Patent US3935877A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3935877A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tamper-proof locking system for fire hydrants
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-07-23
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Granted: 1976-02-03
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Expires: 1994-07-23
Abstract
Abstract A tamper-proof locking system for a standard fire hydrant, one embodiment of which includes a cap assembly that fits over the valve stem of the hydrant and is fastened thereto. The cap assembly cannot be turned to open the valve except by means of a special wrench which is adjustable to securely grip the assembly. In another embodiment, the system includes a cover assembly which replaces a standard hydrant port cover and cannot be taken off the nipple of the port except by the special wrench.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter A. Franceschi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 04:58
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16K; F16K35/00; F16K35/06; E; E03; E03B; E03B9/00; E03B9/02; E03B9/04; E03B9/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S411/00; Y10S411/91; Y10S411/919; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/5327; Y10T137/5456; Y10T137/5468; Y10T137/6851; Y10T137/7043; Y10T137/7062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A tamper-proof lock system for protecting the stem of a fire hydrant or similar apparatus against unauthorized turning thereof, said system comprising: A. a cap assembly mountable on said stem and including a cap housing whose head has a circular array of sloped faces formed thereon, the housing having a central inner cavity dimensioned to receive and socket said stem whereby rotation of said housing causes rotation of said stem and a Saturn ring encircling said housing and linked thereto for relative rotation, and B. a wrench cooperating with said cap assembly, said wrench having at least two sloped faces adapted to complement and engage corresponding faces in said array thereof on said cap housing, and a fixed claw cooperating with an adjustable claw to grip said Saturn ring to provide purchase.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
A tamper-proof lock system for protecting the stem of a fire hydrant or similar apparatus against unauthorized turning thereof, said system comprising: A. a cap assembly mountable on said stem and including a cap housing whose head has a circular array of sloped faces formed thereon, the housing having a central inner cavity dimensioned to receive and socket said stem whereby rotation of said housing causes rotation of said stem and a Saturn ring encircling said housing and linked thereto for relative rotation, and B. a wrench cooperating with said cap assembly, said wrench having at least two sloped faces adapted to complement and engage corresponding faces in said array thereof on said cap housing, and a fixed claw cooperating with an adjustable claw to grip said Saturn ring to provide purchase.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said stem has a pentagonal shape and said cavity is likewise shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said head array is composed of five major faces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cap assembly Saturn ring is linked to said housing by a snap ring which is received in complementary grooves formed in said housing and said Saturn ring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system as set forth in claim 4, wherein said Saturn ring is provided with a set of radial holes to admit radially-advancing screws adapted to retract said snap ring from the groove in said Saturn ring to permit dismantling of the cap assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cap assembly further includes a dowel pin adapted to pass through a bore in said stem, the ends of said pin projecting into a diametrical hole in said housing, whereby said pin acts to fasten said housing to said stem.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said wrench is provided with a handle having a threaded rod entering into a threaded bore in said adjustable claw whereby rotation of said handle causes said claw to move toward or away from said fixed claw.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as set forth in claim 7, wherein said wrench has an opening with a pentagonal formation to receive stems having a similar formation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-02-02 | 1979-08-04 | 1980-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-02 | 1983-08-04 | 1984-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-02 | 1987-08-04 | 1988-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |