Tamper Proof Boat Drain Plug

Abstract

A boat plug has external threads that mate with a boat hole housing, and an end keyed to operate the plug. In preferred embodiments the key has a first end portion that mates with the plug, and a second end portion that mates with a driver. The first end portion, and the corresponding recess in the plug, can advantageously have depths of no more than 1 cm, and more preferably no more than 5 mm. In other aspects of preferred embodiments, the first end portion comprises a recess having irregularities, and independently the second end portion comprises a nut.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 328506 filed Apr. 27, 2010.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention is boat plugs.BACKGROUND[0003]Many boats have drain plugs for removing water from the interior of the boat. Conventional drain plugs are highly susceptible to theft and vandalism since anyone with access to the boat can unscrew the plug. If a boat is launched into the water without the drain plug in place, the boat interior can be damaged by water and eventually the boat could completely sink.[0004]U.S. Pat. No. 3,797,442 to McRae ('442) seeks to remedy this problem by providing a drain plug that requires at least two individuals to remove plug. While this prevents a single person from vandalizing the boat, it still allows for unauthorized removal of the drain plug by two thieves working together. Further, the drain plug assemble in '442 cannot be easily implemented to existing boat drain plugs.[0005]U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,838 t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In preferred embodiments, the key has a first end portion that mates with the plug, and a second end portion that mates with a driver. The first end portion, and the corresponding recess in the plug, can advantageously have depths of no more than 1 cm, and more preferably no more than 5 mm, which should assist in making the plug tamper proof. In other aspects o

Problems solved by technology

Conventional drain plugs are highly susceptible to theft and vandalism since anyone with access to the boat can unscrew the plug.

If a boat is launched into the water without the drain plug in place, the boat interior can be damaged by water and eventually the boat could completely sink.

While this prevents a single person from vandalizing the boat, it still allows for unauthorized removal of the drain plug by two thieves working together.

Further, the drain plug assemble in '442 cannot be easily implemented to existing boat drain plugs.

However, these screws are not specially adapted to provide a water tight seal and cannot be readily implemented to convert existing conventional drain plugs into a tamper-proof plug.

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