FIELD

[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to an apparatus for securing and locking. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an apparatus for securing inlet pipes of fuel storage tanks.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0002] Fuels and oils are generally stored in underground fuel tanks. Oil and fuel transporting tankers unload the fuel/oil into the storage tanks through an inlet pipe. The inlet pipes connected to the storage tanks are do not include appropriate locking mechanisms. However, substances such as fuels and various oils stored in these tanks are volatile at a room temperature and are prone to evaporate at slight changes in temperature.

[0003] Storage equipments for storage of the fuels require careful consideration for ensuring that the temperature is maintained, vapor from the fuels do not escape and there is an air tight fit for preventing contamination of the fuel. The quantity of fuel and the quality of fuel in the tanks is dependent on the vapor tightness of the storage tank. Also, fuels and oils are highly flammable substances causing dangerous consequences when exposed to air or other reactive substances. Locking equipments in the proximity of fuel and oils need to maintain specific configurations to ensure an inert environment. Further, simple caps without appropriate locking mechanism at the inlet of these pipes result make the tanks vulnerable to theft and unauthorized access.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved mechanism to secure the underground fuel tank storages. Moreover, there is a need for an apparatus for effectively securing inlet pipes to the underground fuel storages. OBJECTS

[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below: [0006] The main objective of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for securing pipes. [0007] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient apparatus for securing inlet pipes of fuel storage tanks to prevent vapor leakage. [0008] Still another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus with a mechanism for effectively securing inlet pipes of fuel storage tanks.

[0009] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a securing apparatus for inlet pipes of fuel storage tanks to prevent unauthorized access.

[00010] The other objectives and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY

[00011] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides an apparatus for securing a pipe.

[00012] In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatus comprises of a base member coupled to the pipe, an upper member fastened to the base member, a housing fixed to the upper member and extending externally from the upper member, an engaging member including a first end and a second end. A first receiving portion and a second receiving portion are defined in the housing wherein the first end of the engaging member slides into the first receiving portion. A locking equipment is enclosed inside the second receiving portion. A circumferential groove is defined on an outer surface of the base member and a protruding surface is provided on a front surface of the engaging member for

2 engaging with the circumferential groove. The locking equipment secures the engaging member to restrict movement of the upper member relative to the base member.

[00013] In accordance with an embodiment, a slot is defined on the engaging member inside the first receiving portion, wherein the slot extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the engaging member. In an embodiment, the locking equipment includes a lock component operatively connected to an arm component and the arm component sliding in the slot for securing the engaging member. In an embodiment, a key interacts with a provision provided in the lock component to control sliding of the arm component to and from the slot for locking and unlocking the upper member.

[00014] In accordance with an embodiment, the second end of the engaging member is fixed in a gap between a top joining member and a bottom joining member, a pin slides through the top joining member, the second end and the bottom joining member and the engaging member rotates at the second end about the pin.

[00015] In accordance with an embodiment, a slot is provided on the upper member for allowing the protrusion to engage with the circumferential groove provided on the base member. [00016] In accordance with an embodiment, a shape of the protrusion is curved convex, a shape of the circumferential groove is curved concave and the shape of the protrusion is complementary to the shape of the circumferential groove for securing effectively.

[00017] In accordance with an embodiment, male threads of the upper member are fastened with female threads of the base member in a tight fit.

[00018] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00019] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[00020] Fig. la illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for securing a pipe, according to an embodiment herein;

[00021] Fig. lb illustrates a side view of the apparatus for securing a pipe, according to an embodiment herein;

[00022] Fig.2a illustrates a sectional view of an upper member of the apparatus for securing a pipe, according to an embodiment herein;

[00023] Fig.2b illustrates a sectional view of a base member of the apparatus for securing a pipe, according to an embodiment herein; [00024] Fig.3 illustrates a side view of an upper member without including the engaging member and the locking equipment of the apparatus, according to an embodiment herein.

[00025] Fig.4 illustrates an isometric view of an engaging member of the apparatus for securing a pipe, according to an embodiment herein; [00026] Fig.5 illustrates a front view of a pin of the apparatus for securing a pipe, according to an embodiment herein; [00027] Fig.6 illustrates an isometric view of a locking equipment of the apparatus for securing a pipe, according to an embodiment herein; and [00028] Fig.7 illustrates a front view of the base member for securing a pipe, according to an embodiment herein.

LIST OF NUMERALS

101 - Base member

102 - Upper member

103 - Housing

104 - First receiving portion

105 - Second receiving portion

106 - Engaging member

106a - First end

106b - Second end

107 - Locking equipment

108 - Bracket

108a - Top joining member

108b - Bottom joining member

201 - Male threads

210 - Female threads

212 - Outer surface

214 - Circumferential Groove

301 - Gap

302 - Slot

401 - Top surface

402 - Bottom surface 403 Front surface

405 Protrusion

407 Slot for arm component

501 Pin

601 Lock component

602 Arm component

701 Top end

701 Bottom end

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00029] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non -limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[00030] As mentioned above, there is a need for an effective locking apparatus to secure pipes. In particular, there is a need for an apparatus for effectively securing inlet pipes of fuel storage tanks. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing “An apparatus for securing a pipe”. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig.l through Fig.7, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments. [00031] Fig.l illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for securing a pipe. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a base member 101, an upper member 102, a housing 103, an engaging member 106 and a locking equipment 107. [00032] In an embodiment, the base member 101 is coupled to an inlet pipe. In an embodiment, the inlet pipe is an inlet pipe of a fuel storage tank. The upper member 102 is fastened to the base member 101. In an embodiment, the upper member 102 includes a plurality of threads mating with a plurality of threads provided in the base member 101.

[00033] The housing 103 is fixed externally on the upper member 102, wherein the housing 103 extends externally from the upper member 102. In an embodiment, the housing 103 includes a first receiving portion 104 and a second receiving portion 105. The first receiving portion 104 is defined as a cavity for accommodating an end 106a of the engaging member 106. The second receiving member 105 is defined as a cavity for accommodating the locking equipment 107. [00034] In an embodiment, a bracket 108 is fixed on the upper member 102 externally. The bracket 108 includes a top joining member 108a and a bottom joining member 108b. A gap is provided between the top joining member 108a and the bottom joining member 108b for allowing another end 106b of the engaging member 106. Coupling of the top joining member 108a and the bottom joining member 108b with the end 106b of the engaging member facilitates rotation of the engaging member 106 about a vertical axis. In an embodiment, the top joining member 108a and the bottom joining member 108b form a pin joint with the end 106b of the engaging member.

[00035] Fig. lb illustrates a side view of the apparatus for securing a pipe. The side view shows the base member 101, the upper member 102, the housing 103, the first receiving portion 1104, the second receiving portion 105, the engaging member 106 including the first end 106a and the second end 106b, the locking

7 equipment 107, and joining member including the top joining member 108a and the bottom joining member 108b.

[00036] Fig.2a illustrates a sectional view of an upper member of the apparatus for securing a pipe. In an embodiment, a plurality of male threads 201 is provided inside the upper member 102 for fastening on the base member 101, thereby securing the inlet pipe.

[00037] Fig.2b illustrates a sectional view of a base member of the apparatus for securing a pipe. In an embodiment, a plurality of female threads 210 is provided inside the base member 101. The male threads 201 of the upper member 102 are coupled to the female threads 210 of the base member 101. In an embodiment, the male threads 201 are coupled to the female threads 210 in a tight fit.

[00038] In an embodiment, a circumferential groove 214 is provided on an outer surface 212 of the base member 102.

[00039] Fig.3 illustrates a side view of an upper member without including the engaging member and the locking equipment of the apparatus.

[00040] The upper member 102 includes the top joining member 108a and the bottom joining member 108b. A gap 301 is provided between the top joining member 108a and the bottom joining member 108b for allowing the end 106b of the engaging member 106. [00041] In an embodiment, a slot 302 is provided on an outer surface of the upper member 102.

[00042] Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an engaging member of the apparatus for securing a pipe.

[00043] In an embodiment, the engaging member 106 includes one end 106a and the other end 106b. The engaging member includes a top surface 401, a bottom surface 402, a front surface 403 and a rear surface (shown in Fig. 1). The top surface 401 includes a slot 407 extending from the top surface 402 to the bottom surface 402. The slot 407 is defined towards the end 106a that slides into the first receiving portion 104. In an embodiment, shape of the slot is rectangular.

[00044] The end 106b of the engaging member 106 includes a hollow cylindrical structure placed at the gap 301 provided between the top joining member 108a and the bottom joining member 108b.

[00045] In an embodiment, the front surface 402 of the engaging member 106 is placed along an outer surface of the upper member 102. The front surface 402 includes a protrusion 405, wherein the protrusion 405 extends externally from the front surface 402 of the engaging member 106. In an embodiment, the protrusion 405 is provided as a curved convex protrusion. The protrusion 405 is provided for engaging with the circumferential groove 214 provided on the outer surface 212 of the base member 101. The protrusion 405 extended through the slot 302 provided on the upper member 102 and engages on circumferential groove 214 of the base member 101. Shape and size of the concave circumferential groove 214 and the curved convex protrusion 405 are complementary to each other.

[00046] Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of a pin of the apparatus for securing a pipe, according to an embodiment herein. A pin 501 is provided for being inserted through the top joining member 108a, the end 106b of the engaging member and the bottom joining member 108b. The engaging member 106 is rotatable about the end 106b engaged with the pin 501. The pin 501 is provided in a cylindrical shape.

[00047] Fig. 5 illustrates a locking equipment of an engaging member of the apparatus for securing a pipe.

[00048] The locking equipment 107 is provided for sliding into the second receiving portion 105. The locking equipment 107 includes a lock component 601 and an arm component operatively connected to the lock component 601. The lock component 601 includes a provision for a key to operate the lock. Movement of the key inside the provision of the lock component 601 correspondingly moves the arm component 602. In an embodiment, the arm component 602 is provided for sliding in the slot 407 provided on the engaging member 106.

[00049] In a locking position, the arm component 602 is slid in the slot 407 of the engaging member 106 using the key for restricting movement of the engaging member 106. The protrusion 405 of the engaging member 106 is engaged with the circumferential groove 214 of the base member 101. Further, restriction of movement of the engaging member 106 through the arm component 602 secures the upper member 102 with the base member 101. [00050] In an open position, the arm component 602 is removed from the slot 407 of the engaging member 106 using the key through the lock component. The engaging member 106 is rotated about the pin 501, wherein the end 106a slides outside the first receiving portion 104. Thereby, the protrusion 405 is disengaged from the circumferential groove 214 provided on the base member 101. The upper member 102 is then unfastened from the base member 101, for opening the inlet of the pipe.

[00051] Fig. 7 illustrates a front view of the base member for securing a pipe. The base member 101 is fastened to the inlet of the pipe. The base member 101 includes a top end 701 and a bottom end 702. The bottom end 702 includes male threads fastened to the pipe inlet.

[00052] A main advantage of the present disclosure is that the apparatus provides an improved and efficient apparatus for securing a pipe.

[00053] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the apparatus effectively secures inlet pipes of fuel storage tanks thereby preventing vapour leakage. [00054] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the apparatus provides a mechanism for securing inlet pipes of fuel storage tanks to prevent unauthorized access.

[00055] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the apparatus provides a safe and non reactive securing mechanism for inlet pipes of fuel storage tanks.

[00056] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the apparatus provides safety and prevents pollution through effective securing of inlet pipes of storage fuel tanks. [00057] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.