U.S. patent application number 11/434665 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for method and apparatus for securing a watthour meter box.
Invention is credited to John Edward JR. Stachowiak.
Application Number | 20060254327 11/434665 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37431996 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060254327 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stachowiak; John Edward
JR. |
November 16, 2006 |
Method and apparatus for securing a watthour meter box
Abstract
A locking bracket and a lock housing wherein the locking bracket
generally comprises a clamping member and a fastening lever that
attaches to a wall of a meter box base. The lock housing generally
comprises a unitary member with a perpendicular flange. The meter
box lid is secured to the meter box base when the locking bracket
is secured to the side wall and used in combination with the lock
housing and a locking shaft.
Inventors: |
Stachowiak; John Edward JR.;
(Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael A. Evans;DeWalch Technologies, Inc.
6850 Wynnwood Lane
Houston
TX
77008
US
|
Family ID: |
37431996 |
Appl. No.: |
11/434665 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60681200 |
May 16, 2005 |
|
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|
60793104 |
Apr 19, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
70/164 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 41/005 20130101;
G01R 11/04 20130101; H02B 1/063 20130101; Y10T 292/1052 20150401;
F16B 21/165 20130101; Y10T 292/1043 20150401; H05K 5/0208 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; G01R 11/24 20130101; Y10T 29/49947
20150115; Y10T 70/5558 20150401; Y10T 292/1059 20150401; H05K
5/0221 20130101; Y10T 70/5566 20150401; H02B 1/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
070/164 |
International
Class: |
B65D 55/14 20060101
B65D055/14 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for securing a box cover to a meter box, said meter
box being defined by a plurality of side walls, said apparatus
comprising: a clamping member attachable to one of said plurality
of side walls; a fastening lever; a pivotal connection between said
clamping member and said fastening lever, said pivotal connection
comprising an axis of rotation extending through said pivotal
connection, said axis of rotation extending into at least one of
said box cover or said one of said plurality of side walls when
said box cover is secured to said meter box.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a portion of said
fastening lever member adapted to bear against said one of said
plurality of side walls of said meter box.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said portion of said fastening
lever member adapted to bear against said one of said plurality of
side walls of said meter box comprises a planar surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said planar surface is
rotatable with respect to said one of said plurality of side
walls.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said portion of said fastening
lever member adapted to bear against said one of said plurality of
side walls of said meter box is arcuate.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a resilient
compression member secured to said portion of said fastening lever
member adapted to bear against said one of said plurality of side
walls.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member
secured to at least one of said clamping member or said fastening
lever.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said clamping member comprises
a first planar surface and said fastening lever comprises a second
planar surface, said pivotal connection pivotally interconnecting
said first planar surface to said second planar surface.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lever end, said
lever end surface being pivotally moveable between a mounting and a
locked position without entering into an interior of said meter
box.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lever end is in
functional cooperation with a portion of a lock housing mounted to
a portion of the clamping member such that said lock prevents
rotation of said lever to an open position.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lever end is in
functional cooperation with a portion of a meter box lid such that
said lid prevents rotation of said lever to an open position.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lever end being at least
partially outside the interior of the meter box in a mounting
position and at least partially inside the interior of the meter
box in a locked position.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said meter
box.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said a locking
structure adapted for functional cooperation with said clamping
member for securing a meter box lid to a meter box base.
15. An apparatus for securing a box cover to a meter box, said
meter box being defined by a plurality of side walls, said
apparatus comprising: a clamping member attachable to one of said
plurality of side walls; a fastening lever with a planar engagement
surface adapted to bear against said one of said plurality of side
walls of said meter box; and a pivotal connection between said
clamping member and said fastening lever whereby said planar
engagement surface rotates with respect to said one of said
plurality of side walls.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a compression
member secured to said planar engagement surface.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a biasing member
secured to at least one of said clamping member or said fastening
lever.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising an axis of
rotation extending through said pivotal connection, said axis of
rotation extending into said one of said plurality of side
walls.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said axis of rotation being
at least approximately orthogonal to said one of said plurality of
side walls.
20. An apparatus for securing a box cover to a meter box, said
meter box being defined by a plurality of side walls, said
apparatus comprising: a clamping member attachable to one of said
plurality of side walls, said clamping member comprising a first
planar surface; a fastening lever comprising a lever end, a second
planar surface secured to said lever end, and a wall engagement
surface secured to said second planar surface; and a pivotal
connection between said first planar surface and said second planar
surface, said clamping member and said fastening lever being
pivotally connected together for relative movement between a
mounting position and a locked position in response to force
applied to said lever end, and being configured such that in said
locked position, said wall engagement surface engages said one of
said plurality of side walls.
21. The apparatus in claim 20, said pivotal connection comprising
an axis of rotation extending through said pivotal connection, said
axis of rotation extending into at least one of said box cover or
said one of said plurality of side walls when said box cover is
secured to said meter box.
22. A locking device for securing a box cover to a meter box, said
meter box comprising a side wall, comprising: a lock housing
member; a flange disposed on said lock housing member adapted to
secure said box cover to said meter box; a latch assembly adapted
to affix to said side wall of said meter box, said latch assembly
comprising a bracket member and a lever member, a first bracket
portion disposed on said bracket member adapted to pivotably carry
said lever member allowing rotational motion of said lever member
about an axis located generally perpendicular to a planar face of
said first bracket portion, a second bracket portion disposed on
said bracket member, a third bracket portion disposed on said
bracket member adapted to be received by and affixed to said lock
housing member, a portion of said lever member adapted to bear
against said side wall of said meter box thus trapping said side
wall between said second bracket portion and said portion of said
lever member adapted to bear against said side wall of said meter
box.
23. A locking device for securing a box cover to a meter box, said
meter box comprising a side wall, comprising: a bracket mountable
to said side wall; and latching member for securing said bracket to
the wall of the meter box without having to reach into the interior
of the box.
24. The locking device of claim 23, wherein said latching member is
substantially manipulable without needing to place any portion of
one's hand or an object into the interior of the meter box.
25. A method for securing a lid to a watthour meter box having an
interior defined by at least one wall, said at least one wall
comprising a flange extending inwardly to said at least one wall
such that a lower side of said flange faces away from said lid when
said lid is secured to said watthour meter box, said method
comprising: attaching a locking bracket to said at least one wall
such that at least a portion of said locking assembly engages said
lower side of said flange; installing the lid over at least a
portion of the locking bracket; and and securing a locking housing
to the locking bracket to prevent removal of the lid.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the step of attaching further
comprises moving a lever such that said moving is performed from a
position substantially outside the interior of the watthour meter
box.
27. An apparatus for securing a box cover to a meter box, said
meter box being defined by at least one side wall, said apparatus
comprising: a clamping member attachable to said at least one side
wall; a fastening lever; and and a resilient compression member
carried by said fastening lever, said resilient compression member
being adapted to bear against said at least one side wall.
28. A method for manufacturing an apparatus for securing a box
cover to a meter box, said meter box being defined by a plurality
of side walls, said apparatus comprising: providing a clamping
member attachable to one of said plurality of side walls;
selectively securing a fastening lever to said clamping member in
at least one of two different design configurations, said first
design configuration requiring that said fastening lever is mounted
for rotation in a first rotational direction to fasten said
clamping member to said one of said plurality of side walls, and
said second design configuration requiring that said fastening
lever is mounted for rotation in a second rotational direction to
fasten said clamping member to said one of said plurality of side
walls.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said first rotational direction
is opposite to said second rotational direction.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Applications No. 60/681,200, filed May 16, 2005, and No.
60/793104, filed Apr. 19, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to locking
structures, and more specifically, it relates to a locking
structure for securing the lid of a utility service enclosure such
as, for example, a watthour meter box.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background
[0005] Electrical service providers generally deliver electricity
to their customers via power lines buried underground or
distributed along poles or towers overhead. The provider's power
lines are usually distributed from a power generation station to
numerous sets of customer lines, so that customers can then use the
power to satisfy their various electrical needs. To measure
delivered power so that customers can be billed in proportion to
their usage, service providers typically terminate their power
lines at a customer's home or business facility through a metered
socket box, various designs for which are well known.
[0006] A meter box is generally used by electric utility companies,
however the invention herein may be used with other utility service
enclosures in the gas, water, cable, TV utility industries or in
other industries as well.
[0007] An example of one previously known meter box consists of two
sets of electrical posts, with a provider's transmission lines
being connected to one set of posts, and the customer's service
lines to the other set. In order to measure the amount of
electricity a customer uses, the meter box is configured to accept
a watthour meter or another electricity usage measurement device
which, when plugged into the socket box, permits transmission of
electricity from the provider to the customer and allows the amount
of transmitted electricity to be accurately measured, so that the
provider can charge the customer for power usage at an appropriate
rate.
[0008] Various designs and uses for watthour meters are also well
known, and all such designs and uses are incorporated by reference
into the teachings of the present invention. The present invention
is also applicable in situations where the customer's service lines
are routed from the meter box to a breaker box so that electricity
can be distributed to multiple service locations using additional
sets of electrical lines or wires.
[0009] Presently, there are two common types of meter socket boxes,
each distinguished by the manner in which the meter is secured in
place once it has been plugged into an electrical socket disposed
in the meter box. For example, a ringed type meter box fitted with
a flanged front cover is known, within which a watthour meter is
disposed so that a head portion of the meter passes out through a
flanged opening in the front cover. In this configuration, the
meter is generally held in place using an annular, lockable sealing
ring.
[0010] Also known is a ringless type meter box, in which the box
cover secures the meter in place. For example, a ringless type
meter box may include a box cover and a box base. Formed around an
opening in a central portion of meter box cover is a flange. A
complementary flange is disposed on the meter such that when meter
box cover is installed over and around the head of meter, then the
meter complementary flange is encased by meter box cover flange, so
that the meter cannot be easily removed from the electrical socket
unless the cover is first removed from the meter box base.
[0011] The meter box cover is typically secured in place by means
of a small latch assembly, which functions in structural
cooperation with a complementary latch-receiving member disposed on
the meter box base. The meter box cover is used to secure the meter
to the electrical socket (not shown), so that completion of an
electrical circuit is ensured, and the meter is reliably prevented
from falling out of the meter box socket.
[0012] The meter box cover also prevents unauthorized persons from
tampering with the meter. For example, some customers have
attempted to bypass the meter, so that unmeasured electricity could
be used free of charge. Also, service providers are sometimes
forced to disconnect service to customers, for example, due to
non-payment of monthly bills. In this event, a locked meter box
cover helps prevent a customer from entering the meter box and
reconnecting electrical service. However, in instances where the
small latch assembly on the meter box fails to provide sufficient
security for preventing unauthorized access to the meter and meter
box socket, a sturdier, more tamper resistant solution is
required.
[0013] There are presently only a few commonly used security
devices for securing meter box covers to socket boxes. One type
requires an installer to drill or punch a hole in the meter box
prior to installation of a fastening device. However, some
installers are independent contractors rather than employees of the
companies that own the meter boxes, and thus drilling or punching a
starter hole in the box is sometimes undesirable. Also, drilling
takes additional time and adds more steps to the installation, each
of which could be avoided if drilling were not required.
[0014] To overcome these shortcomings, there are also locks that
can be installed on ringless meter socket boxes that do not require
drilling or punching a hole in the meter box. Several examples of
patents which disclose attempts to solve some of the above problems
are set forth as follows.
[0015] The Inner-Tite Jiffy Lock.TM. or "IT Lock," shown in U.S.
Pat. No. D-463,248, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,691 to Rafferty,
entitled "Meter Box Lock Assembly," is directed to lock assembly
for use in combination with an electric meter box or other like
enclosure having a bottom, a side wall, and a cover which may be
opened to gain access to the interior of the box, and which when
closed, overlaps an upper edge of the side wall. The lock assembly
includes a bracket having first and second mutually spaced flanges
integrally joined by an intermediate web. A jaw is mechanically
interengaged with and carried by the bracket for movement between
its flanges. The bracket is configured for removable mounting on
the side wall, with its intermediate web interposed between the
cover and the upper edge of the side wall, and with the first
flange and the jaw respectively located adjacent exterior and
interior surfaces of the side wall. The jaw is urged towards the
first flange to clamp the side wall therebetween, and a cap is
secured to the bracket. The cap has a lip configured and
dimensioned to overlap and maintain the cover in a closed
position.
[0016] The McGard Intimidator Sidewinder-Lock.TM. shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,742,365 to Sullivan et al, entitled "Ringless Meter
Lock," sets forth 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 quick, keyless, slam
installation.
[0017] There remains a need for a meter box security device that
can be easily and quickly installed, which reliably ensures that
the box cover cannot be shut once the support assembly is hung on a
wall, unless the clamping member is properly secured to a meter box
wall. There is also a need for a meter box security apparatus that
offers greater security for preventing unauthorized entry into a
meter box than is known in the prior art. There is also a need for
a meter box security device having a reduced number of parts, so as
to limit system complexity and hold down manufacturing costs.
[0018] Those of skill in the art will appreciate the present
invention which addresses the above needs and other significant
needs the solution to which are discussed hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide additional
security to a watthour meter box.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to secure the
watthour meter box lid to the meter box base
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
watthour meter box security apparatus that helps prevent
unauthorized watthour meter box lid removal from the watthour meter
box base
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
watthour meter box security apparatus that can be installed without
any tools.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
watthour meter box security apparatus that can be attached to the
wall of watthour meter box base.
[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
watthour meter box security apparatus that will not interfere with
dangerous components inside the meter box.
[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
watthour meter security apparatus that will not interfere with the
normal operation of the lid.
[0026] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the drawings, the
descriptions given herein, and the appended claims. However, it
will be understood that the above-listed objectives and/or
advantages of the invention are intended only as an aid in quickly
understanding aspects of the invention, are not intended to limit
the invention in any way, and therefore do not form a comprehensive
or restrictive list of objectives, and/or features, and/or
advantages. Accordingly the present invention provides an apparatus
for securing a box cover to a watthour meter socket box so as to
address the needs as described above.
[0027] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to secure the lid of a
watthour meter box to the base of a watthour meter box.
[0028] One example embodiment of the present invention includes at
least a locking bracket and a lock housing. The locking bracket
includes at least a clamping member, fastening lever, and
compression member. In an alternative embodiment, the locking
bracket further includes at least a flexural member.
[0029] The lock housing generally includes at least a lock body or
member incorporating a flange. The flange preferably has a
generally perpendicular orientation with respect the lock housing.
In one example embodiment, the lock housing has a unitary
configuration. The locking bracket is adapted to be attached to a
portion of a wall of the watthour meter box and to receive the lock
housing after the lid of the watthour meter box is in place.
[0030] An example embodiment includes at least a shaft-style
locking device cooperatively configured for securing the lock
housing to the locking bracket so as to prevent removal of the
meter box lid from the meter box base. In an alternative
embodiment, the lock housing may be configured for use with any
locking device suitable for securing the lock housing to the
locking bracket so as to prevent removal of the meter box lid.
[0031] In an alternate embodiment, a locking device for securing
the lid of a watthour meter box to a watthour meter box base
includes at least: a latch assembly and a lock housing member, said
latch assembly adapted to affix to a wall of a watthour meter box
base, said latch assembly comprising a bracket member and a lever
member, a first bracket portion disposed on said bracket member
adapted to pivotably carry said lever member allowing rotational
motion of said lever member about an axis located generally
perpendicular to the planar face of said first bracket portion, a
portion of said lever member adapted to bear against a wall of said
meter box base thus trapping said wall between a second bracket
portion disposed on said bracket member, a third bracket portion
disposed on said bracket member adapted to be received by and
affixed to said lock housing member, a flange disposed on said lock
housing member adapted to secure a meter box lid to a meter box
base.
[0032] In one example embodiment, a method for securing a lid to a
watthour meter box having an interior is provided. The method
includes at least: attaching a locking bracket to a wall of the
watthour meter box; installing the lid over at least a portion of
the bracket; and securing a locking housing to the bracket to
prevent removal of the lid. In one example embodiment, the step of
attaching the locking bracket to the wall of the watthour meter box
is performed from a position substantially outside the interior of
the watthour meter box. In this way, the bracket is substantially
manipulable without needing to place any portion of one's hand or
an object in the interior of the watthour meter box.
[0033] In another example embodiment, attaching means may be used
for mounting the bracket to the wall of the watthour meter box
without having to reach into the interior of the box. A latch
member may be lever-type structure and a member engageable with a
meter box wall. Various locking means may be used to secure the lid
to the watthour meter box.
[0034] In another example embodiment the locking bracket includes
at least a body and only one moveable member. In another
embodiment, the moveable member is pivotable with respect to the
body. In another embodiment, the moveable member preferably further
includes at least a compression member.
[0035] In an example embodiment, the moveable member includes at
least an actuating lever which is moveable (or for example,
pivotable) in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane
of the wall to which the locking bracket is being attached. The
actuating lever ideally is configured with a compression member at
a distal end of the actuating lever such that the compression makes
arcuate (or sweeping rotational) engagement with the wall when
force is applied to the actuating lever. The actuating lever is
ideally configured with at least one elongated member which serves
as a moment arm to facilitate engagement.
[0036] In another example embodiment, the locking bracket includes
at least a reversible design configuration. That is, the locking
bracket may be manufactured in a first design configuration such
that the actuating lever may be rotated in a functional clockwise
direction to attach the bracket or in a second design configuration
such that the actuating lever may be rotated in a functional
counter-clockwise direction to attach the bracket. The first or
second design configuration may be employed as desired for use in
situations where there are limited locations for attaching the
locking bracket or to foster ease of use by a right- or left-handed
person.
[0037] Another example embodiment of the present invention includes
at least a locking bracket for use with a lock housing. The locking
bracket includes at least a clamping member, fastening lever, and
compression member. The locking bracket is configured for mounting
a lock housing to capture at least a portion of the lid of a
watthour meter box. A locking shaft is adapted to be installed in
the lock housing so as to secure the lid in place on the watthour
meter box.
[0038] In another example embodiment of the apparatus the lever end
is in functional cooperation with a portion of a lock housing
mounted to a portion of the clamping member such that the lock
prevents rotation of the lever to an open position.
[0039] In another example embodiment of the apparatus the lever end
is in functional cooperation with a portion of a meter box lid such
that the lid prevents rotation of the lever to an open
position.
[0040] In another example embodiment of the apparatus the lever end
is at least partially outside the interior of the meter box in a
mounting position and at least partially inside the interior of the
meter box in a locked position.
[0041] In another example embodiment of the apparatus further
comprises the meter box.
[0042] In another example embodiment of the apparatus further
comprises a locking structure adapted for functional cooperation
with said clamping member for securing a meter box lid to a meter
box base.
[0043] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter.
[0044] In this respect, before explaining at least one example
embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0045] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention
installed onto the watthour meter box in accord with one possible
embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a side-section view of the present invention
installed on a meter box viewed from inside the box in accord with
one possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 2A is a side-section view of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 2 which may or may not utilize biasing means and
wherein if used, the biasing means may or may not replace, or be
used in conjunction with, a flexural member in accord with another
possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention installed on
a meter box viewed from inside the box showing the various
components of the locking apparatus.
[0051] FIG. 3A is a side-section view of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 3 which may or may not utilize biasing means and
wherein, if used, the biasing means may or may not replace, or be
used in conjunction with, a flexural member in accord with another
possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention viewed
generally from below, showing the various components of the locking
bracket.
[0053] FIG. 4A is a side-section view of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 4 which may or may not utilize biasing means and
wherein, if used, the biasing means may or may not replace, or be
used in conjunction with, a flexural member in accord with another
possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a perspective-exploded view of the present
invention showing the various components of the locking bracket
[0055] FIG. 5A is a side-section view of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 5 which may or may not utilize biasing means such as
a compression member and wherein, if used, the biasing means may or
may not replace, or be used in conjunction with, a flexural member
in accord with another possible embodiment of the present
invention.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention,
illustrating the installation of the entire apparatus onto the
meter box base.
[0057] FIG. 6A is a side-section view of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 6 which may or may not utilize biasing means such as
a compression member and wherein, if used, the biasing means may or
may not replace, or be used in conjunction with, a flexural member
in accord with another possible embodiment of the present
invention.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention,
viewed from below the meter box base front flange, illustrating the
installation of the locking bracket onto the meter box base.
Portions of the meter box base have been cut away.
[0059] FIG. 7A is a side-section view of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 7 which may or may not utilize biasing means such as
a compression member and wherein, if used, the biasing means may or
may not replace, or be used in conjunction with, a flexural member
in accord with another possible embodiment of the present
invention.
[0060] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention,
illustrating the locking apparatus position after installation,
viewed from below. Portions of the meter box base and lid have been
cut away.
[0061] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention
illustrating the lock housing position after apparatus
installation. Portions of the meter box base and lid have been cut
away.
[0062] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention showing the various components of the locking
bracket in the "closed" position.
[0063] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention showing the various components of the locking
bracket in the "closed" position.
[0064] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention showing the various components of the locking
bracket in the "open" position.
[0065] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternate
embodiment of the present invention showing the various components
of the locking bracket in the "closed" position.
[0066] While the present invention will be described in connection
with presently preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it
is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications,
and equivalents included within the spirit of the invention and as
defined in the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0067] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the attached figures illustrate an apparatus for securing a
watthour meter box.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a ringless type
meter box 27 that includes a box cover 20, and a box base 19.
Formed around an opening in a central portion of meter box cover 20
is a flange 29. A complementary flange is disposed on meter 28 such
that, when meter box cover 20 is installed over and around the head
of meter 28, the meter complementary flange is encased by meter box
cover flange 29, so that the meter cannot be easily removed from
the electrical socket unless the cover 20 is first removed from the
meter box base 19.
[0069] The meter box cover 20 is typically secured in place by
means of a small latch assembly, which functions in structural
cooperation with a complementary latch-receiving member disposed on
the meter box base 19. The meter box cover 20 is used to secure the
meter 28 to the electrical socket (not shown), so that completion
of an electrical circuit is ensured, and the meter is reliably
prevented from falling out of the meter box socket. The meter box
cover 20 also prevents unauthorized persons from tampering with the
meter 28. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, meter box base 19 comprises
wall 23. Wall 23 comprises front flange 21 which extends inwardly
from wall 23.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 3, and 3A, there is shown
watthour meter box 27 wherein lock housing 14 may be utilized for
securing meter box cover 20 to meter box base 19. The lock housing
14 is generally comprised of a unitary member incorporating a
generally perpendicular flange 15 and multiple apertures or
openings which may be interconnected such as 17, 22. Opening 17 may
extend into lock housing perpendicular to perpendicular flange 15
and extend through opening or aperture 22, which may, if desired,
be generally transverse to opening 17. Aperture 22 preferably opens
onto an interior side of lock housing 14 and receives fastening
shelf 4 of clamping member 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, lock
housing 14 may be used in conjunction with clamping member 2 such
that cover 20 is held in place between flange 10 of clamping member
2 and perpendicular flange 15 of lock housing 14.
[0071] The clamping member 2 is generally comprised of multiple
flanges 6, 10, 5 with one of the flanges 6 containing a preferably
circular aperture 24 and a fastening shelf 4 that also contains a
preferably circular aperture 7. Additional flanges may be added or
fewer flanges may be used to accomplish the function as described
henceforth.
[0072] A locking bracket 1 as shown enlarged in FIGS. 4, 4A, 5,
5A6, and 6A may generally comprise clamping member 2 and a
fastening lever 3. The fastening lever 3 is generally comprised of
multiple flanges 8, 9, 11 with one of the flanges 11 containing a
generally circular aperture 25. Additional flanges may be added or
fewer flanges may be used to accomplish the function as described
henceforth.
[0073] As shown in the exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 5,
the fastening lever 3, flexural member 13, and clamping member 2
may be joined through the corresponding apertures 25, 24 with a
permanent type fastener 12, which may be a rivet or other type of
fastener which allows rotational motion between fastening lever 3,
and clamping member 2. Fastener 12 is preferably permanent (but may
also be non-permanent and easily removable). Flexural member 13 is
partially compressed between the flanges 6 and 11 of clamping
member 2 and fastening lever 3. The flexural member is a
compressible member which applies a biasing force that biases
clamping member 2 and fastening lever 3 away from each other or to
separate.
[0074] In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, a compression member 30 is
adapted to be received by a flange 8 disposed on fastening lever 3.
Compression member 30 may be attached to flange 8 by various means,
one of which is shown and may comprise a cap. Flange 8 comprises
edge 40 and stop surface 41 such that once compression member 30 is
installed, comprise terminate edge 40A and stop surface 41A. It
will be appreciated that edge 40 or terminate edge 40A is a surface
although preferably narrow in width and rotates and engages the
wall 23 at the same time. Compression member 30 may be wholly or
partially comprised of elastomeric material, plastic, or other
compressible material. The compressible material may preferably
also be resilient so as to permit repeated reuse. The compressible
material is also preferably an electrical insulator which reduces
any likelihood of contacting electricity which might possibly be
present within meter box base 19. Compression member 30 may be used
in place of flexural member 13, or in conjunction with it, or with
other compression members.
[0075] The directly subsequent discussion of assembly and operation
of locking bracket 1 onto base 19 of watthour meter box 27 is made
using the example of compression member 30, but resilient
compression members such as flexural member 13, or other resilient
compression members discussed hereinafter, or compression members
such as lobe 34 which may or may not be resilient, may be utilized
to provide a secure fit of locking bracket 1 onto base 19.
Compression members may be used with or without each other.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 6A, the locking bracket 1 is installed
onto the base 19 of the watthour meter box 27 in the following
manner: The fastening lever 3 is first rotated to an "open"
position as shown with the flange 9 of the fastening lever 3 in a
generally perpendicular position to the flange 10 of the clamping
member 2. The locking bracket is moved toward the wall 23 of the
meter box base 19, shown by movement arrow "A", allowing the front
flange 21 of the meter box base 19 to pass between the compression
member 30 disposed on flange 8 of the fastening lever 3 and the
fastening shelf 4 of the clamping member 2. The locking bracket 1
is then lowered onto the front flange 21 of the watthour meter box
base 19 shown by movement arrow "B" until the front flange 21 of
the meter box base 19 is in contact with the flange 10 of the
clamping member 2.
[0077] Now referring to FIG. 7A, which shows a view on the other
side of that shown in FIG. 6A, the installer bears on flange 9 of
the fastening lever 3 causing the fastening lever 3 to rotate to a
"closed position", shown by movement arrow "C". As shown in FIG.
3A, it will be seen that rotation of fastening lever 3 is around
axis of rotation 44, which may be generally transverse,
perpendicular, or orthogonal to wall 23. In this embodiment, axis
of rotation 44 is orthogonal to wall 23, parallel to box cover 20,
perpendicular to flange 5, and parallel to a plane of fastening
shelf 4. In this embodiment, rotation of fastening lever 3 is in a
plane parallel to a plane defined by what might be called the
y-axis and the z-axis. In this case, the x-axis would be coincident
with axis of rotation 44. Fastening lever 3 would extend into and
out of the page in the z-axis. It will be understood that
perpendicular or orthogonal is meant to include roughly or
approximately perpendicular or orthogonal such that some variation
within between about one to ten degrees may occur.
[0078] However, axis of rotation 44 could be angled away from wall
23 e.g., by providing that axis of rotation 44 is at an angle with
respect to the z-axis and the x-axis while still perpendicular to
the y-axis such as by bending flange 6 inwardly toward the interior
of meter box base 19. In this case, axis of rotation 44 may still
be perpendicular with respect to an axial direction x. In this
case, when fastening lever 3 is rotated, then terminate end
engagement surface 40A does not come into contact with wall 23
until near the end of rotation, which occurs when stop surface 41A
engages the underside of front flange 21. Thus, in this embodiment,
at least one axial direction of axis of rotation 44 is
perpendicular to the y-axis and/or wall 23.
[0079] As the lever 3 is rotated, the compressible member 30, due
to the limited space defined by a lower surface of front flange 21
and wall 23 of the watthour meter box base 19 and the terminate end
40A of the flange 8, will compress. The compression of compressible
member 30 ensures a "secure feel" and a tighter fit of the locking
bracket to the watthour meter box base. The installer continues to
rotate the fastening lever 3 until stop surface 41A engages the
inside surface of front flange 21. In a preferred embodiment, the
flange 9 of the fastening lever 3 is in a generally parallel
position to the flange 10 of the clamping member 2 when stop
surface 41A engages the inside surface of front flange 21. The
front flange 21 of the meter box base 19 is now trapped between the
compression member 30 disposed on flange 8 of the fastening lever
3, and the flange 10 of the clamping member 2. As shown in FIG. 8,
when meter box lid 20 is installed onto the meter box base 19, then
the upper surface 42 of flange 9 may be prevented from movement
and/or may be biasingly engaged with the inner surface of box lid
20. The compression member 30 provides a bias force between locking
bracket 1 and wall 23 and front flange 21 and also frictional
engagement which acts to hold the locking bracket 1 securely in
place for subsequent attachment of lock housing 14.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 9, the meter box lid 20 is then installed
onto the meter box base 19. The meter box lid 20 covers the flange
9 of the fastening lever 3 and the flange 10 of the clamping member
2.
[0081] Once the lid 20 is in place, the aperture 22 in the lock
housing 14 is aligned with the fastening shelf 4 of the clamping
member 2. The lock housing 14 is then slid onto the fastening shelf
4 of the clamping member 2, shown by movement arrow "D" in FIG. 6A.
The locking shaft 16 is then inserted through the aperture 17 in
the lock housing 14, shown by movement arrow "E" which is
perpendicular to the fastening shelf 4. Shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, 4,
and 4A, the locking balls 18 of the locking shaft 16 become trapped
as they pass though the aperture 7 of the fastening shelf 4; this
prevents the removal of the locking shaft 16 from the lock housing
14. Fastening shelf 4 may have tapering sides to permit easier
insertion or guiding of fastening shelf 4 into aperture 22 of
locking shaft 16. Aperture 22 is preferably sized to mate with the
sides of fastening shelf 4 at least near flange 5 so as to prevent
sideways movement of clamping member 2.
[0082] The perpendicular flange 15 of the lock housing 14 prevents
meter box lid 20 removal; consequently the meter box lid 20
prevents the fastening lever 3 from rotating to the "open
position". The fastening lever 3, the clamping member 2, the
connector 12, lock housing 14, the lid 20, and the meter box base
19, interact together to prevent the removal of both the meter box
lid 20 and the entire locking apparatus.
[0083] Referring back to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 when
flexural member 13 is utilized, the compressive biasing force so
produced between clamping member 2 and fastening lever 3 results in
a biasing being applied against both sides of wall 23 of the meter
box base 19. On the inner side of wall 23, the periphery 40 of
flange 8 of fastening lever 3 is urged into engagement with wall
23. On the outer surface of wall 23, inner surface of flange 5 of
clamping bracket 2 is biased toward engagement with the outer side
of wall 23. Fastening lever 3 is rotated until stop surface 41
engages the inner surface of front flange 21. In a preferred
embodiment, the flange 9 of the fastening lever 3 is in a generally
parallel position to the flange 10 of the clamping member 2 when
stop surface 41 engages the inside surface of front flange 21. The
front flange 21 of the meter box base 19 is now trapped between the
compression member 30 disposed on flange 8 of the fastening lever
3, and the flange 10 of the clamping member 2. As shown in FIG. 8,
when meter box lid 20 is installed onto the meter box base 19, then
the upper surface 42 of flange 9 may be prevented from movement
and/or may be engaged with the inner surface of box lid 20. If it
is desired to provide biased engagement of flange 9 with inner
surface of box lid 20, then compression member 30 may be utilized
and/or flange 9 may be provided with resilient compression material
that may be in the form of a cap such as the cap shape of
compressible member 30, or resilient compression material can
otherwise be applied to flange 9.
[0084] In an alternate embodiment, compressible member 30 may or
may not be used. In this alternate embodiment, a different
compressible member, comprising a different shape, material, or
attachment means as shown in the illustrations, may be disposed on
the inside of flange 5 of the clamping member 2. In this
embodiment, as the fastening lever 3 is rotated to a "closed
position" as previously described, the flange 23 of the watthour
meter box base 19 becomes trapped between the terminate end of
flange 8 disposed on the fastening lever 3, and the compressible
member, performing a similar function as previously described.
[0085] In another alternate embodiment, one or more compressible
members may or may not be used. Assuming a compressible material is
not used, in this embodiment, as the fastening lever 3 is rotated
to a "closed position" as previously described, the wall 23 of the
meter box base 19 becomes trapped between the terminate end 40 of
flange 8 disposed on the fastening lever 3, and the flange 5 of the
clamping member 2.
[0086] In another alternate embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10-12, a
compressible member may not be used. In this embodiment, the lever
32 comprises an engaging lobe 34. The lever 32 rotates in a
generally parallel relationship to flange 38 of clamping member 37.
Thus, axis of rotation 45 may be generally orthogonal to metal box
cover 20, parallel to wall 23, perpendicular to flange 35 which
engages an outer surface of wall 23, and parallel to plane of
fastening shelf 4. Flange 31 is in a generally perpendicular
relationship to flange 35 of the clamping bracket 37. As the
fastening lever 32 is rotated to a "closed position" as shown in
FIGS. 10,11, the flange 23 of the meter box base 19 becomes trapped
between the engaging lobe 34 disposed on the fastening lever 32,
and the flange 35 of the clamping member 37.
[0087] In another example embodiment of the lever end 9 shown in
FIG. 3 is in functional cooperation with a portion 15 of a lock
housing mounted to a portion of the clamping member such that the
lock prevents rotation of the lever to an open position if the lid
is pried upwardly.
[0088] In another example embodiment of the apparatus the lever end
9 is in functional cooperation with a portion of a meter box lid 20
such that the lid prevents rotation of the lever to an open
position.
[0089] In another example embodiment of the apparatus shown in
FIGS. 3 and 6 the lever end 9 is at least partially outside the
interior of the meter box in a mounting position and at least
partially inside the interior of the meter box in a locked
position.
[0090] In another example embodiment of the apparatus further
comprises the meter box.
[0091] In another example embodiment of the apparatus further
comprises a locking structure (e.g., 14 or other types of locking
structures adaptable for use with the invention) for functional
cooperation with said clamping member 2 for securing a meter box
lid to a meter box base.
[0092] Various other example embodiments provide an apparatus that
may be adapted for use on a utility service enclosure. Such a
utility service enclosure is used not only in the electric utility
industry (e.g., a meter box) but also in the gas, water, cable, TV
utility industries or in other utility industries.
[0093] The design described does not limit the scope of the
invention; the number of flanges may change, or various components
may be added or removed to the above-described concept to aid in
improved security and operation.
[0094] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is
illustrative and explanatory of presently preferred embodiments of
the invention and variations thereof, and it will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, that various changes in the design,
organization, order of operation, means of operation, equipment
structures and location, methodology, the use of mechanical
equivalents, such as different types of fasteners and locking
devices than as illustrated whereby different steps may be
utilized, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction
or combinations of features of the various elements may be made
without departing from the spirit of the invention. As well, the
drawings are intended to describe the concepts of the invention so
that the presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be
plainly disclosed to one of skill in the art but are not intended
to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of final products
and may include simplified conceptual views as desired for easier
and quicker understanding or explanation of the invention. As well,
the relative size and arrangement of the components may be varied
from that shown and the invention still operate well within the
spirit of the invention as described hereinbefore and in the
appended claims. Thus, various changes and alternatives may be used
that are contained within the spirit of the invention.
[0095] Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure and description of the
invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, that various changes in
the ordering of steps, ranges, interferences, spacings, hardware,
and/or attributes and parameters, as well as in the details of the
illustrations or combinations of features of the methods and system
discussed herein, may be made without departing from the spirit of
the invention.
* * * * *