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 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.