Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a locking apparatus adapted to interface with a valve and to selectively secure the valve in an open or closed position. More specifically, a valve handle lock is provided which is tamper resistant and is generally capable of use with valves produced by many manufacturers. The present invention further includes a locking mechanism that shrouds a portion of the valve handle attachment hardware and which can be used in conjunction with a typical padlock or other type of securement mechanism.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/451,098, having a filing date of Feb. 28, 2003, and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a locking apparatus adapted to interface with valve handles which are used to selectively open and close a valve used in a pipeline or other fluid conduit. More specifically, a valve handle lock is provided which is tamper resistant and is capable of use with valves produced by many manufacturers, and which can be used to lock the valve in either an open or closed position.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Ball valves, gate valves and other similar mechanisms are used commonly in flow applications such as fire systems, refineries, power plants, etc. Ball valves generally employ a “T” shaped or lever handle to allow a user to selectively open and close the valve. Many state and municipal codes require that the valves are positioned in a predetermined location, and often require that the valve remain in the “open” position thereby guaranteeing that water will be available when it is needed. It is conceivable that a terrorist or criminal could turn the valve to the closed position and light a fire, thereby wasting precious time of the fire fighters and putting lives at risk.  
           [0004]    Furthermore, with the risk of increased terrorist activity, there is an increased concern regarding the safety of municipal water treatment facilities, and the ability to safely prevent the introduction of a deadly biological or chemical reagant. Thus, there is an increased need to provide a locking mechanism which is simplistic in design, relatively inexpensive and can be placed on valve assemblies to prevent the unauthorized opening or closing of the valve.  
           [0005]    Valve locks are known in the art and are used widely. However, the majority of locks in use today are not tamper-resistant. Most valve handles are interconnected to a valve body by way of a nut. Generally, available locks do not protect the nut from tampering or being removed. That is, one can simply bypass many locks by loosening the nut and removing the handle. The open/closing mechanism is then exposed and capable of being selectively altered with commonly used tools. Alternatively, maintenance personnel routinely disconnect the handle thereby “locking” the valve in a predetermined position. However, simple tools can still be used to adjust the valve position or often the handles become misplaced.  
           [0006]    Furthermore, some valves may include locks which are designed specifically for a given model and size of valve and associated handle. These locks are not adapted to be used with valves constructed by other manufacturers. Moreover, many locks require some alteration of the valve body, handle, or both, which is not practical.  
           [0007]    Thus, there is a long felt need in the field of fire prevention, plumbing, terrorism prevention, and law enforcement (statutory water restrictions) to provide a tamper-resistant valve locking mechanism that is cost effective, easy to use and manufacture, and is adapted to be used with many brands and sizes of valves.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a valve lock which is tamper resistant. Preferably, the handle interconnection nut of many valves is shrouded whereby removal or turning of the nut is prevented. In a related embodiment, the locking mechanism is also shrouded or integral to the apparatus thereby further preventing tampering with bolt cutters for example. More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention a shroud is provided which fits over the valve handle and attachment hardware, and which has two opposing apertures on a lower side which receives a typical padlock which can be selectively opened or closed, and which can be opened with a key or combination.  
           [0009]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a valve lock which is strong, durable, and difficult to deform. Many locks can be easily circumvented by bending or breaking the mechanism with simple tools such that the handle can be rotated. The present invention is preferably constructed from stainless steel, thereby also preventing corrosion. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the lock may be constructed from any number of materials such as graphite, composite, plastic, vulcanized rubber, brass, copper, Inconel, iron, aluminum, etc.  
           [0010]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a lock in a variety of sizes and configurations such that it is capable of being used on various brands of valves. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is well suited to be painted, etched, engraved, etc. with warnings, advertisements, instructions, etc. Moreover, the invention may be formed in a plurality of ornamental designs such as the head of an alligator or saber-toothed cat.  
           [0011]    It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a lock that is cost effective to manufacture. It is envisioned that locks of this type may be more frequently required by law. For example, new houses in many areas of the United States are required to incorporate back-flow prevention means, thereby preventing would-be terrorists from contaminating a city&#39;s water supply from the privacy of their own home. In addition, many portions of the United States frequently experience droughts and water use restrictions such as lawn watering bans. Individuals who break these restrictions under the cover of darkness with a timer could awake to find their water supply locked closed, wherein an official would be required to unlock the valve to restore service. The present invention is easily machined or formed from the parent material thereby reducing costs. In addition, the present invention preferably does not require retro-fits of the valve; it simply slips on. The locking mechanism preferably interfaces primarily with the lock body therefore no handle holes would be required.  
           [0012]    Thus, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a tamper resistant valve locking assembly adapted for use with a valve which includes a handle and handle stop, comprising:  
           [0013]    a locking assembly front end, a rear end, and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge extending therebetween which define a shroud;  
           [0014]    a first lateral support extending downward from said first lateral edge, and a second lateral support extending downward from said second lateral edge;  
           [0015]    a forward support member extending downwardly from said front end of said locking assembly and comprising a handle aperture adapted to receive at least a portion of the valve handle;  
           [0016]    at least one handle stop engagement means positioned on at least one of said first lateral support and said second lateral support, and which is adapted to contact the valve handle stop, wherein said locking assembly is substantially impeded from at least one direction of travel; and  
           [0017]    at least one aperture positioned in at least one of said first lateral support and said second lateral support which is adapted to receive a securement device which can be selectively interconnected to said locking assembly, wherein when said securement device is interconnected to said locking assembly the valve handle is substantially prevented from rotation.  
           [0018]    It is a separate aspect of the present invention to provide a tamper resistant valve locking assembly adapted to be used with a valve which includes a handle and first and second handle stops, comprising:  
           [0019]    a locking assembly front end, a rear end and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge extending therebetween which define a shroud;  
           [0020]    a first lateral support extending downward from said first lateral edge, and a second lateral support extending downward from said second lateral edge;  
           [0021]    a forward support member extending downwardly from said front end of said locking assembly, said forward support member comprising a means for receiving a portion of the handle of the valve;  
           [0022]    a first handle stop cut-out positioned in said first lateral support which is adapted to contact the first handle stop to lock the valve in a closed position, and a second handle stop cut-out positioned in said second lateral support which is adapted to contact the second handle stop to lock the valve in an open position; and  
           [0023]    at least one lock aperture positioned in said first lateral support and said second lateral support, wherein said at least one lock aperture is adapted to receive a securement device which can be selectively interconnected to said locking assembly to prevent removal from said valve.  
           [0024]    It is yet a separate aspect of the present invention to provide a method of selectively securing a valve in a first open position or a second closed position, comprising the steps of: 
           [0025]    (a) providing a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising a locking assembly front end, a rear end, and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge extending therebetween which define a shroud;  
           [0026]    a first lateral support extending downward from said first lateral edge, and a second lateral support extending downward from said second lateral edge;  
           [0027]    a forward support member extending downwardly from said front end of said locking assembly and comprising a handle aperture adapted to receive a handle of the valve;  
           [0028]    a first handle stop cut-out positioned in said first lateral support which is adapted to contact a first handle stop on the valve to lock the valve in a closed position, and a second handle stop cut-out positioned in said second lateral support which is adapted to contact a second handle stop on the valve to lock the valve in an open position; and  
           [0029]    at least one aperture positioned in said first lateral support and said second lateral support which is adapted to receive a securement device;  
           [0030]    (b) inserting the handle of the valve into the handle aperture of the forward support member;  
           [0031]    (c) sliding the handle into handle aperture and moving the shroud into position until the first handle stop cut-out contacts the first handle stop to lock the valve in a closed position, or until the second handle stop cut-out contacts the second handle stop to lock the valve in an open position; and  
           [0032]    (d) securing a securement device through the at least one aperture positioned in said first lateral support and said second lateral support. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a T-handle type valve and pipe assembly;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 2 and 2A are perspective views of a first embodiment of the present invention for a locking assembly for a typical T-handle type valve shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 3 is side elevation view of the locking assembly of FIGS. 2 and 2A shown with the valve of FIG. 1 having its handle locked in the closed position;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 is side elevation view of the locking assembly of FIGS. 2 and 2A shown with the valve of FIG. 1 having its handle locked in the open position;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a lever handle type valve and pipe assembly;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIGS. 6 and 6A are perspective views of a second embodiment of the present invention for a locking assembly for a typical lever handle type valve shown in FIG. 5;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 7 is side elevation view of the locking assembly of FIGS. 6 and 6A shown with the valve of FIG. 5 having its handle locked in the closed position;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 8 is side elevation view of the locking assembly of FIGS. 6 and 6A shown with the valve of FIG. 5 having its handle locked in the open position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0041]    Referring now to FIG. 1., a typical “T-handle” type valve and pipe assembly  10  is shown. The T-handle valve and pipe assembly  10  includes a T-handle valve  12  interconnected to segments of pipe  14  on either side of the T-handle valve  12 . As shown in FIG. 1, the T-handle valve  12  includes a rotatable handle  16  that selectively controls the flow through the T-handle valve  12 . The rotatable handle  16  is typically attached the T-handle valve  12  by valve handle attachment hardware  18 .  
         [0042]    The T-handle valve  12  also includes a first valve handle stop  20  to limit the rotation of the rotatable handle  16  to a full-open position, and a second valve handle stop  22  to limit the rotation of the rotatable handle  16  to a closed position. In addition, the rotatable handle  16  includes a stop intercept  24  projecting from the rotatable handle  16 , wherein the stop intercept  24  contacts either the first or second handle stops  20 ,  22  to limit the rotation of the rotatable handle  16 .  
         [0043]    Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2A, perspective views of one embodiment of the locking assembly  26  of the present invention is shown. The locking assembly  26  is adapted to fit over the rotatable handle  16  of the T-handle valve  12 . The locking assembly  26  shrouds the valve handle attachment hardware  18 , such as a nut, that is used to operably interconnect the rotatable handle  16  to the flow opening/closing mechanism of the T-handle valve  12 . The locking assembly  26  features a lock shroud  28  that includes a lock front end  30  and a lock rear end  32 . The lock front end  30  includes a handle aperture  34  that is sized to receive at least a portion of the rotatable handle  16 . In addition, the lock shroud  28  includes a first lock lateral edge  36  and a second lock lateral edge  38 .  
         [0044]    Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, a first lateral support  40  extends down from the first lock lateral edge  36 . The first lateral support  40  includes a first handle stop cut-out  44  and a first padlock aperture  46 , where the first handle stop cut-out  44  is sized to slip over a valve handle stop of the T-handle valve  12 . For the typical T-handle valve  12  shown in FIG. 1, the first handle stop cut-out  44  is sized to fit over the first valve handle stop  20 . For the embodiment of the locking assembly  26  shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the center of the first handle stop cut-out  44  is spaced apart a first distance D 1  from the center of the first padlock aperture  46 .  
         [0045]    Similar to the structure extending down from the first lock lateral edge  36 , on an opposing side of the locking assembly  26 , a second lateral support  42  extends down from the second lock lateral edge  38 . The second lateral support  42  includes a second handle stop cut-out  48  and a second padlock aperture  50 , where the second handle stop cut-out  48  is sized to slip over a valve handle stop of the T-handle valve  12 . For the typical T-handle valve  12  shown in FIG. 1, the second handle stop cut-out  48  is sized to fit over the second valve handle stop  22 . The locking capability of the locking assembly  26  is provided by the second padlock aperture  50  that is substantially aligned with the first padlock aperture  46 , such that a padlock may be passed through both the first and second padlock apertures  46  and  50  at the same time and then locked. In addition, for the embodiment of the locking assembly  26  shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the center of the second handle stop cut-out  48  is spaced apart a second distance D 2  from the center of the second padlock aperture  50 , where distance D 1 , is greater than distance D 2 .  
         [0046]    Referring now to FIG. 3, the locking assembly  26  is shown in combination with typical T-handle valve  12  shown in FIG. 1, where the valve  12  is being locked in the closed position. In use, to secure the location of the rotatable handle  16  of the T-handle valve  12 , the user initially positions the rotatable handle  16  through a handle aperture  34  incorporated into the lock front end  30  of the locking assembly  26 . The handle aperture  34  and the lock front end  30  are designed to prevent upward removal of the rotatable handle  16  from the T-handle valve  12 . Next, the lock shroud  28  is placed over the valve handle attachment hardware  18  and the first handle stop cut-out  44  is placed over the first handle stop  20 . More particularly, for the typical T-handle valve  12  shown in FIG. 1, the when the rotatable handle  16  is in the closed position, the stop intercept  24  of the rotatable handle  16  is contacting the second valve handle stop  22 , and the first handle stop cut-out  44  of the locking assembly  26  is placed over the first handle stop  20 . A lock can then be passed through the first and second padlock apertures  46  and  50 . The first handle stop cut-out  44  prevents the lock shroud  28  from moving back and forth because it is restricted by the first handle stop  20 . In addition, the rotatable handle  16  within the handle aperture  34  prevents the lock front end  30  from lifting off of the rotatable handle  16 , while the lock rear end  32  is prevented from being lifted off of the rotatable handle  16  because the padlock  52  or other securing mechanism is under the rotatable handle  16 .  
         [0047]    Referring now to FIG. 4, the locking assembly  26  is shown in combination with typical T-handle valve  12  shown in FIG. 1, where the valve  12  is being locked in the full-open flow position. In use, to secure the location of the rotatable handle  16  of the T-handle valve  12 , the user initially positions the rotatable handle  16  through the handle aperture  34  incorporated into the lock front end  30  of the locking assembly  26 . Next, the lock shroud  28  is placed over the valve handle attachment hardware  18  and the second handle stop cut-out  48  is placed over the second handle stop  22 . More particularly, for the typical T-handle valve  12  shown in FIG. 1, the when the rotatable handle  16  is in the open position, the stop intercept  24  of the rotatable handle  16  is contacting the first valve handle stop  20 , and the second handle stop cut-out  48  of the locking assembly  26  is placed over the second handle stop  22 . A lock can then be passed through the first and second padlock apertures  46  and  50 . The second handle stop cut-out  48  prevents the lock shroud  28  from moving back and forth because it is restricted by the second handle stop  22 . In addition, the rotatable handle  16  within the handle aperture  34  prevents the front end from lifting off of the rotatable handle  16 , while the lock rear end  32  is prevented from being lifted off of the rotatable handle  16  because the padlock is under the rotatable handle  16 .  
         [0048]    Referring now to FIG. 5, a typical “lever-handle” type valve and pipe assembly  54  is shown. The lever-handle valve and pipe assembly  54  includes a lever-handle valve  56  interconnected to segments of pipe  14  on either side of the lever-handle valve  56 . As shown in FIG. 5, the lever-handle valve  56  includes a rotatable handle  16  that selectively controls the flow through the lever-handle valve  56 . The rotatable handle  16  is typically attached the lever-handle valve  56  by valve handle attachment hardware  18 .  
         [0049]    As with the T-handle valve  12 , the lever-handle valve  56  also includes a first valve handle stop  20  to limit the rotation of the rotatable handle  16  to a full-open position, and a second valve handle stop  22  to limit the rotation of the rotatable handle  16  to a closed position. In addition, the rotatable handle  16  includes a stop intercept  24  projecting from the rotatable handle  16 , wherein the stop intercept  24  contacts either the first or second handle stops  20 ,  22  to limit the rotation of the rotatable handle  16 .  
         [0050]    Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, perspective views of an alternate embodiment of a valve lock is shown, where the locking assembly  58  of the present invention is adapted to fit over the rotatable handle  16  of a lever handle valve like the lever-handle valve  56  illustrated in FIG. 5. The locking assembly  58  shrouds the valve handle attachment hardware  18  that is used to operably interconnect the rotatable handle  16  to the flow opening/closing mechanism of the lever-handle valve  56 . The locking assembly  58  features a lock shroud  28  that includes a lock front end  30  and a lock rear end  32 . The lock front end  30  includes a handle aperture  34  that is sized to receive at least a portion of the rotatable handle  16 . In addition, the lock shroud  28  includes a first lock lateral edge  36  and a second lock lateral edge  38 .  
         [0051]    Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A, a first lateral support  40  extends down from the first lock lateral edge  36 . The first lateral support  40  includes a first handle stop cut-out  44  and a first padlock aperture  46 , where the first handle stop cut-out  44  is sized to slip over a valve handle stop of a lever-handle valve. For the typical lever-handle valve  56  shown in FIG. 5, the first handle stop cut-out  44  is sized to fit over the first valve handle stop  20 . For the embodiment of the locking assembly  58  shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, a first shoulder  60  of the first handle stop cut-out  44  is spaced apart a first distance D 3  from the center of the first padlock aperture  46 .  
         [0052]    Similar to the structure extending down from the first lock lateral edge  36 , on an opposing side of the locking assembly  58 , a second lateral support  42  extends down from the second lock lateral edge  38 . The second lateral support  42  includes a second handle stop cut-out  48  and a second padlock aperture  50 , where the second handle stop cut-out  48  is sized to slip over a valve handle stop of the lever-handle valve  56 . For the typical lever-handle valve  56  shown in FIG. 5, the second handle stop cut-out  48  is sized to fit over the second valve handle stop  22 . The locking capability of the locking assembly  58  is provided by the second padlock aperture  50  that is substantially aligned with the first padlock aperture  46 , such that a padlock may be passed through both the first and second padlock apertures  46  and  50  at the same time and then locked. In addition, for the embodiment of the locking assembly  58  shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, a second shoulder  62  of the second handle stop cut-out  48  is spaced apart a second distance D 4  from the center of the second padlock aperture  50 , where distance D 3  is greater than distance D 4 .  
         [0053]    Referring now to FIG. 7, the locking assembly  58  is shown in combination with typical lever-handle valve  56  shown in FIG. 5, where the valve  56  is being locked in the closed position. In use, to secure the location of the rotatable handle  16  of the lever-handle valve  56 , the user initially positions the rotatable handle  16  through the handle aperture  34  incorporated into the lock front end  30  of the locking assembly  58 . The handle aperture  34  and the lock front end  30  are designed to prevent upward removal of the rotatable handle  16  from the lever-handle valve  56 . Next, the lock shroud  28  is placed over the valve handle attachment hardware  18  and the first handle stop cut-out  44  is placed over the first handle stop  20 . More particularly, for the typical lever handle valve  56  shown in FIG. 5, the when the rotatable handle  16  is in the closed position, the stop intercept  24  of the rotatable handle  16  is contacting the second valve handle stop  22 , and the first handle stop cut-out  44  of the locking assembly  58  is placed over the first handle stop  20 . A lock can then be passed through the first and second padlock apertures  46  and  50 . The first shoulder  60  of the first handle stop cut-out  44  prevents the lock shroud  28  from moving back and forth because it is restricted by the first handle stop  20 . In addition, the rotatable handle  16  within the handle aperture  34  prevents the lock front end  30  from lifting off of the rotatable handle  16 , while the lock rear end  32  is prevented from being lifted off of the rotatable handle  16  because when locked, the padlock  52  is under the rotatable handle  16 .  
         [0054]    Referring now to FIG. 8, the locking assembly  58  is shown in combination with typical lever-handle valve  56  shown in FIG. 5, where the valve  56  is being locked in the full-open flow position. In use, to secure the location of the rotatable handle  16  of the lever-handle valve  56 , the user initially positions the rotatable handle  16  through the handle aperture  34  incorporated into the lock front end  30  of the locking assembly  58 . Next, the lock shroud  28  is placed over the valve handle attachment hardware  18  and the second handle stop cut-out  48  is placed over the second handle stop  22 . More particularly, for the typical lever handle valve  56  shown in FIG. 5, the when the rotatable handle  16  is in the full-open flow position, the stop intercept  24  of the rotatable handle  16  is contacting the first valve handle stop  20 , and the second handle stop cut-out  48  of the locking assembly  58  is placed over the second handle stop  22 . A lock can then be passed through the first and second padlock apertures  46  and  50 . The second shoulder  62  of the second handle stop cut-out  48  prevents the lock shroud  28  from moving back and forth because it is restricted by the second handle stop  22 . In addition, the rotatable handle  16  within the handle aperture  34  prevents the front end from lifting off of the rotatable handle  16 , while the lock rear end  32  is prevented from being lifted off of the rotatable handle  16  because when locked, the padlock  52  is under the rotatable handle  16 .  
         [0055]    For both of the locking assemblies  26  and  58 , a different mechanism other than a handle aperture  34  may be used to secure the lock front end  30  to the rotatable handle  16 . For example, a hinged and/or slideable sleeve (not shown) may be interconnected to the lock front end  30  to serve as a means for receiving the rotatable handle  16 . Such a hinged and/or slideable sleeve may include an aperture to cooperate with the first padlock aperture  46  and/or the second padlock aperture  50 , such that the hinged and/or slideable sleeve or similar means is secured upon using a locking or securing mechanism, such as a padlock or combination lock, with the locking assemblies  26  or  58 .  
         [0056]    The locking assemblies  26  and  58  lend themselves to being used with a variety of securing mechanisms, such as a padlock, combination lock, or a lock with a breakable seal, such that the valve can be sealed, but still accessible in emergency situations. The locking assemblies further offer added security to the actual locking mechanism employed, because by placing a conventional padlock below the locking assemblies  26  and  58 , the lock is substantially protected from access by bolt cutters, hack saws, etc.  
         [0057]    As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, many varieties of the locking mechanisms may be employed with the present invention that will achieve the same result. Moreover, the lock, as shown in the figures, is designed to secure the valve in an open or closed position depending on the specific application.  
         [0058]    To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:  
                                   Number   Component                   10   T-handle type valve and pipe assembly       12   T-handle valve       14   Pipe       16   Rotatable handle       18   Valve handle attachment hardware       20   First valve handle stop       22   Second valve handle stop       24   Stop intercept       26   Locking assembly (to T-handle type valve)       28   Lock shroud       30   Lock front end       32   Lock rear end       34   Handle aperture       36   First lock lateral edge       38   Second lock lateral edge       40   First lateral support       42   Second lateral support       44   First handle stop cut-out       46   First padlock aperture       48   Second handle stop cut-out       50   Second padlock aperture       52   Securing mechanism       54   Lever handle type valve and pipe assembly       56   Lever handle valve       58   Locking assembly (to lever handle type valve)       60   First shoulder (to first handle stop cut-out)       62   Second shoulder (of second handle stop cut-out)                  
 
         [0059]    While various embodiment of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and abdications of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications abdications are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.