GB585811A - Improvements in or relating to tap locking devices - Google Patents

Abstract

585,811. Pipe joints. COOPE, J. T. L. Dec. 16, 1943, Nos. 21139/43 and 23463/44. [Class 99 (i)] [Also in Group XXIX] A pipe is prevented from becoming disconnected from a gas or like tap by an operating member which serves to disengage a spring- actuated locking device from the tap valve when in its operative position. The operating member is held in its operative position by engaging a part of the tap valve when the latter is in the open position. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the locking device comprises a U- shaped member 6 urged by a spring 7. to engage flats 5 on the tap valve or plug 4 when the latter is in the closed position. The member 6 is slidable in a guideway 2 in the tap body 1 and can be moved out of engagement with the plug 4 by an operating member 8 also slidable in the guideway 2 and having a bifurcated part 9 which freely embraces the plug 4 without restraining its rotation. The member 8 may be loosely mounted on a flexible or other pipe 11 connected to the outlet 3 or on a rubber or like resilient union 10. When the member 8 is in its operative position and the tap is open as shown in Fig. 2, the member 8 cannot be withdrawn and hence the pipe 11 uncoupled until the tap is: again closed. The member 8 may have resilient arms to facilitate clipping to the pipe or union. Fig. 5 shows a modification in which the locking device comprises a pivoted pawl 16 moved into engagement with a coacting part 17 of the tap plug 4 by a spring 19 and held out of engagement with the plug 4 by an operating member 18 shaped at 20 to allow the plug 4 to rotate freely, In a further modification, the pawl itself is constituted as a double flat spring. In all cases, the spring of the locking device may be sufficiently strong to throw the operating member clear of the tap body when the tap is turned to its closed position. According to the first Provisional Specification, the operating member may form the means for clipping the union to the flexible or other pipe. According to the second Provisional Specification, the operating member may be formed as a flat bar with a hole for the free rotation of the tap valve and a slot leading off rearwardly from the hole to form a locking recess.