초록 ▼

A locking device for a storm grate to prevent theft or vandalism by unauthorized individuals. The device typically includes an upper plate, a positioning frame, at least one coupler nut, and a bolt. The positioning frame can include the coupler nut, a catch end for engaging the frame of the grate, a

A locking device for a storm grate to prevent theft or vandalism by unauthorized individuals. The device typically includes an upper plate, a positioning frame, at least one coupler nut, and a bolt. The positioning frame can include the coupler nut, a catch end for engaging the frame of the grate, a lower plate for engaging the underside of the grate, and a pliers handle for holding the device during insertion through a drain opening. In one embodiment, a second coupler nut is part of a wing wedge that secures a lower plate of the positioning frame to the underside of the grate. A method of inserting the device includes lowering the device through an opening in the grate, securing the catch end around the frame beneath the ground, and then tightening the bolt.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A locking device for securing an existing installed storm grate to its associated mounting frame, the locking device comprising: c) an upper plate for placing on the top of the grate;d) a positioning frame, the positioning frame comprising: i) a pliers handle for holding the frame with a pair of

1. A locking device for securing an existing installed storm grate to its associated mounting frame, the locking device comprising: c) an upper plate for placing on the top of the grate;d) a positioning frame, the positioning frame comprising: i) a pliers handle for holding the frame with a pair of pliers during insertion;ii) a coupler nut; andiii) a catch end for engaging the underside of the mounting frame of the grate; andc) a bolt for passing through aligned holes in the upper plate and the coupler nut and securing the locking device onto the grate and its frame, the positioning frame further comprising a lower plate for receiving the bolt therethrough, a vertical arm, an elbow, and a horizontal arm leading to the catch end, the locking device further including a wing wedge for engaging the underside of the grate, the wing wedge including a second coupler nut for receiving the bolt therethrough and a stop for blocking rotation of the wing wedge, wherein the wing wedge is screwed onto the bolt via the second coupler nut and positioned on the bolt beneath the lower plate and above the first coupler nut, and wherein during insertion of the device the wing wedge is rotatable about the bolt until rotation is blocked by the stop, the stop causing the wing wedge to take a final position substantially perpendicular to the positioning frame, wherein the locking device can be fitted onto an existing installed storm grate and its associated frame and locked in place without having to remove the storm grate. 2. The locking device of claim 1, wherein the bolt includes a bolt head that requires a special wrench to turn the bolt. 3. The locking device of claim 1, wherein the positioning frame includes a modified horizontal arm adapted to receive a series of catch end attachments for engaging the mounting frame. 4. A locking device for securing an existing installed storm grate to its associated mounting frame without having to remove the storm grate, the locking device comprising: a) a bolt for securing the locking device onto the grate and its frame;b) an upper plate for receiving the bolt therethrough;c) a positioning frame, the positioning frame comprising: i) a lower plate for receiving the bolt therethrough;ii) a pliers handle;iii) a vertical arm;iv) an elbow;v) a horizontal arm including a first coupler nut for receiving the bolt therethrough; andvi) a catch end adapted to engage the underside of the mounting frame; andd) a wing wedge for engaging the underside of the grate, the wing wedge including a second coupler nut for receiving the bolt therethrough and a stop for blocking rotation of the wing wedge, wherein the wing wedge is screwed onto the bolt via the second coupler nut and positioned on the bolt beneath the lower plate and above the first coupler nut, and wherein during insertion of the device the wing wedge is rotatable about the bolt until rotation is blocked by the stop, the stop causing the wing wedge to take a final position substantially perpendicular to the positioning frame. 5. The locking device of claim 4, wherein the positioning frame includes a modified horizontal arm adapted to receive a series of catch end attachments for engaging the mounting frame. 6. The locking device of claim 4, wherein the bolt includes a bolt head that requires a special wrench to turn the bolt. 7. A method of installing a locking device for securing an existing installed storm grate to its associated mounting frame without having to remove the storm grate, the method comprising: a) holding a locking device with a pair of pliers;b) lowering the locking device through a drain opening in the grate;c) positioning a catch end of the locking device to engage an underside portion of the mounting frame; andtightening a bolt of the locking device to secure the locking device to the grate and its associated mounting frame, the locking device further including a wing wedge for engaging the underside of the grate, the wing wedge including a second coupler nut for receiving the bolt therethrough and a stop for blocking rotation of the wing wedge, the positioning frame further including a lower plate for receiving the bolt therethrough, wherein in step (b) the wing wedge is lowered through the drain opening in a direction parallel to the opening, and in step (d) the wing wedge rotates about the bolt to a final position substantially perpendicular to the positioning frame. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the locking device comprises the catch end, the bolt, an upper plate and a positioning frame, the positioning frame comprising a pliers handle at a proximal end for holding the device in step (a), and a coupler nut for receiving the bolt in step (d).