Tamper-resistant locking clip for dispensing pumps
AssigneeRealex Corporation
InventorsJames P. Workman, Larry L. Hudson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A disposable, one-piece locking clip may be snapped onto a dispensing pump directly below the depressible head thereof for the purpose of blocking depression of the head so long as the clip is in place. The clip may be attached to and serve as an overlock for a permanent, selectively operable lock intended to remain with the pump indefinitely as a way of preventing accidental fluid discharge during periods of nonuse, the clip in that event serving as a means for preventing access to the permanent lock. The specific manner in which the clip is snap-fitted in place is unexposed and virtually nonaccessible so as to prevent removal of the clip or actuation of the pump without first pulling a break tab that splits the clip in half and releases the same from the pump.
Claims18
In combination with a dispensing pump having a plunger and annular means through which the plunger reciprocates, said plunger and said annular means having a pair of opposed surfaces which are axially spaced apart when the plunger is in an extended position relative to the annular means, a disposable lock separate from the pump for preventing depression of the plunger comprising:
- a collar disposed about said plunger and between said surfaces in position to block depression of the plunger,
- said collar having a pair of parts provided with a connection therebetween;
- and
- a tab associated with said connection and operable only upon sufficient manual manipulation to destroy the connection and thereby release the collar from the plunger.
In combination with a dispensing pump having a depressible plunger with an acutating head at one end thereof;
- annular means reciprocably receiving said plunger and having a normally stationary surface spaced below said head;
- and a permanent, annular releasable lock circumscribing said plunger between the head and the surface, said lock being rotatable to and from a locked position blocking depression of said head, a temporary, disposable overlock separate from said pump comprising:
- a split collar having a pair of circumferentially arcuate arms embracing said lock in blocking relationship to the head with respect to depression of the latter,
- said arms having a pair of free tips at one end thereof and a hinged interconnection at the opposite end thereof, permitting flexure of the arms during initial installation of the overlock on the pump;
- retaining means on said arms cooperating with structure on said lock to hold the arms in said embracing and blocking relationships;
- and
- a tab associated with said interconnection and operable to destroy the latter upon sufficient manual manipulation whereby to release the overlock from the pump.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.