Patent ID: 7559338
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: E03B,F16K,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A protection system for protecting a fire hydrant having an interior, the protection system comprising: a nozzle defining a bore and in fluid communication with the interior of the fire hydrant, the nozzle adaptable to receive an end of a fire hose; a rotatable protection device housed within the bore of the nozzle for prohibiting access into the interior of the fire hydrant from an exterior, the protection device having a first position preventing access to the interior of the fire hydrant from the exterior, and the protection device having a second position wherein water is allowed to flow from the interior of the fire hydrant externally via the nozzle; and a bracket assembly coupled to the protection device for rotating the protection device, the bracket assembly carried by the nozzle, wherein the bracket assembly has sufficient rotational travel for enabling the protection device to move from the first position to the second position, depending on the water pressure engaging the bracket assembly and wherein the bracket assembly includes: a bracket coupled to the protection device and including a first pin and a second pin; a fixture in communication with the nozzle for securing the bracket assembly within the nozzle, the fixture including a bifurcated slot that restricts movement of the first and second pin to control rotation of the protection device, wherein the first pin moves from a first leg of the bifurcated slot to a second leg of the bifurcated slot depending on the water pressure; and a spring mechanism coupled to the fixture for generating a force to rotate the protection device from the second position to the first position when the water pressure decreases.