Ball valve with positive locking mechanism

Claim 1

In a ball valve having a positive locking mechanism thereon, the combination which includes: a. a valve body having a fluid conduit therein, b. a ball closure having a fluid conduit therein, the closure being positioned in the valve body conduit and adapted to rotate between an open position in which fluid can flow through the valve body and a closed position in which the ball closure will block fluid flow through the valve body, c. a stem having an upper and lower end, wherein the stem is rotatably carried in a stem housing mounted on the valve body and the lower end of the stem engages the ball closure, d. a valve handle having an operating end which engages the upper end of the valve stem and which includes a first ear member and a second ear member, e. a first stop member defining an upstanding bracket mounted on the valve body adjacent to the operating end of the handle and which is adapted to lockingly engage the first ear member upon rotation of the stem by the handle to bring the ball closure to the open position, f. a second stop member defining a generally U-shaped member having upper and lower leg portions which are positioned generally horizontally to the valve body, the lower leg being slidably carried on the stem housing and including an upstanding stud member, whereby upon rotation of the stem by the handle to bring the ball closure to closed position the first ear member is lockingly engaged by the upstanding stud member and the second ear member is lockingly engaged by the upstanding bracket, and g. a means which engages the secOnd stop member and which applies a continuous upward force against said second stop member.