A latch and catch assembly, comprising: a catch attachable to a first structure; and a latch mechanism attachable to a second structure, the latch mechanism and the catch cooperating to secure the first structure relative to the second structure, the latch mechanism comprising: i) first and second hooks mounted for pivoting movement between an engagement position for engaging with the catch and a disengagement position for disengaging from the catch ; ii) a translating gear rail positioned between the first and second hooks , the translating gear rail engaged on opposing lateral sides thereof with the respective first and second hooks ; and iii) an actuator mechanism operable for driving movement of the translating gear rail to drive simultaneous pivoting movement of the first and second hooks apart, preferably in opposite directions to drive ends of the first and second hooks apart, toward their disengagement position; characterized, in that: the catch comprises a strike plate positioned between first and second spaced openings , the translating gear rail adapted to contact the strike plate to move the translating gear rail away from the catch to drive the first and second hooks toward their engagement position, and the first and second hooks adapted to be received in the respective first and second openings to engage the first and second hooks with the catch in their engagement position. a latch mechanism attachable to a second structure, the latch mechanism and the catch cooperating to secure the first structure relative to the second structure, the latch mechanism comprising: i) first and second hooks mounted for pivoting movement between an engagement position for engaging with the catch and a disengagement position for disengaging from the catch ; ii) a translating gear rail positioned between the first and second hooks , the translating gear rail engaged on opposing lateral sides thereof with the respective first and second hooks ; and iii) an actuator mechanism operable for driving movement of the translating gear rail to drive simultaneous pivoting movement of the first and second hooks apart, preferably in opposite directions to drive ends of the first and second hooks apart, toward their disengagement position; i) first and second hooks mounted for pivoting movement between an engagement position for engaging with the catch and a disengagement position for disengaging from the catch ; ii) a translating gear rail positioned between the first and second hooks , the translating gear rail engaged on opposing lateral sides thereof with the respective first and second hooks ; and iii) an actuator mechanism operable for driving movement of the translating gear rail to drive simultaneous pivoting movement of the first and second hooks apart, preferably in opposite directions to drive ends of the first and second hooks apart, toward their disengagement position; characterized, in that: the catch comprises a strike plate positioned between first and second spaced openings , the translating gear rail adapted to contact the strike plate to move the translating gear rail away from the catch to drive the first and second hooks toward their engagement position, and the first and second hooks adapted to be received in the respective first and second openings to engage the first and second hooks with the catch in their engagement position. <EOS>