US2588605A - Container safety lock - Google Patents

Description

March 11, 1952 w. ARMBRUSTER 2,588,605

CONTAINER SAFETY LOCK Original Filed Aug. 8, 1942 FIG.L. I5

Patented Mar. 11, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CONTAINER SAFETY LOCK John W. Armbruster, East Rockaway, N. Y.

Original application August 8, 1942, Serial No. 454,118, now Patent No. 2,437,674, dated March 16, 1948. Divided and this application May 27, 1947, Serial No. 750,795

This application is a division of my copending application Serial No. 454,118, filed on August 8, 1942 and which has eventuated as Patent No. 2,437,674 issued on March 16, 1948. This invention relates generally to improvements in looks for container covers and more specifically to the provision of pressure relief valves incorporated in or cooperating with such locks.

An object of the invention is to provide a looking device which also acts as a valve.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved valve with a valve stem in the form of a lock, or a portion of a look.

A further object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive form of cap or cover for containers of volatile matter, said cap having devices for not only preventing theft, but also preventing fire and explosion in automobile tanks or other containers.

A feature of the invention is the provision of a valve stem with cooperating devices for operating the holding lugs of a lock.

A still further object of the invention is the use of a flexible washer construction in cooperation with a lock to provide a pressure relief opening in a tank cover.

' A feature of the invention is the provision of a gas tank cap with a freely rotating latch and washer ring for locking the cap on the tank. In said cap is a valve including a lock which may be operated to fix the latch ring with respect to the cap so that it can be removed.

Other objects, features and their advantages will appear from a reading of the following description which describes, among other things, many novel features of construction and novel combinations of parts present in the difierent embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. v

In the drawings:

, Fig. 1 is a plan View showing the combination dial on the top of the cap.

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation view taken through the center of the cap and showing the valve and combination lock parts.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the cap showing the arrangement of the combination lock parts.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the two-combination locking discs.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative form of cap with 100k and valve; the lock being of the'kjey-operated kind. a

Fig.6 is a sectional view ofa third form of coverwi-th-a lock and avalve; the 'lock being 9 Claims. (Cl. 70-170) of the freely turning variety requiring a key to lock the cover parts together rather-than lock the cover to a container.

Fig. '7 is a perspective View of the inside of the cap shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 showing a divided interior boss.

The claims relating to the lock of a manipulative combination form are present in my aboveidentified patent, while devices with locks of a key operated variety are claimed herein.

Figs. 1-4 are concerned with a manipulative combination look, while Fig. 5 shows a key operated lock, and Fig. 6 reveals a key operated lock with a freely turning latch.

In Fig. 2 it is seen that a gas tank or other container 20 has a filler opening with a latching flange 2|. This flange is cut out with a pair of opposite notches 22 (Fig. 3) to provide assembly openings for the pair of extensions 23 on a circular catch plate or latch 24 which is fastened beneath the center of a cap or cover 25. As seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the cover is shaped as an inverted cup in the center of which is a divided boss 26, 'to which the catch plate is attached. The boss is flat on two sides and formed with four short segmental shelves on which plate 24 is held and fastened by a pair of pins 21. In Fig. 3 the four shelves are defined by dotted outline of the curved ends of the boss 26, said curved ends extending beyond the curved full lines defining the top edge of the boss.

Fitted inside the cap 25 and surrounding the base of the boss 26 is an annular washer 28 of cork, rubber or other resilient material.

The cap is.assem-bled on a container by placing it over the filler opening with the extensions 23 coinciding with the notches 22 of the flange 2| and then pressing downward and turning to catch the extensions under the unnotched inner portions of the flange, as shown in Fig. 3. g A simple but efficient combination lock is assembled in the center of the cap and arranged to cooperate with the catch plate to hold the cap on the container until a central knob 29 is turned back and forth certain specific angles corresponding to predetermined numbers 30 arranged radially on the top of the cap 25. The numbers 30 and the half marks 3| are embossed so that they can be sensed in the dark. Knob 29 is formed with a vertical web 32 which isnot only a grasping means but also a pointer'for setting the combination required to open the lock. As illustrated, the look is responsive to a two-number combination 2-7 but of course other legends such as letters may be used, or a larger number of dial numbers and combinations can be employed.

Knob 29 is on a stem 34 which projects down through a central opening in the cap 25. At its lower end is fastened a combination disc which hassanupwardlyv extending extension 36 cooperating with an: extension 31'. projecting down from a second combination disc 38 loosely pivoted on the stem. The discs are circular butare formed with pairs of notches, two notches 39 in the periphery of disc 35 and a pair of notches in disc 38, said notches beingspaced at 180 intervals on the discs. The location of these notches vary with respect to the stem 34 and extensions 36 and 31 for different locks for a variety of combinations.

Disc 35 is not only riveted on the end of stem 34, but it is also held in position by afeathei". pin 4| (Fig. 3).

Pressing, between. the. two. discs is a. compression spring. 42. (Fig, 2.) whichnot; only, holds knob 29 down into a recess formedas a. valve seat. in the top of. cap 25,.but also presses the combination disc 38 into frictional contact with a the underside of catch plate 24, so that it remains in an adjusted. position.

The combinationlock includesapair of. locking levers 43. cooperating with the discs. In- Fig. 3 it is seenthat the boss 26, is. slottedat right angles to the catch. plate extension. 23, and it is in this slot that the levers'43 are pivoted on pins 44 driven through. the shoulder. The levers are held. in contact with the periphery of. the discs. by a spring 44 attached to the ends of the levers.

In. 2. levers 43 are shown in the locking position resting on the outer edge of the discs, so that a pair. of 'l'ugs-45 on thelevers are under the flange 2|.. Then the cap cannot be removed, because even. though the cap may. be turned to put thecatch plate. extensions 23. under notches 22, the lugs 45.. catch. under the uncut part of the flange. In order to unlock the cap, the lugs 45. must be swung inward, and that is. what is allowed by the notches 39 and. 40. of the discs when properly. adjusted.

As shown,.the top disc- 38. is first adjusted by turning the combination knob 29 and stem 34 (Figs. 1- and. 4.) in a clockwise direction. Then the extension. 36 engages extension 31. and rocks it and disc38 in the same direction. The knob is turned until web 32 points to 2 and then notches the directly under levers 43. However, they levers do. not move. because they are still supported. by disc 35-. counterclockwise movement of knob 29. brings disc 35 back to the 1 position, at which point both sets of. notches 39 and 40 are aligned under the levers 43- and spring 44 pulls them together and rocks lugs 45 within the inside diameter of flange 2|. Then the cap is free to be lifted off. thetank.

Itisnoted that the sides of. notches 39 and 40 are slanted. and the inner edge of. levers 43 are tobe rounded so they are easily cammed out of the-notches andover the extensions 36 and 31. Notches 39 can be deeper than notches 40 to. allow for the distance from pivots 44. When cap 25 is again put on the tank, one or. more revolutions of the knob 29 will put the discs in locking positions so thatonly the holder of the combination is able to unlock it. If a. more difiicult. combination. is. desired. another disc such. as disc 38. can be. placedadjacent thereto with another. arrangement of notches- Knob-29 and stem 34.ser.ve.not.only/as clock manipulator, but also as part of a vent valve for relief of dangerous pressures that may build up in the container. In Fig. 2 it is apparent that the parts on and associated with stem 34 do not interfere with its vertical movement. Disc 35 can slide up and down alongside the lock levers and extension 36can slide alongside extension 31. Spring 42 acts as a valve spring to resist lifting movement of knob 29 as a valve and keep it seated.

A pair of holes 50 are cut in plate 24 and similar holes are cut in the top of the cap to conduct pressure in-the tank to the underside of knob 29. Latch openings 22 also serve as communicating passages to the valve head. When a predetermined pressure is reached inside the tank (a pressure. corresponding to the strength of spring 42) knob 29 is lifted, thereby to relieve the pressure to the atmosphere outside the tank. Spring 42 is compressed but tends to restore the valve to its seat as soon as the pressure is.lowered to. a safer level.

The modification shown in Fig. 5' includes a key operated lock 5| which is fastenedv in the center of the cap 52. Slot 53 is a key opening. Fastened. to the. lock 5| is a catch plate 54 for engaging under the filler opening flange. 55'. Also extending under flange 55 are a pair of key operated lugs 56 normally extended but depressed. by any well known mechanism inside look 5|, so that the cap may be withdrawn.

The washer construction of Fig. 5 acts as a pressure relief valve. Resilient washer 51 is backed by a steel ring 58 which is flanged to slide on the barrel of lock 5| and againstwhich a. compression spring 59 presses. The spring bears againstthe underside of cap 52 and holds the washer 51 in a sealing position. However, when a certain pressure is built up-in the tank, washer 51 lifts and ring 58 is slid up on the lock against the. pressure of spring 59 which restores the parts when the pressure is lowered.

The third modification shown in Fig. 6 includes a lock 60 which is formed with a valve head 6| in which is a key opening 62. The lock is free to slide vertically in the center of a cap 63 which is perforated with valve openings 64 under 6|. A spring 65 presses between a shoulder 66 on lock 69 and the underside of the valve seat.

Extending from lock 60 are a pair of locking lugs 61 which pass through vertical slots in the side of the boss 68 ofcylindrical shape extending down inside the center of the cap.

Onthe outside of boss 68 is a freely turning ring 69 with an annular flange 19 upon which is mounted a metal ring 1| and a resilient washer 12. Assembled fast onthelower edge of ring 69 is a catch plate 13 with a pair of extensions." engaging under a filler opening flange 15. The outer wall of boss 68 (Fig. 6) istaperedupward, i. e., shaped slightly conical with an enlarged lower end which holds ring 69 therein and fixed axially, but allows it-to turn freely for rotation when unlocked.

The construction is such that when the cap is puton the. tank and locked, cap 63 is free to turn with respect to the ring 69. Therefore, the cap cannot be removed because catch plate 13 remains latched... It is only when a key is inserted in opening 62 and lugs 61 arev extended to. engage verticalslots or. ratchet openings 11 in the wall of ring 69 that the catch plate is stationary with respect. to. thecap. andremovable-fromthe flange. Lugs 61. maybe. pointed or. slanted asratchet teeth to engage any of a number of slots I1 cut around ring 69.

The upper end of spring 65 is rounded to permit free turning of cap 63.

Although lock 60 is effective to couple the cap and the catch plate, it is also eifective as a valve. When a predetermined pressure is reached in the container, it is directed through openings 64 against the underside of valve head SI. The lock 60 then rises as a valve to allow escape of the pressure. It is free to do so because of the slotted construction of boss 68 and ring 69. An opening in the center of catch plate 13 leads to the valve openings.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While, in order to comply with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A cover for a container, a catch plate for holding the cover on the container, said plate being rotatably mounted on said cover, a key operated lock for securing said plate to said cover, said lock'being slidably mounted in said cover and seated in a recess therein, and a resilient means for holding said lock seated but free for outward movement under internal pressure.

2. A cap for a container, an externally operated lock in said cap, said lock being slidably mounted therein but adapted for fastening said cap to said container, said lock having an extending flange, flexible means for holding said lock down so that said flange seals a valve opening in said cap, said lock being movable under internal pressure to uncover said opening and allow escape of said pressure.

3. In a device of the class described, a cover for a container with an opening having a latching flange, said cover being provided with a rotatable member and a pressure relief opening, a catch plate on said cover rotatable member to engage said flange, a key operated lock slidably mounted in said relief opening and having lock bolts adapted to couple said rotatable plate to said cover, a flanged valve head on said lock, and resilient means for holding said head closed over said pressure relief opening.

4. A theft-proof cover for a container of volatile material, said cover being formed with an opening, a key operated lock with means for looking said cover on said container, said lock being axially movable in said opening and formed with a flanged valve formation to close saidopening, and a spring acting on said lock to hold said valve formation down on said opening but yielding for internal pressure, whereby explosive pressures are prevented from building up in said container.

5. The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein the catch plate member and cover are formed with elongated coupling slots into which said lock bolts project for coupling the cover and rotatable member for removal from said container, whereby said lock remains-slidable for pressure relief purposes in both locked and unlocked conditions.

6. A closure for a container having an opening therein, comprising a cap to cover said opening, said cap having an aperture in alignment with said opening, a key operated lock including a lock housing with an enlarged circular flange forming a valve head and a reduced cylindrical end forming a valve stem axially slidable in said aperture, a spring cooperating with said stem to force down said housing and close said head over said aperture impositively to allow relief of internal explosive pressure, and means under control of said lock to secure the cap to the container to prevent theft of the contents.

7. A cover for a container with a filler opening and a latching flange, a catch plate and washer mounted in a cylindrical holder rotatable on said cover, said plate engaging said flange, a key operated lock in a housing with latching means for fixing said holder relative to said cover, a mushroom shaped valve formation on said lock housing, and resilient means cooperating with said lock housing for holding said valve formation in closing relation to a valve opening 'in said cover but allowing escape of matter under pressure.

8. A cover for a container having an opening and a latching flange, a catch plate on said cover to engage said flange, means for mounting said plate loosely relative to said cover so that the cover can rotate relative to the plate, a lock bolt for connecting the plate to the cover so that the plate and cover are normally fixed together for disconnection of the plate from said flange when the cover is rotated, a barrel lock slidable in said cover, an enlarged circular valve head on said lock, and a spring for holding said lock down with said head covering a valve opening in said cover, said lock bolt being adapted to be operated by said lock for disengaging said bolt from said catch plate, whereby the cover will be locked on the container.

9. In a cap for a filler opening in a gas tank, said cap being formed with a valve aperture, a lock device movably mounted in said cap and having an enlarged portion normally closing said aperture, 9, spring cooperating with said device for yieldably holding said enlarged portion in closing relation to said aperture but allowing it to open to relieve excessive internal pressure. and an extensible bolt under control of said lock device for locking said cap in said flller opening.

JOHN W. ARMBRUSTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,288,074 Lutz Dec. 17, 1918 1,406,289 Schaefer Feb. 14, 1922 1,867,650 Bryan July 19, 1932 2,003,046 Halkett May 28, 1935 2,070,692 Stone Feb. 16, 1937 2,163,042 Klemm, Jr. June 20, 1939 2,247,734 Schreiber July 1. 1941 2,303,594 Wise Dec. 1, 1942 2,896,233 Abrams Mar. 12, 1946

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