Housing apparatus for buried equipment

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

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STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a housing apparatus for enclosing various sizes and types of buried equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable housing apparatus for enclosing buried equipment, such as valves, meters and the like. More particularly still, the present invention relates to an adjustable housing apparatus for extending existing meter housings to a desired height, without requiring existing such housings to be fully excavated.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Utility valves, meters and associated equipment are typically buried below ground-level to protect against tampering, theft, adverse weather conditions and/or other damaging effects. Many different methods of encasing buried valves, meters and associated equipment have been developed over the years.

One common existing method for encasing utility valves, meters and/or associated equipment involves the use of cast iron housing assemblies. Specifically, valves, meters or other equipment are frequently encased within cast iron housings that generally comprise a bottom tray, a box that attaches to said bottom tray, and a removable lid. The cast iron components used to construct such assemblies are typically heavy, expensive, incapable of being easily adjusted, and subject to corrosion over a period of time. Further, metal enclosures including, but not necessarily limited to, cast iron housings, can interfere with telemetry systems commonly used to transmit data by “meter readers” and other utility workers.

In an attempt to overcome the limitations associated with such existing cast iron assemblies, housings constructed of polymeric materials have been developed. Generally, such housings comprise a one-piece plastic box with a removable lid that can be used to house a valve, meter or other buried equipment. However, such existing polymeric housings cannot be easily adjusted to fit different equipment specifications, or conditions encountered during the installation of such equipment.

Another existing device for encasing buried utility valves, meters and associated equipment comprises a two-piece plastic tube having inner and outer components. The outer component, which is installed around a valve or meter, typically has an extended neck with internal grooves or threads on its inner surface, as well as a lip for receiving a removable cover. An internal component with matching external threads or grooves on its outer surface is threadably connected to said outer component. The height of the assembly can be adjusted by rotating the mating threads of said inner and outer components. However, the adjustability of said device is limited. Further, over time, such adjustable grooves or threads can be damaged or clogged with dirt or debris, and become non-functional for their intended use.

Despite the existence of prior art housing assemblies for enclosing buried valves, meters and/or other related equipment, a need nonetheless exists for an adjustable housing apparatus that can be installed in the ground or other substrata. Such apparatus should permit retrofitting on existing housings (including, but not necessarily limited to, cast iron systems) or, alternatively, in new installations. Further, such apparatus should be made from one or more non-corrosive materials; preferably one or more different moldable polymeric materials suitable for the intended application. Such housing should be beneficially lightweight, inexpensive and easy to install, and should not interfere with common RF telemetry or other data transmission systems.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The housing apparatus of the present invention comprises an adjustable enclosure for encasing buried equipment such as, for example, utility meters, valves, piping and associated equipment. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a stackable box and lid assembly constructed of one or more molded polymeric materials. Additionally, the vertical dimension of the housing apparatus of the present invention can be easily adjusted in the field; interlocking or non-interlocking spacer segments can be installed between said box and lid assembly, and stacked on top of one another, in order to selectively adjust the height of the housing apparatus of the present invention.

Although any number of different polymeric materials can be used to construct the housing apparatus of the present invention, such materials should beneficially exhibit characteristics and properties that are compatible with the intended application and the conditions to be encountered by said housing apparatus. For example, said materials should ideally be lightweight, easily moldable, and sufficiently rigid and durable to protect buried valves, meters, piping and/or other equipment contained within said housing. Further, said materials should be capable of resisting degradation from exposure to elements including, without limitation, moisture and temperature variations. Additionally, said materials should not interfere with RF signals and/or other data transmission means, such as those commonly used for telemetry systems.

In the preferred embodiment, the stackable housing assembly of the present invention comprises a bottom tray member having a bowl-like shape. Said bottom tray member has a substantially planar horizontal base, and an opening or mouth at its upper extent. A substantially horizontal and substantially flat ledge extends around the upper opening of said tray, and at least one fastener receptacle extends through said ledge. A plurality of apertures or drain holes extend through said bottom tray (in most cases, said planar base of said tray) to permit water to drain out of said tray and thereby prevent the accumulation of water or other liquids in said tray. Said tray further comprises at least one opening to allow piping, such as supply and discharge lines, to access the internal compartment of the tray. The size, shape and placement of said at least one opening is generally dictated by the characteristics of such piping.

It is to be observed that the aforementioned bottom tray member is typically beneficially used when soil or substrata conditions are soft or unconsolidated. In other applications involving harder or more consolidated soil, a fully encapsulating base is not required. As such, an alternative embodiment of said base is also discussed herein.

The present invention further comprises at least one stackable spacer member. In the preferred embodiment, said at least one stackable spacer member defines a ring-like shape; said spacer member has an upper opening, a lower opening and a central bore extending from said upper opening to said lower opening. Further, said at least one stackable spacer member has an outer shape that generally corresponds to the shape of said bottom tray member at the upper extent of said tray. Said at least one stackable spacer member can beneficially mate with the ledge extending around the mouth of said bottom tray.

In the preferred embodiment, said at least one stackable spacer member has at least one fastener receptacle. Said at least one fastener receptacle can take the form of a bore integrally molded through the body of said spacer member. Alternatively, said fastener receptacle can be a cylindrical member, having a bore extending there-through, that is connected to said spacer member. Said at least one fastener receptacle of said spacer member is generally aligned with said at least one fastener receptacle disposed through the ledge of said bottom tray.

Additionally, the stackable apparatus of the present invention includes a stackable cap member that is typically installed as the uppermost stackable segment of the housing apparatus of the present invention. Said stackable cap member has a central opening and a recessed lip extending around said central opening.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention also comprises a molded polymeric and removable lid member. In the preferred embodiment, said lid member has an outer profile that is sized to fit within the central opening of the cap member. Said recessed lip of said stackable cap member provides a surface for receiving a removable lid member installed within said central opening of said cap member. In the preferred embodiment, said lid member further comprises at least one retractable locking bolt disposed on the bottom of said lid member. Said locking bolt can be selectively positioned entirely under said lid member or, alternatively, extended radially outward from the bottom of said lid member. When extended, said locking bolt protrudes beneath the recessed lip of said cap member, thereby selectively securing said removable lid in place. A keyhole or other receptacle for receiving a key can be located in the upper surface of said removable lid member.

The apparatus of the present invention can be installed as a new housing for encasing buried utility meters, valves and/or other equipment. Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention, or components thereof, can also be retrofit onto existing housings. Although there are many different reasons why such retrofitting may be desired, in many cases it may be beneficial to utilize the present invention to adjust the vertical dimension of existing (non-adjustable) housings.

In one embodiment of the present invention that is particularly well-suited for such retrofitting, a stackable adapter segment having locking clips in various locations along its base is provided. The lid of an existing housing is removed, and the stackable adapter segment is clipped below the lid ring to hold said stackable adapter segment in place. Thereafter, additional stackable spacer segments can be added to such stackable adapter segment in order to reach a desired height. Thereafter, a stackable cap member and removable lid can then be installed to complete the desired retrofit.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided for use in hard or consolidated soil or substrata. Said alternative embodiment comprises a base member having an open bottom. Unlike the bowl-like bottom tray member disclosed above, said alternative embodiment has a base member with no bottom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded side perspective view of the adjustable housing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of an assembled adjustable housing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an overhead perspective view of a bottom tray member of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an overhead perspective view of a spacer segment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom perspective view of the spacer segment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 depicts an overhead perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a spacer segment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the spacer segment depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts an overhead perspective view of a cap member of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom perspective view of a cap member of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts the upper surface of a lid member the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a lid member of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts the lower surface of a lid member of the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a lid member and accompanying key device of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base member of the present invention.

FIG. 15 depicts a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base member of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the present invention comprises an adjustable housing for enclosing buried items such as, for example, utility meters, valves, piping and/or associated equipment. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a stackable box and lid assembly constructed of one or more molded polymeric materials. Additionally, the height of the housing apparatus of the present invention can be easily adjusted in the field; interlocking or non-interlocking spacer segments can be installed between said box and lid assembly, and stacked on top of one another, in order to selectively adjust the height of the housing apparatus of the present invention.

Although many different polymeric materials can be used to fabricate the housing apparatus of the present invention, such materials should beneficially exhibit characteristics and properties that are compatible with the conditions to be encountered by said housing apparatus. For example, said materials should ideally be lightweight, easily moldable, and sufficiently rigid and durable to protect buried valves, meters and/or other equipment contained within said housing. Further, said materials should be capable of resisting degradation from exposure to elements including, without limitation, moisture and temperature variations. Additionally, said materials should permit transmission of RF and/or other transmission means, such as those commonly used in connection with existing telemetry systems.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an exploded side perspective view of an adjustable housing apparatus of the present invention. Said adjustable housing apparatus comprises bottom tray member 10, at least one stackable spacer member 20 (two such stackable spacer members 20 are depicted in FIG. 1), stackable cap member 40 and lid member 50. Bolts 2 are received within aligned receptacles of said components (described in detail below), while washers 6 and threaded nuts 4 are received on bolts 2. Bolts 2, washers 6 and nuts 4 keep the components of the present invention joined and in stackable relationship.

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of an assembled adjustable housing apparatus 100 of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 2, said adjustable housing apparatus 100 comprises bottom tray member 10, a plurality of stackable spacer members 20, stackable cap member 40 and lid member 50. As depicted in FIG. 2, such components are assembled in stackable relationship to comprise said adjustable housing apparatus 100.

FIG. 3 depicts an overhead perspective view of bottom tray member 10 of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, bottom tray member 10 comprises a substantially bowl-shaped tray structure having a substantially planar horizontal base 11, and sidewall 12 extending upward from said base and defining an upper opening or mouth at the upper extent of said side wall. In the preferred embodiment, substantially horizontal and flat ledge 13 extends around the circumference of said upper opening of tray member 10. Further, at least one fastener aperture 17 extends through ledge 13. At least one drain hole 15 extends through said tray member 10 to permit water or other liquids to drain out of said tray member 10 and prevent the accumulation of such liquids therein. Although said at least one drain hole 15 can be situated at different locations on bottom tray member 10, in the preferred embodiment said at least one drain hole 15 extends through substantially planar base 11.

Still referring to FIG. 3, tray member 10 further comprises at least one opening 14 to allow piping, such as supply and/or discharge lines (not shown in FIG. 3), to access the internal space defined by substantially bowl-shaped tray member 10. The size, shape and placement of said at least one opening 14 is generally dictated by the characteristics and alignment of such piping. In the preferred embodiment, lateral protrusions 16 are provided on the sides of tray member 10 to increase the usable space inside tray member 10, and to accommodate the geometry of a meter, valve or other equipment that is housed within said tray member 10.

FIG. 4 depicts an overhead perspective view of a stackable spacer segment 20 of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, said stackable spacer segment 20 comprises a substantially hollow ring-like body having a central opening extending through said body. Said at least one stackable spacer segment 20 beneficially has an outer shape that generally corresponds to the shape of flat ledge 13 that extends around the upper opening of said bottom tray member 10 (depicted in FIG. 3).

In the preferred embodiment, said at least one stackable spacer segment 20 comprises body 21 and at least one fastener receptacle 22 having a through-bore 23. It is to be observed that said at least one fastener receptacle 22 could take the form of a body integrally molded as part of body 21 of said spacer member. Alternatively, said at least one fastener receptacle 22 could be substantially in the shape of a cylindrical member, having bore 23 extending there-through, wherein said cylindrical member is attached to or otherwise connected to body 21. Through-bore 23 of said at least one fastener receptacle 22 is generally aligned with the at least one fastener aperture 17 disposed through ledge 13 of bottom tray member 10 (not shown in FIG. 4). FIG. 5 depicts a bottom perspective view of spacer segment 20 of the present invention depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 depicts an overhead perspective view of alternative embodiment of spacer segment 30 of the present invention. Alternative spacer segment 30 is substantially similar to spacer segment 20 depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, in that said spacer segment 30 comprises body 31 and at least one fastener receptacle 32, each of which has a cylindrical bore 33 extending there through. However, unlike the spacer segment embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, each of said at least one fastener receptacle 32 includes a cylindrical boss 34 at its upper end that surrounds the upper opening of each through-bore 33.

Referring to FIG. 7, which depicts a bottom perspective view of alternative spacer segment 30 depicted in FIG. 6, it is to be observed that the bottom of each of said at least one fastener receptacle 32 includes a circular recess 35 having a larger diameter than the diameter of bore 33. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each such recess 35 is beneficially sized and configured to receive and frictionally mate with a boss 34 disposed on the upper portion of an adjoining spacer segment 30. When joined together in this fashion, said recesses 35 and bosses 34 mate with one another and create a frictional connection, while through bores 33 of said adjoining members are axially aligned with one another. Although bolts or other fasteners would typically be used in most cases to hold the housing apparatus of the present invention together, the mating of said bosses 34 and recesses 35 of adjoining spacer segments 30 provides added stability to the assembled apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 8, the present invention further comprises stackable cap member 40 that can be installed as the uppermost stackable segment of housing apparatus 100. Said stackable cap member 40 has body 41 defining substantially flat upper surface 41a, and central opening 42 extending through said body member 41. Central opening 42 is generally sized to provide convenient access to meters, valves and/or other equipment ultimately encased within housing apparatus 100. In the preferred embodiment, recessed lip 43 is disposed around the inner circumference of said central opening 42; said recessed lip 43 defines inner cap profile 47. Said inner cap profile 47 is smaller than central opening 42 of cap member 40, and can receive a removable lid member (not depicted in FIG. 8), while said recessed lip 43 provides a support surface for receiving a portion of said removable lid member. In the preferred embodiment, cap member 40 further comprises at least one bore 44 that extends through body 41.

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom perspective view of stackable cap member 40 of the present invention. Said stackable cap member 40 has body 41 and central opening 42 (the full size of said central opening 42 is obscured from view in FIG. 9). In the preferred embodiment, recessed lip 43 is disposed around the inner circumference of said central opening 42, and defines inner cap profile 47. Said lip 43 provides a surface for receiving a portion of removable lid member (not depicted in FIG. 9). In the preferred embodiment, cap member 40 further comprises at least one fastener receptacle 45, wherein each of said at least one fastener receptacle 45 has a bore 44 extending there-through.

Still referring to FIG. 9, it is to be observed that the bottom of each of said at least one fastener receptacle 45 includes circular recess 46. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each such recess 46 is sized to receive and frictionally mate with a boss 34 disposed on the upper portion of a spacer segment 30 (as depicted in FIG. 6). Further, when joined, said mating recesses 46 and bosses 34 create a frictional connection that provides stability to the combined housing apparatus.

When the components of the present invention are combined, fastener apertures 17 of bottom tray member 10, bores 23 of fastener receptacles 22 of spacer segment(s) 20 (or bores 33 of alternate embodiment spacer segment(s) 30), and bores 44 of fastener receptacles 45 of stackable cap member 40, are all axially aligned with each other (typically in vertical alignment).

Referring back to FIG. 2, bolts 2 or other similar fasteners are disposed through the aligned bores of the various components of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, washers 6 and threaded nuts 4 are placed on said bolts 2, and tightened to compress and secure such components together in stacked relation. It is to be observed that alternative spacer segments 30, having mating bosses and recesses, can be used instead of spacer segments 20 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 depicts the upper surface of lid member 50 of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, said lid member 50 comprises substantially planar top member 51 defining an upper surface 51a. Planar top member 51 of lid member 50 is generally sized and configured to fit within central opening 42 of cap member 40. Said upper surface 51a of lid member 50 can also provide a display surface for numerals, writing or other indicia. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of raised protrusions 52 are disposed on said upper surface 51a. Keyhole 53 extends through upper surface 51a of said removable lid member 50. Fixed anchor protrusion 59 extends radially outward from the end of lid member 50 on the opposite end of said lid from said keyhole 53.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of lid member 50 of the present invention. Lid member 50 generally comprises central body section 72 and substantially planar top member 51 disposed on the upper extent of said body member 72. Further, in the preferred embodiment, lid member 50 has at least one transponder housing 54 extending below said body member 72. Transponder housing 54 provides a structure for mounting an RF transponder or other transmitter to said lid member 50.

FIG. 12 depicts a bottom view of lid member 50 of the present invention. Lid member 50 has body section 72, and substantially planar top section 51. Body section 72 of lid member 50 is generally sized and configured to fit snuggly, yet comfortably, within inner cap profile 47 of cap member 40, while substantially planar top section 51 of lid member 50 is generally sized and configured to fit within central opening 42 of cap member 40. When lid member 50 is installed in cap member 40, the bottom surface of planar top section 51 rests on the upper surface of recessed lip 43 of cap member 40.

Still referring to FIG. 12, at least one locking bolt 55 is retractably disposed on lid member 50 below substantially planar top section 51. Said locking bolt 55 can be permitted to extend, or can be selectively retracted. More specifically, said locking bolt 55 can be selectively retracted entirely within the outer edge of body section 72 of lid member 50 or, alternatively, permitted to extend radially outward so that a portion of said locking bolt 55 protrudes beyond the outer edge of said body section 72.

When lid member 50 is received within cap member 40, locking bolt 55 can be extended so that it protrudes beneath the lower surface of lip member 43 of cap member 40. As such, said locking bolt 55, acting in combination with fixed anchor extension 59, which also extends beneath lip member 43 of cap member 40, beneficially secures said removable lid member 50 in place within central opening 42 of cap member 40. When retracted, said locking bolt 55 is positioned entirely within the outer edge of body section 72 (that is, no portion of said locking bolt 55 protrudes beneath lip member 43 of cap member 40). When locking bolt 55 is retracted in this manner, said lid member 50 can be removed from central opening 42 of cap member 40.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of lid member 50 and accompanying key device 60 of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, key device 60 comprises body member 61 having handle 63 at one end, and key head 62 at its other end. In the preferred embodiment, the length of body member 61 is beneficially sized so that a user can comfortably operate key device 60 from a standing position. Further, key head 62 is configured to fit within key hole 53 of removable lid member 50.

Referring back to FIG. 12, retractable locking bolt 55 is mounted to curved member 56 having convex inner surface 56a, which is in turn connected to cylindrical shaft 57, which is itself slidably received within housing 71 on the underside of lid member 50. Spring 58 is disposed around cylindrical shaft 57, and acts to bias curved member 56 away from housing 71 (and, additionally, locking bolt 55 outward). In operation, key head 62 of key device 60 (not depicted in FIG. 13) is inserted in key hole 53 of lid member 50. When said key device 60 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, key head 62 acts upon convex surface 56a of curved member 56, and forces cylindrical shaft 57 into housing 71 by compressing spring 58. As curved member 56 travels, locking bolt 55 retracts inward toward the center of lid member 50. When said lid member 50 is installed in a cap member 40, and said locking bolt 55 is retracted from below lip member 43 of cap 40 (that is, fully retracted), said locking bolt 55 does not prevent said lid member 50 from being removed from cap member 40.

Housing apparatus 100 of the present invention can be installed as a new housing for buried utility meters, valves and/or other equipment. Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention, or components thereof, can also be retrofit onto existing housings. Although there are any number of different reasons why such retrofitting may be desired, in many cases it may be desirable to utilize the present invention to adjust the height of existing (non-adjustable) housings.

In one embodiment of the present invention that is particularly well-suited for such retrofitting, a stackable adapter segment (in most cases, having the general configuration of spacer segment 20) having locking clips in various locations along its base is provided. The lid of an existing housing is removed, and the stackable adapter segment is clipped below the lid ring to hold said stackable adapter segment in place. Thereafter, additional stackable spacer segments can be added to such stackable adapter segment in order to reach a desired height. Thereafter, a stackable cap member and removable lid can then be installed to complete the desired retrofit.

FIG. 15 depicts a bottom perspective view of a base member 80 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention that is beneficially designed for use in firm or consolidated soil or substrata. Said alternative bottom member 80 comprises substantially hollow ring-like body member 81 having a central opening extending through said body. In the preferred embodiment, substantially horizontal and flat ledge 82 extends around the circumference of the upper opening of body member 81. At least one fastener aperture 83 extends through ledge 82. Additionally, at least one opening 85 is provided to allow piping, such as supply and/or discharge lines (not shown in FIG. 15), to access the internal space defined by said alternative base member 80. The size, shape and placement of said at least one opening 85 is generally dictated by the characteristics and alignment of such piping.

FIG. 14 depicts a top perspective view of base member 80 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 15 that is beneficially designed for use in firm or consolidated soil or substrata. A cylindrical boss 84 surrounds the upper opening of each fastener aperture disposed on ledge 82. If desired, said bosses 84 can mate with aligned recesses on an adjoining spacer segment to create a frictional connection. Bolts or other fasteners could also be used to hold the housing apparatus of the present invention together.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.

Housing apparatus for buried equipment

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