U.S. patent application number 14/604989 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-13 for underground tank locking and sealing mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to CompX International Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is CompX International Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert E. Dalton, JR., Matthew R. Greiner.
Application Number | 20150225149 14/604989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53774309 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150225149 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greiner; Matthew R. ; et
al. |
August 13, 2015 |
UNDERGROUND TANK LOCKING AND SEALING MECHANISM
Abstract
Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for
securing access to an underground device through use of a locking
mechanism to secure the fill cap on underground liquid storage
tanks for refined petroleum products such as situated at typical
end user fueling stations. A protective shell with integral vapor
sealing cap is provided with a three point toggle mechanism, to
prevent theft, willful contamination, or other unauthorized access
to the underground storage tank fill cap for any purpose while
maintaining a vapor seal to prevent the release of the vapor from
the tank contents.
Inventors: |
Greiner; Matthew R.; (Greer,
SC) ; Dalton, JR.; Robert E.; (Greenville,
SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CompX International Inc. |
Greenville |
SC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CompX International Inc.
Greenville
SC
|
Family ID: |
53774309 |
Appl. No.: |
14/604989 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61937142 |
Feb 7, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/567.1 ;
220/315 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 55/1157 20130101;
B65D 90/22 20130101; B65D 2211/00 20130101; B65D 90/545
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 55/02 20060101
B65D055/02; B65D 90/54 20060101 B65D090/54; B65D 90/28 20060101
B65D090/28; B65D 88/76 20060101 B65D088/76; B65D 88/02 20060101
B65D088/02 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for securing access to an underground device through
use of a locking mechanism to secure an associated underground
liquid storage tank for refined petroleum products, comprising: a
protective shell; an associated lock; and a toggle mechanism with
integral vapor sealing cap and configured for operation with the
associated lock to prevent unauthorized access to the underground
storage tank while maintaining a vapor seal therewith to prevent
the release of vapor from the associated tank contents.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said sealing cap includes a
locking groove and said associated lock includes a lock bolt for
selective engagement with said locking groove for securing said
toggle mechanism from movement.
3. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein: said associated storage tank
includes an associated standpipe and associated pipe adapter; and
said toggle mechanism comprises a locking bracket having a
rotatable interface for said protective shell, so that said
protective shell is secured in a free spinning position relative to
such associated pipe adapter, so that such protective shell is
rotatable without causing any corresponding displacement of said
associated pipe adapter.
4. Apparatus as in claim 3, further including a gasket between said
vapor sealing cap and said associated pipe adapter; and wherein
said locking bracket comprises a three point over center latching
mechanism comprising a center bracket having a plurality of toggle
links and respectively associated toggle fingers, and pivot pins
and retaining rings, whereby said locking bracket is configured for
selectively engaging said vapor sealing cap with said gasket while
otherwise rotatably securing said protective shell relative to said
vapor sealing cap.
5. Apparatus as in claim 3, wherein: said protective shell defines
an opening therethrough; and said locking bracket is configured to
be receivable below said protective shell, with said lock
configured to be receivable through said protective shell opening
for securement of said protective shell to said associated pipe
adapter.
6. Apparatus as in claim 1, further including a gasket between said
vapor sealing cap and the associated tank.
7. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said protective shell comprises
one of metal and engineered plastic.
8. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said associated lock comprises
one of a high security lock and a padlock and associated padlock
post.
9. Apparatus as in claim 1, further including: a weather cap for
covering said associated lock, and a handle assembly associated
with said protective shell for lifting and removing said shell from
the associated storage tank.
10. A rotatable locking mechanism for securing access to an
underground fuel storage tank of the type having a standpipe topped
by a pipe adapter, comprising: a high security lock; a protective
shell for physically blocking access to such standpipe and pipe
adapter associated with an underground storage tank; and a locking
bracket, for association with said high security lock for
selectively securing said protective shell to said pipe adapter,
such that said protective shell physically blocks access to such
pipe adapter, whereby access to the associated storage tank is
protected; wherein said locking bracket further includes a
rotatable interface for said protective shell, so that said
protective shell is secured in a free spinning position relative to
such associated pipe adapter, so that such protective shell is
rotatable without causing any corresponding displacement of an
associated pipe adapter.
11. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 10, wherein said
locking bracket comprises a three point over center latching
mechanism including a center bracket and a vapor cap.
12. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 11, further including
a gasket positioned between said vapor cap and said pipe
adapter.
13. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 12, wherein said
locking bracket center bracket comprises a plurality of toggle
links and respectively associated toggle fingers, and pivot pins
and retaining rings, whereby said locking bracket is configured for
selectively engaging said vapor cap with said gasket while
otherwise rotatably securing said protective shell relative to said
vapor cap.
14. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 10, wherein: said
protective shell defines an opening therethrough; and said locking
bracket is configured to be receivable below said protective shell,
with said lock configured to be receivable through said protective
shell opening for securement of said protective shell to said
associated pipe adapter.
15. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 10, wherein said
sealing cap includes a locking groove and said associated lock
includes a lock bolt for selective engagement with said locking
groove for securing said locking bracket from movement.
16. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 10, wherein: said
protective shell further includes a depending skirt for extending
to cover portions of an associated pipe adapter; and said rotatable
locking mechanism further includes a handle secured to said
protective shell to facilitate removal thereof from an associated
pipe adapter.
17. A rotatable locking mechanism as in claim 16, further including
a shell bumper received on said protective shell depending skirt
for further limiting unauthorized manipulation of said protective
shell.
18. Methodology for securing access to an underground liquid
storage tank for refined petroleum products while maintaining vapor
seal for the storage tank contents, such tank of the type having a
standpipe topped by a pipe adapter, said methodology comprising:
providing a protective shell with an associated lock; and
selectively securing such protective shell relative to the
associated underground tank through use of a locking mechanism
beneath the protective shell, such locking mechanism having an
integral vapor sealing cap for creating a vapor seal relative to
the storage tank pipe adapter to prevent the release of vapor from
the associated tank contents, and having a rotatable configuration
for rotatably securing said protective shell relative to said vapor
sealing cap, whereby such methodology prevents unauthorized access
to the underground storage tank while maintaining a vapor seal
therefor.
19. Methodology as in claim 18, further including: providing a
gasket between said vapor sealing cap and said associated pipe
adapter; and wherein said locking mechanism comprises a three point
over center latching mechanism comprising a center bracket having a
plurality of toggle links and respectively associated toggle
fingers, and pivot pins and retaining rings, whereby said locking
bracket is configured for selectively engaging said vapor sealing
cap with said gasket while otherwise rotatably securing said
protective shell relative to said vapor sealing cap.
20. Methodology as in claim 19, further including: providing an
opening through the center of the protective shell; and installing
the associated lock through the center of the protective shell, so
as to engage a split locking collar associated with said center
bracket, to thereby allow said protective shell to rotate freely
relative to said center bracket.
21. Methodology as in claim 18, further including: providing a
selectively removable weather cap for covering said associated
lock, and providing a handle assembly associated with said
protective shell for lifting and removing said shell from the
associated storage tank; and wherein said associated lock comprises
one of a high security lock and a padlock and associated padlock
post.
22. Methodology as in claim 18, further including providing said
protective shell with a shell bumper for further limiting
unauthorized manipulation of the protective shell.
23. Methodology as in claim 18, further including providing the
associated storage tank in an accessible spill containment well,
surrounded by filler material including one of earth and concrete,
and covered with an unsecured containment lid.
Description
PRIORITY claim
[0001] This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S.
Provisional Patent Application entitled "UNDERGROUND TANK LOCKING
AND SEALING MECHANISM," assigned U.S. Ser. No. 61/937,142, filed
Feb. 7, 2014, and which is incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0002] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to locks.
More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates
to apparatus and methodology for securing access to fill caps for
underground liquid storage tanks.
BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0003] Many typical currently installed underground storage tanks
are fitted with a locking cap and hasp mechanism. Such a hasp
mechanism may be fitted with a padlock. Such type of locking
arrangement is vulnerable to a variety of attack methods,
including, but not limited to, bolt cutters, pry bars, lock
picking, physical manipulation of ill fitting caps, unscrewing of
the locked cap assembly from the tank standpipe nipple, and other
methods. In the case especially of petroleum products, there is a
particularly need to prevent theft he tank contents as the
cost/value of such products continues to rise.
[0004] Examples of locking devices are represented by U.S. Pat.
Nos. 8,342,210; 8,240,500; 6,745,914; 6,029,709; 6,003,558;
5,640,999; 5,437,309; 5,269,433; 4,351,446; 3,722,549; and
3,672,403, the complete disclosures of which are fully incorporated
herein by reference and for all purposes.
[0005] While various implementations of underground tank locks have
been developed, no design has emerged that generally encompasses
all of the desired characteristics as hereafter presented in
accordance with the presently disclosed technology.
SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0006] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to locking
mechanisms configured to secure access to fill caps for underground
tanks, such as liquid storage tanks. In one exemplary present
configuration, the presently disclosed subject matter has
particular applicability, but is not limited to, underground liquid
storage tanks that store refined petroleum products such as
gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, etc. (i.e., such products as found
at typical end user fueling stations).
[0007] Presently disclosed subject matter relates in pertinent part
to the construction of a protective shell with an integral vapor
sealing cap and a three point toggle mechanism. The purpose of the
subject matter is to prevent theft, willful contamination, or
otherwise unauthorized access for any purpose to the underground
storage tank fill cap while maintaining a vapor seal to prevent the
release of the vapor from the tank contents. There is a particular
need to prevent theft of the tank contents as well as vapor losses
as the retail cost of petroleum products continues to rise.
[0008] The presently disclosed subject matter prevents and/or
limits a large variety of the above-referenced typical attack
methods. In particular, a presently disclosed exemplary locking
mechanism preferably may comprise either of a metal or engineered
plastic protective shell which physically blocks access to the
standpipe and pipe adapter and is itself free spinning to prevent
unscrewing of the cap.
[0009] Further, the presently disclosed subject matter is
preferably provided with a high security lock to resist lock
picking, drilling, as well as other physical attack methods.
[0010] Still further, the presentation of only a protective shell
and high security lock face to a person seeking to make
unauthorized access greatly restricts the ability to attack such a
mechanism with bolt cutters, pry bars, or other such tools.
[0011] Alternatively, exemplary embodiments of presently disclosed
mechanisms may be secured with a padlock to increase ease of use,
provide keyless entry, or for other such reasons as desired by the
user.
[0012] One present exemplary apparatus is for securing access to an
underground device through use of a locking mechanism to secure an
associated underground liquid storage tank for refined petroleum
products. Such apparatus preferably comprises a protective shell;
an associated lock; and a toggle mechanism with integral vapor
sealing cap. Such toggle mechanism is preferably configured for
operation with the associated lock to prevent unauthorized access
to the underground storage tank while maintaining a vapor seal
therewith to prevent the release of vapor from the associated tank
contents.
[0013] In some of the foregoing embodiments, such sealing cap may
include a locking groove and such associated lock may include a
lock bolt for selective engagement with such locking groove for
securing such toggle mechanism from movement.
[0014] In other present variations, such an associated storage tank
may include an associated standpipe and associated pipe adapter;
and such toggle mechanism may comprise a locking bracket having a
rotatable interface for such protective shell, so that such
protective shell is secured in a free spinning position relative to
such associated pipe adapter, so that such protective shell is
rotatable without causing any corresponding displacement of such
associated pipe adapter.
[0015] In yet other alternatives, such an apparatus may further
include a gasket between such vapor sealing cap and such associated
pipe adapter; and such locking bracket may comprise a three point
over center latching mechanism comprising a center bracket having a
plurality of toggle links and respectively associated toggle
fingers, and pivot pins and retaining rings. With such
configuration, such locking bracket is configured for selectively
engaging such vapor sealing cap with such gasket while otherwise
rotatably securing such protective shell relative to such vapor
sealing cap.
[0016] Further alternatives encompass apparatus where such
protective shell defines an opening therethrough; and where such
locking bracket is configured to be receivable below such
protective shell, with such lock configured to be receivable
through such protective shell opening for securement of such
protective shell to such associated pipe adapter.
[0017] In yet other alternatives, such an apparatus may further
include a gasket between such vapor sealing cap and the associated
tank. For some such apparatus, such protective shell may comprise
one of metal and engineered plastic and/or for others, such
associated lock may comprise one of a high security lock and a
padlock and associated padlock post.
[0018] In other presently disclosed variations, such an apparatus
may further include a weather cap for covering such associated
lock, and a handle assembly associated with such protective shell
for lifting and removing such shell from the associated storage
tank.
[0019] Yet another present exemplary embodiment in accordance with
presently disclosed subject matter may relate to a rotatable
locking mechanism for securing access to an underground fuel
storage tank of the type having a standpipe topped by a pipe
adapter. Such a mechanism may preferably comprise a high security
lock; a protective shell for physically blocking access to such
standpipe and pipe adapter associated with an underground storage
tank; and a locking bracket, for association with such high
security lock for selectively securing such protective shell to
such pipe adapter, such that such protective shell physically
blocks access to such pipe adapter, whereby access to the
associated storage tank is protected. In such an arrangement,
preferably such locking bracket may further include a rotatable
interface for such protective shell, so that such protective shell
is secured in a free spinning position relative to such associated
pipe adapter, so that such protective shell is rotatable without
causing any corresponding displacement of an associated pipe
adapter.
[0020] In some presently disclosed alternatives of such a rotatable
locking mechanism, such locking bracket may comprise a three point
over center latching mechanism including a center bracket and a
vapor cap. In other variations, such a rotatable locking mechanism
may further include a gasket positioned between such vapor cap and
such pipe adapter.
[0021] For other alternative such rotatable locking mechanisms,
such locking bracket center bracket comprises a plurality of toggle
links and respectively associated toggle fingers, and pivot pins
and retaining rings, whereby such locking bracket is configured for
selectively engaging such vapor cap with such gasket while
otherwise rotatably securing such protective shell relative to such
vapor cap.
[0022] In other present variations, such protective shell may
define an opening therethrough; and such locking bracket may be
configured to be receivable below such protective shell, with such
lock configured to be receivable through such protective shell
opening for securement of such protective shell to such associated
pipe adapter.
[0023] For other presently disclosed alternatives, such sealing cap
may include a locking groove and such associated lock may include a
lock bolt for selective engagement with such locking groove for
securing such locking bracket from movement,
[0024] In yet other alternatives, such protective shell may further
include a depending skirt for extending to cover portions of an
associated pipe adapter; and such rotatable locking mechanism may
further include a handle secured to such protective shell to
facilitate removal thereof from an associated pipe adapter. In some
such variations, such a rotatable locking mechanism may further
include a shell bumper received on such protective she depending
skirt for further limiting unauthorized manipulation of such
protective shell.
[0025] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the presently disclosed subject matter equally relates to both
apparatus and to corresponding and/or associated methodology. One
present exemplary embodiment of such methodology relates to
securing access to an underground liquid storage tank for refined
petroleum products while maintaining vapor seal for the storage
tank contents, such tank of the type having a standpipe topped by a
pipe adapter. Such exemplary methodology preferably comprises
providing a protective shell with an associated lock; and
selectively securing such protective shell relative to the
associated underground tank through use of a locking mechanism
beneath the protective shell, such locking mechanism having an
integral vapor sealing cap for creating a vapor seal relative to
the storage tank pipe adapter to prevent the release of vapor from
the associated tank contents, and having a rotatable configuration
for rotatably securing such protective shell relative to such vapor
sealing cap. Practice of such methodology prevents unauthorized
access to the underground storage tank while maintaining a vapor
seal therefor.
[0026] In some present variations of presently disclosed subject
matter, methodology may further include providing a gasket between
such vapor sealing cap and such associated pipe adapter; and
wherein such locking mechanism may comprise a three point over
center latching mechanism comprising a center bracket having a
plurality of toggle links and respectively associated toggle
fingers, and pivot pins and retaining rings, whereby such locking
bracket is configured for selectively engaging such vapor sealing
cap with such gasket while otherwise rotatably securing such
protective shell relative to such vapor sealing cap.
[0027] In other present variations, presently disclosed methodology
may further include providing an opening through the center of the
protective shell; and installing the associated lock through the
center of the protective shell, so as to engage a split locking
collar associated with such center bracket, to thereby allow such
protective shell to rotate freely relative to such center
bracket.
[0028] Per other present alternatives, presently disclosed
methodology may further include providing a selectively removable
weather cap for covering such associated lock, and providing a
handle assembly associated with such protective shell for lifting
and removing such shell from the associated storage tank; and
wherein such associated lock may comprise one of a high security
lock and a padlock and associated padlock post. Still other
variations may further include providing a protective shell with a
shell bumper for further limiting unauthorized manipulation of the
protective shell, and/or may further include providing the
associated storage tank in an accessible spill containment well,
surrounded by filler material including one of earth and concrete,
and covered with an unsecured containment lid.
[0029] Additional objects and advantages of the presently disclosed
subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of
ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein.
Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and
variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and
discussed features, elements, and steps hereof may be practiced in
various embodiments and uses of the presently disclosed subject
matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject
matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to,
substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those
illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional,
operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features,
steps, or the like.
[0030] Still further, it is to be understood that different
embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments,
of the presently disclosed subject matter may include various
combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features,
steps, or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of
features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly
shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description of such
figures). Additional embodiments of the presently disclosed subject
matter, not necessarily expressed in the summarized section, may
include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of
features, components, or steps referenced in the summarized objects
above, and/or other features, components, or steps as otherwise
discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will better appreciate the features and aspects of such
embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] A full and enabling disclosure of the presently disclosed
subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of
ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which
makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical underground storage tank
installation including an exemplary locking mechanism in accordance
with presently disclosed technology;
[0033] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an exemplary locking
mechanism in accordance with presently disclosed technology;
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric, partial cutaway view of the
exemplary present locking mechanism in present FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the present
exemplary locking mechanism of present FIG. 2;
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary
lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 2, taken along a
vertical plane (section line X-X) thereof, and shown in a sealed
and locked condition thereof;
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary
lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 2, taken along a
vertical plane (section line X-X) thereof, and shown in a sealed
but unlocked condition thereof;
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary
lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 2, taken along a
vertical plane (section line X-X) thereof, and shown in an unlocked
and unsealed condition thereof;
[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of alternate embodiment
of the present exemplary lock mechanism of the presently disclosed
subject matter, and in which a high security lock is replaced with
a padlock post and lock embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary
alternate lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 8, taken along
a vertical plane (section line Y-Y) thereof; and
[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section of the present exemplary
alternate lock mechanism illustrated in present FIG. 8, taken along
a vertical plane (section line Y-Y) thereof, and with the padlock
removed.
[0042] Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present
specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same
or analogous features, elements, or steps of the presently
disclosed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF. THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] As discussed in the Summary of the Subject Matter section,
the presently disclosed subject matter is particularly concerned
with apparatus and methodologies for securing access to fill caps
for underground liquid storage tanks.
[0044] Selected combinations of aspects of the presently disclosed
technology correspond to a plurality of different embodiments of
the presently disclosed subject matter. It should be noted that
each of the exemplary embodiments presented and discussed herein
should not insinuate limitations of the presently disclosed subject
matter. Features or steps illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment may be used in combination with aspects of one or more
other embodiments to yield yet further embodiments. Additionally,
certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or
features not expressly mentioned which perform the same or similar
function or functions.
[0045] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the subject underground tank access
securing apparatus and methodology.
[0046] A typical illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the
presently disclosed subject matter as installed in the field is
represented by application FIG. 1. Such exemplary embodiment of the
presently disclosed subject matter is preferably comprised of a
protective shell 1 that is secured by high security lock 2 and
provided with a separate shell bumper 3. A standpipe 5 to an
underground tank (not shown) is typically maintained in accessible
spill containment well generally 6, surrounded by earth or concrete
7, and covered with an unsecured containment lid 8. The purpose of
the presently disclosed subject matter is to seal pipe adapter 4
and prevent release of the tank contents, while also allowing
authorized access to pipe adapter 4 for adding to, removing from,
or inspecting the underground tank contents, and while also
preventing any unauthorized access to the tank. In such context,
the purpose of the shell bumper 3 is to act as a sleeve guide for
installation of the unit onto pipe adapter 4 and then limit the
degree to which the unit can be tilted while installed so as to
increase the difficulty in forcibly removing the unit from the pipe
adapter 4.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates outwardly visible components of the
presently disclosed subject matter when positioned for use, and
which includes: the protective shell 1, the high security lock 2
which may be fitted with a weather cap, and a handle assembly 9 to
assist with lifting and removing the mechanism (or shell) from the
pipe well.
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway of the protective shell 1 to
reveal the components of the present exemplary locking and sealing
mechanism. Vapor cap 10 is fitted with a three point over center
toggle latching mechanism to secure it to the pipe adapter and to
provide a vapor tight seal. Such mechanism includes toggle links
11, pivot pins 12, toggle fingers 13 (only one visible in FIG. 3),
and retaining rings 14. FIG. 3 further illustrates use of a split
locking collar 15 and center toggle bracket 16.
[0049] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the components of the
exemplary FIG. 3 mechanism. The high security lock 2 can be fitted
with a weather cap 18 to protect the lock interior components. Such
lock 2 is preferably installed through the center of the protective
shell 1, the split locking collar 15, and the center toggle bracket
16, and is secured with lock retaining ring 19. The split locking
collar 15 fastens the protective shell 1 to the center toggle
bracket 16 in such a manner as to allow the protective shell 1 to
rotate freely relative to the center toggle bracket 16. In such
manner, the vapor cap 10 is secured to the pipe adapter 4. Such
arrangement prevents unscrewing of the pipe adapter 4 from the
standpipe by rotation or other manipulation of the protective shell
1.
[0050] The three point over center latching mechanism is comprised
of the center bracket 16, the three (or more) toggle links 11 and
their associated toggle fingers 13, the vapor cap 10, the pivot
pins 12, and the retaining rings 14. The vapor cap 10 is preferably
fitted with an internal gasket 17 to provide vapor seal between the
pipe adapter 4 and the vapor cap 10, as without further discussion
will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the
complete disclosure and illustrations herewith.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a section view of the presently disclosed subject
matter shown in the locked and sealed condition, taken along the
section line X-X of FIG. 2. As represented, the exemplary toggle
mechanism is secured from movement by the lock bolt 20 engaging a
locking groove 21 in the vapor cap 10. The gasket 17 is compressed
by the toggle mechanism to provide the vapor seal between the pipe
adapter 4 and the vapor cap 10. As also shown by the cross-section
of FIG. 5 (and in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 6 and 7), the
weather cap 18 is shown in an opened position for access by key 22
to high security lock 2, and the shell lifting handle 9 is omitted
from the illustrations for greater clarity of the illustrated
components and features.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a section view of the presently disclosed subject
matter shown in the sealed bur unlocked condition, taken along the
section line X-X of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates the lock bolt 20
being withdrawn from the locking groove 21 by means of rotating the
high security lock 2 with the correct key 22. In other words, the
presently disclosed exemplary subject matter as illustrated in such
FIG. 6 is in its unlocked condition with the key retained in the
lock 2 but with the arrangement still in a sealed position.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a section view of the presently disclosed subject
matter shown in the unlocked and unsealed condition, taken along
the section line X-X of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 illustrates the lifting of
the presently disclosed subject matter from the pipe adapter 4. In
the illustration, the gasket 17 is shown as still engaged but is no
longer under compression. As the presently disclosed subject matter
is lifted clear, the lock 2, protective she 1, split locking collar
15, and center toggle bracket 16 all move relative to the vapor cap
10, which results in release of the toggle mechanism from the pipe
adapter 4. After such removal, the toggle mechanism remains in the
extended position by means of gravity or an internal spring such
that it is in the ready position to be reinstalled onto the pipe
adapter 4 by simply replacing the mechanism on the pipe adapter and
pushing down on the protective sleeve 1. Such action will return
the toggle mechanism to a compressed and sealed state and allow the
key 22 to be appropriately rotated to re-engage the lock bolt 20
into the locking groove 21. The presently disclosed subject matter
would at such point have been returned to its locked and sealed
state, which would then allow the key 22 to be removed.
[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of
the presently disclosed subject matter in which the exemplary high
security lock is replaced with a padlock post 31 and a padlock 30
which may be secured to the protective shell 1 such as by means of
an attached chain 32. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of such
alternative presently disclosed exemplary embodiment, taken along
the section line Y-Y of present FIG. 8. The padlock post 31 may be
permanently retained in the vapor cap 10 by means of post retainer
pins 33 extending into the vapor cap locking groove 21. The padlock
30 locked through padlock post 31 prevents the relative movement of
the protective shell 1 and center toggle bracket 16 relative to the
vapor cap 10, which prevents release of the toggle mechanism. FIG.
10 represents (also per a cross-section taken along the section
line Y-Y of present FIG. 8) removal of the padlock 30 which then
allows the presently disclosed subject matter to be released from
the pipe adapter 4 in a similar manner as previously stated.
[0055] While the presently disclosed subject matter has been
described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof,
it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon
attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce
alterations to, variations of, and/or equivalents to such
embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by
way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject
disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications,
variations, and/or additions to the presently disclosed subject
matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
* * * * *