The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 23, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 31, 1999
Michael P Hardy, Wernersville, PA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A security device for a utility shutoff valve and a tool for inserting and removing the security device. The security device and tool are utilized for water and gas shutoff valves located underground that are accessed through a vertical access pipe. The invention is a cylindrical plug which is placed inside the access pipe, resting on top of the valve. The plug includes a grip resistant dummy valve handle which, when turned, causes the plug to rotate without having any effect on the valve. The plug is also very difficult to remove without the insertion/removal tool, comprising an inverted cup with a long handle, wherein the inside of the cup is lined with horizontal steel bristles. When the cup is placed over the top of the plug, the bristles enter corresponding holes in the dummy valve handle, allowing the plug to be lifted.