Patent · US Expired

Locking cap system

US6698261B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
43References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 17, 2002
Grant dateMar 2, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 17, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T403/7058
  • WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A locking cap is selectively locked into place within a tubular opening, such as the open end of a standpipe used to charge a building sprinkler system. The locking cap has an expandable sleeve and a spreader member. As a key is turned, the spreader member is drawn into the expandable sleeve which is urged outward. The outward movement of the expandable sleeve increases a frictional component such that the expandable sleeve becomes frictionally locked within the tubular opening. The key has an end design that is complemented by an end of an actuator shaft such that the likelihood of unauthorized removal of the locking cap is reduced.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.