Break-away bolt

Abstract

A double-sided break-away bolt including a precision weakened area enabling the bolt to break into two or more sections upon predefined conditions is provided. The break-away bolt is adapted to connect a fire hydrant to a check valve with the weakened portion generally positioned at the junction between the hydrant and the valve. A force applied to the fire hydrant in a direction generally perpendicular to the break-away bolt (e.g., by a car colliding with the hydrant) may cause the break-away bolt to break at the weakened area. This in return facilitates the separation of the hydrant from the check valve allowing the check valve to close. The break-away bolt also includes a gripping element that becomes exposed upon the breaking of the bolt to facilitate the removal of the bolt from the check valve for replacement.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.