Latch mechanism

A latch mechanism is shown which utilizes a pair of latch dogs pivotally mounted on a base member. Each of the dogs has a curved end region which is adapted to contact a curved work surface of an associated stop member. The dogs are pivotable between a release position in which the curved end regions are apart from the work surfaces to allow relative movement between the base member and stop member and an engaged position in which the curved end regions contact the work surfaces. A positive locking action is achieved by providing the dog end regions with a radius of curvature which matches the radius of curvature of the stop member work surfaces, but offsetting the center point of the radius of curvature of the dogs from the pivot points of the dogs. In this way, the end regions and work surfaces fully mate in the engaged position, but are pulled fully apart when moving to the release position.