Abstract: Disclosed is a cinch-up latch for securing an aircraft panel to a keeper. The cinch-up latch includes a bracket, a handle, a trigger lock, a hook, and a linkage. The handle is moveable between a closed and an open position and includes a handle base plate. The trigger lock is pivotably mounted to the handle so that when the handle is in the closed position, the trigger lock engages the keeper. When the handle is in the open position, the trigger lock is disengaged from the keeper. The hook is rotatably mounted to the handle and is used for engaging the keeper. The linkage is rotatably mounted to the bracket, the handle, and the hook. The linkage has an over-center position which prevents the hook from disengaging the keeper when the handle is in the closed position. The trigger lock engages the linkage when the handle is in the closed position.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus having a bolt member with a fast lead threaded portion, a barrel member with a fine lead threaded portion, a collar member interposed between the bolt and the barrel and including both fast lead and fine lead threads to mesh with the respective threads on the bolt and the barrel, and an actuator for coupling two of the three members together so that in one instance the fastener is drawn rapidly on fast lead threads through a significant distance and in the second instance the fastener is drawn together on fine lead threads providing additional mechanical advantage.

Abstract: The presently preferred embodiment of the invention is a multiple speed fastener having a first pair of interengageable threaded members with a first pitch and a first thread direction, a second pair of interengageable threaded members with a second pitch different from the first pitch and a second thread direction different from the first thread direction, the first pair including a first actuator threadably engageable with a first threaded member and the second pair including a second actuator threadably engageable with a second threaded member, and a coupling means for coupling the first pair to the second pair, with the first actuator and the coupling means having first means for selectively engaging the first actuator and coupling means to rotate the coupling means with the first actuator, and with the coupling means and the second actuator having second means for engaging the second actuator to rotate the second threaded member when the first actuator and coupling means are engaged.

Abstract: A rod end lock for latching heavy objects. The rod end lock has a barrel with a mounting end and a latch end. The latch end has a bite portion such that a keeper is secured at a location centered about the axis of the barrel. The mounting end is coaxial with the barrel and has the same centerline. A locking element is movably connected to the barrel and is biased in a closed position such that the locking element and the bite portion form an enclosed space therebetween for latching the keeper. The keeper is released by actuating the locking element to the open position thereby overcoming the bias to the closed position.

Abstract: A latch handle assembly for securing a latch having a trigger pin includes a handle pivotally joined to the latch. A trigger latch is pivotally joined to the handle and includes an opening engageable onto the trigger pin. A cam is pivotally joined to the handle and is engageable onto the trigger pin to compensate for any clearances between the parts, and thereby prevent chattering and excessive wear within the handle assembly due to vibration.

Abstract: A rod end lock for latching heavy objects. The rod end lock has a barrel with a mounting end and a latch end. The latch end has a bite portion such that a keeper is secured at a location centered about the axis of the barrel. The mounting end is coaxial with the barrel and has the same centerline. A locking element is movably connected to the barrel and is biased in a closed position such that the locking element and the bite portion form an enclosed space therebetween for latching the keeper. The keeper is released by actuating the locking element to the open position thereby overcoming the bias to the closed position.

Abstract: A latch handle assembly for securing a latch having a trigger pin includes a handle pivotally joined to the latch. A trigger latch is pivotally joined to the handle and includes an opening engageable onto the trigger pin. A cam is pivotally joined to the handle and is engageable onto the trigger pin to compensate for any clearances between the parts, and thereby prevent chattering and excessive wear within the handle assembly due to vibration.

Abstract: Latch mechanisms for latching two bodies in both tension and shear. A longitudinally extending latching bolt is associated with a latching assembly having an overcenter link mechanism controlled by a lever. The overcenter link mechanism includes a slot cooperating with a pin to provide two effective lengths to the fully extended linkage. A laterally extending notch provides a shoulder intermediate the ends of the slot to receive the pin. A keeper is slidably associated with a keeper assembly to engage the longitudinally extending bolt to prevent its withdrawal from the keeper assembly. Inclined surfaces between the latching bolt and the keeper function to engage or disengage the spring biased keeper with movement of the latching bolt in a preselected direction.

Abstract: A fastener for securing two objects or structures together in a predetermined relationship. The fastener has a fastener body including a spacer which defines a predetermined distance between the two objects. A first locking element is attached to one side of the spacer and a second locking element is attached to the other side of the spacer. The fastener body is adapted to receive a plunger which when actuated will cause the locking elements to secure the first object and second object a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: A fastener for securing two objects or structures together in a predetermined relationship. The fastener has a fastener body including a spacer which defines a predetermined distance between the two objects. A first locking element is attached to one side of the spacer and a second locking element is attached to the other side of the spacer. The fastener body is adapted to receive a plunger which when actuated will cause the locking elements to secure the first object and second object a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: A flush type rotary drive means which is caused to move between a position flush with a surrounding surface and a protruding position as the latch is moved between its locked position and its unlatched position, the drive means, by reason of its protruding position, being readily visible to indicate the partially or completely unlocked condition of the latch; one embodiment being arranged to move a reciprocable latch; another embodiment being arranged to turn a rotary latch.

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 flush type rotary drive means which is caused to move between a position flush with a surrounding surface and a protruding position as the latch is moved between its locked position and its unlatched position, the drive means, by reason of its protruding position, being readily visible to indicate the partially or completely unlocked condition of the latch; one embodiment being arranged to move a reciprocable latch; another embodiment being arranged to turn a rotary latch.

Abstract: A tension adjuster for flush type latches, such as is used by aircraft, of the type wherein a handle is received in an opening and is pivotable between a flush position and an initial open position while the latch arm remains in hooked engagement with a keeper, the tension adjuster utilizing a screwthreaded member to effect longitudinal adjustment of the keeper and being accessible to a turning tool insertable into the end of the opening when the handle is in its initial open position.

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: An adjustable keeper for flush type rotary latches of the type having a semi-circular latch element; the keeper including a housing mounted on a frame confronting a hinged or otherwise movable panel carrying the latch; the housing including a socket disposed in a plane parallel to the panel which slidably receives a latch bar having a transverse bore including a cam surface facing toward the panel, the latch bar also having a loop end projecting from the housing and engagable with the latch element; the housing having a bore in registry with the transverse bore and in alignment with an access perforation provided in the panel; the housing bore being internally screwthreaded to receive a screwthreaded adjustment pin accessible through the access perforation to move the latch bar so as to effect engagement with the latch element; the latch bar being adjustable while engaging the latch element to vary the latching force applied to the rotary latch element.

Abstract: An externally accessible adjuster, particularly suited for adjusting the tension of a keeper shaft as applied to a hook type latch forming a part of a flush type latch assembly, the keeper shaft being screwthreaded and receiving a screwthreaded wheel having a set of radiating slots exposed in sequence through an access opening formed in the wall of the structure utilizing the flush type latch assembly. Two embodiments are illustrated, either one of which may use an opening which may be arranged to receive the latch handle, or a separate opening; also, either adjuster may be arranged to utilize a helically coiled frictional element or a yieldable detent.

Abstract: A rotary latch including a manually rotatable drive means having a semi-circular hooked shaped latch arm increasing in radial width to compensate for the position of a keeper when engaged thereby, the drive means fitted with an axially movable shaft having a splined surface, engagable with a fixed splined surface to lock the latch arm in engagement with the keeper in such a manner as to eliminate free play; the shaft having an inner position to permit engagement with the drive member, a position flush with the drive member when the latch arm and keeper are interlocked and an extended signal position when the latch arm and keeper are disengaged.

Abstract: An adjustable keeper for pin latches, particularly suited for doors or panels mounted in flush relation to the external surface of an aircraft and thus subject to extreme air loads incidental to flying; one or more of the adjustable keepers being positioned for engagement by a corresponding pin latch, and including a screw assembly for adjusting the position of the keeper, the screw assembly having a tool engagable head exposed through a small perforation in the door or panel or adjacent thereto and thus accessible, when the door or panel is closed, to adjust the keeper so as to apply a preselected force to the pin latch which is transmitted to the door or panel to retain the door or panel in its flush condition.

Abstract: An externally accessible adjuster, particularly suited for adjusting the tension of a keeper shaft as applied to a hook type latch forming a part of a flush type latch assembly, the keeper shaft being screwthreaded and receiving a screwthreaded wheel having a set of radiating slots exposed in sequence through an access opening formed in the wall of the structure utilizing the flush type latch assembly. Two embodiments are illustrated, either one of which may use an opening which may be arranged to receive the latch handle, or a separate opening; also, either adjuster may be arranged to utilize a helically coiled frictional element or a yieldable detent.