Abstract: Gate latching apparatus is provided for detachably hingedly connecting an end of a tubular animal closure panel member to a relatively fixed support post or the support structure. The panel member includes downwardly protruding hinge pin members at the upper and lower portions thereof which engage in loop brackets provided at the top and bottom of the fixed support structure. To hold the panel member in position, a locking member in the form of a rectangular shaped closed loop is provided which has one side serving as a handle to be operated manually and the other side connected to and guided on a bolt. A spring surrounds the bolt and biases the locking member toward the fixed support structure. The locking member is axially movable and rotatable on the bolt member against the force of the spring between a locking position extending vertically and an unlocking position extending transversely to the vertical.

Abstract: A farrowing crate is provided which has adjustable connecting structure for connecting the side walls thereof to the end walls thereof in various adjusted positions with the farrowing crate width at the top remaining constant and the width at the bottom being increased step-by-step as the side wall is raised. The side walls are constructed of tubular construction with a lower horizontal tube having pins welded thereto which are selectively engagable in apertures arranged at respective steps of stepped brackets attached to the end walls. The stepped brackets exhibit inwardly facing vertical step surfaces which restrain lateral outward movement of the side wall during the adjustment process. The upper tubular member of the side wall includes locking apertures. Upper brackets are attached to the upper parts of the end walls, which upper brackets form stepwise nesting places for the upper tubular member as well as apertures alignable with the locking apertures to accommodate latch pins.