Lockout system for energy sources
OwnerJason P. Griffininventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lockout system includes a hasp assembly and a plurality of tags. The hasp assembly has a back plate defining slots each sized and shaped to receive a tag. The back plate and tags each have openings that align when a tag is received in a slot. A first hasp portion on the back plate defines part of a closed loop. A longitudinal locking bar is slidable along the back plate and has notches shaped to receive ends of the tags. Moving the locking bar between an unlocked position and a locked position operates the second hasp portion between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the first and second hasp portions complete and define the closed loop, where one or more tags can be installed in slots with the first end of the tag engaging a notch to lock closed the hasp portion.
Claims15
A lockout system comprising:
- a plurality of tags each comprising an elongated plate with a first end and a second end, wherein each of the plurality of tags defines a tag opening;
- and
- a hasp assembly comprising:
- a hasp body, a first hasp portion defining a first loop portion, and a second hasp portion defining a second loop portion, the hasp body defining a plurality of slots, wherein each of the plurality of slots is sized and shaped to receive one of the plurality of tags, the hasp body further defining a plurality of lock openings, and wherein each of the plurality of lock openings is sized, shaped, and positioned to align with the tag opening of a respective one of the plurality of tags received within a respective one of the plurality of slots;
- wherein the second hasp portion and the first hasp portion are movable relative to one another, such that the first hasp portion and the second hasp portion have at least:
- (a) a first position, in which the hasp assembly is in an unlocked position, and (b) a second position, in which the hasp assembly is in a locked position;
- wherein when at least one tag of the plurality of tags is received in the hasp body, the hasp assembly is prevented from moving to the unlocking position, thereby preventing the hasp from changing to the open hasp position.
An identification locking tag for a corresponding lockout system having a corresponding lock opening, a corresponding mating feature, a locking position, and an unlocking position;
- the identification locking tag comprising:
- a first engaging portion configured to releasably engage the corresponding mating feature, such that the identification locking tag is capable of being removably installed in the corresponding lockout system;
- a second end portion defining a tag opening capable of aligning with the corresponding lock opening when the identification locking tag is installed in the corresponding lockout system, such that when identification locking tag is installed in the corresponding lockout system, the corresponding lockout system is prevented from moving from the locking position to the unlocking position;
- and
- an identifier portion configured to provide data associated with the identification locking tag.
A method of locking an energy source comprising:
- providing a hasp assembly having a locked position and an unlocked position;
- providing at least one tag configured to be removably installed in the hasp assembly;
- installing the hasp through a lock opening on an energy source to be locked;
- moving the hasp assembly from the unlocked position to the locked position;
- installing the at least one tag into the hasp assembly;
- and
- locking the hasp assembly in the locked position and the at least one tag into an installed position;
- and
- recording, storing, and providing lockout security data digitally.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.