Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/789,102 filed Mar. 15, 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 mechanism that can be used as a lock down system for loose cast grates and or manhole covers to prevent accidental or unwanted removal of the grate from its frame without the proper security removal tool. In several embodiments, the present invention prevents the previous problems associated with other prior art in which persons remove the grates and/or manhole covers though use of generic tools. The present invention uses proprietary technology to prevent the removal of grates and/or manhole covers through the use of generic tools. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In various embodiments, the present invention describes a lock system that is designed to be attached to an existing cast iron loose grate, any recessed cover with a frame and/or a manhole cover that sits in a cast iron or other material frame allowing the loose grate, or cover, to be locked into the frame so it cannot be removed from the frame accidently or on purpose, without the proper tool to unlock the security locking bolt. 
         [0005]    In at least one embodiment, the present invention operates by use of an upper and lower section, or bases. The lower section, or lower base has multiple extended members that operate to brace the cover to the cover frame when in operation. These lower sections can rotate about a screw, or lower member. During operation, the lower member is located in a hole drilled through cover, grate or manhole, such that the lower sections can rotate across the lower sections of the cover and extrude past the radius of the cover frame. 
         [0006]    In various embodiments of the present invention, the present invention may be constructed with an elongated body with unique shapes and dimensions cut into the unit so as to fit into a variety of openings, or tubulars, with interior walls, or frames. In various embodiments, the present invention is not dependent on any unique characteristic added, or removed, from the locking unit, that does not affect the overall functionality of the locking screw, spherical balls and/or the hole openings for the spherical balls found in portions of the present invention. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive system is designed to maximize the overall strength of the locking unit for recessed covers by using applied force on both the recessed cover and the circumference, curves, or straight, edge of the recessed frame or ring. In another embodiment of the present invention the present locking device locks on the top of a tubular, or orifice, with an interior wall therein preventing and movement or use of the tubular, or orifice, and preventing the removal of the inventive device. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment of the present invention the present invention comprises and improved locking system with a hollowed three dimensional top base with a hole in a top region, multiple holes in the side region adjacent to the top region, and a threaded lower region; a lower three dimensional base with a large orifice and two small orifices; an upper nut; a lower nut; an extended member with several orifices; attachment pins; several small spheres of larger diameter than the multiple holes in the side region; at least one large sphere of larger diameter that the small spheres; a locking screw which can be inserted into the hole in the top region of said base; said locking screw mechanically engage with said large sphere such that when rotated said locking screw causes the large sphere to move relative to the locking screw and to force said small spheres to extrude from said base via said multiple holes; said threaded lower region is threaded with said upper nut; said threaded lower region is inserted in mechanical communication with said large orifice of said lower base with a region of said threaded lower region extruding through said lower base; said lower nut is threaded with said threaded lower region extruding through said lower base; and said extended member is attached to said lower base by inserting said attaching pins though said orifices of said extended member and then through said smaller orifices of said lower base. 
         [0009]    In several embodiments of the present invention, said hole in top region is threaded; and said locking screw is threaded to mechanically engage with said hole in top region. In several embodiments of the present invention, said top region has an engagement face. In several embodiments of the present invention, the improved locking system further comprises a turnkey unit with male engagement member for engaging said engagement face. In several embodiments of the present invention, improved locking system further comprises said upper base is substantially cylindrical in shape. In several embodiments of the present invention, the improved locking system further comprises: a key with a male interface in a unique geometric configuration; said locking screw further comprises a cover for said locking screw; said cover further comprising and a female interface with a unique geometric configuration designed to interface with said key. 
         [0010]    In several embodiments of the present invention the present invention comprises the method for use of an improved locking system comprising; Providing an improved lock system comprising; a hollowed three dimensional top base with a hole in a top region, multiple holes in the side region adjacent to the top region, and a threaded lower region; said top region has and engagement face; a turnkey unit with male engagement member for engaging said engagement face; a lower three dimensional base with a large orifice and two small orifices; an upper nut; a lower nut; an extended member with several orifices; attachment pins; several small spheres of larger diameter than the multiple holes in the side region; at least one large sphere of larger diameter that the small spheres; a locking screw which can be inserted into the hole in the top region of said base: mechanically attaching said turnkey unit with male engagement member for engaging said engagement face to said engagement face therein; rotating said turnkey unit with male engagement member for engaging said engagement face; wherein said rotation of the turnkey unit with male engagement member for engaging said engagement face upper base will cause the upper nut to move and the lower nut to insert itself partially into the semicuboidal indention causing the lower base to rotate, and rotate up the lower threaded region. In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention comprises an improved locking system comprising; a hollowed three dimensional top base with a hole in a top region, multiple holes in the side region adjacent to the top region, and a threaded lower region; a lower three dimensional base with a large orifice; an upper nut; a lower nut; several small spheres of larger diameter than the multiple holes in the side region; at least one large sphere of larger diameter that the small spheres; a locking screw which can be inserted into the hole in the top region of said upper base; said locking screw mechanically engage with said large sphere such that when rotated said locking screw causes the large sphere to move relative to the locking screw and to force said small spheres to extrude from said base via said multiple holes; said threaded lower region is threaded with said upper nut; said threaded lower region is inserted in mechanical communication with said large orifice of said lower base with a region of said threaded lower region extruding through said lower base; said lower nut is threaded with said threaded lower region extruding through said lower base. In one embodiment of the present invention said lower base is a cam. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments of the present invent the method for use further comprises engaging said lower base with a frame wall by said rotation up the lower threaded region. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for use of an improved locking system further comprises disengaging said lower base with a frame wall by said counter rotation down the lower threaded region. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for use of an improved locking system further comprises providing a locking screw which can be inserted into the hole in the top region of said base and rotating said locking screw mechanically so as to engage with said large sphere such that when rotated said locking screw causes the large sphere to move relative to the locking screw and to force said small spheres to extrude from said base via said multiple holes and engage the inner tubular wall. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for use of an improved locking system further comprises counter-rotating said locking screw so that small spheres retract into said base. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention comprises the method for assembling an improved locking system comprising; attaching a hollowed three dimensional top base with a hole in a top region, multiple holes in the side region adjacent to the top region, a threaded lower region; and lower three dimensional base with a large orifice and two small orifices an upper nut; attaching an extended member to a lower base with a large orifice; inserting said threaded lower region in mechanical communication through said large orifice located on a lower base with a region of said threaded lower region extruding through said lower base; threading as lower nut with said threaded lower region extruding through said lower base with a large orifice, and attaching a washer and a screw below the lower not onto the threaded lower region. In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention further comprises the method of placing several small spheres of larger diameter than the multiple holes in the side region into said top base; and rotating said locking screw mechanically so as to engage with said large sphere such that when rotated said locking screw causes the large sphere to move relative to the locking screw and to force said small spheres to extrude from said base via said multiple holes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    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: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in partial exploded view with the turn locking device; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in partial exploded view with the locking screw; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view with the locking screw; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view with the locking screw; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the upper base in cross sectional view; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of the lower base of the present invention in partial side view; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the lower section in partial cross sectional side view; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the turn locking device of the present invention in exploded view; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of the present inventive device as installed on a recessed cover with a frame. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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. 
         [0025]    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. “Ring” as defined in the present disclosure refers to any frame for a recessed cover, regardless of shape. “Tubular” as defined herein includes any object with solid exterior walls and a hollow interior with an opening. “Small sphere” as defined herein includes any object with solid three dimensional shape, which maybe spike shaped, spherical, cylindrical or other three dimensional shape. “Large sphere” as defined herein includes any object with solid three dimensional shape, which maybe spike shaped, spherical, cylindrical or other three dimensional shape. 
         [0026]    One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicants have created a revolutionary, and novel security system for recessed covers with and without frames. 
         [0027]    One embodiment of the present inventive lock system  300 , with the turn locking device  407  is shown in a partial exploded view in  FIG. 1 . Turn locking device  407  is explained in more detail in  FIG. 7 . In several preferred embodiments, the present invention is a locking member that is designed to lock, or hold down recessed metal covers  1500 . Although it is envisioned that other applications of the present inventive device could be executed. In several embodiments of the present invention,  FIG. 1 , the present inventive lock system is designed to fit into a pre-drilled hole or orifice  115  that is made on a cover  1500 .  FIG. 8 . The cover  1500  can be a recessed cover, such as a manhole, and maybe comprised of a variety of materials, including but not limited to lead, iron, steel or other materials used for a cover.  FIG. 8 . In various embodiments of the assembled form of the inventive lock system  300 , the inventive lock system  300  may have several parts including, but not limited to, the locking the turn locking device  407 , the large sphere(s)  601 , the smaller spheres  701 , and the upper base  301 . 
         [0028]    As illustrated, in one embodiment of the present invention, the invention has a cylindrical upper base  301 , although other three dimensional geometric shapes can be used in the present invention, including cubes, spheres, cones, cubes or other three dimensional shapes. In several embodiments of the present invention, the upper base  301  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a base for suitable applications. As illustrated, in one embodiment of the present invention, the invention has a spherical large sphere(s)  601 , although other three dimensional geometric shapes can be used in the present invention, including cubes, spheres, cones, cubes or other three dimensional shapes. In many embodiments of the present invention it is preferable that the large sphere(s)  601  be of a larger size than the small spheres  701 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the large sphere(s)  601  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a sphere for suitable applications. As illustrated, in one embodiment of the present invention, the invention has a spherical small sphere(s)  701 , although other three dimensional geometric shapes can be used in the present invention, including cubes, spheres, cones, cubes or other three dimensional shapes. In several embodiments of the present invention, the small sphere(s) may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a small sphere for suitable applications. In several embodiments of the present invention, the locking screw  201  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a locking screw for suitable applications, (As shown in  FIG. 2 ). Also illustrated is the large sphere(s)  601  with a spherical shape, however, there may be other embodiments of the present invention in which the large sphere(s) are beveled, square or other three dimensional geometric shape.  FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, or inventive lock system  300 , when in partial cross sectional view. As illustrated, base  301  is preferably hollow with a solid bottom and hollow interior  103 , and preferably constructed to have two sets of openings: the upper opening  302  and the small sphere openings  308 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, or lock system  300 , partial exploded view. In many embodiments of the present invention the turn locking device  407  can be constructed of variable sizes such that it will fit onto the proprietary face  408  of the upper base  301 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, or inventive lock system  300 , in partial exploded view. In many embodiments of the present invention the upper base  301  has a lower section  1301  which maybe threaded in a male fashion as is known in the art. Lower section  1301  maybe preferably constructed of the same materials as the upper base  301 . In several embodiments of the present invention, lower section  1301  has a hollowed portion at the end of the threads designed to engage a screw, lower screw  603 , such as a grub nut screw. It is envisioned, that the lower section  1301  is threaded in such a manner as to allow for the mechanical interaction of counterthreads  40  such as found in secure nut  30  and  601 . Also illustrated in  FIG. 1  is the lower section secure nut  30  and the extended member secure nut(s)  47 . In many embodiments of the present invention it is preferable that the secure nut  30  is preferably constructed with female thread adaptors  40  to mechanically engage the lower section threads  1301  when the present inventive device is installed. The extended member secure nut(s)  47  is preferably constructed to mechanically engage the extended member  401  when the extended member  401  is attached to the lower base  601 . In several preferred embodiments of the present invention the extended member  401  has orifice(s)  412  is further secured by a secure screw  47 . In several preferred embodiments of the present invention the screw  47  may be pinched or threaded so as the hold the secure screw  47  in place, therein securing the extended member  401  when the present inventive device is assembled with the base  501 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, or inventive lock system  300 , in partial exploded view. In many embodiments, the present invention has a lower base  501  which maybe in a proprietary geometric three dimensional shape. As illustrated, the lower base  501  is in a modified cuboid shape with an inclined plane  503  on one and a semicuboid indention  502  on the lower face distal to the inclined plane  503 . Also illustrated is the orifice  510  on the upper face  513  of the lower base  501  which is designed, to prevent upper nut  30  from passing through the base  510  when the present inventive device is assembled. In several preferred embodiments of the present invention, the secure nut  30  has a wider diameter than the orifice  510 . Lower base  501 , also has the orifices  505  for securing the extended member  401  with the nut(s)  47 . See  FIG. 5 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the lower base  501  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a lower base  501  for suitable applications. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, or inventive lock system  300 , in partial exploded view. In many embodiments, the present invention has and extended member  401 . As illustrated, the extended member is in a modified cuboid shape with an orifice(s)  412 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the orifice  412  is designed to receive and be in mechanical communication with screw  47 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the extended member  401  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a lower base for suitable applications. In many embodiments of the present invention, it is envisioned that the extended member  401  be longer in length than lower base  501 . In such embodiments, the extended member  401  may act as an additional lock with a frame lip  1515  if the inclined plane  503  rotates past the frame lip. See  FIGS. 5 and 8 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, or lock system  300 , in partial exploded view. In many embodiments, the present invention has a lower nut  1601 , a washer  602  and a lower screw  603 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the a lower nut  1601 , a washer  602  and/or a lower screw  603  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a lower base for suitable applications. Lower nut  1601  is preferably designed to threadably engage the threads of the lower section  1301  when the present inventive device is assembled. Washer  602  and lower screw  603  are preferably designed to engage the lower nut  1601  in the manner typically known in the art for prevention of the rotation of the lower nut  1601  once the present inventive device is engaged. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the present inventive lock system  300  is shown in a partially exploded view. In several preferred embodiments, the present invention is a locking member that is designed to lock, or hold down recessed metal covers. In several embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 2 , is designed to fit into a pre-drilled hole or orifice  115  that is made on the present metal recessed cover  1500 .  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 2  illustrates many of the same features as  FIG. 1 . 
         [0035]    In various embodiments of the assembled form of the lock system  300 , the lock system  300  may have several parts including the locking screw  201 , the large sphere(s)  601 , the smaller spheres  701 , and the upper base  301 . As illustrated, in one embodiment of the present invention, the invention has a cylindrical upper base  301 , although other three dimensional geometric shapes can be used in the present invention, including cubes, spheres, cones, cubes or other three dimensional shapes. In several embodiments of the present invention, the upper base  301  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a base for suitable applications. As illustrated, in one embodiment of the present invention, the invention has a spherical large sphere(s)  601 , although other three dimensional geometric shapes can be used in the present invention, including cubes, spheres, cones, cubes or other three dimensional shapes. In many embodiments of the present invention it is preferable that the large sphere(s)  601  be of a larger size than the small spheres  701 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the large sphere(s)  601  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a sphere for suitable applications. As illustrated, in one embodiment of the present invention, the invention has a spherical small sphere(s)  701 , although other three dimensional geometric shapes can be used in the present invention, including cubes, spheres, cones, cubes or other three dimensional shapes. In several embodiments of the present invention, the small sphere(s) may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a small sphere for suitable applications. In several embodiments of the present invention, the locking screw  201  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized to provide a locking screw for suitable applications. In several embodiments of the present invention the locking screw  201  has threading  211  which can mechanically engage the locking threads  309  on the base  301  when in operation. See  FIG. 4 ). In several embodiments of the present invention the locking screw  201  has threading  211  which can mechanically engage the locking threads  309  in the base  301  when in operation.  FIG. 4  also illustrates in one embodiment of the present invention, the small spheres  701  with a spherical shape, however, there may be other embodiments of the present invention in which the small spheres are beveled, square or other three dimensional geometric shape. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  also illustrates in one embodiment of the present invention, the small spheres  701  with a spherical shape, however, there may be other embodiments of the present invention in which the small spheres are beveled, square or other three dimensional geometric shape. Also illustrated is the large sphere(s)  601  with a spherical shape, however, there may be other embodiments of the present invention in which the large sphere(s) are beveled, square or other three dimensional geometric shape. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, or lock system  300 , partial exploded view. In many embodiments of the present invention the locking screw  201  can be constructed of variable sizes such that it will fit into various size upper base  301  through upper opening  302 . As illustrated, in several preferred embodiments of the present invention, the locking screw  201  is constructed to have threading  211  on the outer edges which can engage the counter locking threads  309  that are located, in several embodiments of the present invention, in the upper opening  302  in a manner known in the art for threading engagement. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3A  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, or lock system  300 , in assembled view. In various embodiments of the assembled form of the locking screw  201 , the large sphere(s)  601 , the smaller spheres  701 , and the upper base  301  have all been previously assembled together. The lower section  1301  is threaded with the nut  30 . The lower section  1301  is also placed into the lower base orifice  510  as well as with the lower nut  1601 . The lower nut  1601  is secured to the semicuboid indention  502 . Also shown is the lower section  1301  being secured by the washer  602  and the screw  603 . As illustrated this is one embodiment of the present invention in a fully engaged position (but not attached to a recessed cover). 
         [0039]      FIG. 3B  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, or lock system  300 , in assembled view. In various embodiments of the cam  300 , the cam can have various modifications that can allow the unit to bite better into the surrounding material that it may tension lock into such as a chamfered edge, an angled cut edge, a cerate edge, or any other edge that can allow for a better bite into the surrounding materials that the unit, or cam  300  is biting into. In various embodiments of the assembled form of the locking screw  201 , the large sphere(s)  601 , the smaller spheres  701 , and the upper base  301  have all been previously assembled together. The lower section  1301  is threaded with the nut  30 . The lower section  1301  is also placed into the lower base orifice  1504  as well as with the lower nut  1601 . The lower nut  1601  is secured to the large washer  1507 . Also shown is the lower section  1301  being secured by the washer  602  and the screw  603 . In many embodiments of the present invention, this washer is not a separate unit.  1507  is just another geometry of  1503  that is designed to allow for the simultaneous rotation of both cam  1503  and lower nut  1601 . It works very similar in nature as semicuboid  502  does. It is also envisioned that the geometric shape of  1507  can be cut into the bottom of  1503  as opposed to just being an extrusion from it like seen in the drawings. As illustrated this is one embodiment of the present invention in a fully engaged position (but not attached to a recessed cover). As shown in this embodiment of the present invention, the lower base  501  is replaced with a cam  1503  with and orifice  1504 . As shown the cam  1503  may have an extended face  1509  for engaging the undersurface or surface of a material when the lock system  300  is engaged. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, of the upper lock system  2300 , in cross sectional view. As illustrated, base  301  is preferably hollow with a solid bottom and hollow interior  103 , and preferably constructed to have two sets of openings: the upper opening  302  and the small sphere openings  308 . In many embodiments of the present invention the locking screw  201  can be constructed of variable sizes such that it will fit into various size upper base  301  through upper opening  302 . As illustrated, in several preferred embodiments of the present invention, the locking screw  201  is constructed to have threading  211  on the outer edges which can engage the counter locking threads  309  that are located, in several embodiments of the present invention, in the upper opening  302  in a manner known in the art for threading engagement. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of lower base  501  of the present invention. In several preferred embodiments, the present invention is a locking member that is designed to lock, or hold down recessed metal covers.  FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the lower base of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown the lower base  501  is a modified cuboid shape. However, it is envisioned that any substantial three dimensional shape could be used such as a modified rounded cuboid, a sphere, a modified ovoid, or other such shape. As illustrated, the lower base  501  has a semicuboid indention  502  on the lower face  506  of the lower base  501 . However, it is envisioned that any substantial three dimensional shape could be used such as a modified rounded cuboid, a sphere, a modified ovoid, or other such shape. The lower base  501  also has a large orifice  510  which runs through the upper face  507  of the lower base  501  and through the semicuboid indention  502  as well. Also shown are the two pin orifices  505  for securing the extended member  401  when the extended member  401  is attached to the lower base  501 . 
         [0042]    In several embodiments of the present invention, it is envisioned that the lower base  501  maybe hollow, as illustrated in  FIG. 5  or substantially solid in construction as shown in  FIG. 1 . Lower base  501  maybe constructed, in several preferred embodiments, to have an inclined plane  503  on one end of the lower base  501 . It is envisioned though that the end of the lower base  501  with inclined plane  503  could have a recessed incline, or other three dimensional geometric shape, other than cuboid. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  illustrates a partial side view, with partial cross section, of the upper base  301  of one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in this embodiment, the upper base  301  has a proprietary shaped cover  215  with an orifice  216 . Orifice  216  can be of any geometric shape or design. Also illustrated is the key  202  with a male engaging member  212  which is preferably corresponding shaped to mechanically and releasably engage the orifice  216  such that the locking screw  201  may be rotated when the present lock system  300  is engaged. In one embodiment of the present inventive device, in operation this would mean that only persons with the proper tool could engage the locking screw  201 . Also illustrated on the distal end of the upper base  501  from the proprietary face  408  is the hollowed portion of the lower section  1301 . The hollowed portion of lower section  1301  also is internally threaded so it can receive the screw  603  when the present inventive device is assembled. 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the turn locking device  407 . As illustrated proprietary face  408  has an indention groove  451 . The indention groove  451  is preferable designed, in some embodiments of the present invention, to mechanically interact with the male engagement member  1451  on the lower turn face  1107 . Lower turn face  1107  is preferably constructed with a hollow threaded interior  1109 . In several embodiments of the present invention, lower turn face  1107  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized for suitable applications. Lower turn face  1107  is also, in several embodiments, constructed with an engagement face  1409 . Engagement face  1409  is preferably constructed to mechanically engage the proprietary face  408  when in operation. In several embodiments of the present invention, engagement face  1409  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized for suitable applications. Also illustrated is the engagement screw unit  1200 . In several embodiments of the present invention, engagement screw unit  1200  may be constructed of iron, wood, steel, plastics, or other materials utilized for suitable applications. Engagement screw unit  1200 , in some embodiments of the present invention, has a lower threaded member  1207 , a turn base  1209  (with preferably a larger circumference than the lower threaded member  1207 ), and a turnkey engagement indentation  1211 . When assembled, the engagement screw unit  1200  threads into the lower turn face  1107  through the lower threaded member and the hollow threaded interior  1109 . The turn locking device  407  can then be place onto the engagement face  408 . In some embodiments of the present invention the lower threaded member  1207  can thread through and attach directly to the upper base  301 , in some embodiments of the present invention it is not necessary to have the lower threaded member  1207  thread though and become in mechanical communication with the upper base  301 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention being attached to a recessed cover  1500 . As shown, recessed cover  1500  (a manhole in this case) is resting on the cover frame  1510 . As shown, previously, the present inventive device  1200  has been applied to the cover  1500  through orifice  115 . As shown, in this embodiment, the engagement face  408  preferably, is in mechanical communication with the cover top  1580 . The lower base  307  penetrates through the orifice  115  on the cover and extends below to the cover bottom  1590 . As illustrated in this embodiment of the invention the lower base  501  is firmly and mechanically engaged with the lower frame lip  1515 . Also illustrated is interior wall  1512  of the cover  1500 . In some embodiments when the present inventive device is engaged, the small spheres  701  extrude from the upper base  301  and mechanically engage the interior wall  1512  thereby preventing the upper base  301  from being further rotated of tampered with. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment of the present inventive device, the present inventive device is installed onto a cover  1500 ) with a frame  1510  as follows. The cover  1500  is place in a convenient spot to begin work. In certain embodiments of the present invention, preliminary measurements are taken to establish an approximate location for holes to be drilled in the cover  1500 , and at least one hole is then drilled into the cover  1500 , in the standard method known in the art. In other embodiments, holes are already predrilled into the cover  1500 . After the hole(s) are in the cover  1500  the upper base  301  is inserted into the hole(s), known as orifice(s)  115 . At this time, the upper nut  30  is attached to the lower section  1301  so that the cover  1500  separates the proprietary face  407  from the upper nut  30 . In many embodiments of the present invention, the upper nut  30  acts as a stop so it is placed at a premeasured height on the thread  1301  to provide maximum locking tension. At this point, the lower base  501  (with the extended member  401  already attached) is placed below the upper nut  30  but with the lower section  1301  running through the large orifice  510  so that the lower section  1301  extrudes from the base  501 . The lower nut  1601  is then threaded on to the lower section  1301 . In many embodiments of the present invention it is preferable to have some space on the thread between the lower nut  1601  and the base  501 . After lower nut  1601  is attached the washer  602  and then the screw  603  are attached. 
         [0047]    In one embodiment of the present inventive device, the present inventive device is installed onto a cover  1500 . The cover  1500  is place in a convenient spot to begin work. In certain embodiments of the present invention, preliminary measurements are taken to establish an approximate location for holes to be drilled in the cover  1500 , and at least one hole is then drilled into the cover  1500 , in the standard method known in the art. In other embodiments, holes are already predrilled into the cover  1500 . After the hole(s) are in the cover  1500  the upper base  301  is inserted into the hole(s), known as orifice(s)  115 . At this time, the upper nut  30  is attached to the lower section  1301  so that the cover  1500  separates the proprietary face  407  from the upper nut  30 . In many embodiments of the present invention, the upper nut  30  acts as a stop so it is placed at a premeasured height on the thread  1301  to provide maximum locking tension. At this point, the cam  1503  is placed below the upper nut  30  but with the lower section  1301  running through the large orifice  1504  so that the lower section  1301  extrudes from the cam  1503 . The lower nut  1601  is then threaded on to the lower section  1301 . In many embodiments of the present invention it is preferable to have some space on the thread between the lower nut  1601  and the cam  1503 . After lower nut  1601  is attached the washer  602  and then the screw  603  are attached. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment of the present inventive device, the present inventive device, once installed onto a cover  1500  is operated in the following manner. Once installed on the cover  1500 , the entire turnkey unit  407  is put into mechanical communication with the proprietary engagement face  408 . The indention grove  451  is aligned with the male mating member  1451 . At this point, in some embodiments of the present invention the male engagement face for the engagement screw unit  1200  is then inserted into indention  121  and rotated. The rotation of the screw unit  1200  will cause the rotation of the upper base  301 . In many embodiments of the present invention, the upper nut  30  acts as a stop so it is placed at a premeasured height on the thread  1301  to provide maximum locking tension. In some embodiments an additional lock washer is placed between nut  30  and the lower base  501 , or cam  1503 , to prevent further stop of upward movement of the base  501  or cam  1503  going up the thread  1301 . The rotation of the upper base  301  will cause the upper nut  45  to move and the lower nut  1601  to move into mechanical communication with large washer  1507 . This insertion by the lower nut  1601 , will cause the cam  1503  to rotate as well. As the cam  1503  is rotating it will rotate up the thread if the lower section  1301  is being rotated one direction and down the lower section  1301  if rotated the other direction. Once the cam  1503  is sufficiently rotated up the thread, the extended face  1509  will engage the lower frame wall  1515 , or and solid materials, such as concrete, into which the extended face  1509  comes into contact and stop the rotation of the cam  1503 . At this time further torque on the thread will cause the lower nut  1601  to rotate and then firmly engage the large washer  1507  therein prevention any further rotation of the lower nut  1601 . 
         [0049]    In one embodiment of the present inventive device, the present inventive device, once installed onto a cover  1500  with a frame  1510 , is operated in the following manner. Once installed on the cover  1500 , the entire turnkey unit  407  is put into mechanical communication with the proprietary engagement face  408 . The indention grove  451  is aligned with the male mating member  1451 . At this point, in some embodiments of the present invention the male engagement face for the engagement screw unit  1200  is then inserted into indention  121  and rotated. The rotation of the screw unit  1200  will cause the rotation of the upper base  301 . The rotation of the upper base  301  will cause the upper nut  45  to move and the lower nut  1601  to insert itself partially into the semicuboidal indention  502 . In many embodiments of the present invention, the upper nut  30  acts as a stop so it is placed at a premeasured height on the thread  1301  to provide maximum locking tension. In some embodiments an additional lock washer is placed between nut  30  and the lower base  501 , or cam  1503 , to prevent further stop of upward movement of the base  501  or cam  1503  going up the thread  1301 . This insertion by the lower nut  1601 , will cause the lower base  501  to rotate as well. As all the lower base  501  is rotating it will rotate up the thread if the lower section  1301  is being rotated one direction and down the lower section  1301  if rotated the other direction. Once the lower base  501  is sufficiently rotated up the thread, the inclined plane  503  will engage the lower frame wall  1515  and stop the rotation of the lower base  501 . At this time further torque on the thread will cause the lower nut  1601  to rotate and then firmly situate itself into the semicuboidal indention  502  there in prevention any further rotation of the lower nut  1601 . 
         [0050]    In order to disengage the present inventive device from operation, the aforementioned steps found in paragraphs [0048 or 0049] are reversed. In order to uninstall the present inventive device from a cover, the aforementioned steps found in paragraphs [0046 or 0047] are reversed. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment of the present inventive device, the present inventive device can be utilized as above, but with additional locking features. In this embodiment, after the aforementioned steps for operation are engaged the additional steps for further engagement can be undertaken. In order to further engage the present inventive device, the user need to insert the key  202  into the engagement cover  215  and rotate the key  202  in relation to the locking screw  201  therein causing the locking screw  201  to rotate and push downward on the large sphere(s)  601 . In several embodiments of the present invention, the locking screw  211 , when rotated, will push on the large sphere(s)  601  causing it to move the small spheres  701  outward and through the small sphere openings  308  and mechanically engage the interior wall  1003  of the orifice  115  therein preventing the upper base  507  from being rotated further or removed from the orifice  115 . 
         [0052]    In order to disengage the present inventive device, after the additional locking features are enabled, the key  202  is reinserted into the cover engagement cover  215  and counter-rotated thereby causing the locking screw  201  to counter-rotate upwards which allows the large sphere(s)  601  to move and small spheres  701  to retract into the base  301  and disengage. In some embodiments of the present invention, the counter rotation of cover  215  breaks the downward tension on sphere(s)  601  and thus allows small spheres  701  to retract back into small sphere openings  308 . This break in tension allows for the free movement of the present invention. 
         [0053]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in one embodiment of the present invention, without a cover, the present invention is assembled in the following manner. In one embodiment, the invention has a cylindrical base  301 , although other geometric shapes can be used in the present invention, including cubes, spheres, cones, cylinders or other solid shapes, into which there are preferably two sets of openings the upper opening  302  and the small sphere openings  308 . In one preferred embodiment the small spheres  701  are placed into the hollow interior  103  of the base  301 . It is preferable that the amount of small spheres  701  correspond with the same number of small sphere openings  308 . The small sphere openings  308  are preferably designed to be of a smaller diameter than the small spheres  701 , so the small spheres  701  will not fall out of the inventive locking system  300  when the locking system  300  is in use. In some embodiments of the present invention, the small sphere openings  308  are pinched or mechanically squeezed to make a smaller circumference after the small spheres  701  are inserted, this prevents the small spheres  701  from falling out of the locking system  300 , when the base is removed. At this point, in one embodiment of the invention, the large sphere(s)  601  are placed into the base  301 . It is preferable that in many embodiments of the present invention the large sphere(s)  601  are of a larger diameter than the small spheres  701 . In several embodiments of the present invention, several large sphere(s)  601  maybe used and stack on top of each other in the base  301 . In several embodiments of the present invention, after the large sphere(s)  601  is inserted then the locking screw  201  with locking threading  211  is screwed onto the base  301  in mechanical communication with locking threads  309 . 
         [0054]    Once the spheres are installed, the upper base  301  is then threaded on the upper nut  45 . The lower base  501  is prepared by installing the extended member  401  on the lower base  501  by screws  412  through the orifices on the extended member  401  and the lower base  501 . The lower base  501  is then attached to the upper base  301  by putting the lower section  1301  through the large orifice  510  on the lower base  501 . It should be noted, that in many embodiments of the present invention, nut  30  is threaded onto the lower section  1301  prior to the lower nut  1601  being threaded onto the lower section  1301 . The lower nut  1601  is then threaded on to the lower thread. In many embodiments of the present invention it is preferable to have some space on the thread between the lower nut  1601  and the base  501 . After lower nut  1601  is attached the washer  602  and then the screw  603  are attached. This washer is necessary to prevent the over loosening of  501  and thus is coming off the lower section  1301 . This washer  602  and screw  603  are in place to prevent just that, the accidental over loosening of base  501  and thus is coming off. 
         [0055]    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 Category: 0