Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2~43b~
--1--
This invention relates generally to electrici-
ty metering devices, and more particularly to an inter-
base unit for an electricity meter including a tamper-
proof and weather-resistant cover.
Related material is shown in applicant's co-
pending applications Serial Nos. 2,043,669, 2,043,668,
and 2,043,648 (issued October 25, 1994), all filed May
31, 1991.
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SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -2-
Back~round Art
Meters are used in the utility industry to
measure the amounts of electricity, gas, and the like
that are being utilized by residential and commercial
customers. Typically the meters are mounted on the
exterior or interior walls of the residence or building
and include a power box and rate metering device. The
rate metering device is normally plugged in or otherwise
affixed to the power box and has a clear cover or
portion to allow viewing of the rate measuring mechanism
and thus a determination of the amount of the utility
consumed.
Recently, it has become advantageous and
necessary to enhance or supplement the functions cur-
rently performed by existing meters. In particular, ithas become advantageous and necessary in some cases to
provide for remote reading of the meters and/or to
provide for charging different rates for use of the
utility during different periods of the day or depending
on the temperature conditions. The reading of the rate
meter from a remote location typically requires a
connection of the meter to a telephone or dedicated
power line. The charging of different rates depending
on the time of the day or external temperature condi-
tions typically requires the inclusion of additionalcircuitry and sensors in the meter.
When existing meters are modified to include
one or more of these additional features, an interbase
device can be utilized. The interbase is positioned in
secure electrical contact between the primary meter and
the power box. Sealing rings or other mechanisms are
2043647
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -3-
used to secure the elements together and prevent unau-
thorized separation and tampering.
Some known interbases include a circular base
portion matching the shape of the metering device and
power box opening. The circular bases have generally
rectangular compartments thereon for placement of some
of the sensors and electrical devices, and also to allow
entry and exit of telephone and power cables. The
compartments on these known interbase devices typically
have a housing and removable cover and a series of air
vents for circulation. These devices have required
complete removal of the cover to gain access to the
housing cavity, however, and also have air vents which
are susceptible to tampering and entrance of moisture.
Also, the sealing and fastening mechanisms were often
inadequate or inconvenient to use, and the wire terminal
strips were usually expensive and inconvenient to mount
and utilize. Further, the inlet of the wires into the
compartment typically required an expensive fitting and
additional labor charges to install.
Mechanisms for hinging two elements together,
such as a cover and base member are known. Known
hinging mechanisms are shown, for example, in U.S.
Patent Nos. 132,053, 230,491, 3,29S,713, 3,926,S29,
4,036,494 and 4,930,753.
Vents and shaped passages for circulation of
air or for cooling have been used in a number of devic-
es. Air vents are shown, for example, in U.S. Patent
Nos. 329,591, 1,400,860, 1,899,018, 2,226,128,
3,167,688, 3,681,663, 4,118,755, 4,156,794, 4,180,955,
4,505,189, 4,66S,466 and 4,919,227, as well as in some
~0436~7
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -4-
- of the applicant's own prior commercial devices. Some
of these are also relatively tamper resistant.
Sealing screws and sealing mechanisms for
various devices including electrical meters are also
well known, both in the patent literature and in prior
commercial devices. Some of the patent art includes
U.S. Patent Nos. 2,367,127, 2,820,660, 3,018,127,
3,250,559, 3,572,795, 4,144,729, 4,286,813, 4,331,012,
4,414,829, 4,415,190, 4,416,478, 4,477,861 and
4,945,738.
Structures for allowing inlet of cables or
wires into compartments or devices are further well
known. These are shown, for example, in U.S. Patent
Nos. 3,299,201, 3,519,731, 3,809,798, 3,879,571 and
4,560,827.
Summary Of The Invention
One object of the present invention is to
provide an interbase unit including additional circuitry
which would not otherwise fit in existing electricity
metering devices, which interbase unit may be retro-
fitted to existing electricity metering devices, thereby
obviating the need to replace those existing devices.
A second object of the present invention is to
provide an interbase unit including metering and/or
communications circuitry, such as secondary rate meter-
ing circuitry, and wire terminals and related components
enclosed within a terminal housing which may be sealed
on site in a manner which prevents tampering with the
unit.
2043647
_
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -5-
Another object of the present invention is to
provide an interbase unit for an electricity metering
device which includes a hinged cover and may be easily
and quickly opened by authorized personnel for mainte-
nance and service, and thereafter easily and quicklyclosed and sealed.
Still another object of the present invention
is to provide an interbase unit for an electricity
metering device which includes a cover which, once
closed and sealed, is resistant to tampering.
It is another object of the present invention
to provide an interbase unit for an electricity metering
system which includes a cable trap for accommodating a
cable entering the interbase in a secure and tamper-
resistant fashion.
A further object of the present invention isto provide an electricity metering device including
vents which are tamper-resistant and allow for ventila-
tion between the components sealed within the device and
the outside, and also allow the interior for the device
to assume the temperature of the external atmosphere.
A still further object of the present inven-
tion is to provide an electricity metering device
including one-piece terminal mounts upon which terminals
may be quickly and easily mounted without the use of
additional fasteners.
The preferred embodiment of the electrlcity
meterlng device ~ the pre~ent inventlon lncludes a
generally cylindrical base from
,
-
- 2 0 ~ 3 ~ L?~ 7
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -6-
which a generally rectangular terminal housing extends,
and a cover including means for securely fastening the
cover over the top of the terminal housing to protect
the enclosed terminals and components from tampering and
weather. The terminal housing preferably includes one
or more hinge slots located at one side thereof and
means adapted to accommodate a sealing screw on the
opposite side thereof. The cover includes one or more
hinge pins adapted to be inserted into the hinge slots
so that the cover can swing from an open position to a
closed position over the open portion of the cavity in
the terminal housing. The cover also includes a first
barrier extending generally perpendicular from the outer
surface of the cover on the top edge of the cover above
the hinge pins, and the terminal housing generally
includes a second barrier which extends outwardly above
the hinge slot. The first barrier is adjacent and
opposed to the second barrier when the cover is posi-
tioned in the hinged slots and rotated at an angle less
than approximately 90 degrees from the back panel of the
terminal housing, thereby preventing the cover from
sliding relative to the terminal housing and securing
the hinge pins in place in the hinge slots unless the
cover is swung away from the terminal housing to an
angle of greater than 90 degrees.
The cover also includes a hole of suitable
diameter to accommodate a sealing screw positioned on
the cover so that when the cover is closed, the sealing
screw may be inserted through the hole in the cover and
into a corresponding opening in the terminal housing
thereby releasably securing the cover over the cavity in
the terminal housing. The cover and screw also have
corresponding openings therein so that when the cover is
2043647
. ~
._
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -7-
closed and secured, a seal can be positioned through the
aligned openings and used to prevent tampering of the
electricity metering device.
The preferred embodiment of the terminal
housing of the present invention
also includes a cable trap or retention structure which
allows electrical, telephone and other cables to be
introduced into the cavity of the terminal housing
without significant cost or effort, and without the use
of additional fittings or connectors. The edge of one
of the side walls of the terminal housing has a slot
sufficient for positioning of a cable therein. The
cover has a first retainer member which extends outward-
ly beyond the terminal housing adjacent the slot, and a
second retainer member which is positioned to protrude
into the terminal housing cavity adjacent the slot. The
two retainer members, in combination with the slot, bend
the cable into a U-shape as it enters the cavity thereby
preventing removal and tampering.
The terminal housing further has air circula-
tion means including air vents on one or more of the
walls or surfaces of the housing cavity and air vents on
the cover. Shield means are positioned inside the
cavity adjacent the air vents (at least on the cover) to
prevent tampering with or destruction of the components
inside the housing cavity. The shield means prefera~ly
comprises an outwardly extending first wall portion and
a second wall portion attached to the first wall portion
and extending generally perpendicular to the cover or
housing wall. The air vents are constructed with angled
side wall surfaces and direct objects inserted through
the openings toward the shield means.
2043647
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -8-
A mount for the electric terminals is con-
tained in the cavity of the terminal housing. The mount
has outwardly extending retainer arms which allow the
wire terminals to be snap-fitted thereon.
The preferred embodiment of the electricity
meter of the present invention
is preferably an interbase unit wherein the top portion
of the cylindrical base has a diameter suitable to
receive the connecting base of a primary meter, and the
bottom portion of the interbase is of a diameter suit-
able to fit into the circular opening at the power box.
Thus, the interbase of the present invention may be
utilized as an adjunct to existing electrical meters by
disconnecting the existing electrical meter from the
power box and installing the interbase between the
primary electricity meter and the power box.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the interbase of the present invention may be
utilized in a broad range of applications in addition to
the secondary rate and remote communications functions
specifically disclosed herein.
The above objects and other objects, features,
and advantages of the present invention are readily
apparent from the following detailed description of the
best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
20436~7
, ~
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -9-
Brief Description Of The Drawingc
FIGURE 1 is an exploded plan view of an elec-
tricity metering device illustrating the present inven-
tion;
FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of the
electricity metering device incorporating the present
invention;
FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the
electricity metering device shown in Figure 2;
FIGURE 4 is a rear elevational view of the
electricity metering device of Figure 2;
FIGURE 5 is a partial front view of the
terminal housing of the present invention with the cover
member disassembled therefrom;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the terminal
housing with the cover member in an attached but open
position;
FIGURE 7 is a partial front view of the
terminal housing with the cover member in the closed
position;
FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view taken in
the direction of arrows 8-8 of the terminal housing
shown in Figure 7;
~0~3~'17
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -10-
FIGURE 9 is a partial cross-sectional view
taken in the direction of arrows 9-9 of the hinge slot
shown in Figure 7;
FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view taken in
the direction of arrows 10-10 of the hinge slot shown in
Figure 7;
FIGURE 11 is a partial front view of the
terminal housing with the cover in the closed position
illustrating the securing and sealing means;
FIGURE 12 is a partial cross-sectional view in
the direction of arrows 12-12 of the securing and
sealing means shown in Figure 11;
FIGURE 13 is a partial cross-sectional view
taken in the direction of arrows 13-13 of the securing
and sealing means shown in Figure 11;
FIGURE 14 is a partial side view of the
electricity metering device;
FIGURE 15 is a partial cross-sectional view
taken in the direction of arrows 15-15 of the terminal
housing, cover and cable trap mechanism shown in Figure
14;
FIGURE 16 is a partial cross-sectional view
taken in the direction of arrows 16-16 of the terminal
housing, cover and cable trap mechanism as shown in
Figure 14;
204~6~7
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SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -11-
FIGURE 17 is a partial cross-sectional view
taken in the direction of arrows 17-17 in Figure 5
illustrating the cover and air vent structure;
FIGURE 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of
Figure 4 taken in the direction of arrows 18-18 showing
the back panel of the terminal housing and the rear vent
openings;
FIGURE 19 is a partial cross-sectional view
taken in the direction of arrows 19-19 of Figure 7
illustrating the configuration of the cover vent open-
ings; and
FIGURE 20 is a partial cross-sectional view
taken in the direction of arrows 20-20 in Figure 5
showing the terminal housing and snap-on mounts for the
wire terminals.
Best Mode For Carrying Out The Invention
Referring to Figure 1, an electricity metering
device, generally referred to as 30, is formed of a
molded plastic unit including a generally cylindrical
base 32 from which extends a generally rectangular
terminal housing 34. A cover 36 is securely fastened
over the cavity 35 in the terminal housing 34 to protect
the enclosed terminals and components from the elements
and to prevent tampering.
In the preferred embodiment, the electricity
metering device 30 may include circuitry and/or other
components for performing metering and/or monitoring
functions in addition to those performed by the primary
204~647
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SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -12-
meter 40. This electricity metering device 30, also
referred to as an interbase, is mounted to the electri-
cal power lines to be metered at the power box 42. The
interbase 30 preferably includes a generally cylindrical
base 32 of a diameter suitable to fit into the circular
opening 44 at the power box 42.
A plurality of male terminals 46 extend from
the bottom of the base 32 and mate with the current jaws
48 at the power box 42 when installed. The upper
portion 50 on the base 32 is also preferably cylindri-
cal, and has a diameter suitable to receive the primary
meter 40. The meter 40 is installed on the interbase 30
by connecting (or "plugging in") the male terminals 52
extending from the primary meter 40 to corresponding
lS current jaws 54 mounted within the upper portion 50 of
the base 32. Conventional adjustable metal rings 56 and
58 typically secure the primary meter 40 in place on the
interbase 30 and the interbase to the power box 42 after
installation. Once attached, sealing mechanisms (not
shown) are used to prevent removal of the rings 56 and
58, as well known in the industry.
Thus, the interbase 30 provides a tamper and
weather-resistant enclosure which may be used in con-
junction with standard electricity meters, thereby
adding metering and monitoring functions, and remote
cable access, with minimal installation and replacement
time and expense.
Referring to Figure 2, additional circuitry
for performing desired functions (typically in the form
of a conventional circuit board 60 (indicated by phantom
lines in Figure 2) may be mounted on the mounting po~t~
- 20~36 17
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -13-
62 within the upper portion 50 of the interbase 30 by
the use of conventional fasteners, such as screws. The
circuit board may then be connected to the primary meter
40 or other remote connection outside the interbase 30
by routing wires through wire passage 64, and connecting
the wires to terminals 66 (shown in Figure 5), which
terminals are then connected to the primary meter 40 or
other remote device by cables entering the interbase 30
through the terminal housing 34 or the entry port 68 as
required. Additional components such as electrical
fuses (shown in phantom lines 70) may be mounted on
mounting brackets 72 within the terminal housing 34.
Referring to Figures 2-4, the interbase 30 is
preferably formed of a commercially available impact-
resistant polycarbonate plastic or other electricallyinsulating material. The base 32 and terminal housing
34 are preferably integral, with the terminal housing 34
located at the periphery of the circular base 32 and
having a generally rectangular shape. The terminal
housing 34 preferably includes a pair of hinge slots
80,82 located at one side and a recess or bore 84
adapted to accommodate a sealing screw on the opposite
side thereof. The terminal housing also preferably
includes mounting brackets 72 for mounting electrical
components such as fuse 70 (indicated by phantom lines
in Figure 2), and a plurality of wire terminals 66 (see
Figures 5 and 20, discussed later). The back or rear
panel 88 of the housing 34 preferably includes one or
more vent openings 90 to promote air circulation. An
integral cable retainer 92 is formed on the side wall 94
in alignment with the cable entry slot 96 located at the
top edge of the side wall of the terminal housing 34.
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SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -14-
In one embodiment of the present invention,
the interbase 30 includes circuitry board 60 mounted on
the mounting lugs 62 for calculating a secondary rate
for electricity usage monitored by the primary meter 40
and the interbase 30. When configured as a secondary
rate meter, the interbase also includes a temperature
sensor 98 (shown as phantom lines in Figure 6) mounted
on the inside of the cover 36. The ambient temperature
sensed by the temperature sensor 98 is monitored by the
secondary rate circuitry board 60 and, when the ambient
temperature goes above or below predefined thresholds,
the secondary rate is calculated for all electricity
usage under those predefined conditions.
In another embodiment, circuitry which allows
for communication of the data recorded by the primary
meter 40 to a remote location may be mounted on board
60. This communication circuitry then may be intercon-
nected via the terminals 66 through a telephone line
entering the interbase 30 through the cable entry slot
96 or the entry port 68, thereby allowing for monitoring
of electricity usage from a remote location.
As shown in Figure 3, the side wall 94 of the
terminal housing 34 may include a "knock-out" entry port
68 for accommodation of electrical and other cables
during installation of the interbase 30. If needed or
utilized, the central disc is cut out of the port in a
conventional manner providing the requisite cable
opening or port 68. A conventional elbow connector 102
(shown in phantom lines in Figure 7) is typically used
to protect and guide the entry of the cables into the
housing. If the port is not utilized, the disc is left
in place providing security for the contents of the
~04:~647
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -15-
housing 34. A similar entry port 104 (see Figures 6 and
8) for the same function and purpose is preferably
provided on the end wall of the housing 34 opposite port
68. It should be noted that in many applications, the
entry ports 68 and 104 can be eliminated or not uti-
lized, since all of the necessary cables may enter the
terminal housing 34 via the cable trap 110 (see Figures
14-16).
Referring now to Figures 5-7, the cover 36,
also preferably made of impact-resistant molded plastic,
includes one or more hinge pins 120,122 of a size
suitable to be inserted into corresponding hinge slots
80,82. The cover 36 is adapted to swing from an open
position to a closed position enclosing the inner cavity
of the terminal housing 34. A hole 124 is provided on
the cover 36 adjacent the socket 84 of housing 34. The
hole 124 has a suitable diameter to accommodate a
sealing screw 126 so that when the cover 36 is closed,
the sealing screw 126 may be inserted into the socket 84
and fastened to a hexagonal nut 128 (Figures 12-13~,
thereby sealing the central cavity in the terminal
housing 34.
A first barrier 130 is preferably included on
the top edge of the cover 36 above the hinge pins 120
and 122. When the cover 36 is in the closed position,
the first barrier 130 is rotated into position immedi-
ately opposite a second barrier 132 which extends
outwardly on the terminal housing 34 above the hinge
slot 80. The barriers 130 and 132 prevent disengagement
of hinge pins 120,122 from the hinge slots 80,82 and
thus removal of the cover 36 when the cover is in its
closed position. The adjacent, opposed positioning of
the barriers 130 and 132 also prevent removal of the
_ 2Q4~647
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -16-
cover when it is positioned at an opening angle less
than approximately 90 degrees from the back panel 88 of
the terminal housing 34. The hinge pins 120,122 prefer-
ably extend from the shoulder portions 134,136 on the
cover 36. The mating relationship of the hinge pins in
the hinge slots prevent movement of the cover 36 in the
direction opposite the second barrier 132.
It should be noted that when the cover 36 is
rotated into an open position greater than approximately
90 degrees from the back panel 88 of the terminal
housing 34, the second barrier 132 does not overlap or
interfere with the first barrier 130, and the cover 36
may be removed from the terminal housing 34 by pulling
the hinge pins 120,122 upwardly out of the hinge slots
80,82. This is illustrated by Figure 5.
The cover 36 also preferably includes brackets
140, 142, 144 and 146 which extend inward from the cover
and are suitably spaced to receive a cylindrically-
shaped component, such as temperature sensor 98.
The hinge slots 80,82 are preferably identical
and formed in the terminal housing 34 in two adjacent
sections. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate this with refer-
ence to slot 82. One section 134 above hinge slot 82 is
slotted to allow movement of the hinge pin 122 in only
one direction (indicated by an arrow in Figure 9) within
the slot. The adjacent section 136 of the hinge slot 82
(Figure 10) is formed with the slot opening at a differ-
ent location, preferably transverse to the opening of
the first section, thereby restricting movement in every
direction except as indicated by the arrow. Thus, the
fir6t 6~ction 134 and ~econd ~ection 136 in combination
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SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -17-
restrict any movement of the hinge pin 122 in any direc-
tion other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
hinge pin 122. By forming the hinge slots 80,82 in
adjacent slotted sections, conventional molding tech-
niques may be utilized to create the hinged slots 80,82without creating an opening in the bottom of the hinge
slots 80,82. By providing closed-end hinge slots 80,82,
possible tampering with the cover is minimized.
When the cover 36 is in a closed position, the
hinge pins 120,122 within the hinge slots 80,82, the
opposed, adjacent barriers 130 and 132, and the sealing
screw 126, secure the cover 36 in place over the open
cavity 35 of the terminal housing 34.
Referring now to Figures 11-13, the sealing
screw 126 preferably includes a head 150, a threaded end
portion 152 and a reduced diameter unthreaded inter-
mediate portion 154. Once the sealing screw 126 is
threaded through opening 124 on the cover 36, the screw
126 may slide relative to the cover 36 over the length
of the unthreaded intermediate portion 154, thereby
allowing the cover 36 to swing into contact with the
terminal housing 34 before engagement of the sealing
screw 126.
The terminal housing 34 preferably includes a
socket or pocket 156 for placement of a conventional nut
128. As shown in Figure 4, the pocket 156 is preferably
hexagonal shaped to accept a hexagonal nut. This nests
the nut 128 within the pocket 156 and prevents the nut
from rotating when the screw 126 is threaded into or out
of the nut. It is understood, of course, that the nut
and pocket can be of any shape, so long as they mate or
- 20~36~7
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -18-
nest together in the same manner. Also, as shown in
Figure 12, the nut 128 is preferably staked within the
nut pocket 156 in order to prevent removal of the nut in
the axial direction of the sealing screw 126.
The head 150 of the sealing screw 126 includes
a cross-drilled hole 158 suitable for passing a sealing
wire 160 therethrough. A lug 162 is formed on the cover
36 immediately adjacent the hole 124. The lug 162 is
preferably shaped to allow minimal clearance between it
and the head of the sealing screw 126. The lug 162 has
an opening 164 formed in it, also suitable for passing
a sealing wire 160 therethrough. Thus, when the sealing
screw 126 is engaged, it can tightly secure the cover 36
to the terminal housing 34 and, when hole 158 is aligned
with the opening 164 in the lug 162, a sealing wire 160
can be passed through them, preventing unauthorized
removal of the cover 36.
Referring now to Figures 11, 14, 15 and 16,
the present invention also includes a cable trap,
generally indicated at 110. The trap 110 allows an
electrical cable 172 to enter the terminal housing 34,
and prevents removal of the cable when the terminal
housing 34 is sealed. The cable trap 110 restrains or
"traps" the cable 172 in place, restricting it from
being pulled out of the terminal housing 34.
The cable trap 110 includes a cable entry slot
96 formed in the side wall 94 of the terminal housing
34. The slot 96 opens at the top edge of the side wall
94 on the surface covered by the cover 36.
2043647
.
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -19-
The cover 36 includes a first retainer 174
which, when the cover 36 is closed over the cavity of
the terminal housing 34, extends outwardly over the top
of the slot 96 and downwardly over the side wall,
thereby covering the slot 96 at its side wall opening.
The cover 36 also includes a second retainer 176 molded
on the under portion of the cover 36 adjacent the slot
96. The first retainer 174 and second retainer 176 are
positioned sufficiently close to the side wall of the
terminal housing 34 so that, when the cover 36 is
closed, the cable entry slot 96, first retainer 174 and
second retainer 176 define a U-shaped passage for the
cable 172. The passage accommodates the cable 172 but
creates a circuitous path urging the cable 172 into a
small radius bend as it enters the terminal housing 34.
This traps the cable 172 in relatively rigid fashion at
the entry point into the housing 34, thereby preventing
the cable 172 from being pulled out of the terminal
housing 34.
20The passage formed by the retainers 174 and
176 is preferably only slightly larger than the cable
172. This allows placement of the cable 172 but reduces
the likelihood of tampering by attempts to pass other
wires or instruments through the cable opening.
25A cable retainer clip 92 is positioned on the
side wall 94 of the housing 34 (Figure 14). Once the
cable 172 is connected within the terminal housing 34,
mounted in the cable entry slot 96, and trapped within
the cable trap 110 upon closure and sealing of the cover
3036, the cable 172 is secured within the cable retainer
92.
20436~7
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -20-
Referring now to Figures 5-7, 17 and 19, the
cover 36 includes tamper and weather-resistant air
circulation and vent mechanism 180. The vent mechanism
180 includes a plurality of vent openings 182 through
the cover 36 and a plurality of vent shields 184 proj-
ecting from the inner surface of the cover 36. The vent
openings 182 include a first side wall 186 which is
generally perpendicular to the surface of the cover 36
and the second side wall 188 which is angled relative to
the surface of the cover 36 in such a manner that an
object inserted in the vent opening 182 would be urged
toward the first side wall 184 and at an angle through
the vent opening 182.
The vent shields 184 include first walls 190
and second walls 192. The first walls extend generally
perpendicularly from the inside surface of the cover 36
immediately adjacent the vent openings 182. The second
walls 192 extending generally perpendicular from the
first walls 190 and generally parallel to the surface of
the cover 36 and extend over the vent openings 182.
The vent shields 184 extend over and cover the
entire length of the vent openings 182. While allowing
air to circulate between the inside and outside of the
terminal housing 34, the first walls 190 and second
walls 192 define trapping pockets which inhibit penetra-
tion of any object inserted into the vent openings 182.
The vent openings 182 are preferably arranged in a
parallel series on the cover 36 with the first side
walls 186 and second side walls 188 of each vent open-
ing, and in alternating arrangement with each adjacent
vent opening. This allows the vent shields 184 to be
configured in a "T" cross-section between pairs of vent
openings 182, thereby creating a pair of trapping
2043647
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -21-
pockets with each vent shield 184, one trapping pocket
for each of two adjacent vent openings 182 on either
side of the vent shields 184.
Referring now to Figure 19, the top wall 194
of each of the vent openings 182 is preferably perpen-
dicular to the surface of the cover and the bottom wall
196 is preferably angled. The bottom wall 196 slopes
downward from the inside surface of the cover 36 towards
the outer surface of the cover 36 minimizing rain
penetration into the interior cavity of the housing 34.
Referring to Figures 4 and 18, a plurality of
air vents 90 are preferably located on the back wall 88
of the terminal housing 34. These air vents allow for
additional circulation of ambient air into the sealed
interbase 30.
Referring now to Figures 5 and 20, a snap-on
terminal mount, generally referred to as 210, includes
a generally planar base 212 from which a plurality of
resilient retainer arms 214 extend to accept and retain
wire terminals 66. The base 212 preferably includes a
plurality of spacers 218 which aid in positioning the
terminals 66 upon installation and maintaining separa-
tion of the terminals 66 to prevent electrical contact
therebetween.
As can ~e seen, the terminals are of conven-
tional design consisting of a bent metal body portion
having a top planar surface and two side walls. The top
surface of the terminal 66 includes a hole suitable to
accommodate a conventional screw or bolt 220. A nut 222
is positioned between the side walls of the terminal 66
2043647
SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -22-
and is connected to the bolt. The nut is preferably a
square nut of a dimension roughly equal to the distance
between the side walls and the terminal so that the nut
cannot rotate within the terminal, thereby allowing for
loosening or tightening of the nut and bolt by rotating
the screw or bolt. The end of the bolt is also staked
or deformed in some manner in order to prevent the bolt
from being completely removed from the nut. This allows
for quick connect and disconnect of wires.
The terminal 66 also includes a rectangular
opening 224 on the top surface that is equal in width to
the distance "a" between the outer sides of the mounting
arms 214 of the terminal mount 210, but less than the
distance "b" between the shoulders 226 on the mounting
arms 214.
The mounting arms 214 are arranged in pairs on
the terminal mount 210. Each of the mounting arms 214
includes a shoulder portion 226 which extends outwardly
and, upon installation of the terminals 66, snap over
the top surface of the terminal, thereby securing the
terminal in place on the base. The base 212 also
preferably includes one or more lugs 228 which extend
downwardly from the bottom surface of the base.
The back or rear panel 88 of the terminal
housing 34 preferably includes a pair of inwardly
extending mounting plates 230,232. The plates 230,232
define a cavity within which the end portions 234 of the
base 212 of the terminal mount 210 may be slidably
positioned upon installation of the mount 210 in the
terminal housing 34. The base also includes at least
one hole positioned to accommodate the lug 228 so that
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SCHL 0104 PUS/47.283 -23-
when the base 212 is slidably positioned underneath the
mounting plates 230,232, the lug snaps into the hole
236, thereby securing the base in position.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the terminal mount 210 of the present invention
provides an integral mounting structure which may be
quickly mounted within the terminal housing 34 without
the use of additional fasteners, and which allows for
secure, snap-on mounting of a plurality of wire termi-
nals, again without the use of additional fasteners.
While the best mode for carrying out theinvention has been described in detail, those familiar
with the art to which this invention relates will
recognize various alternative designs and embodiments
for practicing the invention as defined by the following
claims.
