Patent ID: 7044148

Claim:
A method of selectively securing a valve in a first open position or a second closed position, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising a locking assembly front end, a rear end, and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge extending therebetween which define a shroud; a first lateral support extending downward from said first lateral edge, and a second lateral support extending downward from said second lateral edge; a forward support member extending downwardly from said front end of said locking assembly and comprising a handle aperture adapted to receive a handle of the valve; a first handle stop cut-out positioned in said first lateral support which is adapted to contact a first handle stop on the valve to lock the valve in a closed position, and a second handle stop cut-out positioned in said second lateral support which is adapted to contact a second handle stop on the valve to lock the valve in an open position; and at least one aperture positioned in said first lateral support and said second lateral support which is adapted to receive a securement device; (b) inserting the handle of the valve into the handle aperture of the forward support member; (c) sliding the handle into handle aperture and moving the shroud into position until the first handle stop cut-out contacts the first handle stop to lock the valve in a closed position, or until the second handle stop cut-out contacts the second handle stop to lock the valve in an open position; and (d) securing a securement device through the at least one aperture positioned in said first lateral support and said second lateral support.