Abstract: A latching system for releasably locking a door to a housing includes an actuating handle means rotatably connected to the door for controlling the operation of the latching system, and cooperable latching members connected to the housing and door, respectively. One of the cooperable latching members being rotatably connected to the handle means at a location spaced from the rotatable connection between the handle means and the door. Spring means engaging the latching member connected to the handle means for biasing it into a predetermined orientation relative to the handle means and for assisting in maintaining that predetermined orientation as the handle means is rotated in a first direction to move the latching member into engagement with the other cooperable latching member attached to the housing, and to thereafter permit relative rotational movement between the handle means and the latching member connected to it to thereby draw the door into sealing engagement with the housing.