Abstract: A lock comprises a housing defining a mounting face, a locking mechanism accommodated in the housing and operable to change between a locking state and a release state and a set of operating elements with buttons accessible at the front of the housing and actuable, such as by axial displacement, to operate the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be changed from the locking state to the release state in response to actuation of, and only of, a selected group of the operating elements. These elements can additionally be manipulated, in particular rotated, to select the group. The buttons of the selected group can be identified by respectively associated digits forming a code. The lock further comprises a slidable blocking plate blocking the rotation of the operating elements and cancelling means operable to cancel the blocking by the plate.

Abstract: A ground anchor having an elongated shaft with upper and lower ends, a grooved locking post on the upper end; an threaded auger fixed to the lower end, an engagement area for engaging an external tool, a sleeve mounted over the main shaft, which spins freely, and an attachment member configured to secure one or more of an external lock, chain, rope or cable attached to an external object to thereby anchor the external object when the main shaft is screwed into the ground, and a lock device configured to cover and lock onto the grooved locking post so the attachment member and sleeve cannot be removed, whereby the sleeve covers the main shaft and obstructs access to the main shaft to prevent unwanted persons from removing it.

Abstract: A locking cap apparatus includes a cap assembly having an outer cap and an inner cap received within the outer cap, and further includes lock setting members. The outer cap includes an actuator coupled with a plunger. The plunger and the actuator are movable within and relative to the outer and inner cap. The cap assembly is rotatably and releasably coupled with external threads of a bottle. The plunger has a locked position, an unlocked position, and a lock change position, where the outer cap is rotatable relative to the bottle when the plunger is in the locked position, unlocked position, and optionally in the combination change position. Lock setting members are interactively coupled with the shaft of the plunger.

Abstract: A device to prevent removal of fuel and oil caps includes a pin having a shaft with a first and second end; a head at the first end of the shaft; a locking element at the second end of the shaft; a pad having an adhesive surface that fixes to the cap; a grommet that forms an aperture in the pad that receives the shaft of the pin so that the pad rotatably retains the pin to the cap; and a cover that is rotatably retained over the cap by the pin and the locking element so that the cap generally covers the cap and rotates independently from the cap, thereby deterring removal of the cap.

Abstract: A hydrant locking device inhibiting unauthorized operation of a fire hydrant and includes a flip-top lid positioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to a base. The flip-top lid is hingedly connected to the base of the locking device. The base may be releasably secured to an operating nut of the fire hydrant or more specifically an operating nut extension that engages the operating nut of the fire hydrant. The flip-top lid may also include a sealed cavity that may include electronics. These electronics may be in electrical communication with a wireless mesh network.

Abstract: A securing mechanism cooperating with a device that is to be secured, having a closing part, which can be slipped onto a free end region of the device. Locking elements are rotatably mounted in the closing part and engage into an annular groove of the device by an engaging element to lock it, except in one defined position of rotation. An adjusting member engages in an end region of the locking elements accessible from outside. A spring presses the locking element against a contact area of the closing part in the direction of the axis of rotation thereof forming a brake. A catching structure provided with a plurality of catching points is disposed on an annular surface of the locking elements. A catching element engages into the catching points when the respective locking element is rotated, at least when the closing part is tilted.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for securing access to an underground device such as a storage tank. A lockable blocking plate is secured to a filler cap for an underground storage tank in a manner to inhibit access to the filler cap. The locking mechanism is configured such that the lock and blocking plate may freely rotate with respect to the filler cap. The blocking plate may include a side skirt extending to cover portions of the filler cap and, optionally, portions of a standpipe and coupling for the filler cap. Free rotation is enabled by way of an annular groove in a portion of the locking mechanism, and into which groove one or more locking portions may be inserted, or by way of a freely moving swivel boss attached to the filler cap.

Abstract: A removable cap for fuel tanks of vehicles includes a gripping portion and a locking portion, operatively set between which is a key-operated locking device. In the closing condition of the device, a rotation movement imparted manually upon the gripping portion is not transferred to the locking portion, while in the opening condition of the device a rotation movement imparted manually upon the first part is transferred to the clamping portion. In the closing condition at least one component of the locking device is rotatable together with the gripping portion, and switching with the key of the locking device between the conditions of closing and opening causes an angular movement of the component with respect to the gripping portion, between a first pre-defined angular position and a second pre-defined angular position.

Abstract: A cap for selective attachment with a threaded opening includes an outer cover and an inner portion, the inner portion lying at least partially within the outer cover and having threads engageable with the threaded opening and a set of circumferentially-spaced teeth arranged to selectively receive torque from manual rotation of the outer cover. A slider in constant driving engagement with the outer cover is selectively engageable with the teeth of the inner portion to transmit torque from the outer cover to the inner portion. An actuator is provided to actuate the slider into and out of engagement with the teeth of the inner portion. A lock is provided accessible from outside the outer cover and being coupled to the actuator. A locked state of the cap is one in which the slider is removed from engagement with the teeth of the inner portion by the lock and actuator and an unlocked state of the cap is one in which the slider is engaged with the teeth of the inner portion.

Abstract: A safety device of a cap sealing a liner of a thermos bottle comprises a rod of a pushing member passing through a through hole of a lock assembly that is for being screws with the opening of the liner wherein after the rod is pierced into an accommodating space of the lock assembly and combined with components therein, the rod juts out a fastening member deposited in the depression of the cap to be combined with a moving member, whereby when there is a pressurized steam in the liner, the steam lifts the pushing member so that the rod pushes upward to disengage the moving member from a recess of the fastening member and in turn sit the moving member in the corresponding gaps of the upper decorating plate so that this point, even if the cap is rotated, the cap does not drive the lock assembly to rotate.

Abstract: A security cover for an automatic gate arm protects against disengagement and removal of the gate arm for the purpose of unauthorized entry through the gate. The security cover comprises four walls and a top plate joined to form a housing that encloses a rotating turret and a portion of a drive arm used to actuate the gate. The security cover mounts over the turret using a vertical rod that extends from above the housing to a location within the drive mechanism of the gate arm motor, and a lock that secures the housing and prevents unauthorized tampering with the drive arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrant locking device to be used in conjunction with a fire hydrant having locking nuts which includes, a base arm having a first base arm portion and a second base arm portion. A top arm extends upwardly from the base arm and includes a top arm cap for covering at least one of the locking nuts. The first base arm portion is detachably secured to the second base arm portion, wherein the base arm and the top arm are secured to the fire hydrant when the first base arm portion is secured to the second base arm portion.

Abstract: A fuel filler assembly, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a filler, and a cap for closing a mouth of the filler and provided internally with a cylinder rotated by means of an operating key is disclosed. A reversible locking arrangement is provided for reversibly locking relative rotation of the cylinder with respect to the cap to selectively assume, when the cap is fitted closing the filler, a first operating position permitting relative rotation of the cylinder with respect to the cap and, hence, withdrawal of the operating key, and, when the cap is detached from the filler, a second operating position preventing relative rotation of the cylinder with respect to the cap and, hence, withdrawal of the operating key from the cylinder.

Abstract: A lockable fuel cap is provided including a closure member having a drive tooth and a removal hub. The hub includes a drive lug and moves between a lock position in which the drive lug is spaced-apart from the drive tooth and a release position in which the drive lug engages the drive tooth. An outer shell is also provided and includes an interior wall defining a guiding slot to receive the drive lug and guide movement of the removal hub between the two positions. The shell is drivingly coupled to the hub so that the member remains stationary upon rotation of the shell when the drive lug is in the lock position. The member rotates upon rotation of the shell when the drive lug is in the release position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for preventing unauthorized use of an engine provided with a spark plug, from which the ignition cable has been removed and conditions have been provided which will enable the spark plug to be covered and therewith made irremovable, or at least not readily removable. The device includes a sleeve (6) which can be fitted over a spark plug (2) to which no ignition cable is connected, and a spark-plug coacting locking part (4, 5). The sleeve (6) and the locking part can be locked in a position relative to one another or in a position in which they are able to move relative to one another, through the medium of a locking device (7).

Abstract: A lockable cover and seal for a threaded nozzle or spout, such as a hose bib cock assembly having a passageway, an end face, an external threaded portion adjacent the end face, and anti-siphon valve in the passageway including a portion protruding outward of the end face, generally includes, in combination, a lid, a seal, a swivel arm, and a shielding cap. The lid is bell-shaped and has a central axis, an inner end including a threaded portion for threaded engagement with the threaded portion of the spout, a central cavity and an annular shoulder facing inwardly for juxtaposition to the spout end face. The seal includes an inner side for sealing against the end face of the spout and an outer side for sealing against said annular shoulder and a forward extending central recess for receiving any protruding portion of the anti-siphon valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a key and bolt lock device. The key is constructed in a housing shell to be received by the head of the bolt. The key includes a power source, typically a battery, and a transmit coil which is capable of transmitting both energy and data from the key to a receiving coil in the bolt. This energy and data transfer is usually conducted by magnetic coupling. The key also includes a memory device for storing security codes which are used to compare to security codes stored in the bolt as well as a device for retrieving and transmitting the security code, typically an 8-bit microcontroller. The bolt has a body which is operatively associated with a head of the bolt so that the head rotates on the body when the bolt is in a locked position. The bolt also includes a latching device which is capable of attaching the head of the bolt to the body of the bolt so that the head and body may be rotated together.

Abstract: The closure includes a base adapted to be screwed into a fuel tank filler pipe and having a fill opening normally closed by a hinged flapper which is opened when a fuel nozzle is inserted into the fill opening. The base is shielded against being manually gripped and unscrewed from the filler pipe by a cover also having a fill opening and normally supported for free rotation on the base so that turning of the cover normally is ineffective to unscrew the base. When a key is inserted into the cover, it couples the cover and the base for rotation as a unit and thereby enables the base to be unscrewed from the filler pipe. The same key also is used to actuate a locking device for locking the flapper in its closed position.

Abstract: A security device for use with rotatable door knobs which incorporates a pair of generally cylindrical members positioned on a door knob and telescoped together to receive a padlock to prevent separation. The housing members rotate relative to each other and to the door knob to prevent actuation of the door knob and access to any keyed lock that may be incorporated in the knob.

Abstract: A housing structure having a first shell and second shell arranged for hinged securement together and including a cooperative lock to permit latching of the first and second shells together to receive a gear shift knob within the shell when secured together preventing access to the gear shift knob release button.

Abstract: A theft prevention device for use in the mounting of automotive audio equipment, such as a two-way radio to a secure structure, such as a "U" bracket or trunnion. The invention is a generally conical-shaped mounting knob that threadably attaches the audio equipment to the mounting bracket. Attached to one end of the knob enclosure is a key lock and attached to the opposite end is a threaded stud that is able to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the enclosure. In operation, the knob, in its unlocked position, is rotated clockwise until the threaded stud is securely attached to its threaded counterpart on the radio. In this position, the lock assembly rotates a cam plate so that an engaging disc engages both the knob enclosure and a stud plate allowing torque applied to the enclosure to be transferred to the threaded stud. The knob is then locked.

Abstract: A fuel tank plug structure has a cap assembly provided with a cap member and a push button combination lock, a fixing plate including a lever for cooperating with the push button combination lock, an intermediate portion below the fixing plate defining a interior storage compartment adapted to contain articles such as keys, money, etc., a clogging assembly provided with a tubular portion including a lower engaging portion configured to be removably, received on, so as to close, a container or vehicle fuel tank filler neck and a supporting member causing the intermediate portion to be engaged with the tubular portion through a sealing member. The push button combination lock has a slider which will engage the fixing plate with the intermediate portion upon depressing a correct series of buttons and will disengage the cap member from the intermediate portion when the correct series of buttons are not depressed.

Abstract: A waterlock comprises a threaded cap nut (11) which fits tightly over the threaded end of a water pipe (15) or faucet (21). A sleeve (10) fits over the cap nut to prevent access to the nut. The sleeve is free to rotate about the cap nut such that turning the sleeve will not turn the nut. The nut has a flat end with a central hole (16), while the sleeve also has a flat end with a central hole (14). A stem (12) with a flange (17) at its base extends outwardly through the holes. The flange secures the stem to the nut by engaging the inside of the nut. An orthogonal hole (18) in the stem accepts a padlock (20) which prevents the sleeve from being removed from the cap nut.

Abstract: Apparatus for lockably covering a rotatable article, such as a doorknob, fuel can cap, and the like, so as to prevent the grasping of the rotatable article, the invention including an axially extending pin attachable to the rotatable article to extend axially therefrom, and the pin having an outer end that is shaped for grasping, the apparatus of the invention further including a covering cap with a generally cylindrical main wall and which cap is open at one end, and also having a circular front wall with a generally cylindrical wall extending therefrom, the circular wall of the cap having a central aperture therein for freely receiving therethrough the pin so that the cap is freely rotatable about the pin, wherein the rotatable article is substantially received within the confines of the cap and completely surrounded thereby. There is lock means for releasably engaging the outer, shaped end of the pin so as to prevent the outward removal of the shielding cap.

Abstract: A locking spout closure cap is set forth provided with a threaded cylindrical lowermost portion with a cap mounted about the uppermost portion. Underlying the cap are plural pairs of combination dials provided with operative engagement with downwardly extending positioning legs. The combination dials are mounted about posts with an alignment plate operably secured to the posts wherein each of the combination dials must be rotated into alignment to position each respective positioning leg in overlying engagement with a predetermined orientation of latch openings secured to a combination plate to enable operative engagement with the uppermost portion of the combination plate to enable securement or removal of the cap relative to an associated spout.

Abstract: The device comprises a sleeve (10,10') which serves to cover the polygonal head (4) of a wheel nut or bolt. The sleeve supports a lock cylinder (18) from which a locking member (28,36) projects for co-operating with a radial shoulder (6,6') formed in the head (4). The locking member (28,36) is retracted by means of a key (24) rotating the cylinder plug (20,20'). The sleeve (10,10') can be pushed on to the head (4) without using the key (24). The locking member (28,36) may be constituted by a latch (28) or annular spring (36).

Abstract: A device for protecting motor-vehicles against theft comprising a freely rotatable sleeve covering the polygonal head of a wheel nut or screw, into which sleeve a cylinder lock engages rotatably, which lock is provided with at least one tumbler entering the inner wall of a cylinder lock location cavity of said polygonal head which projects beyond the circumference of said cylinder lock. In the locking position, said tumbler engages behind a cooperating locking shoulder which is located on an annular body inserted into an axial chamber of said polygonal head and locked in position thereto.

Abstract: A push button combination lock type gas cap and an actuator forming a part thereof, takes the form of a casing which may be mounted to an open end of a fuel tank filling neck with a stopper mounted within the casing for movement between a first position in which the cap is removable from the filler neck, and a second position where the cap is locked thereto. A first center push button mounted on the casing for movement in the direction of its axis between projected and depressed position, shifts the stopper to the first position for locking the cap to the filler tube upon depression thereof. The first push button is maintained in depressed position with a laterally shiftable slide plate operatively engaging the first push button for normally preventing retraction of the first push button absent a selective depression of one or more of a plurality of second push buttons mounted circumferentially about the center push button.

Abstract: A center locking device of intermediary plate type for a disc wheel of motor vehicle. The device has a cap nut screwed onto a threaded section of a flange fixed to the axle of the disc wheel. The disc wheel is clamped between the cap nut and the flange. A locking device is provided to lock the cap nut to the threaded section of the flange for preventing the disc wheel from becoming loose and/or theft of the disc wheel.

Abstract: Unauthorized tapping onto ground level cable TV junction connector boxes or the like is prevented by an anti-tapping device which is removably anchored into the ground so that it resists tilting; has a housing enclosing the junction box, and the removal and anti-tilt means; and has a locking means which rotatably mounts the housing so that it readily rotates, thus frustrating attempts to gain access to the junction connectors.

Abstract: A locking fuel cap has a lock bolt which is slidably disposed in the cap handle and responsive to a key-operated lock mechanism to selectively drivingly connnect the cap handle to a ratchet ring. The ratchet ring is connected through a torque limiting drive to a threaded closure. When the fuel cap is unlocked, the lock bolt provides a positive drive in both opening and closing directions. If the fuel cap is locked, a spring finger on the lock bolt engages a pin on the lock mechanism when a predetermined torque is present at the ratchet ring during cap installation. The pin holds the lock bolt in a position preventing a drive connection with the ratchet ring thereafter when the cap is rotated in the opening direction.

Abstract: A fill pipe lock assembly for protecting the fill pipe cap of an underground flammable liquid storage tank is disclosed. The lock assembly includes a floating baseplate inserted over the top of the fill pipe and below the adaptor ring and a removable cover. The baseplate is in loose engagement about the fill pipe in a manner which permits the baseplate to be rotated freely about the fill pipe. The baseplate and cover include a pair of cooperating, diametrically opposed, hasps and openings to removably lock the cover to the floating baseplate.

Abstract: A locking fuel cap has a handgripping shell that is selectively connected to a threaded closure through a lock mechanism and a torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism is operable to limit torque in the closing direction. The lock mechanism has a key actuated latch member which is engageable with a drive finger to align the drive finger with cooperating drive surfaces on the torque limiting mechanism when the fuel cap is unlocked. The latch mechanism maintains the drive finger aligned when the key is operated to the lock position until the fuel cap is installed. The latch mechanism is released by the drive finger engaging the drive surface during such installation so that the drive finger can return to the unaligned position if removal of the fuel cap is attempted while the lock mechanism is in the locked position.

Abstract: Two caps are axially nested so that a smaller inner threaded cap is free to rotate within the outer larger protective cap and retained therein to form a security lock cap unit for gas supply tanks. It includes a locking means associated with the outer cap whereby the inner cap can be selectively engaged by the locking means to prevent its relative rotation, allowing the inner cap to be screwed on to a gas supply tank by rotating the outer protective cap and thereafter the inner cap is released by the locking means and retained in a disengaged position to prevent removal of the locking cap unit without a key to the locking means.

Abstract: A fuel cap has a locking mechanism for preventing unauthorized removal of the fuel cap from the fuel fill tube. The lock mechanism includes a cam structure which is operable to provide a selective drive connection, depending upon the condition of the lock mechanism, between the hand grip portion and the threaded closure portion of the fuel cap during rotation of the hand grip in the cap removal direction. The cam mechanism is operable to provide a drive connection in the cap insertion direction regardless of the condition of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A tank closure mechanism, especially for a fuel tank of an automotive vehicle, with a locking tube pertaining to the cap proper and including a pressure plate and a gasket. The locking tube is rotatable by rotating the cap housing during locking operation of the cap by a latch of a lock cylinder but remains stationary after an unlocking during a rotation of the cap housing. A clamping ring exerting a tightening clamp is rotatable together with the locking tube. A compression spring of a bayonet catch presses against the clamping ring with the spring being supported on the cap and the pressure plate. The locking tube and pressure plate are fashioned so as to be bi-partite and the pressure plate extends over the locking tube with a sliding fit or the like.

Abstract: A shield is rotatably mounted to a threaded element of the closure on an axis coincident with the axis of the threaded element, so that the shield impedes access to the threaded element. The shield can be removed from the threaded element or connected to the threaded element only upon actuation of the closure by an appropriate key. Absent such actuation, the threaded element cannot be rotated for disengagement from the conduit by rotating the shield. The closure is protected against attempts to disengage it from the conduit by bonding the shield to the threaded element with an adhesive and rotating the shield.

Abstract: A locking gas cap for a threaded filler neck having a sealing lip extending peripherally about its axis, the cap comprising a closure member threaded to engage and close the filler neck, a gasket on the closure member for engaging and sealing against the lip, an outer shell providing a hand grip secured to the closure member for rotation thereon, a key-operated lock and at least one lock-actuable bolt connected to the shell for rotation therewith. A race is disposed for rotation in the shell, and a driving connection is provided between the race and the closure member which is torque limited in the direction which advances the closure member on the filler neck and positive in the cap removal direction. A spring is provided for yieldably urging the bolt into engagement with the race. The spring cooperates with a plurality of engaging pockets in the race to provide a positive driving connection between the shell and race in the direction which advances the closure onto the filler neck.

Abstract: A tamper proof lug nut or bolt lock assembly includes a substantially cylindrical portion on which is rotatably mounted a sleeve having a hex portion for receiving a wrench and a selective coupling assembly disposed within the sleeve for selectively coupling and uncoupling the sleeve to the nut or bolt assembly by means of a key of a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: Lockable meter retention rings for securing electric meters in meter boxes comprise an inner ring of multiple arcuate parts wherein the inner ring has spaced-apart inwardly extending flanges for holding the electric meter in the meter box and a steel outer ring which fits over and engages with the inner ring wherein the outer ring keeps the inner ring assembled. The outer ring has a lock enclosure which, together with a portion of the inner ring, defines an opening for receiving and retaining a barrel lock, the barrel lock securing the rings together. Bayonet and screw type engagements between the inner and outer rings are disclosed, with the barrel lock preventing relative rotation of the rings necessary to disengage them. Another form of engagement has a flange of the outer ring received by the inner ring, with the barrel lock securing the outer ring to the inner ring diametrically opposite the flanged engagement.

Abstract: A threaded cap for sealing an automotive vehicle fuel tank is provided with a unitary molded central plastic core and a bonnet rotatably mounted on the plastic core. A pair of concentric races are defined on the plastic core. The inner race carries a unitary molded plastic frame which has a pair of resilient, closely spaced transverse cantilevered arms defining a gap therebetween. The frame is also provided with a resilient catch. A unitary molded plastic bolt is reciprocally movable along the gap to engage and disengage the core for rotation with the bonnet. The bolt has two detents which coact with the catch on the frame to hold the bolt at selected unlocking and locking dispositions of movement. The bolt includes a stud which projects into the gap between the arms so that the arms spring bias the bolt toward the locking disposition. A lock mechanism is used to shift the bolt to an unlocking disposition so that the fuel cap be disengaged from the fuel tank inlet pipe.

Abstract: A locking cap for a threaded filler neck includes a closure member for engaging and closing the neck, a shell providing a hand grip and including a key-actuable lock, and a race disposed for rotation between the shell and closure. The race includes axially inwardly opening pockets, and the closure includes flexible pawl fingers for engaging the pockets to provide a driving connection between the closure and race which is positive in the cap-removal direction and torque-limited in the cap-advancing direction. The race also includes a set of peripherally spaced, radially inwardly projecting teeth, and the shell is molded to provide a pair of flexible drive fingers for engaging the peripherally spaced and radially inwardly projecting teeth to provide a driving connection between the shell and race which is positive in the cap-advancing direction and torque-limited in the cap-removal direction for free ratcheting of the cap when it is in position on the filler neck and locked.

Abstract: A locking cap for a threaded filler neck includes a closure member for engaging and closing the neck, a shell providing a hand grip and including a key-actuable lock, and a race disposed for rotation between the shell and closure. The race includes axially inwardly opening pockets, and the closure includes flexible pawl fingers for engaging the pockets to provide a driving connection between the closure and race which is positive in the cap-removal direction and torque-limited in the cap-advancing direction. The race also includes a set of peripherally spaced, radially inwardly projecting teeth. A lock-controlled bolt member mounted in a hub which is connected for rotation with the shell is movable by the lock to a cap-removal position. The bolt member engages driving teeth provided within the closure member.

Abstract: A door lock system for the rear doors of the trailer of a tractor-trailer rig is disclosed. The lock system includes a locking bar fixedly secured to one door and attachably secured to a second door. A pin projects from the second door so that it may pass through an opening in the locking bar. A pin cover locks over the pin for securing the bar to the second door. In a preferred embodiment the pin is formed identical to a conventional trailer king pin or coupling pin so that the pin cover may be used either to lock the trailer doors or as a theft prevention device covering the king pin to prevent unauthorized coupling of unattended trailers.

Abstract: The invention consists of a screw cap assembly including a manually operable handle piece rotatable in both directions, a cylindrical case mechanically coupled with the handle piece for unitary rotation therewith, a key-operable cylinder lock mounted in the cylindrical case and capable of rotating only partially and independently therefrom when key-operated from outside, and a screw plug proper operably connected with the handle piece through the cylindrical case. The plug can be rotated in both screw-advancing and screw-retracting directions when the cylinder lock is key-operated to its unlocked position but only in the screw-advancing direction when the lock is in its locked position.

Abstract: A cap and filter assembly for fuel tanks of automotive vehicles is provided in which the cap comprises two hollow cylindrical members of plastic material. One of said members has at one end a handle and a circular flange of the closure of the filler opening and at the other end first snap means for engaging and retaining a cylinder lock and second snap means for receiving a complementary portion of the other of said hollow cylinder members. The engagement between the two members is established by means of mating square cross-section portions of said members.

Abstract: A lockable gas cap assembly includes an inner hollow shell adapted to be threadedly connected to the filler tube of a vehicle gas tank and an outer shell which coaxially surrounds the inner shell for removably retaining it for normal relative rotation with respect thereto. A two-part, key-operated locking member is likewise releasably secured within the outer sleeve, a front hollow portion of the locking member exhibiting a radial slot that is aligned with an inwardly cusped periphery of an aperture in the inner sleeve when such inner sleeve is likewise retained within the outer sleeve. A rear tumbler portion of the locking member has a forward projection with a recess or flat thereon, the recess being moved into registration with the slot in the hollow body when the key is operated.

Abstract: A fuel cap is provided for threaded engagement with a vehicle fuel tank inlet in which a locking mechanism employs a key to move a lug from a stable locking position to an unstable unlocking position. The key may be immediately removed and the fuel cap may be threadably disengaged from the inlet and thereafter reengaged therewith once fuel has been introduced into the tank. The key need not be employed to lock the fuel cap, since once manipulation of the fuel cap to threadably engage the cap with the fuel inlet is initiated, the lug is moved from the unstable unlocking position to a stable locking position. The cap may thereafter not be threadably disengaged from the fuel tank inlet unless a key is employed to again shift the lug to the unstable unlocking position. A clutch mechanism is employed to prevent overtightening of the cap and consequent damage to the cap or fuel tank inlet, yet allow sufficient tightening to effectuate a vapor tight seal between the cap and the inlet.

Abstract: The coupling pin of the trailer of a tractor-trailer rig is provided with a theft prevention device for preventing the unauthorized coupling of unattended trailers. The device includes a truncated conical housing having a cylindrical sleeve which is secured to the inner base of the cone and is adapted to receive the coupling pin. The coupling pin is held within the sleeve by means of a pair of opposed, spring-biased locking jaws which normally protrude through a pair of opposed slots in the sleeve. In order to engage the reduced diameter portion of the coupling pin. The locking jaws are mounted on a pair of U-brackets. The brackets carry a pair of camming surfaces which are engaged by the wing cams of a key-operated lock. The lock is preferably recessed within the housing so that it cannot be sheared off during use. The invention has the additional utility of serving as a safety device for preventing the movement of a trailer during unloading operations.

Abstract: A locking gas cap for a threaded filler neck having a sealing lip extending peripherally about its axis, the cap comprising a closure member threaded to engage and close the filler neck, a gasket on the closure member for engaging and sealing against the lip, an outer shell providing a hand grip secured to the closure member for rotation thereon, a key-operated lock and at least one lock-actuable bolt connected to the shell for rotation therewith. A race is disposed for rotation in the shell, and a driving connection is provided between the race and the closure member which is torque limited in the direction which advances the closure member on the filler neck and positive in the cap removal direction. A spring is provided for yieldably urging the bolt into engagement with the race. The spring cooperates with a plurality of engaging pockets in the race to provide a positive driving connection between the shell and race in the direction which advances the closure onto the filler neck.