The instant disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for securing a watthour electrical meter to a socket meter box. A locking ring comprises a divided annular band fitted with tab members configured to accept a variety of ring fasteners. The tab members support a variety of ring fastener and fastener receiver assemblies, and have complementary mating surfaces that substantially mate around the head of an installed meter so that the locking ring is tamper-resistant. The ring fastener and fastener receiver have a number of complementary apertures disposed to receive either wire seals or other locking mechanisms.
G01R 11/04 - Housings; Supporting racks; Arrangements of terminals
B65D 45/00 - Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members
B65D 45/32 - Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members for applying radial pressure, e.g. contractible bands encircling closure member
2.
Disk Tumbler Lock and an Improved Key and Restrictive Keyway
A disc tumbler lock having a code range angle, the disc tumbler lock including at least: at least one tumbler and a guard tumbler, the at least one tumbler and the guard tumbler defining a keyway aperture there through; wherein the at least one tumbler includes at least: a key engaging surface defining a key engaging zone, the key engaging zone having a first radius defining the major extent of the key engaging zone, and the key engaging zone having a second radius defining the minor extent of the key engaging zone; wherein the guard tumbler defines: a restrictive aperture comprising a restrictive width having a minimum dimension less than or equal to the sum of the first radius defining the major extent of the key engaging zone and the second radius of the minor extent defining the key engaging zone multiplied by the sine of one half of the following: the code range angle of the lock, minus the angular measure between a last code angle for the lock and a second to last code angle for the lock, minus the angular span of the key engaging surface.
When securing a watthour meter to a meter box base, a meter sealing ring is typically used. A quick-fastening watthour meter retaining member is provided, in certain embodiment of the present invention, to reduce installation time and generally comprises a circular band, a connector housing member, and a receiver housing member. The connector housing member and a receiver housing member are preferably mounted to the terminus ends of the circular band. A portion of the connector housing member, comprising locking protrusions or “teeth”, is adapted to engage, with a ratchet-type action, in one example embodiment, and fasten into the receiver housing member, which contains, a pre-installed “padlock type” frangible sealing device in an example embodiment. Removal of the ring is accomplished by simply cutting, in one embodiment, and removing the frangible sealing device and allowing the housings to disengage from each other.
G01R 11/24 - Arrangements for avoiding or indicating fraudulent use
F16B 2/08 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using bands
The present invention, in a non-limiting example embodiment provides a locking apparatus and method for securing locking hardware without the use of a key. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a keyless insertion rotatable disk-style, barrel locking apparatus that, in a locked state can be inserted into a securing device without first unlocking, and then, thereafter, locking after insertion. In a nonlimiting example embodiment, unlocking and re-locking requires a key. The present invention, in an example embodiment, also provides features that allow the locking apparatus to enter and exit multiple apertures without requiring a key.
A securing apparatus is provided for securing, in one embodiment, a plurality of enclosures, such as for example, a plurality of electric meter boxes, the apparatus being mountable to the at least one of the plurality of enclosures. The securing apparatus comprises an enclosure locking member which includes at least a bracket arm, a fastening member and a housing mountable to at least one enclosure; the securing apparatus further comprises a securing member having first and second ends, with the securing member including at least a securing bar and a coupling member being moveably attachable to the securing bar, wherein the coupling member is pivotably mateable with the extended flange of the enclosure locking member.
An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism.
An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watthour meter socket box and relates to an apparatus, a system and method including a ring comprising an annular body portion and further comprising first and second tab members and a connective member disposed on the first tab member. The connective member comprises a fastening member comprising a fastener body portion forming a head section and a shaft section. The shaft section forms an open end, and the fastener body portion comprises a fastener interior surface defining a cavity extending axially from the open end and into at least the shaft section, and wherein the exterior surface of the shaft section forms a thread member. A receiver member is disposed on the second tab member, wherein the receiver member comprises an interior surface defining a receiving groove adapted to threadably receive the thread member of the shaft section, the first and second tab members being securable by the connective member and receiver member, and wherein the interior surface of the receiver member is configured for receiving a locking member, and the fastener interior surface is configured for interconnection with the locking member.
G01R 22/06 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods
F16B 41/00 - Measures against loss of bolts, nuts, or pins; Measures against unauthorised operation of bolts, nuts, or pins
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
G01R 11/24 - Arrangements for avoiding or indicating fraudulent use
E05B 67/36 - Padlocks with closing means other than shackles
F16B 21/16 - Means without screw-thread for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft, or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings without screw-thread by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft
E05B 73/00 - Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Locking devices not provided for in other groups of this subclass
An apparatus for securing first and second ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use in installing a meter to a watthour meter box. The apparatus comprises a lock having a head member and a shank portion comprising moveable locking members, the shank portion being insertable through an aperture formed in the first end of the sealing ring. The apparatus further comprises at least a retaining sleeve adapted to capture the shank portion, wherein the lock is retained on the first end of the sealing ring.
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
F16B 21/16 - Means without screw-thread for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft, or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings without screw-thread by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft
F16L 23/04 - Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane
E05B 67/36 - Padlocks with closing means other than shackles
An apparatus for securing first and second ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use in installing a meter to a watthour meter box. The apparatus comprises a lock having a head member and a shank portion comprising moveable locking members, the shank portion being insertable through an aperture formed in the first end of the sealing ring. The apparatus further comprises at least a retaining sleeve adapted to capture the shank portion, wherein the lock is retained on the first end of the sealing ring.
F16L 23/04 - Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane
F16B 21/16 - Means without screw-thread for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft, or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings without screw-thread by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism.
A securing apparatus is provided for securing, in one embodiment, a plurality of enclosures, such as for example, a plurality of electric meter boxes, the apparatus being mountable to the at least one of the plurality of enclosures. The securing apparatus comprises an enclosure locking member which includes at least a bracket arm, a fastening member and a housing mountable to at least one enclosure; the securing apparatus further comprises a securing member having first and second ends, with the securing member including at least a securing bar and a coupling member being moveably attachable to the securing bar, wherein the coupling member is pivotably mateable with the extended flange of the enclosure locking member.
An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism.
Security devices including a lock, shroud, and plug are described. In embodiments the security devices include a shroud that includes a shroud sidewall having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface. The security devices further include a lock that includes a barrel, wherein the lock is integral with or coupled to the shroud to define a shroud cavity between an outward facing surface of the barrel and the inward facing surface of the shroud sidewall. The plug includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a plug sidewall receivable within the shroud cavity. The plug sidewall includes an inward facing surface defining a plug cavity configured to receive the barrel of the lock therein. Such security devices may be advanced from an assembly state to an unlocked state, and may then be reversibly moved between the unlocked state and the locked state. Security device kits are also described.
An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism.
An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watthour meter socket box and relates to an apparatus, a system including a ring and fracturable locking system, in some embodiments, and method for securing a watthour electrical meter to a socket meter box. A locking sealing ring includes at least an annular band, wherein a body portion of the annular band includes at least a first band portion and a second band portion, and wherein the first band portion includes at least a first ring end and the second band portion includes at least a second ring end. A first tab is disposed on the first ring end and includes at least a connector member. A second tab is disposed on the second ring end with the second tab including at least a receiver member, and wherein the connector member is adapted for connection with the receiver member. A fracturable retainer is provided including at least a body defining a passageway therethrough, wherein the passageway is configured to receive at least a portion of the first and second tabs, and wherein the fracturable retainer is adapted to inhibit access to at least the connector.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watthour meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a clamping member that fits over a wall of a meter box and a lock housing that locks to the clamping member after a box cover has been installed thereby securing the cover to the box. Further embodiments relate to a clamp member and a lock housing wherein the clamping member generally comprises a clamp, clamp actuating member, and fastening shelf, and wherein the clamp actuating member may comprise a lever or threaded member to attach the clamping member to a wall of a meter box base. The box cover is secured to the meter box base when the clamping member is secured to the wall and used in combination with the lock housing and a locking shaft.
The present invention, in a non-limiting example embodiment provides a locking apparatus and method for securing locking hardware without the use of a key. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a keyless insertion rotatable disk-style, barrel locking apparatus that, in a locked state can be inserted into a securing device without first unlocking, and then, thereafter, locking after insertion. In a nonlimiting example embodiment, unlocking and re-locking requires a key. The present invention, in an example embodiment, also provides features that allow the locking apparatus to enter and exit multiple apertures without requiring a key.
B23P 19/04 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformation; Tools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
B23P 19/12 - Alignment of parts for insertion into bores
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.
G01R 1/00 - MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES - Details of instruments or arrangements of the types covered by groups or
G01R 11/24 - Arrangements for avoiding or indicating fraudulent use
H02B 1/03 - Boards, panels, desks; Parts thereof or accessories therefor for energy meters
H02B 1/00 - BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER - Details of substations or switching arrangements
B23P 11/00 - Connecting or disconnecting metal parts or objects by metal-working techniques, not otherwise provided for
G01R 11/04 - Housings; Supporting racks; Arrangements of terminals
H02B 1/26 - Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
21.
Apparatus, system and method for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box
An apparatus, system, and method for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the method comprises providing a ring comprising an annular body portion having a split forming first and second ends of the annular body portion, the ring having a central axis, and further disposing at least a first flange on the first end of the annular body portion. The method further comprises disposing a retaining member on the first flange, the retaining member having a central axis generally parallel to the central axis of the ring. The retaining member, in some embodiments, comprises a body defining a bore, wherein the radial cross section is continuous in at least a portion of the bore. The method further comprises providing a housing wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a receiver element adapted to receive a barrel lock.
B21D 39/03 - Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of sheet metal otherwise than by folding
B23P 11/00 - Connecting or disconnecting metal parts or objects by metal-working techniques, not otherwise provided for
G01R 11/24 - Arrangements for avoiding or indicating fraudulent use
G01R 11/04 - Housings; Supporting racks; Arrangements of terminals
When securing a watthour meter to a meter box base, a meter sealing ring is typically used. A quick-fastening watthour meter retaining member is provided, in certain embodiment of the present invention, to reduce installation time and generally comprises a circular band, a connector housing member, and a receiver housing member. The connector housing member and a receiver housing member are preferably mounted to the terminus ends of the circular band. A portion of the connector housing member, comprising locking protrusions or “teeth”, is adapted to engage, with a ratchet-type action, in one example embodiment, and fasten into the receiver housing member, which contains, a pre-installed “padlock type” frangible sealing device in an example embodiment. Removal of the ring is accomplished by simply cutting, in one embodiment, and removing the frangible sealing device and allowing the housings to disengage from each other.
H01R 33/945 - Holders with built-in electrical component
G01R 11/24 - Arrangements for avoiding or indicating fraudulent use
F16B 2/08 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using bands
A securing apparatus is provided for securing, in one embodiment, a plurality of enclosures, such as for example, a plurality of electric meter boxes, the apparatus being mountable to the at least one of the plurality of enclosures. The securing apparatus comprises an enclosure locking member which includes at least a bracket arm, a fastening member and a housing mountable to at least one enclosure; the securing apparatus further comprises a securing member having first and second ends, with the securing member including at least a securing bar and a coupling member being moveably attachable to the securing bar, wherein the coupling member is pivotably mateable with the extended flange of the enclosure locking member.
An apparatus for securing first and second ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use in installing a meter to a watthour meter box. The apparatus comprises a lock having a head member and a shank portion comprising moveable locking members, with the shank portion being insertable through an aperture formed in the first end of the sealing ring. The apparatus further comprises at least a retaining sleeve adapted to capture the shank portion, wherein the lock is retained on the first end of the sealing ring.
F16B 2/06 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
F16B 21/16 - Means without screw-thread for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft, or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings without screw-thread by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft
F16L 23/04 - Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane
E05B 67/36 - Padlocks with closing means other than shackles
When securing a watthour meter to a meter box base, a meter sealing ring is typically used. A quick-fastening watthour meter retaining member is provided, in certain embodiment of the present invention, to reduce installation time and generally comprises a circular band, a connector housing member, and a receiver housing member. The connector housing member and a receiver housing member are preferably mounted to the terminus ends of the circular band. A portion of the connector housing member, comprising locking protrusions or “teeth”, is adapted to engage, with a ratchet-type action, in one example embodiment, and fasten into the receiver housing member, which contains, a pre-installed “padlock type” frangible sealing device in an example embodiment. Removal of the ring is accomplished by simply cutting, in one embodiment, and removing the frangible sealing device and allowing the housings to disengage from each other.
H01R 33/945 - Holders with built-in electrical component
G01R 11/24 - Arrangements for avoiding or indicating fraudulent use
F16B 2/08 - Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using bands
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.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watt-hour meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a clamping member that fits over a wall of a meter box, and a lock housing that locks to the clamping member after a box cover has been installed, thereby securing the cover to the box in a manner such that the box cover cannot be installed unless the clamping member has been installed correctly. In various other embodiments, the clamping member includes a clamp disposed between a clamp actuating member and a fastening shelf. In various other embodiments, the clamp includes a stopping member for indicating when the clamp actuating member is actuated into a fully secured position.