CA2851921A1

CA2851921A1 - Apparatus, system, and method related to a coupling

Info

Publication number: CA2851921A1
Application number: CA2851921A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Christopher John Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-12
Filing date: 2014-05-12
Publication date: 2015-11-12

Abstract

An apparatus for use with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits is disclosed. The apparatus includes a connection mechanism for connecting the apparatus to the first fluid conduit and a guard connected to the connection mechanism. The guard is configured and operable to be movable, when the connection mechanism connects the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, between:
a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to a coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling, and a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling. Further apparatuses, methods, and systems are also disclosed.

Description

APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD RELATED TO A COUPLING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of Invention [0001] This invention relates to fluid flow through one or more fluid conduits and more particularly to providing improvements associated with one or more couplings associated with such fluid conduits including when the fluid conduits are interconnected with a valve.
Description of Related Art

[0002] Fluids are often transported through fluid conduits. Sometimes a fluid conduit may have two separate conduits in fluid communication with each through one or more couplings and a valve. In some environments, it is often necessary to transfer fluids from one fluid container to another. For example it is often required to transfer fluids between fluid tanks on tanker trucks and fluid storage tanks.
Sometimes the fluids to be transferred are hazardous, such as for example being toxic fluids and/or fluids that are at relatively high or low temperatures.

[0003] Couplings such as camlocks are often used to connect fluid conduits together. For example, a female or male camlock portion may be connected to the end of a hose on a tanker truck and the female or male camlock portion may be used to removably connect the hose to a mating male or female camlock portion connected to a pipe connected to a valve of a fluid storage tank. If a user wishes to fill or unload the tank truck, the user may open the valve and pump fluid through the interconnected camlock and hose into or from the tank truck using a suitable pumping device. During the filling / unloading process, while fluid flows through the female and male camlock portions, it is important that the female camlock portion remains connected to the male camlock portion. If a female camlock portion is disconnected from a male camlock portion while fluid is flowing, the fluid may spill and such spillage may be dangerous, expensive to clean up, and/or environmentally damaging. Therefore, it is desirable to try to minimize the risk of a releasable coupling such as a camlock coupling being disconnected while the fluid valve or valves controlling the flow of fluid remain open.

[0004] Conventional technologies for keeping camlocks from disconnecting while fluid is flowing may involve straps for holding arms of the female camlock portions in a locked position. However, conventional straps may be easily lost, difficult to use, or slow for a user to apply to a camlock. Further, conventional straps may be accessed and removed while fluid is flowing through the camlock.

[0005] Also, providing a valve protection device on each storage tank valve that is utilized amongst a group of storage tanks can result in significant and undesirable expenses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits. The apparatus includes a connection mechanism for connecting the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, and a guard connected to the connection mechanism, the guard being configured and operable to be movable, when the connection mechanism connects the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, between a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to a coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling, and a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus including a mounting mechanism operable to mount the apparatus to a fluid conduit, and a guard interconnected to the mounting mechanism, the guard Pt having a generally longitudinally extending plate pivotally connected proximate a first end of the plate to the mounting mechanism, and the guard having a cover interconnected to the plate proximate a second end of the plate, the cover being generally C-shaped and being oriented transverse to the longitudinally extending plate.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for use with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits. The system includes an apparatus including provisions for mounting to the first fluid conduit, and provisions for guarding the coupling, the provisions for guarding being configured and operable to be movable, when the provisions for mounting is mounted to the first fluid conduit, between a first non-interference position wherein the provisions for guarding is in a position relative to the coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling, and a second interference position wherein the provisions for guarding is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for use in moving fluid through a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, the first and second fluid conduits being interconnected by a coupling. The system includes (a) a first fluid conduit and (b) an apparatus including: (i) a connection mechanism connecting the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, and (ii) a guard connected to the connection mechanism, the guard being configured and operable to be movable between a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling between the first and second fluid conduits, that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling, and a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using an apparatus with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits. The method involves (a) mounting an apparatus having a guard to the first fluid conduit; the guard when the apparatus is mounted to the first fluid conduit being movable between a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling to a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling, and (b) moving the guard from the first non-interference position to the second interference position.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using an apparatus with a releasable coupling, the coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits. The method involves (a) providing an apparatus having a guard that is connected to the first fluid conduit; the guard being movable between a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling to a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling, and (b) moving the guard from the first non-interference position to the second interference position.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for moving fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container.
The system includes a first fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid container, the first fluid conduit having a first releasable coupling portion, and a second fluid conduit having a second releasable coupling portion releasably coupled to the first coupling portion, the second fluid conduit being in fluid communication with the second fluid container; the first and second fluid coupling portions forming a releasable coupling between the first and second conduits. The system also includes a connection mechanism connected to the first fluid conduit, and a guard connected to the connection mechanism, the guard being configured and operable to be movable between a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling, and a second position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits. The apparatus includes a connection mechanism for connecting the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, and a guard connected to the connection mechanism, the guard being configured and operable to be placed in a position relative to the coupling, when the connection mechanism connects the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, that alerts a user to an unsafe operation of the coupling.

[0014] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention,

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus that may be used with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a system for transporting fluid between first and second fluid containers according to one embodiment of the invention including the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in one configuration;

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 2 in use with a storage tank and a tank truck;

[0019] Figure 4 is a top view of the system shown in Figure 2;

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 2 in another configuration;

[0021] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 2 in another configuration;

[0022] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a system for transporting fluid between first and second fluid containers according to another embodiment of the invention including the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

[0023] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a system for transporting fluid between first and second fluid containers according to another embodiment of the invention including the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a system for transporting fluid between first and second fluid containers according to another embodiment of the invention including the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

[0025] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a system used in a process for servicing at least one storage tank with a tank truck according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an apparatus that may be used with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figures 12A and 12B are a perspective view and a cross sectional view of a system for transporting fluid between first and second fluid containers according to another embodiment of the invention; and

[0028] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a system for transporting fluid between first and second fluid containers according to another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Referring initially to Figure 1, an apparatus 10 is illustrated that may be used with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits.
For example, the apparatus 10 may be used for guarding / protecting / enhancing the safety of a coupling used with a first fluid conduit when the coupling is interconnected with a second fluid conduit and a valve. The apparatus 10 may include a mounting or connection mechanism such as a clamp 12 made of any suitable material or materials, and an access interference portion (hereinafter referred to as a guard 14), also made of any suitable material or materials. Guard 14 may be connected to clamp 12. Apparatus 10 also includes a longitudinal axis 13 that passes through a centre of clamp 12 as shown in Figure 1.

[0030] Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary system 15 for moving fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container is shown. System 15 may include apparatus 10, a first fluid conduit such as hose 16, a coupling that, in the embodiment shown, includes female camlock portion 18 and male camlock portion 20, a second fluid conduit such as pipe 21, and a valve 22 having a valve handle 24.

[0031] Figure 3 shows system 15 in an exemplary use where a storage tank 150 may act as a first fluid container in fluid communication with valve 22. A
tank 152 of a tank truck 154 may act as a second fluid container in fluid communication with hose 16. An additional valve (not shown) may be provided connecting hose 16 with tank 152 of tank truck 154. Referring to both Figures 2 and 3, a user may use system 15 when the user wishes to cause fluid to flow in the direction shown by arrow A
from storage tank 150 to tank 152 of tank truck 154, such as, for example to load tank 152 with fluid from storage tank 150.

[0032] In some embodiments, apparatus 10, hose 16, and female camlock portion 18 may all be included in a truck side system that is carried with the tank truck 154, for connecting with the male camlock portion 20 which, in some embodiments may be included with pipe 21 and valve 22 in a storage tank side system located with the storage tank 150. The apparatus 10, hose 16 and female camlock portion 18 may be suitably stored on the tank truck until their use is required.

[0033] In some embodiments, a user may also or alternatively use system when the user wishes to cause fluid to flow in a direction opposite to that shown by the arrow A, for example, for unloading fluid from tank 152 into storage tank 150.
Even though a valve located on the tank truck side may also be employed to control the flow out of the truck tank 152, it is still useful to employ apparatus 10 with hose 16 at the interconnection with the fluid conduit on the storage tank side.

[0034] The fluid being moved within the system may be any type of fluid such as, for example in connection with the oil and gas sector, crude oil, produced water, condensate, mixed oilfield products, drilling mud/invert, fresh water, gasoline, or diesel.

[0035] Referring back to Figure 2, mounting clamp 12, which acts as a mounting mechanism for apparatus 10, may include a generally annular frame configured and operable to be secured around an outer cylindrical surface of hose 16. By mounting apparatus 10 to hose 16, apparatus 10 along with hose 16 may be transported on a tanker truck to several locations where there are storage tanks requiring the transfer of fluids. In this way, each storage tank does not require a separate guarding apparatus. Instead, apparatus 10 may be attached to hose 16 and transported from location to location on the tanker truck. So long as the camlock and valve that will be employed at each location can accommodate apparatus 10, separate guarding apparatuses at each storage tank location can be avoided. It is quite typical within a particular industry sector (eg. oil and gas sector) for storage tanks being used at various locations to have camlocks, hoses and pipes, and valve mechanisms that can function with a single guarding apparatus 10.

[0036] In addition to the tank truck carrying a female camlock portion 18 attached to the hose 16, additional camlock devices may also be transported allowing for flexibility when it is required to interconnect hose 16 with a pipe 21. For example a double male camlock portion could be provided allowing the interconnection of female camlock portion 18 with a female camlock portion on the storage tanks side.

[0037] Hose 16 may be made of any suitable material such as a flexible and durable material, such as a composite material. For example, hose 16 may be made of nitrile synthetic rubber, textile braids and/or a steel spiral reinforcement for reinforcement and electrical grounding purposes. For example, hose 16 may be a Goodyear Flexwing TM, Goodyear ExtremeFlexTM, or GoodaIITM petroleum transfer hose. In some embodiments, another fluid conduit, such as a pipe, may be used in place of, or in addition to hose 16. For example, a pipe may be connected to hose 16, and clamp 12 may be mounted to the pipe.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4, which shows a top view of system 15 of Figure 2, clamp 12 may include a hinge 25, a bolt 27 and a corresponding nut (not shown) connected to bolt 27. Bolt 27 and the nut can cooperate to releasably fasten clamp 12 tightly and closed on hose 16 and thereby securely mount clamp 12 to hose 16.
In some embodiments, because bolt 27 may be loosened, clamp 12 may be configured and operable to be removable from hose 16 and/or slidable along hose 16. The clamp 12 may for example be made of a durable non-corrosive material, such as, for example, steel, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may include another type of mounting mechanism in place of clamp 12. In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism may include, for example a quick release latch, a welded nut and thumb screw, or a ratchet style connection with clamp. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may include a mount for permanently mounting or connecting to the hose 16 or the mounting mechanism and hose 16 may form a unitary body.

[0039] Clamp 12 may keep apparatus 10 interconnected with hose 16, even when female camlock portion 18 is not connected to male camlock portion 20, which may ensure that the apparatus 10 is readily available to be used when female camlock portion 18 of the coupling is connected to male camlock portion 20. This may encourage users to use apparatus 10.

[0040] Hose 16 may be connected to and in fluid communication with female camlock portion 18. Female camlock portion 18 may be removably coupled to male camlock portion 20, which acts as a male connector complementary to female camlock portion 18 to create a releasable coupling. In the embodiment shown, male camlock portion 20 includes a female threaded connection that is threadably connected to pipe 21. Thus, female camlock 18 portion and male camlock portion act as a coupling between hose 16 and pipe 21. For example, female camlock portion 18 may be an InstalockTM Type B camlock, made by GoodyearTM. For example, in some embodiments, female camlock portion 18 may be sized between 2 inches and 8 inches. Male camlock portion may be a corresponding male type camlock made by Goodyear. In other embodiments another type of coupling may be used in place of female camlock portion 18 and male camlock portion 20.

[0041] Referring to Figure 4, female camlock 18 may include arms 26 and 28, which are shown in a closed or locked position, thereby securing female camlock 1,1 portion 18 to male camlock portion 20 to create a fluid tight connection between hose 16 and pipe 21. Female camlock portion 18 may be disconnected from male camlock portion 20 by unlocking arms 26 and 28, such as by moving arms 26 and outward.

[0042] Pipe 21 may be connected to and in fluid communication with valve 22.
Accordingly, female camlock portion 18 can be coupled to and in fluid communication with valve 22 through male camlock portion 20 and pipe 21. In the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 4, valve handle 24 is in a closed position and valve 22 is closed. Valve 22 may be any of a variety of types of fluid valve. For example, valve 22 may be a butterfly valve, ball valve or a gate valve.

[0043] Referring again back to Figure 2, apparatus 10 may also include a hinge mechanism 30 that acts as a pivotal connector, providing for the pivotal connection of guard 14 to clamp 12. In the embodiment shown, a first side of hinge 30 is affixed such as by welding, fusing or connecting using fasteners or bolts to clamp 12 and a second side of the hinge 30 is affixed such as by welding, fusing or connecting using fasteners or bolts to guard 14.

[0044] In the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 4, guard 14 is in a first non-interference position, folded back towards hose 16 and clamp 12. In the first non-interference position, guard 14 is spaced from female camlock portion 18 and female camlock portion 18 is unguarded and uncovered. Thus, guard 14 is in a position relative to female camlock 18 that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of female camlock portion 18.

[0045] Guard 14 may be configured and operable to be movable from the first non-interference position shown in Figure 2 to a second interference position shown in Figure 5. In one embodiment, to use apparatus 10, a user may move guard 14 from the first non-interference position shown in Figure 2 to the second interference position shown in Figure 5 by pivoting guard 14 about hinge 30 on a path 32.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 5, in the configuration shown, guard 14 is in the second interference position. In the second interference position, guard 14 is adjacent female camlock portion 18 and covers at least a portion of female camlock portion 18, thereby guarding female camlock portion 18. In the configuration shown in Figure 5, guard 14 is in a position relative to female camlock portion 18 that interferes with a user's operation of female camlock portion 18 and thus of the coupling (ie. A user's ability to releasably disconnect the coupling is interfered with)..

[0047] Guard 14 may include a longitudinally extending plate 39 and a coupling cover 40. Plate 39 and coupling cover 40 may be made of any suitable material or materials such as a durable non-corrosive material such as steel, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. Plate 39 may be connected to the hinge 30 proximate one end and connected to the coupling cover 40 proximate an opposite end.
Plate 39 may be welded, fused, or connected using fasteners or bolts to the hinge 30 and the coupling cover 40, for example.

[0048] Coupling cover 40 may be configured to cover female camlock portion when guard 14 is in the second interference position. In the embodiment shown, coupling cover 40 is generally C-shaped and is oriented transverse to the plate 39.
Coupling cover 40 may include first, second, and third barriers 43, 44 and 46 which cover female camlock portion 18, when guard 14 is in the second interference position. In the configuration shown, the second and third barriers 44 and 46 are disposed on opposite sides of female camlock portion 18 such that barriers 44 and 46 cover arms 26 and 28 of female camlock portion 18 and restrain the arms from moving outward and thus interfere with a user's operation of female camlock portion 18.

[0049] Accordingly, the second and third barriers 44 and 46 of guard 14 may interfere with a user's ability to disconnect female camlock portion 18 from male camlock portion 20 by not allowing the arms 26 and 28 to move outward to unlock female camlock portion 18 from male camlock portion 20 when guard 14 is in the second interference position.

[0050] In other embodiments, coupling cover 40 may not include barriers 44 and 46, or barriers 44 and 46 may be spaced far enough from female camlock 18 such that, while guard 14 is in the second interference position and covering female camlock portion 18, arms 26 and 28 may still be able to move outward to disengage female camlock 18. In such embodiments, a user may not be able to view and/or access female camlock portion 18 without viewing and/or interacting with guard 14.
Thus, guard 14 may still interfere with operation of apparatus 10 by deterring decoupling female camlock portion 18 from male camlock portion 20 because the coupling cover 40 covering female camlock portion 18 may remind or alert the user not to disengage female camlock portion 18 from male camlock portion 20 when the guard 14 is in the second interference position.

[0051] Referring still to Figure 5, when guard 14 is in the second interference position, guard 14 is configured to allow the valve handle 24 to be moved uninhibited from the closed position shown in Figure 5 to an open position, as shown in Figure 6.
For example, a user may open the valve 22 by moving the valve handle 24 to the open position when the user wishes to cause fluid to flow through the system 15.

[0052] Figure 6 shows the system 15 with the valve handle 24 in the open position and the valve 22 open. In one embodiment, with the valve 22 open, fluid may permitted to flow in the direction shown by the arrow A. The fluid may be caused to flow by a pump, such as a vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the fluid may be caused to flow by another means, such as a gear pump or a centrifugal pump, or any other type of pump. In some embodiments, the pump may be located downstream in a destination container coupled to hose 16, for example. For example, where the destination container is a tank truck, a vacuum pump may be located in the tank truck.

[0053] In some embodiments before the fluid can flow, a valve in the destination container must be opened. For example, where the destination container connected to hose 16 is a tank truck, a valve at the tank truck may need to be opened before fluid can flow through the hose 16.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, guard 14 includes a bar 42 positioned and configured to interact with the valve handle 24 by having its movement obstructed by the valve handle 24 when the valve handle 24 is in the open position and guard 14 is pivotally moved about hinge 30 on path 32 from the second interference position towards the first non-interference position, such that valve handle 24 retains guard 14 in the second interference position. Accordingly, bar 42 acts as a retainer for retaining the guard in the second interference position with valve handle 24 when the valve handle 24 is in the open position. Thus, by including bar 42, guard 14 is configured to be inhibited from being moved from the second interference position by the operational configuration of the valve 22 when the valve 22 is open.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as, for example where a gate valve is used, the guard 14 may not be inhibited from being moved from the second interference position by the operational configuration of the valve when the valve is open.
In such embodiments, the guard 14 is not retained in the second interference position, but still interferes with a user's operation of the female camlock 18.

[0056] Bar 42 may include a first portion 60 that extends in a first direction, generally perpendicular to a direction, shown by the arrow A, that fluid would flow through valve 22, pipe 21, male camlock portion 20, female camlock portion 18, hose 16 and clamp 12.

[0057] Because the first portion 60 of the bar 42 extends generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through the valve 22, the first portion 60 extends generally perpendicular to the valve handle 24 when the valve handle 24 is in the open position. This may facilitate the first portion 60 of the bar 42 being obstructed by types of valves similar to the valve 22, but having different variations.
For example, the first portion 60 of the bar 42 may be obstructed by a valve handle that is similar to the valve handle 24, but disposed further from a centre of the valve 22.
Accordingly, by having the first portion 60 extending perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through the valve 22, the bar 42 may be obstructed by various types of open valves. The bar 42 may be a steel, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic bar, for example. The bar 42 may be attached to the guard 14 by welding, fusing or connecting using fasteners or bolts, for example. In other embodiments another retainer may be used. In some embodiments, the bar may be attached at another position on the guard 14 to suit the demands of a particular area and valve to be used with the apparatus 10.

[0058] Because guard 14 is retained in the second interference position while valve handle 24 is in the open position, guard 14 may deter decoupling of the female camlock portion 18 from male camlock portion 20 while valve handle 24 is in the open position.

[0059] In order for a user to move guard 14 to the first non-interference position and thereby uncover female camlock portion 18, the user may be required to first move valve handle 24 from the open position shown in Figure 6 towards the closed position shown in Figure 5. Guard 14 is configured to be uninhibited from being moved from the second interference position to the first non-interference position when the valve 22 is closed and the valve handle 24 is in the closed position since there is no interaction between guard 14 and the valve handle 24 when the valve handle 24 is in the closed position.

[0060] When loading or unloading of a tank truck has finished, a user may stop fluid flow by turning off a pump, closing a valve at the destination container, and closing the valve 22. A user may close the valve 22 by moving the valve handle to the closed position to stop fluid flow through the valve. Once valve handle 24 has been moved to the closed position, movement of the guard 14 from the second interference position to the first non-interference position may no longer be obstructed by valve handle 24. Accordingly, a user may move guard 14 from the second interference position to the first non-interference position to uncover female camlock portion 18. The user may then operate female camlock portion 18 by disconnecting female portion camlock 18 from male camlock portion 20.

[0061] Accordingly, apparatus 10 may encourage that valve 22 be first closed before the guard 14 is moved to the first non-interference position and the female camlock portion 18 is disconnected from male camlock portion 20. Thus, apparatus 10 may reduce a risk that the user operate female camlock portion 18 by disconnecting female camlock portion 18 from male camlock portion 20 before closing the valve 22 and thus apparatus 10 may avoid having an accidental discharge of fluid onto the user and/or into the surrounding environment.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 7, apparatus 10 is shown in use in a system 100, generally the same as system 15. System 100 includes a valve 102 functionally similar to valve 22, but configured somewhat differently. In system 100, first barrier 43 of the coupling cover 40 is disposed to have its movement obstructed by a valve handle 104 of the valve 102 when the valve handle 104 is in the open position and the guard 14 is moved from the second interference position towards the first non-interference position. Accordingly, the first barrier 43 of the coupling cover 40 acts as a retainer for retaining the guard 14 in the second interference position.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 8, apparatus 10 is shown in use in a system 120, also generally the same as the system 15, except that the system 120 includes an elbow 122 connected to male camlock 20. Elbow 122 is connected to a valve 124 generally similar to valve 22.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, bar 42 of guard 14 includes a second portion 62 that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction that the first portion 60 extended in, and generally towards the valve 124.
Thus, the second portion 62 of the bar 42 extends generally perpendicular to a valve handle 126 of the valve 124 when the valve handle 126 is in an open position.
The second portion 62 extending in the second direction may facilitate the second portion 62 acting as a retainer and being obstructed by the valve handle 126 when the valve handle is in the open position and the guard 14 is moved from the second interference position towards the first non-interference position.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6-8, the apparatus 10 including the first and second portions 60 and 62 of the bar 42 may facilitate the guard 14 being retained in the second interference position by a variety of different valves, such as the valves 22, 102 and 124 and variations of these valves. In some embodiments, such as when the apparatus 10 is to be used with at least one known type of valve, one or both of the first and second portions 60 and 62 of the bar 42 may be omitted.

[0066] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2-6, female camlock 18, which is connected to hose 16, is removably connected to male camlock 20, which is connected to pipe 21. Male camlock 20 and pipe 21 may be included in a storage tank side system, and female camlock 18 may be included in a tank truck side system.

[0067] In some embodiments, various other combinations of camlocks may be used to act as a coupling or couplings for connecting hose 16 to pipe 21. For example, in some embodiments, a male camlock portion may be connected to hose 16 on the tank truck side system, and the male camlock portion may be removably connected to a female camlock portion that is connected to pipe 21 on the storage tank side system.

[0068] In some embodiments, a male camlock portion may be connected to hose 16 on the tank truck side system and the male camlock portion may be removably connected to a double female camlock portion, which may be removably connected to a male camlock portion connected to pipe 21 on the storage tank side system. In some embodiments, such as the one shown in Figure 9, a female camlock portion may be connected to a hose on the tank truck side system and the female camlock portion may be removably connected to a double male camlock portion, which may be removably connected to a female camlock connected to pipe 21 on the storage tank side system. Various other combinations of male and female camlock portions may be used in various embodiments of the invention, and an apparatus like apparatus 10 may be used in conjunction therewith to provide interference with the operation of one or more of the interconnections.

[0069] Figure 9 shows a system 180 for transporting fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container according to another embodiment. The system 180 is again generally the same as system 15 shown in Figure 6. The system 180 includes hose 16, apparatus 10, female camlock portion 18, a double male camlock portion 188, a female camlock portion 186, a pipe 190 and a valve 192. In some embodiments, hose 16, apparatus 10, female camlock portion 18, and double male camlock portion 188 may be part of the truck side of a system and female camlock portion 186, pipe 190 and valve 192 may be part of a storage tank side of the system.

[0070] In the embodiment shown, clamp 12 has been moved longitudinally along hose 16 towards female camlock portion 18, when compared to the configuration shown in Figure 2. Female camlock portions 18 and 186 are oriented in opposite directions and are removably connected to double male camlock portion 188.
Female camlock portion 186 is connected to pipe 190 which is connected to valve 192.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9, apparatus 10 is in the second interference position and guard 14 is configured to cover both of the female camlock portions 18 and 186.
The coupling cover 40 of the guard 14 covers arms of female camlock portion generally as described above having regard to Figure 5.

[0072] Plate 39 of guard 14 covers female camlock portion 18. In the embodiment shown, arms of female camlock portion 18 may be able to move outward to disengage female camlock portion 18 while the plate covers female camlock portion 18. However, when guard 14 is in the second interference position, as shown in Figure 9, a user is not able to view and/or access female camlock portion 18 without viewing and/or interacting with the plate 39. Accordingly, plate 39 may interfere with a user's operation of female camlock portion 18 by deterring decoupling female camlock portion 18 from double male camlock portion 188 because viewing and/or interacting with plate 39 may remind or alert a user not to disengage female camlock portion 18 from double male camlock portion 188 when guard 14 is in the second interference position.

[0073] Figure 10 is a schematic depiction of a system 218 used in a process for servicing at least one storage tank with a tank truck according to one embodiment of the invention. System 218 includes a tank truck 220 and first, second, and third storage tanks 222, 224, and 226 that tank truck 220 services by traveling to and loading or unloading at the tanks. Tank truck 220 may include a tank, a hose connected to the tank, a guarding apparatus connected to the hose, a female camlock connected to the hose, and a double male camlock removably connected to the female camlock. The hose, guarding apparatus, and female camlock of the tank truck may be generally similar to hose 16, apparatus 10, and female camlock 18 described above and shown in Figure 2. The double male camlock of the tank truck may be generally similar to double male camlock 188 shown in Figure 9.

[0074] In one embodiment, a user may drive the tank truck 220 to first storage tank 222 along path 228. Once the user has arrived and positioned the tank truck 220 appropriately, a user may move the hose of tank truck 220 out of a storage position and towards first storage tank 222. If first storage tank 222 includes a male camlock, a user may disconnect the double male camlock of the tank truck from the female camlock of the tank truck and then releasably connect the female camlock of tank truck 220 to the male camlock of first storage tank 222, generally as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, if first storage tank 222 includes a female camlock, a user may keep the double male camlock connected to the female camlock of the tank truck 220 and then releasably connect the female camlock of first storage tank 222 to the double male camlock of the tank truck 220, generally as shown in Figure 9.

Accordingly, by using a tank truck that includes both a female and a male camlock, a user may be able to connect to both female and male camlocks of a storage tank

[0075] Next, a user may move a guard of the apparatus of tank truck 220 from a first non-interference position to a second interference position, generally as described above having regard to apparatus 10, either generally as shown in Figure 5, when the first storage tank 222 includes a male camlock, or generally as shown in Figure 9, when the first storage tank 222 includes a female camlock.

[0076] A user may open a valve of the tank truck 220, and open a valve of first storage tank 222 interposed within the pipe of the first storage tank to allow fluid to flow between the first storage tank and tank truck 220. In one embodiment, a user may load the tank of tank truck 220 by using a pump to cause fluid to flow into tank truck 220 from first storage tank 222. In another embodiment, a user may unload the tank of tank truck 220 by using a pump to cause fluid to flow into first storage tank 222 from tank truck 220.

[0077] Once the user is finished pumping fluid into or from tank truck 220, a user may close the valves of tank truck 220 first storage tank 222, and deactivate the pump to stop fluid from flowing between first storage tank 222 and tank truck 220. A
user may then move the guard of the apparatus of tank truck 220 from the second interference position to the first non-interference position.

[0078] A user may then disconnect the female or double male camlock of tank truck 220 from the male or female camlock of first storage tank 222. A user may then return the hose of tank truck 220 to a storage configuration and/or position such that the tank truck 220 is ready to travel. Where the double male camlock of tank truck 220 was previously removed to allow the female camlock of tank truck 220 to connect to the male camlock of the first storage tank 222, a user may reconnect the double male camlock of tank truck 220 to the female camlock of tank truck 220.

[0079] Next a user may drive tank truck 220 along a path 230 to second storage tank 224 and, once the user arrives at second storage tank 224, a user may go through generally the same process described above for first storage tank 222, to load or unload tank truck 220 at the second storage tank 224.

[0080] When the user is finished loading or unloading tank truck 220 at second storage tank 224, a user may drive tank truck 220 along a path 232 to third storage tank 226 and, once the user arrives at third storage tank 226, a user may go through generally the same process described above for first storage tank 222, to load or unload tank truck 220 at third storage tank 226.

[0081] In various embodiments, paths 228, 230, and 232 may be of any distance and configuration that tank truck 220 is able to travel on. For example, in some 1,1 embodiments paths 228, 230, and 232 may be hundreds of kilometres or less than a hundred metres. In other embodiments, tank truck 220 may not travel between storage tanks.

[0082] In some embodiments, tank truck 220 may travel to and load or unload at at least one additional storage tank after third storage tank 226.

[0083] In some embodiments, tank truck 220 may include a male camlock portion connected to the hose and a double female camlock removably connected to the male camlock portion. In such embodiments, if a storage tank includes a female camlock, a user may disconnect the double female camlock portion of the tank truck from the male camlock portion of the tank truck and then releasably connect the male camlock portion of tank truck 220 to the female camlock portion of the storage tank.
Alternatively, if the storage tank includes a male camlock portion, a user may keep the double female camlock portion connected to the hose and releasably connect an open end of the double female camlock portion of tank truck 220 to the male camlock portion of the storage tank. In such embodiments, the apparatus of the tank truck 220 may be moved from the first non-interference position to the second interference position, to interfere with a user's operation of the female camlock portion(s), generally similarly to as described with other camlocks herein.

[0084] Where the storage tank includes a female camlock portion and the double female camlock portion of the tank truck was disconnected to facilitate conection of the male camlock of the tank truck to the female camlock portion of the storage tank, once the user has finished pumping fluid into or from tank truck 220 and has disconnected the male camlock portion of the truck from the female camlock portion of the storage tank, the user may reconnect the double female camlock portion of tank truck to the male camlock portion of tank truck.

[0085]
Figure 11 shows an apparatus 250 for use with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits according to another embodiment, wherein a latch or securement is provided. In the embodiment shown, a latch 252 is coupled to the guard 14 for selectively retaining the guard in the second interference position. The latch 252 may be configured to secure around hose 16 or female camlock 18 and thus retain the guard 14 against free movement of the guard relative to hose 16, when the hose 16 is not interconnected with a pipe 21

[0086] Various embodiments of latches or securements that may be used in various embodiments of the invention are also shown in Figure 11.

[0087] Figure 12A shows a system 260 according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the barriers 44 and 46 are connected to the barrier 40 via a hinged connection. Figure 12B shows a cross sectional view of the system 260 of Figure 12A.
The hinged connection may facilitate expansion of the guard 14 to accommodate larger camlocks.

[0088]
Figure 13 shows a system 280 according to an embodiment of the invention that is generally similar to the system 180 shown in Figure 9. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the guard includes a second cover with barriers 270 and 272 for interfering with a user's operation of arms of the female camlock 18 when the guard is in the second interference position. The barriers 270 and 272 may act similarly to barriers 44 and 46 shown in Figure 5 and may cover the arms of female camlock portion 18 and restrain the arms from moving outward

[0089]
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.

P'

[0090] When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having"
are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus for use with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits, said apparatus comprising:
a connection mechanism for connecting said apparatus to the first fluid conduit; and a guard connected to the connection mechanism, the guard being configured and operable to be movable, when the connection mechanism connects the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, between:
a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to a coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling; and a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein when said guard is in said second interference position, said guard is generally adjacent to and covers at least a portion of the coupling to interfere with a user's operation of the coupling.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the guard is configured to be inhibited from being moved from the second interference position by the operational configuration of a valve interposed within the second fluid conduit when there is a fluid flow through said valve between the second fluid conduit and said first fluid conduit.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the guard is configured to be inhibited from being moved from the second interference position to the first non-interference position as a result of an interaction between the guard and the valve when the valve is in an open position.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the guard is configured to be uninhibited from being moved from the second interference position to the first non-interference position due to the absence of an interaction between the guard and the valve when the valve is in a closed position.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the guard comprises a coupling cover and wherein when said guard is in said interference position, said coupling cover is generally adjacent to and covers at least a portion of the coupling to interfere with a user's operation of the coupling.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein when said guard is in said interference position, the coupling cover is configured to cover one or more arms of the coupling to interfere with a user's operation the coupling.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the coupling cover includes first and second barriers configured to be disposed on opposite sides of the coupling when the guard is in the second position and to obstruct movement of the arms to keep first and second arms from being unlooked..

9. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 8 wherein the guard comprises a retainer and wherein the guard is configured to be inhibited from being moved from the second interference position as a result of an interaction between the retainer and the valve when the valve is in the open position.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the retainer comprises a first portion that extends in a first direction, said first direction being perpendicular to a direction that fluid would flow through the valve when said guard is in said interference position.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the retainer comprises a second portion that extends in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction and towards the valve when said guard is in said interference position.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 further comprising a pivotal connector pivotally coupling the guard and the connection mechanism such that the guard is operable to be pivoted between the first non-interference position and the second interference position.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the connection mechanism comprises a clamp.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 further comprising a latch coupled to the guard for selectively retaining the guard in the second interference position.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the guard is made substantially of steel, aluminum, or plastic.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said connection mechanism is releasable and operable to permit a location of the connection between said connection mechanism and the first fluid conduit to be adjusted.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said apparatus is for use with first and second releasable couplings interconnecting first and second fluid conduits, said first and second releasable couplings being located in close proximity to each other, and wherein said guard is configured and operable to be movable, when the connection mechanism connects the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, between:
(i) a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the first and second coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of either of the first and second couplings; and (ii) a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the first and second couplings that interferes with a users operation of at least one of the first and second couplings..

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein when said guard is in said second interference position, said guard interferes with the users operation of both of said first and second couplings.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 or 18 wherein the coupling cover comprises a first cover and wherein said guard comprises a second coupling cover and wherein when said guard is in said interference position, said second coupling cover is generally adjacent to and covers at least a portion of the second coupling to interfere with a user's operation of the second coupling.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein when said guard is in said interference position, the second coupling cover is configured to cover one or more arms of the second coupling to interfere with a user's operation the second coupling.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the coupling cover includes first and second barriers configured to be disposed on opposite sides of the coupling when the guard is in the second position and to obstruct movement of the arms to keep first and second arms from being unlooked..

22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 further comprising a latch coupled to the guard for selectively retaining the guard against free movement of the guard relative to the first fluid conduit.

23. An apparatus comprising:
a mounting mechanism operable to mount said apparatus to a fluid conduit; and a guard interconnected to said mounting mechanism, said guard having a generally longitudinally extending plate pivotally connected proximate a first end of said plate to said mounting mechanism, and said guard having a cover interconnected to said plate proximate a second end of said plate, said cover being generally C-shaped and being oriented transverse to said longitudinally extending plate.

24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein said mounting mechanism comprises a generally annular frame operable to be secured around an outer cylindrical surface of said fluid conduit, said mounting mechanism having a generally longitudinal axis.

25. An apparatus as claimed in claims 23 or 24 wherein said generally C-shaped cover is operable to be pivoted between:
a first position wherein the cover is positioned away from said longitudinal axis;
a second position wherein the cover partially surrounds said longitudinal axis.

26. An apparatus as claimed in claims 24 or 25 further comprising a bar connected to a side of the generally C-shaped cover, said bar including a first portion extending generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein said bar includes a second portion perpendicular to the first portion and operable to extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis when said C-shaped cover is in the second position.

28. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein said guard has a second cover interconnected to said plate between said cover and said first end of said plate, said second cover being generally C-shaped and being oriented transverse to said longitudinally extending plate.

29. A system for use with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits, the system comprising an apparatus comprising:

means for mounting to the first fluid conduit; and means for guarding the coupling, said means for guarding being configured and operable to be movable, when the means for mounting is mounted to the first fluid conduit, between:
a first non-interference position wherein the means for guarding is in a position relative to the coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling; and a second interference position wherein the means for guarding is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling.

30. A
system for use in moving fluid through a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, said first and second fluid conduits being interconnected by a coupling, said system comprising:
(a) a first fluid conduit;
(b) an apparatus comprising:
(i) a connection mechanism connecting said apparatus to the first fluid conduit; and (ii) a guard connected to the connection mechanism, the guard being configured and operable to be movable between:

a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling between the first and second fluid conduits, that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling; and a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling.

31. A system as claimed in claim 30 wherein when said guard is in said interference position, said guard is generally adjacent to and covers at least a portion of the coupling to interfere with a user's operation of the coupling.

32. A system as claimed in claims 30 or 31 wherein the guard is configured to be inhibited from being moved from the second interference position by the operational configuration of a valve interposed within the second fluid conduit when there is a fluid flow through said valve between the second fluid conduit and said first fluid conduit.

33. A system as claimed in claim 32 wherein the guard is configured to be inhibited from being moved from the second interference position to the first non-interference position as a result of an interaction between the guard and the valve when the valve is in an open position.

34. A system as claimed in claim 33 wherein the guard is configured to be uninhibited from being moved from the second interference position to the first non-interference position due to the absence of an interaction between the guard and the valve when the valve is in a closed position.

35. A system as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 34 wherein the guard comprises a coupling cover and wherein when said guard is in said interference position, said coupling cover is generally adjacent to and covers at least a portion of the coupling to interfere with a user's operation of the coupling.

36. A system as claimed in claim 35 wherein when said guard is in said interference position, the coupling cover is configured to cover one or more arms of the coupling to interfere with a user's operation the coupling.

37. A system as claimed in claim 36 wherein the coupling cover includes first and second barriers configured to be disposed on opposite sides of the coupling when the guard is in the second position and to obstruct movement of first and second arms to prevent the first and second arms from unlocking.

38. A system as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 37 wherein the guard comprises a retainer and wherein the guard is configured to be inhibited from being moved from the second interference position as a result of an interaction between the retainer and the valve when the valve is in the open position.

39. A system as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 38 wherein said connection mechanism is releasable and operable to permit the location of a connection between said connection mechanism and the first fluid conduit to be adjusted.

40. A system as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 39 wherein said system comprises first and second releasable couplings interconnecting first and second fluid conduits, said first and second releasable couplings being located in close proximity to each other, and wherein said guard is configured and operable to be movable, when the connection mechanism connects the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, between:

a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the first and second coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of either of the first and second couplings; and a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the first and second couplings that interferes with a user's operation of at least one of the first and second couplings..

41. A system as claimed in claim 40 wherein when said guard is in said second interference position, said guard interferes with the users operation of both said first and second couplings.

42. A system as claimed in any one of claims 40 or 41 wherein the coupling cover comprises a first cover and wherein said guard comprises a second coupling cover and wherein when said guard is in said interference position, said second coupling cover is generally adjacent to and covers at least a portion of the second coupling to interfere with a user's operation of the second coupling.

43. An apparatus as claimed in claim 42 wherein when said guard is in said interference position, the second coupling cover is configured to cover one or more arms of the second coupling to interfere with a user's operation the second coupling.

44. An apparatus as claimed in claim 43 wherein the coupling cover includes first and second barriers configured to be disposed on opposite sides of the coupling when the guard is in the second position and to obstruct movement of the arms to keep first and second arms from being unlooked.

45. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 44 further comprising a latch coupled to the guard for selectively retaining the guard against free movement of the guard relative to the first fluid conduit.

46. A method of using an apparatus with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits, the method comprising:
(a) mounting an apparatus having a guard to the first fluid conduit; said guard when said apparatus is mounted to said first fluid conduit being movable between a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling to a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling; and (b) moving the guard from said first non-interference position to said second interference position.

47. A method as claimed in claim 46 further comprising after (b), (c) opening a valve interposed within the second fluid conduit to permit fluid to flow between said second fluid conduit and said first fluid conduit.

48. A method as claimed in claim 47 further comprising after (c), (d) closing said valve.

49. A method as claimed in claim 48 further comprising, after (d), (e) moving the guard from said second interference position to said first non-interference position and then (f) operating said coupling to disconnect said first fluid conduit from said second fluid conduit.

50. A method of using an apparatus with a releasable coupling, said coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits, the method comprising:
(a) providing an apparatus having a guard that is connected to the first fluid conduit; said guard being movable between a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling to a second interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling;
and (b) moving the guard from said first non-interference position to said second interference position.

51. A method as claimed in claim 50 further comprising after (b), (c) opening a valve interposed within the second fluid conduit to permit fluid to flow between said second fluid conduit and said first fluid conduit.

52. A method as claimed in claim 50 further comprising after (c), (d) closing said valve.

53. A method as claimed in claim 52 further comprising, after (d), (e) moving the guard from said second interference position to said first non-interference position and then (f) operating said coupling to disconnect said first fluid conduit from said second fluid conduit.

54. A method as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 53 wherein said connection mechanism is releasable and operable to permit a location of the connection between said connection mechanism and the first fluid conduit to be adjusted, and wherein said method comprises, before (b) adjusting the position of the connection mechanism such that when said guard is placed in said second interference position the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling.

55. A
system for moving fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, the system comprising:
a first fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid container, the first fluid conduit having a first releasable coupling portion;
a second fluid conduit having a second releasable coupling portion releasably coupled to the first coupling portion, said second fluid conduit being in fluid communication with the second fluid container;
said first and second fluid coupling portions forming a releasable coupling between said first and second conduits;
a connection mechanism connected to the first fluid conduit; and a guard connected to the connection mechanism, the guard being configured and operable to be movable between:
a first non-interference position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that does not substantially interfere with a user's operation of the coupling; and a second position wherein the guard is in a position relative to the coupling that interferes with a user's operation of the coupling.

56. A system as claimed in claim 55 further comprising the first and second fluid containers.

57. A system as claimed in claim 56 wherein the first fluid container comprises a tank truck and the second fluid container comprises a storage tank.

58. A method of servicing at least one storage tank with a tank truck having a truck fluid conduit, an apparatus as claimed in claim 1 connected to the truck fluid conduit via the connection mechanism of the apparatus and a truck coupling portion connected to the truck fluid conduit, the method comprising:
releasably connecting the truck coupling portion to a fluid conduit coupling portion of a fluid conduit of a first storage tank of the at least one storage tank;
moving the guard of the apparatus from the first non-interference position to the second interference position;
opening a valve of the first storage tank interposed in the fluid conduit of the first storage tank to allow fluid to flow between the first storage tank and the tank truck;
closing the valve of the first storage tank;
moving the guard of the apparatus from the second interference position to the first non-interference position; and disconnecting the truck coupling portion from the fluid conduit of the first storage tank.

59. A method as claimed in claim 58 further comprising:
releasably connecting the truck coupling portion to a fluid conduit coupling portion of a second storage tank of the at least one storage tank;
moving the guard of the apparatus from the first non-interference position to the second interference position;
opening a valve of the second storage tank interposed in the fluid conduit of the second storage tank to allow fluid to flow between the second storage tank and the tank truck;;
closing the valve of the second storage tank;
moving the guard of the apparatus from the second interference position to the first non-interference position; and disconnecting the truck coupling from the fluid conduit of the second storage tank.

60. An apparatus for use with a releasable coupling interconnecting first and second fluid conduits, said apparatus comprising:
a connection mechanism for connecting said apparatus to the first fluid conduit; and a guard connected to the connection mechanism, the guard being configured and operable to be placed in a position relative to the coupling, when the connection mechanism connects the apparatus to the first fluid conduit, that alerts a user to an unsafe operation of the coupling.