Abstract:
Provided is a meter box, a meter box cover and methods and apparatuses related to meter boxes and meter box covers. The meter box and meter box cover may include features which allow the meter box and meter box cover to be secured to each other and may be manufactured from materials which allow automated reading of a meter positioned within an enclosed meter box using wireless signal transmission methods.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/825,554, filed May 21, 2013 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/792,684, filed Mar. 15, 2013. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The following disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatuses relating to meter boxes and meter box covers. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an improved method of securing meter covers to a meter box and to meter covers made from materials which allow automated reading of the meter using wireless signal transmission methods. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is well known in the art to provide a meter box cover for a utility meter mounted in a recessed container. Water meters are often mounted inside meter boxes which are then buried below ground level. The meter cover provides protection from debris, the weather elements, and unintended access to the meter. It is also known to secure these meter covers by a locking mechanism thus preventing tampering, vandalism, or accidental dislodging of the cover. It also has become more common for meter readers to read utility meters remotely using electronic equipment that can access various wireless data transmission channels. 
         [0004]    Known meter covers are made from cast iron, steel, brass, and bronze. Although these materials are very durable, they are less conductive to wireless signal transmissions. Also these materials tend to be heavy thus making installation and removal of the covers difficult. Moreover, these materials may corrode over time making the cover locking mechanism difficult to use. 
         [0005]    Attempted solutions to the corrosion problem include making the meter covers from concrete-polymer blends. These poly-concrete formulations may avoid corrosion but they also can be prone to cracking. 
         [0006]    One attempted solution to the signal transmission problem was to make the meter covers from plastic formulations. A plastic meter cover may provide better wireless signal transmission properties but meter covers made from some types of plastic can degrade under UV light exposure, crack under pressure, or simply float away in flood conditions. Plastic covers may weigh significantly less than metallic or concrete covers. This reduction in weight can result in the meter cover becoming dislodged or unseated from the meter box in certain situations such as when run over by a vehicle. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a light weight, durable meter cover that can provide improved wireless signal transmission characteristics and also a securement means and method which will enable the cover to be secured to the meter box so that it will not become dislodged or unseated under certain conditions. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    A meter box cover is provided having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sealing surface and a securing mechanism, wherein the sealing surface of the meter box cover is capable of engaging a receiving surface on an open end of a meter box, wherein the meter box cover is manufactured from materials capable of allowing automated reading of a meter positioned within an enclosed meter box using wireless signal transmission methods and wherein the securing mechanism of the meter box cover is capable of engaging a portion of the meter box to secure the meter box cover to the meter box. 
         [0009]    Also provided is a meter box comprising an open end, a bottom end, at least one vertical wall, an exterior, and an interior; at least a first and a second utility line connector positioned on the exterior proximate to the bottom end of the meter box which extend through the wall of the meter box; a meter platform which is designed to engage an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and a utility meter within the interior of the meter box; at least one upper support shelf and at least one lower support shelf within the interior of the meter box capable of engaging and supporting the meter platform in a substantially horizontal position; conduit which runs from the first utility line connector, through the interior of the meter box to the inlet valve; conduit which runs from the inlet valve to the utility meter; conduit which runs from the utility meter to the outlet valve; conduit which runs from the outlet valve through the interior of the meter box to the second utility line connector; and a meter box cover having a top surface, a bottom surface and a sealing surface, wherein the meter box cover is capable of being placed over the open end of the meter box to cover the interior of the meter box, wherein the sealing surface of the meter cover engages a receiving surface on the open end of the meter box and wherein the meter box cover is fabricated from a composite polymer capable of providing radio frequency transparency and comprises a securing mechanism capable of engaging a portion of the meter box to secure the meter box cover to the meter box. 
         [0010]    Also provided is a meter box cover for a meter box wherein the meter box comprises an open end, a bottom end, at least one vertical wall, an exterior, and an interior; at least a first and a second utility line connector positioned on the exterior proximate to the bottom end of the meter box which extends through the wall of the meter box; a meter platform which is designed to engage an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and a utility meter within the interior of the meter box; at least one upper support shelf and at least one lower support shelf within the interior of the meter box capable of engaging and supporting the meter platform in a substantially horizontal position; conduit which runs from the first utility line connector, through the interior of the meter box to the inlet valve; conduit which runs from the inlet valve to the utility meter; conduit which runs from the utility meter to the outlet valve; conduit which runs from the outlet valve through the interior of the meter box to the second utility line connector; and wherein the meter box cover comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and a sealing surface, wherein the meter box cover is capable of being placed over the open end of the meter box to cover the interior of the meter box, wherein the sealing surface of the meter cover engages a receiving surface on the open end of the meter box; wherein the meter box cover comprises a securing mechanism capable of engaging a portion of the meter box to secure the meter box cover to the meter box; wherein the securing mechanism comprises a retaining hook and a worm gear latch located on the bottom surface proximate to the perimeter of the meter box cover and positioned substantially 180 degrees from each other, wherein the retaining hook comprises a securing portion capable of engaging a securing feature on a first upper support shelf and a clearance portion and alignment cutouts allowing the bottom surface of the meter box cover to engage the first upper support shelf and wherein the worm gear latch is capable of engaging a securing feature on a second upper support shelf. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The devices described below may take any physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, exemplary embodiments of which are described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary meter box and meter box cover. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a frontal cross sectional schematic view of the components of an exemplary meter box. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective view of an exemplary meter platform with an inlet and outlet valve shown. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the interior of an exemplary meter box having an upper support shelf and a meter platform resting on lower support shelves. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the top side of an exemplary meter box cover. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bottom surface of an exemplary meter box cover having a spring latch apparatus. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a close-up perspective view of an exemplary spring latch apparatus. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the bottom surface of an exemplary meter box cover having a retaining hook, alignment cutouts and a worm gear latch. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a close-up perspective view of an exemplary retaining hook and alignment cutout. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an alternate close-up perspective view of an exemplary retaining hook and alignment cutout. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a frontal perspective view of the bottom surface of an exemplary meter box cover having a retaining hook, alignment cutouts and a worm gear latch. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective end view of an exemplary bolt and bearing washer. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary bolt and bushing. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary meter box cover having a worm gear latch and a tool to rotate the worm gear. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an exemplary a meter box cover being installed with alignment cutouts “in line” with a meter box upper support shelf 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a user placing a tool on a bolt and demonstrating how an exemplary meter box cover may be secured. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing an exemplary meter box cover not in alignment with an exemplary meter box. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a close up view of an exemplary meter box cover not in alignment with an exemplary meter box. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the interior of an exemplary meter box having an upper support shelf, a securing feature and a meter platform resting on lower support shelves. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is close-up perspective view of an exemplary meter box with an exemplary meter platform placed on lower support shelves. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a close-up perspective view of an exemplary meter box cover having a retainer plate installed inside a box/frame. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a perspective of a view of an exemplary meter box cover having a retainer plate positioned outside of a box/frame. 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a bottom view of an exemplary meter box cover a retainer plate, a worm gear latch and a retainer hook installed inside a box/frame. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is close-up perspective view of a bottom surface of an exemplary meter box cover. 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a close-up perspective view of a bottom surface of an exemplary meter box cover containing an aperture. 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is a bottom view of an exemplary drop-in style oval meter box cover without a locking mechanism. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    Provided is a meter box cover for a meter box. The meter box cover is lightweight, durable, has a high load capacity, is capable of being effectively secured to a meter box and allows for passage of radio transmission signals. 
         [0039]    An associated meter box is also provided having an open end, a bottom end, at least one vertical wall which forms the periphery of the box, an exterior and an interior. The meter box may consist of one continuous vertical wall which forms the periphery of the box or several walls joined together to form the periphery of the box. In certain embodiments, the utility meter box may be in the shape of a cylinder. 
         [0040]    The meter box may have at least two utility line connectors positioned on the exterior of the box which extend through the wall of the meter box to the interior of the meter box. The utility line connectors may be located at any point along the exterior surface of the box. In certain embodiments, the utility line connectors are positioned proximate to the bottom end of the meter box. In certain embodiments, the meter box comprises a first utility line connector which functions as an inlet and a second utility line connector which functions as an outlet. Multiple inlet and outlet utility line connectors may also be incorporated into the meter box. 
         [0041]    The meter box may have a meter platform which is capable of being positioned at any point along the interior of the meter box. In certain embodiments, the meter platform is also moveable at any point within the interior of the meter box. The meter platform, in certain embodiments is designed to engage or hold any one of or a combination of an inlet valve, an outlet, and/or a utility meter. The meter platform may, in certain embodiments, comprise at least two retaining apertures for engaging and holding at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve. In further embodiments, the meter platform may have at least one gripping aperture for moving the meter platform to its desired position within the meter box. In certain embodiments, the meter platform comprises four gripping apertures. The meter platform may be accessible from the open end of the meter box and in certain embodiments, may be positioned within the interior of the meter box so that at least portions of the inlet valve, outlet valve and/or utility meter may rest and/or be accessible from the exterior through the open end of the meter box. 
         [0042]    The meter box may have any number of support shelves within the interior of the box capable of engaging and/or supporting either the meter platform or a meter box cover. The support shelves are capable of holding the meter platform and/or meter box cover in a substantially horizontal position, although other positions are also contemplated. The upper and lower support shelves may generally comprise a support surface and a securing feature formed on the surface opposite the support surface. The support surface and the securing feature may be used to engage and/or secure a meter box cover and/or the meter platform. In certain embodiments, the meter box has at least one upper support shelf and at least one lower support shelf. In further embodiments, the meter box has two upper support shelves and two lower support shelves. In certain embodiments, the meter box comprises a first upper support shelf and a second upper support shelf proximate to the open end of the meter box. These two upper support shelves may be positioned substantially 180 degrees from each other and at substantially the same height from the bottom end of the meter box within the interior of the meter box. In further embodiments, the meter box comprises a first and second lower support shelves positioned below the upper support shelves within the interior of the meter box which are capable of engaging the meter platform in a substantially horizontal position. The two lower support shelves may be positioned substantially 180 degrees from each other and at substantially the same height from the bottom end of the meter box within the interior of the meter box. The upper and lower support shelves may be fixedly attached to the interior wall of the meter box or alternatively, they may be integral with the interior wall of the meter box. In certain embodiments, the upper and/or lower support shelves may comprise brackets which are fixedly attached to the interior wall of the meter box. 
         [0043]    The meter box may include conduit which runs from the utility line connectors through the interior of the meter box to utility valves and a utility meter. In certain embodiments, the meter box includes conduit which runs from a first utility line connector, through the interior of the meter box to an inlet valve, conduit which runs from the inlet valve to the utility meter, conduit which runs from the utility meter to the outlet valve, and conduit which runs from the outlet valve through the interior of the meter box to a second utility line connector. In certain embodiments, the conduit may comprise flexible tubing (e.g., pre-coiled flexible tubing). Such flexible tubing may allow for movement or adjustment of the meter platform which houses the utility meter, inlet valve and outlet valve at various points within the interior of the meter box. 
         [0044]    The meter box cover of the meter box cover can be placed over the open end of the meter box to cover the interior of the meter box and the contents within the interior of the meter box. The meter box cover may have a top surface, a bottom surface and a sealing surface. The bottom surface of the meter box cover may have radial and/or annular ribs. The sealing surface of the meter box cover may have features that engage a receiving surface on the open end of the meter box. In certain embodiments, the meter box cover comprises at least one means of securing or engaging a portion of the meter box to the secure the meter box cover to the meter box. The securing mechanism may include any one of or any combination of a spring latch apparatus, a retaining hook and/or a worm gear latch. For example, the securing mechanism may comprise a spring latch apparatus; a spring latch apparatus and a retaining hook; a spring latch apparatus and a worm gear latch; a retaining hook; a retaining hook and a worm gear latch; or a worm gear latch. The meter box cover may be fabricated from a composite polymer material which allows for wireless signal transmission between a utility meter positioned within a closed meter box underground and a portable reader used above-ground. The ability of the composite polymer meter box cover to allow radio waves to pass through is known as radio frequency transparency. Thus, the utility meter may be read by wireless signal transmissions received by the portable reader without having to open the meter cover. The meter box cover may also include a counterbore within its center portion. In certain embodiments, this counterbore may be used for recessed installation of an antenna which allows for Automatic Meter Reading (i.e., AMR signal propagation through wireless signal transmission) between the utility meter and a portable reader. Alternatively, the bottom surface of the meter box cover may comprise at least one post to permit attachment of an Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERT) mounting bracket. ERT is a packet radio protocol for automatic meter reading. In further embodiments, the bottom surface of the meter box cover has three posts to permit attachment of an ERT mounting bracket. In certain embodiments, the posts may be molded into the lid with threaded inserts that may be fabricated from any metal known to those of skill in the art (e.g., a brass insert) into which a screw (e.g., a stainless screw) may be threaded. The mounting bracket may be manufactured from any polymer material and may be sized to fit a radio transmitter. 
         [0045]    The meter box cover may be lightweight, having a weight of less than about 60 lbs in certain embodiments, a weight of less than 50 lbs in other embodiments, and a weight of less than 45 lbs in further embodiments. In certain embodiments, the polymer composite meter covers may have a load rating of at least 20,000 lbs, in certain embodiments, may have a load rating of 25,000 lbs and in further embodiments may have a load rating of at least 40,000 lbs capable of supporting traffic loads. 
         [0046]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components. It is known to locate utility meters, such as water meters, below ground level below the frost line. This practice is particularly true in cold weather areas as it reduces possible damage to pipelines or equipment due to thawing and freezing. Such a below ground installation may be accomplished by mounting the meter in an enclosure termed a meter box. The meter box may be buried in the ground with its top surface at approximately ground level.  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  show an exemplary meter box  10 . The meter box  10  may be sealed at its open end by a meter box cover  50  as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-11  and  14 - 18 . The meter box  10  and corresponding meter box cover  50  may be of any size and shape. In certain embodiments, the meter box  10  is in the shape of a cylinder and the meter box cover  50  is circular. On its open end, the meter box  10  may have a receiving surface  16  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) sized and shaped to receive the meter box cover  50 . In one installation (shown in  FIG. 2 ), utility pipelines are connected to the meter box near the box&#39;s bottom end using a plurality of utility line connectors  11 . The utility line connectors  11  may extend through the wall of the meter box  10 . An inlet water line may be connected to one end of an individual connector  11  which is accessible from the exterior of the meter box  10 . Pre-coiled, flexible tubing  12  may be connected to the opposite end of the same connector  11  on the interior of the meter box  10 . This same connection procedure may be carried out with an outlet utility line thus allowing fluid to flow through the meter box  10 . Connected between the two distal ends of the flexible tubing  12 , through inlet  14  and outlet valves  15 , may be a utility meter  13  which rests upon a meter platform  20 . The flexible tubing  12  allows the utility meter  13  to be raised and lowered vertically within the interior of the meter box  10  by securing the meter platform  20  to support shelves such as upper support shelves  30  and lower support shelves  40 . Material used to manufacture the meter box  10  may be chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , the utility meter  13  may be mounted on a meter platform  20 . The outside size and shape of the meter platform  20  may be made to fit within the interior of the meter box  10 . A plurality of retaining apertures  21  may exist around the perimeter of the meter platform  20 . These retaining apertures  21  may be sized and located to retain inlet  14  and outlet  15  valves and allow the flexible tubing  12  to connect to the valves. The meter platform  20  may additionally have a plurality of gripping apertures  22  located substantially in the center of the meter platform  20 . These gripping apertures  22  may be sized and located to allow a user to grip and then raise or lower the meter platform  20 . Also illustrated within  FIG. 3  is a retaining surface  16  which is used for receiving and holding the meter box cover  50 .  FIG. 20  illustrates a meter platform  20  placed on lower support shelves  40  (not shown) within the interior of the meter box  10 . In certain embodiments, an insulation pad (not shown) may be placed within the meter box  10  to rest above the meter platform  20  and trap relatively warm air rising from the earth inside the meter box. Material used to manufacture the meter platform  20  may be chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 19 , the interior surface of meter box  10  may contain a plurality of upper support shelves  30 . The support shelves  30  may be vertically located near the open end of the meter box  10 . The upper support shelves  30  may have a support surface  31  facing the open end of the meter box  10 . The support shelves  30  may be sized to allow the meter platform  20  to sit securely on support surface  31 . Additionally, the upper support shelves  30  may have a securing feature  32  formed on the surface opposite the support surface  31 . The securing feature  32  may be sized and shaped to receive a retaining hook  70  and a spring latch apparatus  60  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) or a worm gear latch  80  (shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  11  and  14 ). In one embodiment the upper support shelves  30  may be fixedly attached to the interior wall of meter box  10 . In a second embodiment the upper support shelves  30  may be integrally formed in the interior wall of meter box  10 . Material used to manufacture the upper support shelves  30  may be chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. 
         [0049]    The interior surface of meter box  10  may contain a plurality of lower support shelves  40 . The lower support shelves  40  may be vertically located near the bottom end of the meter box  10 . The lower support shelves  40  may have a support surface  41  facing the open end of the meter box  10 . The lower support shelves  40  may be sized to allow the meter platform  20  to sit securely on support surface  41  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment the lower support shelves  40  may be fixedly attached to the interior wall of meter box  10 . In another embodiment the lower support shelves  40  may be integrally formed in the interior wall of meter box  10 . Material used to manufacture the lower support shelves  40  may be chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , the top surface of the meter box cover  50  is shown. The meter box cover  50  may have indicia on its top surface. The size and shape of the meter box cover  50  may be chosen with sound judgment of a person of skill in the art such that the cover  50  will securely fit on the open end of meter box  10 . Now with reference to  FIG. 6 , the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50  is shown. A sealing surface  51  may be formed on the perimeter surface of meter box cover  50 . Sealing surface  51  may be sized to mate with receiving surface  16  of meter box  10  to allow a secure placement of cover  50  onto meter box  10 . In one embodiment there may be a plurality of radial  52  and annular ribs  53  formed on the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50 . The meter box cover  50  may be made from material that is essentially transparent to the transmission of wireless communication waves (e.g., a composite polymer). Material used to manufacture the meter box cover  50  may be chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , one embodiment of the meter box cover  50  may include a spring latch apparatus  60  located on its bottom surface near its perimeter. The spring latch apparatus  60  may comprise a securing stud  61  located inside stud guides  68  which may be formed within the annular ribs. Positioned over securing stud  61  may be a spring  63  and a loading plate  62 . Spring  63  may be compressed by actuator  64  which is in contact with the loading plate  62 . This is accomplished by the actuator  64  causing the loading  62  to move and compress the spring  63 . Actuator  64  may have an aperture and the meter cover  50  may have an aperture  75  (shown in  FIG. 25 ) into which a bolt  65  (shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) is positioned. Bolt  65  is secured to actuator  64  on one end using bolt retainer  67  and washer  66 . The opposite end of bolt  65  may be of a configuration that allows the user to rotate bolt  65  using an appropriate tool. Non-limiting examples of such configurations include a hexhead, a slotted head, a penta style head, and other tamper proof bolt head configurations. In an alternate embodiment, a bushing  69  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) may be inserted over bolt  65  so as to provide a contacting interface between the actuator  64 , the bolt  65 , and the meter box cover  50 . The spring  63 , loading plate  62  and actuator  64  are positioned so that rotation of the bolt  65  within the actuator  64  can cause the loading plate  62  to compress or release the spring  63  which can cause the securing stud  61  to extend or retract to engage or disengage the securing feature  32  on the upper support shelf  30 . Materials used to manufacture spring latch apparatus  60  may be chosen with sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, spring latch apparatus  60  may be used to secure the meter box cover  50  to meter box  10 . The spring latch apparatus  60  may be located on the bottom surface of the meter box cover proximate to the perimeter of the meter box cover as shown in  FIG. 6 . The spring latch apparatus  60  may be used to secure the meter box cover  50  to meter box  10  according to the following method. First, an appropriate tool is placed over the head of the bolt  65  to rotate the bolt  65  which in turn will cause the actuator  64  to rotate so that the spring  63  is compressed and the securing stud  61  is not extended. The meter box cover  50  is then placed onto meter box  10  so that the cover&#39;s sealing surface  51  mates with receiving surface  16  of the meter box  10  and the securing stud  61  aligns with securing feature  32  on the appropriate upper support shelf  30 . The spring latch apparatus  60  is then released. This is accomplished by placing the tool over the head of the bolt  65  to turn the bolt  65  in the opposite direction so that spring  63  returns to its original, essentially uncompressed, position, thereby allowing securing stud  61  to extend into securing feature  32 .  FIG. 16  illustrates a user engaging the bolt  65  with a tool  82  to secure the meter box cover  50  to the meter box  10  or to disengage the meter box cover  50  from the meter box  10 . 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11 , the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50  is shown in another embodiment. In this embodiment of the meter box cover  50 , a retaining hook  70  and a worm gear latch  80  may be located on the meter box cover&#39;s  50  bottom surface proximate to the perimeter of the meter box cover  50  and positioned substantially 180 degrees from each other. Retaining hook  70  protrudes from the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50 . The distal end of retaining hook  70  may have a securing portion  71  which extends in a substantially radial direction from center of cover  50 . Meter box cover  50  may have a clearance portion  72  recessed into its bottom surface. Clearance portion  72  may be located substantially below securing portion  71 . Additionally clearance portion  72  contains alignment cutouts  73  which extend in a substantially parallel direction to the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50 . The clearance portion  72  and alignment cutouts  73  may allow the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50  to engage the upper support shelf  30 . If the clearance portion  72  and alignment cutouts  73  are not aligned with upper support shelves  30 , the meter box cover  50  may not be able to be installed. Retaining hook  70 , securing portion  71 , clearance portion  72 , and alignment cutouts  73  may be sized and formed in such a manner as to mate with support surface  31  and securing feature  32  of upper support shelf  30 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  also illustrate the sealing surface  51  of the meter box cover  50 . In certain embodiments, the meter box cover  50  may also include indicators  74  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) on the outer diameter of the top surface which allow a user to install and secure the meter box cover  50  onto a meter box without having to look and/or position his or her underneath the meter box cover to see how wide the alignment cutouts  73  are in relation to the width of the support shelf within a meter box. Material used to manufacture the retaining hook  70  may be chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. 
         [0054]    Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 11 , a worm gear latch  80  may be located substantially 180 degrees from retaining hook  70 . Worm gear latch  80  may comprise a rotatable worm gear  81 , a bolt  65  (as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ), a washer  66 , a bushing  69  (as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ), a bearing washer  79  (as shown in  FIG. 12 ) and a bolt retainer  67 . Worm gear latch  80  may be installed on the meter box cover  50  by inserting a bushing  69 , and then the bolt  65  into a aperture  75  (shown in  FIG. 25 ) in the meter box cover  50  so that head of bolt  65  is on the top surface of the meter box cover  50  and the distal end of bolt  65  extends to the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50 . A bearing washer  79  can be installed over the distal end of bolt  65 , flush with the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50 . Worm gear  81  may be inserted over the distal end of bolt  65 . Worm gear  81  may be secured to the meter box cover  50  using washer  66  and bolt retainer  67  inserted over the distal end of the bolt  65 . With reference to FIGURE&#39;s  12  and  13 , in an alternate embodiment, bushing  69  may be inserted over the bolt  65  so as to provide contacting interfaces between the bolt  65 , the worm gear  81  and the meter box cover  50  when assembled. A bearing washer  79  may be inserted over the distal end of the bolt  65  to provide contacting interfaces between the worm gear  81 , the bolt  65 , and the meter box cover  50 . The worm gear latch  80  may engage a second upper support shelf  30  by turning the head of the bolt  65  which secures the worm gear latch  80  to the meter box cover  50 . Turning bolt  65  causes the worm gear to rotate and engage the second upper support shelf securing the meter box cover  50  to the meter box  10 . The worm gear may be manufactured from any type of metal or may be manufactured from a polymer. Materials used to manufacture the worm gear latch  80  may be chosen with sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. 
         [0055]    In one exemplary embodiment, the bolt  65  may have a substantially cylindrical shape. With reference to  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , in another exemplary embodiment, the bolt  65  may be substantially prism shaped with at least one non-circular side. For example, the bolt  65  may be in the shape of a square or rectangular shank. The bolt  65  may be made of any material known to those of skill in the art including but not limited to brass, bronze or any other type of metal or plastic. 
         [0056]    The bushing  69 , washer  66 , bearing washer  79  and bolt retainer  67  may be made of any material known to those of skill in the art including but not limited to brass, bronze or any other type of metal or plastic. In certain embodiments, the shank of the bolt  65  shall not bear directly upon the meter box cover but shall be installed with a full length sleeve (not shown). The metal sleeve may be made of any metal or metal alloy such as a bronze bearing alloy. The metal sleeve may prevent elongation or excessive wear to the aperture in the meter box cover  50 . 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, meter box cover  50  may be secured to the meter box  10  using a retaining hook  70  and worm gear latch  80  using the following method. With reference to  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , the retaining hook  70 , clearance portion  72  and seating surface  73  are aligned with securing feature  32  of the upper support shelf  30 . During installation, the meter box cover  50  may be tilted at an angle such that securing portion  71  may be positioned beneath surface of securing feature  32 . The meter box cover  50  may be lowered onto the meter box  10  with the securing portion  71  hinging on securing feature  32  and with the receiving surface  16  and sealing surface  51  being aligned. In certain embodiments, the meter box cover  50  may not be installed if the alignment cutouts  73  are not centered over the securing feature  32  and the upper support shelves  30 .  FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate a meter box cover  50  not in alignment with a meter box  10  in that the alignment cutouts on the cover are not straddling the upper shelf/securing feature of the meter box. An appropriate tool may be placed over the head of bolt  65  and the worm gear  81  may be rotated until the meter box cover  50  is securely engaged with meter box  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0058]    The meter box receiving surface  16  and meter box cover sealing surface  51  may be beveled at mating angles or may not be beveled at mating angles. In certain exemplary embodiments, the meter box receiving surface  16  and the meter box cover sealing surface  51  are beveled at mating angles of 10 degrees. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 21-23  illustrate the bottom surface of an exemplary meter box cover  50  installed inside a box/frame  84 . The meter box cover  50  includes a retaining hook  70 , alignment cutouts (not shown), radial and annular ribs  52  and  53 , a worm gear latch  80  and a retainer plate  85  used to install a radio transmitter unit used for transmitting radio transmission signals between a utility meter and a portable reader. 
         [0060]      FIG. 24  illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a meter box cover  50  having a retaining hook  70 , a securing portion  71 , a clearance portion  72 , alignment cutouts  73  and posts  83  to permit attachment of an ERT mounting bracket. The clearance portion  72  may include a recessed portion capable of engaging a support shelf on a meter box. Clearance portion  72  may be located substantially below securing portion  71 . Additionally clearance portion  72  contains alignment cutouts  73  which extend in a substantially parallel direction to the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50 . The clearance portion  72  and alignment cutouts  73  may allow the bottom surface of the meter box cover  50  to engage an upper support shelf within a meter box. If the clearance portion  72  and alignment cutouts  73  are not aligned with upper support shelves within a meter box, the meter box cover  50  may not be able to be installed. Retaining hook  70 , securing portion  71 , clearance portion  72 , and alignment cutouts  73  may be sized and formed in such a manner as to mate with a support surface and a securing feature of an upper support shelf which is similar to the upper support shelf  30  described above. 
         [0061]    In yet another embodiment illustrated within  FIG. 26 , meter box cover  50  can be used as a drop-in style (without locks), relying on the overall weight and gravity to keep it seated to the sealing surface  51  of the meter box  10 . The drop-in style meter box cover  50  may include a cutout  78  which allows for removal of the meter box cover  50  from the meter box  10 . The drop-in style meter box cover  50  has three posts  83  to permit attachment of an ERT mounting bracket. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the meter box cover  50  illustrated within  FIG. 26  may include a securing mechanism to engage and secure the meter box cover  50  to a meter box. 
         [0062]    In another embodiment (not shown), a multi-purpose magnet can be installed on the bottom surface of the meter cover  50 . The multi-purpose magnet may be used in conjunction with a locating device to locate the meter cover  50  if the meter cover  50  is buried below the natural elements of nature. 
         [0063]    While the utility meter box, the meter box cover and its various components have been described above in connection with various illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function disclosed herein without deviating therefrom. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may be combined or subtracted to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope hereof. Therefore, the utility meter box, the meter box cover and its various components should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitations of the appended claims.