Abstract: A configurable valve lock consists of two main components, a valve lock cover and a valve lock cap. The valve lock cover is a hollow cylinder with a top, an open bottom and a side. The top has an opening that accepts a portion of the valve lock cap. The interior surface of the cover may be threaded to join with the threaded propane tank valve or may be configured to fit multiple types of connections. The exterior surface of the cover may be faceted to accept a tool, such as a wrench, to firmly tighten the cover onto the propane tank valve. The valve lock cap is a hollow cylinder with a top, side and an open bottom. The top holds a cap lock. The cap lock has a stem that extends into the interior of the cap. The stem has a latch that extends outwardly into the interior of the cap/cover or retracts into the stem. The interior circumference of the cap is slightly larger than the exterior circumference of the cover and when installed, the cap freely rotates around the cover.

Abstract: A propane tank safety device and a method are provided which permit service personnel or others to easily install the device on a tank such as a propane tank. In the preferred embodiment, the device includes a male protective cap and a female receiver that cooperate together to block and lock an outlet stem of a tank service valve. The protective cap comprises a stem attached to a dome. Housed within the protective cap is a lock such as a plug cylinder lock. The lock includes a latch that, in the extended and locked position, protrudes outwardly from the stem. The bottom surface of the dome of the protective cap has a longitudinally extending lip that is shaped to completely cover a top surface of the receiver. The receiver has a top and a bottom and a longitudinally extending bore therein opening to the top, an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface is partially threaded to match the ASME standard thread used in the outlet stem of a propane tank valve.