Arden R Beale

US Patent:

56880030, Nov 18, 1997

Filed:

Aug 9, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/694576

Inventors:

Arden R. Beale - Idaho Falls ID

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

E05C 304

US Classification:

292202

Abstract:

A retaining latch for use in a hazardous materials storage or handling facility to adjustably retain a water pit gate in a gate frame. A retaining latch is provided comprising a latch plate which is rotatably mounted to each end of the top of the gate and a recessed opening, formed in the gate frame, for engaging an edge of the latch plate. The latch plate is circular in profile with one side cut away or flat, such that the latch plate is D-shaped. The remaining circular edge of the latch plate comprises steps of successively reduced thickness. The stepped edge of the latch plate fits inside a recessed opening formed in the gate frame. As the latch plate is rotated, alternate steps of the latch plate are engaged by the recessed opening. When the latch plate is rotated such that the flat portion of the latch plate faces the recessed opening in the gate frame, there is no connection between the opening and the latch plate and the gate is unlatched from the gate frame.