Lock for cam-and-groove coupler

A lock for a cam-and-groove coupler comprises a collar member positionable around the cam-and-groove coupler. The collar member comprises at least first and second wall portions. The first wall portion is positionable adjacent the first lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the first lever arm to an unsecured position. The second wall portion is positionable adjacent a second lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the second lever arm to the unsecured position. The lock further comprises at least one projection extending inwardly from the collar member and configured to engage the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent the collar member from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler. At least one securing member is coupled to the collar member and configured to releasably secure the collar member around the cam-and-groove-coupler.

FIELD

The invention generally relates to a lock for a cam-and-groove coupler. Specifically, the invention relates to a lock which prevents the releasing of the lever arms of the cam-and-groove coupler and avoids fluid spillage, tampering, and/or contamination.

BACKGROUND

Cam-and-groove couplers are used to connect and disconnect hoses or conduits. An example of a cam-and-groove coupler100is shown inFIGS. 1A-1D.

The cam-and-groove coupler100includes a male piece102, which is insertable into a female piece104to releasably and sealingly connect the male piece and the female piece. Accordingly, if the male102and female104pieces are coupled to hoses or conduits, the hoses or conduits may be releasably and sealingly connected via the cam-and-groove coupler.

Each of the male102and female104pieces have a body portion106,108. Each of the body portions106,108include a longitudinally extending bore110,112defined therethrough. When the male102and female104pieces are secured together, the bores110,112are in fluid communication with each other.

Each of the body portions106,108further comprise a first end114,116that is configured to receive a hose or conduit, such that the hose or conduit is in fluid communication with each of the bores110,112. For example, the ends114,116can each be threadedly secured to a hose or conduit.

A second end118of the body portion106of the male piece102and a second end120of the body portion108of the female piece104are mateable together to releasably and sealingly secure the male102and female104pieces together. The second end118of the male piece102is insertable into the second end120of the female piece104, and comprises a rounded groove122extending around the circumference of the body portion106of the male piece102. The female piece104includes a first124aand second124bcam which are positioned on circumferentially opposed sides of the body portion108of the female piece104. The cams124a,124bare connected to and actuated by first126aand second126blevers, respectively, which rotate about pivot pins127a,127b.

The levers126a,126beach have an unsecured position, and a secured position. In the unsecured position, the levers126a,126bare positioned to extend generally transversely outwardly from the body portion108of the female piece104, as shown inFIG. 1C. When the levers126a,126bare in the unsecured position, the cams124a,124bdo not engage the groove122, and the male piece102and the female piece104are not secured to each other. In the secured position, the levers126a,126bare positioned to extend generally along the body portion108of the female piece104, for example generally parallel to the longitudinal bore112. When the levers126a,126bare in the secured position, the cams124a124bare rotated to a position whereby they are inserted in the groove122, as shown inFIG. 1D. Accordingly, the cams124a,124bengage the groove122to secure the male piece102and the female piece104together.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,439,942 to Moore discloses a retainer means for holding a lever arm of a cam-and-groove coupler. The retainer means includes a thin flat flexible resilient member including a planar first portion having an aperture therein receiving a pin that pivots the lever arm. The retaining means has a resilient second portion normally bent at an angle to the plane of the first portion and overlying and contacting the lever arm and holding it in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,431 discloses a safety assembly for a cam-and-groove coupler in which pull rings on the female unit serve to both release the coupling assembly and to maintain the coupling assembly locked against unintentional disconnection. In the locked conditions, the pull rings abut against ears on the housing of the female coupling unit to oppose unintended movement of the cam arms from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms. Upon intentional removal of the pull rings from abutment with the ears by an operator and pulling on the pull rings, the cam arms can be moved from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms to disconnect the coupling assembly.

SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The summary is not intended to limit the invention.

Cam-and-groove couplers generally provide a secure connection between hoses or conduits, provided that the lever arms of the coupler remain in place in the secured position. However, the lever arms of cam-and-groove couplers are susceptible to being released at unwanted times. For example, as the lever arms protrude outwards from the body portions, they can be inadvertently moved to the unsecured position if the coupler is dragged over a rough surface. Furthermore, the lever arms are generally relatively easy for an unauthorized user to release in order to tamper with the coupler.

If the cam-and-groove coupler is released at an unwanted time, either accidentally or by tampering, stored fluids can leak, and can cause environmental hazards and health hazards. Furthermore, the stored fluids can be stolen, resulting in monetary loss.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a lock for a cam-and-groove coupler which prevents the cam-and-groove coupler from being released at unwanted times. The lock prevents both accidental releasing of the cam-and-groove coupler, and releasing of the cam-and-groove coupler by an unauthorized user.

According to a first broad aspect, the lock comprises a collar member positionable around the cam-and-groove coupler. The collar member comprises at least first and second wall portions. The first wall portion is positionable adjacent the first lever arm of a cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the first lever arm to the unsecured position when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and when the first lever arm is in the secured position. The second wall portion is positionable adjacent the second lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the second lever arm to the unsecured position when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and when the second lever arm is in the secured position. The lock further comprises at least one projection extending inwardly from the collar member and configured to engage the cam-and-groove coupler when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent the collar member from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler. At least one securing member is coupled to the collar member and configured to releasably secure the collar member around the cam-and-groove-coupler.

Embodiments in accordance with this broad aspect may be advantageous because the lock may prevent both accidental releasing of the cam-and-groove coupler, as well as tampering with the cam-and-groove coupler. That is, if the lever arms of the cam-and-groove coupler are accidentally rotated from the secured position, the lever arms will contact the first and second wall portions, and any further movement will be prevented. In addition, if an unauthorized user attempts to access the lever arms of the cam-and-groove coupler, for example to tamper with the cam-and-groove coupler, the first and second wall portions will prevent the user from moving the lever arms. Furthermore, the securing member prevents the lock from being removed from the cam-and-groove coupler, either accidentally or by an unauthorized user, and the projection prevents the lock from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler, either accidentally or by an unauthorized user.

In some embodiments, the first and second wall portions each comprise a central wall, and first and second transverse walls extending from the central wall.

In some embodiments, the collar member further comprises third and fourth wall portion, and the first, second, third, and fourth wall portions define a lumen when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler. The lumen comprises a first portion sized to receive a first lever arm of the cam and groove coupler, a second portion sized to receive a second lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler, and a third portion sized to receive body portions of the cam-and-groove-coupler.

In some embodiments, the first and second portions project from opposed sides of the third portion.

In some embodiments, the first wall portion defines the first lumen portion, the second wall portion defines the second lumen portion, and third and fourth wall portions extend between the first and second wall portions and define the third lumen portion.

In some embodiments, the wall portions are defined by first and second wall members each having first and second ends, and the first and second wall members are pivotably connected at the first ends thereof such that the collar member is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Such embodiments may be advantageous because the lock may be easily positioned around and removed from the cam-and-groove coupler by authorized users.

In some embodiments, the first wall member comprises a first half of the first wall portion, a first half of the second wall portion, and the third wall portion, and the second wall member comprises a second half of the first wall portion, a second half of the second wall portion, and the fourth wall portion.

In some embodiments the first and second wall members are connected via a hinge comprising a hinge pin, the hinge pin has a first end and a second end opposed from the first end, and the first end and the second end each comprise a flange preventing removal of the hinge pin from the hinge. Such embodiments may be advantageous because the flanges may prevent an unauthorized user from tampering with the hinge to access the coupler.

In some embodiments the securing member comprises a first tab and a second tab extending from the second end of the first wall member, and a third tab extending from the second end of the second wall member. The first, second, and third tabs each comprise an aperture, and the apertures are alignable to receive a locking fastener when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler. Such embodiments may be advantageous because the locking fastener may allow the lock to be selectively locked and unlocked.

In some embodiments, the lock is fabricated from one or more of a metal, a metal alloy, or a plastic.

In some embodiments, the least one projection comprises at least one flange extending inwardly from the collar member and being positionable between a rib of a male end of the cam-and-groove coupler and a lip of a female end of the cam-and-groove coupler.

In some embodiments, the at least one projection comprises a first flange extending inwardly from the third wall portion, and a second flange extending inwardly from the fourth wall portion.

In some embodiments the first wall portion further prevents access to a pivot pin of the first lever arm when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and when the first lever arm is in the secured position; and the second wall portion further prevents access to a pivot pin of the second lever arm when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and when the second lever arm is in the secured position. Such embodiments may be advantageous because an unauthorized user may be prevented from tampering with the pivot pin to access the cam-and-groove coupler.

In some such embodiments the pivot pin of the first lever arm is positioned between a first end and a second end of the first wall portion when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and when the first lever arm is in the secured position; and the pivot pin of the second lever arm is positioned between the first end and the second end of the second wall portion when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and when the first lever arm is in the secured position.

According to a second broad aspect, the lock comprises a collar member positionable around a cam-and-groove coupler and being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The collar member comprises a plurality of wall portions, and the wall portions define a lumen when the collar member in the closed configuration. The lumen comprises a first portion sized to receive a first lever arm of the cam and groove coupler, a second portion sized to receive a second lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler, and a third portion sized to receive a body of the cam-and-groove-coupler. The wall portions are configured to prevent releasing of the first and second lever arms when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and in the closed configuration. At least one projection extends inwardly from at least one of the wall portions to engage the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent the collar member from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler when the collar is in the closed configuration and positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler. A securing member is coupled to the collar member and is configured to releasably secure the collar member in the closed configuration.

According to a third broad aspect, the lock comprises a collar member positionable around the cam-and-groove coupler. The collar member comprises at least first and second wall portions. The first wall portion is positionable adjacent the first lever arm of a cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the first-lever arm to the unsecured position when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and when the first lever arm is in the secured position. The second wall portion is positionable adjacent the second lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the second lever arm to the unsecured position when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and when the second lever arm is in the secured position. The lock further comprises at least one projection positionable to extend inwardly from the collar member and configured to engage the cam-and-groove coupler when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent the collar member from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 2A-2C, an embodiment of a lock200for a cam and-groove coupler100is shown. In the embodiments shown and described herein, the lock200is described with reference to cam-and-groove coupler100as described hereinabove; however, it will be appreciated that lock200may be used with various configurations of cam-and-groove couplers, and the lock is not limited to use with cam-and-groove coupler100.

The lock200generally comprises a collar member202, and at least one projection204extending inwardly from the collar member. In the embodiments shown, the lock further comprises at least one securing member206coupled to the collar member.

The collar member202is positionable around a cam-and-groove coupler. In the embodiment shown, collar member202is movable between a closed configuration, shown inFIGS. 2A-2Cand an open configuration, shown inFIGS. 3A-3Csuch that the collar member may be positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler, as shown inFIG. 4A. In alternate embodiments, the lock200may not have an open and a closed configuration. For example, the lock200may only have a closed configuration, and may be positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler by sliding on the cam-and-groove coupler.

Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2C, the collar member202comprises a plurality of wall portions. That is, the collar member comprises at least first208aand second208bwall portions. In the embodiment shown, the first wall portion208aand the second wall portion208beach comprise a central wall209a,209b, and first211a,211band second213a,213btransverse walls extending from the central walls209a,209b. In alternate embodiments, the first208aand second208bwall portions may be otherwise configured. For example the first208aand second208bwall portions may each comprise only a single generally flat wall, or a single generally rounded wall.

In the embodiment shown, the collar member further comprises third210and fourth212wall portions, which are generally rounded and extend between the first208aand second208bwall portions. The first208a, second208b, third210, and fourth212wall portions are generally configured such that when the collar member202is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler100and in the closed position, the first208a, second208b, third210, and fourth212wall portions define a lumen216in which the cam-and-groove coupler is positioned, and the collar member202generally surrounds the circumference of the cam-and-groove-coupler100.

In the embodiment shown, the wall portions are each distinct from each other, and meet at defined corners. However, in alternate embodiments, the wall portions may not be distinct from each other. For example, the collar member202may be generally ovular in shape.

In the embodiment shown, the collar member202comprises four wall portions. In alternate embodiments, the collar member may comprise an alternate number of wall portions, for example only two wall portions, or greater than four wall portions. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the wall portions are generally solid, and the lumen216is circumferentially closed. However, in alternate embodiments, the one or more of the wall portions may comprise openings, for example for viewing a portion of the cam-and-groove coupler100, and accordingly the lumen may not be circumferentially closed.

Referring still toFIGS. 2A and 2B, in the embodiment shown, the lumen216comprises first218, second220, and third222lumen portions. The first218and second220lumen portions project from opposed sides of the third lumen portion222. The first lumen portion218is defined by the first wall portion, and is generally sized to receive the first lever arm126aof the cam-and-groove-coupler100. That is, when the collar member202is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler100and in the closed configuration, at least a portion of the first lever arm126afits within the first lumen portion218. The second lumen portion220is defined by the second wall portion208b, and is generally sized to receive the second lever arm126bof the cam-and-groove coupler100. That is, when the collar member202is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler100and in the closed configuration, at least a portion of the second lever arm126bfits within the second lumen portion220. The third lumen portion222is defined by the third210and fourth212wall portions, which extend between the first208aand second208bwall portions, and is generally sized to receive the body portions106,108of the cam-and-groove coupler100.

In the embodiment shown, the lumen portions are distinct from each other. That is, as mentioned hereinabove, the wall portions meet at defined corners to define distinct lumen portions. In alternate embodiments, the lumen portions may not be distinct. That is, the wall portions may meet at smoothed junctions. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the lumen may comprise only a single portion. For example, the lumen may be circular or ovular in shape.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, the first208aand second208bwall portions of the collar202are configured to prevent movement of the first126aand second126blever arms, respectively, to the unsecured position when the collar member is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler and when the first126aand second126blever arms are in the secured position. That is, the first208aand second208bwall portions prevent releasing of the male102and female104pieces of the cam-and-groove coupler, either accidentally, or by tampering.

In the embodiment shown, the first208aand second208bwall portions are each positionable adjacent the first and second lever arms of the cam-and-groove coupler when the collar member202is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler. That is, when the first lever arm is received in the first lumen portion, the first wall portion is adjacent the first lever arm, and when the second lever arm is received in the second lumen portion, the second portion is adjacent the second lever arm. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the central walls209a,209bof the first208aand second208bwall portions are positionable such that they generally extend along an outer surface of the first126aand second126blever arms, respectively, and the first211a,211band second213a,213btransverse walls are positionable such that they extend along the sides of the first126aand second126blever arms, respectively.

When the collar member202is positioned around the coupler100and in the closed position, if a user attempts to rotate the first and second lever arms to release the cam-and-groove coupler, or if the first and second lever arms are accidentally moved, the first and second lever arms will contact the first208aand second208bwall portions, and will be prevented from any further rotation. Accordingly, the first and second wall portions prevent the cam-and-groove coupler from being released or from being moved to the unsecured position.

In the embodiment shown, the first208aand second208bwall portions are further configured to prevent access to the pivot pins127a,127of the lever arms126a,126b, when the collar member202is in the closed position around the coupler100and the lever arms are in the secured position. That is, the first208aand second208bwall portions each have first225a,225b, and second227a,227opposed ends. The first208aand second208bwall portions are configured such that when the collar member202is positioned around the coupler100and the lever arms126a,126bare in the secured position, the first pivot pin127ais positioned between the first225aand second227aends of the first wall portion208a, and the second pivot pin127bis positioned between the first225band second227bends of the second wall portion208b. Accordingly, the pivot pins127a,127bare generally positioned within the first218and second220lumen portions, respectively. Such a configuration may prevent or discourage an unauthorized user from accessing the cam-and-groove coupler by tampering with the pivot pins.

As mentioned hereinabove, in the embodiment shown, the collar member is movable between an closed configuration, shown inFIGS. 2A-Cand a closed configuration, shown inFIGS. 3A-3C, such that the collar member may be positioned around and removed from the cam-and-groove coupler100. The collar member202may be moveable between the open configuration and the closed configuration in a variety of ways.

In the embodiment shown, the collar member202is pivotably movable between the open configuration and the closed configuration. That is, the wall portions are defined by first224and second226wall members. The wall members224,226each have first228a,228b, and second230a,230bends. The wall members are pivotally connected at the first ends228a,228b, thereof, such that the second ends230a,230bthereof may move away from each other to open the collar member202, and towards each other to close the collar member202.

In the embodiment shown, the first224and second226wall members are pivotally connected by a hinge232, which comprises a hinge pin234. The hinge pin234comprises a first end236and a second end238opposed from the first end. In the embodiment shown, the first236and second238ends each comprise a flange240,242, which prevents removal of the hinge pin234from the hinge232. The flange240at the first end may be formed when the hinge pin234is manufactured. The flange242at the second end238may be formed after the hinge pin234is inserted into the hinge232, for example by hammering the end of the hinge pin234. Such a configuration may prevent the cam-and-groove coupler100from being tampered with. For example, such a configuration may prevent or discourage an unauthorized user from attempting to remove the hinge pin from the hinge to open the collar member and access the cam-and-groove fastener.

In the embodiment shown, the first wall member224comprises a first half244aof the first wall portion208a, a first half244bof the second wall portion, and all of the third wall portion210; and the second wall member226comprises a second half246aof the first wall portion208a, a second half246bof the second wall portion208b, and all of the fourth wall portion212. Accordingly, the first208aand second208bwall portions are each separable into halves when the collar member202is in the open configuration.

In alternate embodiments, the first224and second226wall members may be otherwise configured. For example the first wall member224may comprise all of the first wall portion208a, half of the third wall portion210, and half of the fourth wall portion212; and the second wall member226may comprise all of the second wall portion208b, half of the third wall portion210, and half of the fourth wall portion212. Accordingly, the third210and fourth212wall portions may be separable into halves when the collar member202is in the open configuration. In further alternate embodiments, the wall members224,226may be configured such that some or all of the wall portions are separable into other fractions, such as quarters, or thirds.

In yet further alternate embodiments, the collar member202may be movable from an open position to a closed position in another manner. For example, first224and second226wall members may be completely detachable from each other, rather than pivotably attached. Alternately, the collar member202may comprise an alternate number of wall members, for example three wall members, which are movable to define an open configuration and a closed configuration.

As mentioned hereinabove, in the embodiment shown, the lock further comprises at least one securing member206coupled to the collar member202. The at least one securing member206is configured to releasably secure the collar202member around the cam-and-groove coupler100.

In the embodiment shown, the at least one securing member206is configured to lockably releasably secure the collar member around the cam-and-groove coupler. Referring toFIGS. 2A-4A, the at least one securing member comprises a first248aand a second248btab extending from the second end230aof the first wall member224, and a third tab248cextending from the second end230bof the second wall member226. The first248a, second248b, and third248ctabs each comprise an aperture250a.250b,250c, which are alignable when the collar member202is positioned around the cam-and-groove fastener. The apertures250are configured to receive a locking fastener, such as a padlock, such that the second ends230a,230bof the wall members224,226may be lockably releasably secured together. Such embodiments are useful in preventing the cam-and-groove fastener from being accessed by an unauthorized user.

In the embodiment shown, the at least one securing member206is configured to secure the collar member202around the coupler100with the aid of an additional member such as locking fastener. That is, the at least one securing member206is not independently useable. However, in alternate embodiments, the at least one securing member206is optionally independently useable, and may not require an additional member.

In further alternate embodiments, the at least one securing member206is configured to releasably secure the collar member around the cam-and-groove coupler202without being locked. For example, the at least one securing member206optionally comprises magnetic members positioned at the second ends230of the first224and second226wall members, which magnetically secure the second ends230of the wall members together.

In the embodiments shown, the at least one securing member206comprises a plurality of tabs248positioned at the second ends230of the first224and second226wall members. In alternate embodiments, the at least one securing member206may be otherwise positioned, or the lock200may comprise more than one securing member206at more than one position. For example, in embodiments wherein the first224and second226wall members are completely detachable from each other, the lock200may comprise at least one securing member at the first ends228of the wall members, and a second securing member at the second ends230of the wall members.

In alternate embodiments (not shown), wherein the lock200is not movable from an open position to a closed position, and rather, is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler100by sliding on and off of the cam-and-groove coupler100, a securing member106may not be provided.

As mentioned hereinabove, the lock200further comprises at least one projection204extending inwardly from the collar member202. The projection204is configured to engage the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent longitudinal movement of the collar member202when the collar member202is positioned around that cam-and-groove coupler. That is, the projection204serves to prevent the collar member from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler, either towards the male end of the cam-and-groove coupler, or the female end of the cam-and-groove coupler.

In the embodiment shown, the male piece102of the cam-and-groove coupler100comprises a rib128extending around the circumference thereof. When the second end118of the male piece102is inserted into the female piece, the rib128is adjacent a lip130at the second end of the female piece104.

In the embodiment shown, the at least one projection204comprises a first flange252, which extends inwardly from an edge of the third wall portion210, and a second flange254, which extends inwardly from an edge of the fourth wall portion212. The flanges252,254, are configured such that when the collar member202is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler100, the flanges252,254extend between the rib128of the male piece102of the cam-and-groove coupler100and the lip130of the female end104of the cam-and-groove coupler100. Accordingly, if force is applied to move the lock200toward the male piece102of the cam-and-groove coupler100, the flanges252,254will engage and contact the rib128, and any further movement of the lock200will be prevented. Further, if force is applied to move the lock200towards the female end104of the cam-and-groove coupler100, the flanges252,254will engage or contact the lip130, and any further movement of the lock200will be prevented.

In alternate embodiments, the at least one projection204may be otherwise configured. For example, the at least one projection204may comprise a single inwardly extending member, or more than two inwardly extending members. Further, the at least one projection204may extend from another portion of the collar member202, for example an edge of first wall portion208aor the second wall portion208b, or a middle region of any of the wall portions. Further, the at least one projection204may engage the cam-and-groove coupler in another manner, for example the at least one projection may engage the threads of the cam-and-groove coupler.

In further alternate embodiments (not shown), the at least one projection204may be moveable from an un-engaged position, wherein the projection204does not extend inwardly to engage the cam-and-groove coupler100, to an engaged position, wherein the projection204does extend inwardly to engage the cam-and-groove coupler100. For example, the projection204may be pivotably movable from the un-engaged position to the engaged position. Further, the projection204may be lockable in the engaged position. Such a configuration may be useful in embodiments wherein the lock200is not movable from an open position to a closed position, and rather, is positioned around the cam-and-groove coupler100by sliding on and off of the cam-and-groove coupler100. That is, the lock200may be slid onto the cam-and-groove coupler100with the projection in the un-engaged position, and when the lock is in position on the cam-and-groove coupler, the projection may be moved to the engaged position.

In the embodiment shown, the opposed edges of the third210and fourth212wall portions additionally comprise projections,256,258, which are identical to flanges252and254. This allows the lock to be used in different orientations, without having to align the edge having the projection with the rib128and lip130. That is, in some embodiments, wherein the lock200is positioned at a first orientation, flanges252and254may serve as the projections204, and in other embodiments, wherein the lock200is positioned at a second orientation 180° from the first orientation, flanges256and258may serve as the projections204.

Lock200may be fabricated in a variety of ways, including, for example, casting, bending, stamping, injection molding, extrusion, rotational moulding, and vacuum forming. In the embodiment shown, each of the parts of lock200are integrally formed. However, in alternate embodiments, some or all of the parts may be separately formed. Furthermore, lock200may be made from a variety of materials, such as aluminum, steel, titanium, other metals or alloys, or plastics.

Lock200may be of a variety of sizes, and may be made to fit around various existing cam-and-groove couplers. For example, lock200may be made to fit around a 1.5″ cam-and-groove coupler. In such an embodiment, the third lumen portion222may generally have a diameter D1of 2.75″, and the first218and second220lumen portions may be about 1.375″ in width W, and 2.125″ in length L. Further, the collar member202may be about 0.025″ in depth D2, and each of the flanges252,254may be about 0.5″ in width W2.

It will be appreciated that certain features, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments or separate aspects, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment or aspect, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, if is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.