Backflow preventer anti-theft system and method
View Patent ↗A backflow preventer anti-theft system secures a protective cage to a backflow preventer. The anti-theft system includes a tether having a proximal end configured to attach to the backflow preventer inside the protective cage, a distal end outside the protective cage, and a central portion extending through an opening of the protective cage. A lockbox includes a base configured to adjoin the protective cage, the base having a tether clamp configured to adjustably secure the tether and a staple configured to receive a lock. A cover is configured to lockably attach to the base, the cover having a hasp cooperatively associated with the staple. The anti-theft system operates in a service condition wherein the lock is disengaged, and the tether clamp is operable, and a locked condition wherein the tether clamp fixes the tether to the base, and the staple is engageable with the lock.
1 . A backflow preventer anti-theft system for securing a protective cage to a backflow preventer, the backflow preventer anti-theft system comprising:
a tether comprising:
a proximal end configured to attach to the backflow preventer inside the protective cage;
a distal end outside the protective cage; and
a central portion extending between the proximal end and the distal end and configured to extend through an opening of the protective cage;
a lockbox comprising:
a base configured to adjoin the protective cage, the base comprising:
a tether clamp configured to adjustably secure the tether at a fixed location on the central portion of the tether; and
a staple configured to receive a lock;
a cover configured to lockably attach to the base, the cover comprising:
a hasp cooperatively associated with the staple of the base;
a service condition, wherein the lock is disengaged from the staple and the tether clamp is operable; and
a locked condition, wherein the tether clamp fixes the tether to the base and the staple is engageable with the lock.
2 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , wherein the tether is a wire rope, a chain, or a threaded rod.
3 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the tether comprises:
a loop configured to engage the tether to the backflow preventer.
4 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , wherein the cover of the lockbox comprises:
a lock access configured to provide access to a keyhole or a set of combination dials.
5 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises:
a guide configured to prevent kinking of the tether.
6 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , wherein the central portion of the tether is configured to pass through an opening of expanded metal mesh of the protective cage.
7 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the tether comprises:
a thimble eye.
8 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a block adjoining the proximal end of the tether and configured to maintain a loop of the tether around the backflow preventer.
9 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises:
a slot configured to accommodate varying expanded metal mesh spacing patterns.
10 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , wherein the base is secured to the protective cage by at least a first fastener extending through the protective cage.
11 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 1 , wherein the base of the lockbox comprises:
a contour that mirrors a profile of the protective cage.
12 . The backflow preventer anti-theft system of claim 11 , wherein the contour comprises:
a plurality of button head fasteners configured to stabilize the base against a curved surface of the protective cage.
13 . A method for securing a protective cage to a backflow preventer using an anti-theft system, the method comprising:
attaching a proximal end of a tether to the backflow preventer inside the protective cage;
extending a central portion of the tether through an opening of the protective cage;
positioning a distal end of the tether outside the protective cage;
adjoining a base of a lockbox to the protective cage;
adjustably securing the tether at a fixed location on the central portion of the tether using a tether clamp of the base;
engaging a lock with a staple of the base; and
lockably attaching a cover to the base, the cover comprising a hasp cooperatively associated with the staple of the base.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein extending the central portion of the tether comprises:
passing the tether through an opening of expanded metal mesh of the protective cage.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein attaching the proximal end of the tether to the backflow preventer comprises:
engaging a loop of the tether around the backflow preventer.
16 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising:
accessing a keyhole or a set of combination dials through a lock access of the cover.
17 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising:
guiding the tether through a guide of the base to prevent kinking of the tether.
18 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising:
securing the base to the protective cage by extending at least a first fastener through the protective cage.
19 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising:
contouring the base to follow a profile of the protective cage.
20 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising:
stabilizing the base against a curved surface of the protective cage using a plurality of button head fasteners.