Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 01/22098 CA 02385435 2002-03-19 PCT/US00/26365
UTILITY METER HAVING A SECURITY SEALING ARRANGEMENT
This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/155,980, United States Provisional Patent Application No.
60/156,301 and United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/155,852,
all filed
September 24, 1999.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to utility meters and, more particularly, to a
modular
utility meter having at least one removable module.
Description of the Prior Art
Utility meters are commonplace with regard to measuring utility or commodity
consumption or usage (e.g. electricity, gas, water, and the like) for billing
the consumer.
Such utility meters are interposed between the source of the utility and the
usage point.
The utility meters are generally located proximate the area of usage of the
commodity
and, in the case of electricity meters, may be mounted on a side of the
facility in which
the electrical energy is consumed.
There are many types and varieties of utility meters including those that
measure
kilowatt-hours only, and those that have expanded capability to perform demand
metering
or time of use metering. Utility meters may also measure and/or calculate
various other
energy-related quantities that may be useful for load optimization or
diagnostic purposes.
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Utility meters that measure electricity usage typically include sensor
circuitry and
measurement or registration circuitry. The sensor circuitry obtains energy-
related
measurements from the utility power lines. The measurement or registration
circuitry
generates energy consumption information that can be communicated externally
via a
display and/or external communications.
While the sensor circuitry is typically analog, the measurement or
registration
circuitry often incorporates digital circuitry as well as analog components.
More recently,
digital circuitry has been increasingly employed because of its ability to
generate and
analyze energy consumption data in a variety of ways. Electricity meters
having digital
processing circuitry are in widespread use.
One advance that has arisen with the use of digital circuitry in electricity
meters is
the ability to employ modular meter designs. In particular, because the
metering
information is generated by digital circuits as opposed to mechanical counters
and
registers, the metering information is readily communicated via electrical
signals between
modular components. One example of a modular meter is that described in U.S.
Patent
No. 5,933,004. The meter described in U.S. Patent No. 5,933,004 includes a
sensor
module which includes the meter's sensor circuitry and a removable measurement
module that contains the registration circuitry and meter displays. The
modular meter
allows for easy upgrade or enhancement to the meter because the measurement
module or
removable componerzt module may easily be replaced by an upgraded or enhanced
component module. By contrast, upgrade of a non-modular meter often required
replacement of the entire meter, which incurred unnecessary expense.
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One problem that has arisen from the use of modular meters is the increased
need
to inhibit or prevent tampering and/or disassembly of the meter for any
purpose by
unauthorized persons. Methods preventing tampering in non-modular meters have
been
in use for years. Such methods may include the installation of the meter into
a meter
mounting device that is locked or sealed.
The prior methods of preventing tampering, however, do not address the unique
characteristics of modular meters. In particular, the prior methods of
preventing removal
of the entire meter are typically installed at or near the base of the meter,
which is the
location of the non-removable module of a modular meter. As a result, such
methods do
not adequately prevent the separation of the removable module from the non-
removable
module of the meter. The separation of the removable module from the non-
removable
module by unauthorized persons can result in energy theft, damage to the
meter, and even
injury.
For example, in many modular meters, including the one discussed above, it is
the
removable module that contains the circuitry that retains the energy
consumption
information for billing purposes. As a result, separation of the removable
module from
the base module of the meter can result in potential energy theft. Even if
separation of the
removable module could not result in energy theft, the removal of the module
by an
unauthorized person may nevertheless damage the meter and/or expose the person
to
inj ury.
Thus, prior art meter sealing devices do not adequately inhibit the separation
of a
removable component module from the base module of a meter. It is noted that
other
types of prior art seals exist that are provided primarily for warranty
purposes and not for
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WO 01/22098 CA 02385435 2002-03-19 pCT/US00/26365
tamper protection because the seal is not readily accessible. As such, the
prior art seals
do not provide an adequate deterrent against tampering.
There is a need, therefore, for an arrangement that inhibits separation of
modules
of a modular meter. To the extent that such arrangement cannot prevent
separation, it is
desirable that such an arrangement provide some visible indication of
tampering should
separation of the modules occur.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is a utility meter having a component module or housing
removably mountable to a base wherein the component module includes a security
sealing device for a module-to-base mounting fastener. The security sealing
device
provides a visible, tamper resistant feature for the utility meter.
In one form, the present invention is an arrangement for use in a utility
meter
having a base configured to be mounted to a structure and a component module
adapted
to be releasably secured to the base. The arrangement inhibits unauthorized
removal of
the component module from the base. The arrangement includes a mounting
fastener
assembly disposed on the component module and a closure element. 'Che mounting
fastener assembly has an access opening configured to receive a mounting
fastener and a
mounting opening configured to allow a portion of the mounting fastener to
extend
therethrough and into the base. The mounting fastener includes a portion
configured to
be retained by the base. The closure element is pivotally attached to the
component
module and is movable into a first position wherein the closure element
restricts the
access opening and into a second position wherein the access opening is
accessible.
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In another form, the present invention is a component module for a modular
utility
meter, the component module configured to be releasably coupled with a base
that is
adapted to be mounted to a structure and in communication with a utility
commodity.
The component module includes a housing, a fastener mount, and a closure
element. The
fastener mount is disposed on the housing and includes a first opening
configured to
receive a mounting fastener and a second opening configured to allow a portion
of the
mounting fastener to extend therethrough to be received by the base. The
mounting
fastener includes a portion configured to be retained by the base. The closure
element is
operable in a first position to restrict access to the first opening, and is
operable in a
second position to allow access to the first opening.
In yet another form, the present invention is an arrangement for use in a
utility
meter having a housing configured to be releasably secured to a structure. The
arrangement inhibits unauthorized removal of the housing from the structure
and includes
a mounting fastener assembly and a closure element. The mounting fastener
assembly is
disposed on the housing. The mounting fastener assembly has an access opening
configured to receive a mounting fastener, the mounting fastener configured to
fasten the
housing to the structure. The closure element is pivotally attached to the
component
module, the closure element movable into a first position wherein the closure
element
restricts the access opening and into a second position wherein the access
opening is
accessible.
It is noted that the present invention provides an arrangement for inhibiting
unauthorized removal of a meter housing from a structure that may be used to
inhibit
unauthorized removal of a component module from a base module of a modular
meter.
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However, it is noted that such arrangement is furthermore useful for
inhibiting the
removal of any meter housing from any structure to which it is secured. Thus,
at least
some aspects of the present invention have application in non-modular meters
as well.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and
the
manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be
better
understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the
invention
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a utility meter
embodying the
arrangement of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a component module or housing of a utility
meter
embodying the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the component module or housing of Fig. 2 with
the closure member in a closed position;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the utility meter of
Fig. 1
showing the closure member in a closed position;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a utility meter having an alternative
embodiment of
a housing extraction device;
Fig. 5a is a perspective view of a utility meter having another alternative
embodiment of the a housing extraction device;
Fig. 6 is a cutaway view of an exemplary mounting fastener according to one
aspect of the present invention used in connection with a removable structure
and a base
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of a metering configuration shown in fragmentary form;
Fig. 7 is the cutaway view of the mounting fastener of Fig. 6 shown in a
different
position;
Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the mounting fastener of Fig. 6 apart from the
removable structure and base;
Fig. 9 is a cutaway view of the mounting fastener of Fig. 6 shown in place on
the
meter of Figs 2 and 3 shown in fragmentary form;
Fig. 10 is a cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the mounting
fastener
according to the present invention used in connection with an exemplary
fastener
enclosure arrangement shown in fragmentary form;
Fig. 11 is a cutaway view of the mounting fastener and fastener enclosure
arrangement of Fig. 10 in a different operating position;
Fig. 12 is a cutaway view of another alternative embodiment of the mounting
fastener according to the present invention used in connection with an
alternative fastener
enclosure arrangement shown in fragmentary form;
Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the mounting fastener and fastener enclosure
arrangement of Fig. 12; and
Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the mounting fastener and fastener enclosure
arrangement of Fig. 12 in a different operating position.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the
several views. The exemplifications set out herein are not to be construed as
limiting the
scope of the invention in any manner.
WU 01/22098 CA 02385435 2002-03-19 PCT/US00/26365
Detailed Description
With reference now to Figs. 1 and 4, there is depicted a utility meter
generally
designated 10. While the present invention is depicted and described with
reference to
and in conjunction with an electricity or watt-hour meter, and particularly a
solid state
electricity/watt-hour meter, it should be appreciated that the present
invention is not
limited to solid state electricity/watt-hour utility meters, but is applicable
to all types of
similarly configured utility meters. FIereafter the term "meter" will be used
to refer to the
utility meter 10 shown in the figures and all types of similarly configured
utility meters.
While not shown in the figures, it should be appreciated that the meter 10
includes
all necessary components, connection circuitry, and processing circuitry as
are known in
the art to measure the commodity to which the meter is coupled (e.g.
electricity) and to
calculate or determine various quantities associated therewith. In the case of
an
electricity meter, the meter typically measures voltage and current per phase
and
calculates or determines such quantities as peak demand and total kilowatt
hours used.
Exemplary components, connection and processing circuitry for a solid state
electricity
meter are shown in U.S. Patent 5,933,004 issued to Jackson et al. on August 3,
1999
entitled "Low Profile Modular Revenue Meter" which is specifically
incorporated herein
by reference.
The meter 10 includes a modular housing, housing unit, or component module 12
that is removably received or mounted onto a base or base unit 14 as described
more fully
below. The component module 12 encloses or includes the various components and
circuitry as that of the measurement module described in U.S. Patent 5,933,004
referenced above, via a shell or cover 13. The base 14 and cover 13 are
preferably
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formed or molded from a suitable plastic such as is known in the art.
The base 14 is adapted to be mounted or affixed to a standard meter mounting
device or other structure (not shown) by conventional means well known in the
metering
art. The base 14 is also adapted to be coupled to a source (not shown) of the
commodity
(i.e. electricity) which the meter 10 is to measure, also by any conventional
means well
known in the art. In particular, the base 14 is interposed between the source
of the
commodity and the load or loads (not shown) utilizing the commodity by
suitable contact
blades, or via screw terminals. The base 14 is preferably securely attached to
the meter
mounting device and may have one or more known tamper prevention devices that
inhibits the removal of the base 14 from the meter mounting device. This
provides a
level of security and safety regarding the prevention of someone coming in
contact with
the commodity. The base 14 may suitably include the circuitry of the sensor
module of
the meter described in U.S. Patent No. 5,933,004. However, any suitable sensor
circuitry
known in the art may be employed.
In the exemplary embodiment described herein, the component module 12 is in
electrical communication with the electricity source and loads) when installed
onto the
base 14. Particularly, the processing circuitry of the meter 10 within the
component
module 12 cooperates with the base 14 to measure and calculate various
quantities
relative to the electricity and the use thereof.
It is noted that Figs. 2 and 3 show an alternative component module 112 that
represents a slightly modified version of the component module 12. However,
the
operative elements of the component module 112 are substantially identical to
their
corresponding elements of the component module 12 and thus are designated by
the same
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reference characters. The component module 112 may be readily interchanged
with the
component module 12 onto the base 14 of Figs. 1 and 4.
In any event, the component module 12 of the meter 10 includes an optical
reader
port 16 known to those skilled in the art that is in electrical communication
with the
processing circuitry for optically obtaining meter data from the meter 10
and/or
transmitting data to the meter 10. A display 17 for displaying various meter
data such as
total watt-hours used and the like that is likewise in electrical
communication with the
processing circuitry is typically visible through the clear plastic cover 13.
A pivoting
hatch 22, shown in a closed position, covers various meter function switches
(not shown)
such as a demand reset switch that are in communication with the processing
circuitry.
As is typical with the present type of utility meter, the component module 12
is
essentially a module that is received onto the base 14 in a removable manner,
and which
thus allows the processing circuitry to be in removable electrical
communication with the
source of electricity via various prongs or terminals (not shown) that are
received by
various sockets (not shown) of the base 14 (see U.S. Patent x,933,004
referenced above).
The various prongs or terminals of the component module 12 are located on an
underside
thereof and are in communication with the processing circuitry within the
component
module 12. When the component module 12 is received onto the base 14, the
various
sockets of the base 14 receive the various prongs or terminals of the
component module
12 providing an electrical connection therebetween.
The base 14 receives the component module 12 rather snugly, such that removal
of the component module 12 from the base 14 requires some effort. Indeed, the
size and
shape of the component module 12 as well as other standard meter-sized modules
do not
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facilitate favorable leverage from merely grasping the sides of the component
module 12.
Accordingly, an advantage of the embodiment described herein is the inclusion
of an
extraction handle arrangement that facilitates manual removal of the component
module
12 from the base 14.
In general, the extraction handle arrangement shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4
comprises a first overhang 31 and a second overhang 34 that extend radially
from the
periphery of the component module 12 to form ledges or handles. As shown in
Figs. 1, 2,
3 and 4, the overhangs 31 and 34 may suitably (but need not) be formed as a
flange or ear
protruding from the periphery of component module 12. The overhangs 31 and 34
each
define a graspable surface 70 or concavity that serves as a handle. The
graspable surface
70 preferably faces in the direction opposite the direction of removal. In
other words, the
graspable surface 70 preferably faces down toward the base 14 to facilitate
removal of the
component module 12 upward away from base 14.
While the two overhangs 31 and 34 are preferably disposed diametrically
opposite
each other to facilitate an even, smooth, removal operation, it should be
appreciated that
the number and location of such overhangs along the periphery of the cover 13
may vary.
It should further be appreciated that the use of flanges or ears as overhangs
31 and 34 are
one way in which a graspable surface overhang may be formed in or about the
component
module 12. In any form, an overhang may be formed anywhere in the component
module
12 that allows one to positively grasp the component module 12 for removal
from the
base 14.
Devices other than overhangs 31 and 34 may alternatively be used as extraction
handles that facilitate separation of the component module 12 from the base
14. In this
WO 01/22098 CA 02385435 2002-03-19 PCT/US00/26365
regard, reference is made to Fig. 5. In Fig. 5 there is shown the meter 10
with the
component module 12 attached to the base 14. The component module 12 includes
an
alternate form of an extraction device in the form of a handle 60. The handle
60 includes
a curved or bent end 64 that includes a terminus received by a pivot opening
62 in a side
or perimeter of the component module 12. While not seen in Fig. 5, the
opposite end of
the handle 60 terminates in a like curved or bent end that includes a terminus
received by
a pivot opening in an opposite side or perimeter of the component module 12 to
the
opening 62.
While the handle 60 is shown in an up or usable position in Fig. S, the handle
60
is normally in an unused position. In the unused position, the handle 60 is
substantially
horizontal and preferably rests on or against the periphery 15 (in the plane)
of the base 14.
Thus, when not in use, the handle 60 pivotally folds against the base 14. In
the exemplary
embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the handle 60 folds against the base 14 in a
direction away
from the fastener enclosure 32.
For use in extracting the component module 12, the handle 60 is rotated out 90
degrees from the plane of the base 14 (as depicted in Fig. 5) such that it is
vertically
disposed. In this position, the central portion 72 facilitates a straight pull
to remove the
component module 12 from the base 14. Thus, the central portion 72 forms a
graspable
surface that is disposed opposite the direction of removal, thereby
facilitating separation.
During rotation or pivoting of the handle 60, the bent or curved ends 64
provide a cam
action against the periphery 15 that aids in the initial separation of the
component module
12 from the base 14
The curved ends 64 are configured to engage the peripheryl5 at some point
during
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the travel of the handle 60 from the unused position to the usable position
shown in Fig.
5. Thus, while the exemplary curved ends 64 shown in Fig. 5 are configured to
engage
the periphery 15 when the handle 60 has almost completed its travel to the
usable
position, the curved end 64 may readily be configured to engage the periphery
15 earlier
during its travel between the unused and the usable positions.
Fig. 5a shows an alternative embodiment of the extraction handle 60 of Fig. 5
specifically designed for the exemplary modular meter 10 which has a
relatively low
profile. In particular, the extraction handle 160 of Fig. 5a is designed to
both aid in the
separation of the component module 12 from the base 14, as well as in the
separation of
the meter 10 as a unit from the meter mounting device, not shown.
By way of background, electricity meters are typically securely coupled to
meter
mounting devices as is known in the art. Meters include relatively large
connector blades
that are received by large connector jaws in the meter mounting device,
thereby providing
a secure attachment. In many cases, separation of the meter from the meter
mounting
device can be difficult. It is known that utility personnel often use impact
forces against
the outermost portion of the meter to "rock" the meter out of the metering
mounting
device. The combination of the moment arm formed by the meter and the impact
forces
help separate the meter blades from the mounting device jaws. However, the use
of
impact may undesirably result in damaged components. Moreover, low profile
meters
such as the meter 10 of Figs. 1 through 5 do not provide much of a moment arm
from
which the meter may be "rocked" out of the mounting device.
To address this issue, the handle 160 of Fig. 5a is configured to assist in
both the
removal of the component module 12 from the base 14 and the removal of the
entire
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meter 10 from the meter mounting device. To this end, the handle 160 may
suitably be
identical to the handle 60 of Fig. 5 with the exception that the curved end 64
of Fig. ~ is
replaced with a curved end 164 specifically configured to engage the periphery
15 only
when the handle 60 travels further than the 90 degree usable position.
To this end, the curved end 164 preferably extends from the plane defined by
the
center portion 72 of the handle 160 in the direction toward the fastener
enclosure 32 as
shown in Fig. 5a. As a result, the curved end 164 does not engage the
periphery 15 of the
base 14 during the travel from the unused to the usable position. Instead, the
handle 160
must travel beyond the usable position and toward the fastener enclosure 32
before the
curved end 164 engages the periphery 15 of the base 14
As a result, removal of the entire meter 10 from the meter mounting device is
facilitated by moving the handle 160 directly from the unused position to the
usable
position and then pulling the handle. Because the handle 160 is moved directly
from the
unused position to the usable position, the curved end 164 does not engage the
periphery
15 and thus does not aid in separating the component module 12 from the base
14. If the
force required to separate the component module 12 from the base 14 exceeds
that to
separate the entire meter 10 from the meter mounting device, then pulling the
handle 160
will separate the meter 10 from the meter mounting device.
By contrast, removal of the component module 12 from the base 14 is
facilitated
by moving the handle 160 past the usable position, or further in the direction
of the
fastener enclosure 32, until the curved end 164 engages the periphery 1 ~. At
that point
the curved end 164 provides the cam action that starts to separate the
component module
12 from the base 14. The handle 60 may then be returned to the 90 degree
usable position
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as shown in Fig. 5a. At that point, pulling on the handle 60 will separate the
component
module 12 from the base 14 because the cam action described above had
substantially
loosened the attachment between the component module 12 and the base 14.
As a result, the handle 160 may be used to both separate the meter 10 from the
mounting device by pulling on the handle 160 without causing the cam action,
and
separate the component module 12 from the base 14 by first causing the cam
action to
take place before pulling on the handle 160.
Another preferred aspect of the extraction handle of the invention,
illustrated in
each of the embodiments described above, is that the combination of the
extraction
handle and the periphery of the component module 12 define a radial dimension
that is no
larger than the radial dimensions of the base 14. In other words, the
extraction handle
(overhangs 31 and 34 or the handle 60) does not extend beyond the periphery of
the base
14.
In particular, the dimensions of the base 14 are typically dictated by the
standard
size of meter mounting devices in common use. In general, the base 14 is
configured to
fit snugly within the meter mounting device. If the component module 12 has
features
such as the extraction handle that extend beyond the periphery of the base 14,
then it may
be difficult or inconvenient to install the meter 10 in certain fixtures. By
employing an
extraction handle arrangement that does not extend beyond the periphery of the
base 14,
such difficulties may be avoided. However, it is noted that at least some of
the
advantages of the extraction handle arrangement of the present invention may
be obtained
even if it does extend beyond the periphery of the base.
With reference again to Figs. 1-3, the cover 13 includes mounting flanges 24
and
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26 on a periphery thereof that are received in corresponding slots 2~ and 27
in a periphery
15 of the base 14. The slots 25 and 27 aid in aligning the component module 12
on the
base 14 and preventing radial movement or rotation of the component module 12
while
on the base 14. In addition, the mouniing flanges 24 and 26 cooperate with the
slots 25
and 27 to allow an optional sealing ring, not shown but which is well known in
the
metering art, to provide another secure attachment between the component
module 12 and
the base 14.
With reference to Fig. 2, the component module 112 includes a first mounting
fastener assembly 28 and a second mounting fastener assembly 30, of which only
a
portion (mounting fastener opening 33) of the second mounting assembly 30 can
be seen
in the Figures. It should be appreciated that the first and second mounting
fastener
assemblies 28 and 30 respectively, are identical in form and function.
Therefore, while
the structure and function of only the first mounting fastener assembly 28
will be
discussed below, the same principles, structures and functions should be
considered as
applicable to the second mounting fastener assembly 30. It will be noted that
the
component module of Figs. 1 and 4 have substantially identical fastener
assemblies 28
and 30.
The first mounting fastener assembly 28 incorporates the overhang 34, and
includes a mounting fastener enclosure 32 that extends from the overhang 34 on
a side of
the component module 12. An opening or bore 36 is formed in the overhang 34
providing communication with the interior of the mounting fastener enclosure
32. The
opening 36 is sized to receive (and remove) a mounting fastener 38 such as a
rivet, an
expansion rivet, screw, bolt, or other fastener that is operable to fasten the
component
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module 112 to the base 14. As is known in the art. such fasteners include a
portion that is
to be retained by the base 14. For example, threads on a bolt or screw are
configured to
be retained by the base, as are portions of a rivet shaft or other fastener
device.
Figs. 6 through 13, discussed further below, show a preferred embodiment of a
mounting fastener of the present invention. However, many of the advantages of
the
invention relating to the security sealing arrangement and the invention
relating to the
handle for separating the structures of the metex 10 discussed herein do not
require the
use of the inventive mounting fastener of Figs. 6 through 13. However, the
mounting
fastener of Figs. 6 through 13 has additional advantages as discussed further
below.
Referring again to Figs. 1 through 5, disposed at the opposite end of the
mounting
fastener enclosure 32 is an opening or bore 40 that is sized to allow only the
shank 38a of
the fastener 38 to extend therethrough but not the head 38b of the fastener
38. In this
manner, the shank 38a of the fastener will be received in the base 14 while
the head of the
fastener 38b will abut and be held by the end of the fastener enclosure 32
adjacent the
opening 40 to retain the component module 12 onto the base 14. While not
shown, the
base 14 will typically have a bore or other mounting fastener receipt area to
accommodate
the fastener 38. As discussed above the fastener shank 38a is configured to be
retained by
the base 14 to secure the component module 12 to the base 14.
With continuing reference to Fig. 2, the component module 12 also includes a
closure member 42 that is pivotally attached to the ledge 34 by a fastener 44
such as an
expansion rivet or other suitable fastener. The closure member 42 is sized and
configured
to cover the opening 36 when the closure member 42 is pivotally moved into a
closed
position as depicted in Figs. 3 and 4. In the exemplary embodiment described
herein the
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closure member 42 is a plate, preferably made of a polycarbonate,
The closure member 42 also includes a bore 46 that aligns with a bore 56 in
the
ledge 34 when the closure member 42 is pivoted into a closed position. An arm
54 of a
conventional sealing device 52 may be placed through the aligned bores 46 and
56 when
the closure member 42 is in the closed position to seal access to the opening
36 and thus
the fastener 3 8.
As depicted in Figs. land 2, the closure member 42 is also pivotally movable
into
an open position which allows access to the fastener 38 via the opening 36.
Figs. 3 and 4
show the closure member 42 pivoted into a closed position wherein the opening
36 is
covered thereby and thus access to the fastener 38 is prevented.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the exemplary sealing device 52 shown herein is a
combination of a C-shaped wire or rod 52a and a bottom plate 52b. The C-shaped
wire or
rod 52a includes the arm 54 that is configured to pass through the bores 46
and 56. The
bottom plate 52b is affixed to the ends of the rod 52a and preferably further
comprises
indicia 52c indicating that it is a sealing device. The indicia 52c acts as a
visual deterrent
from opening the meter 10 either inadvertently or for purposes of executing a
fraud.
However, it will be appreciated that the sealing device 52 may take any number
of
other forms. To achieve many of the advantages of the present invention, the
sealing
device 52 need only be a structure that inhibits undetected movement of the
closure
member 42 from the closed position to the open position by passing through the
bore 46
and 56. By "undetected'', it means without leaving some visible indication
that the
closure member 42 has been moved from the closed to the opened position. Thus,
the
sealing device 52 preferably is a device that must be broken and reasonably
difficult to
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repair or replace by the public. By way of example, a wire seal may be used as
the
sealing device as well as a wax seal. Many types of sealing devices are well
known in the
metering art.
Extending from the overhang 34 is a stop 48 that includes/defines a receptacle
50
into which an end of the closure member 42 fits when the closure member 42 is
in the
closed position. Because the end of the closure member 42 is disposed within
the
receptacle 50, it is difficult for a tamperer to pry the end of the closure
member 42
upward to gain access to the fastener 38. Moreover, because the closure member
42 is
preferably molded from a durable plastic material such as polycarbonate,
tampering will
be evident by the naked eye. Particularly, the polycarbonate will fracture
easily with
excessive force or show stress marks with use of little force (i.e. prying).
The plastic
material however, is rigid enough to provide security before enough force is
applied to
cause fracturing.
As indicated above, the second mounting fastener assembly 30 is identical in
form
and function to the first mounting fastener assembly 28 with the exception,
however, of a
closure member that is absent from the second rivet mounting assembly 30.
Thus, the
second mounting fastener assembly 30 is adapted to receive a mounting fastener
that
assists in securing the component module 12 to the base 14. While it is
typically only
necessary to include one closure member 42 and corresponding sealing device 52
to
inhibit tampering, it should be appreciated that the second mounting assembly
30 may
also suitably include a closure member 42 and sealing device 52 if desired.
Another inventive aspect discussed herein relates to a mounting fastener that
releasably secures a removable structure of a meter, such as, for example, the
component
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module 12 from a metering element, for example, the base 14, that is affixed
to a facility
and is connected to the commodity being metered. Such a mounting fastener
facilitates
separation of the removable structure from the base without requiring special
tools.
Preferably, as discussed above in connection with Figs. 1 through 5, the
mounting
fastener is used in connection with a security sealing arrangement that
inhibits removal of
the removable structure from the base by unauthorized persons.
To this end, Figs. 6 and 7 show an exemplary mounting fastener 73 according to
the present invention which is employed to releasably secure a removable
structure 75
(shown in fragmentary portion) to a base 77 (shown in fragmentary portion).
The
removable structure 75 may suitably be a component module such as the
component
module 12 described above in connection with Figs. 1 through 5, another type
of
removable module, or a removable cover of a modular or non-modular meter. The
base
77 may suitably be a base portion of a modular meter, a meter mounting device,
or the
main metering element of a non-modular meter.
In general, the mounting fastener 73 includes a first member 74 and a second
member 82. The first member includes a head portion 76 and a plurality of legs
78
extending axially away from the head portion 76. The plurality of legs 78
includes at
least two legs and preferably four legs. The head portion 76 includes an
aperture 80
defined therethrough, which is in communication with a space defined between
the
plurality of legs 78. (See Fig. 8). The aperture 80 and the space between the
plurality of
legs 78 form a shaft receptacle 81.
The head portion 76 is adapted to engage a top surface of the removable
structure
75. The plurality of legs 78 are adapted to be inserted through first and
second openings
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87, 89 defined in the base 77 and the removable structure 75. It will be
appreciated,
however, that the mounting fastener 73 may be inverted such that the head
portion
engages a bottom surface of the base 77.
The second member 82 includes a shaft 84. The shaft 84 is further defined by a
first shaft portion 86 having a first width and a second shaft portion 88
having a second
width. The first width exceeds the second width. The shaft 84 is at least
partially
insertable into the shaft receptacle 81 into a first position (Fig. 7) and a
second position
(Fig. 6).
The first width of the first shaft portion 86 is further selected to cause
deformation
of at least some of the plurality of legs 78 when the shaft 84 is inserted
into the first
position (Fig. 7). In particular, the first shaft portion 86 tends to push the
plurality of legs
78 radially outward as shown in Fig. 7. When pushed outward, the outer
portions of the
plurality of legs 78 become wider than at least one of the openings 87, 89
such that
movement of the plurality of legs 78 through the openings 87, 89 is
substantially
inhibited.
To this end, in the exemplary embodiment described herein, the shaft
receptacle
81 includes first end 83 and a second end 85. The first end 83 of the
receptacle 81 is
proximate to the head portion 76 and the second end 85 is opposite the first
end 83.
Accordingly, the plurality of legs 78 extend from the first end 83 to the
second end 85. In
the first position, the shaft 84 is positioned such that the wider first shaft
portion 86 is
disposed within the second end 85 of the receptacle 81 as shown in Fig. 7.
Such
positioning of the first shaft portion 86 provides the maximum spread of the
plurality of
legs 78 to inhibit movement of the plurality of the legs 78 through the
openings 87, 89.
WO 01/22098 CA 02385435 2002-03-19 PCT/US00/26365
However, it will be appreciated that the present invention may still function
properly,
albeit less efficiently, even if the first shaft portion 86 is not located
within the second
end 85 of the receptacle 81. For example, the first shaft portion 86 in the
first position
may also be located between the second end 85 and the openings 87, 89 and
still deform
the first plurality of legs 86 sufficiently to inhibit movement through the
openings 87, 89.
The second width of the second shaft portion 88 is selected to cause less or
no
deformation of the plurality of legs 78 when the shaft 84 is inserted into the
second
position. (Fig. 6). As a result, when the shaft 84 is in the second position
as shown in
Fig. 6, the movement of the plurality of legs 78 through the openings 87, 89
is
substantially less inhibited. To this end, in the exemplary embodiment
described herein,
the thinner second shaft portion 88 is preferably positioned at or near the
second end 83.
More importantly, in the second position, the wider first shaft portion 86 is
hot located
within the second end 85 of the receptacle 81. In the exemplary embodiment
described
herein, the first shaft portion 86 is located external to the receptacle 81
such that the
second end 85 is disposed between the first end 83 and the first shaft portion
86 as shown
in Fig. 6.
The second member 82 further includes an actuating end 94 that allows
manipulation of the second member 82 between the first and second positions.
In order
to prevent the second member 82 from falling or being forced through the
receptacle 81,
and thus difficult to manipulate, the second member 82 preferably includes
feature on or
near the actuating end 94 that has a diameter larger than the aperture 80. For
example,
the actuating end 94 may include a flange portion 92 that has a width greater
than the
width of the aperture 80.
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In a preferred embodiment, the mounting fastener 73 further includes a spring
90
having one end in fixed engagement with the shaft 84 and another end in fixed
engagement with the head portion 76 to effectuate a biasing force
therebetween. In
particular, the spring 90 provides a biasing force that tends to pull the
first shaft portion
86 from the second position (Fig. 6) to the first position (Fig. 7). The
spring 90 adds
convenience and potentially to the reliability of the mounting fastener 73 by
tending to
bias the mounting fastener 73 into the first position, which is the locked
position.
The spring 90 is disposed about the shaft 84 between the head portion 76 of
the
first member 74 and the flange portion 92 of the second member 82. 'rhe spring
90 may
be affixed to the shaft 84 by seating against the flange portion 92 of the
second member
82. Alternatively, the spring 90 may be affixed to the shaft 84 using other
conventional
means, such as by threading a lead end of the spring 90 through a through-hole
in the
shaft 84, not shown.
Fig. 9 shows the mounting fastener 73 in the first position used in connection
with
a fastener enclosure arrangement affixed to a removable meter structure and
adapted to
receive at least a portion of the mounting fastener 73, wherein the fastener
enclosure
arrangement is configured to inhibit access to the mounting fastener 73.
By way of example, the fastener enclosure arrangement may include the fastener
enclosure 32 the closure member 42 discussed above in connection with Figs. 1
through 4
and the removable meter structure may be the component module 12. However, it
will be
appreciated that fastener enclosures and closure members of other shapes and
sizes may
be employed in other configurations of the fastener enclosure arrangement for
the
purposes of inhibiting access to the mounting fastener 73 in a utility meter.
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Referring to Fig. 9, the mounting fastener 73 is disposed in the first
position with
its actuating end 94 within the fastener enclosure 32. The closure member 42
is in the
closed position, thereby preventing manipulation of the actuating end 94
without
damaging the closure member 42.
In operation, the mounting fastener 73 as shown in Fig. 9 inhibits removal of
the
removable module 12 from the base 14 because the plurality of legs 78 do not
fit through
the apertures 87, 89. To separate the removable module 12 from the base 14, an
authorized operator removes the sealing device 52 so that the closure member
42 can
rotate about the pivot fastener 44 to the open position. (See, e.g., Figs. 1
and 2). Once
the closure member 42 is in the open position, the operator depresses the
actuating end 94
thereby causing the first shaft portion 86 to move from within the second end
85 of the
receptacle 81 out from the second end 85 until it is external to the
receptacle 81 (as
shown in Fig. 6).
Without releasing the actuating end 94 and thereby retaining the second member
82 in the second position, the operator exerts a force in the opposite
direction on the
component module 12 to move the component module 12 away from the base 14. To
this
end, it is preferable to have a graspable surface such as those described
above in
connection with Figs. 1 through 5. Using a graspable surface, the operator may
push
down on the actuating end 94 with his or her thumb while pulling against the
graspable
surface with his or her other fingers.
One advantage of the mounting fastener 73 is the convenience as compared to a
rivet or bolt fastener that requires additional tools and/or takes more time
to remove and
replace. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, tools may still be
required to
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remove the mounting fastener 73, but in such cases the mounting fastener 73
still allows
for quick and convenient removal when compared to other conventional
fasteners.
Figs. 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of the mounting fastener
employed in relatively generic fastener enclosure arrangement 102 according to
the
present invention. The fastener enclosure arrangement 102 includes a fastener
enclosure
104 and a closure member 106. The fastener enclosure arrangement 102 is
secured to a
removable structure 108 of a utility meter, shown as a fragmentary portion in
Figs. 10 and
1 l, which may be a removable module or a removable cover of a utility meter.
The
removable structure 108 is removable from a base structure 110 of the utility
meter.
In the alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the mounting fastener
173 includes a first member 174 similar to the first member 74 of Figs. 6
through 8, and
includes a similar head portion 176 and a similar plurality of legs 178. The
mounting
fastener 173 further includes a second member 182 that comprises a shaft 184
and an
actuating end 194. The mounting fastener 173 also includes a spring 190
disposed in a
biasing relationship with respect to the shaft 184.
The shaft 184 includes a first shaft portion 186 and a second shaft portion
188.
Similar to the embodiment described above in connection with Figs. 6 through
8, the first
shaft portion 186 has a first width that exceeds a second width of the second
shaft portion
188. However, the relative locations of the first shaft portion 186 and the
second shaft
portion 188 are juxtaposed as compared to the relative locations of the first
shaft portion
86 and the second shaft portion 88 of Figs. 6 through 8. In particular, the
first shaft
portion 186 is disposed between the second shaft portion 188 and the actuating
end 194.
As a result, the shaft 184 is in the first position when the actuating end 194
is
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depressed, as shown in Fig. 10. Because the actuating end 194 is depressed,
the spring
190 is compressed and tends to bias the actuating end 194 outward, thereby
tending to
urge the shaft 184 toward the second position (Fig. 11). However, the closure
member
106 impedes the movement of the shaft 184 into the second position when the
closure
member 106 is in the closed position as shown in Fig. 10.
In operation, an authorized operator places the removable structure 108 on the
base 110 while the closure member 106 is in the open position and the shaft
184 in the
second position as shown in Fig. 11. The operator then depresses the actuating
end 194
and places the closure member 106 in the closed position to trap the shaft 184
in the first
position. (Fig. 10). In the first position, as discussed above, the first
shaft portion 186
deforms the plurality of legs 178 such that the movement of the plurality of
legs 178
through the openings 187, 189 is substantially inhibited.
To separate the removable structure 108 from the base 110, the operator places
the
closure member 106 in the open position. The spring 190 then urges the shaft
184 from
the first position to the second position as shown in Fig. 11. Once in the
second position,
there is little or no inhibition of the movement of the plurality of legs 178
through the
openings 187, 189. The operator may therefore readily separate the removable
structure
108 from the base 110.
It will be appreciated that the alternative embodiment in Figs. 10 and 11 may
further be modified, as with the embodiments of Figs. 6 through 8, in several
ways and
still benefit from at least some of the features of the present invention. For
example, the
mounting fasteners 73, 173 will still provide some of the benefits of the
present invention
if no spring is used, or if the biasing force is provided by another means.
Likewise, it will
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be appreciated that the actuating end 194 may take any of a plurality of
suitable forms,
including those that may require a tool to manipulate.
One alternative to the actuating end 194 may include a retention mechanism
that
eliminates the need for the closure member 106 to retains the mounting
fastener 173 in
the first position. For example, the retention mechanism may be one that
cooperates with
the fastener enclosure 104 to alternatively retain the mounting fastener 173
in the first and
second positions responsive to depressing the actuating end. Such a retention
mechanism
may include structures such as those employed on ordinary spring loaded
retractable pens.
Such a mechanism may be found on the Model No. 65382 Gel Ink Pen available
from
Sanford Corporation of Bellwood, IL. Such a device includes a rotating shaft
portion that
has features that interlock with features on an outer surface such as that of
the fastener
enclosure 104. When the device is depressed once, the shaft rotates to a
position in which
the features interlock to retain the shaft in the first position. When the
device is
depressed again, the shaft rotates to a new position in which the features
interlock to
retain the shaft in the second position. Because this embodiment does not
require the
closure member 106 to retain the second member 182 in the first position, the
closure
member 106 may be omitted if not needed for security purposes. It is also
noted that the
above described mechanism may also be employed in the embodiment of Figs. 6
through
9.
Figs. 12 through 14 show yet another alternative embodiment of a mounting
fastener 273 intended for use in connection with a fastener enclosure
arrangement that has
a closure member 206 that interlocks with flanges 212 and 214 on the second
member
282 of the mounting fastener 273. The mounting fastener 273, with one
significant
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exception, may suitably be substantially identical to the mounting fastener 73
of Figs. 6
through 8.
The main difference with the mounting fastener 273 is that the second member
282 includes a first flange 212 and a second flange 214 disposed on the shaft
284. The
first flange 212 and the second flange 214 form a slot 216 therebetween. The
slot 216 is
adapted to receive a portion of a movable locking mechanism 206. The movable
locking
mechanism 206 may suitably be a modified version of the closure member 106 of
Figs.
and 11. In any event the movable locking mechanism 206 is adapted to inhibit
movement of the second member 282 with respect to the first member 274 when a
portion of the movable locking mechanism 206 is disposed within the slot 216.
To this end, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the movable locking mechanism 206 is
in the form of the closure member 106 of Figs. 10 and 11 with a cut-out
section 218 that
is configured to receive the portion of the shaft 284 that is disposed within
the slot 216.
However, the cut-out section 218 is further configured to interlock the shaft
284 between
the flanges 212 and 214. (See Figs. 12 and 13). As a result, the movable
locking
mechanism 206 inhibits movement of the shaft 284 between the first and second
positions.
It will be appreciated that the slot and movable locking mechanism may
alternatively be incorporated into an arrangement that includes a mounting
fastener
having first and second shaft portions configured as shown in Figs. 10 and 11.
Moreover, while this invention has been described as having a preferred
design,
the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of
this
disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations,
uses, or
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adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is
intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within
known or
customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall
within the
limits of the appended claims.
For example, with regard to the mounting fasteners 73, 173 and 273 of Figs. 6
through 14, it is noted that the first member (e.g. first member 74) need not
have a
plurality of legs extending from the head portion. Those of ordinary skill in
the art may
readily devise an implementation in which the first member (e.g. first member
74) only
includes a single leg. In such an embodiment, the base (e.g. base 14, 77) may
include a
rigid structure that is disposed opposite the single leg when the single leg
is inserted
through the openings 87, 89. As such, the rigid structure would urge the first
shaft
portion (e.g. first shaft portion 86) against the single leg when the second
member (e.g.
second member 82) is in the first position, thereby causing the single leg to
deform
outward such that the single leg and first shaft portion would not fit through
the openings
87, 89. Accordingly, while it is preferable to employ a first member having a
plurality of
legs, the present invention includes embodiments in which the first member has
a set of
one or mope legs.
It will also be appreciated that the above disclosure shows several inventions
which in combination provide substantial advantages over the prior art meters.
However,
it will be noted that significant advantages may be obtained by incorporation
of any of the
inventions apart from the others. For example, the extraction handle
inventions have
advantages that do not require the security arrangement or mounting fastener
inventions
described herein. Likewise, the security arrangement inventions have
advantages that do
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not require the mounting fastener or extraction handle inventions described
herein. Such
arrangements would employ more conventional mounting fasteners. Finally, the
mounting fastener inventions have advantages that do not require the
extraction handle or
security arrangements described herein.
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