Patent Abstract:
Provided is an enclosure with an integrated hydrant. The enclosure includes a fluid flow conduit that transfers fluid from a fluid supply tube to a fluid outlet, which may be associated with the backflow preventer. The enclosure has a conduit that carries water from the fluid supply tube to the backflow preventer. Thus, a lower profile, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing enclosure is provided.

Full Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/317,627, filed Jun. 27, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/841,597, filed Jul. 1, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/503,651, filed Sep. 29, 2014, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/503,653, filed Sep. 29, 2014, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/514,306, filed Jan. 10, 2015, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/514,307, filed Jan. 10, 2015, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/514,308, filed Jan. 10, 2015, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/519,131, filed Mar. 2, 2015, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/519,956, filed Mar. 9, 2015, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/519,957, filed Mar. 9, 2015, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/560,721, filed Sep. 16, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to an enclosure for concealing and protecting a hydrant. Some embodiments of the present invention are related to hydrants having a face plate with an integrated door. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Wall hydrants generally comprise a support plate that abuts a wall of a structure, a hose bib extending from the plate, a means to control fluid flow through the hose bib, a fluid supply tube, a valve, and a tube that contains a mechanism operates the valve. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the fluid supply tube can also include the means to control the fluid flow. Hydrants are also commonly known as “outdoor faucets.” 
     Protective enclosures that conceal and protect hydrants are sometimes incorporated into interior or exterior building walls. Enclosures are generally comprised of a box that surrounds the hose bib and control means and an interconnected door. The enclosure prevents hydrant operation, prevents theft of hydrant components (e.g., brass), protects the hydrant from the elements (i.e., salt air), and provides a wall support that firmly interconnects the hydrant to a structure. The enclosure door is interconnected to an outer edge of the box and may be selectively locked. 
     Enclosures are made in various sizes and shapes, and may accommodate a single or dual hydrant that carries hot and cold water, for example. Existing enclosures are rigidly mounted to a wall and are difficult to replace. For example, if an enclosure is in need of repair, the hydrant must first be disconnected and removed. Then, the box must be removed from the wall. One of skill the art will appreciate that this method of repair is labor intensive, time consuming, and inefficient as often only the door is damaged. In addition, keys that are used to open door locks are often lost, which causes maintenance personnel to pry the door open, which damages the door. Thereafter, the door or entire enclosure must be replaced to ensure that the door can be locked or closed properly. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6  a wall hydrant  2  and associated enclosure  66  of the prior art is shown. The hydrant  2  comprises a plate  10  that supports a fluid outlet  14  and a plurality of tube bosses extending therefrom. A control tube boss  18  receives a control tube  22 , and a fluid tube boss  26  receives a fluid supply tube  30 . The fluid supply tube and the control tube are connected to their respective bosses and to a valve  34 . An outside surface of the plate  10  includes an aperture  42  that receives a key  46  that is selectively interconnected to a stem screw  50 . The key controls the flow of water by way of a control rod  54 . The outside surface of the plate  10  also includes the fluid outlet  14 , which may be interconnected to backflow preventer  58 . A backflow preventer used by some embodiments is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,042,565, which is incorporated by reference herein. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the interconnection of the plate  10  to the back wall of the enclosure constitutes a leak point, wherein water can infiltrate the space behind the enclosure and can damage the structure to which the enclosure is attached and become a mold issue. 
     In operation, the user interconnects the key  46  to the stem screw  50 , which is operatively interconnected to the control rod  54 . Turning the key  46  moves the control rod  54  which moves the plunger  62  away from a valve  34  to allow fluid flow through the fluid supply tube  30  as shown in  FIG. 2 . When the key  46  is turned in the opposite direction, the control rod  54  will move the plunger  62  into engagement with the valve  34  as shown in  FIG. 3 , which prevents fluid flow through the fluid supply tube  30 . 
     The enclosure  66  that receives the wall hydrant is shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . The enclosure  66  comprises a box  70  and a door  74 . In some applications the box  70  is of sufficient depth to receive a plate  10  and interconnected backflow preventer  58 . If a shallow box is used, the wall hydrant and interconnected components may be accommodated by a bulge in the door, as shown in  FIG. 5 , for example. The key  46  may also be left interconnected to the stem screw  50  in some instances. The depth of the box  70  allows for the door  74  to be closed to conceal the entire wall hydrant  2  and included backflow preventer  58 . The plate is integrated to, bolted, or otherwise interconnected to a rear surface of the box. 
     Of course, exiting enclosures are an added wall hydrant installation component that requires additional material and adds cost and complexity to the overall system. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that prior art enclosures are made of brass or stainless steel and are, thus, heavy. This added weight renders the enclosure cumbersome and difficult to install. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate enclosures are difficult to use. More specifically, because the plate  10  and associated backflow preventer  58  are spaced from a front edge  78  of the box  70 , it is often difficult for some users to get a hand into the box to connect a back flow preventer, a hose, and engage the key  46  or turn a knob to initiate fluid flow. Further, if the door  74  is damaged, the entire enclosure  66  must be removed. 
     It is thus a long felt need to provide a hydrant enclosure that is easy to install, easy to use, and that accepts various types of fluid connections. Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that it would be advantageous to provide a hydrant enclosure with a replaceable door. These and other features, alone or in combination, are provided by the embodiments the present invention, which will be described below. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide an enclosure with an integrated hydrant. More specifically, one embodiment is a hydrant enclosure comprising a plate. A door is operatively interconnected to the plate. The plate also includes at least one cavity recessed relative to a plate that allows for larger components, such as backflow preventers and control knobs, to be accommodated when the enclosure door is closed. Some embodiments of the present invention do not employ cavities, but accommodate larger components associated with a wall hydrant with a larger door. The enclosure of this embodiment is smaller, more compact, and lighter than those of the prior art. Further, the wall hydrant with an integrated door as contemplated herein mounts to building surfaces in substantially the same way as traditional wall hydrants are incorporated into structures. 
     It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide an enclosure that saves material. More specifically, the fluid control tube and fluid delivery tube are directly interconnected to the box and a traditional support plate (also known as a “face plate”) is omitted. Further, the recess is in fluidic communication with a fluid supply boss. Unlike the prior art systems, the fluid supply boss is interconnected to a conduit integrated into the box that provides fluid to the recess that receives a backflow preventer. Materials, such as brass, steel, iron, etc. commonly associated with prior hydrant plates are integrated directly into the enclosure plate, thus significant material savings are realized. 
     It is yet another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide an enclosure with a selectively removable door. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the door will wear or be damaged. Instead of removing the enclosure from the wall, embodiments of the present invention allow the door to be removed from the enclosure and replaced. The door may be interconnected to a lip extending from the plate. The door may also be fastened to the plate outer surface and selectively interconnected thereto which allows door replacement. 
     It is still yet another aspect of embodiments the present invention to provide an aesthetically pleasing enclosure door. More specifically, the size of the hydrant enclosure and associated door may be modified to accommodate larger hydrants. The door may also be made to correspond to the dimensions and character of building materials, such as stone or brick. In one embodiment, an outer surface of the door is textured or painted to match brick, stone, stucco, or siding such that the hydrant is substantially hidden when not in use. 
     These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) described herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone, or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described below. Further, The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art hydrant; 
         FIG. 2  is a top elevation view of  FIG. 1 , wherein fluid is shown exiting the hydrant; 
         FIG. 3  is a top elevation view of  FIG. 1 , wherein fluid is not flowing from the hydrant; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view showing a hydrant and a prior art enclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of a hydrant positioned within a prior art enclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a top elevation view of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an enclosure of one embodiment of the present invention wherein a door is open; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 7  wherein the door is closed; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom elevation view of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of an enclosure with an integrated hydrant of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 12  with a door open; 
         FIG. 15  is another front perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 12  with the door open; 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a rear elevation view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of an enclosure with an integrated hydrant of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a front perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 20  with a door open; 
         FIG. 23  is a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 20  with the door open; 
         FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of an enclosure with an integrated hydrant of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 24  with the door open; 
         FIG. 27  is a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 24  with the door open; 
         FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of an enclosure with an integrated hydrant of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a top elevation view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 28  with the door open; 
         FIG. 32  is a top plan view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 28  with the door open; 
         FIG. 33  is a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 28  with the door open; 
         FIG. 34  is a front perspective view of a prior art hydrant; 
         FIG. 35  is a front perspective view of an enclosure of another embodiment integrated to the hydrant of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a front perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 35  with the door open; 
         FIG. 38  is a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 35  with the door open; 
         FIG. 39  is a front elevation view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 35  with the door open; and 
         FIG. 40  is a top plan view of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 35  with the door open. 
     
    
    
     To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 # 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                 Hydrant 
               
               
                 6 
                 Enclosure 
               
               
                 10 
                 Plate 
               
               
                 14 
                 Fluid outlet 
               
               
                 18 
                 Controlled tube boss 
               
               
                 22 
                 Control tube 
               
               
                 26 
                 Fluid tube boss 
               
               
                 30 
                 Fluid supply tube 
               
               
                 34 
                 Valve 
               
               
                 28 
                 Outside surface 
               
               
                 42 
                 Aperture 
               
               
                 46 
                 Key 
               
               
                 50 
                 Stem screw 
               
               
                 54 
                 Control Rod 
               
               
                 58 
                 Backflow preventer 
               
               
                 62 
                 Plunger 
               
               
                 66 
                 Enclosure 
               
               
                 70 
                 Box 
               
               
                 74 
                 Door 
               
               
                 76 
                 Lock 
               
               
                 78 
                 Front edge 
               
               
                 100 
                 Enclosure 
               
               
                 104 
                 Plate 
               
               
                 106 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 108 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 112 
                 Inner surface 
               
               
                 114 
                 Hose bib 
               
               
                 116 
                 Outer surface 
               
               
                 120 
                 Backflow preventer 
               
               
                 124 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 128 
                 Stem screw 
               
               
                 132 
                 Protrusion 
               
               
                 136 
                 Conduit 
               
               
                 140 
                 Fluid supply tube 
               
               
                 144 
                 Valve 
               
               
                 148 
                 Boss 
               
               
                 152 
                 Control tube 
               
               
                 162 
                 Door 
               
               
                 166 
                 Hinge plate 
               
               
                 170 
                 Protrusions 
               
               
                 174 
                 Fasteners 
               
               
                 178 
                 Lock 
               
               
                 182 
                 Protrusion 
               
               
                 188 
                 Inner surface 
               
               
                 192 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 200 
                 Enclosure 
               
               
                 206 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 212 
                 Inner surface 
               
               
                 216 
                 Outer surface 
               
               
                 220 
                 Backflow preventer 
               
               
                 224 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 228 
                 Stem screw 
               
               
                 232 
                 Protrusion 
               
               
                 236 
                 Conduit 
               
               
                 240 
                 Fluid supply tube 
               
               
                 244 
                 Valve 
               
               
                 248 
                 Boss 
               
               
                 252 
                 Control tube 
               
               
                 262 
                 Door 
               
               
                 278 
                 Lock 
               
               
                 292 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 294 
                 Pin 
               
               
                 298 
                 Fluid flow path 
               
               
                 300 
                 Enclosure 
               
               
                 306 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 312 
                 Plate 
               
               
                 314 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                 320 
                 Backflow preventer 
               
               
                 324 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 328 
                 Stem screw 
               
               
                 332 
                 Protrusion 
               
               
                 340 
                 Fluid supply tube 
               
               
                 344 
                 Valve 
               
               
                 352 
                 Control tube 
               
               
                 362 
                 Door 
               
               
                 378 
                 Lock 
               
               
                 392 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 400 
                 Enclosure 
               
               
                 406 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 412 
                 Plate 
               
               
                 414 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                 420 
                 Backflow preventer 
               
               
                 424 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 428 
                 Stem screw 
               
               
                 432 
                 Protrusion 
               
               
                 440 
                 Fluid supply tube 
               
               
                 444 
                 Valve 
               
               
                 452 
                 Control tube 
               
               
                 462 
                 Door 
               
               
                 478 
                 Lock 
               
               
                 492 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 496 
                 Hinge plate 
               
               
                 498 
                 Fasteners 
               
               
                 500 
                 Enclosure 
               
               
                 506 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 508 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 512 
                 Plate 
               
               
                 520 
                 Backflow preventer 
               
               
                 528 
                 Stem screw 
               
               
                 532 
                 Protrusion 
               
               
                 540 
                 Fluid supply tube 
               
               
                 544 
                 Valve 
               
               
                 552 
                 Control tube 
               
               
                 562 
                 Door 
               
               
                 564 
                 Pocket 
               
               
                 578 
                 Lock 
               
               
                 592 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 600 
                 Hydrant 
               
               
                 602 
                 Housing 
               
               
                 606 
                 Fasteners 
               
               
                 612 
                 Plate 
               
               
                 614 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                 620 
                 Backflow preventer 
               
               
                 628 
                 Stem screw 
               
               
                 640 
                 Fluid supply and control tube 
               
               
                 644 
                 Valve 
               
               
                 662 
                 Door 
               
               
                 664 
                 Hinge plate 
               
               
                 678 
                 Lock 
               
               
                 692 
                 Lip 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 7-11  show an enclosure  100  with an integrated hydrant of one embodiment of the present invention. The enclosure  100  is defined by a plate  104  with an outwardly-extending lip  108 . The plate  104  has an inner surface  112  and an outer surface  116 . The plate  104  also has a recess  106  that extends from the inner surface  112  toward the outer surface  116 . The plate  104  also includes an opening  124  that receives a control rod and stem screw has shown in  FIG. 4 . The inner surface  112  is adapted to receive a backflow preventer  120 . The backflow preventer  120  is positioned within the recess  106  such that an outer edge of the backflow preventer  120  does not extend from the inner surface  112  to an extent that adversely affects door closure. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show a rear portion of the enclosure  100 . The recess in the plate forms an outwardly-extending protrusion  132 , which in one embodiment is frusto-conical. The protrusion  132  has an outer surface that includes an opening (not shown) that communicates with a conduit  136  that connects fluid supply tube  140  to the backflow preventer. Those of skill the art will appreciate that the fluid supply tube  140  may be directly interconnected to the protrusion  132 , but such configuration may not be ideal as the size of the valve  144 , or length of the fluid supply tube  140  would have to be increased or lengthened, which will increase material costs. The outer surface  116  of the plate also includes a boss  148  that supports the control tube  152 . 
     In operation, the user turns a key interconnected to the stem screw  128 , which removes the plunger from the valve  144  and allows fluid to escape through the fluid supply tube  140 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that other mechanisms to control fluid flow besides a plunger maybe use without departing from the scope of the invention. Fluid exits the hydrant by a backflow preventer  120 . Turning the key in the opposite direction places the plunger into engagement with the valve  144  to cease fluid flow through the fluid supply tube  140 . After the hydrant is shut off, fluid may remain in the fluid supply tube  140  and the control tube  152 . Thus, in one embodiment, the fluid supply tube  140  and the control tube  152  are angled relative to the outer surface  116  of the hydrant so fluid will leak from the hydrant after the valve closes. 
     One embodiment of the present invention includes a door  162  as shown in  FIGS. 7-11 . The door  162  is hingedly interconnected to a hinge plate  166  interconnected to the lip  108 . In some embodiments the hinge plate is interconnected to the plate inner surface  112 . Here, the hinge plate  166  includes a plurality of protrusions  170  that receive fasteners  174  that engage the inner surface  112 . The fasteners are alternatively interconnected to the lips. The door  162  may also include a lock  178  that selectively engages a protrusion  182  extending from the inner surface  112 . If the door becomes damaged or the user changes the look of the door  162 , the door  162  can be opened to expose the fasteners  174 . The fasteners are then removed and a new door is interconnected to the plate  104 . 
     The internal volume of the enclosure  100  may be increased to accommodate one or two fluid flow supply tubes and associated backflow preventers. More specifically, some hydrants include hot and cold water delivery means and it is within the skill of those of skill in the art to expand the size of the enclosure to accommodate the same. 
       FIGS. 12-19  show an enclosure  200  having integrated hydrant of another embodiment of the present invention. The enclosure  200  is defined by a plate  204  with an inner surface  212  and an outer surface  216 . The plate  204  has a recess  206  that extends from the inner surface  212  toward the outer surface  216 . The plate  204  also includes an opening  224  that receives a control rod and stem screw  228  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The inner surface  212  is adapted to receive a backflow preventer  220 . The backflow preventer  220  is positioned within the recess  206  such that an outer edge of the backflow preventer  220  does not extend from the inner surface  212  to an extent that adversely affects door closure. 
       FIGS. 13, 15, and 19  show a rear portion of the enclosure  200 . The recess in the plate forms outwardly-extending protrusion  232 , which in one embodiment is frusto-conical. The protrusion  232  has an outer surface that includes an opening (not shown) that communicates with a conduit  236  (see  FIG. 17 ) that connects fluid supply tube  240  to the backflow preventer. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the fluid supply tube  240  may be directly interconnected to the protrusion  232 , but such configuration may not be ideal as the size of the valve  244 , or length of the fluid supply tube  240  would have to be increased or lengthened, which will increase material costs. The outer surface  216  of the plate also includes a boss  248  that supports the control tube  252 . 
     In operation, the user interconnects the key to the stem screw  228  and turns the same, which removes the plunger from the valve  244  and allows fluid to escape through the fluid supply tube  240 . Fluid travels through the conduit  236  along fluid flow path  298  and exits the backflow preventer  220 . Turning the key in the opposite direction places the plunger back into engagement with the valve  244  to cease fluid flow through the fluid supply tube  240 . After the hydrant is shut off, fluid is left in the fluid supply tube  240  and the control tube  252 . 
     The door  262  of this embodiment includes a lip  292  and is hingedly interconnected to the plate  204 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the door  262  may be interconnected to the plate  204  by removable pins  294 . The door  262  may also include a lock  278  that selectively engages a protrusion  282  extending from the inner surface  212 . 
       FIG. 20-23  show another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the enclosure  300  includes a door  362  having a peripheral lip  392 . The door also includes a lock  378 . The remaining structure of the hydrant and enclosure are, or may be, similar to that described above regarding  FIGS. 7-19 . A door  362  is interconnected to a plate (also sometimes known as a “face plate”)  312  by a hinge  314 . The protrusion  332  extends from the plate  312  associated with a fluid supply tube  340  also interconnected to a valve  344 . The valve  344  is also interconnected to a control tube  352  associated with the plate  312 . The protrusion  332  defines a recess  306  for receipt of a backflow preventer  320 . The plate also includes an opening  324  associated with a stem screw  328  operatively interconnected to a plunger that opens and closes the valve  344 . The door  362  may include a lock  378  that selectively interfaces with the plate  312 , or a protrusion extending therefrom. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the plate  312  may be associated with a building wherein a rear surface of the plate coincides with the building&#39;s outer surface. Alternatively, the hydrant may be affixed to a building wherein the door, when closed, generally coincides with the external building surface; e.g., siding, brick, stone, etc. That is, the plate may be inset relative to the outer surface such that the outer surface of the door  362  would be generally flush with the external surface of the dwelling when the door  362  is closed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the door  362  is textured or otherwise customized to match, or substantially match, the texture and color of the external building service. 
       FIGS. 24-27  show yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is very similar to that shown in  FIGS. 20-23 . Here, however, the hinge  414  is of a different configuration. The enclosure  400  includes a door  462  having a lock  478 . The door selectively interfaces with a plate  412 . The plate  412  includes a recess  406  that accommodates a backflow preventer  420 , and an opening  444  associated with a stem screw  428 . The plate  412  also includes a protrusion  432  interconnected to a fluid supply tube  440  also interconnected to a valve  444 . The valve also receives a control tube  452  as in the embodiments described above. The door  462  may include a lip  492 . In this embodiment of the present invention, a hinge plate  496  is provided that is interconnected to the plate  412  by a plurality of fasteners  498 . 
       FIGS. 28-33  show yet another embodiment of the present invention that employs a enclosure  500  with a door  562 , which may also include a lock  578 . Here, the plate  612  is associated with a pocket  564 . In a first configuration the door  562  is closed and an inner surface thereof is abutted against the plate  512 , which conceals a backflow preventer  520  and a stem screw  528 . The backflow preventer  520  is recessed relative to the front surface of the plate  512  and is situated within a recess  506 . The pocket  564  extends rearwardly from the plate  512  towards a valve  544  which, as in the embodiments described above, is interconnected to a fluid supply tube  540  and a control tube  552 . In the second configuration, the door  562  is rotated away from the plate  512 , which generally aligns the door with an internal volume of the pocket  564 . The door  562  is slid into the pocket  564  and at least partially concealed. In this embodiment of the present invention, the enclosure  500  may be attached to a building wherein the front surface of the plate  512  is generally flush with the building&#39;s external surface. This contemplated hydrant placement creates an aesthetically pleasing look and prevents the hydrant and interconnected components from being damaged by items moving external to the building, e.g., a vehicle, a cart, etc. 
       FIGS. 34-40  illustrate how embodiments the present invention may be incorporated into existing hydrants. More specifically,  FIG. 34  shows an existing hydrant assembly (Zurn model Z1310) made by design Zurn Industries, LLC. Zurn&#39;s hydrant includes a plate  512  that accommodates a backflow preventer  620  and a stem screw assembly  628 . The plate  612  is interconnected to a housing  602  by a plurality of fasteners  606 . In one embodiment of the present invention, a hinge plate  664  is provided that includes a hinge is also interconnected to a door  662 . The door  662  may include a lock  678 . The hinge plate  664  is interconnected to the plate  612  by removing one or more fasteners  606  and abutting a portion of the hinge plate  664  onto the front surface or rear surface of the plate  612 . Thus the existing hardware is repurposed such that a door  662  can be utilized. 
     In other embodiments, however, the plate  612  is discarded and a new plate having an integral hinge plate and door is provided. The new plate with a hinge plate may also include a means for interfacing with the lock  678 . Stated differently, some embodiments contemplate removing an existing plate of a to-be-installed, or installed, hydrant and replacing it with a new plate having an integral hinge plate and door. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5