Abstract: A manhole security device for securing a manhole access opening includes a circular barrier adapted to rest on a manhole cover support flange of a manhole frame. Locking members on the barrier are movable between a locked position in which the locking members are adapted to engage the manhole frame and an unlocked position in which the locking members are not adapted to engage the manhole frame. A biasing mechanism on the barrier is adapted to bias each locking member to its locked position. A rotatable locking mechanism on the barrier engages the locking members and has a locking rotational position wherein the locking members are in the locked position and an unlocking rotational position wherein the locking members are in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism has a security lock adapted to receive a security key that applies a rotational torque to the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A security key tool for unlocking and locking a manhole security device that secures a manhole access opening. The security key tool includes a longitudinal body portion and a handle portion. A security key at a first end of the longitudinal portion is adapted to engage a security lock on the security device for actuating a locking mechanism on the security device to an unlocked position. A slidable member may be used to help engage the security key to the security lock or to protect the security key. A latch release tool at a second end of the longitudinal portion is adapted to release a latch on the manhole security device for actuating the locking mechanism to a locked position. Optionally, the latch release tool may be disposed on a tool head that also includes a lifting tool adapted to engage and lift the security device away from a manhole frame after the security device is unlocked.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a two-piece clip bracket having a stationary bracket member and a movable bracket member pivotally mounted to the stationary bracket member. The stationary bracket member is adapted to engage outside and inside surfaces of a wall of the box frame and remain stationary with respect thereto when the stationary bracket member is in an installation position. The movable bracket member is pivotable relative to the stationary bracket member into and out of engagement with the outside surface of the wall when the stationary bracket member is in the installation position. A lock body is adapted to latch to the movable bracket member and engage the cover. A spacer is mounted to the stationary bracket member and adapted to block movement of the movable bracket relative to the stationary bracket member when the movable bracket member is in engagement with the exterior surface of the wall.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.

Abstract: A lightweight lug nut including a grooved body for receiving a wrench, a nose on the body for bearing against a rim, a threaded portion within the body, an enlarged bore between the threaded portion and the end of the body remote from the nose, a chamfer on the end of the body remote from the nose, a chamfered shoulder between the grooves and the nose, a plurality of teats at the remote end extending inwardly toward the enlarged bore, and a cap for mounting at the remote end and including a groove for receiving the plurality of teats.

Abstract: A locknut including a nut member having an internal thread extending throughout its length, a key-receiving configuration on the outer end of the nut member in radial overlapping relationship with a portion of the internal thread, a shroud rotatably mounted on the nut member and having an annular end which is in radial overlapping relationship with the key-receiving configuration, an internal flange on the shroud, an external groove in the nut member for receiving the internal flange to permit relative rotation between the nut member and the shroud while preventing separation therebetween, a cam surface on the nut member over which the internal flange travels to be positioned within the external groove on the nut member, an external flange on the nut member, and an internal shoulder on the shroud for engagement by the external flange to permit the nut member to rotate relative to the shroud while the external flange is in engagement with the internal shoulder.

Abstract: A pipe plug which cannot be removed from a pipe with the same key with which it is installed, the pipe plug having a body with a plurality of arcuate grooves having inclined arcuate ramps leading from its face into its body and terminating at shoulders for abutting engagement with first key having pins which bear against the shoulders to tighten the plug in the pipe but which cannot loosen the plug because the pins will ride up the ramps and cam out of engagement withthe plug, and a second key for removing the plug including a ridge on the second key for mating with a complementary curvilinear groove in the plug. A counterbore is provided in the face of the plug to receive portions of the ridge which are of substantially the same diameter as the counterbore to thereby center the second key with respect to the plug and guide it while the second key is rotated until the ridge thereon falls into the groove to effect mating engagement therewith.

Abstract: A pipe plug which cannot be removed from a pipe with the same key with which it is installed, the pipe plug having a body with a plurality of arcuate grooves having inclined arcuate ramps leading from its face into its body and terminating at shoulders for abutting engagement with first key having pins which bear against the shoulders to tighten the plug in the pipe but which cannot loosen the plug because the pins will ride up the ramps and cam out of engagement with the plug, and a second key for removing the plug including a ridge on the second key for mating with a complementary curvilinear groove in the plug. A counterbore is provided in the face of the plug to receive portions of the ridge which are of substantially the same diameter as the counterbore to thereby center the second key with respect to the plug and guide it while the second key is rotated until the ridge thereon falls into the groove to effect mating engagement therewith.

Abstract: An operating nut construction for a fire hydrant including a body member having a lower tapped portion for threadably receiving a fire hydrant valve rod, a sleeve rotatably mounted on the body member against axial movement, a cap rotatably mounted on the body member against axial movement, a narrow gap between the sleeve and the cap, and a plurality of shallow depressions in the body member aligned with the gap for reception of a specialized wrench having narrow shoulders thereon to turn the body member. The rotation of the sleeve or the cap or both will not turn the body member because they are rotatably mounted thereon.

Abstract: An obstructing plate construction for a tank having an opening in a top wall thereof and a cover with a base plate having an opening aligned with the opening in the top wall, the obstructing plate construction including an adapter plate mounted between the base plate and the top wall, bolts permanently affixed to the adapter plate for receiving nuts at the underside of the top wall, an opening in the adapter plate aligned with the opening in the top wall and the opening in the base plate, a plurality of nut and bolt assemblies extending through the base plate, adapter plate and top wall for securing them in assembled relationship, an obstructing plate, and locking bolts for selectively securing the obstructing plate to the adapter plate in obstructing relationship to aligned openings in the base plate, adapter plate and top wall.