Latching mechanism

A latching mechanism having utility in securing a pivotable member in at least one position with respect to a stationary structure. The housing includes a base that is adapted to be mounted adjacent the pivotable member (e.g., a cage door), with the base lying in a plane which is generally parallel to the plane established by the cage door. A pair of spaced flanges is affixed to the base, with each of the flanges extending away from the door and lying in planes which are generally perpendicular to the base. Each of the flanges has two openings which are adapted to slidably receive first and second elongated appendages, with both appendages being slidably held with respect to the housing, and with each appendage having an outer region extending outwardly away from the housing. The two latching appendages are adapted to move in different directions, with the appendage outer regions being configured to engage a portion of the stationary structure (i.e., the cage enclosure) so as to hold the cage door in a closed position. The latching mechanism includes a control device for manipulating the appendages so as to slidably move the latching appendages inwardly (with respect to the housing). The control device includes a pair of protuberances, each having a length which is sufficient as to be easily engaged by a single digit of a user's hand. A pair of coil springs is provided for continuously urging the appendages in different directions away from the housing. A pair of cap-like members are ideally affixed to the exterior surface of each of the protuberances so as to facilitate gripping the protuberances with at least one digit of a person's hand.