US3858755A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Meter box with cover having biased snap-lock
Assignee: Ametek Inc
•
Filing: 1973-04-02
•
Granted: 1975-01-07
•
Expires: 1993-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A meter box having a body portion adapted to be buried in the ground, with a cover adapted to be at surface level. In the embodiments shown, the cover is rectangular, and is hinged at one end to the said body portion of the box. A locking member is secured to the under side of the cover, and is pivotally mounted on either a horizontal or vertical axis. The locking member includes a cammed latch for engaging a flange on the box body. In accordance with the invention, the locking member includes a slightly flexible spring portion which is confined against a rigid strengthening rib formed on the under side of the cover. The locking member also includes a surface portion engageable by a tool inserted through the top cover wall. Pivoting of the tool will cause the locking member to pivot on its axis, thereby bending the spring against the said rigid rib so that the latch will be released.
Inventors
- 👤 Chester J Tellen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:30
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02D; E02D29/00; E02D29/12; E02D29/14; E02D29/1463; E02D29/1427; H; H02; H02G; H02G9/00; H02G9/02; H02G9/025; H02G9/10; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/6851; Y10T137/6966; Y10T137/6991; Y10T137/6995; Y10T137/7021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A meter box comprising, in combination: a. a box body adapted to be buried in the ground to protect a meter or the like, said box body including inwardly extending flange means disposed on the interior thereof, b. a cover for said body and adapted to be positioned at the ground surface, c. strengthening rib means on the under side of said cover, d. hinge means securing one side of said cover to said body for opening and closing the cover, e. locking means on the under side of said cover remote from said hinge means for cooperating with said box body to releasably lock said cover in lowered position, said locking means including a latch mounted for pivotal movement beneath said cover and adapted to ride over said flange means when said cover is lowered onto said box body, f. and spring means connected between said locking means and said cover strengthening means for biasing said locking means toward a locked position, said spring means comprising a spring member connected to said Latch and extending into flexing engaging relationship with said rib means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
A meter box comprising, in combination: a. a box body adapted to be buried in the ground to protect a meter or the like, said box body including inwardly extending flange means disposed on the interior thereof, b. a cover for said body and adapted to be positioned at the ground surface, c. strengthening rib means on the under side of said cover, d. hinge means securing one side of said cover to said body for opening and closing the cover, e. locking means on the under side of said cover remote from said hinge means for cooperating with said box body to releasably lock said cover in lowered position, said locking means including a latch mounted for pivotal movement beneath said cover and adapted to ride over said flange means when said cover is lowered onto said box body, f. and spring means connected between said locking means and said cover strengthening means for biasing said locking means toward a locked position, said spring means comprising a spring member connected to said Latch and extending into flexing engaging relationship with said rib means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The meter box of claim 1 which includes stop means on said cover to limit biasing of said locking means beyond its normal locking position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
and a motion limiting slot disposed in said tongue and receiving said pin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
and a motion limiting slot disposed in said tongue and receiving said pin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The meter box of claim 1 wherein said spring member is flexingly forceable inwardly against said cover strengthening rib means to pivotally release said latch from said flange.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
The meter box of claim 3: a. in which said locking means includes a tongue pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis, b. and which includes stop means on said cover to limit biasing of said locking means outwardly beyond its normal locking position, said stop means comprising a downwardly extending side wall on said cover and engageable by said tongue.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The meter box of claim 3: a. in which said locking means includes a tongue pivotally mounted on a vertical axis, b. and which includes a stop means on said cover to limit biasing of said locking means outwardly beyond its normal locking position, said stop means comprising:
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The meter box of claim 3: a. in which said cover strengthening rib means comprises a plurality of intersecting ribs forming a plurality of chambers, b. and wherein said locking means is mounted in one of said chambers.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-06 | 1978-07-08 | 1979-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-06 | 1982-07-08 | 1983-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-06 | 1986-07-08 | 1987-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |