DOUBLE-LATCHED GATES.
wooden gate with two latchesFig. 231.—A Double-latched Farm Gate.
Fig. 231.—A Double-latched Farm Gate.
Fig. 231.—A Double-latched Farm Gate.
Figure 231represents a substantial farm gate with two latches. This is a very useful precaution against the wiles of such cattle as have learned to unfasten ordinary gate-latches. The latches work independently of each other, the wires,b,b, being fastened to the hand levera,and then to the latchese,e. A roguish animal will sometimes open a gate by raising the latch with its nose, but if one attempt it with this, it can only raise one latch at a time, always the upper one, while the lower one remains fastened. As soon as the animal lets go, the latch springs back and catches again. A hog cannot get through, for the lower latch prevents the gate from opening sufficiently to allow it to pass. A cow will find it difficult to open the gate, because she cannot raise the gate high enough to unlatch it. The latchese,e, work up and down in the slidesc,c, and when the gate is fastened they are about half-way between the top and bottom of the slides.
wooden gate with two latches in a long handleFig. 232.—A Gate For All Livestock.
Fig. 232.—A Gate For All Livestock.
Fig. 232.—A Gate For All Livestock.
Figure 232shows another form of double latches, which are closed by absolute motion, instead of depending upon their own weight. There are two latches fastened to a jointed lever, so that when the upper end or handle is pushed backward or forward, the latches both move in the same direction. The construction of the gate, and the form and arrangement of the latches and lever, are plainly shown.