Patent Publication Number: US-10329805-B2

Title: Lock hasp

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an improved restraint device for use in restraining and securing one or more liquid propane gas tanks of the kind that are mounted on motor vehicles and trailers and, more particularly, to a liquid propane gas tank restraining device having a lockable lock hasp adapted to engage a bracket to secure a locking nut. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Motor vehicles and trailers that might be towed by motor vehicles often employ the use of portable liquid propane gas tanks. For example, in the case of trailers, such portable liquid propane gas tanks may be mounted to a forward portion of the trailer above a trailer hitch structure, also referred to as the towing tongue or coupler, which is used to attach the trailer to the motor vehicle. Often, such an arrangement further includes gas distribution system access valve(s) by which the portable liquid propane gas tanks may be individually or in tandem attached to the gas distribution system of the trailer. For reasons of convenience and safety, these portable liquid propane gas tanks are often mounted outside of the trailer and exposed to the environment. As such, these portable liquid propane gas tanks are often placed in exposed locations where they may be stolen. A device for retaining and securing such portable liquid propane gas tanks is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a restraint device for securing an object, the restraint device comprises a base upon which the object to disposed, a shaft having an upper first threaded exposed end and a second opposed lower end rigidly mounted relative to the base, a crossbar in juxtaposed relation with the object, the crossbar having an opening through which is received the upper first threaded exposed end of the shaft, a bracket in juxtaposed relation with the crossbar, the bracket having an opening through which is received the upper first threaded exposed end of the shaft, a threaded locking nut in juxtaposed relation with the bracket, the threaded locking nut having a threaded opening through which is received the upper first threaded exposed end of the shaft and which threadingly engages the upper first threaded exposed end of the shaft, and a lock hasp in juxtaposed relation with the threaded locking nut. The lock hasp has an opening through which is received the upper first threaded exposed end of the shaft and a restraining member, wherein the restraining member extends through an offset opening in the bracket and the restraining member has a shackle opening through which a shackle of a removable locking device may be inserted to secure the object within the restraint device. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a restraint device for restraining in securing a portable liquid propane gas tank comprises a base upon which the portable liquid propane gas tank is supported, a vertically extended shaft having an upper threaded exposed end extending up from the base on which the portable liquid propane gas tank is supported, a horizontal crossbar extending above and restraining the portable liquid propane gas tank, wherein the vertically extending shaft extends through the horizontal crossbar, a regulator bracket disposed above the crossbar, wherein the regulator bracket further comprises a regulator mount and the vertically extending shaft extends through the regulator bracket, a locking nut disposed above the bracket, wherein the locking nut threadingly engages the upper first threaded exposed threaded exposed end of the vertically extending shaft, and a lock hasp disposed above the locking nut, wherein the lock hasp comprises a central portion and a flange extending downwardly from a first side of the central portion of the lock hasp and through a slot in the regulator bracket, the flange having an opening at a distal portion thereof through which a shackle of a removable locking device may be inserted to secure the gas tank within the restraint device. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a locking device is disclosed for a restraint device for restraining and securing a portable liquid propane gas tank disposed upon a portable liquid propane gas tank support structure of a recreational vehicle comprising a base upon which the portable liquid propane gas tank is supported, a vertically extended shaft having a threaded exposed end extending up from the base on which the portable liquid propane gas tank is supported, and a horizontal crossbar extending above and restraining the portable liquid propane gas tank, wherein the threaded exposed end of the vertically extending shaft extends through the horizontal crossbar. The locking device comprises a regulator bracket disposed above the crossbar, wherein the threaded exposed end of the vertically extending shaft extends through the regulator bracket, a locking nut disposed above the regulator bracket, wherein the locking nut threadingly engages the threaded exposed end of the vertically extending shaft, and a lock hasp disposed above the locking nut, wherein the lock hasp comprises a central portion and a flange extending downwardly from a first side of the central portion of the lock hasp and through a slot in the regulator bracket. The flange has an opening at a distal portion thereof through which a shackle of a removable locking device may be inserted to secure the gas tank within the restraint device. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a recreational vehicle provided with the improved restraining device of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an assembled perspective view of a pair of portable liquid propane gas tanks restrained in accordance with the improved restraining device of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a pair of portable liquid propane gas tanks restrained in accordance with the improved restraining device of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is an assembled perspective view of the improved restraining device of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the improved restraining device of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a representative embodiment of a recreational vehicle  8  in accordance with the present disclosure is disclosed and depicted as a towable trailer  10  having a main enclosed structure  12 , within which living quarters or storage space, or combination thereof, may be provided. The trailer  10 , as is known, is supported by one or more axle assemblies  14 , which include attached wheels  16  and tires  18 . A forward portion  20  of the main enclosed structure  12  of the trailer  10 , as is typical, is provided with the tongue  22  to which a hitch ball coupler  24  is disposed at a distal end thereof. A hitch ball mounted on the motor vehicle (not shown) designated to tow the trailer  10  is received within the hitch ball coupler  24  to couple the trailer  10  to the motor vehicle. 
     Often, such trailers  10  are provided with one or more portable liquid propane gas tanks  30 , often arranged in pairs, which are typically mounted to and above the tongue  22  proximate the forward portion  20  of the main enclosed structure  12 . It should be appreciated that other towable recreational vehicles  8  having other configurations, such as so-called fifth wheel trailers, and recreational vehicles  8  that may be self-propelled, such as motor coaches, are often equipped with one or more such portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  that might advantageously employ the improvement of the present disclosure. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  generally comprise an elongated and sealed steel cylindrical body  32  within which the liquid propane is stored. A lower portion  34  of the portable liquid propane gas tank  30  is typically provided with a welded-on circular steel foot ring  36  upon which the portable liquid propane gas tank  30  sits. An upper portion  38  of the portable liquid propane gas tank  30  is typically provided with a valve  40  through which the portable liquid propane gas tank  30  is charged with fresh liquid propane and through which the propane gas is metered through a regulator control valve  42  to a propane distribution system, as further discussed herein. An upper steel collar  44  is normally welded to the upper portion  38  of the portable liquid propane gas tank  30  and partially about the valve  40 . The upper steel collar  44  extends above the height of the valve  40  and is thereby situated to protect the valve  40  from damage during transit or handling of the portable liquid propane gas tank  30 . The upper steel collar  44  is also usually provided with cutouts  46  on either side of the collar that are flared outwardly on an upper portion thereof to provide a handgrip  48  for handling the portable liquid propane gas tank  30 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  are commonly disposed upon a portable liquid propane gas tank restraint device  28  of the recreational vehicle  8 , which typically comprises a horizontally oriented base  50  upon which the liquid propane gas tanks  30  are supported. The base  50  is often mounted on or proximate the tongue  22  of the trailer  10 , as best shown in  FIG. 1 . A vertically extended shaft  52  is situated alongside the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  and extends upwardly from the base  50  on which the liquid propane gas tank  30  is supported. The vertically extended shaft  52  typically has an upper first threaded exposed end  54  and a second opposed lower end  56 , the latter being rigidly mounted relative to the base  50 . It should be appreciated that the entire length of the vertically extending shaft  52  may be threaded or only the upper first threaded exposed end  54  may be threaded. Likewise, it should be appreciated that the second opposed lower end  56  of the vertically extending shaft  52  can be rigidly attached to a structure other than the base  50 , such as the tongue  22  of the recreational vehicle  8 , so long as the base  50  is operably coupled with such other structure. It should further be appreciated that the second opposed lower end  56  of the vertically extending shaft  52  should be fixedly secured, such as by welding, to either the base  50  or such other structure so as not to defeat the theft deterrent benefits of the present disclosure. 
     As likewise shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the portable liquid propane gas tank restraint device  28  also includes a horizontal crossbar  60  that extends above and in juxtaposed relation with one of the cutouts  46  of the upper steel collar  44  of each of the pair of portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  for restraining the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30 , particularly when the trailer  10  is in motion. The crossbar  60  has an opening  62  through which is received the upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52  and is commonly provided with a series of notches  64  regularly disposed along its horizontal length that are designed to engage the a lower edge of the cut out  46  of the upper steel collar  44  on the upper portion  38  of the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52  thus extends through the crossbar  60  and is secured via a threaded locking nut  70  threadingly engaging the upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52 . Once the threaded locking nut  70  is tightened against the crossbar  60 , the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  are effectively sandwiched between the base  50  and the crossbar  60  and are effectively secured. 
     The portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  are operationally coupled with a liquid propane gas delivery system (not shown) that delivers propane gas to the various devices within the trailer  10  that consume propane gas, such as the stove, refrigerator, furnace, and water heater. In order to deliver this propane gas at the proper pressures, one or more propane gas pressure regulator(s)  76  are typically employed and mounted to a regulator bracket  80  attached to or near the center of the crossbar  60  proximate the upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52 . In practice, only one of the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  is usually in fluid communication with the gas delivery system at a time, with the second of the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  being held in reserve. 
     In most circumstances, recreational vehicles  8 , such as trailer  10 , are delivered to dealerships throughout the nation with the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  installed at the factory. However, in order to prevent the theft of the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  from the recreational vehicles  8  as they are stored at the dealership lot, it is often necessary for dealership personnel to remove the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  from the recreational vehicle  8 , store the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  inside a secure location at the dealership, and then reinstall the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  upon the sale of the recreational vehicle  8 . Each of these steps represents an otherwise wasteful labor cost to the recreational vehicle dealership. In addition, after the recreational vehicle  8  is sold and put into service, owners are interested in making sure that the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  cannot be stolen from the recreational vehicle  8  when the recreational vehicle  8  is left unattended. 
     Current portable liquid propane gas tank locking devices, however, tend to be difficult to use. For example, chains and steel cables are often used in combination with portable padlocks to couple the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  to the base  50  of the portable liquid propane gas tank restraint device  28  or the tongue  22  of the recreational vehicle  8 . However, such approaches tend to be cumbersome. Thus, dealers and owners are presented with the challenge of effectively and efficiently protecting the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  mounted on recreational vehicles  8 . 
     The improved locking device  90  disclosed herein allows one or more portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  to be readily restrained and preferably secured to the portable liquid propane gas tank restraint device  28  with a portable padlock  100 , that can be readily installed and removed by either the dealership and the ultimate owner for the recreational vehicle  8 . According to the improvement disclosed herein, an improved regulator bracket  80  is disposed above and in juxtaposed relation with the crossbar  60 , where the regulator bracket  80  is likewise provided with an opening  82  in the regulator bracket  80  through which the upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52  extends through the regulator bracket  80 . The regulator bracket  80  preferably further comprises a regulator mount  84  to which the gas pressure regulator(s)  76  is mounted. Preferably, the regulator bracket  80  generally includes an upper planar portion  86  disposed above and proximate the center of the crossbar  60 . The opening  82  is provided through the upper planar portion  86  through which the upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52  is received. One or more offset openings  88 ,  88 ′, each preferably shaped as a slot, are disposed on either side of the central opening  82  of the upper planar portion  86  of the regulator bracket  80 , as will be further discussed below. The regulator bracket  80  further includes a vertical portion  92  in orthogonal relation with the upper planar portion  86  on which is provided the mount  84  to which the gas pressure regulator(s)  76  is mounted. 
     The threaded locking nut  70  is disposed above and in juxtaposed relation with the upper planar portion  86  of the regulator bracket  80 . The threaded locking nut  70  has a threaded opening  72  which receives and threadingly engages the upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52 . The regulator bracket  80  is thus preferably disposed and sandwiched between the crossbar  60  and the threaded locking nut  70 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Preferably, the threaded locking nut  70  comprises a wingnut having a substantially planar central portion  74  and a pair of inclined wings  78  extending upwardly and laterally outwardly from either side of the planar central portion  74  of the threaded locking nut  70 . When the lock hasp  110  described below is assembled with the locking device  90  disclosed herein, the inclined wings  78  effectively prevent access to the planar central portion  74  of the threaded locking nut  70  when the lock hasp  110  is in juxtaposed relation with the threaded locking nut  70 . 
     As noted above, the lock hasp  110  is disposed above and in juxtaposed relation with the threaded locking nut  70 . Preferably, the lock hasp  110  comprises a central portion  112  disposed directly above and in juxtaposed relation with the threaded locking nut  70 . The central portion  112  of the lock hasp  110  also has an opening  114  through which is received the upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52  that extends above the threaded locking nut  70  after the threaded locking nut  70  is installed. The lock hasp  110  also includes a restraining member  120  that engages the regulator bracket  80 . Preferably, the restraining member  120  extends through and below one of the openings or slots  88 ,  88 ′ in the regulator bracket  80 . 
     The restraining member  120  preferably comprises a first flange  122  in orthogonal relation with the central portion  112  of the lock hasp  110  and extends downwardly from a first side of the central portion  112  of the lock hasp  110 . The first flange  122  is thus adapted to pass through a first slot  88  formed in the regulator bracket  80 , wherein the first slot  88  is disposed alongside the opening  82  that receives the upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52  extending through the regulator bracket  80 . In addition, the first flange  122  has an opening  124  at a distal portion  126  thereof through which a shackle  102  of a portable padlock  100  may be inserted. Preferably, the first flange  122  is disposed to extend through the regulator bracket  80  in a forward facing orientation relative the tongue  22  of the trailer  10 , thus facilitating ready access to the portable padlock  100 . 
     Further, the lock hasp  110  preferably includes a second flange  128  in orthogonal relation with the central portion  112  of the lock hasp  110  that extends downwardly from an opposed second side of the central portion  112  of the lock hasp  110  and through a second slot  88 ′ in the regulator bracket  80  disposed alongside the central opening  82  opposite the first slot  88 . Preferably, the second flange  128  likewise has an opening  124 ′ at a distal portion  126 ′ thereof. As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the crossbar  60  comprises a pair of opposed sides  66 ,  66 ′ and each of the first and second flanges  122 ,  128  depend downwardly from opposed sides of the central portion  112  of the lock hasp  110  and engage one of the opposed sides  66 ,  66 ′ of the crossbar  60 . Accordingly, rotation of the regulator bracket  80  and lock hasp  110  relative the crossbar  60  is prevented when the lock hasp  110  is installed. Further, the inclined wings  78  on the threaded locking nut  70  extending upwardly and laterally outwardly from either side of the planar central portion  74  of the threaded locking nut  70  prevent rotation of the threaded locking nut  70  when the lock hasp  110  is installed. 
     Once the shackle  102  of the portable padlock  100  is in its locked position, the first flange  122  is thus restrained within the first slot  88 , whereby the lock hasp  110  cannot be removed from the upper first threaded exposed end  54  of the vertically extending shaft  52 . With the regulator bracket  80  and threaded locking nut  70  otherwise inaccessible and non-rotatable relative the crossbar  60 , and the lock hasp  110  secured to the regulator bracket  80  via the first flange  122  on the lock hasp  110 , the portable liquid propane gas tank  30  is secured within the portable liquid propane gas tank restraint device  28 . 
     As may be appreciated from the foregoing description, the improved locking device  90  for a portable liquid propane gas tank restraint device  28  disclosed herein provides a lock hasp  110  having a pair of vertically depending flanges  122 ,  128  that straddle opposed sides of the crossbar  60  and extends through opposed slots  88 ,  88 ′ in the regulator bracket  80 . When the first flange  122  is encumbered with the shackle  102  of the portable padlock  100 , the lock hasp  110  is mechanically coupled with the regulator bracket  80 , preventing access to the threaded locking nut  70 , thereby preventing disassembly of the crossbar  60  from the vertically extending shaft  52  and release of the portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  from the portable liquid propane gas tank restraint device  28 . 
     It should also be appreciated that the lock hasp  110  disclosed herein has a symmetrical configuration, where each of the flanges  122 ,  128  have an opening  124 ,  124 ′ through which the shackle  102  of the portable padlock  100  may be received, which greatly contributes to its ease of installation and assembly by both dealership personnel and recreational vehicle owners. Also, the fact that the improved locking device  90  allows ready access to the vertically depending first flange  122  having the opening  124  through which the shackle  102  of the portable padlock  100  is inserted further contributes to the ease and simplicity of the use of the improvement disclosed herein. In sum, the solution disclosed herein provides a simple, efficient, effective, and low-cost solution to restraining and securing portable liquid propane gas tanks  30  on recreational vehicles  8 , both prior to and after sale of the recreational vehicle  8 . 
     Finally, it should be appreciated that vehicles other than recreational vehicles  8  that carry metal tanks containing gases other than liquid propane gas might advantageously employ the improvement of the present disclosure. That is, vehicles engaged in the delivery of industrial gases, e.g., acetylene, that are transported in elongated metal tanks having a lower portion  34  and a top portion  38  provided with a upper steel collar  44  that might be restrained between a base  50  and a crossbar  60  may be modified to include and enjoy the features of the present disclosure. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the present disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “operably connected” generally means that one component functions with respect to another component, even if there are other components located between the first and second component, and the term “operable” defines a functional relationship between components. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that, unless otherwise described, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating positions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.