Patent ID: 8707886
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
1. A protective cap assembly, comprising: a cap assembly body adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized valve, the valve having a closed position in which fluid is sealingly impeded by a valve seat from flowing through the valve and an open position in which the valve is mechanically manipulated so that fluid is directed through the valve seat to exit the valve; sensory means supported by the cap assembly body for providing a direct human sensory indication of pressurized fluid exhausting from the valve while the valve is in the closed position; and a tether that retains the cap assembly body in proximity to the valve when removed so that the removed cap assembly body serves as a visual indication that the valve has opened to relieve pressure, the tether having a double slip loop configuration with a first sliding loop at a first end of said tether and adapted to fit about a circumference of the cap assembly body, and a second sliding loop at an opposing second end of the tether adapted to fit about a circumference of a vent conduit downstream of the pressure relief valve, wherein responsive to a transitioning of the valve from the closed position to the open position, the second sliding loop tightens about the vent conduit to secure the protective cap assembly thereto and the first sliding loop tightens about the cap assembly body, and wherein the tightening of the first sliding loop induces a mechanical collapse of the protective cap assembly as the assembly is ejected from the vent conduit.