Patent Application
20110255215
Watthour meters measure electricity usage. Watthour meter boxes protect watthour meters from such things as the weather; human contact, for safety reasons; and tampering. Tampering may include prying the meter box open to bypass the meter to prevent electric usage from being recorded or illegally reinstating service after it has been disconnected.
It has become apparent in the electric revenue protection industry that one weak point in the watthour meter box assembly is the front flange 40 formed into the top of base 10. If the flange or lip 40 is pried upward, away from installed lid 30, not currently shown as installed, the lid may be slipped off base 10 from the top 25, bypassing the typical locking systems, not shown, that secure the door 30 to base 10. If there were a way to prevent such tampering or to strengthen lip 40, the assembly would be made more secure.
One way to strengthen the lip 40 is to increase the gauge or thickness of the metal from which the lip or entire base is made. A higher gauge metal would be more difficult to bend, leading to a more secure assembly. In the vast number of current installations however, installing higher gauge bases to achieve the desired increased security would likely be too expensive to implement on a large scale due to the considerable effort required to remove and replace each base. Additionally, increasing the material thickness would not deter or prevent tampering with the base flange. There is a desire in the industry to find a solution for the above described security issues without necessarily having to remove and replace watthour meter box bases. If there were a way to add structure or prevent access to the top flange or lip of a meter box base by designing a new lid, not shown, or by designing an additional structure, not shown, disposed between the top of the lid and base, the box assembly's overall security could be improved, old installations could be upgraded without necessarily removing and replacing the meter box base and overall losses to electric providers could be reduced by preventing electricity theft.
Several examples of patents and a publication which disclose attempts to solve some of the above problems are set forth as follows.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,847 to Fennell, entitled “Pilfer Proofing System for Electric Utility Meter Box,” is directed to a pilfer proofing system for electric meter boxes having a meter base box which carries a plug-in terminal block set and a meter box cover having an opening through which a plug-in meter passes to engage contact female or socket terminals in a terminal block set. A contact terminal block adaptor carrying insulating cages frictionally retained in the female socket terminal of the contact block set springs are included in the female socket terminals to assure continuous electrical contact and avoid hot spots. The meter box has a pair of lateral meter stops which are clamped between one end of an annular, cast aluminum ring and a pair of insulated, bifurcated clamp bars positioned behind the meter stops which, in turn, are secured to a common metal bar housed in a recess in the adaptor. The illustrate clamp bars have bifurcated ends which more evenly distributes the mechanical forces to the meter box by providing a plurality of distributed contact or load distribution points instead of one. An annular flange on the aluminum ring seals the edges of the existing opening in the meter cover thereby preventing surreptitious access to the interior of the meter box housing and, at the same time, clamping the rest of the meter cover securely to the box with the bifurcated clamp bars providing the plurality of distributed contact points; the teachings of which are incorporated by reference. This reference is incorporated by reference herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,521 to Fennell, entitled “Pilfer Proofing System for Electric Utility Meter Box,” sets forth a pilfer proofing system and method for electric meter boxes having a meter base box, which carries a plug-in terminal block set and a meter box cover having an opening through which a plug-in-meter passes to engage contact jaws or sockets the terminal block set. An anchoring bar is secured to the meter stops and a conventional meter locking collar is secured to the cover and the bridge of the locking collar is secured to the anchoring bar. Metal extension adaptors are secured to the meter blades for entering into the contact jaws or sockets of the terminal block set and a conventional locking ring is utilized to lock the meter in place on the added meter collar thereby providing a substantial obstacle to easy pilfering of electricity. A safety device constituted by a handle, a flexible insulating sheet and a set of nonconductive blades is inserted in the socket blades of the terminal block set and retained therein by friction covering up the hot or live terminals of the terminal block set with the flexible insulating sheet, and it is removed by grasping the handle and removing same. This reference is incorporated by reference herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,911 to DeWalch, entitled “Electric Meter Box Lock,” provides that a lock for meter boxes and similar enclosures includes an outer case with a central bore mounted on an electric meter box. Inside the bore are two extrusions of unequal length spaced 90 degrees apart. A sleeve having a deep bore is held in the case by a screw, and a spring assembly transmits motion from the screw to the sleeve. The sleeve includes a flange at its end with an arcuate cutout portion which spans both extrusions. The sleeve further includes several internal grooves for retaining a barrel type lock which prevents access to the screw. A heavy cover plate is welded to the top of the sleeve so that it overlays and retains the door of the meter box. To unlock the meter box lock, the barrel lock is removed to allow access to the screw. As the screw is unscrewed, the sleeve moves with the screw until the flange on the sleeve clears the shorter extrusion. The sleeve then rotates with the screw until the flange engages the longer extrusion. In this position, the cover plate no longer overlays the door, and the door can be opened. This reference is incorporated by reference herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,172 to Cooper, entitled “Frame for Tamper Proofing a Meter Housing,” sets forth a rigid frame attachment for resisting tampering with an electrical meter. Angle irons enframe the meter face, with frame portions extending rearwardly along a lateral wall of the meter housing to rear frame portions engaging the rear wall of the housing. The front of the frame is attached, as by a lock, to the meter front wall at a point spaced from the side walls of the housing. This reference is incorporated by reference herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,229 to Campbell, entitled “Combination Meter/Breaker Panel Enclosure with Rain Gutter and Security System,” sets forth a meter/breaker arrangement having separate covers for the meter side and breaker side. The meter side includes as an extension thereof a rain gutter which underlaps a flange on the breaker cover to provide a rain-proof or water-proof enclosure when both covers are disposed securely on the enclosure. In addition, a locking arrangement is provided so that the breaker cover can be removed without allowing access to the meter region. Alternatively, both the meter cover and breaker cover can be removed. A flexible, partially non-electrically conductive, security member is provided for separating the meter side from the breaker side. This reference is incorporated by reference herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,717 to Matthews, entitled “Surface Mounted Panel Adpater for a Socket Mounted Electricity Meter,” sets forth a surface mounted panel adapter for a socket mounted electricity meter that allows a socket mounted electricity meter to be installed on a switchboard. The surface mounted panel adapter is designed to attach to the back of a switchboard, and to expose a meter socket which is mounted on the front wall of the surface mounted panel adapter and which is exposed through the front wall of the switchboard. A standard socket mounted electricity meter can be mounted in the meter socket through the opening in the switchboard. Electrical connections to the meter socket are made using at least one terminal strip mounted on the rear wall of the panel adapter, and readily accessible to an installer who is behind the switchboard panel. This reference is incorporated by reference herein.
PCT International Application Publication No. PCT/GB1989/00275 to Calvert, entitled “Containers with Tamper Evident Closures,” sets forth a tamper evident band (16) (as noted the drawings) provided around an area of cooperation between a container mouth (18) and a closure cap (11). Sloping faces (15) and (24) on the container and cap respectively allow the cap, surrounded by the strip (16) to be pushed on to the container, but shoulders (14) and (23) prevent subsequent removal of the cap without first removing the band (16). When the band (16) is removed, the cap can expand radially when pulled upwardly to release the engagement between the shoulders (14) and (23), and so allow removal of the cap. The cap and band (16) may be moulded together from a plastics material, with the band (16) depending from the edge of the cap and being attached thereto by a frangible portion (17, FIG. 1). At some point prior to, or during the assembly with the container, the frangible portion is broken and the band (16) moved to surround the cap as shown. This reference is incorporated by reference herein.
(It should be noted that any patent, publication or other information referred to above or herein is not intended to constitute an admission that such patent, publication or other information is in fact “material” or “prior art” for the present invention unless specifically designated as such).
There remains a need for a method and apparatus for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure that is readily installable—for example, without having to replace the utility service enclosure. There is a need for a device capable of securing a utility service enclosure, or for example a meter box securing device, that is adapted for reinforcing a lid-retaining member of the enclosure and which can be retained on a utility service enclosure so as to strengthen the enclosure to prevent tampering therewith. There is a further need for a securing device having a unitary configuration (or, for example, a configuration having multiple parts that are combinable and/or separable) and adapted to be disposed or retained between the top of, for example, a meter box lid and base to deter access to the top flange of a meter box base so as improve the overall security of the meter box or utility service enclosure.
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.
According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for securing a box cover to a watt-hour meter box is provided, the apparatus including at least a unitary member incorporating a plurality of flange members, the member being adapted for securing a top portion of a watthour meter box lid to a portion of top front flange of a watthour meter box base.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is also provided a method for securing a box cover to a watt-hour meter box including at least disposing a unitary member incorporating a plurality of flange members between a portion of a top of a meter box lid and a portion of a top flange of a meter box base, the member being adapted for securing the portion of the top of the watthour meter box lid to the portion of the top front flange of the watthour meter box base.
Another example embodiment provides an apparatus for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the apparatus including at least: a securing member adapted to be retained on the utility service enclosure, the utility service enclosure having a lid, a base and a lid-retaining member, the securing member having a structural member for reinforcing a lid-retaining member.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the lid-retaining member includes at least a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member is retained on the utility service enclosure via a retaining flange adapted to engage a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member further includes at least a structural element adapted to receive a top front flange of the utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member is retained on the utility service enclosure via at least one fastener.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the lid-retaining member includes at least a top front flange of the utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the lid-retaining member includes at least a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member is adapted to secure a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid to a portion of a top front flange of the utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, a first portion of the securing member is shaped to engage a portion of a top flange of the utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, a second portion of the securing member is shaped to engage a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the second portion substantially surrounds the portion of the top of the lid.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member is combined with a utility service enclosure lid such that the lid and securing member are one integrated piece.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member is combined with a utility service enclosure base such that the base and securing member are one integrated piece.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member is made from steel.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the steel is hardened. In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member is coated with a material having low electrical conductivity.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the material includes at least a powder coat.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the material includes at least rubber.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member further includes at least a first, second and third flange member, wherein the first and second flange members are generally parallel to each other, and wherein the third flange member is generally perpendicular to the first and the second flange members.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the third flange member is shaped to engage the top portion of a utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus includes at least a fourth flange member wherein the fourth member acts as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus includes at least a plurality of flange members, each flange member acting as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the fourth flange member lies in a plane at least substantially orthogonal with respect to the third flange member, wherein a top portion of the utility service enclosure lid comprises a top lip, the third flange member and the fourth flange member defining a slot and at least a portion of the top lip being releaseably captured within the slot whereby the securing member may be retained between the top front flange of the utility service enclosure base and the top lip of the utility service enclosure lid, and such that when the securing member is subjected to prying forces, the fourth flange member and third flange member cooperate to pinch the top lip therebetween so as to counter the prying forces, and such that the third flange member and fourth flange member cooperatively retain the securing member on the top lip of the utility service enclosure lid so as to aid in preventing the securing member from inadvertently falling into the interior of the utility service enclosure.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the second, third, and fourth flange member are cooperatively attachable to the top lip of the utility service enclosure lid so as to aid in preventing the securing member from being inadvertently detached upon removal or installation of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the third flange member is in functional cooperation with the fourth flange member to inhibit deformation of structural member when subject to prying or other forces.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further includes at least a plurality of flange members, each flange member acting as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member includes at least a structural member having at least one of two different configurations, said first configuration being adapted for substantially surrounding the lid-retaining member, and said second configuration being adapted for engaging the lid-retaining member.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus, the securing member includes at least a structural member having at least one of two other different configurations, said third configuration being adapted for selectively contacting the lid-retaining member, and said fourth configuration being adapted for being disposed on the lid-retaining member.
Another example embodiment provides a system for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure including at least: means for retaining a securing member on the utility service enclosure, the utility service enclosure including at least a lid, a base and a lid-retaining member; and means for reinforcing the lid-retaining member with the securing member.
In another example embodiment of the system, the lid-retaining member includes at least a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure.
In another example embodiment of the system, the means for retaining the securing member on the utility service enclosure includes at least a retaining flange adapted to engage a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the system, the means for reinforcing a lid-retaining member includes at least a structural element adapted to receive a top front flange of the utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the system, the means for retaining the securing member on the utility service enclosure includes at least at least one fastener.
In another example embodiment of the system, the lid-retaining member includes at least a top front flange of a utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the system, lid-retaining member includes at least a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the system, the securing member is adapted to secure a portion of a top of a utility service enclosure lid to a portion of a top front flange of a utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the system, the means for reinforcing a lid-retaining member is shaped to engage a portion of a top flange of the utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the system, the means for retaining the securing member is shaped to engage a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the system, the means for retaining the securing member substantially surrounds the portion of the top of the lid.
In another example embodiment of the system, the securing member is combined with a utility service enclosure lid such that the lid and securing member are one integrated piece.
In another example embodiment of the system, the securing member is combined with a utility service enclosure base such that the base and securing member are one integrated piece.
In another example embodiment of the system, the securing member is made from steel.
In another example embodiment of the system, the steel is hardened.
In another example embodiment of the system, the securing member is coated with a material having low electrical conductivity.
In another example embodiment of the system, the material includes at least a powder coat.
In another example embodiment of the system, the material includes at least rubber.
In another example embodiment of the system, the securing member further includes at least a first, second and third flange member, wherein the first and second flange members are generally parallel to each other, and wherein the third flange member is generally perpendicular to the first and the second flange members.
In another example embodiment of the system, the third flange member is shaped to engage the top portion of a utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the system, the system further includes at least a fourth flange member wherein the fourth member acts as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
In another example embodiment of the system, the system the further includes at least a plurality of flange members, each flange member acting as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
Another example embodiment provides a method for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure including at least: retaining a securing member on the utility service enclosure, the utility service enclosure including at least a lid, a base, and a lid-retaining member; and reinforcing the lid-retaining member with the securing member.
In another example embodiment of the method the lid-retaining member includes at least a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure.
In another example embodiment of the method, the lid-retaining member includes at least a top front flange of the utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the method, the lid-retaining member includes at least a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member is in functional cooperation with a portion of the utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member is in functional cooperation with a portion of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member is disposed by hand.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member is disposed by welding.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member is disposed via at least one fastener.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member is disposed by adhesive.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member is disposed using a hand held tool.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member is disposed using industrial tooling.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member includes at least a structural member having at least one of two different configurations, said first configuration being adapted for substantially surrounding the lid-retaining member, and said second configuration being adapted for engaging the lid-retaining member.
In another example embodiment of the method, the securing member includes at least a structural member having at least one of two other different configurations, said third configuration being adapted for selectively contacting the lid-retaining member, and said fourth configuration being adapted for being disposed on the lid-retaining member.
An example embodiment of a method for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure includes at least interengaging a reinforcing member between a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid and a structural portion of a utility service enclosure base, wherein the reinforcing member is adapted to secure the structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base.
An example embodiment of a method for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure includes at least reinforcing and/or interengaging a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid and a structural portion of a utility service enclosure base, wherein the reinforcing and/or interengaging cooperatively secures the structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base.
An example embodiment of a system for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure includes at least means for reinforcing and/or interengaging a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid and a structural portion of a utility service enclosure base, wherein the means for reinforcing and/or interengaging cooperatively secures the structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base.
An example embodiment of a system for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure includes at least means for reinforcing and/or interengaging a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid and a structural portion of a utility service enclosure base, wherein the means for reinforcing and/or interengaging cooperatively inhibits relative deformation of the structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base.
An example embodiment of an apparatus for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure includes at least a member to reinforce and/or interengage a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid and a structural portion of a utility service enclosure base, wherein the member to reinforce and/or interengage cooperatively inhibits relative deformation of the structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base.
An example embodiment of a apparatus for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure includes at least a reinforcing member adapted to securely interengage a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid to a structural portion of the utility service enclosure base, wherein the reinforcing member cooperatively secures the structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base.
In another example embodiment of the apparatus for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure, the reinforcing member further includes at least a receiving member, the receiving member being adapted to substantially surround a structural portion of the utility service enclosure base when the utility service enclosure lid is installed onto the utility service enclosure base.
An example embodiment of a apparatus for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure includes at least a reinforcing member adapted to securely interengage a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid to a structural portion of the utility service enclosure base, wherein the reinforcing member cooperatively secures the structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base, and/or wherein the reinforcing member further includes at least a receiving member, the receiving member being adapted to substantially surround a structural portion of the utility service enclosure base when the utility service enclosure lid is installed onto the utility service enclosure base.
An example embodiment of an apparatus for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure includes at least a reinforcing member formed to securely interengage a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid to a structural portion of the utility service enclosure base, wherein the reinforcing member is in functional cooperation with the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base to reinforce the utility service enclosure.
Another example embodiment of an apparatus for strengthening and/or securing a utility service enclosure includes at least a reinforcing member formed to securely interengage a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid to a structural portion of the utility service enclosure base, wherein the reinforcing member is in functional cooperation with the structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base to reinforce the utility service enclosure.
Another example embodiment of a method for installing a security device on a watthour meter box includes at least: disposing a unitary member incorporating a plurality of flange members between a portion of a top of a meter box lid and a portion of a top flange of a meter box base, wherein the unitary member is adapted for securing the portion of the top of the watthour meter box lid to the portion of the top front flange of the watthour meter box base.
In another example embodiment of the method, the member is in functional cooperation with a portion of the meter box base.
In another example embodiment of the method, the member is in functional cooperation with a portion of the lid.
In another example embodiment of the method, the member is disposed by hand.
In another example embodiment of the method, the member is disposed by welding.
In another example embodiment of the method, the member is disposed via fasteners.
In another example embodiment of the method, the member is disposed using a hand held tool.
In another example embodiment of the method, the member is disposed using industrial tooling.
Another example embodiment provides a security bracket (or member or device) for use, in one example embodiment, with a watthour meter box, the security bracket comprising: a securing (or unitary) member incorporating a plurality of flange members; wherein the securing member is adapted for securing a portion of a top of a watthour meter box lid to a portion of a top front flange of a watthour meter box base; and further comprising at least one engagement member for attaching or fastening the securing member to the portion of a top of a watthour meter box lid. The lid comprises a first side facing the box interior and second side facing away from the outside of the lid. The at least one engagement member, in one embodiment, is adapted to attach the securing member to first side of the lid facing the box interior. In other embodiments, the at least one engagement member may be adapted to attach the securing member to second side of the lid facing away from the outside of the lid.
In another example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided which may be clamped on to the lid of the watthour meter box. A device is provided with one or more formed latching cam clamps. The formed latching cam clamps can be made economically in high volume, which helps improve marketability. A spacer bushing positions the clamp for optimum cooperation with opposing surfaces. In some embodiments, a set of formed latching cam clamps are affixed to the securing member with a fastener, preferably a rivet, to create a security bracket. The profile of the cam aids in retaining the security bracket on the lid of the watthour meter box and also provides tactile feedback to the operator. Additionally, the cam clamps even in the partially open position and impedes the removal of security bracket from the lid.
Another embodiment is provided to forcibly retain the securing member on to the lid of the watthour meter box. A further embodiment provides a clamping device that can be installed easily without the use of any tools.
A further embodiment improves the perceived and actual security of the securing member. A further embodiment is increases the perceived and actual protection of the operator. A still further embodiment impedes access and prevents unwanted tampering by curious individuals or children from accessing dangerous electrical power source. A further embodiment facilitates economic manufacturing.
The content and disclosure of each of the following applications/publications to the extent permitted are specifically hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/265,339, filed Nov. 2, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/679,863, filed on May 12, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/624,700, filed on Nov. 3, 2004; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/920,297, filed on Nov. 11, 2007 (which is a national stage of International Application No. PCT/US2006/018335, filed May 11, 2006); International Application No. PCT/US2006/018335, filed May 11, 2006.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of example embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings, the descriptions given herein, and the appended claims. Further aspects are also indicated herein in various example embodiments of the invention. However, it will be understood that the above-listed aspects, objectives and/or advantages of example embodiments are intended only as an aid in quickly understanding aspects of the example embodiments, are not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention in any way, and therefore do not form a comprehensive or restrictive list of aspects, objectives, and/or features, and/or advantages.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, features of example embodiments 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 example embodiments of invention that will be described hereinafter.
In this respect, before explaining at least one example embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the example embodiments are 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. Various example embodiments are capable of other further 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.
To the accomplishment of the above and related aspects, example embodiments of the 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.
The drawings as noted below form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of example embodiments of the invention. Various other aspects, features and attendant advantages of the embodiments of the 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:
a is a section view from the box assembly in
b is a section view from the box assembly in
a is a section view from the box assembly in
b is three dimensional view of the same example embodiment from
a is a section view showing another example embodiment of the present invention.
b is a section view showing yet another example embodiment of the present invention.
a shows a front view of one example of a unitary member including at least a plurality of flange segments.
b shows a top view of the same example embodiment from
c shows a rear view of the same example embodiment.
d shows a side view of the same example embodiment.
a shows another alternative embodiment of an installed security bracket.
a is a close up section view of the same meter box door.
a shows a rear section view of the same door with one example embodiment of the present invention in stalled on the door's top.
b shows a front section view of the same door with one example embodiment of the present invention in stalled on the door's top.
While various example embodiments of the invention will be described herein, 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.
Turning now to
In various embodiments of the present invention, bracket securing flange 160 acts as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member. In these embodiments, securing flange 160 is sized such that when a prying force 120 is applied, generally as shown, to flange segment 145, securing flange 160 distributes some of the force 120 into door 70, requiring the force 120 to overcome not only the opposing forces required to bend lip 100 and flange segments 140 and 145 but also the forces required to deform door 70 sufficiently to disengage security bracket 60 from the door 70, before the door 70 can be removed from the top of the box base.
In various embodiments of the present invention, each flange segment 140, 145, 150, and 160 is made from separate and distinct materials and combined into a unitary member incorporating the plurality of flanges. In various other embodiments of the present invention, flange segments 140, 145, 150 and 160 are interchangeably made from various materials and combined into a unitary member incorporating the plurality of flanges. In another embodiment, flange segments 140, 145, 150, and 160 are made from the same material and combined into a unitary member incorporating the plurality of flanges. All known methods, without limitation, of combining the flange segments described in the various embodiments, herein described, where flange segments are separate pieces, including but not limited to welding, bonding, and mechanical connection are herein incorporated by reference. Welding, bonding, and mechanical connection being only illustrative examples meant as a simple, partial list of all known joining techniques known to those with skill in the art. In another embodiment, flange segments 140, 145, 150, and 160 are made from the same piece of material, shaped into a unitary member incorporating the plurality of flanges.
In addition, in various other embodiments, portions of the unitary member, selected flanges and/or all of the flanges or the unitary member may be made from rigid and/or substantially rigid material which may include metal, plastic, composite materials, or other material known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The properties of such material in some embodiments should be sufficient for the various reinforcing, strengthening and/or securing purposes as noted herein.
Turning now to
Turning to
Turning to
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the various flange segments, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the figures and described in this specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
In various embodiments of the present invention, bracket 60 from
Turning now to
It should also be noted that even though security flange 60 in
In various embodiments of the present invention, security flanges are made from materials that have little or no electrical conductivity. In these embodiments, materials are chosen so that if a security flange comes into contact with electric power lines such as those typically found inside an installed watthour meter box, the chances of an electrical short circuit will be reduced, along with the possible human and physical damage.
In various other embodiments, the security flange is manufacture from materials that may be electrically conductive. In some embodiments of the present invention, the security flange is made from steel. In other embodiments, the steel is case hardened to frustrate a thief attempting to saw off the front flange of the security flange, such as, for example, flange segment 220 in
Techniques for coating material including powder coating and rubber coating are well known in the art. How the brackets in the present invention's various embodiments may be coated is not important to the present invention and no limitations should be inferred from a particular technique not being mentioned. If new technology is developed for coating material, the new technique or techniques shall be considered equivalent to the techniques currently known in the art and herein incorporated. The only important aspect of the coating is that it limit electric conductivity so as to improve the safe handling and installation of a given security bracket, not the details of the coating technique itself.
Unitary member or “security flange” installation is performed in numerous ways. For example, in one embodiment, shown in
In
As the lid 70 is installed onto the base 80, rear retaining flange 505 becomes trapped between meter box base flange 511 and the meter box lid 70; simultaneously, the meter top front flange is received into the void defined by the security flange 501 and the rear retaining flange 505. When the lid is fully installed, security flange 501 surrounds a portion of the base flange 511. If there is an attempt to pry the security member 500 from the lid 70, flanges 502, 503, and 504 apply reaction forces to a portion of the lid side flange 510, and concurrently, the rear retaining flange 505 is adapted to apply reaction forces to the base flange 511, thus aiding in the retention of security member 500. This embodiment is not limited to the illustrations shown; the security member may be constructed from a single plate that is formed, or multiple pieces that are joined together.
Another example embodiment not shown provides an apparatus for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure. Such a utility service enclosure may be used in the electric, gas, water, cable, TV utility industries or in other utility industries. The apparatus includes a securing member adapted to be retained on the utility service enclosure, with the utility service enclosure having a lid, a base and a lid-retaining member and the securing member having a structural member for reinforcing a lid-retaining member. In one example embodiment, the lid-retaining member includes at least a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure. In one other example embodiment, the securing member is retained on the utility service enclosure via a retaining flange adapted to engage a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid. In another example embodiment, the securing member further includes at least a structural element adapted to receive a top front flange of the utility service enclosure base. Another example embodiment of the apparatus provides the lid-retaining member includes at least a top front flange of the utility service enclosure base while another example embodiment provides the lid-retaining member includes at least a portion of a top of the utility service enclosure lid.
In another example embodiment all structures known to those with skill in the art which could serve as lid-retaining members are herein incorporated by reference.
Another example embodiment provides a method for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure including retaining a securing member on the utility service enclosure, the utility service enclosure including at least a lid, a base, and a lid-retaining member; and reinforcing the lid-retaining member with the securing member.
Another example embodiment provides a system for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure including at least: means for retaining a securing member on the utility service enclosure, the utility service enclosure including at least a lid, a base and a lid-retaining member; and means for reinforcing the lid-retaining member with the securing member.
In another example embodiment shown in
In an example embodiment,
Another example embodiment of a apparatus for strengthening a utility service enclosure includes at least a reinforcing member adapted to securely interengage a structural portion of a utility service enclosure lid to a structural portion of the utility service enclosure base, wherein the reinforcing member cooperatively secures the structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and the structural portion of the utility service enclosure base.
Another example embodiment includes a securing member having a structural element, or in some embodiments a member, which reinforces the lid-retaining member by engaging, selectively contacting or substantially surrounding the lid-retaining member or which is adapted for being disposed on the lid-retaining member.
In various other embodiments, not shown, the given security flange is disposed onto the lid, or alternatively around the base flange, prior to door installation. The door is then installed onto the box base, trapping the security flange between the door and base flange.
In other embodiments, the security flange or unitary member is installed onto the box base using fasteners attached to or through the base's top. The list of possible fasteners used to secure a given member to a box base is so extensive as to not be practical to list. It would be obvious to those of skill in the art that any number of fasteners in various embodiments might be used without departing from the spirit of the current invention.
In other embodiments, a member is disposed onto the top of a given box base using hand held tools to hold the member in place while the lid is installed. In other embodiments, the member is welded to the top of the box base. In other embodiments, the member is bonded to the top of the box base using any one of a plethora of various adhesives well known in the adhesives art. In other embodiments, the member is installed onto the top of the box base during the box base manufacturing process using industrial tooling, this box base being used for new meter box assembly installations or as a replacement to old meter box bases. Is should be noted that methods to secure a member during base manufacturing could included all attachment methods previously mentioned as well as any number of other methods available in the manufacturing arts.
The present invention provides several advantages over the prior art. The present invention provides additional security to a watthour meter box. The present invention provides a watthour meter security device that encases and protects the top front flange of a watthour meter box base. The present invention provides a watthour meter security device that can be installed without any tools. Several embodiments of the present invention provide a watthour meter security device that will not unintentionally become dislodged from certain types of watthour meter box lids. The present invention provides a watthour meter security device that will not interfere with the normal operation of the lid. The present invention provides a watthour meter security device that may be incorporated into a currently installed watthour meter box assembly without requiring the removal and replacement of the existing base.
Another example embodiment provides a security bracket 760 (or member or device) for use, in one example embodiment, with a watthour meter box, the security bracket comprising: a securing (or unitary) member 712 incorporating a plurality of flange members; wherein the securing member is adapted for securing a portion of a top of a watthour meter box lid 10 to a portion of a top front flange of a watthour meter box base; and further comprising at least one engagement member for attaching or fastening the securing member to the portion of a top of a watthour meter box lid. The lid comprises a first side facing the box interior and second side facing away from the outside of the lid. The at least one engagement member, in one embodiment, is adapted to attach the securing member to first side of the lid facing the box interior. In other embodiments, the at least one engagement member may be adapted to attach the securing member to second side of the lid facing away from the outside of the lid.
In another example embodiment of the above, the engagement member comprises a clamping device to retain the securing member 712 to the watthour meter box lid 710. In one example, the clamping device comprises a set of latching cam clamps 714a, 714b mounted onto the securing member 712 using, in some embodiments, rivets or alternate fasteners 716a, 716b as seen in the
Turning now to
The cam latch configuration is also adapted to resist unintentional opening, as a selected force must be applied to cam out the latches. The surface 720 of the cam latch 714 aids in keeping the cam latch either in clamped or unclamped position. When the surface 722 is rotated to a position facing the meter box lid surface as shown in
In an example embodiment, the cam latch 714 is designed to stay in a clamped position. It should be recognized that the final rotational position of clamp will be dependent, in some embodiments, on the material thickness of lid. As will be explained in further detail, the cam surface progressively travels into the gap 717 during engagement or clamping.
The cam latch is unclamped when fully opened. The selected angular travel, denoted by the designation “β”, as shown in the
It will also be appreciated that cam latches are mounted and configured such that the cam surfaces (when rotated through certain angular ranges will ideally engage watthour meter box lids having various thicknesses of the 710 as briefly noted above. In this way, the engagement configuration of the cam latches may accommodate a variation of watthour meter box lids of typical thickness. In other embodiments the configuration may be changed to accommodate a greater range of lid thicknesses.
In another example embodiment, an alternative cam latch design could operate in different planes and accomplish the same function in an equivalent manner. For example, as indicated above, movement occurs in a plane which enables engagement of the cam surface with the interior surface 730 or the interior surface of lid face 710. For example, engagement, in some embodiment is ideally substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of lid 710 or lip 730. As long as the plane of motion delivers a clamping force against the lid to perform a retaining function, such an alternative embodiment may be functionally equivalent. In addition, in an alternative embodiment, the retaining function is accomplished with a wedge member adapted to be positioned between perpendicularly oriented securing member flanges 718a or 718b and lid 710. In other embodiments, the engagement surfaces of cam latches 714a, 714b comprise alternative design configurations and may include a serrated or shark toothed cam surface. A suitable material would include plastic, steel or aluminum. The security bracket further comprises and fastener 716, in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the fasteners comprise rivets, but could be accomplished by any fastener or the like of known mechanical devices, such as a screw and threaded mate, pin and snap ring, or those known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
Turning now to
In another example embodiment, the security bracket may be retained using a threaded screw to fasten the bracket by compressing it into the wall of the meter box lid 10. In still another example embodiment, bracket may be welded to the meter box lid 10.
Referring now to
Turning now to
In another example embodiment, fasteners 28 (in
In another example embodiment, an alternative cam latch design could operate in different planes and accomplish the same function in an equivalent manner. For example, as indicated above, movement occurs in a plane which enables engagement of the cam surface with the interior surface 1130 or the interior surface of lid face 1110. For example, engagement, in some embodiment is ideally substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of lid 1110 or lip 1130. As long as the plane of motion delivers a clamping force against the lid to perform a retaining function, such an alternative embodiment may be functionally equivalent. In addition, in an alternative embodiment, the retaining function is accomplished with a wedge member adapted to be positioned between perpendicularly oriented securing member flanges 1118a or 1118b and lid 1110. In other embodiments, the engagement surfaces of cam latches 1114a, 1114b comprise alternative design configurations and may include a serrated or shark toothed cam surface. A suitable material would include plastic, steel or aluminum. The security bracket further comprises and fastener 1116, in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the fasteners comprise rivets, but could be accomplished by any fastener or the like of known mechanical devices, such as a screw and threaded mate, pin and snap ring, or those known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
In use, in an example embodiment (referring generally to
Turning now to
Referring now to
In another example embodiment, in the case of the formed from lid securing member, the user would operate a lid in the standard fashion. In most meter boxes, there would be no difference in how the operator would remove or attach the lid. However, the added flanges engaging the meter and flanges internal to lid for structural strength would provide significant resistance to deformation and, thereby, deter or frustrate attack.
In example embodiments inadvertent removal of the bracket is prevented. A box retrofit device and method is provided, that works in cooperation with the top lid lip or flange of the meter box. Clamping devices secured during installation to quickly and easily affix the bracket to a lid. In another embodiment, a retrofit device and method is provided and used with a lid that lacks a top lip or flange and mechanically clamps to the lid to quickly and easily affix itself to the lid. Another embodiment provides is a lid that incorporates security bracket of flange geometry into standard lid designs which may be marketed either as a lid retrofit replacement or with current meter boxes.
It should be understood that while descriptions and application representations apply to meter boxes, these devices could be used on many enclosures of similar configuration and design that may contain wires or other valuable material that must be protected from theft or tampering. Such applications may include traffic light enclosures, substation enclosures or the like.
It should be noted that the design described does not limit the scope of the embodiments of invention; the number of various elements may change, or various components may be added or removed to the above-described concept.
The foregoing disclosure and description of embodiments of the invention is illustrative and explanatory of the above 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 components 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 embodiments of the invention. As well, the drawings are intended to describe various concepts of embodiments of the invention so that 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 embodiments of the invention. As well, the relative size and arrangement of the components may be varied from that shown and the embodiments of the invention still operate well within the spirit of the embodiments 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 embodiments of the invention. It is therefore desired that the invention not be limited to these embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing specification is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to describe all possible aspects of the example embodiments of the invention. It also will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that certain various changes in the ordering of steps, ranges, interferences, spacings, components, 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 embodiments of the invention. Moreover, while various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that changes to the description, and various other modifications, omissions and additions may also be made without departing from either the spirit or scope thereof.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/284,975, filed Sep. 25, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/265,339, filed Nov. 2, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/679,863, filed on May 12, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/624,700, filed on Nov. 3, 2004. This application also is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/920,297, which is a national stage of International Application No. PCT/US2006/018335, filed May 11, 2006. All written material, figures, content and other disclosure in each of the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60679863 | May 2005 | US | |
| 60624700 | Nov 2004 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12284975 | Sep 2008 | US |
| Child | 13009846 | US | |
| Parent | 11265339 | Nov 2005 | US |
| Child | 12284975 | US | |
| Parent | 11920297 | Dec 2008 | US |
| Child | 11265339 | US |
