CPC F16K 35/06 (2013.01) [F16K 5/0242 (2013.01)] | 29 Claims |
1. A valve key for a meter valve comprising:
a key body defining an upper key body end and a lower key body end;
a key head extending from the upper key body end; and
a key stem extending from the lower key body end, wherein the key stem, key head, and key body define a monolithic structure, the key stem defining an extension portion and a securing portion, the extension portion configured to extend through a lower valve opening of the meter valve, the securing portion defining a securing portion engagement surface;
wherein the securing portion is configurable in an un-deformed configuration and a deformed configuration, a securing portion width of the securing portion is greater in the deformed configuration than in the un-deformed configuration, and the securing portion width in the deformed configuration is configured to be greater than a width of the lower valve opening; and
wherein the securing portion engagement surface defines an annular, planar surface, and in the deformed configuration, the securing portion defines a substantially planar outer surface opposite the securing portion engagement surface and distal to the extension portion.
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