Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile latch for joining two members of an aircraft having a keeper mounted upon one member. The latch is rotatably mounted about a mounting bushing at one end of a pair of compression links whose opposite end pivotally mounts a hook that engages the keeper. Mounted at the pivot point between the hook and compression links is a first part of a two part handle whose second part is attached from the first handle part to a pair of side plates that form a further linkage. The side plates rotate about the mounting bushing, while the opposite ends thereof are connected by control links to the hook. The further linkage formed by the cover, side plates, and control links stabilizes the handle and hook and provides a smooth, controlled movement of the hook as the handle is opened and closed.

Abstract: An adjustable keeper mechanism is provided having an adjusting assembly which permits the keeper mechanism to be mounted over a greater range of depths than conventional star-wheel adjusting mechanisms. The adjusting assembly includes a driver 14 and a drive unit (15) which translates rotational movement of the driver (14) into linear movement of a connecting element (10), allowing infinitely small, non-incremental adjustment of the position of the connecting element (10) relative to the structures joined by the mechanism.

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 a recess in the longitudinally extending bolt to prevent its withdrawal from the keeper assembly. A locking surface in the recess engages the keeper. A slide member may extend over the recess so that the keeper is selectively prevented from engaging the recess for purposes of retracting the bolt.

Abstract: An adjustable latching mechanism is provided having a fixture (12, 13) which contains a rotatable element (14) and restrains that element from movement linearly along its axis. Also provided is a member (15) which is positioned intermediate the rotatable element (14) and the connecting element (10), e.g. a latch keeper, and intermediate the fixture (13) and the connecting element (10). The intermediate member (15) translates rotational movement of the rotatable element (14) into linear movement of the connecting element (10), allowing infinitely small, non-incremental adjustment of the position of the connecting element (10) relative to the structures joined by the mechanism. The connecting element (10) is restrained against rotational movement. A sleeve-like member (47) is fitted around a portion of the fixture (12) and prevents inadvertent dislodging of a pin (30) inserted through the connecting element (10) and contained within slots (28, 29) in the fixture (12).

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 supplemental locking mechanism is provided for an overcenter tension latch assembly. The mechanism prevents the keeper engaging member or latch hook (50) from moving out of its toggle position whether or not under load with the keeper of the latch assembly. The mechanism may be a rigid impeding element (90) which is spring biased for direct actuation by the operator through the handle of the latch assembly. The impeding element (90) is arranged in the latch assembly such that it will bear upon a portion of the latch hook (50) at a position which will counteract forces applied to the assembly which forces would otherwise cause the latch assembly to move out-of-toggle.

Abstract: A mechanism for reliably adjusting and securing the load applied through a keeper and a tension latch assembly is provided. The mechanism includes a housing (25, 35), a drive system (50, 70) for effecting the adjustment, and a clutching arrangement (50, 60, 70, 80) within the housing which prevents the drive system from effecting any further adjustment when a pre-determined load is achieved between the keeper and the hook of the latch assembly. Other features include the placement of the driving component, accessed by the operator, at a location external to the housing and provision of audible and physical indicators for the benefit of the operator when the desired load adjustment has been accomplished.

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 locking two objects 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 on one side of the spacer and a second locking element is on the other side of the spacer. The fastener body is adapted to receive a plunger which is adapted to travel from a retracted position to a secured position. The plunger causes the first and second locking elements to rigidly affix the objects to the fastener body thus holding the objects a predetermined distance from each other.

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 safety lock for pin latches of the type including a manually engageable drive plate rotatable approximately 180.degree. and connected through a linkage to a pin latch for reciprocal movement of the pin latch between a retracted disengaged position and an extended latched position, the safety lock being mounted on the linkage in such a manner as to prevent relative movement of the pin latch or linkage unless the safety lock is first manually engaged in a predetermined manner.