This disclosure relates in general to an access door, and in particular to an access door that is hingedly or pivotally coupled to a panel such as, for example, a water meter box cover or another type of meter box cover.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
The panel 14 includes a wall 20 and a generally rectangular opening 22 formed therethrough. At least a portion of the access door 12 is disposed in the opening 22, regardless of the pivot position of the access door 12 relative to the panel 14. A generally U-shaped internal shoulder 24 is disposed within the opening 22, and faces a direction so that the access door 12 is adapted to engage or nearly engage the shoulder 24 when the access door 12 is in the closed position shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
The pin element 16 includes a pin or rod portion 36, a hooked end portion 38, and a non-hooked end portion 40 that is opposite the hooked end portion 38. The rod portion 36, the non-hooked end portion 40, and the openings 32a and 32b, are each sized so that rod portion 36 is permitted to extend through the openings 32a and 32b, under conditions to be described below. The notch 34 is sized to permit the pin element 16, including the hooked end portion 38, to pass through the notch 34, under conditions to be described below. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin element 16 is formed of a wire having a diameter that permits the rod portion 36 to extend through the openings 32a and 32b. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin element 16 is formed of ¼-inch wire or another size of wire. In an exemplary embodiment, instead of, or in addition to a wire, the pin element 16 is, or includes, a fastener.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
Opposing openings 54a and 54b are formed through the plate 42, and further through the opposing end portions 44a and 44b, respectively, of the ridge 44, as clearly shown in
Opposing tabs 62a and 62b extend from the side 42b of the plate 42. The tabs 62a and 62b defines angularly-extending surfaces 64a and 64b, respectively. The surface 64a shares an edge with the end face 44c of the ridge 44, and is adjacent a portion of the opening 54a. Similarly, the surface 64b shares an edge with the end face 44d of the ridge 44, and is adjacent a portion of the opening 54b. At least the great majority the ridge 44 is axially positioned between the tabs 62a and 62b. Opposing ears 66a and 66b extend from the side 42b of the plate 42. The ears 66a and 66b define angularly-extending surfaces 68a and 68b, respectively. The surface 64a of the tab 62a is spaced from the surface 68a of the ear 66a in the direction 52. Likewise, the surface 64b of the tab 62b is spaced from the surface 68b of the ear 66b in the direction 52.
Notches 70a and 70b are formed in the second side 42b of the plate 42. The notches 70a and 70b define axially-aligned concave surfaces 42d and 42e, respectively, of the plate 42. The concave surface 42d extends between the surfaces 64a and 68a. Likewise, the concave surface 42e extends between the surfaces 64b and 68b. At least respective portions of the concave surfaces 42d and 42e are spaced from the concave surface 48 of the ridge 44 in a direction 72 (shown in
The surface 42c of the plate 42 is spaced from the concave surface 48 of the ridge 44 in the direction 72. The concave surface 48 is axially positioned between respective portions of the surface 42c, with one portion extending axially between the opening 54a and the notch 70a, and the other portion extending axially between the opening 54b and the notch 70b.
As most clearly shown in
An axially-extending passage 74 is defined by at least the concave surfaces 42d, 48 and 42e, and is generally coaxial with the pivot axis 18. The passage 74 includes the notch 70a, the opening 54a, the channel 46, the opening 54b and the notch 70b.
In an exemplary embodiment, the access door 12 is integrally formed and thus the plate 42, the ridge 44, the tabs 62 and 62b, and the ears 66a and 66b, are integrally formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the access door 12 is a casting and thus is integrally formed of cast metal, such as ductile iron. In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to cast metal, the access door 12 is integrally formed of one or more other materials such as, for example, one or more thermoplastic or thermoset materials.
In an exemplary embodiment, with continuing reference to
In operation, in an exemplary embodiment, with continuing reference to
During the pivoting of the access door 12 relative to the panel 14, the respective shapes of the concave surfaces 48, 42d and 42e minimize any resistance to the pivoting of the access door 12 about the rod portion 36 of the pin element 16, thereby facilitating the pivoting of the access door 12. Further, the positioning of the respective centers of curvature of the concave surfaces 42d, 42e and 48 along the pivot axis 18 minimizes any resistance to the pivoting of the access door 12 about the rod portion 36 of the pin element 16, thereby facilitating the pivoting of the access door 12.
In several exemplary embodiments, before, during and/or the above-described exemplary operation of the apparatus 10, the extension of the pin element 16 through the opening 32a, the passage 74 and the opening 32b, maintains the pivotal coupling between the access door 12 and the panel 14. For example, the extension of the pin element 16 between the surfaces 50a and 50b resists any movement of the access door 12, relative to the pin element 16 and thus the panel 14, in the direction 52 or a direction opposite thereof, regardless of the pivot position of the access door 12. For another example, the extension of the pin element 16 between the surfaces 64a and 68a, and between the surfaces 64b and 68b, resists any movement of the access door 12, relative to the pin element 16 and thus the panel 14, in the direction 52 or a direction opposite thereof, regardless of the pivot position of the access door 12. For still another example, the extension of the pin element 16 between the concave surface 48 and the concave surfaces 42d and 42e resists any movement of the access door 12, relative to the pin element 16 and thus the panel 14, in either the direction 56 or the direction 72, regardless of the pivot position of the access door 12. For still yet another example, if the concave surfaces 42d and 42e were omitted in an exemplary embodiment, the extension of the pin element 16 between the concave surface 48 and the respective portions of the surface 42c adjacent the openings 54a and 54b would resist any movement of the access door 12, relative to the pin element 16 and thus the panel 14, in either the direction 56 or the direction 72, regardless of the pivot position of the access door 12.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
The cope 80 includes a horizontally-extending surface 84 from which a rib 86 extends. The rib 86 includes opposing end portions 88a and 88b, which define angularly-extending end faces 90a and 90b, respectively. The end faces 90a and 90b extend from the surface 84 angularly towards one another so that the rib 86 is longest at a base 92 thereof which extends along the surface 84. The rib 86 includes a convex surface 94 at its distal end.
The drag 82 includes a raised portion 96 that defines a horizontally-extending surface 98, openings 100a and 100b on either side of the raised portion 96, and an axially-extending channel 102 formed in the raised portion 96. Notches 104a and 104b are formed in the raised portion 96 at opposing ends of the channel 102, respectively. The notches 104a and 104b define angularly-extending surfaces 106a and 106b, respectively, which extend from the surface 98 and inwardly towards one another to surfaces 108a and 108b, respectively. Axially-aligned convex surfaces 110a and 110b are formed on either side of the raised portion 96, and are adjacent the openings 100a and 100b, respectively. Openings 112a and 112b are adjacent the convex surfaces 110a and 110b, respectively. As a result, the convex surface 110a extends between the openings 100a and 112a. Similarly, the convex surface 110b extends between the openings 100b and 112b.
In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
As shown in
As shown in
Before, during and/or after the engagement between the cope 80 and the drag 82 and/or the filling of the cavity 114 with the material 116, the ears 66a and 66b of the access door 12 are formed at least in part by the material 116 filling the openings 100a and 100b, respectively. The notch 70a and the concave surface 42d of the access door 12 are formed at least in part by the material 116 filling the openings 100a and 112a and another portion of the cavity 114 that extends across the convex surface 110a. Similarly, the notch 70b and the concave surface 42e of the access door 12 are formed at least in part by the material 116 filling the openings 100b and 112b and another portion of the cavity 114 that extends across the convex surface 110b. The recess 43 of the access door 12 is formed at least in part by the material 116 filling the portion of the cavity 114 that extends across the raised portion 96, with the surface 98 of the drag 82 defining the surface 42c of the access door 12.
As a result of the above-described manufacture of the access door 12 by casting the access door 12 using the mold 78, the axially-extending passage 74 of the access door 12 is formed without the use of a core in the mold 78, with the passage 74 being defined by at least the concave surfaces 42d, 48 and 42e, being generally coaxial with the pivot axis 18, and including the notch 70a, the opening 54a, the channel 46, the opening 54b and the notch 70b. Therefore, in response to manufacturing the access door 12 by casting the access door 12 using the mold 78 without a core in the mold 78, the passage 74 is formed such that the pin element 16 may be inserted through the passage 74, without the need for any drilling or machining of the access door 12. The elimination of the need for post-casting drilling or machining of the access door 12 means the access door 12 is much less costly to manufacture. The access door 12 is ready to be hingedly or pivotally coupled to the panel 14, as cast.
An access door adapted to be pivotally coupled to a panel such as a meter box cover has been described, the access door at least partially defining a pivot axis about which the access door is adapted to pivot relative to the panel, the access door including a plate defining first and second sides; a ridge extending along the first side of the plate, the ridge including opposing first and second end portions; a channel formed in the second side of the plate, and extending into the ridge and axially therealong; a first opening extending through the plate and the first end portion of the ridge in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the pivot axis, and further extending from the channel and through the first end portion of the ridge in a second direction that is generally parallel to the pivot axis; a second opening extending through the plate and the second end portion of the ridge in the first direction, and further extending from the channel and through the second end portion of the ridge in a third direction that is generally parallel to the pivot axis and opposite to the second direction; and an axially-extending passage including the channel, the first opening, and the second opening, wherein the passage is generally coaxial with the pivot axis and a pin element is adapted to extend through the passage to thereby pivotally couple the access door to the panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the access door includes first and second notches formed in the first side of the plate; wherein the first opening, the channel, and the second opening are axially positioned between the first and second notches; and wherein the passage further includes the first and second notches. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second notches define axially-aligned first and second concave surfaces, respectively; wherein the channel defines a third concave surface, the third concave surface being axially positioned between the first and second concave surfaces; and wherein each of the first and second concave surfaces is spaced from the third concave surface, in a fourth direction that is perpendicular to the pivot axis and opposite to the first direction, so that the respective centers of curvature of the first, second and third concave surfaces lie generally along the pivot axis. In an exemplary embodiment, when the pin element extends through the passage to thereby pivotally couple the access door to the panel: the pin element is generally coaxial with each of the passage and the pivot axis; and the pin element extends through the first notch, the first opening, the channel, the second opening, and the second notch. In an exemplary embodiment, the access door includes first and second ears, each of which defines a first angularly-extending surface; first and second tabs, each of which defines a second angularly-extending surface; wherein the first concave surface defined by the first notch joins respective ends of the first angularly-extending surface of the first ear and the second angularly-extending surface of the first tab; wherein the second concave surface defined by the second notch joins respective ends of the first angularly-extending surface of the second ear and the second angularly-extending surface of the second tab; wherein the first angularly-extending surface of the first ear is spaced from the second angularly-extending surface of the first tab in a fifth direction that is generally perpendicular to each of the pivot axis and the first, second, third and fourth directions; and wherein the first angularly-extending surface of the second ear is spaced from the second angularly-extending surface of the second tab in the fifth direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel defines first and second angularly-extending surfaces that extend angularly inward toward each other from the second side of the plate; wherein the second angularly-extending surface is spaced from the first angularly-extending surface in a fourth direction that is generally perpendicular to each of the pivot axis and the first, second and third directions; and wherein the first and second end portions of the ridge define angularly-extending end faces, the end faces extending angularly towards each other from the first side of the plate.
An access door adapted to be pivotally coupled to a panel such as a meter box cover has been described, the access door at least partially defining a pivot axis about which the access door is adapted to pivot relative to the panel, the access door including a first surface; a second surface, wherein the second surface is axially spaced from the first surface and at least a portion of the second surface is spaced from the first surface in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the pivot axis; a third surface; a fourth surface, wherein the fourth surface is spaced from the third surface in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to each of the pivot axis and the first direction; and an axially-extending passage defined by at least the first, second, third and fourth surfaces, the passage being generally coaxial with the pivot axis; wherein the first, second, third and fourth surfaces are integrally formed; and wherein, when a pin element extends through the passage to thereby pivotally couple the access door to the panel: the pin element extends between the first and second surfaces so that relative movement between the access door and the panel in the first direction is resisted; and the pin element extends between the third and fourth surfaces so that relative movement between the access door and the panel in the second direction is resisted. In an exemplary embodiment, the access door includes a plate defining first and second sides; a ridge extending along the first side of the plate, the ridge including the first surface and at least respective portions of the third and fourth surfaces; and a channel formed in the second side of the plate, and extending into the ridge and axially therealong to thereby define the first, third and fourth surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the access door includes a fifth surface, wherein the fifth surface is axially spaced from the first and second surfaces so that the first surface is axially positioned between the second and fifth surfaces, and wherein at least a portion of the fifth surface is spaced from the first surface in the first direction; wherein, when the pin element extends through the passage to thereby pivotally couple the access door to the panel, the pin element extends between the first and fifth surfaces so that relative movement between the access door and the panel in the first direction is further resisted. In an exemplary embodiment, the access door includes first and second notches formed in the first side of the plate; wherein the first and second notches define the second and fifth surfaces, respectively; wherein the first opening, the channel, and the second opening are axially positioned between the first and second notches; and wherein the passage further includes the first and second notches. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second surfaces is concave; and wherein the at least a portion of the second surface is spaced from the first surface in the first direction so that the respective centers of curvature of the first and second surfaces lie generally along the pivot axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the access door includes a fifth surface, wherein the fifth surface is concave and axially spaced from the first and second surfaces so that the first surface is axially positioned between the second and fifth surfaces, and wherein at least a portion of the fifth surface is spaced from the first surface in the first direction so that the respective centers of curvature of the first, second and fifth surfaces lie generally along the pivot axis; and first and second notches formed in the first side of the plate; wherein the first and second notches define the second and fifth surfaces, respectively; wherein the first opening, the channel, and the second opening are axially positioned between the first and second notches; and wherein the passage further includes the first and second notches. In an exemplary embodiment, the access door includes first and second ears, each of which defines a first angularly-extending surface; first and second tabs, each of which defines a second angularly-extending surface; wherein the second surface defined by the first notch joins respective ends of the first angularly-extending surface of the first ear and the second angularly-extending surface of the first tab; wherein the fifth surface defined by the second notch joins respective ends of the first angularly-extending surface of the second ear and the second angularly-extending surface of the second tab; wherein the first angularly-extending surface of the first ear is spaced from the second angularly-extending surface of the first tab in the second direction; wherein the first angularly-extending surface of the second ear is spaced from the second angularly-extending surface of the second tab in the second direction; and wherein, when the pin element extends through the passage to thereby pivotally couple the access door to the panel: the pin element extends between the first angularly-extending surface of the first ear and the second angularly-extending surface of the first tab so that relative movement between the access door and the panel in the second direction is further resisted; and the pin element extends between the first angularly-extending surface of the second ear and the second angularly-extending surface of the second tab so that relative movement between the access door and the panel in the second direction is still further resisted.
A method has been described that includes manufacturing an access door adapted to be pivotally coupled to a panel via a pin element, the access door including a passage, wherein manufacturing the access door includes providing a mold; and casting the access door using the mold without a core in the mold; wherein, in response to casting the access door using the mold without a core in the mold: the passage is formed, and an end portion of the pin element is permitted to be inserted through the passage as cast to thereby pivotally couple the access door to the panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes pivotally coupling the access door to the panel, the panel including axially-aligned first and second openings, wherein pivotally coupling the access door to the panel includes positioning the passage axially between the axially-aligned first and second openings; and inserting the end portion of the pin element through the first opening, the passage, and the second opening, to thereby pivotally couple the access door to the panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the mold includes first and second parts, which are adapted to engage, or at least be proximate to, each other along a part line; wherein the first part includes a first surface; and a rib extending from the first surface, the rib including a convex surface at its distal end, and first and second angularly-extending end faces that extend from the surface and angularly towards one another; wherein the second part includes a raised portion that defines a second surface; an axially-extending channel formed in the raised portion; first and second notches formed in the raised portion at opposing ends of the channel, respectively; first and second angularly-extending surfaces defined by the first and second notches, respectively; and third and fourth surfaces defined by the first and second notches, respectively, wherein the first and second angularly-extending surfaces extend from the second surface and angularly towards one another to the third and fourth surfaces, respectively; and wherein casting the access door using the mold without a core in the mold includes engaging the convex surface of the rib of the first part with the third and fourth surfaces of the second part; and engaging the first and second angularly-extending end faces of the first part with the first and second angularly-extending surfaces, respectively, of the second part. In an exemplary embodiment, in response to engaging the convex surface of the rib of the first part with the third and fourth surfaces of the second part and engaging the first and second angularly-extending end faces of the first part with the first and second angularly-extending surfaces, respectively, of the second part: a ridge is formed, the ridge including opposing first and second end portions; an axially-extending channel in the ridge is formed, the axially-extending channel defining a concave surface; a first opening is formed, the first opening extending through the first end portion of the ridge in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the pivot axis, and further extending from the channel and through the first end portion of the ridge in a second direction that is generally parallel to the pivot axis; a second opening is formed, the second opening extending through the second end portion of the ridge in the first direction, and further extending from the channel and through the second end portion of the ridge in a third direction that is generally parallel to the pivot axis and opposite to the second direction; wherein the passage includes the channel and the first and second openings. In an exemplary embodiment, casting the access door using the mold without a core in the mold includes forming a plate; forming a ridge extending from the plate, the ridge including opposing first and second end portions; forming an axially-extending channel in the plate and the ridge; forming a first opening that extends through the plate and the first end portion of the ridge in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the pivot axis, and that further extends from the channel and through the first end portion of the ridge in a second direction that is generally parallel to the pivot axis; and forming a second opening that extends through the plate and the first end portion of the ridge in the first direction, and that further extends from the channel and through the second end portion of the ridge in a third direction that is generally parallel to the pivot axis and opposite to the second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the passage includes the channel and the first and second openings; and wherein the method further includes pivotally coupling the access door to the panel, the panel including axially-aligned openings, wherein pivotally coupling the access door to the panel includes positioning the passage axially between the axially-aligned first and second openings; and inserting the end portion of the pin element through one of the axially-aligned openings, the first opening, the passage, the second opening, and the other of the axially-aligned openings, to thereby pivotally couple the access door to the panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the access door further includes a plate defining first and second sides; a ridge extending along the first side of the plate, the ridge including opposing first and second end portions; a channel formed in the second side of the plate, and extending into the ridge and axially therealong; a first opening extending through the plate and the first end portion of the ridge in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the pivot axis, and further extending from the channel and through the first end portion of the ridge in a second direction that is generally parallel to the pivot axis; and a second opening extending through the plate and the second end portion of the ridge in the first direction, and further extending from the channel and through the second end portion of the ridge in a third direction that is generally parallel to the pivot axis and opposite to the second direction; wherein the passage includes the channel, the first opening, and the second opening.
It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
In several exemplary embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.
Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “left,” “right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.
In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several exemplary embodiments, the steps, processes and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures. In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.
Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
This application is related to U.S. design patent application Ser. No. ______, attorney docket number 15901.84, filed of even date herewith, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.