Abstract:
A cover for residential outdoor utility boxes provides unfettered access, ventilation, and improved aesthetics. The cover provides a cloth material and includes (1) a semi-rigid rectangular top that corresponds to the top portion of the outdoor utility box, (2) at least one side attached to the top at a rigid seam to form a rectangular opening, (3) an adjoining strip descending from the top, and having length less than the side, which is attached along both edges of the strip, (4) a fastener opening formed between non-adjoining edges of the side beyond the length of the adjoining strip, and (5) a fastener affixed to each non-adjoining edge of the side for securing the cover in place, whereby the fastener opening and the adjoining strip combine to enlarge a portion of the rectangular opening for extending the cover over and removing the cover from the outdoor utility box.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    This invention relates to covers for residential utility boxes, sometimes known as secondary service pedestals. 
         [0002]    Residential utility boxes are used for homes that include underground utilities such as telecommunication cables and other wiring provided by municipalities and corporations to supply phone, internet, television, and other services to homes. A common thread among these type services is the delivery of data via electronic means. 
         [0003]    Underground utility boxes vary in size and are also unsightly and usually located inconveniently in consideration of the aesthetics of the home. Residents utilize a number of methods for hiding or camouflaging the often ubiquitous box. Such methods include landscaping or building covers to install over the utility boxes. The downside of these solutions is that the entity that owns the utility box requires easy, unfettered access to the boxes to perform routine maintenance and repair. The existing solutions, whether landscaping, resident-built covers, or other covers presently available on the market are often costly and frequently prevent the required access. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    This invention pertains to residential utility boxes. More particularly, this invention pertains to a cover for residential utility boxes that provides easy access, ventilation, and improved aesthetics. 
         [0005]    A cover for outdoor utility boxes is provided, and includes a cloth material adapted to enclose an outdoor utility box, the cloth material further including a rectangular top that corresponds to a top portion of the outdoor utility box, the top being semi-rigid, at least one side attached to the rectangular top at a rigid seam along each edge of the rectangular top, the at least one side descending therefrom toward a flexible material at an end of the at least one side to form a rectangular opening corresponding to the rectangular top, the at least one side also including an adjoining strip descending from one edge of the rectangular top, the adjoining strip having a length less than that of the at least one side, so that the at least one side attaches along both edges of the adjoining strip along its length, a fastener opening distal from the rectangular top, the fastener opening formed between non-adjoining edges of the at least one side that extend beyond the length of the adjoining strip, and a fastener affixed to the each non-adjoining edge of the at least one side for securing the cover in place over the outdoor utility box, whereby the fastener opening and the adjoining strip combine to provide flexibility sufficient to enlarge a portion of the rectangular opening for extending the cover over and removing the cover from the outdoor utility box. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the cloth material is canvas. In another embodiment, the cloth material has a density sufficient to retain a rectangular shape along the rectangular opening. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the side includes a plurality of ventilation slits for providing air flow within the cover. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the cover fits snugly to the outdoor utility box. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the cover is washable. 
         [0010]    In various embodiments, the fastener is one of a hook and loop, a snap, a string extending through an opening in the flexible material around the end of the at least one side, a rope extending through an opening in the flexible material around the end of the at least one side, and a cord extending through an opening in the flexible material around the end of the at least one side. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the rectangular top is also a square top and the rectangular opening is a square opening. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a cover for outdoor utility boxes includes a cloth material adapted to enclose an outdoor utility box, and the cloth material further includes a cylindrical top that corresponds to a top portion of the outdoor utility box, the top being semi-rigid, at least one side attached to the cylindrical top at a rigid seam along each edge of the cylindrical top, the at least one side descending therefrom toward a flexible material at an end of the at least one side to form a cylindrical opening corresponding to the cylindrical top, the at least one side also including an adjoining strip descending from one edge of the cylindrical top, the adjoining strip having a length less than that of the at least one side, so that the at least one side attaches along both edges of the adjoining strip along its length, a fastener opening distal from the cylindrical top, the fastener opening formed between non-adjoining edges of the at least one side that extend beyond the length of the adjoining strip, and a fastener affixed to the each non-adjoining edge of the at least one side for securing the cover in place over the outdoor utility box, whereby the fastener opening and the adjoining strip combine to provide flexibility sufficient to enlarge a portion of the cylindrical opening for extending the cover over and removing the cover from the outdoor utility box. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the cloth material is canvas and has a density sufficient to retain a cylindrical shape along the cylindrical opening. 
         [0014]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The above-mentioned features will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description read together with the drawings in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an unsightly residential utility box; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side view illustrating a utility box cover installed over an underground residential utility box; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3 -A is a perspective view illustrating a residential utility box cover with an open fastener; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3 -B is a perspective view of a residential utility box cover with the fastener sealed; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3 -C is a perspective view of a residential utility box cover without air slits; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3 -D is a front view of a residential utility box cover with a hook and loop fastener; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3 -E is a front view of a residential utility box cover with a drawstring fastener; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3 -F is a front view of the utility box cover with a zipper extending to the fastener opening; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3 -G is a front view of the utility box cover with zipper extending the entire length; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3 -H is a front view of a residential utility box cover with the fastener closed; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3 -I is a rear view of a residential utility box cover; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a residential utility box cover; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a residential utility box cover with a hook and loop fastener; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of a residential utility box cover with a drawstring fastener; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7 -A is a perspective view of an alternative residential utility box cover that is cylindrical; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7 -B is a perspective view of the alternative residential utility box cover of  FIG. 7 -A with a closed fastener; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7 -C is a perspective view of the alternative residential utility box cover of  FIG. 7 -A without air slits; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8 -A is a perspective view of another alternative residential utility box cover that is rectangular; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8 -B is a perspective view of the alternative residential utility box cover of  FIG. 8 -A with a closed fastener; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8 -C is a perspective view of the alternative residential utility box cover of  FIG. 8 -A without air slits; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a residential utility box cover bearing an address imprint; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a cylindrical residential utility box cover bearing an insignia of a team logo. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    A cover for residential utility boxes provides unfettered access, ventilation, and improved aesthetics. The utility box cover provides for covering a residential utility box according to the tastes of the homeowner, while also providing for access to the utility box without interfering with its functionality. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary and generally unsightly residential utility box  10 . Residential utility boxes  10  are used for homes that include underground utilities such as telecommunication cables and other wiring provided by municipalities and corporations to supply phone, internet, television, and other services to homes. A common thread among these type services is the delivery of data via electronic means. 
         [0040]    Underground residential utility boxes  10  vary in size and are also unsightly and usually located inconveniently to the aesthetics of the home. Residents utilize a number of methods for hiding or camouflaging the often ubiquitous box. Such methods include landscaping or building covers to install over the utility boxes. The downside of these solutions is that the entity that owns the utility box requires easy, unfettered access to the boxes to perform routine maintenance and repair. The existing solutions, whether landscaping, resident-built covers, or other covers presently available on the market are often costly and frequently prevent the required access. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a side view illustrating a utility box cover  100  installed over an underground residential utility box  10 . The utility box cover  100  is both decorative and functional. The utility box cover  100  provides for covering the residential utility box  10  according to the tastes of the homeowner. Requirements for covering utility boxes  10  vary, but generally include unfettered access to the utility box, while not interfering with the functionality that it provides. The utility box cover  100  provides for easy installation while complying with access requirements. Specifically, the utility box cover  100  may include designs as varied as sports logos related to various college, professional, high school, or even little league, as well as seasonal or holiday designs, camouflage, nature, single color, or any other suitable design according to the aesthetic preferences of the resident. The utility box cover  100  is also washable and relatively inexpensive when compared with landscaping or other presently available solutions. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3 -A is a perspective view illustrating a residential utility box cover  100 . The utility box cover  100  includes a top  110 , sides  120 , an adjoining strip  130 , a fastener  140 , and ventilation slits  150 . In one embodiment, the top  110  is substantially square and provides a generally firm or semi-rigid structure to the utility box cover  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the top  110  is at least 6.5 inches on each edge. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the top  110  may have edges of any length, to form a square, rectangular, or other shape, so that the top  110  is suitable for a particular utility box  10  in accordance with its specific dimensions. 
         [0043]    The four sides  120  are generally flexible and descend or hang loosely from a rigid seam  112  around the edges of the top  110 . In various embodiments, the sides  120  are made from a fabric or cloth, canvas, or other durable outdoor type material. It will be readily appreciated that any material that provides similar functionality may also be used. In one embodiment, the top  110  and sides  120  are made from a material that is machine or hand washable to provide long life and a consistent and/or predictable appearance over time. 
         [0044]    The sides  120  extend substantially the length of a typical residential underground utility box  10 . In one embodiment, the sides are at least 36 inches long. Typical utility boxes  10  are often 36 inches or more in length. It should be understood that since utility boxes vary in size, the sides  120  of the utility box cover  100  can be any length that is suitable for extending from the top  110  of the utility box cover  100  to cover a particular utility box  10 . 
         [0045]    In the illustrated embodiment, the sides  120  are made from a single material that includes an adjoining strip  130  that extends distally from one edge or rigid seam  112  of the top  110  and toward the bottom of the utility box cover  100 . In one embodiment, the adjoining strip  130  is a seam to which opposite edges of the single material attach. In effect, the sides  120  descend or hang from the top  110  to wrap around or enclose a utility box  10 . 
         [0046]    In another embodiment, the adjoining strip  130  is or includes a flexible strip along a part or all of its length. In one such embodiment, the adjoining strip  130  is an elastic or elasticized material that provides flexibility to the sides  120  or body while installing or removing the utility box cover  100 . The increased flexibility prevents the utility box cover  100  from bunching up while installing over a utility box  10 . Likewise, the increased flexibility provides for better maneuverability when removing the utility box cover  100 , so that the sides  120  will more easily slide off the utility box  10 . 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, the adjoining strip  130  is a reflective material. A reflective material provides for increased visibility of the utility box cover  100  at a strategic point and also provides a safety feature against accidental contact with the covered utility box by individuals or vehicles. 
         [0048]    In another embodiment, the adjoining strip  130  includes a reflective element that is incorporated into the adjoining strip  130 . In another embodiment, reflective characteristics are incorporated into the sides  120  and/or edges of the utility box cover  100 . Such reflective characteristics may include additional reflective strips, reflective logos or design elements in or attached to the sides  120 , or even reflective fabric, cloth, or canvas materials from which the top  110 , sides  120 , or seams are formed. 
         [0049]    In another embodiment, the adjoining strip  130  includes a fastener such as a zipper  132  along at least a part of its length toward the bottom edge  122 . In one embodiment, the zipper  132  extends to the fastener opening  140 . In another embodiment, the zipper  132  extends to the bottom edge  122  of the utility box cover  100 . 
         [0050]    The utility box cover  100  includes a fastener opening  140  at the bottom of one side  120 . The fastener opening  140  extends from the strip  130  to the bottom edge  122  of the utility box cover  100 . The bottom edge  122  is a flexible material that forms a seam at the end of the sides  120  distal from the top  110 . 
         [0051]    The fastener opening  140  is of sufficient length to provide increased flexibility of the sides  120  for installation or removal of the utility box cover  100 . In various embodiments, the fastener opening  140  utilizes a hook and loop, a drawstring, a snap, or any other such fastener mechanism for securing the adjoining sides  120  of the utility box cover  100 . Together the fastener opening  140  and the bottom edge  122  provide flexibility so that the bottom portion of the utility box cover  100  opens up to provide more maneuverability for sliding on and off of a utility box  10 . 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 3 -A the fastener opening  140  is shown in an open configuration, while  FIG. 3 -B is a perspective view of the utility box cover  100  with the fasteners sealed or fastened so that the fastener opening  140  is closed and the utility box cover  100  is securely fastened around a utility box  10 . 
         [0053]    The utility box cover  100  includes slits  150  for ventilation of the underground utility box  10 . Many utility boxes  10  include various amounts of electronics so that enclosing the utility box  10  underneath or within a cloth, canvas, or other durable outdoor type material may limit the capability to dissipate the heat that is generated. For this reason, any covering that is placed over or that encloses the utility box must account for release of generated heat. For those utility boxes that generate additional heat, the utility box cover provides an outlet for the heat via ventilation slits  150  that provide openings for the heat to escape. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 -A and the remaining figures showing the sides  120  of the utility box cover  100 , the sides  120  have ventilation slits  150  cut in various locations. Only a single ventilation slit  150  is enumerated, but as is evident in the drawings, there are many ventilation slits  150  cut into the sides  120  of the utility box cover  100 . The actual number of ventilation slits  150  will, of course, vary according to the desired amount of air flow or ventilation desired for particular types and sizes of utility boxes  10 . It is envisioned, if necessary, that particular utility box covers  100  be pre-approved by the respective municipality or corporation for certain types of utility boxes. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that any number of ventilation slits  150  may be provided in the sides  120  of a particular utility box cover  100 . 
         [0054]    In another embodiment, the utility box cover  100  provides an access opening  124  for viewing an identifier label. It will be appreciated that the identifier label may take many forms including a Quick Response Code (QR Code) or other type barcodes. Residential utility boxes may also include radio frequency identifiers (RFID) that may or may not require an access opening  124  for use. Those of skill in the art will also readily appreciate that the access opening  124  may also provide visibility for a warning label. 
         [0055]      FIG. 3 -C is a perspective view of the utility box cover  100  without ventilation slits  150 . It should be readily appreciated that some types of utility boxes may not require that a utility box cover  100  provide additional ventilation. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3 -D is a front view of the utility box cover  100  with a hook and loop fastener  142   a,    142   b.  In the illustrated embodiment, the hook and loop fasteners  142   a,    142   b  respectively extend along the fastener opening  140  from the bottom edge  122  toward the strip  130 . In another embodiment, the hook and loop fastener  142   a,    142   b  may cover only a portion of the length of the fastener opening  140 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 3 -E is a front view of a utility box cover  100  with a drawstring fastener  144   a,    144   b.  In the illustrated embodiment, the drawstrings  144   a,    144   b  extend through an opening around the bottom edge  122  of the utility box cover  100 . While the illustrated embodiment portrays a drawstring, it should be readily apparent that any type of rope, string, cord, or similar such material can be used to secure the bottom of the utility box cover  100 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 3 -F is a front view of the utility box cover  100  with a zipper  132  extending to the fastener opening  140 . The fastener opening  140  is secured by hook and loop fasteners, drawstring, or any other type fastener as disclosed above.  FIG. 3 -G is a front view where the zipper  132  extends the entire length of the adjoining strip  130 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 3 -H is a front view of a utility box cover  100  with the fastener opening  140  closed and  FIG. 3 -I is a rear view of the utility box cover  100 . In the illustrated embodiments, the utility box cover  100  is securely fastened around a utility box  10 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the utility box cover  100 . In the illustrated configuration, the top  110  is substantially square and provides a generally firm or semi-rigid structure to the utility box cover  100 . The top  110  is bounded on each edge by a rigid seam  112  from which the sides  120  descend toward the bottom of the utility box cover  100 . The generally firm or semi-rigid structure of the top  110  provides support for the sides  120  at each each edge of the top  110 . As noted above, the top  110  is of sufficient length at each edge to provide for enclosing a particular or specified utility box. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the particular length and dimensions of the top  110  may be specified to fit any one of various sized utility boxes  10 , so that a utility box cover  100  may be made for any one of many available utility boxes  10 . As such, the top  110  of a particular utility box cover  100  may have edges of any length, to form a square, rectangular, or any other shape, according to the specific dimensions of a particular utility box. 
         [0061]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the utility box cover  100  with a hook and loop fastener  142   a,    142   b,  and  FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the utility box cover  100  with a drawstring fastener  144   a,    144   b.  The hook and loop fastener  142   a,    142   b  discussed above is illustrated more clearly in  FIG. 5 . It should be appreciated that either flap that makes up the fastener opening  140  may include either the hook portion or the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener  142   a,    142   b.  Just as many types of fasteners may be utilized to provide the functionality for opening and closing the fastener opening  140 , the particular multi-part fasteners may be secured to either of respective flaps that make up the fastener opening  140 . 
         [0062]    Similarly, the drawstring  144   a,    144   b  of  FIG. 6 , or any such similar string, rope, cord, and such like, may be configured in any suitable manner for securing the fastener opening  140 , and thus securing the utility box cover  100  to a utility box  10 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 7 -A is a perspective view of an alternative utility box cover  100 ′ that is elliptical along its length. In the illustrated embodiment, the alternative utility box cover  100 ′ includes a top  110 ′, a cylindrical side  120 ′, an adjoining strip  130 ′, a fastener  140 ′, and ventilation slits  150 ′. In one embodiment, the top  110 ′ is substantially circular and provides a generally firm or semi-rigid structure to the utility box cover  100 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the top  110 ′ has at least 8.5 inches diameter. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that a top  110 ′ may have any suitable elliptical shape to accommodate a particular utility box  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the elliptical shaped top and sides are also cylindrical or circular in shape and the remaining discussion of  FIG. 7 -A describes the elliptical shape as cylindrical. 
         [0064]    The cylindrical side  120 ′ is generally flexible and descends or hangs loosely from a rigid seam  112  around the circumference of the top  110 ′. In various embodiments, the sides  120 ′ are made from a cloth, canvas, or other durable outdoor type material. It will be readily appreciated that any material that provides similar functionality may also be used. In one embodiment, the top  110 ′ and sides  120 ′ are made from a material that is machine or hand washable to provide long life and a consistent appearance over time. 
         [0065]    The cylindrical side  120 ′ extends substantially the length of a typical residential underground utility box. In one embodiment, the cylindrical side is at least 36 inches long. Typical utility boxes are often 36 inches or more in length. It should be understood that since utility boxes vary in size, the cylindrical side  120 ′ of the utility box cover  100 ′ can be any length that is suitable for extending from the top  110 ′ of the utility box cover  100  to cover a particular utility box. 
         [0066]    In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical side  120 ′ is made from a single material that encircles a utility box and joins at an adjoining strip  130 ′ that extends distally from the rigid seam  112 ′ around the circumference of the top  110 ′ and toward the bottom of the utility box cover  100 ′. In effect, the cylindrical side  120 ′ descends or hangs from the top  110 ′ to encircle or enclose a utility box. 
         [0067]    In one embodiment, the adjoining strip  130 ′ is an elastic or elasticized material that provides flexibility to the cylindrical side  120 ′ or body while installing or removing the utility box cover  100 ′. The increased flexibility prevents the utility box cover  100 ′ from bunching up while installing over a utility box. Likewise, the increased flexibility provides for better maneuverability when removing the utility box cover  100 ′, so that the cylindrical side  120 ′ more easily slides off the utility box. 
         [0068]    The utility box cover  100 ′ includes a fastener opening  140 ′ at the bottom of the cylindrical side  120 ′. The fastener opening  140 ′ extends from the strip  130 ′ to the bottom edge  122 ′ of the utility box cover  100 ′. The bottom edge  122 ′ is a flexible material that forms a seam at the end of the cylindrical side  120 ′ distal from the top  110 ′. 
         [0069]    The fastener opening  140 ′ is of sufficient length to provide increased flexibility of the side  120 ′ for installation or removal of the utility box cover  100 ′. In various embodiments, the fastener opening  140 ′ utilizes a hook and loop, a drawstring, a snap, or any other such fastener mechanism for securing the adjoining side  120 ′ of the utility box cover  100 ′. Together the fastener opening  140 ′ and the bottom edge  122 ′ provide flexibility so that the bottom portion of the utility box cover  100 ′ opens up to provide more maneuverability for sliding on and off of a utility box. 
         [0070]      FIG. 7 -B is a perspective view of the cylindrical utility box cover  100 ′ of  FIG. 7 -A with the fastener opening  140  in a closed configuration so that the alternative utility box cover  100 ′ is securely fastened around a cylindrical utility box. 
         [0071]    The alternate utility box cover  100 ′ includes ventilation slits  150 ′ for ventilation of the underground utility box. Many utility boxes include various amounts of electronics so that enclosing the utility box underneath or within a cloth, canvas, or other durable outdoor type material may limit its ability to dissipate the heat that is generated. For this reason, any covering that is placed over or that encloses the utility box must account for release of generated heat. For those utility boxes that generate additional heat, the utility box cover  100 ′ provides an outlet for the heat via ventilation slits  150 ′ that provide an opening for heat to escape. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 -A and  FIG. 7 -B the cylindrical side  120 ′ has ventilation slits cut in various locations. Only a single ventilation slit  150 ′ is enumerated, but as is evident in the drawings, there are many ventilation slits  150 ′ cut into the cylindrical side  120 ′ of the utility box cover  100 ′. The actual amount of ventilation slits  150 ′ will, of course, vary according to the desired amount of air flow or ventilation desired for particular types of utility boxes. It is envisioned, if necessary, that a particular utility box cover  100 ′ be pre-approved by the municipality or corporation for certain types of utility boxes. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that any number of ventilation slits  150 ′ may be provided in the cylindrical side  120 ′ of a particular utility box cover  100 ′. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7 -C is a perspective view of the alternate utility box cover  100 ′ without ventilation slits  150 . It should be readily appreciated that some types of utility boxes may not require that a utility box cover  100 ′ provide additional ventilation. 
         [0073]      FIG. 8 -A is a perspective view illustrating another alternate residential utility box cover  100 ″ that is rectangular in shape. The alternate utility box cover  100 ″ includes a top  110 ″, sides  120 , an adjoining strip  130 ″, a fastener  140 ″, and ventilation slits  150 ″. In one embodiment, the top  110 ″ is rectangular and provides a generally firm or semi-rigid structure to the alternate utility box cover  100 ″. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the top  110 ″ may have edges of any length, to form a square, rectangular, or other shape, so that the top  110 ″ is suitable for a particular utility box  10  in accordance with its specific dimensions. 
         [0074]    The four sides  120 ″ are generally flexible and descend or hang loosely from a rigid seam  112 ″ around the edges of the top  110 ″. In various embodiments, the sides  120 ″ are made from a cloth, canvas, or other durable outdoor type material. It will be readily appreciated that any material that provides similar functionality may also be used. In one embodiment, the top  110 ″ and sides  120 ″ are made from a material that is machine or hand washable to provide long life and a consistent and/or predictable appearance over time. 
         [0075]    The sides  120 ″ extend substantially the length of a typical residential underground utility box  10 . It should be understood that since utility boxes vary in size, the sides  120 ″ of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″ can be any length that is suitable for extending from the top  110 ″ of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″ to cover a particular utility box  10 . 
         [0076]    In the illustrated embodiment, the sides  120 ″ are made from a single material that includes an adjoining strip  130 ″ that extends distally from one edge or rigid seam  112 ″ of the top  110 ″ and toward the bottom of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″. In effect, the sides  120 ″ descend or hang from the top  110 ″ to wrap around or enclose a utility box  10 . 
         [0077]    In one embodiment, the adjoining strip  130 ″ is an elastic or elasticized material that provides flexibility to the sides  120 ″ or body while installing or removing the alternate utility box cover  100 ″. The increased flexibility prevents the utility box cover  100 ″ from bunching up while installing over a utility box  10 . Likewise, the increased flexibility provides for better maneuverability when removing the alternate utility box cover  100 , so that the sides  120 ″ will more easily slide off the utility box  10 . 
         [0078]    The alternate utility box cover  100 ″ includes a fastener opening  140 ″ at the bottom of one side  120 ″. The fastener opening  140 ″ extends from the strip  130 ″ to the bottom edge  122 ″ of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″. The bottom edge  122 ″ is a flexible material that forms a seam at the end of the sides  120 ″ distal from the top  110 ″. 
         [0079]    The fastener opening  140 ″ is of sufficient length to provide increased flexibility of the sides  120 ″ for installation or removal of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″. In various embodiments, the fastener opening  140 ″ utilizes a hook and loop, a drawstring, a snap, or any other such fastener mechanism for securing the adjoining sides  120 ″ of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″. Together the fastener opening  140 ″ and the bottom edge  122 ″ provide flexibility so that the bottom portion of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″ opens up to provide more maneuverability for sliding on and off of a utility box  10 . 
         [0080]    In  FIG. 8 -A the fastener opening  140 ″ is shown in an open configuration, while  FIG. 8 -B is a perspective view of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″ with the fasteners sealed or fastened so that the fastener opening  140 ″ is closed and the alternate utility box cover  100 ″ is securely fastened around a utility box  10 . 
         [0081]    The alternate utility box cover  100 ″ includes slits  150 ″ for ventilation of the underground utility box  10 . Many utility boxes  10  include various amounts of electronics so that enclosing the utility box  10  underneath or within a cloth, canvas, or other durable outdoor type material may limit the capability to dissipate the heat that is generated. For this reason, any covering that is placed over or that encloses the utility box must account for release of generated heat. For those utility boxes that generate additional heat, the utility box cover provides an outlet for the heat via ventilation slits  150 ″ that provide openings for the heat to escape. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 -A and the remaining figures showing the sides  120 ″ of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″, the sides  120 ″ have ventilation slits  150 ″ cut in various locations. Only a single ventilation slit  150 ″ is enumerated, but as is evident in the drawings, there are many ventilation slits  150 ″ cut into the sides  120 ″ of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″. The actual number of ventilation slits  150 ″ will, of course, vary according to the desired amount of air flow or ventilation desired for particular types and sizes of utility boxes  10 . It is envisioned, if necessary, that particular alternate utility box covers  100 ″ be pre-approved by the respective municipality or corporation for certain types of utility boxes. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that any number of ventilation slits  150 ″ may be provided in the sides  120 ″ of a particular utility box cover  100 ″. 
         [0082]    In another embodiment, the alternate utility box cover  100 ″ provides an access opening  124 ″ for viewing an identifier label. It will be appreciated that the identifier label may take many forms including a Quick Response Code (QR Code) or other type barcodes. Residential utility boxes may also include radio frequency identifiers (RFID) that may or may not require an access opening  124 ″ for use. Those of skill in the art will also readily appreciate that the access opening  124 ″ may also provide visibility for a warning label. 
         [0083]      FIG. 8 -C is a perspective view of the alternate utility box cover  100 ″ without ventilation slits  150 ″. It should be readily appreciated that some types of utility boxes may not require that an alternate utility box cover  100 ″ provide additional ventilation. 
         [0084]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a utility box cover  100  bearing an address imprint. As noted above, it is envisioned that a utility box cover  100  be imprinted with a design according to the aesthetic desires of the resident. The illustrated embodiment of the utility box cover  100  includes an address imprint  160  on the side. Of course, multiple address imprints  160  (not shown) may be included. In one embodiment, the utility box cover  100  includes an address imprint  160  on opposing sides. 
         [0085]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a cylindrical utility box cover  100 ′ bearing a team logo insignia  162 . In the illustrated embodiment, multiple insignias  162  appear on the cylindrical side  120 ′ of the cylindrical utility box cover  100 ′. It will be readily understood that the relative size and locations of multiple insignias  162  may vary according the specifics of a particular utility box cover  100 ′. 
         [0086]    Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the varying embodiments of the utility box cover  100  may include designs as varied as sports logos related to various college, professional, high school, or even little league, as well as seasonal or holiday designs, camouflage, nature, single color, or any other suitable design according to the aesthetic preferences of the resident. 
         [0087]    From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a cover for outdoor utility boxes has been provided, that includes a cloth material with a semi-rigid top and a side that descends toward a flexible material at the bottom to form a corresponding opening, and including an adjoining strip extending toward a fastener opening near the bottom of the cover to provide flexibility sufficient to enlarge a portion of the opening for extending the cover over and removing the cover from the outdoor utility box. 
         [0088]    While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.