to engage the keeper. A first compression link is adapted to pivot about the mounting bushing and a second compression link is pivotally connected both with the first compression link and the engaging member. A plane between the mounting bushing and the pivotal connection between the engaging member and the second compression link defines a load line. The connection between the first and second compression links is adapted to be moved from an initial or secured position adjacent the engaging member and on one side of the load line to a released or unlatched position spaced apart from the engaging member and on the opposite side of the load line.

Abstract: A toggle latch having three linkage means, the first and third linkage means being pivotally connected to a frame and the second linkage means being pivotally connected between the first and third linkage means. The first linkage means having a pivot slidably restrained within a frame aperture for moving between a first position when the toggle latch assembly is secured and a second position where the toggle latch assembly is opened. In one embodiment, a forth linkage means is positioned between the frame and the slidable pivot of the first linkage means in order to decrease the frictional loading on the slidable pivot.

Abstract: A rotary latch including a hook arm joined to a drive sleeve having an end flush with a surrounding surface, the sleeve having a tool receiving socket; the socket also receiving a reciprocal signal shaft occupying a flush position when the latch is secured but automatically movable to an extended position or retracted position to signal that the latch is not secured.

Abstract: A rotary latch and its method of operation, the latch being caused to move between a position flush with a surrounding surface and a protruding position as the latch is moved between its latched position and its unlatched position, a rotary drive means, by reason of its protruding position, being readily visible to indicate the unlatched condition; the rotary drive means including a control sleeve having radially outwardly facing detent pockets engaged by a radially movable pin, one socket being engaged when the latch is in its flush-latched condition, second socket being engaged when in its fully unlatched condition, and a third socket being engaged as a secondary latch.

Abstract: A separable fastener including a stud component and a latching sleeve component, the stud component being arranged for installation, in a sheet member having a rectangular opening, by limited insertion and rotation; the latching sleeve member being installed in a second sheet member, having a rectangular opening, by axial movement.