Fire Hydrant Anti-Tamper System

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward an anti-tamper system for fire hydrants that prevents intentional introduction of contaminates into the water system as well as prevents unauthorized removal of water from the water system while still providing easy access to pressurized water by authorized personnel. The system is constructed and arranged to prevent the rotation of the valve stem and/or the nozzle cap(s) by unauthorized users. The system replaces or modifies the valve stem to include at least one aperture therethrough. A replacement nozzle cap is also provided. The nozzle cap includes a centrally located locking bar that cooperates with both the valve stem and the nozzle cap to prevent rotation thereof by unauthorized persons. A release tool is provided to remove or retract the locking bar from the valve stem, to allow valve operation, while simultaneously allowing rotation of the nozzle cap to allow removal thereof from the outlet port. Relocking merely requires the valve stem to be rotated to close the valve. Thereafter, the nozzle cap is replaced over the outlet port and the locking bar is moved into engagement with the stem and the nozzle cap to lock both in their respective positions until the locking bar is removed or retracted with the release tool.

1 . A fire hydrant anti-tampering security system comprising:
 a first valve fluidly connected to a water supply;   a riser;   a fire hydrant, said riser fluidly connected between said valve and said fire hydrant, said fire hydrant including a barrel, a bonnet secured to a top of said barrel, a first valve stem, at least one outlet port and a nozzle cap securable to said at least one outlet port;   a locking rod secured within said outlet port, one end of said locking rod operatively secured to said first valve stem, an opposite end of said locking rod operative secured within said nozzle cap;   a locking element operatively associated and proximate said other end of said locking rod, said locking element being constructed and arranged to prevent movement of said locking rod; and   a release tool operatively connectable to said other end of said locking rod and operatively connected to said locking element whereby said release tool moves said locking element and permits movement of said locking rod and rotation of said valve stem.   
     
     
         2 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 1  wherein said locking element is pivotally secured to said locking rod, a resilient member is secured to said locking rod and said locking element, said resilient member biases said locking element outwardly from a centerline of said locking rod. 
     
     
         3 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 2  wherein said release tool engages said locking element and pivots said locking element toward said centerline of said locking rod thereby permitting said locking rod to move longitudinally and disengage said first valve stem whereby said first valve stem can be rotated. 
     
     
         4 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 2  wherein said locking element engages a ring in said nozzle cap, said engagement of said locking element and said ring prevents a longitudinal movement of said locking rod. 
     
     
         5 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 2  including a biasing device secured between said first end of said locking rod and said first valve stem, said biasing device disengages said locking rod from said first valve stem subsequent to said locking element being disengaged from said ring. 
     
     
         6 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 3  wherein subsequent to said locking rod being moved longitudinally said nozzle cap is rotated and removed from said at least one outlet port. 
     
     
         7 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 3  wherein one end of said release tool includes a splined aperture, said splined aperture being constructed and arranged to engage a ramp on said locking element and move said locking element toward said centerline of said locking rod. 
     
     
         8 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 1  wherein said nozzle cap includes an aperture constructed and arranged to only permit insertion and removal of said release tool. 
     
     
         9 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 1  wherein said locking element includes a plurality of pins, a resilient member is secured between locking rod and each said pin, said resilient member biases said pins outwardly from a centerline of said locking rod. 
     
     
         10 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 8  wherein said release tool engages said aperture in said nozzle cap whereby said nozzle cap can be rotated and removed from said at least one outlet port and said nozzle cap ca also be rotated onto said at least one nozzle cap. 
     
     
         11 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 8  including a removable cover secured to said aperture in said nozzle cap. 
     
     
         12 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 1  including a coupling on an upper end of said first valve stem, said coupling being constructed and arranged to be engaged by a tool whereby said first valve stem is rotated to open or close said first valve. 
     
     
         13 . The fire hydrant anti-tampering security system of  claim 1  wherein said first valve stem extends through said fire hydrant, said riser and is cooperatively connected to said first valve.