A lever system deploys a pinion gear that engages a pinion gear receiving portion. A handle is attached to the pinion gear to rotate the pinion gear between a retain position and a release position. The pinion gear receiving portion is attached to a first object and the pinion gear is pivotably mounted to a second object that may be moved with respect to the first object. The design of the pinion gear receiving portion and the pinion gear ensure linear travel of the second object as the pinion gear is rotated between the retain position and the release position. Additionally, the pinion gear and the receiving portion include contours that prevent relative linear motion in all directions.