System and method for restricting access to a valve

A locking assembly for restricting access to a valve stem of a valve, the assembly comprising:

• A. a first means for receiving a valve stem of a valve and comprising an engaging member;
• B. a second means for receiving the valve stem of the valve and comprising a slide for engaging the engaging member of the first means, the slide having a first length along an outer periphery of the second means and a second length intersecting the first length such that the second length is shorter than the first length;
• and
• C. a third means for releasably securing the second means in position about the valve stem of the valve;
• wherein the first means is capable of being positioned over the second and the third means about the valve stem;
• and
• wherein the engaging member comprises a plurality of tabs formed on a bottom portion of the first means and the slide comprises a plurality of slots sized to accommodate the plurality of tabs, each of the plurality of slots having the first and the second lengths for engagement with the plurality of tabs.

A method for restricting access to a valve stem of a valve, the method comprising:

• A. providing (a) a base having a slide, the slide comprising a first length along an outer periphery of the base and a second length intersecting the first length such that the second length is shorter than the first length;
• (b) a clamping mechanism for releasably securing the base in position about a valve stem of a valve;
• and (c) a cover defining a cavity for receiving the valve stem and further having an engaging member for engagement with the slide of the base;
• B. positioning the base around the valve stem of the valve;
• C. securing the base in position about the valve stem by utilizing the clamping mechanism;
• and
• D. engaging the cover with the base for restricting access to the valve stem.

A valve comprising a valve stem and a locking assembly in locking engagement with the valve stem, the locking assembly comprising:

• A. a first means for receiving the valve stem and comprising an engaging member;
• B. a second means for receiving the valve stem and comprising a slide for engaging the engaging member of the first means, the slide having a first length along an outer periphery of the second means and a second length intersecting the first length such that the second length is shorter than the first length;
• and
• C. a third means for releasably securing the second means in position about the valve stem;
• wherein the first means is capable of being positioned over the second and the third means about the valve stem;
• and
• wherein the engaging member comprises a plurality of tabs formed on a bottom portion of the first means and the slide comprises a plurality of slots sized to accommodate the plurality of tabs, each of the plurality of slots having the first and the second lengths for engagement with the plurality of tabs.

A kit for restricting access to a valve stem of a valve, the kit comprising:

• A. a cover defining a cavity for receiving a valve stem of a valve and further having an engaging member;
• B. at least one base member, the at least one base member having (i) a slide for engaging the engaging member of the cover, the slide comprising a first length along an outer periphery of the base and a second length intersecting the first length such that the second length is shorter than the first length;
• and (ii) a valve stem opening for receiving the valve stem of the valve;
• and
• C. a clamping mechanism for releasably securing the at least one base member in position about the valve stem of the valve;
• wherein the valve stem opening of the at least one base member includes at least one of a size and a shape that is configured to accommodate the valve stem;
• and wherein the clamping mechanism is positionable above the base and the cover is releasably positionable over the base member and the clamping mechanism to receive the valve stem.