Patent Publication Number: US-2016243687-A1

Title: Meter tool with safety shield

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Divisional application of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/618,812, filed on Sep. 14, 2012, which is a Continuation-in-Part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/354,034, filed Jan. 19, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,156,140), which is a Continuation-in-Part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/779,577, filed May 13, 2010; the entire specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The invention relates generally to a tool for installing and removing electrical power meters. More particularly, the invention relates to a tool with a shield for removing electrical power meters. Specifically, the invention relates to a tool with a removable shield that can be used to protect a user while installing and removing electrical power meters and where the tool includes a mechanism for opening and closing an opening to a cavity into which the meter is received; and an engagement assembly which engages a base region of the meter to retain it within the tool&#39;s cavity. 
     2. Background Information 
     Electrical power meters must be occasionally removed and installed on electrical power distribution boxes or housings. The electrical meters can be removed by hand but there is a great deal of danger due to the high current, risk of electrocution, and electrical arc explosion that creates arc thermal energy and a pressure wave and fragmentation. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,581 is directed to an electrical power meter installing/removing apparatus that fits around the perimeter of the meter base and locks in place with snapping tabs. The operator then pulls back on the tool and removes the meter from the distribution box. While the apparatus includes a handle proximate the back end of the tool, the tool does not protect the user from electrocution or explosion which may occur at the connection between the power meter and the distribution box when the meter is removed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention broadly comprises a tool for installing and removing an electrical power meter comprising a sleeve member adapted for sliding movement about the meter and having a first end opposite a second end, a plurality of releasable gripping hooks mounted on the first end of the sleeve member for selectively engaging the meter, an attaching hook member extending outwardly from the first end of the sleeve member, and a shield secured to the second end of the sleeve member. 
     The present invention also broadly comprises a method of removing an electrical power meter comprising the steps of providing a sleeve member having a first end with a plurality of releasable gripping hooks and an actuating hook member extending outwardly from the first end of the sleeve member and a second end with a handle, mounting a shield with a handle on the sleeve member second end, sliding the sleeve member onto the power meter until the attaching hook members surround a power meter gripping collar, grasping the second end handle and the shield handle, and pulling the sleeve member handle and the shield member in a direction away from the power meter. 
     The present invention also broadly comprises a method of removing an electrical power meter comprising the steps of securing a shield to a meter tool, wherein a first side of the shield abuts the back end, and operating a clamping system of the meter tool from the safety of a second side of the shield. 
     An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises a tool for installing and removing an electrical power meter which includes a sleeve member defining a cavity therein, with an opening to the cavity defined in the sleeve member&#39;s first end. An adjustment mechanism on the sleeve member is movable between a first position where the opening is enlarged to permit entry of a portion of the meter into the cavity; and a second position where the opening is reduced. An engagement assembly at the first end of the sleeve member grippingly engages the meter when the adjustment assembly is in the second position. The engagement assembly includes a pair of locking lips which each receive part of a peripheral edge of the meter&#39;s base therein. Gaps are defined between the locking lips to enable venting of any electrical discharge therethrough. A removable shield may be secured to the second end of the sleeve member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which Applicants have contemplated applying the principles of the invention, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sleeve member of a first embodiment of the invention with releasable gripping hooks and attaching hooks; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the sleeve member with a safety shield having a handle secured thereon; 
         FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of the sleeve member shown with an intermediate member and connecting fasteners; 
         FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of the safety shield and handles; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the safety shield secured to the sleeve member; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view of the sleeve member and safety shield taken generally about Line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of the sleeve member taken generally about Line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an operational view showing an operator gripping the handles and forcing the sleeve member and safety shield in the direction of a power meter; 
         FIG. 8  is an operational view showing the installer forcing the sleeve member on to the power meter; 
         FIG. 9  is an operational view of the operator removing the power meter with the sleeve member and an electrical explosion being deflected around the safety shield; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a sleeve member of a second embodiment of the invention with a clamping system for actuating a pair of lips to grip and release the meter; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the sleeve member shown with a template; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the sleeve member having a drill extending therein and an actuation device attached thereto; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an enhanced meter puller of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial exploded view of the enhanced meter puller of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the enhanced meter puller; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial cross-sectional view of the enhanced meter puller taken generally about Line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an operational view showing an operator gripping the handles of the enhanced meter puller and manually moving the enhanced meter puller towards a meter; 
         FIG. 19  is an operational view showing an operator actuating a clamping system of the meter puller from behind the shield; 
         FIG. 20  is an operational view of the operator removing the meter using the enhanced meter puller and an electrical explosion being deflected around the shield; 
         FIG. 21  is a partial cross-sectional side view of the first embodiment meter puller engaged with a meter and showing the hook portions of the meter puller engaging the terminal end of the dome; 
         FIG. 22  is perspective view of a third embodiment of a meter puller in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an electrical power meter exploded outwardly from a meter mounting box; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the meter puller of the present invention being interlockingly engaged with the meter when mounted in the meter mounting box; 
         FIG. 25  is cross-sectional side view of the meter puller engaged with the meter and taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the highlighted region of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a rear view of the meter puller and meter taken along line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 26 ; and 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional side view of the third embodiment of the meter puller engaged with a damaged or alternative style of meter. 
     
    
    
     Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
     The tool of the present invention is indicated generally at  10 , and is particularly shown in  FIGS. 1 through 9 . As particularly shown in  FIG. 1 , a sleeve member  12  includes a first end  14  opposing a second end  16 . First end  14  includes an opening  18 , while top end  16  is enclosed by a top surface  20 . Further, top surface  20  is recessed within a lip portion  22  of sleeve member  12  which defines a cavity  23 . 
     A handle  24  is connected to second end  16  through fasteners  26  and holes  28  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Handle  24  generally consists of a pair of posts  30  having holes  32  on tabs  33  for receiving fasteners  26  and a central rod  34  disposed between inner surfaces  36  of post  30  and connected to the post with fasteners  38 . Accordingly, handle  24  is removable by unscrewing fasteners  26 . 
     Sleeve member  12  is preferably cylindrical in shape and formed of a rigid material such as plastic. In a preferred embodiment, four attachment hooks  40  are mounted on an outer surface  42  of sleeve member  12  with a pair of rivets  44 . Attachment hooks  40  are preferably thin strips of metal which extend for approximately half of a length of the sleeve member and terminate proximate first end  14  of sleeve member  12 . Further, the width of the attachment hooks is preferably just smaller than guide opening  46  in first end  14 . 
     A gripping hook  48  is secured to a terminal end  50  of attachment hook  40  with a pair of rivets  52  which may extend into guide opening  46 . Gripping hooks  48  preferably include a flat portion  54  near the rivets and an angled portion  56  extending upward from the rivets to provide a lever arm for hook portion  58 . Hook portion  58  is connected to flat portion  54  through lower angled portion  60 . Hook portion  58  is preferably generally perpendicular to lower angled portion  60  so as to grip on to the power meter base. Further, angled portion  56  permits the hook portion  58  to be directed radially outward by compressing the angled portion  56  towards sleeve member outer surface  42 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , sleeve member  12  is shown with a shield  62  connected to sleeve member  12 . Further, an intermediate member  64  is located between shield  62  and sleeve member second end  16 . Shield  62  includes an outer surface  66  and a central opening  68 . Central opening  68  is preferably sized and shaped complementary to handle  24  so that the shield can be installed vertically around handle  24  when the handle is secured to sleeve member second end  16 . Further, shield  62  also includes a handle  70  arranged generally perpendicular to second end handle  24  to provide a comfortable orientation for the operator. Shield  62  rests atop intermediate member  64  and is secured to the intermediate member and the sleeve member with threaded studs  72  and fasteners  74 . Finally, shield  62  is preferably sized to protect an operator and may range anywhere from the diameter of sleeve member second end  16  to well over 24 inches. However, in a preferred embodiment the shield diameter is approximately 18 inches to 24 inches and is particularly 24 inches in the preferred embodiment. Shield  62  is preferably composed of a clear rigid plastic material that is capable of withstanding electrocution and a significant impact. Shield  62  may also be composed of a flame retardant transparent polycarbonate shield or may include a plurality of shields stacked one atop of the other. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an exploded view of the first preferred embodiment tool  10 . As can be particularly seen in  FIG. 3A , intermediate member  64  is preferably cylindrical in shape and includes a plurality of holes  76  for receiving fasteners  26 . A plurality of holes  78  permit threaded studs  72  to extend there through and secure shield  62  to sleeve member second end  16 . Further,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a plurality of apertures  80  within second end  16  for receiving fasteners  26  of the handle as shown in  FIG. 3B . Further, nuts  82  secure handle  24  and fasteners  26  to the intermediate member  64  and sleeve member  12 . Intermediate member  64  is preferably cylindrical in shape and sized to fit within lip portion  22  of second end  16 . Further, intermediate member  64  preferably has a thickness greater than the height of lip portion  22  to extend the shield contact surface above lip portion  22 . Specifically, a bottom surface  84  of shield  62  contacts a top surface  86  of intermediate member  64  above lip portion  22 , while a bottom surface  87  of the intermediate member  64  contacts top surface  20 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 3B , safety shield  62  is shown with a pair of apertures  88  for receiving threaded studs  72  of second end  16 . Shield  62  also includes a pair of apertures  90  for receiving fasteners  92  to connect handle  70  to shield  62 . Further, central opening  68  is again shown complementary shaped to handle  24  and includes a pair of rectangular openings  94  at each end and a slot  96  for permitting passage of handle central rod  34  during installation, while rectangular openings  94  permit passage of posts  30  during installation. Accordingly, a bottom surface  98  of post  30  rests flush with bottom surface  84  of shield  62  when fully installed, while a bottom surface  100  of handle  70  rests on a top surface  102  of the shield  62  after installation. Therefore, handle  70  is preferably shorter than handle  24  to ensure that the handles are aligned at the same height. In a preferred embodiment, handle  70  is shorter than handle  24  by the same thickness as shield  62 . 
       FIGS. 4, 5, and 6  illustrate the arrangement of the meter puller  10  and shield  62  components. As seen in  FIG. 4 , diameter D of shield  62  is preferably larger than diameter E of sleeve member  12 . Further, the orientation of handle  24  with respect to handle  70  is seen in greater detail to allow the operator to more naturally use the meter puller and shield. Still further, this view illustrates the larger range of protection for the operator. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view showing second end  16  with studs  72  integral to the second end and intermediate member  64  surrounding the studs  72 .  FIG. 5  also illustrates opening  18  extending upward from first end  14  all the way to second end  16 . Still further, this view illustrates lip portion  22  extending partially up the thickness of intermediate member  64  and intermediate member  64  extending far above lip portion  22 . While studs  72  are shown integral to the second end  16 , the studs  16  could be removably secured to the second end  16  with nuts. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view of first end  14  illustrating gripping hook  48  secured to outer surface  42  of sleeve member  12  with rivets  44 . In addition, an absorbing mount  104  is located proximate an inner surface  106  of sleeve member  12 . Absorbing mount  104  preferably includes a pair of apertures  108  arranged to receive rivets  44  and particularly mount attachment hook  40  to sleeve member  12 . Absorbing mount  104  is preferably constructed of a rigid plastic but may also be constructed of a more flexible material and is useful to reduce the bending moment that is created by operating angle portion  56 . 
     Having described the structure of the preferred embodiment, a preferred method of operation will be described in detail and should be read in light of  FIGS. 1 through 9  and particularly  FIGS. 7 through 9 . 
       FIGS. 7 through 9  illustrate the operation of the tool after shield  62  has been secured on intermediate member  64  and second end  16  as shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B , and  5 . Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an operator  110  grasps tool  10  at handles  24  and  70  and moves the tool in a direction associated with arrow  111  towards electrical power meter  126  having a base  127 . As seen in  FIG. 8 , the operator continues to move the tool in a direction associated with arrow  111  until hook portions  58  interlockingly engage the meter for removal of the same from distribution box  123 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates removal of the electrical meter by pulling tool  10  in direction associated with arrow  122  away from a distribution box  123  and particularly meter mount  125 . Should an electrical explosion or electrical discharge occur during the removal of meter  126 , a blast  140  will be sent towards the operator and deflected by shield  62  or, due to the size of the shield, pass radially outward of the shield and thereby missing the operator. Advantageously, this shield arrangement provides a greater cone of protection for the operator to reduce the risk and damage that a blast may cause during electrical power meter removal and installation. Still further, the shield provides greater dexterity for the user in that there are two handles to guide the tool on to the power meter as well as during the removal and installation process. 
     Alternatively, the operator may use a strap wrench or other suitable tool to compress angled portions  56  on each gripping hook  48 . Advantageously, using a strap wrench allows the operator to compress the gripping hooks and surround the power meter while reducing the operator&#39;s risk of being electrocuted. 
     Thus, tool  10  provides an apparatus for protecting a user as well as additional assistance during the installation and removal of electrical power meters. Further, the tool is easily transportable as shield  62  may be easily removed to allow for storage. The shield provides a cone of protection with greater heat attenuation for the user with increasing the user&#39;s control over the meter puller by using two hands. 
     It will be evident to one of skilled in the art that a variety of changes can be made that are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, the sleeve member and shield may be composed of the same or different materials and can be manufactured of a variety of colors, including translucent colors. Further, the size of the shield and the length of the sleeve member may be adjusted to accommodate specific users or specific power meters. 
     In a second embodiment of the present invention, an enhanced meter puller  101  is shown in  FIGS. 10-21 , and described hereinafter. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 14 , enhanced meter puller  101  includes a meter puller  103 , which may be embodied by any common off-the-shelf meter puller. Shown particularly in  FIG. 10 , meter puller  103  includes a sleeve member  112  which extends from a first end  114  to a second end  116 . First end  114  defines an opening  118 , while a top surface  120  is disposed at second end  116 . A pair of posts  130  extends outwardly away from top surface  120  and receive a central rod  134  therebetween to form a handle  124 . Sleeve member  112  is comprised of a first sleeve portion  113  coupled with a second sleeve portion  115 , wherein first sleeve portion  113  and second sleeve portion  115  are movable with respect to each other. As shown in  FIG. 10 , meter puller  103  includes a locking mechanism or a clamping system, shown generally at  135 . Clamping system  135  is intended to move first sleeve portion  113  and second sleeve portion  115  together and apart to clamp onto a meter for extraction. Clamping system  135  includes a cam arm  137  extending from a first end  145  to a second end  147 . First end  145  is pivotably connected to second sleeve portion  115  by way of a pivot bolt  139 , whereas second end  147  ( FIG. 16 ) is pivotably connected to a distal portion of second sleeve portion  115  by way of a pivot bolt  141  ( FIG. 16 ). Thus, cam arm  137  wraps entirely around first sleeve portion  113 , and is pivotable from a first position ( FIG. 10 ) to a second position ( FIG. 18 ). A user generally actuates cam arm  137  by way of a knob  143  removably secured to cam arm  137  via a threaded member  144  ( FIG. 11 ) extending into an aperture  146  ( FIG. 11 ) defined by cam arm  137 . Threaded member  144  is secured therein by way of a nut  148 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , clamping system  135  further includes a pair of cam tracks  149  defined by first sleeve portion  113 . A corresponding pair of cam bolts  151  extend from cam arm  137  into cam tracks  149  to cammably connect first end  114  of sleeve member  112  to cam arm  137 . It will readily be understood that by moving cam arm  137  from the first position to the second position, cam bolts  151  follow the orientation of cam tracks  149  in a camming manner to move first sleeve portion  113  in relation to second sleeve portion  115 . This reduces the overall size of opening  118  when cam arm  137  is in the first position, and enlarges opening  118  when cam arm  137  is in the second position. Extending from each of first sleeve portion  113  and second sleeve portion  115  are a pair of corresponding lock lips  153 , which generally surround opening  118 . Those in the art will readily understand that cam arm  137  is moved from the second position to the first position to clamp lock lips  153  around a meter for extraction. Those in the art will readily understand that cam arm  137  is moved from the second position to the first position to clamp lock lips  153  around a meter for extraction. Pursuant to this, once lock lips  153  are clamped on a meter, the user then physically pulls meter puller  103  by way of handle  124  to remove the meter from the meter box. 
     Enhanced meter puller  101 , the individual components, and the overall method for assembling the same will now be discussed. One of the primary features of enhanced meter puller  101  relates to applying a shield  162  to meter puller  103  for protecting the user. Pursuant to this, enhanced meter puller  101  provides a method for actuating clamping system  135  safely behind shield  162 . Broadly speaking, shield  162  includes a first side  168  and an opposite second side  170 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , first side  168  is sized and positioned to abut top surface  120  of sleeve member  112 . A plurality of bolts  181  are provided and sized to fit through a corresponding plurality of bolt apertures  183  defined by shield  162  such that bolts  181  extend through the corresponding bolt apertures  183  and into sleeve member  112  to secure shield  162  thereto. As such, sleeve member  112  proximate second end  116  must provide a corresponding receiving hole  185  for receiving bolt  181  therein. Inasmuch as meter puller  103  may be provided as an off-the-shelf component, receiving holes  185  may not be provided at the outset. Thus, a template  165  is provided for ensuring receiving holes  185  align with bolt apertures  183 . 
     Template  165  is provided with a plurality of drill apertures  187  as well as a handle aperture  189 . As such, the user may extend template  165  onto second end  116  of sleeve member  112  such that template  165  abuts top surface  120 . It will be readily understood that handle aperture  189  is sized and shaped to receive handle  124  therethrough for allowing template  165  to extend down into an abutting relationship with top surface  120 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the user then extends a drill through drill apertures  187  and into sleeve member  112  such that receiving holes  185  are formed thereby, and in correct alignment with bolt apertures  183 . Thereafter, template  165  is removed and shield  162  is lowered onto top surface  120  such that bolt apertures  183  align with receiving holes  185 , which allows the user to extend bolts  181  through both bolt apertures  183  and receiving holes  185 . As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 17 , a free end  192  of each bolt  181  is thereby positioned within sleeve member  112  proximate second end  116 . Thereafter, the user then applies a washer  191  and a wing nut  193  onto free end  192  to secure bolts  181  and lock shield  162  onto meter puller  103 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , shield  162  further includes a handle aperture  195  which is particularly sized and shaped to align handle  124  to pass therethrough, thus allowing shield  162  to tightly abut top surface  120 . One will readily understand that handle aperture  195 , handle aperture  189 , and other related components of enhanced meter puller  101  may be sized and shaped differently to accommodate different meter pullers  103  in general, and in particular, different second ends  116  of sleeve member  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , enhanced meter puller  101  further includes a brace handle  179  for providing additional handle for use by the user in manually pulling the enhanced meter puller  101 , and physically manipulating the overall structure. Brace handle  179  is formed in an overall C-shaped structure having a pair of legs  180  which extend to align with a corresponding pair of handle apertures  182  defined by shield  162  and particularly positioned such that a corresponding pair of handle bolts  198  extend therethrough to secure brace handle  179  to shield  162 , as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 18 . As such, brace handle  179  extends upwardly away from second side  170  of shield  162 . Thus, the user enjoys both handle  124  as provided by meter puller  103 , as well as brace handle  179  as provided by enhanced meter puller  101  for use in manually manipulating the overall structure of enhanced meter puller  101 , particularly when clamping system  135  is clamped onto a meter. 
     It is a primary feature of the present invention that a user of enhanced meter puller  101  may actuate clamping system  135  from behind the relative safety of second side  170  of shield  162 . Thus, the physical manipulation of enhanced meter puller  101 , as well as the actuation of clamping system  135  may be done entirely behind shield  162 . Pursuant to this, shield  162  defines aperture  175  which is positioned purposely to align an actuation device  169  with cam arm  137 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , actuation device  169  includes a first portion  171  and a second portion  173 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , first portion  171  is sized and shaped to be extended through aperture  175  and disposed proximate cam arm  137 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , a bracket  196  is provided to pivotally secure first portion  171  of actuation device  169  to cam arm  137 . Bracket  196  includes a receiving sleeve  197  for receiving first portion  171  of actuation device  169  therein. Bracket  196  further includes a pivot element  199  for allowing receiving sleeve  197  to pivot while first portion  171  is secured therein. A shaft  194  extends from pivot element  199  and receiving sleeve  197 , and is sized and shaped to extend through aperture  146  defined by cam arm  137  ( FIG. 11 ). Thereafter, nut  148  or alternatively, an additional nut is secured to shaft  194  to firmly secure shaft  194  and the overall bracket  196  onto cam arm  137  in a pivotable manner. As shown in  FIG. 14 , second portion  173  of actuation device  169  thereafter extends through aperture  175  and outwardly away from second side  170  of shield  162  such that an actuation handle  177  may be applied thereon. In accordance with the pivoting nature of cam arm  137  and overall clamping system  135 , the user may thereafter push and pull actuation handle  177  to move cam arm  137  between the first position ( FIG. 19 ) and the second position ( FIG. 18 ). Aperture  175  is sized to allow a reasonably tight fit around actuation device  169  such that the pushing and pulling on handle  177  generally in a linear nature towards and away from shield  162 . One will readily recognize that manually manipulating handle  177  in a linear manner corresponds to manually manipulating cam arm  137  in a linear manner. However, manipulating actuation handle  177  is done from a safe position behind shield  162 , thereby drastically reducing the chance that a user will be harmed by an explosion or an electrical discharge from the meter while the meter is being removed. This represents an enormous leap in the field in terms of safety as well as efficiency, as it will be readily understood that shield  162  may be retroactively applied to preexisting off-the-shelf meter pullers  103 . Thus, the overall expense of providing the user with improved safety is relatively minor. 
     The overall size of shield  162  may differ, however, in the preferred embodiment, the overall diameter or cross-sectional size of shield  162  is preferably at least 50% larger than the overall diameter of second end  116  of sleeve member  112 . This provides the user with an extended shielding while manually manipulating meter puller  103 . Likewise, shield  162  may be manufactured using any common components. However, shield  162  is preferably constructed using a dielectric or insulating material such that electricity may be dissipated efficiently without harming the user. 
     A user may receive the elements for forming enhanced meter puller  101  as a kit or aftermarket addition for standard off-the-shelf meter pullers, similar to meter puller  103 . Alternatively, it is within the scope of the invention to provide enhanced meter puller  101  in a fully assembled state, having the shield secured onto a sleeve member for sale as a single unit. 
     In operation, the user or assembler is presented with meter puller  103  and the elements for assembling enhanced meter puller  101  and begins forming enhanced meter puller  101  by abutting template  165  to top surface  120  of sleeve member  112 . This allows the user to align drill apertures  187  on template  165  with the areas on top surface  120  for forming receiving holes  185 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the user drills through template  165  and drill apertures  187  into sleeve member  112  to form receiving holes  185  therein. 
     One will readily understand that the drilling is generally undertaken in the direction of Arrow  210  to penetrate through template  165  and into sleeve member  112 . Thereafter, the user then removes knob  143  from cam arm  137  to expose aperture  146  for attachment with first portion  171  of actuation device  169 . Shaft  194  on bracket  196  is extended through aperture  146  and secured therein by way of nut  148  or a similar element such that actuation device  169  is pivotable to move cam arm between the first position and the second position as desired by the user. As shown in  FIG. 15 , thereafter, the user then extends shield  162  such that handle  124  extends through aperture  195  allowing first side  168  of shield  162  to abut top surface  120  of sleeve member  112 . Inasmuch as bolt apertures  183  and receiving holes  185  are aligned, free end  192  of bolts  181  extend through each of these openings and into the interior of sleeve member  112 , where each free end  192  is secured by any means in the art. Particularly, as shown in  FIG. 15 , free end  192  is secured therein by washer  191  and wing nut  193  threadably received thereon. Concurrent to this, second portion  193  of actuation device  169  extends through aperture  175  to extend outwardly away from second side  170  of shield  162 . The user then screws or adheres actuation handle  177  onto second portion  173  of actuation device  169 . Thereafter, the user then secures brace handle  179  to shield  162  by way of handle bolts  198  extending through handle apertures  182  and into each of the pair of legs  180 . Thus, enhanced meter puller  101  is shown in the fully assembled state in  FIG. 14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18-20 , enhanced meter puller  101  is then useable to provide a safe method for removing a meter  220  disposed in an electrical box  230 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the method for removing a meter  220  from an electrical box  230  is shown in the initial stages. Meter  220  is interconnected with electrical box  230 , and is in need of removal. To initiate removing meter  220 , the user ensures that meter puller  103  is in the second or opened position. This requires cam arm  137  to be fully retracted towards the user with cam bolts  151  closest to the user. In this orientation, lock lips  153  are in a fully opened and extended position with opening  118  having its largest diameter. As one can readily ascertain from viewing  FIG. 18 , the user is positioned behind shield  162  such that shield  162  is intermediate the user and the meter  220 . The user then moves enhanced meter puller  101  in the direction of Arrow  211  to plunge meter  220  into the interior of sleeve member  112 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the user then pushes actuation handle  177  towards meter  220  to articulate actuation device  169  such that cam arm  137  moves forward or away from the user to transition meter puller  103  into the first or closed position. Likewise, this movement of cam arm  137  retracts lock lips  153  in the directions of arrow  211  to lock puller  103  onto meter  220 . Clamping system  135  is engaged and moved by the user safely behind shield  162 . Therefore, any electrical discharge or explosion will be deflected by shield  162  away from and around the user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , after the user locks meter puller  103  onto meter  220  by actuating clamping system  135  from safely behind shield  162 , the user then grasps enhanced meter puller  101  by handle  124  and brace handle  179  to allow the user to manually manipulate and pull enhanced meter puller  101  in the direction of Arrows  214  to thereby remove meter  220  from electrical box  230 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , in the event there is an electronic discharge or explosion  240 , the user remains safely behind shield  162  and proximate second side  170  throughout the entire operation of using enhanced meter puller  101  to remove meter  220  from electrical box  230 . 
       FIG. 21  shows a cross-sectional view of sleeve member  12  of meter puller  10 , previously described herein, engaged with electrical power meter  126 . Meter  126  includes a base  127  and a glass dome  129 . Dome  129  comprises a first region  129   a  which is generally circular in cross-sectional shape and is of a first diameter “D 1 ”. Dome  129  further comprises a second region  129   b  which is coaxial with first region  129   a  but comprises a bezel or rim region which is stepped and is of a larger diameter than first region  129   a . In particular, the second region  129   b  has a maximum diameter “D 2 ” which is substantially equal to that of base  127 . The bezel or second region  129   b  circumscribes and engages base  127 . The terminal end  129   c  of dome  129  comprises part of this second region  129   b  and terminates substantially flush with back surface  128   b  of base  127 . First region  129   a  of dome  129  extends forward and outwardly away from a front surface  128   a  of base  127 . Back surface  128   b  of base  127  is interlockingly engaged with stabs mounts  133  which extend outwardly from meter mount  125  as is well known in the art. The uppermost pair of stabs mounts are energized stabs mounts while the bottom pair of stabs mounts are neutral stabs mounts. Additionally, bracing members  239  engage portions of the peripheral edge  128   c  of base  127  to retain meter  126  on meter mount  125 . 
       FIG. 21  shows sleeve  12  of meter puller  10  engaged with meter  126 . In particular, this figure shows lower angled portion  60  of hooks  40  overlapping second region  129   b  of dome  129 . Hook portions  58  of lower angled portions  60  overlap terminal end  129   c  of dome  129 . Because of this overlapping engagement, when meter puller  10  is moved in the direction of arrow “A” away from meter mount  125 , hooks  58  will move in the direction of arrow “A” and will pull meter  126  off meter mount  125 . This system works effectively provided that substantially the entire dome  129  and most particularly the second region  129   b  thereof is intact. However, it is fairly common that some part of dome  129 , particularly second region  129   b  thereof is cracked or broken. When this occurs, it is extremely difficult for meter puller  10  to engage meter  126  to a degree sufficiently secure enough to be able to pull dome  129  and base  127  off meter mount  125 . 
     In order to address this issue, there is shown in  FIGS. 22-28 , a third embodiment of a meter puller in accordance with the present invention, generally indicated at  310 . Meter puller  310  is illustrated in  FIG. 22  without the presence of a shield  62  or  162  but it should be understood that a shield in accordance with the present invention could be engaged with meter puller  310  in the manner described previously herein. 
     Meter puller  310  is substantially similar to meter puller  103  in that it includes a sleeve member  312  comprised of a first sleeve portion  313  and a second sleeve portion  315 , and has a first end  314  and a second end  316 . In one embodiment of the device, meter puller  310  may be manufactured from a transparent material so that the operator is able to more accurately determine whether meter puller  310  is correctly positioned to capture meter  326  therein. 
     As with the second embodiment, first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  are movable relative to each other. First and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  also bound and define an interior cavity  311  ( FIG. 25 ). First end  314  defines an opening  318  to cavity  311 . Second end  316  includes a top surface  320  from which a pair of handle posts  330  extends outwardly. A central handle shaft  334  extends between the handle posts  330  to form a handle  324 . A projection (not shown) extends out of each end of handle shaft  334  and each projection is received within a channel in one of handle posts  330 . This configuration enables handle shaft  324  to slide a bit back and forth between posts  330  as first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  are moved toward and away from each other. The configuration of the handle  324  also substantially prevents handle shaft  334  from rotating inside handle posts  330  and about its longitudinal axis. This handle design ensures that the operator is able to securely hold meter puller  310  during operation of the same and thus improves the safety of installing or removing meter  326 . 
     It should be noted that in the second embodiment of the meter puller  103 , central shaft  134  of handle  124  is substantially vertically aligned with a zone  117  ( FIG. 10 ) along which the first and second sleeve portions  113 ,  115  join each other in top surface  120 . In meter puller  310 , on the other hand, central handle shaft  334  is disposed substantially at right angels to the zone  317  along which first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  join each other in top surface  320 . Thus, when first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  move relative to each other as the device is used, their relative movement is substantially at right angles to the central handle shaft  334  of handle  324 . This configuration of handle  324  and first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  makes it easier and therefore safer for the operator to move first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  toward and away from each other with the actuator rod  369 , as will be hereinafter described. 
     In accordance with the present invention, meter puller  310  also includes a clamping system, shown generally at  335 . Clamping system  335  is substantially identical to clamping system  135  and will therefore not be described in greater detail herein. Suffice to say that clamping system  335  is configured to move first sleeve portion  313  and second sleeve portion  315  toward and away from each other in substantially the same manner as clamping system  135  moves first and second sleeve portions  113 ,  115  toward and away from each other. Clamping system  335  is operable in a first instance to cause first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  to move away from each other to enlarge opening  318  so that the device is able to clamp onto an electrical power meter  326  ( FIG. 23 ). Clamping system  335  is operable in a second instance to cause first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  to move toward each other to reduce the size of opening  318  and so that the device will clampingly engage electrical power meter  326 , as will be hereinafter described. 
     Clamping system  335  differs from clamping system  135  in that the cam arm  337  which forms part thereof differs somewhat from cam arm  137 . Cam arm  337  has a first end  345  which is similarly configured to first end  145  and a second end  347  which is similarly configured to second end  147  ( FIG. 10 ). Instead of a knob  143  being disposed intermediate first and second ends  145 ,  147 , cam arm  337  includes the actuator rod  369  which is permanently engaged with an actuator guide  401  extending outwardly from a side wall  313   b  of first sleeve  313 . Actuator guide  401  is disposed proximate second end  316  of sleeve member  312  and defines a guide hole  402  therein. Actuator rod  369  is engaged with cam arm  337  at a first end in the same manner that actuation device  169  is engaged with cam arm  137 . Actuator rod  369  is provided with an actuator handle  377  at a second end. It should be noted that handle  377  is spaced a substantial distance away from top surface  320  of meter puller  310 . The positioning of handle  377  makes it safer for an operator to actuate meter puller  310 . Actuator rod  369  which extends from handle  377  functions in much the same way as actuation device  169  except that its movement is more precisely controlled by actuator guide  401  and that movement is therefore always substantially linear and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis “Y” ( FIG. 25 ) of meter puller  310 . Substantially the entire rest of the structure of actuator rod  369  is the same as actuation device  169  and it functions in substantially the same manner as actuation device  169 . 
     Meter pullers  103  and  310  provide an advantage over previously known meter pullers because of the camming action of clamping system  335  which is utilized to move first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  toward and away from each other. Previously known meter pullers are only capable of loosely grabbing a meter and it is necessary for the operator to maintain pressure on the handle at all times to keep the meter engaged with these previously known meter pullers. This makes the installation and retrieval of meters using previously known meter pullers a fairly exacting and potentially dangerous task. In the device of the present invention, on the other hand, camming action provided by clamping system  335  effectively locks the first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  in the closed position around the meter  326  ( FIG. 22 ). This means that the meter  326  is securely retained within meter puller  310  during installation and retrieval thereof without the operator having to apply continued pressure on the handle to keep the puller locked. The present meter puller  310  is therefore an improvement over previously known devices because it tends to make the meter puller  310  more steady and stable during use and therefore safer for the operator. 
     Meter puller  310  further differs from meter puller  103  in that it is provided with a handle  403  on the actuation bracket  404  ( FIG. 22 ) which extends vertically along the side edges between first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315 . Handle  403  is provided to aid the operator in holding meter puller  310  along with handle  324  in certain circumstances, as will be described later herein. 
     Meter puller  310  is designed to be able to pull electric meter  326  ( FIG. 23 ) from its engagement with meter mount  325 . Meter  326  includes a generally planar base  327  and a dome  329  which is engaged with the same as illustrated in  FIGS. 23 and 25 . Dome  329  is substantially identical to dome  129  and includes a first region  329   a  of a first diameter “D 1 ”, a second region  329   b  which is stepped and has a maximum diameter “D 2 ”, and a terminal end  329   c  which is flush with a rear surface  328   b  of base  327 . Dome  329  further includes an annular side region  329   d  which comprises the outermost portion of second region  329   b  which is of the maximum diameter “D 2 ”. (The components housed within meter  326  are not illustrated herein for sake of clarity.) Meter  326  also has longitudinal axis “Y” which is disposed at right angles to base  327 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 23 and 25 , meter mount  325  includes a weatherproof housing  331  which surrounds and protects a grounded back plate from which extend an upper pair of energized stabs mounts and a lower pair of neutral stabs mounts  333 . Stabs  333   a  ( FIG. 23 ) extending outwardly from the energized and neutral stabs mounts  333  are configured to be received through apertures  341  ( FIG. 27 ) in base  327  of meter  326 . The pairs of stabs mounts  333  are substantially horizontally aligned with each other and a pair of generally Y-shaped bracing members  339  extends forwardly from the back wall of housing  331 . Bracing members  339  are typically horizontally aligned with stabs mounts  333  and the pair of bracing members  339  flank the stabs mounts  333 . Each gripping member  339  comprises a spring-loaded wireform that is configured to brace a section of the side region  329   d  of meter  326 . When bracing members  339  are so engaged with side region  329   d , meter  326  is tightly retained on meter mount  325 . It is the clamping engagement of bracing members  339  with meter  326  that has to be overcome by meter puller  310 . 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, meter puller  310  is provided with a pair of locking lips  353   a ,  353   b . The location of locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  is best seen in  FIGS. 22 and 27 . First sleeve portion  313  has longitudinal side edges (not shown) which are disposed adjacent longitudinal side edges (not shown) of second sleeve portion  315 . First sleeve portion  313  further has an end  313   a  which extends between the longitudinal side edges of first sleeve portion  313 . Second sleeve portion  315  also has an end  315   a  which extends between the longitudinal side edges of second sleeve portion  315 . The first end  313   a  of first sleeve portion  313  and the first end  315   a  of second sleeve portion  315  form a generally circular shape when sleeve member  312  is in the closed position, i.e. when first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  are disposed adjacent each other such as when they are clampingly engaged with meter  326  (shown in  FIG. 27 ). This generally circular shaped end comprises the first end  314  of sleeve member  312 . First end  314 , because it is generally circular, has a circumference. 
     In accordance with the present invention, first locking lip  353   a  extends longitudinally outwardly away from end  313   a  of first sleeve portion  313  and second locking lip  353   b  extends longitudinally outwardly away from end  315   a  of second sleeve portion  315 . Each of the first and second locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  are generally C-shaped when meter puller  310  is viewed from the back (such as in  FIG. 27 ) and are disposed along portions of the circumference of sleeve member  312 . Each of the first and second locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  is also generally U-shaped when viewed in cross-section (such as in  FIGS. 25 &amp; 26 ). First and second locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  are mirror images of each other and substantially identical in structure and function. Consequently, second locking lip  353   b  is described herein in greater detail but it will be understood that the description applies equally to first locking lip  353   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , second locking lip  353   a  includes a first leg  355   a , a second leg  355   b , and a third leg  355   c . First leg  355   a  extends outwardly from end  315   a  of second sleeve portion  315 . Preferably, first leg  355   a  is integrally formed with the second sleeve portion  315  but it may, alternatively, be separately securable thereto. First leg  355   a  extends radially outwardly from side wall  315   b  of second sleeve portion  315  and is disposed substantially at right angles relative thereto. Second leg  355   b  extends outwardly from first leg  355   a  and is disposed substantially at right angles thereto. Third leg  355   c  extends outwardly from second leg  355   b  and is disposed substantially at right angles thereto. Thus, second leg  355   b  is substantially parallel to side wall  315   b  of second sleeve portion  315 . Additionally, first and third legs  355   a ,  355   c  are substantially parallel to each other and extend outwardly from second leg  355   b  in generally the same direction as each other. A channel  357  is defined between first and third legs  355   a ,  355   c  and this channel  357  is sufficiently large enough to receive a circumferential portion of the second region  329   b  of meter dome  329  therein. 
     As is evident from  FIG. 26 , first leg  355   a  is of a first length “L 1 ” and third leg  355   c  is of a second length “L 2 ”, and the second length “L 2 ” is substantially longer than the first length “L 1 ”. In particular, third leg  355   c  is of a sufficient length that it extends beyond an interior surface of side wall  315   b  ( FIG. 26 ) for a distance. Thus, third leg  355   c  extends for a distance across an opening to cavity  311 , where the opening is defined between the ends  315   a  and  313   a  ( FIG. 25 ) of first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315 . Preferably, second length “L 2 ” is around ⅝ inches long. This second length “L 2 ” of third leg  355   c  is sufficient to ensure that when meter puller  310  is engaged with meter  326 , as will be hereinafter described, that third leg  355   c  will overlap a region of base  327  as well as covering the terminal end  329   c  of dome  329 . 
     Second locking lip  353   b  further includes a plurality of strengthening ribs  359  ( FIGS. 26 and 27 ) which extend between first and third legs  355   a ,  355   c . Ribs  359  are spaced at intervals between the first and second side edges  355   d ,  355   e  of second locking lip  353   b . Ribs  359  substantially prevent third leg  355   c  from being deflected outwardly away from first leg  355   a  when meter puller  310  is used to extract meter  326  and thereby from becoming damaged or failing during this operation. 
       FIG. 27  also shows that first and second side edges  355   d ,  355   e  of second locking lip  355  are generally V-shaped when viewed from the back. A first circumferential region  361   a  of sleeve member  312  is defined between first side edge  355   d  of second locking lip  353   b  and first side edge  355   f  of first locking lip  353   a ; and a second circumferential region  361   b  of sleeve member  312  is defined between second side edge  355   e  of second locking lip  353   b  and second side edge  355   g  of first locking lip  353   a . These circumferential regions  361   a ,  361   b  each constitute a gap  318  between first and second locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  and shown in  FIG. 25 . 
     In accordance with another specific feature of the present invention, it should be noted that each of first and second locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  has a circumferential length “L 3 ” ( FIG. 27 ). This circumferential length “L 3 ” preferably comprises less than one quarter of the circumference of the sleeve member  312 . Typically, the diameter of the first end  314  of meter  326  is about 5½ inches long, which correlates to a circumference of the first end  314  of 17.27 inches long. Preferably, length “L 3 ” is about 4.3 inches long circumferentially. (In the second embodiment of the invention, i.e. meter puller  103 , each of the locking lips  153  extends for more than one quarter of the circumference of the sleeve member  112 .) The configuration of the first and second locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  makes it easier for the meter puller  310  to be engaged with a meter  326  secured to meter mount  325  by way of gripping members  329  than is the case with meter puller  103  if it is engaged by similar gripping members. This is because the increased size of gaps  318  ( FIG. 25 ) defined by first and second circumferential regions  361   a ,  361   b  of meter puller  310  over the size of the gaps  161  ( FIG. 10 ) in meter puller  103 . Each gap  318  is of a circumferential length “L 4 ” that preferably is more than one quarter of the circumference of sleeve member  312 . Preferably length “L 4 ” is greater than 4.3 inches long circumferentially. The increased size gaps  318  ensures that there will be substantially less likelihood of engaging one of the gripping members  329  during engagement of the meter puller  310  with meter  326  than was the case with meter puller  103 . This in turn reduces the possibility of accidental electric discharge during engagement. Additionally, the increased size of gaps  318  ensures that there is adequate space for any accidental electrical discharge to vent therethrough, thus increasing the safety of meter puller  310  over meter puller  103 . The increased venting size of gaps  318  enables meter puller  310  to be used without a shield, although as indicated previously, a shield may be secured to meter puller  310  without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     Additionally, it should be noted that the lengths “L 2 ” of third leg  355   c  of second locking lip  353   b  and the corresponding third leg of first locking lip  353   a  are longer than the third legs  155   c  ( FIG. 10 ) of meter puller  103 . This increased length aids in ensuring that a portion of the back surface  328   b  of base  327  is engaged by third legs  355   c . Thus, in the instances where the second region  329   b  of dome  329  is damaged, there is still sufficient engagement between meter puller  310  and meter  326  for meter  326  to be detached from meter mount  325 . 
       FIG. 28  shows meter puller  310  engaged with a meter  426 . Meter  426  is substantially identical to meter  326  with the exception that the dome is directly secured to base  427  directly instead of being secured by way of a bezel such as the second region  329   b  shown in  FIG. 25 . The locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  of meter puller  310  extend around the peripheral edge  428   c  of base  427  and the third legs  355   c  of locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  abut back surface  428   b . Meter  426  may end up in this configuration if the bezel that is normally part of dome breaks off dome and base  427  remains engaged with stabs mounts  333 . In this situation it would be even more dangerous for the operator to attempt to remove meter  426  without the protection provided by meter puller  310 . 
     Meter puller  310  is used in the much the same manner as meter puller  103 . The operator pulls actuation handle  377  in the opposite direction to arrow “B” ( FIG. 24 ) to move first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  away from each other. Because the actuator rod  369  is maintained adjacent the side wall  313   b  of first sleeve portion  313  by actuator guide  401 , the motion of cam arm  337  is more readily controlled than was the case with actuation device  169  of meter puller  103 . Once the space between the first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315  and, more specifically, between first and second locking lips  353   a ,  353   b , has opened up to a sufficient degree to receive meter  326  (or  426 ) into cavity  311 , the operator moves meter puller  310  toward meter  326  in the direction of arrow “B”. 
     Once first and second locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  are positioned radially outwardly of second region  329   b  of dome  329 , actuator rod  369  is pushed inwardly toward meter mount  325  in the direction of arrow “B”. Once again, because of the restraining action of actuator guide  401 , this linear motion of actuator rod  369  is more controlled than was the case in actuation device  169  in meter puller  103 . The linear motion of actuator rod  369  causes cam arm  337  to be rotated and this motion translates into movement of first and second sleeve portions  313 ,  315 . First and second locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  move inwardly back toward each other and thereby close around second region  329   b  of dome  329  (or around the peripheral edge  428   c  of base  427 ). In this engagement procedure, the increased size gaps  318  between the edges  355   d - 355   g  of locking lips  353   a ,  353   b  ensures that bracing members  339  on meter mount  325  are adequately and easily cleared. 
     Once meter puller  310  is fully engaged with meter  326  ( 426 ), the operator will pull meter puller  310  in the direction of arrow “C” ( FIGS. 25 and 28 ). The longer length third legs  355   c  will engage adjacent regions of base  327  ( 427 ) and will move the base  327  ( 427 ) in the direction of arrow “C”. This motion pulls base  327  off stabs mounts  333  and breaks the bracing contact of bracing members  339  and side region  329   d  of dome  329  (or peripheral edge  428   c  of base  427 ). It should be noted that in the motions of moving meter puller  310  toward meter  326  or away therefrom, the operator is able to grasp both handle  324  and handle  403  to more steadily guide the movement of meter puller  310 . This ensures that the engagement of meter puller  310  with meter  326  and the subsequent removable of meter  326  with meter puller  310  is conducted in a manner that is less likely to result in accidental electric discharge. 
     It will be understood that while the above description identifies how meter  326  may be removed from its engagement with meter mount  325 , the steps used to remove meter  326  may be reversed to install the same on meter mount  325 . Thus, meter puller  310  may be used to both remove and install electrical power meter  326  in a safe fashion. 
     Accordingly, the power meter puller with safety shield is an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device that achieves all the enumerated objectives of the invention, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior art devices, systems, and methods, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
     Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 
     Having now described the features, discoveries, and principles of the invention, the manner in which the power meter puller with safety shield is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangement, parts, and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.