Patent Abstract:
In various embodiments, the present invention describes a system that attaches to an existing pipeline, pipe, valve or meter in order to prevent unwanted theft and tampering with fluids and gasses flowing through the pipeline, pipe, valve or meter. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive device has two locking halves that mechanically and releasably interact with each other and cover the metering device prior to being locked. In one embodiment of the present invention one housing frame connect with a rectangular base underneath the invention thereby allowing it to lock the meter. In one embodiment of the present invention the electronic signal devices are elevated from the meter thereby preventing accidental dislodging and tampering.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/702,409, filed Sep. 18, 2012, and to U.S. provisional patent application 61/775,074 filed Mar. 8, 2013, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The present invention, and inventive system, is a new and novel locking and protection mechanism for pipes and pipelines, that prevents unauthorized access to metering valves and damage to valve sensing equipment. The present invention can protect, but is not limited to, water meter, oil and gas valves. In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is installed and works in conjunction with the existing pipelines, including, but not limited to, water, oil, and gas pipelines to prevent tampering with the meters attached to such valves and pipelines and thereby preventing theft of the fluids, or gasses, running through those pipelines, pipes or valves. In one embodiment of the present invention, by inserting the locking unit onto a valve meter assembly, such as a water pipe, the fluid flow may be regulated or controlled to an existing business, residence, or shop, by preventing the tampering with the fluid meter and/or the spud nut, or the equipment monitoring these devices. In one embodiment of the present invention the present inventive device can secure the actual spud nut of the pipeline valve, as opposed to other embodiments of the present invention in which the meter valve itself is secured. 
         [0004]    In one embodiment of the present invention contains a new and novel extension for a transponder for a meter, or any device that uses a transponder, that needs to be extended. The transponder could be used separately from the locking device, or as a unit, just as the locking device can be used separate from the transponder extender. In the past, transponders have been known to detach from devices, such as water meters, either from fluid material flow detaching them, through fluid movement, or due to flimsy construction elements that cause the transponders to detach by being struck by a physical object, as in when a worker is doing work near the transponder and knocks the transponder off the meter. Transponders that are compromised cannot transmit signals thereby causing a disruption in services for the pipelines, pipes and valves as well as the fluid, or gas, flowing through them. If the transmitter is not signaling then it is possible that the pipeline is being tampered with and/or the lock system has been compromised. 
         [0005]    In several embodiments of the present invention, the present inventive system allows a user to control the monitoring of fluids, and gases, which through the pipelines, pipes and/or valves and will decrease theft of said fluids, or gasses, as well as increase the security and accuracy of data transmitted by protecting the transmitting equipment, valves, or meters themselves. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In various embodiments, the present invention describes a system that attaches to an existing pipeline, pipeline meter, and or pipeline valve, to secure the metering valve attached to the pipeline and prevent tampering with the meter, pipeline or pipeline valve. In other embodiments pipeline security is enhanced because the meter transponder associated with the pipeline, or pipe, is elevated and therefore not as prone to accidental dislodging. In several embodiments of the present invention, the meter valve can be for a water meter, or other fluid or gas flow meter. In several embodiments of the present invention, the inventive system is designed to prevent unauthorized tampering with pipelines, such as water, oil, or gas lines, by providing a covered lock on the actual metering device associated with said pipelines, and/or preventing the transponder associated with the pipeline from being accidentally removed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive device has two locking covers, and base, that mechanically and releasably interact with each other and cover the metering device prior to being locked. In one embodiment of the present invention the locking device connects with a base underneath the item to be locked and a top unit thereby allowing it to lock the meter, or pipeline. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the present inventive locking device is placed on the existing pipeline, and can directly secure the spud nut of the pipeline therein. In this embodiment of the present invention, the inventive device has upper and lower portion locking halves that mechanically and releasably interact with each other and cover spud nut prior to being locked. In one embodiment of the present invention two halves of the locking device connected with a rectangular base underneath the invention thereby allowing it to lock the spud nut. 
         [0008]    In several embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is also designed to extend the meter transponder away from the metering device, such as in the case of a water meter, thereby preventing the fluid flow from dislodging the transponder off the meter and stopping the transmission of signals from the transponder. In several embodiments, the present invention also allows for increased visibility so workers working near the meter can see the transponder easier and therefor and not accidentally physically strike and dislodge the transponder off of the meter. It is envisioned that the present invention can be used on any device that needs a transponder to be elevated, or any electrical device needing to transmit signals. In several embodiments of the present invention, the present invention can comprise at least two extension pieces that can adjust relative to each other and raise the transponder so that it can transmit a signal past the water meter box. 
         [0009]    By preventing access to the meter valve, spud nut, and/or preventing the accidental dislodging of a transponder associated with pipeline, the owner and/or regulator of the pipeline has better control over their respective fluid enforcement. The embodiments of the present invention offer interchangeable bases, extensions and security straps depending on the size of meter, transponder, pipeline, or spud nut to be protected. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of the locking mechanism of the present invention with a male and female housing; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of the locking mechanism of the present invention with a spud nut lock; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the locking tool for several embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the dove tail embodiment of the extender of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of the ovoid slot and track embodiment of the extender of the present invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates an assembled view of one embodiment of the locking system on the spud nut and the extender on a meter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc. . . . so as to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art. 
         [0018]    Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale. 
         [0019]    While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster&#39;s Dictionary, 11th Edition, 2008. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity. “Pipeline” or “pipe” as defined herein is to include any tubular through which a fluid or gas will, can, or does flow. “Valve” as defined herein is to include any junction point on a pipeline or pipe. “Meter” as defined herein is to include any device use, and attached to a pipeline, pipe, or valve that is designed to measure variables in the pipeline or pipe, including, but not limited to speed, pressure, flow, and/or volume. “Spud nut” as defined herein is to include the connective device that connects the meter to the pipeline or pipe. “Flat bottom” as defined herein may include a plurality of shapes that do not have a flat bottom, but rather any three dimensional geometric shape suitable for forming a bottom of a locking device. 
         [0020]    One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicants have created a revolutionary, and novel security system, and meter extender, for pipelines, pipes, valves, as well as tubulars. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the present invention the inventive lock system  1  may be constructed with a female housing unit  40 , a male housing unit  50 , and a flat bottom  30 . Also illustrated is the meter valve  6 , in this illustration a water meter valve as is commonly used in the industry to attach to a pipeline  3 , although it is envisioned that the present locking system  1 , could be used on a plurality of different pipelines that utilize meter valves  6  similar in construction to a water meter valve. The present locking system  1  is also preferably designed to fit around a plurality of pipelines  3  and can be sized and constructed accordingly. As illustrated the female housing unit  40 , a male housing unit  50 , and a flat bottom  30  may be constructed of materials such as metals, iron, hard plastics or other materials that would provide a suitable locking material for a pipeline  3 . The female housing unit  40 , a male housing unit  50 , and a flat bottom  30  may also all be constructed of different materials than each other. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the female housing unit  40  is preferably constructed to be of a solid three dimensional shape with a partially hollowed interior. The female housing unit  40  may be constructed of any geometric shape provided that the disclosed features present in this application are included and met. In one embodiment of the present invention, female housing unit  40  is preferably constructed to have two orifices  42  and  44  respectively on side walls  41  and  43 . Orifice  42 , on side wall  41 , is preferable constructed to be larger in diameter than orifice  44  and designed to have a security member  90 , pass through it when the present inventive device is assembled. In one embodiment of the present invention there is a threaded receiving orifice  47  which is near the top of the female housing unit  40 , is internal to female housing unit  40 , does not pass through to the exterior of  40 , and is coincides to the corresponding orifice  46  on male housing unit  50 , such that when assembled the threaded screw  15  can mechanically engage both orifices  46  and  47  and pass through them therein securing the female housing unit  40  and the male housing unit  50  together. In several embodiments of the present invention screw  15  has a proprietary head which is substantially shaped in a similar face pattern as to the female engagement face  194  of the locking nut  197 . ( FIG. 3 ). Screw  15  adds a second level of security for this embodiment of the locking system  1 . 
         [0023]    As illustrated, in several preferred embodiments of the present invention, the bottom side of the female housing unit  40  is machined with two slit housings  48  that are, in some embodiments, machined and designed slide over the flat bottom  30  when the present lock system  1  is assembled. Also illustrated on the lower area of female housing unit  40  is the meter valve interface  49  which is preferable machined to fit snuggly over the meter valve  6  when the device is assembled ( FIG. 6 ). Valve interface  49  is preferably designed to accommodate any size standard meter valve  6 . Female housing unit  40  is also preferably designed to have side walls  41  and  43  which will encompass the security straps  13  and  11  when the unit is lock system  1  is assembled. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the male housing unit  50  is preferably constructed to be of a solid three dimensional shape with a hollow interior and have two orifices  52  and  54  respectively on side walls  51  and  53 . Orifice  52 , on side wall  51 , is preferable constructed to be larger than orifice  54  and designed to have a security member  90 , pass through it when the present inventive device is assembled. In one embodiment of the present invention there is a threaded receiving orifice  46  which is near the top of the male housing unit  50  and is perpendicular to the corresponding orifice  47  on female housing unit  40 , such that when assembled the screw  15  can mechanically engage both orifices  46  and  47  and pass through them therein securing the female housing unit  40  and the male housing unit  50  together as a second added security feature for this embodiment. As illustrated, in several preferred embodiments of the present invention, the male housing unit  50  is machined specifically, to mechanically slide over the female housing unit  40 , when engaged, and also slide over the flat bottom  30  when the present locking device is assembled. Ergo, male housing unit  50  and female housing unit  40  need to be machined to be compatible. Also illustrated on the lower area of male housing unit  50  is the meter valve interface  59  which is preferable machined to fit snuggly over the meter valve  6  when the device is assembled. Valve interface  59  is preferably designed to accommodate any size standard valve  6 . Male housing unit  50  is also preferably designed to have side walls  51  and  53  which will encompass the female housing unit  40  when the unit is lock system  1  is assembled. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the flat bottom  30  is preferably constructed to be of a solid three dimensional shape and have two orifices  38  respectively on side walls  31  and  33 . Flat bottom  30  is also preferably constructed to have a concave face  32  which will face and engage the meter  6 , when the device is assembled. The flat bottom base  30 , can have a flat bottom or a bottom of any other three dimensional geometric configuration. In one preferred embodiment the side walls  31  and  33  rise higher than the concave face  32 . The two side walls  31  and  33  are preferably machined to have square faces  36  cut out of their surfaces opposite the interior of the concave face  32 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the square faces  36  are machined to have two orifices  38  which enter into the flat bottom  30 , but do not traverse through the flat bottom  30  or perforate the concave face  32 . 
         [0026]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the flat bottom  30  is mechanically attached to two security straps  13  and  11 . Security straps  13  and  11  may be constructed of materials such as metals, iron, hard plastics or other materials that would provide a suitable locking material for a pipeline  3 . Located distal to each other on security strap  13  are orifices  21  and  23 . Located distal to each other on security strap  11  are orifices  22  and  23 . Orifices  22 ,  42  and  52  are preferably constructed so as to be of the same or similar diameter when the present lock system  1  is engaged wherein the Orifices  22 ,  42  and  52 , are aligned to as to allow for the locking security member  90  to mechanically be passed through them and secured. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the security member  90  comprises a threaded locking screw  91  and a housing insert  92 . The locking screw  91  is preferably machined to be constructed with a flat surface, standard head  93 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the housing insert  92  is preferably constructed with a head  95  that is larger in diameter than the housing insert  92  itself and the orifice  52  as well. Housing insert  92  is preferably constructed with and orifice  97  through which the locking screw  91  may pass. In assembly of the security member  90 , the locking screw  91  is inserted into the housing insert  92  via the orifice  97  with the standard head  93  engaging the head  95 , which is preferably constructed with a standard head engagement indention  98  ( FIG. 2 ) such that the standard head  93  is flush with the engaging head  95 . The security member  90  is then placed in to the orifices  52  and  54  such that the locking screw  91  will pass through orifice  54 . The locking screw  91  can then be tightened by the locking nut  197  ( FIG. 3 ). In several embodiments of the present invention the order of assembly for the security member  90  may be rearranged. 
         [0028]    One embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is assembled in the following manner, the flat bottom  30  is mechanically attached to two security straps  11  and  13  by screwing in screws  37  into orifices  23  found on security straps  11  and  13 . This assembly is then placed under meter valve  6 . After this step, the female housing unit  40  is then place onto the flat bottom  30  and slid over the security straps  11  and  13 , such that the security strap  11  is covered by the side wall  41  and the security strap  13  is covered by the side wall  43 . The female housing unit is then slid over water meter valve  6 . At this point the orifices  44  and  22  are preferably aligned with each other. The next step in assembly is to slide the male housing unit  50  over the female housing unit  40  and lining up the orifices  54  and  44  such that they are aligned and the meter valve  6  reverse half is covered by the male housing unit  50 . Orifice  54  may have a recessed ledge  54   a,  in order that the locking nut  197  is flush with the male housing  50 . In some embodiments female housing  40  may have a recessed ledge  44   a  on orifice  44  that allows for the locking nut  197  to flush with the female housing  40 . In some embodiments of the present invention the orifices  44  and  54  are designed to have a wide enough diameter such that the locking nut  197  is adjacent and touching the securing strap  13 . At this point, the security member  90  is placed through the orifice  52  and  42  and locking screw  91  is placed through the head  95  and of the housing insert  92 . The locking screw  91  is then moved into the housing insert  92  and screwed into the locking nut  197  vie tightening the locking nut  197  with the unlocking tool  198 . As an option, and as illustrated, the final locking screw  15  can then be screwed into the orifice and  46  and  47  there in locking the lock system  1  together. In several embodiments of the present invention, final locking screw  15  has a proprietary locking nut  197  a similar in design and shape to  197 . 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment of the present invention the inventive lock system  1  may be used without a both a female housing unit  40  and a male housing unit  50 . In this embodiment of the present invention, flat bottom, hollow housing unit  107 , and security straps  113  and  111  may be constructed of materials such as metals, iron, hard plastics or other materials that would provide a suitable locking material for a pipeline  3 . In this embodiment of the present invention the flat bottom  130 , is modified to be shorter than the flat bottom  30 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the flat bottom  130  is preferably constructed to be of a solid three dimensional shape and have two orifices  138  respectively on side walls  134 . Flat bottom  130  is also preferably constructed to have a concave face  132  facing opposite the flat bottom surface. The flat bottom base  130 , can have a flat bottom or a bottom of any other three dimensional geometric configuration. In one embodiment the side walls  134  are the same level as concave face  132 . The two side walls  134  are preferably machined to have square faces  136  cut out of their surfaces opposite the interior of the concave face  132 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the square faces  136  are machined to have two orifices  138  which enter into the flat bottom  130 , but do not traverse through the flat bottom  130  or perforate the concave face  132 . In this embodiment, the locking system  101  is also preferably designed to fit around a plurality of pipelines  3  and can be sized accordingly. As further illustrated, in this embodiment of the present invention, the flat bottom  130  will engage the spud nut  5  of the meter valve  6  when then locking system  101  is engaged. As further illustrated, in some embodiments of the present invention there is a shelf  125  machined onto the flat bottom  130  and adjacent to the square face  136 . 
         [0030]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow housing unit  107  is preferably constructed to be of a solid three dimensional shape and have two orifices  139  and  135  respectively on side walls  152  and  151 . Hollow housing unit  107 , orifice  135 , on side wall  151 , is preferable constructed to be larger than orifice  139 . Also illustrated on the lower area of housing unit  107  is that meter valve interface  149  which is preferable machined to fit snuggly over the spud nut  5  of the meter valve  6  when the device is assembled. Valve interface  149  is preferably designed to accommodate any size standard valve. As illustrated the housing unit  107  may be constructed of materials such as metals, iron, hard plastics or other materials that would provide a suitable locking material for a pipe line. Housing unit  107  is also preferably designed to have side walls  151  and  152  which will encompass the security straps  111  and  113  when the unit is locking system  101  is assembled. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the flat bottom  130  is mechanically attached to two security straps  111  and  113 . Security straps  113  may be constructed of materials such as metals, iron, hard plastics or other materials that would provide a suitable locking material for a pipe line  3 . As illustrated, in some embodiments of the present invention, the security straps  111  and  113  may be designed with bases  25  which may be positioned facing the flat bottom  130  when the locking system  101  is assembled. When assembled, the bases  25  rest on the shelves  125 . Located distal to each other on security straps  113  are orifice  123  and  128 . Located distal to each other on security strap  111  are orifice  123  and  127 . Orifice  127  is preferably constructed to be of the same or similar diameter to orifice  135 . 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the security member  90  comprises a locking screw  91  and a housing insert  92  with a head  95 . The head  95  is preferable constructed to be able to mechanical fit snuggly with the orifice  135  such that the head  95  will be in contact with, adjacent to, and rest on the ledge  133  of the orifice  135 . This will prevent in any embodiment the security member  90  from falling into the body of the lock system  1  or being dislodged. 
         [0033]    One embodiment of the present invention, is assembled in the following manner, the flat bottom  130  is mechanically attached to two security straps  111  and  113  by placing the bases  25  on to the respective shelves  125 . At this point, the security straps  111  and  113  are mechanically attached to the flat bottom  130  by screwing in screws  137  into orifices  123 . This assembly is then placed under the spud nut  5  of meter valve  6 . After this step, the housing unit  107  is then place onto the flat bottom  130  and slid over the security straps  111  and  113 , such that the security strap  113  is covered by the side walls and security strap  111  is covered by side wall  152  and the spud nut  5  is covered by the housing unit  107 . At this point the orifices  135  and  127  are preferably aligned with each other. The security member  90  is then placed through the orifice  135  and  127  with housing insert  92  and threaded end of the locking screw  91  moving through orifice  39 . The locking screw  91  is then moved into the housing insert  92  and screwed into the locking nut  197  vie tightening the locking nut  197  with the unlocking tool  198  ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0034]    Shown in  FIG. 3 , is one embodiment of the unlocking tool  198  used in several embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the unlocking tool  198  has a female engagement face  194 . Female engagement face  194  is preferably designed with a proprietary shape, as illustrated a rounded cross, but any proprietary three dimensional shape. The engagement face  194  is preferably designed to engage with the corresponding male face  194   a  that is raised from the locking nut  197 . Locking nut  197  is preferably designed to have internal threads  1197  to engage the locking screw  91  then the present inventive device is assembled. Both female engagement face  194  and male engagement face  194   a  are preferably designed to matingly engage such that when in use the locking nut  197  can be rotated to either tighten to the locking screw  91  to the locking nut  197  or loosen it from the locking nut  197 . In many embodiments the female engagement face  194  may be switched with the male engagement face  194   a  such that the female engagement face is located on the unlocking tool  198  and the male engagement face is located on the locking nut  197 . The unlocking tool  198  maybe designed to standardly engage a socket wrench, and or torque wrench on the non-locking nut  197  engagement side. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , is one embodiment of extender of the present invention and lock security system.  FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the base plate  205  of the extender  300  of the present invention, however the extender  300  can be used with any device that attached to a meter  1300  in a similar fashion to a transponder. In many embodiments of the present invention, base plate  205  may be composed of hard plastic, metal or other materials suitable for use in creating a solid, wear resistant extender  300 . As illustrated, base plate  205  is preferably composed to have an upper end  210  and a lower end  215 . The upper end  210  is distinguished from the lower end  215  by being of a smaller width than the lower end  215 . Base plate  205  is preferably rectangular in construction, however, other geometric shapes can be utilized. As illustrated, on the lower end  215 , there is an extension  220  that comes out of the body of the base plate  205 . The extension  220  is preferably hollow with an orifice  225  that runs through the body core of the base plate  205 . In some embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated, it is preferably that orifice  225  is machined to allow for screw  227  to mechanically be inserted in to the orifice  225  thereby giving the extender  300  more rigidity while in use, however not all embodiments require the use of screw  227 . In some embodiments of the present invention, it is preferably that orifice  278  is machined to allow for screw  279  to mechanically be inserted in to the orifice  228  thereby giving the extender  300  more rigidity while in use, however not all embodiments require the use of screw  279 . Also, illustrated in this embodiment is the moving plate toggle  280 , which can be inserted below the moving plate  250  on the recessed area  230 . Toggle  280  is preferably constructed with an oval shaped head  281 , as illustrated, and dovetails into the track so that it may slide into the dovetail track of recessed area  230  (as illustrated). Head  281  can be of any geometric shape that can fit and rotate in the recessed area  230 . In one embodiment of the present invention, head  281  is preferably designed to be rotated 90 degrees when in use such that it wedged in to the dove tail track of recessed area  230  thereby keeping the upper end  210  from moving towards the base plate  205 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper end  210  is preferably constructed to have a recessed area  230  that forms a dove tailed track on the upper end  210 . The recessed area, or track,  230  may be constructed to have multiple orifices  235  that bore through the width of the upper end  210 , this is not a necessary feature of several embodiments of the present invention though. In some embodiments of the, present invention, orifices  235  are preferably constructed to allow for screws  260  to be mechanically inserted into the orifices  235  thereby allowing the moving plate  250  to be adjusted relative to the base plate  205 . 
         [0037]    On the back side of the base plate  205  on the lower end  215  there are receiving ends  200 . Receiving ends  200  are preferably designed as hollowed out receptors for receiving the feet or protrusions  1100  that extend from the meter  1300 . See  FIG. 5 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, moving plate  250  may be composed of hard plastic, metal or other materials suitable for use in creating a solid, wear resistant base. Moving plate  250  is preferably constructed to have a general rectangular shape with two prongs  265  on the top portion. The two prongs  265  are preferably constructed to have orifices  270  which bore through the width of the moving plate  250 . The prongs  265  are preferably constructed to engage the back sleeves  1215  of a transponder  1210 , or other similar electrical device. See  FIG. 6 . It is envisioned that screws, or tap in screws  267 , can be placed into the orifices  270  when the extender is attached to the transponder  1210  thereby increasing the stability of the prongs  265  in the back sleeves.  FIG. 6 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  shows one embodiment of the present invention in exploded view with the ovoid and track configuration. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as showing in  FIG. 5 , moving plate  250  is preferably constructed to have a raised area  255  on the lower side. The raised area  255  is preferably designed to be ovoid in shape and to fit snuggly into the recessed area  230 , in this embodiment, not dove tailed, of the base plate  205 . The raised area  255  is preferably designed to have orifices  240  that bore completely through the moving plate  250 . The orifices  240  are preferably designed to mechanically engage screws  260  in order to engage the base plate  205  when assembled. 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of the present invention, as a group system, as it can be attached to a meter  1300 , in this case, a water meter. It should be noted that in many embodiments of the present invention, that the present invention can be utilized on any mechanical device that needs to have a transponder, or other electrical device elevated. Meter  1300 , is of the design typically used in the industry with protrusions  1100  that are usually designed to engage a transponder  1210  in the sleeves  1215 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the extender  300  is lowered on to the protrusions  1100  so that the protrusions  1100  insert into the receiving ends  200 . The height of the extender  300  can be modified be removing the screws  260  and raising or lowering the moving plate  250  relative to the base plate  205  while still in the recessed area  230 . When the desired height is reached, the screws  260  can be put back in and aligned with the proper orifices in the recessed area  230 . The transponder  1210  is then lowered on the prongs  265  so that the prongs engage the sleeves  1215 . Optionally, screws can be put through the orifice  270  of the extender  300  in order to press against the inner body of the sleeves  1215  thereby increasing the tight fit of the prongs  265  in sleeve  1215 . 
         [0041]    As also illustrated in  FIG. 6  in assembled form, the flat bottom  130  is mechanically attached to two security straps  111  and  113  by placing the bases  25  on to the respective shelves  125 . At this point, the security straps  111  and  113  are mechanically attached to the flat bottom  130  by screwing in screws  137  into orifices  123 . This assembly is then placed under the spud nut  5  of meter valve  6 . After this step, the housing unit  107  is then place onto the flat bottom  130  and slid over the security straps  111  and  113 , such that the security strap  113  is covered by the side walls and security strap  111  is covered by side wall  152  and the spud nut  5  is covered by the housing unit  107 . At this point the orifices  135  and  127  are preferably aligned with each other. The security member  90  is then placed through the orifice  135  and  127  with housing insert  92  and threaded end of the locking screw  91  moving through orifice  39 . The locking screw  91  is then moved into the housing insert  92  and screwed into the locking nut  197  via tightening the locking nut  197  with the unlocking tool  198  ( FIG. 3 ). As shown this assembled lock system  101  and extender  300  are locked down on a spud nut  5  and meter  1300 . 
         [0042]    As also illustrated in  FIG. 6  in assembled form, the present invention operates, once installed by preventing a user from accessing the spud nut  5  (or meter valve  6  in other embodiments such as in  FIG. 1 ) and tampering with the fluid, or gas flowing though the spud nut  5  or meter valve  6  without first disassembling the locking system  1  or  101 . Also illustrated is the extender  300  which elevates the transponder  1210 , or other electrical device away from the meter  1300  and makes it more visible and less prone to being knocked off the meter  1300 . 
         [0043]    Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6