Patent ID: 12259078

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIGS.1-3, a first locking cap embodiment102will be described. The locking cap embodiment102preferably is configured for insertion into a fire department connection. In the illustrated configuration, the locking cap embodiment102can be inserted into an open fire department connection and threaded into a swivel of the fire department connection. When the locking cap embodiment102has been inserted into the fire department connection, the lock cap embodiment102can be expanded such that a frictional force between the locking cap embodiment102and the fire department connection increases. The increased frictional force resists removal of the locking cap embodiment102.

With reference toFIG.1, the illustrated locking cap embodiment102generally comprises a plug portion104and a front cover portion106. The front cover portion106can be joined to the plug portion104in any suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the front cover portion106can comprise a threaded blind hole (not shown) while the plug portion104comprises a hole through which a threaded fastener108extends. The threaded fastener108secures the front cover portion106to the plug portion104. Because the threaded fastener108is positioned with a head portion abutting at least a portion of the plug portion104, the threaded fastener108is protected from access when the locking cap embodiment102is installed within the fire department connection.

The plug portion104is split into a first portion110and a second portion112. A slot114defines a boundary between the first portion110and the second portion112. The slot extends fully through the thickness of the plug portion104. At least one of the first portion110and the second portion112is movable relative to the other. In some configurations, the first portion110is movable relative to the second portion112. The illustrated slot114extends vertically downward from a top of the plug portion. The slot114intersects an opening (not shown) through which a cam driver116extends. The slot114then extends at an angle downwardly and then has a generally arcuate portion. The generally arcuate portion provides some degree of stress relief and facilitates the spreading apart of the first portion110and the second portion112.

As shown inFIG.3, a cam-receiving recess118is positioned along the portion of the slot114that is intersected by the opening for the cam driver116. The cam-receiving recess118can have any suitable configuration. In the illustrated configuration, the cam-receiving recess118comprises a plurality of scallops that define a plurality of detents120. Each of the scallops has an apex or top. A distance between the apex of each scallop and the center of rotation of the cam driver116decreases from scallop to scallop in the direction of locking rotation of the cam driver116. In the illustrated configuration, the scallops define a sweep of about one quarter turn such that the cam driver116can pivot about ninety degrees from stop to stop. In some configurations, the cam-receiving recess118can be replaced by a plateau that does not fully surround the cam driver116or by another structure that provides the detents. In some configurations, the pivoting of the cam driver116can be more than ninety degrees. In some configurations, the pivoting of the cam driver116can be less than ninety degrees.

The detents120interact with a tip122of a cam124. In the illustrated configuration, the cam124has a lobed configuration such that the tip122projects further away from the axis about which it pivots compared to a body of the cam124. As the angular position of the cam124changes, the tip122moves between adjacent detents120. The cam124drives the first portion110of the plug portion104such that the plug portion104expands as the first portion110hinges away from the second portion112. Each detent120from the clockwise-most detent to the counter-clockwise most detent has a decreasing distance from the axis about which the cam124rotates when viewed in any set position. The decrease in distance helps to urge the first portion110away from the second portion112. In some configurations, the cam124may have other shapes, such as an ellipse shape, an eccentric shape, an egg shape, a hexagonal shape, a snail shape, or any other suitable shape for its intended purpose. In these configurations, the detents120may be shaped to coordinate with the cam124to enable the desired degree of expansion of the plug portion104.

The cam124in the illustrated configuration comprises a square or rectangular bore126. The bore126can have any suitable shape. In some configurations, the bore126can be circular with a single flat wall. Thus, the bore126can have one or more walls that deviate the bore126from a cylindrical shape. The bore126receives a portion of the cam driver116. In the illustrated configuration, the bore126receives an end portion of the cam driver116. At least the portion of the cam driver116received by the bore126has a complementary shape to the bore126such that rotation of the cam driver116results in rotation of the cam124. In the illustrated configuration, the cam driver116incorporates at least one flat surface128. On the end disposed to the front (i.e., the end adjacent to the front cover portion), the cam driver116may have a specialized geometry. The specialized geometry may be configured to match a specialized tool such that ordinary tools that can be obtained at the hardware store cannot be used effectively to turn the cam driver116(although turning the cam driver116with such a hardware store bought tool may be possible). Examples of such geometry may be found in other embodiments described herein and such descriptions apply equally to this embodiment.

As shown inFIG.1, the plug portion104can be provided with a threaded outer surface130. The threaded outer surface is sized and configured to thread into a swivel of a fire department connection. Accordingly, in use, the plug portion104can be threaded into the swivel prior to being locked into position using the interaction of the cam124and the detents120of the cam-receiving recess118.

The front cover portion106may have a flange134configured to abut against the swivel when the cam lock cap102has been fully threaded into the swivel. The flange134may have a cylindrical outer edge as well as planar flat front and back surfaces. A front surface of the front cover portion106may be substantially flat. Two pins136may be secured in any suitable manner relative to the front surface. Each of the pins136may be substantially cylindrical with rounded or tapered distal points. In some configurations, the pins136are received within a tool that facilitates removal if the friction between the cam lock cap102and the swivel is too significant to allow turning by hand. In such cases, the tool may be engaged with the face pins136and the entire assembly may be rotated out of the swivel either using the tool or by hand without the tool.

In use, the threaded outer surface130can be engaged with a threaded inner surface of a swivel. The cam lock cap102then can be tightened into the swivel until the flange134is seated against a surface of the swivel. With the flange seated against the surface of the swivel, the cam lock cap102can be locked into position using the cam124and detents120. By turning the cam driver116, which may require the specially configured mating tool, the cam124pivots. As the cam124pivots, the cam tip122moves from detent to detent until the cam124reaches the locked position. The pivoting of the cam124and the interaction of the cam tip122with the detents120drives the first portion110of the plug portion104away from the second portion112, which effectively spreads at least a portion of the slot114. The expansion or spreading of the slot114effectively enlarges the outer perimeter of the plug portion104. When assembled to the swivel, this enlargement may increase a force between the interior surface of a swivel and the threaded outer surface130of the plug portion104, which increases the friction between the threaded outer surface130of the plug portion104and the threaded inner surface of the swivel. As a result, when the cam124pivots to the locked position, the cam lock cap102may be difficult to remove from the swivel. The increased frictional load between the threads resist loosening rotation of the cam lock cap102relative to the swivel.

To remove the locked cam lock cap102from the swivel, the cap102first is unlocked by pivoting the cam124through the series of detents120. Rotating the cam124out of the detents120allows the slot114to close, which allows the plug portion104to return to a resting dimension. The resting dimension of the plug portion104does not result in a significant radially outward force being exerted between the cam lock cap102and the swivel and so the frictional load resisting rotation of the plug portion104and the swivel may be relatively low. The cam lock cap102then can be removed from the swivel by relative rotation between the swivel and the cam lock cap102.

FIGS.4and5illustrate a one-piece cap embodiment140that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention.

With reference toFIG.4, the illustrated cap140comprises a monolithic plug142. The plug142can be formed from a single piece of material. Forming the plug142from a single piece of material reduces production labor and can produce a less expensive component compared to forming the plug142from a plurality of components that then are assembled and secured together. As will be described below, the plug142can be sized and configured to be inserted into the swivel144of the fire department connection.

The plug142comprises at least two different outer dimensions. In the illustrated configuration, the plug142comprises at least three different outer dimensions. In some configurations, the plug142comprises at least three different diameters. With reference toFIG.4, the illustrated plug142comprises a frontal portion146, an intermediate threaded portion148, and a rear portion150. In some configurations, the intermediate threaded portion148and the rear portion150can be merged into a single portion. In some configurations, the rear portion150can be omitted.

The frontal portion146generally comprises a planar front surface154. The illustrated front surface154is circular in shape. An outer edge152of the front surface154comprises a radius. The radius is preferably 0.020 inch or less. To achieve the benefits of the radiused surface the radius may be 0.075 inch or less. The largest diameter D1 defined by the frontal portion146preferably is larger than an inner diameter of a face156that defines an entrance into the swivel144and smaller than an outer diameter of face156that defines the entrance to the swivel144such that at least a portion of a rear surface158(and, in some embodiments, only a portion) adjacent to the outer edge152can abut the face156of the swivel144when the one piece cap140is installed. The radius of the outer edge152, the circular shape of the front surface154and the planar nature of the front surface advantageously reduce the likelihood that a hand tool can be used to rotate the cap140when installed into the swivel144. Other configurations also are possible.

The intermediate threaded portion148of the plug142generally comprises a cylindrical body160that comprises an external thread162. The thread162of the cylindrical body160defines a diameter D2. In the illustrated configuration, the diameter D2 is the diameter measured across the root of the threads162. The diameter D2 and the configuration of the thread162is such that the intermediate threaded portion148of the plug can be threaded into the internal thread of the swivel144. In addition, the spacing between the rear surface158and the thread162is such that the cap140can be fully tightened using the thread162until the rear surface158abuts against the face156of the swivel144. The rear portion150of the plug142generally comprises a cylindrical body that defines a diameter D3. In the illustrated configuration, the diameter D3 and the configuration of the rear portion150is such that the rear portion150can be positioned inside the pipe145of the fire department connection. In some configurations, the rear portion150provides sufficient material to receive threads to couple to the threaded fastener164.

The threaded fastener164extends through a threaded opening defined in the plug142. A rear end of the threaded fastener164receives a nut170. The nut170can be a lock nut or can be secured to the threaded fastener164in any suitable manner such that the threaded fastener164is locked for rotation with the plug142. Other configurations (e.g., keys and the like) can be used to secure the threaded fastener164against rotation relative to the plug142.

As described above, the head166of the threaded fastener164can comprise special geometry such that the threaded fastener is difficult to turn using ordinary hardware store bought implements. Turning the threaded fastener164results in rotation of the plug142such that the one piece cap140can be threaded tightly into the fire department swivel. When fully seated against the swivel, the one piece cap exerts sufficient force against the swivel to cause sufficient friction such that unauthorized removal is resisted, thwarted, or prevented. The threaded fastener164can be disposed in a recess168to impair unauthorized manipulation of the threaded fastener164.

FIGS.6,7,8, and9illustrate a locked swivel guard cap180that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention.

With reference toFIG.6, the illustrated cap180primarily comprises a cylindrical body182, a swivel guard184and a cover186. As will be described below the cap180can be sized and configured to insert into the swivel144of the fire department connection.

The cover186may have a front face188. Preferably, disposed centrally on the front face188is a recess194. The recess194preferably is sized and configured to receive a fastener220. The fastener220may be similar in many aspects to the fastener164. The cover186may also have a rear surface196. The rear surface196may be opposite the front surface188. The circumferential edge of the cover186may have a radiused edge192. The radius is preferably 0.020 inch or less. To achieve the benefits of the radiused surface the radius may be 0.075 inch or less. As discussed above, the radiused edge192advantageously helps thwart removal of the cap as discussed in connection with radiused edges elsewhere in this document.

A forward portion of the cover186has an outer diameter D4 that preferably is larger than a diameter of an opening204on the swivel guard184. The cover186has a diameter D5 that preferably fits within the opening204. The cover186has a diameter D6 that fits in the recess212of the cylindrical body182.

The cylindrical body182may be similar in many aspects to the plug142described above. The illustrated cylindrical body182, however, includes the cover receiving recess212. As discussed above, the cylindrical body182omits the portion of the plug142with the diameter D3.

The opening204of the swivel guard is disposed centrally on the front wall206of the swivel guard. The front wall206includes the back surface200. The illustrated swivel guard has a rounded edge208disposed circumferentially around the front206. The side surface210extends rearwardly from the rounded edge208. The side surface210preferably is sized and configured to cover the swivel144when the cap180is installed to the swivel144. Disposed on the sides210, the guard184may have notches202. The notches202preferably are each sized and configured to receive a swivel lug216. The swivel guard184has an inner diameter D7 that allows the swivel144to fit inside the guard184.

The cylindrical body182may be assembled with the swivel guard184and the cover186by a fastener220extending through the cover186and the body182. A nut170, or other locking mechanism or technique, can be used to hold the assembly together. In the illustrated configuration, red loctite, welding, or another method of fastening can be used to secure the nut170in position relative to the fastener220. As described above, the fastener220is threaded into an opening in the body182and the nut170is used to prevent relative rotation between the fastener220and the body182.

The swivel guard184is retained by the cover186between the cover186and the body182. In some configurations, the cover186can be configured to abut closely with the swivel guard184such that a flat tool, such as a screwdriver, cannot be easily inserted between the swivel guard184and the cover186. Desirably, the swivel guard184can rotate relative to the body182. In some configurations, the cover186and the swivel guard184both may spin relatively freely relative to the body182. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.9, the cover186may be locked with multiple teeth to the swivel guard184. In other words, the opening in the center of the illustrated swivel guard184incorporates teeth that are received within recess formed in the outer periphery of the cover186. This restricts motion of the cover186relative to the swivel guard184. This may allow the swivel guard184and cover186to stay stationary and prevent attacks that may rotate the threaded body.

To install and lock the cap180, the assembly is inserted into the swivel144such that the notches202receive the swivel lugs216. To tighten the cap180into place, the body182is rotated relative to the swivel144and threaded into the swivel144. Once the cylindrical body182has been threaded into the swivel144, the final tightening may, in some embodiments, be completed with a specialized tool inserted into the fastener220as discussed above. When the cap180is tightened against the swivel144, the cylindrical body182exerts a force on the swivel144. This force increases the frictional load between the body182and the swivel144. The reverse process can be used to remove the cap180from the swivel144.

FIGS.10,11, and12illustrate a lug lock cap240that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention.

With reference toFIG.10the illustrated cap240primarily comprises a cylindrical body, an outer swivel guard246, an inner swivel guard242, and a cover248. Not shown inFIG.10is a central plug portion. Any central plug portion can be used with the dual swivel guards246,242that are described herein. As will be described below, the cap240can be sized and configured to insert into the swivel144of the fire department connection.

While the plug portion is not shown, the plug can be defined by a cylindrical body that can be similar to the cylindrical body182described above. In addition, the cover248preferably is similar in many aspects to the cover186described above. The cover248may differ from the cover186in that the diameter D5 corresponds with the outer guard opening256while an additional diameter D8 corresponds with the inner guard opening252. The outer swivel guard246and the inner swivel guard242preferably are similar to the swivel guard184. In addition, the fastener258preferably is similar to the fastener220. The outer swivel guard246preferably is sized and configured to allow the inner swivel guard242nest inside. The diameter D9 is sized and configured to fit over the inner swivel guard242.

As shown inFIG.11, the outer swivel guard246preferably has a notch254. The notch254may be a straight shape such that it can slide directly over the swivel lug216. The inner swivel guard242preferably has notches250that are configured to retain the lug216. In some configurations, the notches250may be ‘L’ shaped to retain the swivel lugs216. In other words, the ‘L’ shape is configured such that the inner swivel guard242may be place over the swivel lug216and then rotated to be locked into place. In some embodiments, the inner notch250may have a design different than an L-shape. For example, it could be shaped as a ‘C’ or as a diagonal or a ‘T’ or other shapes. The inner notch250could be shaped as a straight notch. The outer notch254could be shaped as an L, a T, a swivel, a C, or another shape.

When a user installs the illustrated cap240, the inner swivel guard242is slid over the swivel such that the lug216is positioned in the corresponding notch250. Then the inner guard242may be rotated to capture the swivel lug216within the notch250such that significant axial movement is thwarted. The outer swivel guard246is passed over the lug216such that the lug216is retained within the notch254of the outer swivel guard246. Finally, the bolt258and the cover248are tightened to lock the assembly into place. In some configurations, the cylindrical body182is installed into the swivel144before attaching the inner swivel guard242. In some embodiments the cylindrical body182may be modified to be threadless on the outer diameter.

Preferably, tightening the bolt258restricts the linear translation of the inner swivel guard242and the outer swivel guard246. Hence, once tightened the relative linear translation between the inner swivel guard242and the outer swivel guard246is constrained. Preferably, this results in the swivel lug216being retained within the inner notch250and the outer notch254. The swivel lug216prevents rotation of the combined inner swivel guard242and outer swivel guard246.

With respect to translation in the assembled configuration, all of the cover248, the outer swivel guard246, the inner swivel guard242, the fastener258, and the nut170may be fixed relative to each other. In the loosened configuration, these parts may be able to move relative to each other. Once translated, the outer swivel guard246and the inner swivel guard242can be rotated relative to each other to disengage from the swivel lug216.

In some embodiments, in the locked configuration, the outer swivel guard and the inner swivel guard may have a friction fit together. In other embodiments, they may have no friction fit between each other and may be able to rotate freely between each other if not for the swivel lug216.

In some embodiments, in the locked configuration, the cover248may be fixed relative to either the outer swivel guard246or the inner swivel guard242. In some embodiments, the cover248may freely rotate with regard to the outer swivel guard246and the inner swivel guard242. In some embodiments, the cover248may be fixed to both. The cover248could be fixed in any suitable manner. This design may have the advantage of not having to be specifically fitted to a particular FDC. This design may have the advantage that it can be applied to lugs of various sizes. In some embodiments, the cap may be suitable to apply to swivels with various sizes and configurations.

With reference now toFIGS.13-16, a further lockable cap400embodiment will be described that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. The lockable cap400can be secured within a swivel401(seeFIG.15) of a fire department connection, for example but without limitation. In the illustrated configuration, the lockable cap400comprises a first portion402and a second portion404. The first portion402and the second portion404are axially movable relative to each other. As will be explained, through the relative axial movement, a friction load between a threaded portion of the lockable cap400and a threaded portion of the swivel401can be increased. Moreover, an additional friction load can be established between another portion of the lockable cap400and the swivel401. The increased friction load makes removal of the locking cap400from the swivel401more difficult.

With reference toFIGS.13and14, the first portion402comprises the front cover406. The front cover406comprises a front surface408. The illustrated front surface408is generally planar. By being generally planar, the front surface408can make unauthorized removal of the locking cap400more difficult because there are less places for a tool to gain purchase on the locking cap400.

In some configurations, the front surface408is generally circular. The illustrated front surface408extends radially outward to a sidewall410. The illustrated sidewall410is defined by a radiused surface. The radius is preferably 0.020 inch or less. To achieve the benefits of the radiused surface the radius may be 0.075 inch or less. The radius results in the sidewall410curving to the rear from the front surface408. The radius also makes unauthorized access more difficult because the radius renders the sidewall more difficult to grasp with common hand tools.

The end of the sidewall410furthest from the front surface408defines an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the sidewall410is smaller than an outer diameter of the swivel401of the fire department connection. The outer diameter of the sidewall410is larger than an inner diameter of the swivel401of the fire department connection. Such sizing allows the front cover406to overlap with the forwardmost surface of the swivel401without extending beyond the outermost portion of the forwardmost surface of the swivel401(seeFIG.16).

The sidewall410terminates at a rear surface412. The illustrated rear surface412extends radially inward from the sidewall410. In some configurations, the rear surface412is generally parallel with the front surface408. The illustrated rear surface412is generally annular and does not span the full diameter of the front surface408.

With reference toFIG.14, the front cover406also comprises a coupling portion414. The coupling portion414extends rearward from the rear surface412. In some configurations, the coupling portion414comprises at least one generally cylindrical structure416. In the illustrated configuration, the coupling portion comprises the generally cylindrical structure416and a second, smaller diameter generally cylindrical structure418. The second cylindrical structure extends rearward from the cylindrical structure416. Other configurations are possible.

Pockets420can be formed in the cylindrical structure416. In the illustrated configuration, three pockets420are positioned about every 120 degrees around the axis of rotation. More pockets420or less pockets420can be used. The illustrated pockets are generally cylindrical pockets420. Each of the pockets420can be defined by a blind hole or the like. The pockets420can extend into the front cover406in some configurations.

A stepped bore422extends axially through the first portion402. In the illustrated configuration, the stepped bore422extends along an axis of rotation AR for the lockable cap400. In some configurations, an axis of the stepped bore422also is the axis of rotation AR for the lockable cap400. While the illustrated stepped bore422comprises three different diameters, more or fewer diameters can be used. The largest diameter is adjacent to the front surface408. The intermediate diameter accommodates a head424of a fastener426. The smallest diameter is accommodates a threaded shaft428of the fastener426. In some configurations, the fastener426can be integrally formed as one piece with the front cover406or the coupling portion414of the first portion402.

The second portion404comprises a plug portion430. The illustrated plug portion430has two outer diameters. The first portion432has the larger outer diameter, which is sized and configured to interface with a threaded portion of the swivel of the fire department connection. The first portion432comprises a threaded outer surface434. The threaded outer surface434is sized and configured to mate with the threads of the swivel. The second portion436has the smaller outer diameter, which is sized and configured to be received within the mouth of the fire department connection.

A threaded opening438is formed in the plug portion430. The threaded opening438extends axially through the plug portion430. In the illustrated configuration, the threaded opening438extends axially through the second portion436of the plug portion430. The threaded opening438can have an axis this is aligned with the axis of rotation of the lockable cap400. In the illustrated configuration, the threaded opening438is aligned with the stepped bore422. The shaft428of the threaded fastener is received within the threaded opening438.

With continued reference toFIG.14, the first portion432of the plug portion430comprises pockets440. Similar to the pockets420, the plug portion430can have as few as one pocket440or more than three pockets440. The pockets440can be formed by a blind hole or in any other suitable manner. In the illustrated configuration, the pockets440of the plug portion430align with the pockets420of the front cover406.

The pockets420,440receive pins442. The pins442allow relative axial movement between the first portion402and the second portion404. The pins442secure the first portion402and the second portion404together for rotation. Other configurations (e.g., splines, etc.) also can be used to secure the first portion402and the second portion404for joint rotation while allowing for relative axial movement between the first portion402and the second portion404. In some configurations, the pins442can be integrally formed in one piece with the plug portion430. In some configurations, the pins442can be integrally formed in one piece with the front cover406or coupling portion414. In some configurations, a first set of pins442can be integrally formed in one piece with the front cover406or the coupling portion414while a balance of the pins442can be integrally formed in one piece with the plug portion430.

To accommodate the coupling portion414of the first portion402, the second portion404includes a complementary recess444. Because the coupling portion414is tiered, the complementary recess has a first region446and a second region448. The first region446receives the cylindrical portion416and the second region448receives the second cylindrical portion418. Preferably, the depths of the first region446and the second region448are such that the rear surface412of the front cover406will contact a face450of the first portion432of the plug portion430. In other words, the face450and the rear surface412define a stop to relative axial movement between the first portion402and the second portion404of the lockable cap400.

A nut452can be used to secure the first portion402and the second portion404against excessive relative axial movement. A washer454can be positioned between the nut452and the adjacent surface of the plug portion430. Another washer456can be positioned between the head424and the stepped bore422of the front cover406. The washer456can be conical and can provide a load to the fastener426when the washer456is compressed between the head424and the adjacent portion of the stepped bore422. The nut452can be secured in position along the threaded fastener426in any suitable manner.

To lock the lockable cap400, first the lockable cap400is threaded into the swivel401when the lockable cap400is in the unlocked position. The pins442and the pockets420,440cause the first portion402and the second portion404to rotate together. In the unlocked position (seeFIG.14), the lock nut452and the nylon washer454press against a rear surface of the second portion404. Accordingly, the lockable cap400can be threaded by hand or using a tool. In the illustrated configuration, the lockable cap400can be threaded into position in a clockwise direction. The lockable cap400can be threaded into the swivel401until a small gap or no gap exists between the rear surface412of the front cover406and the face450of the plug portion430. Additionally, in the unlocked position, the gap between the front cover406and the plug portion430is enlarged relative to the locked position.

Once the locking cap400has been properly threaded into position within the swivel401, the locking cap400can be secured in position relative to the swivel401by tightening the fastener426. Turning the fastener426relative to the front cover406results in relative axial movement of the plug portion430and the front cover406. In the illustrated configuration, turning the fastener426relative to the front cover406brings the front cover406and the plug portion430closer together.

With reference toFIG.16, the lockable cap400is shown in the locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the gap between the front cover406and the plug portion430is reduced in size relative to the unlocked position. In the locked position, the gap between the nut452and the second portion404is increased relative to the unlocked position.

When the threaded fastener426is further tightened, a load is applied between the front cover406and the plug portion430(e.g., at the rear surface412and the face450). The load results in an increased friction that will resist rotation of the plug portion430relative to the swivel401. Tightening the threaded fastener426also increases the axial load between the threads of the plug portion430and the threads on the swivel401. Effectively, the threads of the swivel401are trapped between the threads of the plug portion430and the front cover406. The increased axial load on the threads further increases the frictional forces resisting rotation of the plug portion430relative to the swivel401.

Removing the lockable cap400simply is a reverse of installing the lockable cap400. The fastener426can be turned in the opposite direction from tightening to loosen the fastener. As the fastener426rotates relative to the plug portion430, the plug portion430moves away from the front cover406. When the plug portion430contacts the washer454and the lock nut452, the plug portion stops moving away from the front cover406and the fastener426stops rotating. At this point, the lockable cap400can be rotated by hand to unthread the lockable cap from the swivel401.

In some configurations, the head424of the threaded fastener426can feature a special configuration such that a specially designed tool is required to turn the threaded fastener426. The special configuration can comprise any desired design or configuration such that standard hardware store tools will not easily turn the threaded fastener.

With reference toFIGS.17and18, the lockable cap400ofFIGS.13-16is shown in combination with a swivel guard member500. The illustrated swivel guard member500comprises a central opening502. The central opening502defines a diameter that accommodates the cylindrical portion416of the coupling portion of the front cover406. In the illustrated configuration, the diameter of the central opening502is the same as the inside diameter of the first portion432of the plug portion430.

The central opening502is defined by a forward wall504. A sidewall506is connected to the outer diameter of the forward wall504. The sidewall506extends rearward from the forward wall504. Preferably, the sidewall506extends rearward sufficiently to protect the outer surface of the swivel401. In some configurations, the sidewall506and the swivel extend the same distance rearward from the inside surface of the forward wall504.

The sidewall506can comprise one or more notches508. In the illustrated configuration, the sidewall506incorporates two notches508. The notches508are sized and configured to accommodate two posts510that extend laterally outward from the swivel401.

As shown inFIG.18, an inner portion of the forward wall504can be captured between the rear surface412of the front cover406and the face450of the plug portion430. In the illustrated configuration, the lockable cap400can rotate relative to the swivel guard member500. Accordingly, the lockable cap400can be threaded into position once the swivel guard member500has been positioned such that the posts510of the swivel401will be received within the notches508of the sidewall506of the swivel guard member500.

FIGS.19-22illustrate a locking cap600that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention. The locking cap is illustrated inFIG.19installed into a swivel602.

With reference toFIG.20, the illustrated cap600primarily comprises a cylindrical body604and a cover606. As will be described below the cap600can be sized and configured to insert into the swivel602of the fire department connection. In some configurations, the cap600can be sized and configured to be threaded into the swivel602of the fire department connection.

The cover606may have a front face610. Preferably, disposed centrally on the front face610is a recess612. The recess612preferably is sized and configured to receive a head of a fastener614. The illustrated recess612, as shown inFIG.22, comprises a forward cylindrical portion616and a rearward conical or tapering portion620. A step can be defined at the intersection of the cylindrical portion616and the tapering portion620.

The fastener614may be similar in many aspects to the fastener164described above. The illustrated fastener614can have a specially designed head that accepts a specially designed driver tool. Such a configuration reduces the ability of someone to turn the fastener with a standard tool bought from a hardware store. In the illustrated configuration, the specially designed head comprises a channel622but other configurations of a unique patterned driver receptacle are possible. An outer surface of the head of the fastener614can taper such that a conical portion is defined. The conical portion can be received by the conical portion620of the recess612.

The cover606extends radially outward further than the cylindrical body604. A circumferential edge of the body604may comprise a radiused surface626. The radius can be any desired radius and preferably is a radius of 0.020 inch or less. To achieve desired benefits, the radius may be 0.075 inch or less. As discussed above, the radiused surface626advantageously helps thwart removal of the cap as discussed in connection with radiused edges elsewhere in this document. The outer portion of the cover606helps to protect the radiused surface626.

The cover606may also have a rear surface624. The rear surface624may be opposite the front face610. The rear surface624may be inset relative to a rearmost portion630of the cover606. Accordingly, the illustrated cover606may define a dish-shape with the rear surface624being the bottom of the dish-shape. A central portion of the rear side of the cover606may comprise a boss632. The boss632can have any desired shape. In the illustrated configuration, the boss632is a cylindrical protrusion from the surrounding rear surface624.

The cylindrical body604may be similar in many aspects to the plug142described above. The illustrated cylindrical body604, however, includes a cover receiving recess634. The recess634extends rearward from a front face636of the cylindrical body604. The recess634can have any suitable configuration. In the illustrated configuration, the recess634is cylindrical and has a larger inside diameter than an outside diameter of the boss632.

A threaded bore640extends through an axis of the cylindrical body604. The threaded bore640is sized and configured to receive a threaded shaft portion642of the fastener614. The threaded shaft portion642receives a nut644that locks the fastener614into position relative to the cylindrical body604. In some configurations, the nut644can be a nylock nut. In the illustrated configuration, red lock tite, welding, or another method of fastening can be used to secure the nut644in position relative to the fastener614. With the nut644secured to the fastener614, rotation of the head of the fastener614causes rotation of the cylindrical body604. An outer circumferential surface646of the cylindrical body604includes threads650that mesh with threads of the swivel602. Thus, rotation of the cylindrical body604threads the cylindrical body604into the swivel602until a stopping lip652contacts a front end654of the swivel602. In the illustrated configuration, the stopping lip652extends radially outward from the cylindrical body604. The cover606preferably extends rearward beyond the stopping lip652so that the cover606can reduce or eliminate the ability of an attacker being able to gain access to the stopping lip652.

In the illustrated configuration, a shield656can be inserted into the recess634once the locking cap600can be installed into the swivel602. The shield656reduces the likelihood of tampering and covers the head of the fastener614. When the locking cap600is installed, the cylindrical body604is secured by friction loading (e.g., between the threads and between the stopping lip652and the end of the swivel602). The cover606can rotate relative to the swivel602and the cylindrical body604.

FIGS.23and24illustrate a swivel guard cap700that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention.

With reference toFIG.23, the illustrated cap700primarily comprises a cylindrical body704, a swivel guard706, a cover708, and a wave washer712. As will be described below, the cap700can be sized and configured to insert into and lock within the swivel702of the fire department connection.

With reference toFIG.24, the cover708may be similar in many ways to the cover186. The cover708may have a recess718. The recess718is preferably sized and configured to receive a fastener720. The fastener720may be similar in many aspects to the fastener164.

The cylindrical body704may be similar in many aspects to the cylindrical body182. The illustrated cylindrical body704, however, can be configured to retain a wave washer712. The wave washer712can be retained between a lip724and a leading thread surface728. The wave washer712can be sized and configured to be retained between the lip724and the leading thread surface728. An interior diameter of the wave washer712may be smaller than the outer diameter of the lip724. The interior diameter of the wave washer712may be smaller than the outer diameter of the leading thread surface728. It may be advantageous to retain the wave washer712between the lip724and the leading thread surface728to prevent the wave washer from becoming lost or misplaced with the cap is not installed on the swivel702. The wave washer712may be split. The split in the waver washer712may be advantageous for assembling the swivel guard cap700.

The wave washer712may have an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of opening of the swivel702. The wave washer712may have an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body704. It may be advantageous to have the wave washer712outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body704to protect the wave washer712from attack. The wave washer can be made of steel. In some cases, the wave washer can be made of 17-4 Stainless Steel.

The swivel guard706may be similar in many aspects to the swivel guard184. The swivel guard706preferably is sized and configured to cover the swivel702when the cap700is installed to the swivel702.

The cylindrical body704may be assembled with the swivel guard706and the cover708by a fastener720extending through the cover708and the body704. A nut732, or other locking mechanism or technique, can be used to hold the assembly together. In the illustrated configuration, red loctite, welding, or another method of fastening can be used to secure the nut732in position relative to the fastener720. As described above, the fastener720is threaded into an opening in the body704and the nut732helps prevent relative rotation between the fastener720and the body704. In some embodiments, red Loctite can be used to secure the fastener720to the body704.

The swivel guard706is retained by the cover708between the cover708and the body704. In some configurations, the cover708can be configured to abut closely with the swivel guard706such that a flat tool, such as a screwdriver, cannot be easily inserted between the swivel guard706and the cover708. Desirably, the swivel guard706can rotate relative to the body704. In some configurations, the cover708and the swivel guard706both may spin relatively freely relative to the body704. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.23, the cover708may have locking features736, and the swivel guard706can have corresponding locking features740. The locking features736and the locking features740can, once assembled, prevent significant relative motion (e.g., prevent rotation yet may allow some play) between the swivel guard706and the cover708. In some embodiments, the opening in the center of the illustrated swivel guard706incorporates teeth that are received within recess formed in the outer periphery of the cover708. This restricts motion of the cover708relative to the swivel guard706. This may allow the swivel guard706and cover708to stay stationary and reduce the likelihood of attacks that may rotate the threaded body704.

In some embodiments, a decal750can be assembled to the body704. The decal750can advantageously be labeled with information describing the cap700.

Lug guards744can be assembled to the swivel702before the body704and swivel guard706are installed. The lug guards744can provide additional protection to the swivel. The lug guards744may be particularly useful in thwarting drill attacks.

To install and lock the cap700, the assembly is inserted into the swivel702such that notches746receive lugs of the swivel702. To tighten the cap700into place, the body704is rotated relative to the swivel702and threaded into the swivel702. Once the cylindrical body704has been threaded into the swivel702, the final tightening may, in some embodiments, be completed with a specialized tool inserted into the fastener720as discussed above. When the cap700is tightened against the swivel702, the cylindrical body704exerts a force on the wave washer712. The wave washer712is compressed between the cylindrical body704and the swivel702. After tightening, the wave washer712applies a force tending to push the cylindrical body704and the swivel702apart. This force increases the frictional load resisting rotation of the body704relative to the swivel702. The reverse process can be used to remove the cap700from the swivel702. In some embodiments, the torque for assembly can be 7.0-8.1 ft-lbs. In some embodiments, the wave washer712can have a preload of 56-96 lbs. The wave washer712can be made of steel. In some embodiments, the wave washer712is composed of 17-4 Stainless Steel. In the assembled state the swivel guard706and cover708can rotate relative to the cylindrical body. In some embodiments, a plug742can be assembled in a position over the fastener720. The plug742can be advantageous to protect the fastener from the elements.

The inclusion of the wave washer712may be advantageous to increase the torque required to remove the cap700. The inclusion of the wave washer712may be advantageous to absorb shock and impact when an impact is delivered to the lugs of the swivel702.

In some embodiments the cylindrical body704, fastener720, and nut732are permanently attached by welding. Loctite, or another method. In some embodiments the cylindrical body704, fastener720, and nut732are unitary.

FIG.25illustrates a locking cap770. The locking cap770may be similar in many aspects to the locking cap700. The locking cap770can include a cover774and a wave washer776. The cover774may be similar in many aspects to the cover708. The cover774can include one or more stepped recesses778. The one or more stepped recesses778may be sized and configured to receive a fastener780. The one or more stepped recesses778may be a stepped or plain bore. The fastener780may be similar in many aspects to the fastener720. The fastener780can have one or more stepped portions782configured to fit inside the one or more stepped recessed778. The one or more stepped portions780may be a stepped or plain counterbore.

The wave washer776may be similar in many aspects to the wave washer712. The wave washer776can be sized such that the outer diameter786of the wave washer776is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body704. The wave washer776can be sized and configured such that the inner diameter788of the wave washer784is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening end of the swivel702.

FIGS.26-27illustrate a locking cap800that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention. The locking cap is illustrated inFIG.27installed into a swivel802.

With reference toFIG.26, the illustrated cap800primarily comprises a cylindrical body804, a cover806and a wave washer808. As will be described below the cap800can be sized and configured to insert into the swivel802of the fire department connection. In some configurations, the cap800can be sized and configured to be threaded into the swivel802of the fire department connection.

The cover806may be similar in many aspects to the cover606. The fastener810may be similar in many aspects to the fastener164described above. The wave washer808may be similar in many aspects to the wave washer712described above. The cylindrical body804may be similar in many aspects to the plug604described above.

The cover806extends radially outward further than the cylindrical body804. A threaded bore840extends through an axis of the cylindrical body804. The threaded bore840is sized and configured to receive the fastener810. The fastener receives a nut844that helps to lock the fastener810into position relative to the cylindrical body804. In some configurations, the nut844can be a nylock nut. In the illustrated configuration, red loctite, welding, or another method of fastening can be used to secure the nut844in position relative to the fastener810. In some embodiments, red lock tite, welding, or another method of fastening can be used to secure the cylindrical body804relative to the fastener810. With the nut844secured to the fastener810, rotation of the head of the fastener810causes rotation of the cylindrical body804. An outer circumferential surface846of the cylindrical body804includes threads850that mesh with threads of the swivel802. Thus, rotation of the cylindrical body804threads the cylindrical body804into the swivel802until the wave washer808becomes compressed between a stopping lip852and a front end854of the swivel802. The reverse process can be used to remove the cap800from the swivel802.

After tightening, the wave washer808applies a force tending to push the cylindrical body804and the swivel802apart. This force increases the frictional load resisting rotation of the body804relative to the swivel802. In some embodiments, the torque for assembly can be 7.0-8.1 ft-lbs. In some embodiments, the wave washer808can have a preload of 56-96 lbs. The wave washer808can be made of steel. In some embodiments, the wave washer808is composed of 17-4 Stainless Steel.

In the illustrated configuration, the stopping lip852extends radially outward from the cylindrical body804. The cover806preferably extends rearward beyond the stopping lip852so that the cover806can reduce or eliminate the ability of an attacker being able to gain access to the stopping lip852. When the locking cap800is installed, the cylindrical body804is secured by friction loading (e.g., between the threads and between the stopping lip852, the end of the swivel802, and the wave washer808). The cover806can rotate relative to the swivel802and the cylindrical body804. In some embodiments, a decal856can be assembled to the body804. The decal856can advantageously be labeled with information describing the cap800. In some embodiments, a plug858can be assembled in a position over the fastener810.

In some embodiments the cylindrical body804, fastener810, and nut844are permanently attached by welding, Loctite, or another method. In some embodiments the cylindrical body804, fastener810, and nut844are unitary.

FIG.28illustrates a locking cap870. The locking cap870may be similar in many aspects to the locking cap800. The locking cap870can include a cover874and a wave washer878. The cover874may be similar in many aspects to the cover806. The cover874can include one or more stepped recesses876. The one or more stepped recesses876may be sized and configured to receive a fastener810. The one or more stepped recesses876may be a stepped or plain bore. The fastener810may be similar in many aspects to the fastener810. The fastener810can have one or more stepped portions880configured to fit inside the one or more stepped recesses876. The one or more stepped portions880may be a stepped or plain counterbore.

In some embodiments, the wave washer878may be similar in many aspects to the wave washer808. The wave washer878can be sized such that the outer diameter884of the wave washer878is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body804. The wave washer878can be sized and configured such that the inner diameter888of the wave washer878is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening end of the swivel802.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, may be generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language may be not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states may be in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include these features, elements and/or states.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z.” unless specifically stated otherwise, may be otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language may be not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

While the above detailed description may have shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it may be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and/or changes in the form and details of any particular embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As may be recognized, certain embodiments may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others.

Additionally, features described in connection with one embodiment can be incorporated into another of the disclosed embodiments, even if not expressly discussed herein, and embodiments may have the combination of features still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure.

It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it may be intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this disclosure may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment disclosed herein.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example may be to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps may be mutually exclusive. The protection may be not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that may be described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that may be described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that may be not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added.

Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features may be described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about.” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that may be within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.

The scope of the present disclosure may be not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims may be to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples may be to be construed as non-exclusive.

Unless the context clearly may require otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, may be to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that may be to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Reference to any prior art in this description may be not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the description of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where, in the foregoing description, reference may have been made to integers or components may have known equivalents thereof, those integers may be herein incorporated as if individually set forth. In addition, where the term “substantially” or any of it's variants have been used as a word of approximation adjacent to a numerical value or range, it may be intended to provide sufficient flexibility in the adjacent numerical value or range that encompasses standard manufacturing tolerances and/or rounding to the next significant figure, whichever may be greater.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. It may be therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages may be necessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention may be intended to be defined only by the claims.