US20050155648A1 - Valve security device - Google Patents
Valve security device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050155648A1 US20050155648A1 US10/758,339 US75833904A US2005155648A1 US 20050155648 A1 US20050155648 A1 US 20050155648A1 US 75833904 A US75833904 A US 75833904A US 2005155648 A1 US2005155648 A1 US 2005155648A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- body portion
- valve
- outer body
- inner body
- security device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 claims 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009313 farming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002783 friction material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000383 hazardous chemical Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007420 reactivation Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K35/00—Means to prevent accidental or unauthorised actuation
- F16K35/06—Means to prevent accidental or unauthorised actuation using a removable actuating or locking member, e.g. a key
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/6851—With casing, support, protector or static constructional installations
- Y10T137/7043—Guards and shields
- Y10T137/7062—Valve guards
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/7069—With lock or seal
- Y10T137/7256—Locks against rotary motion
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/50—Special application
- Y10T70/5611—For control and machine elements
- Y10T70/5615—Valve
- Y10T70/5619—Locked stationary
- Y10T70/5624—Externally mounted locking device
- Y10T70/5628—Valve encasing
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/50—Special application
- Y10T70/5611—For control and machine elements
- Y10T70/5615—Valve
- Y10T70/5619—Locked stationary
- Y10T70/5637—With padlock
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/50—Special application
- Y10T70/5611—For control and machine elements
- Y10T70/5646—Rotary shaft
- Y10T70/565—Locked stationary
- Y10T70/5655—Housing-carried lock
- Y10T70/5664—Latching bolt
Definitions
- the present invention relates to valve security devices and, more particularly, to a device that is adaptable for use on a wide variety of fluid flow valves, both liquid and gas, to prevent access to the valve actuating key with varying degrees of security depending on the particular application.
- valve protection devices Different levels of security are desirable in valve protection devices depending on the nature of the fluid flow line in which the valve is being used. For example, to provide a security device for a valve on a fire hydrant, it generally would be undesirable to employ a security device that could not be forcibly circumvented with conventional equipment such as a heavy-duty bolt cutter. If such a device was used and the only key that could unlock the device to provide access to the actuating key on the hydrant was lost or temporarily misplaced, firefighters could be prevented from accessing the water in a time of acute emergency. However, some form of locking or security device on fire hydrants is desirable in many areas, particularly in areas where the hydrants may be subject to malicious mischief and rural and farming areas where water may be in short supply and great demand.
- valve security device could be developed that would meet these different needs. Such a device would be readily adaptable for providing different levels of security for different applications. It would also be desirable if such a security device could be readily modified for use with different valve configurations. The present invention provides such a security device.
- the present invention comprises a fluid flow valve security device that fits about and is secured to the actuating key on a valve head to selectively prevent access thereto and the unauthorized opening of the valve.
- the security device includes an inner body portion, an outer body portion, a protective sleeve, a valve cap and an operating pin assembly.
- the inner body portion is disposed about and operatively coupled to the valve actuating key such that rotation of the inner body portion effects corresponding rotation of the key to open and close the valve.
- the outer body portion of the security device is disposed about and rotatably mounted on the inner body portion.
- the valve cap is mounted atop the outer body portion for rotational movement therewith and defines a secondary actuating key thereon preferably corresponding in configuration to the actuating key on the valve head.
- the protective sleeve is secured between and freely rotatable about the interface of the inner and outer body portions and the actuating key on the valve head so as to prevent unauthorized access thereto.
- the security device of the present invention is controlled by an operating pin assembly that is manually movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In its extended position, the pin assembly couples the outer body portion of the security device to the inner body portion thereof such that the secondary actuating key is operatively coupled to the actuating key on the valve head whereby the valve can be opened and closed by the secondary actuating key. If desired, with the operating pin assembly in the extended position the valve cap can be removed from the outer body portion to disassemble and remove the security device from the valve head.
- the outer body portion In the retracted position, the outer body portion is uncoupled from the inner body portion of the device and the valve cap is coupled to the outer body portion such that the outer body portion and valve cap are free wheeling on and about the inner body portion and the valve cap can not be removed from the outer body portion.
- the security device can not be removed from the valve head and the secondary key on the valve cap is not operatively coupled to the valve head key, totally disabling the fluid flow valve.
- the protective sleeve is also freely rotatable about the interface of the inner and outer body portions, preventing one from obtaining unauthorized access to said interface or the valve head actuating key in an effort to remove or overpower the security device.
- a channel is provided in an extended portion of the outer body of the device adjacent the operating pin assembly which, with the assembly in the retracted position, is adapted to receive the shackle of a padlock or tamper-proof lock having an inaccessible shackle, depending on the application.
- valve security device of the present invention when used to secure a valve of the type that might need to be opened in an emergency situation such as a fire hydrant, a conventional padlock could be used to secure the operating pin assembly and a fireman, policeman or other person, in an emergency, could cut or saw through the shackle of the padlock to remove the lock and reestablish control over the valve head.
- a tamper-proof lock employing, for example, an inaccessible T-shaped shackle could be utilized which would prevent one from overcoming the lock without the key.
- the present invention provides a highly versatile locking device for use in a wide variety of applications.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the valve security device of the present invention in place on a valve head.
- the valve security device is illustrated in FIG. 1 in the operative position, allowing the valve head to be moved between an open and closed position.
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the locking device of the present invention in place on a valve head in the operative position, utilizing solid and phantom lines to show the movement of the device between a valve open position (solid lines) and valve closed position (phantom lines).
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve head without the locking device mounted thereon, utilizing solid and phantom lines to illustrate the movement of the actuating key on the top of the valve head between the valve open position (solid lines) and valve closed position (phantom lines).
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the valve security device of the present invention secured to the valve head and disposed in the operative position.
- FIG. 5A is a partial sectional view taken along the line 5 A- 5 A in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5B is a partial sectional view similar to 5 A but illustrating the valve security device in the inoperative position.
- FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the components of the valve security device disposed above a valve head and including alternate embodiments of the valve cap showing the use of a handle and wheel for opening and closing the valve.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the valve head with only the inner body portion of the security device in place thereon.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the locking device of the present invention in place on a valve head with the valve cap removed.
- FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the components illustrated in FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the valve security device of the present invention secured on the valve head and locked in the disabled or free spinning or secured position.
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 11 - 11 in FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12 - 12 in FIG. 11 .
- valve security device 10 is shown in the accompanying drawings secured to a conventional residential angle stop valve head 12 of the type that is widely used by the Department of Water and Power in the Southern California area and elsewhere. It is to be understood, however, that the security device of the present invention is readily adaptable for use with a variety of fluid flow valves.
- the valve head 12 includes a water inlet 14 , outlet 16 and a key or actuator 18 for actuating the internal valve components (not shown) to regulate the water flow therethrough.
- the open valve position is illustrated in FIG. 3 in solid lines and the closed position is illustrated in phantom lines.
- the individual components of the valve security device 10 are perhaps best illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 6 .
- Those components include an inner body 20 which is adapted to fit over and engage the actuator key 18 on the valve head 12 .
- the interior of inner body 20 is configured to engage and, as shown, preferably mate with the surfaces of the valve actuator key 18 .
- the inner body portion 20 of the security device 10 would have correspondingly sized and configured interior contact surfaces.
- a retention pin 22 and a pair of set screws 24 provide the securement of the inner body 20 to the valve head 12 such that rotation of the inner body 20 effects corresponding rotation of the valve actuator 18 .
- the retention pin 22 extends through aperture 23 in the inner body portion 20 of the security device and through an aperture 25 formed in the valve actuator 18 to prevent the inner body 20 from being pulled from the valve head. This securement is also illustrated, for example, in FIG. 4 .
- the inner body 20 also defines a recess or slot 26 which is adapted to selectively receive the inner head portion 27 of the operating pin 28 to effect an operative coupling of the inner body to the outer body 34 of the security device 10 for rotation of the valve head actuator 18 with the security device 10 in place as will be described.
- a threaded aperture 30 is provided in an upwardly projecting boss 31 on the inner body 20 which is adapted to receive an Allen screw 32 for securement of the outer body 34 to the inner body 20 .
- a washer 36 is disposed between boss 31 and the head of fastener 32 .
- the head of screw 32 could be enlarged to effect the securement of the outer body of the security device 10 to the inner body.
- a free spinning protective cylindrical metal sleeve 38 is provided between the valve head 12 and the outer body 34 to prevent unauthorized access to valve head area 40 (see FIG. 6 ) which might otherwise be gripped by a suitable tool and forcibly rotated to effect unauthorized opening of the valve head 12 .
- An anti-friction disc 41 formed of Teflon® or similar low friction material is provided on the annular flat surface 43 of the inner body 20 for reasons to be noted later herein.
- a valve cap 42 is secured to the upper end of the outer body 34 to prevent unauthorized disassembly of the valve security device and to provide a secondary key or actuator 44 for the opening and closing the valve head 12 .
- the valve cap 42 is secured to the outer body by a threaded fastener 46 and by means of a cap retaining pin 48 .
- the secondary actuator 44 carried by cap 42 can be of the identical configuration as the valve head actuator 18 or, if desired, of an elongated or circular configuration (also shown in FIG. 6 ), or of any other desired shape.
- valve cap retaining pin 48 projects from the underside of the valve cap 42 , through an aperture 50 in the upper end of the outer body 34 and into an interior area 52 proximate the slot 26 in the inner body 20 .
- the outer body 34 of the security device 10 additionally includes a hollow, radially projecting arm portion 54 defining an elongated interior chamber 56 communicating with interior area 52 .
- the operating pin 28 is slidably disposed within chamber 56 and area 48 as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- a lubrication nipple 58 threadably engages the extended end of arm portion 54 so as to close the outer end of chamber 56 such that a coil spring 62 can extend between the lubrication nipple 58 and a seat 64 formed in outer end portion 65 of the operating pin 28 . So disposed, the coil spring 62 continually urges the operating pin 28 to the inner or extended position seen in FIG. 5 .
- a handle 66 for selectively moving the operating pin 28 between an inner and outer position is threadably secured to the operating pin.
- An L-shaped slot 68 is provided in the arm portion 54 of the outer body 34 to accommodate handle 66 and hold the operating pin 28 in the outer or retracted position when the handle is pushed downwardly into the offset portion 68 ′ of slot 68 .
- the operating pin 28 defines a reduced diameter portion 70 between its head portion 27 and end portion 65 .
- the vertically disposed cap retaining pin 48 defines a reduced diameter portion 72 intermediary of its ends.
- the reduced diameter portion 72 of the cap retention pin 48 is disposed within the interior area 52 of the outer body as seen in FIG. 4 .
- the head portion 27 of the operating pin 28 projects into the slot 26 in the inner body 20 , operatively connecting the outer body 34 to the inner body 20 .
- the head portion of the operating pin is withdrawn from slot 26 , allowing the outer body 34 to rotate freely about the inner body 20 .
- the outer body 34 is secured to the inner body 20 by virtue of the projection of the head portion 27 of operating pin 28 into the slot 26 in the inner body.
- the valve cap 42 is in turn secured to the outer body by virtue of threaded fastener 46 and cap retaining pin 48 . Accordingly, engaging the actuator 44 defined by valve cap 42 with the appropriate tool and rotating the cap will effect corresponding rotation of the outer body 34 and inner body 20 .
- the engagement of the valve head actuator 18 by the inner body 20 effects corresponding rotation of the valve head actuator 18 such that the valve head 12 can be effectively operated by the actuator 44 on the valve cap 42 .
- the key-shaped actuator 44 could be replaced by a suitable handle, valve wheel or other configuration as seen in FIG. 6 .
- valve cap 42 can be readily removed to disengage the security device 10 from the valve head 12 for repair and replacement purposes. This is accomplished by simply unscrewing the threaded fastener 46 and lifting the valve cap vertically off the outer body 34 . Such removal is permitted due to the positioning of the reduced diameter portion 70 of the operating pin 28 relative to the reduced diameter portion 72 of the cap retaining pin 48 such that the operating pin does not obstruct the upward movement of the retaining pin. If the larger diameter head portion 27 of the operating pin were in the path of pin 48 , as is the case in the inoperative mode when the operating pin is in the retracted position (see FIG. 5B ), the head of the operating pin would prevent withdrawal of the retaining pin 48 preventing removal of the valve cap 42 .
- the operating pin 28 is urged outwardly against the force of spring 62 by means of handle 66 , disengaging the head portion 27 of pin 28 from the slot 26 in the inner body portion 20 .
- the handle 66 By pressing the handle 66 downwardly in the retracted position, the handle will move into the offset portion 68 ′ of the L-shaped slot 68 so as to hold the operating pin 28 in its retracted position. Because of the reduced diameter portion 72 of the cap retaining pin 48 , pin 48 does not obstruct the outward movement of the operating pin 28 as just described.
- the locking channel 80 formed in the arm portion 54 of the outer body 34 is no longer partially obstructed by the end portion 65 of the operating pin 28 as is the case when the pin is in the extended position (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ).
- a conventional padlock would be used with the valve security device and the shackle of the lock would be inserted through the locking channel 80 as is shown in the drawings. It is to be understood that higher security locks would be utilized with security device 10 for higher security applications, as will be later discussed.
- valve security device 10 will be discussed with reference to a lock 84 and its associated locking bar 82 although it is to be understood that the term “locking bar” or “bar” is intended to include shackles, pins, locking bolts, etc. so as not to unduly restrict the types of locks with which the security device 10 of the present invention can be used.
- the cap retaining pin 48 is prevented from being withdrawn from outer body 34 through aperture 50 therein by the larger diameter head portion of the operating pin as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 . Because of the interference created by the operating pin, the cap cannot be removed and thus the valve head 12 is effectively disabled due to the free spinning cap and outer body and the lack of any operative engagement of the cap 42 to the inner body 20 .
- the inclusion of the low friction disc 41 on the flat annular surface 43 of the inner body will prevent one from being able to operate the valve head by using an elongated lever arm on actuator 44 and attempting to torque one side of the cap 42 and outer body 34 downwardly with respect to the inner body 20 such that underside of the outer body would bear against surface 43 with sufficient force to enable one to actually turn the inner body and thus circumvent the security device. With the low friction disc 41 covering inner body surface 43 , sufficient friction could not be generated on the inner body to operate the valve head in such a manner.
- lock 84 from device 10 can be accomplished in its intended way through the use of the lock key.
- a fireman, policeman or other person could cut or saw through the locking bar of the lock to remove the lock and reestablish control over the valve head 12 assuming that a lower security lock such as a convention padlock were used to secure device 10 .
- the ability to reestablish such a connection when the key is not available is quite important in many applications where an emergency situation dictates reactivation of the valve head.
- a tamperproof lock employing, for example, a T-shaped locking bar could be utilized which would prevent one from overpowering the lock without the key without destroying the valve as well. Such applications would be for very high security applications where the use of the key was deemed absolutely necessary by the end user.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Preventing Unauthorised Actuation Of Valves (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to valve security devices and, more particularly, to a device that is adaptable for use on a wide variety of fluid flow valves, both liquid and gas, to prevent access to the valve actuating key with varying degrees of security depending on the particular application.
- Different levels of security are desirable in valve protection devices depending on the nature of the fluid flow line in which the valve is being used. For example, to provide a security device for a valve on a fire hydrant, it generally would be undesirable to employ a security device that could not be forcibly circumvented with conventional equipment such as a heavy-duty bolt cutter. If such a device was used and the only key that could unlock the device to provide access to the actuating key on the hydrant was lost or temporarily misplaced, firefighters could be prevented from accessing the water in a time of acute emergency. However, some form of locking or security device on fire hydrants is desirable in many areas, particularly in areas where the hydrants may be subject to malicious mischief and rural and farming areas where water may be in short supply and great demand. Such situations have led to increasing incidences of water theft. In such areas prone to water theft, some form of protective device that would provide greater security than a simple deterrent to mischief, yet still could be forcibly removed in an emergency, would be desirable. On other water lines which are not used for emergency applications such as firefighting, a greater degree of security would be desirable. Main water valves for residential housing is another example of where an economical yet efficient valve security device would be very desirable in order to prevent non-paying customers from simply disabling the lock typically placed on such valves by the water company with a simple hammer. In hazardous chemical lines and other applications, maximum security protection devices for the valves would be desired wherein the application of virtually any degree of force would still leave the valve disabled and inoperable. It would be highly desirable if a valve security device could be developed that would meet these different needs. Such a device would be readily adaptable for providing different levels of security for different applications. It would also be desirable if such a security device could be readily modified for use with different valve configurations. The present invention provides such a security device.
- Briefly, the present invention comprises a fluid flow valve security device that fits about and is secured to the actuating key on a valve head to selectively prevent access thereto and the unauthorized opening of the valve. The security device includes an inner body portion, an outer body portion, a protective sleeve, a valve cap and an operating pin assembly. The inner body portion is disposed about and operatively coupled to the valve actuating key such that rotation of the inner body portion effects corresponding rotation of the key to open and close the valve. The outer body portion of the security device is disposed about and rotatably mounted on the inner body portion. The valve cap is mounted atop the outer body portion for rotational movement therewith and defines a secondary actuating key thereon preferably corresponding in configuration to the actuating key on the valve head. The protective sleeve is secured between and freely rotatable about the interface of the inner and outer body portions and the actuating key on the valve head so as to prevent unauthorized access thereto.
- The security device of the present invention is controlled by an operating pin assembly that is manually movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In its extended position, the pin assembly couples the outer body portion of the security device to the inner body portion thereof such that the secondary actuating key is operatively coupled to the actuating key on the valve head whereby the valve can be opened and closed by the secondary actuating key. If desired, with the operating pin assembly in the extended position the valve cap can be removed from the outer body portion to disassemble and remove the security device from the valve head. In the retracted position, the outer body portion is uncoupled from the inner body portion of the device and the valve cap is coupled to the outer body portion such that the outer body portion and valve cap are free wheeling on and about the inner body portion and the valve cap can not be removed from the outer body portion. Thus, with the operating pin assembly in the retracted position, the security device can not be removed from the valve head and the secondary key on the valve cap is not operatively coupled to the valve head key, totally disabling the fluid flow valve. The protective sleeve is also freely rotatable about the interface of the inner and outer body portions, preventing one from obtaining unauthorized access to said interface or the valve head actuating key in an effort to remove or overpower the security device.
- To prevent unauthorized movement of the operating pin assembly from the retracted position to the extended position to open the valve and to inhibit the unauthorized locking of the valve in the operative mode, a channel is provided in an extended portion of the outer body of the device adjacent the operating pin assembly which, with the assembly in the retracted position, is adapted to receive the shackle of a padlock or tamper-proof lock having an inaccessible shackle, depending on the application. With the shackle extending through the channel, the operating pin assembly is held in the retracted position disabling the valve. With the operating pin assembly in the extended position, the channel is blocked by the pin assembly preventing the insertion of a lock shackle and the disabling of the valve.
- Through the aforesaid configuration, when the valve security device of the present invention is used to secure a valve of the type that might need to be opened in an emergency situation such as a fire hydrant, a conventional padlock could be used to secure the operating pin assembly and a fireman, policeman or other person, in an emergency, could cut or saw through the shackle of the padlock to remove the lock and reestablish control over the valve head. For those applications in which higher security is required, a tamper-proof lock employing, for example, an inaccessible T-shaped shackle could be utilized which would prevent one from overcoming the lock without the key. Thus, the present invention provides a highly versatile locking device for use in a wide variety of applications.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the valve security device of the present invention in place on a valve head. The valve security device is illustrated inFIG. 1 in the operative position, allowing the valve head to be moved between an open and closed position. -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the locking device of the present invention in place on a valve head in the operative position, utilizing solid and phantom lines to show the movement of the device between a valve open position (solid lines) and valve closed position (phantom lines). -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve head without the locking device mounted thereon, utilizing solid and phantom lines to illustrate the movement of the actuating key on the top of the valve head between the valve open position (solid lines) and valve closed position (phantom lines). -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the valve security device of the present invention secured to the valve head and disposed in the operative position. -
FIG. 5A is a partial sectional view taken along theline 5A-5A inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5B is a partial sectional view similar to 5A but illustrating the valve security device in the inoperative position. -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the components of the valve security device disposed above a valve head and including alternate embodiments of the valve cap showing the use of a handle and wheel for opening and closing the valve. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the valve head with only the inner body portion of the security device in place thereon. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the locking device of the present invention in place on a valve head with the valve cap removed. -
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the components illustrated inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the valve security device of the present invention secured on the valve head and locked in the disabled or free spinning or secured position. -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 11-11 inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 inFIG. 11 . - The
valve security device 10 is shown in the accompanying drawings secured to a conventional residential anglestop valve head 12 of the type that is widely used by the Department of Water and Power in the Southern California area and elsewhere. It is to be understood, however, that the security device of the present invention is readily adaptable for use with a variety of fluid flow valves. Thevalve head 12 includes awater inlet 14,outlet 16 and a key oractuator 18 for actuating the internal valve components (not shown) to regulate the water flow therethrough. The open valve position is illustrated inFIG. 3 in solid lines and the closed position is illustrated in phantom lines. - The individual components of the
valve security device 10 are perhaps best illustrated in the exploded view ofFIG. 6 . Those components include aninner body 20 which is adapted to fit over and engage theactuator key 18 on thevalve head 12. As seen inFIG. 4 , the interior ofinner body 20 is configured to engage and, as shown, preferably mate with the surfaces of thevalve actuator key 18. For valves having differently sized and/or configured actuators, theinner body portion 20 of thesecurity device 10 would have correspondingly sized and configured interior contact surfaces. For the valve shown in the drawings, aretention pin 22 and a pair ofset screws 24 provide the securement of theinner body 20 to thevalve head 12 such that rotation of theinner body 20 effects corresponding rotation of thevalve actuator 18. Theretention pin 22 extends throughaperture 23 in theinner body portion 20 of the security device and through anaperture 25 formed in thevalve actuator 18 to prevent theinner body 20 from being pulled from the valve head. This securement is also illustrated, for example, inFIG. 4 . Theinner body 20 also defines a recess orslot 26 which is adapted to selectively receive theinner head portion 27 of theoperating pin 28 to effect an operative coupling of the inner body to theouter body 34 of thesecurity device 10 for rotation of thevalve head actuator 18 with thesecurity device 10 in place as will be described. - A threaded
aperture 30 is provided in an upwardly projectingboss 31 on theinner body 20 which is adapted to receive an Allenscrew 32 for securement of theouter body 34 to theinner body 20. Awasher 36 is disposed betweenboss 31 and the head offastener 32. Alternatively, the head ofscrew 32 could be enlarged to effect the securement of the outer body of thesecurity device 10 to the inner body. A free spinning protectivecylindrical metal sleeve 38 is provided between thevalve head 12 and theouter body 34 to prevent unauthorized access to valve head area 40 (seeFIG. 6 ) which might otherwise be gripped by a suitable tool and forcibly rotated to effect unauthorized opening of thevalve head 12. Ananti-friction disc 41 formed of Teflon® or similar low friction material is provided on the annularflat surface 43 of theinner body 20 for reasons to be noted later herein. Avalve cap 42 is secured to the upper end of theouter body 34 to prevent unauthorized disassembly of the valve security device and to provide a secondary key oractuator 44 for the opening and closing thevalve head 12. Thevalve cap 42 is secured to the outer body by a threadedfastener 46 and by means of acap retaining pin 48. Thesecondary actuator 44 carried bycap 42 can be of the identical configuration as thevalve head actuator 18 or, if desired, of an elongated or circular configuration (also shown inFIG. 6 ), or of any other desired shape. - As perhaps best seen in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , the valvecap retaining pin 48 projects from the underside of thevalve cap 42, through anaperture 50 in the upper end of theouter body 34 and into aninterior area 52 proximate theslot 26 in theinner body 20. Theouter body 34 of thesecurity device 10 additionally includes a hollow, radially projectingarm portion 54 defining an elongatedinterior chamber 56 communicating withinterior area 52. The operatingpin 28 is slidably disposed withinchamber 56 andarea 48 as seen inFIGS. 4 and 5 . Alubrication nipple 58 threadably engages the extended end ofarm portion 54 so as to close the outer end ofchamber 56 such that acoil spring 62 can extend between thelubrication nipple 58 and aseat 64 formed inouter end portion 65 of theoperating pin 28. So disposed, thecoil spring 62 continually urges the operatingpin 28 to the inner or extended position seen inFIG. 5 . Ahandle 66 for selectively moving theoperating pin 28 between an inner and outer position is threadably secured to the operating pin. An L-shapedslot 68 is provided in thearm portion 54 of theouter body 34 to accommodatehandle 66 and hold theoperating pin 28 in the outer or retracted position when the handle is pushed downwardly into the offsetportion 68′ ofslot 68. - The operating
pin 28 defines a reduceddiameter portion 70 between itshead portion 27 andend portion 65. Similarly, the vertically disposedcap retaining pin 48 defines a reduceddiameter portion 72 intermediary of its ends. The reduceddiameter portion 72 of thecap retention pin 48 is disposed within theinterior area 52 of the outer body as seen inFIG. 4 . In the fully extended position illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5 A, thehead portion 27 of theoperating pin 28 projects into theslot 26 in theinner body 20, operatively connecting theouter body 34 to theinner body 20. In the fully retracted position, see FIGS. 5B and 10-12, the head portion of the operating pin is withdrawn fromslot 26, allowing theouter body 34 to rotate freely about theinner body 20. - Referring again to
FIGS. 4 and 5 A, theouter body 34 is secured to theinner body 20 by virtue of the projection of thehead portion 27 of operatingpin 28 into theslot 26 in the inner body. Thevalve cap 42 is in turn secured to the outer body by virtue of threadedfastener 46 and cap retainingpin 48. Accordingly, engaging theactuator 44 defined byvalve cap 42 with the appropriate tool and rotating the cap will effect corresponding rotation of theouter body 34 andinner body 20. The engagement of thevalve head actuator 18 by theinner body 20 effects corresponding rotation of thevalve head actuator 18 such that thevalve head 12 can be effectively operated by theactuator 44 on thevalve cap 42. As indicated above, the key-shapedactuator 44 could be replaced by a suitable handle, valve wheel or other configuration as seen inFIG. 6 . - In the above described operative mode, the
valve cap 42 can be readily removed to disengage thesecurity device 10 from thevalve head 12 for repair and replacement purposes. This is accomplished by simply unscrewing the threadedfastener 46 and lifting the valve cap vertically off theouter body 34. Such removal is permitted due to the positioning of the reduceddiameter portion 70 of theoperating pin 28 relative to the reduceddiameter portion 72 of thecap retaining pin 48 such that the operating pin does not obstruct the upward movement of the retaining pin. If the largerdiameter head portion 27 of the operating pin were in the path ofpin 48, as is the case in the inoperative mode when the operating pin is in the retracted position (seeFIG. 5B ), the head of the operating pin would prevent withdrawal of the retainingpin 48 preventing removal of thevalve cap 42. - To lock the
valve security device 10 such that the valve head cannot be opened without authorization, the operatingpin 28 is urged outwardly against the force ofspring 62 by means ofhandle 66, disengaging thehead portion 27 ofpin 28 from theslot 26 in theinner body portion 20. By pressing thehandle 66 downwardly in the retracted position, the handle will move into the offsetportion 68′ of the L-shapedslot 68 so as to hold theoperating pin 28 in its retracted position. Because of the reduceddiameter portion 72 of thecap retaining pin 48,pin 48 does not obstruct the outward movement of theoperating pin 28 as just described. With the operating pin in the retracted position, the lockingchannel 80 formed in thearm portion 54 of theouter body 34 is no longer partially obstructed by theend portion 65 of theoperating pin 28 as is the case when the pin is in the extended position (seeFIGS. 5A and 5B ). This allows the bar, pin or shackle 82 on alock 84 to be inserted throughchannel 80 and locked in place as seen inFIGS. 10-12 . For low security applications, a conventional padlock would be used with the valve security device and the shackle of the lock would be inserted through the lockingchannel 80 as is shown in the drawings. It is to be understood that higher security locks would be utilized withsecurity device 10 for higher security applications, as will be later discussed. The operation of thevalve security device 10 will be discussed with reference to alock 84 and its associated lockingbar 82 although it is to be understood that the term “locking bar” or “bar” is intended to include shackles, pins, locking bolts, etc. so as not to unduly restrict the types of locks with which thesecurity device 10 of the present invention can be used. - With the
lock 84 in place, theouter body 34 of the security device, thelock 84 and thevalve cap 42 are free wheeling about theinner body 20. Thus, rotation of theactuator 44 on thevalve security device 10 simply rotates theouter body 34 of the device but does not effect corresponding rotation of theinner body 20. Theouter body 34 and lock 84 cannot be lifted from theinner body 20 due to the threaded engagement of the hiddenfastener 32 which, while allowing relative rotation between the inner and outer bodies, holds the outer body to the inner body. Upon removal of the exposed threadedfastener 46, thevalve cap 42 is still held in place, preventing access tofastener 32, due to the interference created between thehead portion 27 of theoperating pin 28 and thecap retaining pin 48. Thecap retaining pin 48 is prevented from being withdrawn fromouter body 34 throughaperture 50 therein by the larger diameter head portion of the operating pin as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 . Because of the interference created by the operating pin, the cap cannot be removed and thus thevalve head 12 is effectively disabled due to the free spinning cap and outer body and the lack of any operative engagement of thecap 42 to theinner body 20. - The inclusion of the
low friction disc 41 on the flatannular surface 43 of the inner body will prevent one from being able to operate the valve head by using an elongated lever arm onactuator 44 and attempting to torque one side of thecap 42 andouter body 34 downwardly with respect to theinner body 20 such that underside of the outer body would bear againstsurface 43 with sufficient force to enable one to actually turn the inner body and thus circumvent the security device. With thelow friction disc 41 coveringinner body surface 43, sufficient friction could not be generated on the inner body to operate the valve head in such a manner. - In order to reconnect the operative engagement between the
valve security device 10 and thevalve head 12, it is necessary to remove thelock 84. With the lock in place, the lockingbar 82 prevents the larger diameterouter end portion 65 of theoperating pin 28 from passing thereby and thus prevents any inward movement of thepin 28 into engagement with theinner body 20. With the lock removed, thecoil spring 62 will urge the operatingpin 28 against theinner body 20. By simply rotating theouter body 34 relative to the inner body, thehead portion 27 of the operating pin will come into alignment with theslot 26 in theinner body 20, whereupon thecoil spring 62 will urge thehead 27 of theoperating pin 28 intoslot 26, reestablishing the operative connection between the inner and outer bodies of the security device. - The removal of
lock 84 fromdevice 10 can be accomplished in its intended way through the use of the lock key. Alternatively, in an emergency situation, a fireman, policeman or other person, could cut or saw through the locking bar of the lock to remove the lock and reestablish control over thevalve head 12 assuming that a lower security lock such as a convention padlock were used to securedevice 10. The ability to reestablish such a connection when the key is not available is quite important in many applications where an emergency situation dictates reactivation of the valve head. For those applications in which higher security is required, a tamperproof lock employing, for example, a T-shaped locking bar could be utilized which would prevent one from overpowering the lock without the key without destroying the valve as well. Such applications would be for very high security applications where the use of the key was deemed absolutely necessary by the end user. - Various changes and modifications also may be made in carrying out the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Insofar as these changes and modifications are within the purview of the appended claims, they are to be considered as part of the present invention.
Claims (40)
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/758,339 US6920894B1 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2004-01-15 | Valve security device |
US11/028,021 US7096882B2 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2005-01-03 | Valve security device |
PCT/US2005/001064 WO2005069815A2 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2005-01-12 | Valve security device |
EP05711405A EP1709354A4 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2005-01-12 | Valve security device |
MXPA06008012A MXPA06008012A (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2005-01-12 | Valve security device. |
CA 2553346 CA2553346A1 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2005-01-12 | Valve security device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/758,339 US6920894B1 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2004-01-15 | Valve security device |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/028,021 Continuation US7096882B2 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2005-01-03 | Valve security device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050155648A1 true US20050155648A1 (en) | 2005-07-21 |
US6920894B1 US6920894B1 (en) | 2005-07-26 |
Family
ID=34749487
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/758,339 Expired - Fee Related US6920894B1 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2004-01-15 | Valve security device |
US11/028,021 Expired - Fee Related US7096882B2 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2005-01-03 | Valve security device |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/028,021 Expired - Fee Related US7096882B2 (en) | 2004-01-15 | 2005-01-03 | Valve security device |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6920894B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1709354A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2553346A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA06008012A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005069815A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060112742A1 (en) * | 2004-11-26 | 2006-06-01 | Gil Strauss | Integrated safety locking device |
WO2014044258A1 (en) * | 2012-09-24 | 2014-03-27 | LTL Leitungstechnische Lösungen GmbH | Locking apparatus for a cut-off and/or control device in a fluid conduit |
CN108278372A (en) * | 2018-02-09 | 2018-07-13 | 山东金科星机电股份有限公司 | A kind of high speed opening valve and open method |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITMI20030412A1 (en) * | 2003-03-06 | 2004-09-07 | Fimcim Srl | ANTI-FRAUD BALL VALVE. |
US6994106B1 (en) * | 2004-12-13 | 2006-02-07 | Plasticsworks, Inc. | Fire hydrant locking device |
US20070000714A1 (en) * | 2005-06-29 | 2007-01-04 | Ching-Yao Lin | Assembling structure of a frame of a cart for use by handicapped and elderly persons |
US7438087B1 (en) | 2005-09-30 | 2008-10-21 | Taylor Innovations, L.L.C. | Overpressure rotary valve assembly with locking pin and collapsible member |
US7370671B2 (en) * | 2006-10-06 | 2008-05-13 | Taylor Innovations, L.L.C. | Valve activation assembly which mechanically collapses a collapsible member in response to both overpressure and underpressure conditions |
US20100307609A1 (en) * | 2009-06-05 | 2010-12-09 | Burt James E | Fire Hydrant Anti-Tamper System |
US9982798B2 (en) * | 2016-03-11 | 2018-05-29 | Inner-Tite Corp. | Adjustable locking mechanism for a valve |
US20190177955A1 (en) * | 2017-12-08 | 2019-06-13 | Prestigious Innovations, LLC | Hydrostatic pressure washer |
US11149875B2 (en) | 2019-12-17 | 2021-10-19 | Robert Cressionnie | Lock out device for air actuated valves |
CN115210492A (en) * | 2020-03-07 | 2022-10-18 | 基伊埃图亨哈根有限公司 | Valve with a valve body |
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US4471801A (en) * | 1981-06-27 | 1984-09-18 | Rheinische Armaturenund Maschinenfabrik Albert Sempell | Adjustable valve locking system |
US4638650A (en) * | 1983-09-14 | 1987-01-27 | Hafele Carl H | Rotary drive lock |
US4709720A (en) * | 1986-10-31 | 1987-12-01 | Gas Energy, Inc. | Automatically locking valve |
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US5236172A (en) * | 1991-04-12 | 1993-08-17 | Automax, Inc. | Lockout modules |
US6453707B2 (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 2002-09-24 | Fujikin Incorporated | Device for locking channel opening-closing handle of fluid controller |
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US3448762A (en) * | 1967-08-23 | 1969-06-10 | Kerostest Mfg Corp | Valve assembly with indicator and lock |
US5116018A (en) * | 1991-04-12 | 1992-05-26 | Automax, Inc. | Lockout modules |
US6382001B1 (en) * | 1994-10-03 | 2002-05-07 | Neelchine Engineering, Inc. | Keyless lock for lockout device |
US6170306B1 (en) * | 1999-05-13 | 2001-01-09 | Dean E. Kitley | Valve security guard |
US6467500B2 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2002-10-22 | Mueller Co. | Ball valve locking device |
JP4657490B2 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2011-03-23 | シーケーディ株式会社 | Manual valve with lock mechanism |
-
2004
- 2004-01-15 US US10/758,339 patent/US6920894B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-01-03 US US11/028,021 patent/US7096882B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-01-12 EP EP05711405A patent/EP1709354A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-01-12 WO PCT/US2005/001064 patent/WO2005069815A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-01-12 MX MXPA06008012A patent/MXPA06008012A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2005-01-12 CA CA 2553346 patent/CA2553346A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4471801A (en) * | 1981-06-27 | 1984-09-18 | Rheinische Armaturenund Maschinenfabrik Albert Sempell | Adjustable valve locking system |
US4638650A (en) * | 1983-09-14 | 1987-01-27 | Hafele Carl H | Rotary drive lock |
US4709720A (en) * | 1986-10-31 | 1987-12-01 | Gas Energy, Inc. | Automatically locking valve |
US5236172A (en) * | 1991-04-12 | 1993-08-17 | Automax, Inc. | Lockout modules |
US5213308A (en) * | 1992-06-12 | 1993-05-25 | Whitey Company | Valve with handle latch/lock |
US6453707B2 (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 2002-09-24 | Fujikin Incorporated | Device for locking channel opening-closing handle of fluid controller |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060112742A1 (en) * | 2004-11-26 | 2006-06-01 | Gil Strauss | Integrated safety locking device |
WO2014044258A1 (en) * | 2012-09-24 | 2014-03-27 | LTL Leitungstechnische Lösungen GmbH | Locking apparatus for a cut-off and/or control device in a fluid conduit |
CN108278372A (en) * | 2018-02-09 | 2018-07-13 | 山东金科星机电股份有限公司 | A kind of high speed opening valve and open method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MXPA06008012A (en) | 2007-02-16 |
US6920894B1 (en) | 2005-07-26 |
WO2005069815A3 (en) | 2007-07-12 |
EP1709354A4 (en) | 2009-12-09 |
US20050155649A1 (en) | 2005-07-21 |
US7096882B2 (en) | 2006-08-29 |
WO2005069815A2 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
EP1709354A2 (en) | 2006-10-11 |
CA2553346A1 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING & TOOLING, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NICKEAS, MARK;NICKEAS, MARTIN;REEL/FRAME:014903/0543 Effective date: 20040114 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FLOW SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING & TOOLING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:015020/0309 Effective date: 20040722 |
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Year of fee payment: 4 |
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REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
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FP | Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20130726 |