| 摘要 |
The invention comprises a device that can be inserted into an inlet for a gasoline or diesel fuel tank, and which, after being inserted, prevents thieves from using siphons to steal gasoline from the tank. Embodiments of the device can protect the fuel supplies of automobiles, trucks, boats, and other motor vehicles. The invention uses “locking legs”, a unique feature, which lock against the flanges of the inlet and ensure that the device cannot be easily removed from the inlet after insertion. Embodiments of the device also use a “hose spear” which punctures thieves' siphons, and makes them unable to remove gasoline or other liquids from the tank. The device can be used to stop theft of other liquids. The invention also includes a process of protecting liquids from theft using a device with “locking legs”, and a process for inserting the device into an inlet. |
| 主权项 |
1. A device for preventing theft of liquids comprising;
a blocking element, which is capable of being compressed by hand to allow the device to be inserted into an inlet, and, when no longer compressed by hand, is capable of serving as a physical barrier to a siphon when the siphon enters an inlet in which said blocking element has been installed; a plurality of at least four “locking legs” (1) each comprising an upper leg portion (18) and a lower leg portion (7) and a central leg portion (9), and an upper tip (11) and a lower tip (12); where each said upper tip (11) is at the top of an upper leg portion (9) and each said lower tip (12) is at the lower end of a lower leg portion (7); a means for impeding movement of the locking legs (1); where said means for impeding movement of the locking legs (1) provides resistance to the lower leg portions (7) of at least two said locking legs (1) moving in a manner which causes the distance between said lower tips (12) to decrease; where the user can exert pressure on said lower leg portions (7) in a manner causing the distance between the lower tips (12) to decrease; where the range of movement of said locking legs (1) allows the distance between said lower tips (12) to decrease, allowing the device to enter an entry hole with diameter smaller than that which the device might be able to enter otherwise; where the range of movement of said locking legs (1) allows for said locking legs (1) to move to allow said lower tips (12) and upper tips (11) to touch the walls of an inlet (6)when the device is inserted into the inlet (6); where there is either a direct or indirect connection between said blocking element and said locking legs (1); where the means for impeding movement of the locking legs makes compression of the locking legs so that said lower tips (12) move closer together more difficult, and therefore makes removal of said device, said blocking element, and said locking legs from an inlet (6) more difficult; where said “locking legs” (1) have length greater than their breadth or width. |
