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US 10,884,027 B2Granted
Watthour meter box flange and method for installation of same
AssigneeDeWalch Technologies, Inc.
InventorJohn Edward Stachowiak, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and methods for securing a box cover to a watt-hour meter box base. In certain embodiments, the apparatus consists of a unitary member incorporating a plurality of flange members adapted for securing at least 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. In various other embodiments, the unitary member consists of a unitary member adapted to engage a portion of a meter box lid. In various other embodiments, the member includes integrated opposed tension-receiving members.
Claims43
An apparatus for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the apparatus comprising:
- a securing member adapted to be retained on the utility service enclosure, the utility service enclosure having a lid with an aperture for receiving a meter therethrough, a base and a lid-retaining member, the securing member adapted to reinforce the lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid, the securing member comprising 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, and wherein the third flange member is shaped to engage a top portion of the utility service enclosure lid;
- and
- wherein the securing member further comprises a fourth flange member wherein the fourth member acts as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
A system for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the system comprising:
- a utility service enclosure comprising a lid with an aperture for receiving a meter therethrough, a base and a lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid;
- means for retaining a securing member on the utility service enclosure;
- and
- means for reinforcing the lid-retaining member with the securing member, wherein at least a portion of the securing member is adapted to cover at least a portion of the lid-retaining member.
1 more element
A method for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the method comprising:
- providing a utility service enclosure comprising a lid with an aperture for receiving a meter therethrough, a base and a lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid;
- retaining a securing member on the utility service enclosure;
- and
- reinforcing the lid-retaining member with the securing member, wherein at least a portion of the securing member is adapted to cover at least a portion of the lid-retaining member.
1 more element
A method for strengthening a utility service enclosure, the method comprising:
- providing a utility service enclosure comprising a lid with an aperture for receiving a meter therethrough, a base and a lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid;
- and
- interengaging a reinforcing member between a structural portion of the utility service enclosure lid and a structural portion of the 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, and wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing member is adapted to cover at least a portion of the lid-retaining member.
An apparatus for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the apparatus comprising:
- a securing member adapted to be retained on the utility service enclosure, the utility service enclosure having a lid with an aperture for receiving a meter therethrough, a base and a lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid, the securing member comprising a structural member being adapted to reinforce the lid-retaining member, the structural member comprising 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, and wherein the third flange member is shaped to engage a top portion of the utility service enclosure lid;
- and
- wherein the securing member further comprises a fourth flange member wherein the fourth member acts as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
An apparatus for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the apparatus comprising:
- a securing member adapted to he retained on the utility service enclosure, the utility service enclosure having a lid, a base and a lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid, the securing member comprising a structural member being adapted to reinforce the lid-retaining member, the structural member comprising 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, and wherein the third flange member is shaped to engage a top portion of the utility service enclosure lid;
- and
- wherein the securing member further comprises a fourth flange member wherein the fourth member acts as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
A system for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the system comprising:
- a utility service enclosure comprising a lid with an aperture for receiving a meter therethrough, a base and a lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid;
- and
- a securing member adapted to be retained on the utility service enclosure, the securing member comprising a structural member being adapted to reinforce the lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the securing member covers at least a portion of the lid-retaining member.
A system for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the system comprising:
- a utility service enclosure comprising a lid with an aperture for receiving a meter therethrough, a base and a lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid;
- a securing member adapted to be retained on the utility service enclosure, the securing member comprising a structural member being adapted to reinforce the lid-retaining member;
- and
- wherein the structural member comprises 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, and wherein the third flange member is shaped to engage a top portion of the utility service enclosure lid.
1 more element
A system for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the system comprising:
- a utility service enclosure comprising a lid with an aperture for receiving a meter therethrough, a base and a lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid;
- a securing member adapted to be retained on the utility service enclosure, the securing member comprising a structural member being adapted to reinforce the lid-retaining member;
- wherein the structural member comprises 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, and wherein the third flange member is shaped to engage a top portion of the utility service enclosure lid;
- and
- wherein the securing member further comprises a fourth flange member wherein the fourth member acts as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
2 more elements
An apparatus for deterring forced entry into a utility service enclosure, the apparatus comprising:
- a securing member adapted to be retained on the utility service enclosure, the utility service enclosure having a lid with an aperture for receiving a meter, a base and a lid-retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the lid-retaining member covers at least part of the utility service enclosure lid;
- the securing member comprising 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, and wherein the third flange member is shaped to engage a top portion of the utility service enclosure lid;
- and
- wherein the securing member further comprises a fourth flange member wherein the fourth member acts as an integrated opposed tension-receiving member.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.