Frost-proof fire hydrant

In a fire hydrant including a vertical barrel defining a passage adapted for connection to a shoe;

• a bonnet having a thru aperture secured to the upper end of the barrel;
• a valve stem disposed in said barrel for reciprocating movement in said passage with one end of said stem extending through said aperture;
• valve means connected to the other end of said stem for reciprocating movement therewith between an open position wherein said shoe communicates with said passage and a closed position wherein communication between said shoe and said passage is blocked, said valve means being arranged for movement to said open position against the fluid pressure in said shoe upon downward movement of said stem;
• and operating means secured to said bonnet and engageable with said one end of said stem for moving said stem and attached valve means to said open position, the improvement which comprises:
• a pin moveably secured in said bonnet;
• said stem having a hole for receiving said pin, said pin being moveable between a first position wherein said pin is in said hole when said valve is in said closed position and a second position wherein said pin is out of said hole;
• a lever secured to said pin and having one end extending through an additional aperture in said bonnet for moving said pin between said first and second positions;
• and
• means for biasing said pin to said first position.