A multi-position latch mechanism is provided for a subsurface aircraft ground
servicing
chamber formed by a pit having an upright interior wall and a pit lid seat disposed
atop the pit. A pit lid is provided which, when closed, rests upon the pit lid
seat. The latch mechanism includes a catch member depending from the pit lid adjacent
the upright wall of the pit. The catch member is mounted to the pit lid for rotatable
movement relative thereto. A latching member is mounted on the upright interior
pit wall and has a plurality of vertically spaced teeth that face the catch member.
The catch member has a hook facing the latching member. The hook is alternatively
engageable with each of the teeth, depending upon the extent to which debris on
the pit lid seat holds the pit lid off of its pit lid seat.