U.S. patent application number 10/299986 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-20 for ringless meter lock.
Invention is credited to Nolle, Eric R., Sullivan, Jeffery R..
Application Number | 20040093917 10/299986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32297820 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040093917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sullivan, Jeffery R. ; et
al. |
May 20, 2004 |
RINGLESS METER LOCK
Abstract
A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box
to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket
adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to
latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking
member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip
bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping
position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the
locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and
the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system
comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the
locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as
a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple
mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a
spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless,
slam installation.
Inventors: |
Sullivan, Jeffery R.;
(Boston, NY) ; Nolle, Eric R.; (South Wales,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALTER W. DUFT
Suite 10
10255 Main Street
Clarence
NY
14031
US
|
Family ID: |
32297820 |
Appl. No.: |
10/299986 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/164 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 292/31 20150401;
Y10T 70/5544 20150401; Y10T 70/30 20150401; G01R 11/04 20130101;
Y10T 70/5566 20150401; Y10T 70/8973 20150401; Y10T 292/68 20150401;
E05C 19/184 20130101; E05B 65/0089 20130101; Y10T 70/498 20150401;
E05C 19/18 20130101; Y10T 70/5031 20150401; G01R 11/24 20130101;
Y10T 70/443 20150401; Y10T 70/8541 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
070/164 |
International
Class: |
B65D 055/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box
to a box frame comprising: a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall
of said box frame; a lock body adapted to latch to said clip
bracket and engage said box cover; a locking member carried by said
clip bracket and adapted to clamp said clip bracket to said box
wall when said locking member is in a clamping position; and a
pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate said locking member
into said clamping position.
2. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
locking member comprises a first pivoting member pivotally mounted
on said clip bracket.
3. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 2 wherein said
actuating lever comprises a second pivoting member pivotally
mounted on said clip bracket.
4. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 3 wherein said
actuating lever comprises a locking member-engaging portion.
5. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 4 wherein said
locking member-engaging portion comprises a cam configuration.
6. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 5 wherein said cam
configuration comprises a generally flat surface adapted for
generally coplanar engagement with a generally flat surface of said
locking member to thereby secure said locking member in said
clamping position irrespective of box frame orientation or box
cover closure position.
7. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 2 wherein said
actuating lever comprises an integral part of said first pivoting
member.
8. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 7 wherein said
actuating lever is adapted to pivot as a result of contact with
said box cover upon closure thereof and to thereby secure said
locking member into said clamping position.
9. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
actuating lever includes a cover-engaging portion adapted to engage
said box cover upon closure thereof and to thereby assist in
securing said lock mechanism against unauthorized removal.
10. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 1 further
including biasing means for biasing said locking member into an
open unclamped position.
11. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 10 wherein said
biasing means comprises a spring disposed between said locking
member and said clip bracket.
12. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 1 further
including a spacer adapted to laterally position said locking
member relative to said box wall.
13. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 1 said clip
bracket has a central throat portion adapted to accommodate box
walls having lips or flanges.
14. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 13 wherein said
throat portion is shaped to allow said actuating lever to be
received between said clip bracket and said box cover.
15. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
clip bracket comprises a latch portion adapted to receive said lock
body outside of said box frame, a central throat portion adapted to
span said box wall and a carrying portion adapted to carry said
locking member and said actuating lever inside of said box
frame.
16. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
lock body is configured with a seal holder adapted to receive a
tamper proof indicator.
17. A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box
to a box frame, comprising: a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall
of said box frame; a lock body adapted to latch to said clip
bracket and engage said box cover; a spring-loaded plunger lock
assembly seated in said lock body at a desired installation torque;
a head portion on said spring-loaded plunger lock assembly having a
face; a curvilinear groove on said face, said curvilinear groove
having a pattern shape and groove width adapted to receive a mating
key and to prevent devices other than said key from engaging said
groove with sufficient force to unseat said spring-loaded plunger
lock assembly from said lock body by overcoming said installation
torque; a locking member carried by said clip bracket and adapted
to clamp said clip bracket to said box wall when said locking
member is in a clamping position; and a pivotable actuating lever
adapted to actuate said locking member into said clamping
position.
18. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 17 wherein said
lock body is configured with a tapered bore, said tapered bore
being adapted to create said installation torque.
19. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 17 wherein said
spring-loaded plunger lock assembly and said lock body are
configured with threads adapted such that said spring-loaded
plunger lock assembly can threadably seat in said lock body at said
desired installation torque.
20. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 17 wherein said
spring-loaded plunger lock assembly comprises: a stem, said stem
configured with a threaded plug, said threaded plug being adapted
to threadably seat in said lock body; a latch head, said latch head
being configured to latch to said clip bracket and adapted to
slidably receive said stem; and a coil spring connected to said
threaded plug and said latch head, said coil spring being
configured to bias said latch head away from said threaded
plug.
21. A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box
to a box frame, comprising: a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall
of said box frame; a lock body adapted to latch to said clip
bracket and engage said box cover, said lock body having angled and
radiused surfaces adapted to minimize purchase points and restrict
gripping and hammering of said lock body; a locking member carried
by said clip bracket and adapted to clamp said clip bracket to said
box wall when said locking member is in a clamping position; and a
pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate said locking member
into said clamping position.
22. A locking mechanism in accordance with claim 21 wherein said
angled and radiused surfaces of said lock body are configured such
that no two of said surfaces are mutually parallel, such that there
are no exposed ninety-degree surface intersections when said lock
body is secured on said meter box, and such that all potential
purchase points are rounded.
23. A method for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to a box
frame, comprising: placing a clip bracket on a wall of said box
frame, said clip bracket having a latch portion disposed outside of
said box frame and a carrying portion disposed inside of said box
frame carrying a locking member and a pivotable actuating lever;
pivoting said actuating lever to actuate said locking member into
clamping engagement with said box wall to secure said clip bracket
to said box frame; closing said cover; and securing said cover by
attaching a lock body to said clip bracket latch portion with said
lock body in engagement with said cover.
24. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein said pivoting of
said actuating lever is performed prior to said closing of said
cover.
25. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein said pivoting of
said actuating lever is performed by said closing of said cover.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to a locking mechanism for securing
the cover of a thin-walled box to a box frame. More particularly,
the invention pertains to a lock for a ringless electrical meter
box.
[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0006] By way of background, utility companies provide and regulate
power usage with the aide of metered fuse devices (meters). The
meters allow power to run to individual customers and record the
amount of power used by each customer. A typical electrical meter
has rear electrical contact prongs that plug into electrical
receptacles connected to a current transformer switch located
inside a metal meter box that is situated individually or ganged
with other meter boxes. In a ringless meter box, the meter is
secured within the meter box by a hinged meter box cover having a
flanged, circular opening through which the meter protrudes when
the box cover is shut. The meter box prevents tampering with the
meter and provides a means of disrupting or discontinuing service
when necessary, whether for lack of payment by a customer or when
service is no longer needed. This is done by removing the meter and
covering the opening in the meter box cover, or by rotating the
meter such that it does not contact the electrical receptacles, or
by placing insulator plugs over the meter's electrical contact
prongs. To prevent the reactivation of service by way of a
replacement meter or a jumper placed across the meter box
electrical receptacles, the meter box needs to be secured by
tamper-proof means, such as a lock located on the exterior of the
meter box, which prevents opening of the box cover. In addition,
because of possible hostile conditions (e.g. dogs, disgruntled
customers), service personnel should be able to secure the meter
box as quickly as possible. Relatedly, it should be possible to
mount the lock at different locations on the meter box even though
the box wall profile differs from one location to the other.
Presently, a variety of ringless meter box locks are used. Most
need to be placed at predetermined positions, or require that a
hole be drilled in the meter box. Others require the use of
manually adjustable components and/or need keys and tools for
installation. These locks are thus relatively time consuming to
install. In addition, they may require that a hand be placed within
a live box during installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The foregoing problems are solved and an advance in the art
is obtained by a novel locking mechanism for securing the cover of
a thin-walled box to a box frame. The locking mechanism comprises a
clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body
adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a
locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the
clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a
clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to
actuate the locking member into the clamping position.
[0008] The clip bracket can be configured with an outer catch
portion adapted to extend outside the box frame and receive the
lock body, an inner lever-carrying portion adapted to carry the
locking member and the actuating lever within the box frame, and an
intermediate throat portion interconnecting the catch portion and
the lever-carrying portion. The throat portion is preferably sized
to accommodate box walls having lips or flanges so that the locking
mechanism can be mounted at the bottom of a ringless meter lock box
(which typically has an inwardly extending lip or flange) as well
as the sides thereof.
[0009] The lock body mounts a spring-loaded plunger lock assembly
that is preferably configured for keyless slam-lock engagement with
the catch portion of the clip bracket to facilitate quick
installation. A slotted opening in the lock body receives the catch
portion into engagement with the spring-loaded plunger lock
assembly. The spring-loaded plunger lock assembly seats within the
lock body in a manner that prevents removal of the plunger lock
assembly by unauthorized means. A key configuration on the plunger
lock assembly is provided for releasing the lock body from the clip
bracket via a key. The key configuration is designed to prevent
unauthorized release of the spring-loaded plunger lock assembly
using a tool or device other than the key.
[0010] The locking member and the actuating lever can be
implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second
pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the
actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. In
the two-piece implementation, the actuating lever is adapted to be
manually pivoted into actuating engagement with the locking member
prior to closure of the box cover. The actuating lever can be
formed so that a cover-engaging portion thereof is trapped between
the box cover and the clip bracket when the box cover is closed.
This all but eliminates the possibility of the actuating lever
being pivoted out of engagement with the locking member should an
attempt be made to dislodge the locking mechanism by unauthorized
means. The actuating lever also has a locking member-engaging
portion, which can be implemented using a cam configuration, to
contact a face of the locking member and urge it into the closed
clamping position. Advantageously, the cam is shaped to retain the
locking member in the clamping position irrespective of box frame
orientation or box cover closure position. In the one-piece
implementation, the actuating lever and the locking member pivot as
a unit. The actuating lever is then preferably formed with a
cover-engaging portion that is contacted by the box cover when it
is closed. As this occurs, the actuating lever will be pivoted,
thereby also pivoting the locking member into clamping engagement
with the box wall. The cover-engaging portion of the actuating
lever will also serve to convert any prying force on the locking
mechanism or box cover into increased clamping force.
[0011] Advantageously, no drilling is required to install the
locking mechanism. The clip bracket is simply placed over the box
wall, the actuating lever is positioned as necessary, the box cover
is closed, and the lock body is secured to the clip bracket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following more particular
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1A is a side elevational view showing a locking
mechanism constructed in accordance with a first exemplary
embodiment of the invention, with a locking member thereof in a
closed clamping position;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a side elevational view showing the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A with the locking member in an open unclamped
position;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a clip bracket of the
locking mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a clip bracket of the
locking mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a clip bracket of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a shaped work piece prior to
forming into a clip bracket of the locking mechanism of FIG.
1A;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lock body of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a lock body of the
locking mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a front view of a lock body of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary detailed front view of a lock body
of the locking mechanism of FIG. 1A showing an insertion slot;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a lock body of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a key used to lock and
unlock the locking mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a top view of a spring-load plunger lock assembly
of the locking mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a locking member of the
locking mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a side view of a locking member of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a locking member of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an actuating lever of the
locking mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a side view of an actuating lever of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a shaped work piece prior to
forming into an actuating lever of the locking mechanism of FIG.
1A;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a plan view of an actuating lever of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A mounted on the side of a ringless meter
box;
[0034] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism
of FIG. 1A mounted on the side of a ringless meter box;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the locking
mechanism of FIG. 1A mounted on the bottom of a ringless meter
box;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism
of FIG. 1A mounted on the bottom of a ringless meter box;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional assembly view showing a locking
mechanism constructed in accordance with a second exemplary
embodiment the invention, with a locking member thereof in a closed
clamping position;
[0038] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the locking
mechanism of FIG. 24 mounted on a meter box;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a clip bracket of the
locking mechanism of FIG. 24;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a clip bracket of the
locking mechanism of FIG. 24;
[0041] FIG. 28 is a front view of a clip bracket of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 24;
[0042] FIG. 29 is a plan view of a shaped work piece prior to
forming into a clip bracket of the locking mechanism of FIG.
24;
[0043] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an integral actuating
lever/locking member of the locking mechanism of FIG. 24;
[0044] FIG. 31 is a side view of an integral actuating lever and
locking member of the locking mechanism of FIG. 24;
[0045] FIG. 32 is a front view of an integral actuating lever and
locking member of the locking mechanism of FIG. 24;
[0046] FIG. 33 is a plan view of a shaped work piece prior to
forming into an integral actuating lever and locking member lever
of the locking mechanism of FIG. 24;
[0047] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a spacer of the locking
mechanism of FIG. 24;
[0048] FIG. 35 is a plan view of a spacer of the locking mechanism
of FIG. 24a; and
[0049] FIG. 36 is a side view of a spacer of the locking mechanism
of FIG. 24a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled
box to a box frame will now be described by way of exemplary
embodiments shown by the drawing figures, in which like reference
numerals indicate like elements in all of the several views.
[0051] 1. First Exemplary Embodiment
[0052] A first exemplary embodiment of the invention will be
described with reference to the locking mechanism 2 of FIGS. 1-23.
As can be seen in the assembly views of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
locking mechanism 2 includes a clip bracket 4, a protective outer
lock body 6 with a spring-loaded plunger lock assembly 8, a locking
member 10, an actuating lever 12, and a spring 14. The clip bracket
4 is adapted to engage a wall W of a meter box M whose cover C is
to be secured. The lock body 6 is adapted to latch to the clip
bracket 4 and engage the box cover C, thereby securing the same.
The locking member 10 and the actuating lever 12 are carried as
first and second pivoting members on the clip bracket 4. The
actuating lever 12 is adapted to actuate the locking member 10 so
as to clamp the clip bracket 4 to the box wall W, following which
the box cover C can be closed. This closed clamping position is
illustrated in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B shows an open unclamped position in
which the locking member 10 and the actuating lever 12 are pivoted
away from the clamping position under action of the spring 14.
[0053] In FIGS. 2-5, the clip bracket 4 is shown to be constructed
as a singular body 20 made from a suitable metal, such as steel or
the like. The body 20 is configured to provide an outer catch
portion 22, an intermediate throat portion 24, and a lever-carrying
portion 26. The catch portion 22 is adapted to engage a lateral
opening of the lock body 6 (described below) and is preferably
constructed with a tapered and chamfered end to facilitate guidance
into the lock body lateral opening. Additionally, the catch portion
22 has a through-hole 27 proximate to its tapered end. The
through-hole 27 is adapted to receive the spring-loaded plunger
lock assembly 8 for locking purposes. The throat portion 24
includes a central throat section 24a adapted to rest on (and span)
the wall W of the box M during use, an outer throat section 24b
adapted to lie outside the wall W of the box M, and an inner throat
section 24c adapted to lie within the box M. The dimensions of the
throat portion 24 can be varied, and are selected such that the
clip bracket 4 may accommodate thin-walled boxes with box walls of
different width and height. Such walls may also have lips or
flanges of various dimensions (see FIG. 22, showing an exemplary
meter box bottom wall) or they may be formed without lips or
flanges (see FIG. 20, showing an exemplary meter box side wall).
The lever-carrying portion 26 is constructed with a pair of pivot
tabs 28 and a pair of pivot slots 29. As described in more detail
below, the pivot tabs 28 are adapted to receive the actuating lever
12, allowing the actuating lever 12 to pivot thereon. The pivot
slots 29 are adapted to receive the locking member 10, allowing the
locking member 10 to pivot therein.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the clip bracket 4 can be formed from a
single flat, stamped piece, and given its final configuration using
a bending process. Other fabrication techniques, such as casting or
molding, could also be used. During the bending process, the body
20 of the clip bracket 4 is bent at locations B3 and B5 at
approximately 90 degree angles, creating the throat portion 24. The
outer catch portion 22 is formed by separating and bending a
central portion of the body 20 at B1. Two additional bends B2 and
B4 of approximately 45 degrees are formed to respectively
accommodate a jog in the box wall W and a jog in the actuating
lever 12 (see FIG. 1A). A final bend B6 of approximately 45 degrees
is formed to angle the lever carrying portion 26 at a desired
orientation. Other bending configurations could also be used. For
example, instead of a bend being approximately 90 degrees, two
bends of approximately 45 degrees could be used, and so on.
[0055] The lock body 6 is shown in FIGS. 6-10 to be constructed as
a singular block 30 made from any suitable material capable of
withstanding tampering (e.g. hammering, sawing and prying), such as
heat-treated or hardened steel or the like. Advantageously, the
lock body 6 is configured to restrict gripping and hammering by
having angled and radiused surfaces that eliminate purchase points.
In particular, the surfaces of the lock body 6 are configured such
that no two surfaces are mutually parallel, so that there are no
exposed ninety-degree surface intersections, and so that all
potential purchase points, especially those at the top of the lock
body 6, are rounded. The block 30 is configured to define a lock
tab portion 32 adapted to engage the box cover C, and a main body
portion 34. The lock tab portion 32 and the main body portion 34
intersect at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to form a cut out
region 35 that conforms to the exterior contour of the meter box M
(see FIG. 1B). The lock tab portion 32 will thus engage the top of
the box cover C during use, while the main body portion 34 will be
oriented in adjacent facing relationship with the box wall W. The
main body portion 34 has a longitudinally extending opening 36 and
a laterally extending opening 38. The longitudinal opening 36
comprises a tapered internally threaded (tapped) bore 36a that
extends from a surface 34a of the main body portion 34 for a
distance sufficient to receive a lock assembly (see below), at
which point it merges with a non-threaded, non-tapered bore 36b
that extends to intersect with the lateral opening 38. The lateral
opening 38 is generally slot shaped. It will be seen that the main
body portion 34 of the lock body 6 has a protruding seal holder 39
coaxially formed around the longitudinal opening 36. The seal
holder 39 is constructed with one or more openings 39a adapted to
receive a wire-like seal identifying a service provider.
[0056] The longitudinal opening 36 of the lock body 6 is designed
to receive a lock assembly that secures the lock body 6 to the clip
bracket 4. The lock assembly may be of any suitable type, such as a
barrel lock with a no-slam installation (not shown), or a key and
tumbler lock allowing for a slam or no-slam installation (not
shown). Preferably, however, the lock assembly is implemented using
the above-referenced spring-loaded plunger lock assembly 8 that
provides a novel slam-lock installation.
[0057] As best seen in FIG. 1A, the spring-loaded plunger lock
assembly 8 has a threaded plug 40 that is threaded into the
threaded tapered bore 36a of the lock body 6 until an interference
fit is generated that produces a desired installation torque. This
arrangement provides security against unauthorized removal of the
spring-loaded plunger lock assembly 8 and disengagement of the lock
body 6 from the clip bracket 4. A stem 42 extends from the threaded
plug 40 and has a head 44 that is slidably received in the bore 45
of a latch head 46. A coil spring 48 biases the latch head 46 away
from the threaded plug 40. When the spring-loaded plunger lock
assembly 8 is introduced into the threaded bore 36a, the threaded
plug 40 will reach its limit of downward movement by virtue of the
aforementioned interference fit prior to reaching the non-threaded
bore 36b. The coil spring 48 will bias the latch head 46 to the
bottom surface of the lateral opening 38. Note that this
arrangement accommodates tolerances within the longitudinal opening
36, insofar as the coil spring 48 will always bias the latch head
46 to its lowermost position.
[0058] As indicated above, the lateral opening 38 in the lock body
6 is slot shaped and adapted to accept the catch portion 22 of the
clip bracket 4 when the lock body 6 is mounted thereon. During
installation of the lock body 6, the catch portion 22 advances into
the lateral opening 38 of the lock body 6 until the catch portion
22 contacts and pushes the latch head 46 upwardly. As the catch
portion 22 continues to advance, the latch head 46 will become
aligned with the through-hole 27 in the catch portion 22. At this
point, the coil spring 48 biases the latch head 46 into the
through-hole 27 so as to effect locking engagement with the catch
portion 22.
[0059] The spring-loaded plunger lock assembly 8 is advanced or
retracted relative to the lock body 6 by utilizing a key 52 (shown
in FIG. 11) having a curvilinear ridge 54 at the end of a stem 56.
The curvilinear ridge 54 is of a configuration to mate with a
curvilinear groove 57 in the face 59 of the threaded plug 40 (as
shown in FIG. 12). The curvilinear groove 57 is constructed with a
relatively small pattern curvature and groove width such that no
device or tool (e.g., a large-flat bladed screwdriver) other than
the key 52 will be able to engage the groove 57 in such a manner as
to develop enough torque to unseat the threaded plug 40 from the
threaded bore 36a when the spring-loaded plunger lock assembly 8 is
in its locked position at the desired installation torque.
[0060] Turning to FIGS. 13-15, the locking member 10 is shown to be
constructed as a singular body 60 made from a suitable metal, such
as steel or the like. A conventional casting or forging method may
be used to form the locking member 10. Alternatively, a multiple
element construction could be used. The body 60 is configured to
provide a clamping portion 62 and a pivot portion 64. The clamping
portion 62 is formed with a raised contact pad 62a adapted to
engage the box wall W. By maintaining an angle B20 of approximately
45-degrees between the clamping portion 62 and the pivot portion
64, the face of the contact pad 62a will be substantially parallel
to the box wall W when the locking member 10 is in its closed
clamping position. It will be seen that the clamping portion
divides at 62b into a pair of tabs 62c and 62d. As described in
more detail below, the tabs 62c and 62d are adapted to engage the
underside of a lip or flange L that is typically present on the
bottom wall of a meter box (see FIG. 22). The tabs 62c and 62d are
separated from each other in order to avoid interference with the
clip bracket 4 when the locking member 10 is in the open unclamped
position of FIG. 1B.
[0061] The pivot portion 64 of the locking member 10 is used to
pivotally mount the locking member to the clip bracket 4. It
divides at 64a into two arms 64b and 64c that engage the pivot
slots 29 in the clip bracket 4 and provide a fulcrum or pivot point
for the locking member 10. The arms 64b and 64c are configured with
inwardly protruding support tabs 66 that help secure the locking
member 10 to the clip bracket 4. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
spring 14 is provided at the locking member pivot point to urge the
locking member 10 (and the actuating lever 12) into the open
unclamped position shown in FIG. 1B.
[0062] The actuating lever 12 is shown in FIGS. 16-19 to be
constructed as a singular body 70 made from a suitable metal, such
as steel or the like. The body 70 is configured to provide a
cover-engaging portion 72 and a pivot portion 74. The
cover-engaging portion 72 is adapted to seat on the outside of the
throat portion 24 of the clip bracket 4 when the locking mechanism
2 is in the closed clamping position of FIG. 1A. In this position,
the cover-engaging portion 72 will also engage the box cover C and
be trapped between the box cover and the clip bracket 4. The pivot
portion 74 is constructed with a pair of locking member-actuating
tabs 76 extending therefrom. The tabs 76 are formed with pivot
holes 78 that are adapted to receive the pivot tabs 28 on the clip
bracket 4, allowing the actuating lever 12 to pivot thereon. The
tabs 76 also have cam edges 76a that are adapted to engage the
locking member 10 as the actuating lever 12 is pivoted from the
open unclamped position of FIG. 1B to the closed clamping position
of FIG. 1A.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 18, the actuating lever 12 can be formed
from a single flat, stamped piece, and given its final
configuration using a bending process. Other fabrication
techniques, such as casting or molding, could also be used. During
the bending process, the body 70 of the actuating lever 12 is bent
at locations B30 and B31 at approximately 90-degree angles,
creating the tabs 76 of the pivot portion 74. An additional bend
B32 of approximately 90-degrees is formed to create the
cover-engaging portion 72. An approximately 45-degree bend B33 is
also formed within the cover-engaging portion 72 so as to allow the
cover-engaging portion to accommodate a similar bend configuration
B4 (see FIG. 3) formed on the central throat section 24a of the
clip bracket 4. Other bending configurations could be used. For
example, instead of a bend being approximately 90 degrees, two
bends of approximately 45 degrees could be used, and so on.
[0064] The operation of the locking mechanism 2 will now be
described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The locking
mechanism 2 can be secured on the meter box M in two quick steps,
without the use of a key. First, the clip bracket 4 carrying the
locking member 10 and the actuating lever 12 in the open unclamped
position of FIG. 1B is placed on the wall W of the meter box M,
such that the outer catch portion 22 of the clip bracket 4 lies
outside the meter box, and the wall of the meter box is spanned by
the throat portion 24 of the clip bracket 4. The spring 14 will
maintain the locking member 10 and the actuating lever 12 in the
desired position during this installation. Otherwise, manual
positioning of the locking member 10 and the actuating lever 12
would be required.
[0065] To effect clamping of the locking member 10, the actuating
lever 12 is pivoted until its cover-engaging portion 72 is seated
on the throat portion 24 of the clip bracket 4, as shown in FIG.
1A. As the actuating lever 12 is pivoted, the cam edges 76a of the
tabs 76 will actuate the locking member 10 and force the contact
pad 62a against the wall W of the meter box. Note that this
operation does not require closure of the box cover C. Thus, as
shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the locking mechanism 2 can be easily
installed on the side walls of the meter box M, and will be
retained in position during closure of the box cover C, even when
the box is mounted in the standard vertical orientation. To assist
this "zero gravity" installation capability, the cam edges 76a of
the actuating lever have a flat surface portion S that presses
against a corresponding flat surface portion S' on the back of the
locking member 10, in generally coplanar relationship therewith,
when the latter is in the closed clamping position of FIG. 1A.
[0066] At this point, the box cover C can be closed. As shown in
FIG. 1A, and as mentioned above, the cover engaging portion 72 of
the actuating lever 12 will now be trapped between the box cover C
and the throat portion 24 of the clip bracket 4. This will all but
eliminate the possibility of the actuating lever 12 being pivoted
out of engagement with the locking member 10 should an attempt be
made to dislodge the locking mechanism by unauthorized means. It
will also be seen in FIG. 1A that the contact pad 62a will be
captured beneath an inwardly extending jog J in the wall W that
conventionally extends along the sides of the meter box M. This
will further help prevent the locking mechanism 2 from being
removed by unauthorized means.
[0067] Following closure of the cover C, the lock body 6, with the
spring-loaded plunger lock assembly 8 seated therein in a
self-locking position at the desired installation torque, is
positioned over the meter box M. The lateral opening 38 will be
aligned with the outer catch portion 22 of the clip bracket 4. The
main body portion 34 of the lock body 6 is then pushed toward the
meter box M until the spring-loaded plunger lock assembly 8 slides
through the opening 27 in the catch portion 22 of the clip bracket
4 in the manner described above. This will secure the lock body 6
to the clip bracket 4 and further secure the cover C of the meter
box M by virtue of the lock tab portion 32 of the lock body 6
engaging the box cover C and the main body portion 34 of the lock
body engaging the box wall W.
[0068] Turning now to FIGS. 20-23, it will be seen that the locking
mechanism 2 can be respectively mounted at a minimum of two
different locations on the meter box M. FIGS. 20-21 show a side
mount arrangement in which the locking mechanism 2 is secured to a
side wall portion W' of the meter box M. FIGS. 22-23 show a bottom
mount arrangement in which the locking mechanism 2 is secured to a
bottom wall portion W" of the meter box M. It should be noted that
the latter installation will be aided by the tabs 62c and 62d of
the locking member 10. In particular, as shown in FIG. 22, when the
locking mechanism 2 is in the closed clamping position, the tabs
62c and 62d will extend upwardly toward the bottom of the lip or
flange L on the wall W of the meter box M. Should an unauthorized
person manage to somehow displace the locking mechanism 2 in an
upward direction, the tabs 62c and 62d will come into contact with
the lip or flange L, thereby preventing further dislodgment of the
locking mechanism. A further advantage of the locking mechanism 2
with respect to the bottom mounting position of FIGS. 22-23 is that
the throat portion 24 of the clip bracket 4, with its wide
configuration, is able to easily span the distance of the lip or
flange L.
[0069] 2. Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0070] A second exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be
described with reference to the locking mechanism 102 of FIGS.
24-36. As can be seen in the assembly views of FIGS. 24 and 25, the
locking mechanism 102 includes a clip bracket 104, a protective
outer lock body 106 with a spring-loaded plunger lock assembly 108,
a locking member 110 integrally formed with a pivotable actuating
lever 112, and a spacer 114. As described in more detail below, the
clip bracket 104 is adapted to engage a wall W of a meter box M
whose cover C is to be secured. The lock body 106 is adapted to
latch to the clip bracket 104 and engage the box cover C. The
locking member 110 and the actuating lever 112 are carried as a
single integral pivoting member on the clip bracket 104. The
actuating lever 112 is adapted to actuate the locking member 110 so
as to clamp the clip bracket 104 to the box wall W upon closure of
the box cover C.
[0071] In FIGS. 26-29, the clip bracket 104 is shown to be
constructed as a singular body 120 made from a suitable metal, such
as steel or the like. The body 120 is configured to provide an
outer catch portion 122, an intermediate throat portion 124, and an
inner lever-carrying portion 126. The catch portion 122 is adapted
to engage a lateral opening of the lock body 106 (described below)
and is preferably constructed with a tapered and chamfered end to
facilitate guidance into the lock body. Additionally, the catch
portion 122 has a through-hole 127 proximate to its tapered end.
The through-hole 127 is adapted to receive the spring-loaded
plunger lock assembly 108 for locking purposes. The throat portion
124 includes a central throat section 124a adapted to rest on (and
span) the wall W of the box M during use, an outer throat section
124b adapted to lie outside the wall W of the box M, and an inner
throat section 124c adapted to lie within the box M. The dimensions
of the throat portion 124 can be varied, and are selected such that
the clip bracket 104 may accommodate thin-walled boxes with box
walls of different width and height. As discussed above, such walls
may also have lips or flanges of various dimensions or they may be
formed without lips or flanges. The lever-carrying portion 126 is
constructed as a pair of slotted tabs 128 formed with pivot slots
129. As described in more detail below, the pivot slots 129 are
adapted to seat the locking member 110, allowing the locking member
110 to pivot thereon.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 29, the clip bracket 104 can be formed from
a single flat, stamped piece, and given its final configuration
using a bending process. Other fabrication techniques, such as
casting or molding, could also be used. During the bending process,
the body 120 of the clip bracket 104 is bent at locations B101,
B102, and B103 at approximately 90-degree angles, creating the
catch portion 122 and the throat portion 124. Two additional bends
B104 and B105 of approximately 90 degrees are formed to create the
slotted tabs 128 that define the lever-carrying portion 126. Other
bending configurations could also be used. For example, instead of
a bend being approximately 90 degrees, two bends of approximately
45 degrees could be used, and so on.
[0073] The lock body 106 and the spring-loaded plunger assembly 108
are identical in construction to the lock body 6 and spring-loaded
plunger assembly 8 of the first exemplary embodiment. As such,
reference is made to the discussion above regarding these
components and their operation.
[0074] In FIGS. 30-33, the locking member 110 and the integral
actuating lever 112 are shown to be constructed as a singular body
160 made from a suitable metal, such as steel or the like. The body
160 is configured with two protruding support tabs 162 that provide
a fulcrum or pivot point for both the locking member 110 and the
actuating lever. The tabs 162 are sized to be pivotally received in
the slots 129a of the clip bracket 104. As best shown in FIG. 33,
the actuating lever 112 begins at the tabs 162 and extends to form
a cover-engaging portion 164 of the body 160. The locking member
110 begins at the tabs 162 and extends to form a wall-engaging
portion 166 of the body 160. The cover-engaging portion 164 divides
at 164a into two arms 164b and 164c in order to avoid interference
with the clip bracket 104. The arms 164b and 164c respectively
terminate at cover contact pads 164d and 164e that are adapted to
engage the box cover C. Note that instead of splitting the
cover-engaging portion 164, other configurations could be used,
such as a single arm adapted to extend around one side of the clip
bracket 104 or through an opening (not shown) in the clip bracket.
The wall-engaging portion 166 extends to a wall contact pad 166a
that is adapted to engage the box wall W. A protruding locking tab
168 extends from the contact pad 166a, and is adapted to seat below
the jog (shown at "J" in FIG. 25) that is typically present on the
side walls of a meter box. When the locking member 110 is pivoted
into its closed clamping position, the protruding locking tab 168
will be trapped by the jog J, thereby making unauthorized removal
of the locking mechanism 102 more difficult.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 33, the locking member 110 and the integral
actuating lever 112 can be formed from a single flat, stamped
piece, and given their final configuration using a bending process.
Other fabrication techniques, such as casting or molding, could
also be used. During the bending process, the body 160 is bent at
two locations, B107 and B108, at angles of approximately 45-degrees
(or any other suitable angle) to create the above-described contact
pads 164d, 164e and 166a. These contact pads are aligned such that
they will concurrently contact the cover C and a side wall W of the
closed meter box M. The locking tab 168 can be formed by separating
and not bending a central portion of the body 160 at B108.
[0076] As seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, the locking member 110 and the
integral actuating lever 112 are pivotally mounted to the clip
bracket 104 with the support tabs 162 resting in the pivot slots
129 of the clip bracket 104. The cover contact pads 164d and 164e
of the actuating lever 112 will be located distally from the catch
portion 122 of the clip bracket 104 for engagement with the box
cover M. As stated, the wall contact pad 166a of the locking member
110 will be then be positioned for engagement with the box wall
W.
[0077] The spacer 114, as shown in FIGS. 34-36, is used to
laterally position the locking member 110 relative to the wall W of
the box M to accommodate different wall configurations. The spacer
112 can be constructed as a singular body 150 and is configured
with a central spacing member 152 terminating at retaining tabs
154. The central spacing member 152 is adapted to seat in the pivot
slots 129 on the lever-carrying portion 126 of the clip bracket
104, with the support tabs 162 of the locking member 110 and the
actuating lever 112 seated thereon. The tabs 154 are adapted for
holding the central spacing member 152 in the slots 129 by firmly
engaging the outside of the slotted tabs 128 of the clip bracket
104. The spacer 112 can be made of any suitable material capable of
positioning the locking member 110, such as plastic.
[0078] The installation and operation of the locking mechanism 102
are essentially the same as described above in connection with the
first exemplary embodiment, the only difference being that no
separate actuating lever manipulation step is required prior to
closure of the box cover C. Instead, the actuating lever 112
actuates the locking member 110 into its closed clamping position
as a result of closing the box cover C. In particular, as the cover
C is closed, it contacts the cover contact pads 164d and 164e of
the actuating lever 112, causing it to pivot. This action also
pivots the locking member 110, forcing the wall contact pad 166a of
the locking member against the wall W of the meter box M. It will
also be seen that the spacer 112 allows the locking member 110 to
be selectively laterally positioned to accommodate the different
topologies of the side and bottom walls of the box M. In
particular, the spacer 112 can be used when the locking mechanism
102 is mounted at a side wall location, and then removed when the
locking mechanism 102 is mounted at a bottom wall location.
Advantageously, the locking mechanism 102 can be mounted on the
meter box M without having to place a hand inside the meter
box.
[0079] It may also be desired to retain the locking mechanism 102
on a side wall portion of the meter box M when the meter box is
installed in the standard vertical orientation. Insofar as there is
no separately pivotable actuating lever (as in the first exemplary
embodiment described above), an alternative retention scheme is
needed. One possible solution would be to insert a suitable spring
clip (not shown) within the U-shaped area of the clip bracket 104
formed by the throat sections 124a, 124b and 124c. The spring clip
would be sized to engage a top portion of the side wall with
sufficient force to maintain the locking mechanism in the
installation position shown in FIG. 25.
[0080] Accordingly, a ringless meter lock for securing the cover of
a thin-walled box to a box frame has been disclosed. While two
exemplary locking mechanism embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, it should be apparent that many variations and
alternative embodiments could be implemented in accordance with the
teachings herein. For example, although a pivotable locking member
is shown in both embodiments, other embodiments could be
constructed using a locking member that is displaceable (e.g.,
slidable), but does not necessarily pivot. Various alternative
configurations could also be provided for inter-engagement of the
actuating lever to the locking member. For example, instead of the
cam engagement scheme of the first exemplary embodiment or the
integral engagement scheme of the second exemplary embodiment, a
linkage engagement scheme might be used (e.g., using a four-bar
linkage). It will also be appreciated that the clip bracket and the
lock body could be formed into a variety of suitable
configurations, depending on design preferences, and need not
necessarily be configured in the manner shown in the drawing
figures.
[0081] It is understood, therefore, that the invention is not to be
in any way limited except in accordance with the spirit of the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *