Abstract: A rotary latch release mechanism includes axially-aligned upper and lower rotary latch components carried on and rotationally coupled to upper and lower latch assemblies, respectively. The latch release mechanism is movable from an axially-latched position to an axially-unlatched position in response to relative rotation between the upper and lower rotary latch components. The latch release mechanism has a movable land surface that acts in response to relative axial displacement to induce the relative rotation required to release the latch. The latch release mechanism may be configured such that the axial movement of the movable land surface will cause the relative axial movement required to release the latch in combination with the required rotation. Accordingly, the rotary latch mechanism operates in response to externally-controlled axial movement of a movable land surface carried by the latch release mechanism, without requiring externally-induced rotation.

Abstract: A combination tool that at one end has a knife and at the other end has a three pronged fork. The two sides are separated by a bridge with a loop attached thereto. One side of the tool has a thin hollow sheath that covers the side when not in use whereas the opposing side has a removable, locking handle that covers it when not in use. Both the sheath and the removable, locking handle are wrapped in paracord for use when deploying the tool and for having paracord at hand. A specialized, removable cleat is attachable and removable from the tool that provides notches that are also found on the top edge of the knife end and the top and bottom prongs of the fork end and also to provide a blunt surface that prevents the paracord from being cut when wrapped around the knife blade.