US3843013A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Meter box
Assignee: BPAC Inc A CORP OF
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Filing: 1973-04-02
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Granted: 1974-10-22
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Expires: 1993-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A meter box molded out of fibrous plastic material open at its upper side and having a peripheral cover supporting ledge surrounded by an offset marginal rim having keeper means; the box including a cover structure also formed of fibrous material and fitted within the offset rim; resting on the supporting ledge, and having cooperating latching means. One embodiment of the cover involves a yieldably mounted latching boss; another embodiment involves a slidable bolt, both being operable by insertion of a tool to effect separation of the cover from the box.
Inventors
- 👤 F Brooks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 00:18
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D55/00; B65D55/02; B65D55/14; E; E05; E05B; E05B35/00; E05B35/008; E05B65/00; E05B65/006; E05C; E05C19/00; E05C19/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
A meter box, comprising: a. a meter box member having an open upper end bordered by an outwardly extending horizontal ledge terminating in an upwardly extending rim, the rim having opposed portions, and a keeper rib on the inner surface of each of said opposed portions; b. a cover member of resilient material including a downwardly extending peripheral flange resting on the ledge and confronting the upwardly extending rim, the flange at one end of the cover including a flexible portion confronting one of said keeper ribs and capable of deflection away from the rib; c. a first latch boss at the end opposite from the flexible portion engageable with the corresponding keeper rib and disengageable therefrom upon pivotal movement of the cover about an axis coinciding with first latch boss; d. a second latch boss carried by the flexible portion of the cover flange, the second latch boss having sloping cam surfaces engageable with the corresponding keeper rib to deflect the flexible portion for camming over the corresponding keeper rib upon forcibly pivoting the cover member in either direction about said axis; and e. tool engageable means with said cover adjacent said second latch boss for forcible pivoting of said cover to open position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
A meter box, comprising: a. a meter box member having an open upper end bordered by an outwardly extending horizontal ledge terminating in an upwardly extending rim, the rim having opposed portions, and a keeper rib on the inner surface of each of said opposed portions; b. a cover member of resilient material including a downwardly extending peripheral flange resting on the ledge and confronting the upwardly extending rim, the flange at one end of the cover including a flexible portion confronting one of said keeper ribs and capable of deflection away from the rib; c. a first latch boss at the end opposite from the flexible portion engageable with the corresponding keeper rib and disengageable therefrom upon pivotal movement of the cover about an axis coinciding with first latch boss; d. a second latch boss carried by the flexible portion of the cover flange, the second latch boss having sloping cam surfaces engageable with the corresponding keeper rib to deflect the flexible portion for camming over the corresponding keeper rib upon forcibly pivoting the cover member in either direction about said axis; and e. tool engageable means with said cover adjacent said second latch boss for forcible pivoting of said cover to open position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A meter box as defined in claim 1 wherein said tool engageable means comprises a substantially rigid rib on the inner face of said cover adjacent said second latch boss, and an opening through said cover member adjacent said rigid rib.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A meter box as defined in claim 1 wherein said peripheral flange is provided with a slit on each side of said second latch boss.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-21 | 1978-04-22 | 1978-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-21 | 1982-04-22 | 1982-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-21 | 1986-04-22 | 1986-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |