Abstract:
A locking mechanism includes a bracket configured for mounting on a wall of a securable box and receiving a lock body to selectively secure a cover to the securable box preventing access to an interior of the box. The mechanism further includes a blade that is movable relative to the bracket between a locked position and an unlocked position to secure or remove the blade and bracket to or from a securable box wall respectively. The blade and bracket can be secured to and removed from the securable box without an operator&#39;s hand extending into the interior of the box.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is related to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/887,525, filed on Oct. 7, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally locking mechanisms, and more particularly to a locking mechanism for securing a meter box via a device mounted on a surface of the meter box. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Utility boxes, such as electric meter boxes, are typically secured to prevent unauthorized access to the meter. Some boxes feature an electric meter that is secured via the use of a ring style locking device. Other utility boxes, referred to as “ringless” boxes, do not include a lockable meter ring. Ringless boxes are secured by placing a lock on either a top, side wall or a bottom wall of the box. 
         [0004]    Many known locking mechanisms for ringless-boxes present potential installation and removal difficulties. For example, known mechanisms are often relatively complex and often require a degree of dexterity that may be challenging for some utility workers, particularly those with reduced or impaired grasping ability. Other mechanisms may require a utility worker to reach into or move toward the interior of a live meter box to remove or install the lock. 
         [0005]    With the foregoing concerns in mind, it is the general object of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for a ringless meter box that provides an improved ease of installation while effectively protecting a meter from unauthorized access. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In an embodiment, a locking mechanism includes a bracket configured for mounting on a wall of a securable box and receiving a lock body to selectively secure a cover to the securable box preventing access to an interior of the box. The mechanism further includes a blade that is movable relative to the bracket between a locked position and an unlocked position to secure or remove the blade and bracket to or from a securable box wall respectively. The blade and bracket can be secured to and removed from the securable box without an operator&#39;s hand extending into the interior of the box. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, a lock assembly includes a lock, a lock body configured to receive the lock, a bracket configured for mounting on a wall of a securable box and receiving the lock body and lock to selectively secure a cover to the securable box preventing access to an interior of the box. The assembly further includes a blade that is movable relative to the bracket between a locked position and an unlocked position to secure or remove the blade and bracket to or from a securable box wall respectively and a pin that is secured to the blade and travels in a slot in the bracket to move the blade between the locked and unlocked positions. The blade and bracket can be secured to and removed from the securable box without an operator&#39;s hand extending into the interior of the box. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a method of preventing access to an interior of a securable box includes placing a bracket on a wall of a securable box, moving a blade located relative to the bracket into a locked position to secure the blade and bracket to the securable box wall and placing a cover on the securable box. The method further includes securing a lock body onto the bracket. The method of preventing access does not require an operator to reach into the interior of the securable box. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, a method of removing a lock assembly from a securable box includes removing a lock body from a bracket that is secured to a wall of a securable box and then removing a cover from the securable box. The method further includes moving a blade located relative to the bracket into an unlocked position to remove blade and bracket to the box wall. The method of removing the lock assembly does not require an operator to reach into the interior of the box. 
         [0010]    In yet another embodiment, a locking mechanism includes a bracket configured for mounting on a surface of a securable box and configured to receive a lock body to secure the box, and a blade that is movable in conjunction with the bracket. The blade can be moved between a secured position, in which the bracket and blade are secured to the box, and an unsecured position, in which the bracket and blade may be removed from the surface through the use of an industry standard barrel lock or similarly shaped object. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  mounted on a bottom wall of a meter box. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is another front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  mounted on a bottom wall of a meter box. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a cutaway side view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 1  secured to a meter box. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bracket from the locking mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insert from the locking mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of one embodiment of a pin from the locking mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spring from the locking mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cup from the locking mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cap from the locking mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 1  mounted on a top surface of a meter box. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the mounting configuration of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a meter box having one embodiment of the locking mechanisms of  FIG. 1  mounted on top and bottom meter box surfaces. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0024]    Reference will be made below in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals used throughout the drawings refer to the same or like components. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “generally,” and “about” indicate conditions within reasonably achievable manufacturing/assembly tolerances and test measurements. While an embodiment of the inventive locking mechanism is described as for use in securing electric utility boxes, meter boxes or similarly constructed boxes, which are referred to herein as “securable boxes,” embodiments may be configured for securing other types of structures. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may be mounted on various surfaces of a securable box or like structure including top, side and bottom surfaces of differently constructed structures. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the inventive locking mechanism  10  includes a bracket  20 , an insert/blade  30 , a pin  40 , a cup  50 , a spring  60  and a cap  70  that protects the pin from tampering. The locking mechanism  10  further includes a body portion  80  and a barrel lock  90 . 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , installation of the mechanism  10  is performed by removing an outer cover of a securable box (not shown), placing the lock mechanism  10  onto the bottom edge  94  of the securable box and moving the insert  30  into the secured position in one smooth motion using, for example, a utility worker&#39;s thumb. More specifically, the locking mechanism  10  has been designed to be functional in securing the locking device onto a securable box with ease, in the case where a utility workers grasping ability may be reduced or smaller than other utility workers. The design of the locking mechanism  10  installation was intended to be a single-handed operation for speed and simplicity. 
         [0027]    One embodiment of the design of the locking mechanism  10  also eliminates the need for a utility worker to reach into a live box to install and remove the locking mechanism  10 . All activating and removal features of the current embodiment of the locking mechanism  10  are facing outward from the securable box. Activating motions are not inward toward the live terminals. Removal of the locking mechanism  10  requires the pin  40  to be retracted outward and slid upward to the upper side of the keyhole slot  130  of the bracket  20 . Once the pin  40  has been placed into that position, the locking device  10  is now able to be removed by pulling the device  10  outward toward the utility worker and away from the interior of the securable box  500  and possible live terminals. 
         [0028]    Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in one embodiment, removal of the locking mechanism  10  is performed with an unactuated (locking balls exposed) industry standard barrel lock  90  by lining up the locking balls  95  with the indicating marks  310  on one embodiment of the pin  40 . Inserting the barrel lock  90  into the pin  40  fully, rotating the barrel lock  90  so that the balls  95  rotate past the ball grooves  300  to engage the locking balls into the ball groove  280 , and pulling the pin  40  outward and lifting upward to the top of the keyhole slot  130  in the bracket  20  in one smooth motion. This action releases the insert  30  from engaging the securable box  92 , allowing the current embodiment of the locking device to be removed. 
         [0029]    In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism may be removed using implements other than an unactuated barrel lock. For example, in some embodiments, removal may be accomplished through the use of a thumbnail or similar tool. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in certain embodiments of the invention, a tamper resistance/security mechanism is included. In such embodiments, tampering attempts are reduced with the protection of the pin  40  from being activated by external means with the use of the cap  70 . The cap  70  is pressed onto the cup  50  enclosing the spring  60  and the pin  40 . The spring  60  urges the cup  50  against the insert  30  when the spring  60  is installed onto the pin. Pulling on the cap  70  results in compression of the spring  60  but not the activation of the pin  40  as the direction of force applied is the same direction used to keep the pin  40  in the locked position. The semi-spherical shape of the cap  70  reduces the ability of crushing the cap  70  to activate the pin  40  from side or rear access points. As will be appreciated, however, other cap shapes may be employed. Additional protection from external attempts of tampering with the locking device is provided by the body  80 , which extends beyond the center of the pin  40  and prevents it from being activated into the releasing position without evidence of tampering. 
         [0031]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 5-10 , the components of an embodiment of the locking mechanism  10  are shown in greater detail. As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the bracket  20  includes ribs  120  that provide the spacing needed for the insert  30  to capture the bottom flange of the electric utility box  92 . The bracket  20  further includes a keyhole slot  130  that retains the pin  40  in the locked position ( FIG. 2 ) and provides an area  140  for the pin  40  to slide into when it&#39;s placed into the unlocked and released position ( FIG. 3 ). The slot  130  also includes a radiused portion  170 , which allows the pin  40  to transition from the unlocked to the locked position smoothly. The locking tab  100  includes a slot  110  to install a secondary sealing device once the body  80  has been installed and secured with an industry standard barrel lock  90 . The bracket  20  locking tab  100  also includes an aperture  105  to accept an industry standard barrel lock  90  when the body  80  is installed onto the locking device  10  once the locking device  10  is installed onto or into a utility box  500 . 
         [0032]    The bracket  20  further includes wing portions  150  that create a substantially C-shaped bracket interior  160 , which works in conjunction with the insert/blade  30  during activation and locking. In particular, the blade  30  is movable relative to the bracket  20 . In one embodiment, the blade  30  is situated within the bracket  20  and is mobile. In other embodiments, specific functions of the components may be reversed and the bracket may be moveable with respect to the blade  30 . The bracket  20  also includes a flange opening  180  that provides an area for a flange of a securable box to rest when the device is installed and in use. The bracket  20  may optionally include a text space  190  which provides an area for the means of product identification. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the insert  30  includes bent side flanges  210  that provide strength to the insert  30  to combat removal. As shown, the insert  30  also features a pin aperture  220 , which receives the pin  40  when in use. 
         [0034]    In certain embodiments, the insert may further include filleted corners  240  which provide a rounded edge so installation utility workers are protected against cuts or abrasions. 
         [0035]    Turning now to  FIG. 7A , this embodiment of the pin  40  features a spring groove  240 , which captures the spring  60  without additional fasteners, securing devices or parts. The spring groove  240  includes a bearing face  250  which is configured to be beyond the center of the spring wire, providing a bearing surface for the spring  60  to grasp onto. At the opposition end of the pin  40 , a head flange  330  having an increased diameter provides a bearing surface for the pin  40  against the bracket  20  once the lock is installed and activated. The head flange  330  has a chamfered surface  360  so that there is no sharp outer edge that could cut a worker during installation. 
         [0036]    The pin has an interior  260  configured to provide ample space for an industry standard barrel lock  90 . The pin  40  further includes an annular ball groove  280  that provides an unlocking means for the device. Ball reliefs  300  transition into the ball groove  280  thereby facilitating the insertion of an industry standard barrel lock  90 . In one embodiment, the pin  40  includes indicating marks  310  that provide a visual means of lining up the locking balls  95  of an industry standard barrel lock  90  into the ball reliefs  300 . 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 7B , the pin  40  includes a through hole  320  that provides a means of draining plating material during the plating process. The pin  40  also has a fillet radius portion  340  that reduces the friction against the bracket  20  upon lock installation and activation. An angled lead-in surface  350  provides a ramp to aid in the installation of the spring  60  during assembly. 
         [0038]    The spring  60  is depicted in  FIG. 8  and includes a first end having a spring diameter  370  configured to slide over the pin  40  for smooth operation. A second spring end having a reduced diameter  380  is designed to have a very secure grasp of the pin  40  in the spring groove  240  and bearing face  250 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the cup  50  includes an aperture  390  having a diameter with clearance for the pin  40 . The cup  50  has an inside diameter  400  that provides sufficient clearance for compression of the spring  60  upon lock storage and removal procedures. The cup outside diameter  410  is tightly controlled to provide an interference press fit with the cap  70 . As will be appreciated, the cup  50  should be sufficiently thick to allow the spring  60  to be compressed enough, even at installation, to prevent rattles that are present in loose assemblies. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the cap  70  has an inside diameter  420  that is tightly controlled to provide an interference press fit with the cup  50 . The semi-spherical end portion  422  of the cap  70  is designed to prevent tampering attempts with tools as no flat face is provided to pry against, crush or penetrate easily. A lead-in portion  430  is provided to aid in the assembly of the cap  70  to the cup  50  by allowing the cap  70  and cup  50  to self-align during assembly. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11-13 , the locking mechanism  10  can be installed in alternate locations on securable boxes. In  FIG. 13 , locking mechanisms  10 ,  12  are shown mounted on top and bottom surfaces of a securable box  500 .  FIG. 12  provides greater detail showing the locking device  10  mounted onto the top of the cover  510 . The device  10  may be installed regardless of whether the cover has a top flange or not. Once the lock mechanism  10  is installed, the cover  510  is installed normally and the body  80  is installed over the locking tab  100  and the barrel lock  90  is pushed into place. The insert  30  secures the locking mechanism  10  onto the cover  510  flange to prevent the top 520 of the securable box from being pried upward to remove the cover from the top edge. 
         [0042]    The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “top,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. 
         [0043]    This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 
         [0044]    As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.