Rotation restricted locking apparatus and method

• US 7,213,424 B2
• Filed: 12/30/2004
• Issued: 05/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dewalch Technologies Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Dewalch Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Dewalch, Binz
• Primary Examiner(s): Gall; Lloyd A.
• Application Number:
  US11/027,320
• Publication Number:
  US 20050178171A1
• Time in Patent Office: 859 Days
• Field of Search: 70/34, 703/86, 70/19, 70158-173, 292/256.6, 292/256.63, 292/256.65, 411/348
• US Class Current: 70/19
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 15/0205 Striking-plates, keepers, staples means for reducing friction E05B17/007; electric strikers E05B47/0046; staples for padlocks E05B67/383; strikers for espagnolettes E05C9/1808
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 15/022 movable, resilient or yieldable adjustable into different discrete positions E05B15/024; yieldable striker for emergency opening E05B65/1026
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/00 Keys; Accessories therefor key modifications or attachments preventing removal from the lock E05B11/005; key rings A44B15/00; key cases A45C11/32; key holders A47G29/10; making keys, see the relevant places, e.g. B21D53/42; milling grooves in keys B23C3/35
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 63/003 with key ejection means
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 65/0089 for utility meters or the like
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 67/365 with locking means in the form of balls or rollers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/205 Ring
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/402 Fetters
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/411 Clamps
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/443 Single stem or shank
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/554 Cover, lid, cap, encasing shield
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5566 External locking devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7751 With ball or roller

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to preventing rotation of a barrel lock when opened by a key. At least one example embodiment includes a rotationally actuated barrel lock for securing electric meter boxes and the like, and a spring loaded clip for mounting inside the meter box. Lock actuation is characterized by rotation of a key relative to the lock. The barrel lock includes a head portion, and a smaller diameter shank portion with flatted areas thereon. The clip includes, in at least one example, a lock receiving opening with internal protrusions which engage the flatted areas on the lock shank, thereby preventing rotation of the lock when it is engaged by the key.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing a meter to a meter box with a barrel lock, the lock comprising a body, a rotation restricting stop surface of the body, and a variable-radial-play and radially-retracting retaining member having an acute retracting surface, the apparatus comprising:

a hoop; and

a lock receptacle connected to said hoop and including a rotation restricting stop surface of said lock receptacle for receiving and preventing rotation of a barrel lock.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising the barrel lock.

3. A meter locking ring for use with a rotationally actuated barrel lock, the locking ring having an open and closed configuration and comprising:

a hoop having a split and a generally “

U”

shaped cross-section having a first and second end at the split;

a housing attached to the first end, said housing comprising a first lock receiving aperture;

a member attached to the second end of said hoop that engages with said housing when the meter locking ring is in the closed configuration and comprising a second lock receiving aperture;

wherein said second lock receiving aperture generally aligns with said first lock receiving aperture in said housing when said meter locking ring is in the closed configuration; and

wherein at least one of said first or said second lock receiving apertures comprises a generally circular shape and at least one flat that protrudes into said generally circular shape to restrict rotation within the at least one of said first or said second lock receiving apertures of a rotationally actuated barrel lock.