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: 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: 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).