| 摘要 |
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. The interior surface of the receptor forms the walls of the bore and has a ridge extending radially towards the center to receive the latch of the lock housed within the protective cap. In a second embodiment, the bore of the receptor has a groove extending throughout the circumference of the interior surface of the receptor. The groove is large enough and deep enough to receive the latch. The ridge or groove cooperates with the latch to prevent the locked device from being withdrawn from the outlet stem.
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