Compression latch

A latch for selectively maintaining a first member in a closed position relative to a second member, the latch comprising:

• a housing adapted for mounting to the first member, wherein said housing has a cup-like portion;
• a pivotal handle supported relative to said housing such that said handle can be folded down relative to said housing, said handle being pivotally movable between an extended configuration and one of a first folded-down configuration and a second folded-down configuration;
• a pawl;
• and
• means for moving said pawl in a combination of rotational and linear translational movements responsive to at least some movements of said handle,
• wherein said pawl is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position and said handle can be folded down when said pawl is in both said latched and unlatched positions, wherein said handle is substantially received in said cup-like portion when said handle is folded down to be in said first folded-down configuration and when said handle is folded down to be in said second folded-down configuration, wherein said pawl is in said latched position when said handle is in said first folded-down configuration, and wherein said pawl linearly translates away from said housing as said handle is pivotally moved from said first folded-down configuration to said extended configuration.