Locking apparatus and method
First Claim
1. An apparatus for connecting and disconnecting first and second ends of a ring, the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure, each of the first and second ends of the ring defining an aperture therein, the apparatus comprising:
- a locking pin having a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring, wherein the locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member, the locking pin further comprising a shaft portion having the distal end, the fracturable member being disposed intermediate the engageable end and the distal end of the locking pin; and
a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion, the first and second ends of the ring being connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing, wherein the head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member. A lock removal tool is adapted to receive and fracture a portion of the locking pin, enabling removal of the lock assembly from the meter box sealing ring. In an example embodiment an apparatus and method is provided for securing at least one structure or a plurality of structures, used with a utility service enclosure, or for example, a meter box locking ring having, for example, flanged ends or used to seal for example, utility enclosures, meter boxes or trucking, shipping, airline or other transportation containers or enclosures. An example embodiment also provides a tamper-evident locking apparatus or seal that is adapted to indicate tampering.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for connecting and disconnecting first and second ends of a ring, the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure, each of the first and second ends of the ring defining an aperture therein, the apparatus comprising:
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a locking pin having a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring, wherein the locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member, the locking pin further comprising a shaft portion having the distal end, the fracturable member being disposed intermediate the engageable end and the distal end of the locking pin; and a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion, the first and second ends of the ring being connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing, wherein the head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member.
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2. An apparatus for creating a seal, the apparatus comprising:
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a locking pin adapted to unite a plurality of structures; and a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the fracturable locking pin, wherein the plurality of structures is securable between a portion of the fracturable locking pin and at least a portion of the lock housing, and wherein the portion of the fracturable locking pin is adapted to receive direct application of opposing forces by a separate object, whereby the fracturable locking pin may be fractured. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A seal comprising:
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a fracturable locking pin adapted to unite a plurality of structures; a housing adapted to retain at least a part of the fracturable locking pin, wherein the plurality of structures may be securable between a portion of the fracturable locking pin and the housing, and wherein the portion of the fracturable locking pin is adapted to receive direct application of opposing forces by a separate object, whereby the fracturable locking pin may be fractured; and an indication member adapted to reveal evidence of any application of force to the indication member. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. An apparatus for securing a ring having first and second ends, the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure, each of the first and second ends of the ring defining an aperture therein, the apparatus comprising:
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a locking pin having a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of first and second ends of a ring, wherein the locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member, the locking pin further comprising a shaft portion with the distal end, the fracturable member being disposed intermediate the engageable end and the distal end of the locking pin; and a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification