GB2502705A

GB2502705A - Enclosure for a utility meter

Info

Publication number: GB2502705A
Application number: GB1309847.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Boyes
Original assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Current assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-01
Filing date: 2013-06-03
Publication date: 2013-12-04
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-03
Also published as: GB201620872D0; GB2542293B; GB2542293A; GB201309847D0; GB2502705B

Abstract

An implantable enclosure (1) for a utility meter and/or control valve (2) that includes a tubular housing (3) to which a pair of fluid pipes (5a, 5b) are pivotally connected. The housing (3) includes a base (30), a support portion (31a, 31b) extending upwardly from the base (30) and supporting an intermediate floor (32) and a tubular wall (31) extending upwardly from the intermediate floor (32), which intermediate floor (32) and tubular wall (31) together define a space within which the meter and/or valve (2) is received. Each fluid pipe (5a, 5b) extends through and are pivotally connected to the intermediate floor (32) and may either include a bend (51a, 51b) such that it extends laterally from the enclosure (1) in an adjustable orientation or longitudinally through a cutout in the base (30). In some embodiments, the intermediate floor (32) includes a sloped portion that directs liquid contained, in use, in the enclosure toward a drain at the centre of the intermediate floor. The drain may include a one-way valve to permit the liquid to be drained, but preventing liquid from entering the enclosure.

Description

ENCLOSURE FOR A UTILITY METER AND/OR CONTROL VALVE This invention relates generally to enclosures for utility meters and/or control valves, for example water, gas or electric supply meter and/or control valves. More specifically, s although not exclusively, this invention relates to an implantable water meter and control valve enclosure to be buried in the ground, for example those commonly referred to as boundary boxes, or in a wall.

Boundary boxes are often used to enable water meters to be housed below the surface of io the ground. This is done for a number of reasons including, for example, to protect the meter and/or pipes connected to it by burying them deep enough to avoid freezing of water therein or simply to enable a meter to be contained beneath a public road or footpath while enabling the meter to be accessed for reading.

is Such boundary boxes are generally installed at a predetermined position in the ground where the pipes have already been laid. Conventional boundary box designs include fixed fluid connections to which the pipes are to be connected. This can cause problems during installation, for example where the relative position and orientation of the laid pipes do not readily align with the fluid connections. One proposal for solving this misalignment is to provide connections with a relatively complex and expensive assembly that permits so-called eye ball' adjustment.

It is therefore a first non-exclusive object of the invention to provide a boundary box that at least mitigates the issues described above. It is a further, more general non-exclusive object of the invention to provide an improved boundary box. It is a yet further non-exclusive object of the invention to provide a boundary box that may be configured or adapted by a user.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides an enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, for a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a housing and a fluid passageway pivotally connected to the housing, the housing comprising a base, a support portion extending upwardly from the base and supporting an intermediate floor and a tubular wall extending upwardly from the intermediate floor, which intermediate floor and tubular wall together define a space within which the meter and/or valve is receivable, the fluid passageway extending through the intermediate floor, wherein the support portion is shaped and sized to allow the orientation of the fluid passageway to be adjusted by the pivotable connection.

Preferably, the intermediate floor comprises a sloped portion.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an enclosure, e.g. an s implantable enclosure, for a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a housing and a fluid passageway pivotally connected to the housing, the housing comprising a base, a support portion extending upwardly from the base and supporting an intermediate floor and a tubular wall extending upwardly from the intermediate floor, which intermediate floor and tubular wall together define a space within which the meter and/or io valve is receivable, the fluid passageway extending through the intermediate floor, wherein the intermediate floor comprises a sloped portion.

The fluid passageway may extend through the sloped portion of the intermediate floor.

The intermediate floor may comprise a drain, for example wherein the sloped portion of is the intermediate floor is configured or shaped to direct a liquid contained, in use, within the space is to or toward the drain.

According to another aspect of the invention provides an enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, for a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a tubular housing and a fluid passageway pivotally connected to the housing, the housing comprising a base, an outer wall extending upwardly from a peripheral portion of the base and an intermediate floor between the base and an upper edge of the wall through which floor the fluid passageway extends, the floor and an upper portion of the wall together defining a space within which the meter and/or valve is to be received, wherein the wall has a cutout between the base and the floor through which the fluid passageway extends transversely out of the housing, which cutout is shaped and sized to allow the orientation of the fluid passageway to be adjusted by the pivotable connection.

According to a more general aspect of the invention, there is provided an enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, for a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a tubular housing and a fluid connection for pivotally connecting with a pipe or tube, the housing comprising a base, an outer wall extending upwardly from a peripheral portion of the base and an intermediate floor between the base and an upper edge of the wall, the floor and an upper portion of the wall together defining a space within which the meter and/or valve is to be received, the wall having a cutout between the base and the floor, wherein a pipe or tube pivotally connected, in use, to the fluid connection extends through a hole in the floor and transversely out of the housing through the cutout, which cutout is shaped and sized to allow the orientation of the pipe or tube to be adjusted by the pivotable connection.

According to a yet more general aspect of the invention, there is provided an enclosure, s e.g. an implantable enclosure, for a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a tubular housing having a base, an outer wall extending upwardly from a peripheral portion of the base and an intermediate floor between the base and an upper edge of the wall which floor includes a hole, the floor and an upper portion of the wall together defining a space within which the meter and/or valve is to be received, the wall io having a cutout between the base and the floor, wherein the cutout is shaped and sized such that a pipe or tube extending, in use, through the hole in the floor and transversely out of the housing through the cutout is able to pivot about the axis of the hole to allow the orientation of the pipe or tube to be adjusted.

is In respect of any of the above aspects of the invention, the base may have a cutout that is shaped and sized such that the passageway, e.g. a pipe or tube, may extend, in use, through the hole in the floor and longitudinally out of the housing through the cutout is able to pivot about the axis of the hole to allow the orientation of the pipe or tube to be adjusted, allowing the pipe or tube to be installed from beneath the housing.

The enclosure may further comprise a second fluid passageway or connection or hole, which may extend through the intermediate floor and/or the base may comprise a cutout through which the second fluid passageway may extend. Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure may comprise a second cutout, for example through which the second fluid passageway or pipe or tube may extend transversely out of the housing, e.g. which cutout may be shaped and/or sized to allow the orientation of the second fluid passageway or pipe or tube to be adjusted such as by the second pivotable connection.

Alternatively, the enclosure may comprise a second cutout through which the second fluid passageway or pipe or tube may extend longitudinally out of the housing, e.g. which cutout may be shaped and/or sized to allow the orientation of the second fluid passageway or pipe or tube to be adjusted such as by the second pivotable connection.

The or each cutout may comprise a recess, for example wherein the or a wall of the enclosure is recessed or depressed with respect to the rest of the body, such as to provide a substantially I-shaped base section through its central axis.

At least one, preferably both, of the first and second fluid passageways may comprise a tube oi pipe. The tube or tubes or pipe or pipes may include a bend, for example a 90 degree bend. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the enclosure comprises a pair of s bent tubes or pipes that extend downwardly through and are pivotally connected to the intermediate floor and extend outwardly or transversely through a respective cutout. One or both tubes or pipes may comprise a push fitting at a free end, e.g. for receiving in a sealing manner a further tube or pipe. In some embodiments, only one of the tubes or pipes comprises a push fitting, while in other embodiments each of the tubes or pipes io comprises a push fitting and in yet further embodiments neither of the tubes or pipes includes a push fitting. One or both tubes or pipes may comprise a connector, for example for receiving in a sealing manner a further tube or pipe. In some embodiments each of the tubes or pipes may comprise a different connector.

is The pivotable connection between the tube or pipe and the floor permits adjustment of orientation of the passageway and the shape and size of the cutout is large enough to permit such movement. However, the cutout is preferably sized and shaped to limit such movement, for example to 80 degrees, preferably 70 degrees, more preferably 60 degrees. Limiting the size of the cutout maintains the rigidity of the enclosure while permitting adjustment of the passageways across a useful range.

The pivotable connection may further comprise a serrated edge or teeth or notches to engage the passageway or tube or pipe and limit or restrict movement thereof, for example when the passageway or tube or pipe is in the desired orientation.

The tubular housing may comprise a conical or tapered portion, for example the outer wall may taper or narrow towards the base of the enclosure. An enclosure with a conical or tapered outer wall allows the enclosure to be held more securely in the correct position when buried in the ground.

The intermediate floor, for example the sloped intermediate floor, e.g. between the base and an upper edge of the wall, may be tapered or conical to allow fluid contained, in use, in the enclosure to drain therefrom.

Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure may comprise a skirt, for example at the base, to improve the stability of the enclosure when buried in the ground. The skirt may further comprise a groove or channel or depression to facilitate stacking of enclosures, for example for storage and transportation prior to use.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid for closing an s enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, within which is received or is receivable a utility meter and/or control valve, the lid comprising a first part with at least one reinforcing rib and a second part with at least one slot for receiving the rib of the first part when the first and second parts are connected together.

Preferably, the reinforcing rib extends along or across at least a portion of the first part.

More preferably, the first part comprises a planar or plate or plate-like portion from which the reinforcing rib extends, for example orthogonally or substantially orthogonally. Most preferably, the slot extends along or across at least a portion of the second part, which second part may comprise a planar or plate or plate-like portion along which the slot is extends, for example the second part may comprise a wall against which the reinforcing rib abuts or adjacent to which the reinforcing rib is positioned when the first and second parts are connected together, but preferably the second part comprises a pair of walls between which the reinforcing rib is received when the first and second parts are connected together.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second parts is/are substantially circular or square or rectangular in plan, for example wherein the or a further reinforcing rib and/or wall or walls extend radially across the part or parts, for example across the planar or plate or plate-like portion of one or each of the parts. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments the or a further reinforcing rib and/or wall or walls may extend peripherally or circumferentially or along the periphery or circumference of the first and/or second part or planar or plate or plate-like portion, such as about the edge thereof or spaced inwardly from the edge thereof.

Preferably, the reinforcing ribs and/or walls extend radially at least every 180 degrees, for example every 90 degrees or every 45 degrees or every 30 degrees or every 15 degrees.

More preferably, the reinforcing ribs and/or walls comprise a series of concentric and/or nested and/or peripheral or circumferentially extending ribs and/or walls.

The second part may comprise one or more receptacles or pockets, for example that are at least partly defined by the slots or walls, which receptacle or receptacles or pocket or pockets may receive an insulating element.

Another aspect of the invention provides a lid for closing an enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, within which is received or is receivable a utility meter and/or control valve, the lid comprising one or more receptacles or pockets for receiving an insulating element.

The one or more receptacles or pockets may be closable or sealable. The insulating element may comprise a plurality of insulating elements such as insulating beads or spherical or freeform elements, which may be formed of a polymer.

io The lid may be received or receivable in an upper portion, for example a receptacle in an upper portion, of the boundary box. The receptacle may comprise a drain for collecting and/or draining liquid that seeps through or around the lid.

Another aspect of the invention comprises an enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, is within which is received or is receivable a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a receptacle that receives a lid for closing the enclosure, the receptacle comprising a drain for collecting and/or draining liquid that seeps, in use, through or around the lid.

The receptacle may be incorporated in an upper portion of the boundary box and may include a ledge or shoulder or horizontal portion against or upon which the lid may sit or abut.

The lid or receptacle or housing, e.g. an upper portion of the housing, may comprise an identification means or tag, for example a visual identification means or tag. Preferably, the identification means or tag comprises one or more element, e.g. projecting elements, that are removable to produce a visual identifier for the enclosure.

Another aspect of the invention provides an enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, for a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a tubular housing, a lid for closing an open end of the tubular housing and an identification means comprising one or more projecting elements that are removable to produce a visual identifier for the enclosure.

Preferably, the identification means comprises a plurality of projecting elements that are removable, for example to produce any of a plurality of characters such as by selectively removing one or more of the projecting elements. More preferably, the identification means comprises one or more groups of removable projecting elements, for example to enable any one of the one or more groups to produce any of a plurality of characters such as by selectively removing one oi more of the projecting elements. Most piefeiably, the pluiality of projecting elements or each group of projecting elements complises seven s projecting elements, for example arranged to form the number eight. It will be appreciated that any number of alphanumeric characters may thus be formed by selectively removing one or more of the piojecting elements.

The identification means may be comprised or incorporated in the housing or in the lid.

Preferably, the identification means is comprised in the housing and is visible when the lid is removed.

The enclosure may comprise a recess that may be comprised or incorporated in the housing or lid, e.g. foi leceiving an antenna, for example to enable automatic reading of a is meter contained, in use! in the enclosure. The enclosure may include an antenna received within the recess.

Anothei aspect of the invention piovides an enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, foi a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosuie comprising a tubular housing, a lid for closing an open end of the tubular housing and an antenna received within a recess of the housing or lid to enable automatic reading of a meter contained, in use, in the enclosure.

Preferably, the iecess is foimed in the housing, for example an upper poition of the housing, e.g. adjacent or in the ledge or shoulder or horizontal portion, which recess may be located below and/or be covered by the lid. More preferably, the recess comprises a recess closure for covering and/oi sealing the lecess, for example which closure may be flush with the ledge or shoulder or horizontal portion of the housing, e.g. for covering an antenna received in the recess. Most preferably, the enclosure, for example the housing, further comprises a slot within which is received a wire or cable interconnecting the antenna to the meter.

The enclosure may comprise an upper housing, for example corresponding to or incorporating or providing the upper portion of the housing described above. The enclosuie may further complise a lower housing, for example coiiesponding to or incorporating or providing the lower portion of the housing or base described above. The lower housing may comprise a conical or tapered portion, for example that tapers or naiiows towards the base of the enclosure, e.g. to hold the enclosure more securely in the correct position when buried in the ground. The enclosure may further comprise a body, which may be tubular and/or circular or square or rectangular and/or in two or more parts, tor example a pair of telescopic parts that may be sealingly or at least substantially sealingly movable with respect to one another, e.g. for adjusting the overall height of the s enclosure.

The body may be releasably connectable or securable to the lower housing or base, for example by cooperating elements or features each of which may be comprised or incorporated in one of the body and the lower housing or base. In some embodiments, io the body is releasably connectable or securable to the lower housing or base by a bayonet type fitting that may comprise one or more, preferably two or more, more preferably three or more, most preferably four bayonet fittings or connecting or cooperating elements or sets thereof that are preferably equally spaced about the body.

The bayonet fittings or connecting or cooperating elements or features may comprise one is or more hook and edge or ledge pairs. Preferably, the one or more hooks are incorporated or comprised in the housing or body and the one or more edges or ledges are incorporated in the lower housing or base. In alternative embodiments, the body is releasably connectable or securable to the lower housing or base by a flexible or spring-loaded type fitting that may comprise one or more, preferably two or more, more preferably three or more, most preferably four snap fits or clips and cooperating apertures or holes that are preferably equally spaced about the body. The snap fits or clips are preferably incorporated or comprised in the housing or body, for example moulded in the housing or body and the one or more apertures or holes are incorporated in the lower housing or base. The snap fits or clips may be provided by C shaped protrusions moulded in the lower housing or base that may be received in gaps or holes in the housing or body.

The enclosure or body or two or more parts may comprise two or more layers, for example a coextrusion.

Another aspect of the invention provides an enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, for a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a tubular housing and a lid for closing an open end of the tubular housing, the housing comprising two or more layers, for example a coextrusion.

Advantageously, the inner layer may comprise a light colour such as a white or off-white colour and/or the outer layer may comprise a dark or darker colour than the inner layer.

Providing an inner layer with a light colour improves visibility and/or light reflection, e.g. to aid or facilitate reading of the meter and/or visibility of the meter or valve. In some embodiments, one or both layers, preferably the outer layer, may comprise a recycled material or particulate or lower grade of material or resin.

Preferably, the lower housing includes a platform, e.g. a raised platform, on which or to which the utility meter and/or control valve is or are connected or mounted or secured.

Another aspect of the invention provides an enclosure, e.g. an implantable enclosure, for io a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a tubular housing, a lid for closing an open end of the tubular housing and a non-return or one-way valve or valve means or element that allows tluid contained, in use, in the enclosure to drain therefrom but that prevents or inhibits fluid from flowing into the enclosure therethrough.

is The non-return valve or valve means or element may comprise a tube or tubular element with a flat or flattened portion or end, for example which flat or flattened end may be lowermost, for example a bottom portion or end. The non-return valve may further comprise a fold or kink in the flat or flattened portion to more effectively prevent or inhibit backflow of fluid into the enclosure.

Additionally or alternatively, the non-return valve or valve means may comprise a flap valve or a diaphragm valve or an umbrella valve that may comprise one or more, for example two or more, e.g. a plurality of, holes or openings or apertures and/or a movable or flexible element such as a flap or plate or disc or diaphragm that is preferably flat and/or that may be movable between an open position or condition, e.g. in which the flap or plate or disc or diaphragm does not cover the holes or openings or apertures and/or allows the passage of fluid through the holes or openings or apertures and a closed position or condition, e.g. in which the flap or plate or disc or diaphragm covers the holes or openings or apertures and/or prevents or inhibits the passage of fluid through the holes or openings or apertures. The flap or plate or disc or diaphragm is preferably mounted to an underside of the enclosure or non-return valve.

Additionally or alternatively, the non-return valve or valve means or element may comprise a float operated valve, for example wherein a valve element may be actuated or raised by a float element, e.g. to engage with or close against a valve seat, e.g. in or on or incorporated or comprised in the enclosure or housing or base.

A further aspect of the invention comprises a kit of parts for assembly into an enclosure, for example an implantable enclosure, for a utility meter and/or control valve, e.g. as described above. The kit may comprise the housing and/or the or each passageway or pipe or tube and/or the first and second lid parts and/or one or more insulating elements.

s Such a kit of parts will enable a user to install to a boundary box that may be configured or adapted for a particular location.

It will be appreciated that any one or more features or elements of any one of the aforementioned aspects is equally applicable and may be incorporated in any one or io more of the other aspects of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: is Figure 1 is a perspective view of an enclosure or boundary box according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a lower portion of the enclosure of Figure 1 shown in with the pipes in a first configuration; Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a lower portion of the enclosure of Figure 1 shown in with the pipes in a second configuration; and Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the enclosure of Figures ito 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an enclosure or boundary box according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a partial sectional perspective view of an upper portion of the boundary box of Figure 5 showing the upper housing that receives the two-part lid; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the boundary box shown in Figure 6 with the upper part of the lid removed; Figure 8 is a similar view to Figure 7 with the pockets of the lower part of the lid filled with insulating elements; Figure 9 is a partial perspective view the upper housing of Figure 6; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the identification markers identified as B in Figure 9; Figures 11 to 15 show an optional embodiment of the upper housing of Figure 9 that incorporates a pocket for receiving an AMR antenna; io Figure 16 is a partial section view of the lower tubular member along line A-A of Figure 5; Figure 17 is a partial perspective view of the boundary box of Figure 5 illustrating the fitting between the lower tubular member and the lower housing; Figure 18 is a perspective view of the lower housing of the boundary box of Figure 5 with an alternative pipe design; Figure 19 is a perspective section view of the lower housing shown in Figure 18; Figure 20 is an enlarged view of the non-return valve incorporated in the lower housing shown in Figure 19; Figure 21 is a perspective view from above of an alternative non-return valve for incorporation into the lower housing shown in Figure 19; Figure 22 is a perspective view from below of the non-return valve of Figure 21; Figure 23 is a section view of the non-return valve of Figures 21 and 22 Figure 24 is a partial perspective view of the lower portion of an enclosure or boundary box according to a third embodiment; Figure 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the enclosure of Figure 24; Figure 26 is a partial perspective view of the lower portion of an enclosure or boundary box according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 27 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative fitting mechanism for s connecting the upper tubular member and base of the boundary box of Figure 26; Figure 28 is a cross-sectional of the alternative fitting mechanism of Figure 27; and Figure 29 is an internal perspective view of the alternative fitting mechanism of io Figure 27 showing the upper tubular member connected to the base.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown an implantable boundary box enclosure 1 according to one embodiment for housing a utility meter and control valve 2. The enclosure 1 includes a tubular housing 3, a lid 4 and a pair of right angle fluid pipes 5a, 5b is pivotally connected to the housing 3.

The housing 3 includes a base 30, an outer wall 31 extending upwardly from a peripheral portion of the base 30 and an intermediate floor 32 between the base 30 and the lid 4. It will be appreciated that the floor 32, an upper portion of the wall 31 and the lid 4 together define the space or volume within which the meter and valve 2 are received. The floor 32 includes a pair of holes 32a, 32b and the wall 31 has a pair of cutouts 31a, 31b between the base 30 and the floor 32.

The pipes 5a, 5b are pivotally connected to pivot joints 50a, SOb fluidly connected to the meter and valve 2 and pass through a respective one of the holes 32a, 32b in the floor 32 of the housing 3. The pipes 5a, Sb extend downwardly from the floor 32 and have an intermediate bend 51a, 51b with a transverse section that passes through a respective one of the cutouts 31a, 31b and out of the housing 3. The cutouts 31a, 31b are shaped and sized to allow the pipes 5a, 5b to pivot about the pivot joints 50a, 50b and holes 32a, 32b to adjust the orientation of the transverse section of the pipe 5a, Sb.

In this embodiment, the cutouts 31a, 31b are shaped and sized to allow the pipes 5a, Sb to pivot by 60 degrees, thereby providing a combined variation of 120 degrees relative to one another. Limiting the size of the cutout maintains the rigidity of the enclosure while permitting adjustment of the passageways across a useful range.

The housing 3 includes a base 30, an outer wall 31 extending upwardly from a peripheral portion of the base 30 and an intermediate floor 32 between the base 30 and the lid 4. It will be appreciated that the floor 32, an upper portion of the wall 31 and the lid 4 together define the space or volume within which the meter and valve 2 are received. The floor 32 s includes a pair of holes 32a, 32b and the wall 31 has a pair of cutouts 31a, 31b between the base 30 and the floor 32.

The pipes 5a, 5b are pivotally connected to pivot joints 50a, SOb fluidly connected to the meter and valve 2 and pass through a respective one of the holes 32a, 32b in the floor 32 io of the housing 3. The pivot joints 50a, 50b include a toothed annulus and 0-ring seal received in a conical body for allowing insertion of a pipe 5a, 5b therein but preventing or at least inhibiting its removal. The pipes 5a, Sb extend downwardly from the floor 32 and have an intermediate bend 51a, 51b with a transverse section that passes through a respective one of the cutouts 31a, 31b and out of the housing 3. The cutouts 31a, 31b is are shaped and sized to allow the pipes 5a, 5b to pivot about the pivot joints 50a, 50b and holes 32a, 32b to adjust the orientation of the transverse section of the pipe 5a, 5b.

In this embodiment, the cutouts 31a, 31b are shaped and sized to allow the pipes 5a, 5b to pivot by 60 degrees, thereby providing a combined variation of 120 degrees relative to one another. Limiting the size of the cutout maintains the rigidity of the enclosure while permitting adjustment of the passageways across a useful range.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 20, there is shown an implantable boundary box enclosure according to a second embodiment, which is similar to the enclosure 1 according to the embodiment described above, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further herein. The enclosure 100 according to this embodiment includes a tubular body 103, a lid 104 received in an upper housing 106 and a lower housing 107 that contains the utility meter and control valve 2.

The lid 104 in this embodiment is formed of two parts 140, 141 including a first part 140 with an array of reinforcing ribs 142 and a second part 141 with a corresponding array of slots 143 for receiving the ribs 142 of the first pad 140 when the pads 140, 141 are brought together. The first pad 140 includes a disc portion 144 from which the ribs 142 extend orthogonally in an array of radially extending ribs 142 and a series of concentric or nested ribs 142. The second pad 141 also includes a disc portion 145 from which extend a plurality of walls that define the slots 143 in an array that corresponds to the array of ribs 142 such that the slots 143 receive the ribs 142 when the two pads 140, 141 are brought together.

The walls that define the slots 143 of the second part 141 also define a plurality of s receptacles or pockets within which are received a plurality of insulating elements 146, shown in Figure 8. It will be appreciated that the receptacles or pockets are substantially sealed when the first and second parts 140, 141 are brought together. The insulating elements 146 in this embodiment are spherical insulating beads 146 formed of a polymeric material.

The upper housing 106 includes an upper cylindrical wall 160, a lower cylindrical wall 161 and an intermediate annular portion 162 separating and formed integrally with the upper and lower walls 160, 161. The diameter of the lower cylindrical wall 161 is less than that of the upper cylindrical wall 160 and the annular portion 162 includes a depression 163 is with a plurality of drain holes 163a extending therethrough at a position that is radially between the walls 160, 161. The upper cylindrical wall 160 and the intermediate annular portion 162 together define a lid receptacle 164 within which the lid 104 is received. The lower cylindrical wall 161 and the intermediate annular portion 162 together define a body receptacle 165 within which the upper, inner telescopic member 130 of the body 103 is received. Thus, the drain holes 1 63a extend from the floor of the lid receptacle 164 to the outside of the enclosure 100 when the enclosure 100 is in an assembled condition, while the depression 163 functions as a trench or gulley interconnecting the drain holes 163a.

In this embodiment and as shown more clearly in Figures 9 and 10, the lid receptacle 164 includes a recess 166 with an identification tag 167 in the form of three alphanumeric arrays of seven projecting elements 167a, which are selectively removable to create a visual identifier for the enclosure 100.

The enclosure 100 according to this embodiment further includes an antenna 108 received within a cylindrical recess 180 in the upper housing 106 to enable automatic reading of a meter contained in the enclosure 100. The upper housing 106 includes a cylindrical antenna housing 181 depending from the intermediate annular portion 162 that houses the recess 180, which is accessible from an aperture 182 in the intermediate annular portion 162. The aperture 182 is sealingly closable by a closure element 183 that is releasably securable to the aperture 182 to cover the antenna 108. The upper housing 106 also includes a locating slot 184 that extends axially along an internal surface of the upper housing 106 and receives a filament portion 108a of the antenna 108.

The body 103 includes a pair of telescopic hollow tubular members 130, 131 each with a pair of sealing lips 132, only one of which is shown. The sealing lip 132 of the outer telescopic member 131 extends inwardly to seal against the outside surface ot the inner s telescopic member 130, while the sealing lip (not shown) of the inner telescopic member extends outwardly to seal against the inside surface of the outer telescopic member 131. Thus, the two members 130, 131 are telescopically movable to adjust the overall height of the enclosure 100 in a sealing manner. The upper, inner telescopic member is received in and engages with the upper housing 106. The lower, outer telescopic io member 131 engages with the lower housing 107 by an interlocking bayonet-type fitting that is provided by four equispaced downwardly extending hook projections 133 that are received in gaps 170 in an outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 171 of the lower housing 107.

is The telescopic members 130. 131 in this embodiment include two layers formed by coextrusion. Figure 16, which corresponds to part section A-A of Figure 5, illustrates the two layers 131 a, 131 b of the outer, lower telescopic member 131. The inner layer 131 a is of a light colour, off-white in this embodiment, and the outer layer 131b includes a darker colour than the inner layer formed with recycled material. Providing an inner layer with a light colour improves visibility and/or light reflection to aid or facilitate reading of the meter and the visibility of the meter and valve 2.

The lower housing 107 includes a base 172, an outer wall 173 extending upwardly from a peripheral portion of the base 172 and an intermediate floor 174 between the base 172 and the body 103. The flange 171 extends outwardly from the wall 173 and defines an upper sealing portion with a circumferential groove that receives an 0-ring 175 tor receipt into and sealing engagement with an internal surface of the lower, outer telescopic member 131. It will be appreciated that the floor 174 and an upper portion of the wall 173 together define the space or volume within which the meter and valve 2 are received.

The floor 174 includes a pair of holes 1 74a, 1 74b and a non-return valve 176 and the wall 173 has a pair of cutouts 173a, 173b between the base 172 and the floor 174.

The non-return valve 176 in this embodiment is in the form of a tubular element with a flattened lowermost end that is fluidly and sealingly connected to a drain hole 177 in the floor 174. The non-return valve 176 allows water contained in the enclosure (e.g. that has seeped in over time) to drain out but inhibits water from flowing into the enclosure 100.

In this embodiment, the utility meter and control valve 2 are formed integrally with the pivot joints 50a, 50b via a respective pipe portion 20, 21. The pipes 5a, 105a, 5b are pivotally connected to the pivot joints 50a, 50b each of which seals off and passes through a respective one of the holes 174a, 174b in the floor 174 of the lower housing s 107. The pipes 5a, 105a, 5b extend downwardly from the floor 174 and have an intermediate bend 151a, 51b with a transverse section that passes through a respective one of the cutouts 173a, 173b and out of the lower housing 107. One of the pipes 105a includes a push fitting 150a formed integrally with the free end of its transverse section, which fitting 150a includes a toothed annulus and 0-ring seal received in a conical body io for allowing insertion of a further pipe (not shown) therein but preventing or at least inhibiting its removal.

The cutouts 173a, 173b are shaped and sized to allow the pipes 5a, 105a, 5b to pivot about the pivot joints 50a, 5Db and holes 174a, 174b to adjust the orientation of the is transverse section of the pipe 5a, 105a, Sb. In this embodiment! the cutouts 173a, 173b are also shaped and sized to allow the pipes 5a, 1 05a, 5b to pivot by 60 degrees, thereby providing a combined variation of 120 degrees relative to one another.

Referring now to Figures 21 to 23, there is shown an alternative non-return valve in the form of a diaphragm or umbrella valve 276 with a plurality of holes 277 and a flexible diaphragm 278. The diaphragm 278 includes a flat plate-like portion 279, a spacer portion 280 and a tapered hollow spigot portion 281 extending from the spacer portion 280 and having a retaining bulge 282 adjacent its free end. The spigot portion 281 is received in and engages a central hole 277a and is retained therein by the retaining bulge 282. The valve also includes a shroud 283 surrounding the diaphragm 278 and extending downwardly from the bottom of the enclosure 100.

In use, water (not shown) contained in the enclosure 100 passes through the holes 277 and force the diaphragm 278 down away from the holes 277 to allow the water to flow out of the enclosure 100. However, if the water level in the ground within which the enclosure is located rises to the level of the non-return valve 276, the diaphragm is urged toward a closed position in which the diaphragm 278 covers the holes 277 and prevents the passage of water through the holes 277.

Referring now to Figures 24 to 29, there is shown the lower part of an implantable boundary box enclosure 300 according to a third embodiment for housing a utility meter and control valve, which is similar to the enclosures 1, 100 according to the embodiments described above, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further herein. The enclosure 300 according to this embodiment includes a base 330 that has a conical-shaped floor 332 that tapers towards the non-return valve 276. In use, water (not shown) contained in the enclosure 300 drains towards the non-return valve 276 s and out of the enclosure 300.

The tapered floor 332 includes a pair of holes (not shown) through which pivot joints 50a, 50b pass. Pipes 5a, 5b are pivotally connected to pivot joints 50a, 50b and extend downwardly from the tapered floor 332 and through cutouts 331a, 331b in the base 330.

io In this embodiment, the pipes 5a, 5b extend out of the enclosure 300 longitudunally relative to the enclosure 300, allowing the pipes 5a, Sb to be filled from underneath the enclosure 300.

The base 330 also has a skirt 340 which improves the stability of the enclosure when is buried in the ground.

In this embodiment, the base 330 is designed to receive an upper tubular member 331 that is telescopically moveable relative to the base 330 to allow adjustment of the overall height of the enclosure 300 in a sealing manner. The base 330 engages with the upper tubular member 331 by an interlocking snap fit connection that is provided by four equispaced moulded C shaped protrusions 350 in the base 330 that are received in gaps or holes 351 in the upper tubular member 331.

As shown in Figure 27, the C' shaped protrusions 350 are moulded in the base 330 forming indentations on the inside of the base 330 and protrusions on the outside of the upper tubular member 330.

In use, the upper tubular member 331 is pushed into the base 330 and twisted to bring the C' shaped protrusions 350 of the base 330 into alignment with the gaps or holes 351 in the upper tubular member 331, as shown in Figure 28. When in the correct position, the C' shaped protrusions 350 snap into the gaps or hole 351 holding the upper tubular member 331 and base 330 in position as shown in Figure 29. The upper tubular member 331 can be removed from the base 330 by firmly pulling the upper tubular member 331 and base 330 apart.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the enclosure 1 may be provided without the pipes 5a, 5b and/or without the pivot joints 50a, 50b and/or in kit form. The enclosure 1 may be split into two parts, for example a lower part or portion that includes the base 30, floor 32 and some or most but not all of the outer wall 31 and an upper part or portion that includes an extension of the outer wall 31, for example a tubular portion that interconnects the lower part or portion with the lid 4. It is also envisaged that s the upper pad or portion may be a telescopic tubular assembly that enables adjustment of the height of the enclosure 1. The non-return valve 176 may incorporated a fold or kink in the or a flattened portion to more effectively prevent or inhibit backflow of fluid into the enclosure.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the ad that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior ad and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An enclosure for a utility meter and/or control valve, the enclosure comprising a housing and a fluid passageway pivotally connected to the housing, the housing comprising a base, a support portion extending upwardly from the base and supporting an intermediate floor and a tubular wall extending upwardly from the intermediate floor, which intermediate floor and tubular wall together define a space within which the meter and/or valve is receivable, the fluid passageway extending through the intermediate floor, wherein the support portion is shaped and sized to io allow the orientation of the fluid passageway to be adjusted by the pivotable connection.
2. An enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate floor comprises a sloped or tapered portion.
3. An enclosure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the intermediate floor comprises a drain and is configured or shaped to direct liquid contained within the space to the drain.
4. An enclosure according to claim 3, wherein the fluid passageway extends through the intermediate floor upstream of the drain.
5. An enclosure according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second fluid passageway extending through the intermediate floor, wherein the support portion is shaped and sized to allow the orientation of the fluid passageway to be adjusted by the pivotable connection.
6. An enclosure according to claim 5 when dependent upon claim 4, wherein the second fluid passageway extends through the intermediate floor upstream of the drain.
7. An enclosure according to claim 6. wherein the intermediate floor is tapered or substantially conical and the drain is between the first and second fluid passageways.
8. An enclosure according to any preceding claim further comprising a non-return valve means that allows fluid contained, in use, in the enclosure to drain therefrom but that prevents or inhibits fluid from flowing into the enclosure therethrough.
9. An enclosure according to any preceding claim, wherein the passageway is provided by a pipe or tube with a bend between the base and the intermediate floor such that the pipe or tube extends transversely from the enclosure.
10. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the passageway extends from the intermediate floor and through a cutout in the base.
11. An enclosure according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each fluid io passageway comprises a connector for receiving in a sealing manner a tube or pipe.
12. An enclosure according to any preceding claim wherein the pivotable connection comprises a serrated edge to engage the fluid passageway.
13. An enclosure according to any preceding claim further comprising a lid for closing the enclosure, the lid comprising a first part with at least one reinforcing rib and a second part with at least one slot for receiving the rib of the first part when the first and second parts are connected together.
14. An enclosure according to claim 13 wherein the lid comprises one or more receptacles or pockets for receiving an insulating element.
15. An enclosure according to claim 14 wherein the lid further comprises a drain for collecting and/or draining liquid that seeps through or around the lid.
16. An enclosure according to any preceding claim further comprising an identification means.
17. An enclosure according to claim 16 wherein the identification means comprises one or more elements that are removable to produce a visual identifier for the enclosure.
18. An enclosure according to claim 17 wherein the identification means comprises a plurality of projecting elements that are removable.
19. An enclosure according to any preceding claim further comprising a recess for receiving an antenna to enable automatic reading of a meter contained, in use, in the enclosure.s
20. An enclosure according to any preceding claim further comprising an upper housing and a lower housing.
21. An enclosure according to claim 20 wherein the upper housing and lower housing are sealingly movable with respect to one another.
22. An enclosure according to claim 21 wherein the upper housing and lower housing are telescopic.
23. An enclosure according to any preceding claim wherein the body is releasably is connectable to the base.
24. An enclosure according to claim 23, wherein the body is releasably connectable to the base by one or more snap or bayonet-type fittings.
25. An enclosure according to claim 24, wherein the fitting is provided by one or more C' shaped protrusions moulded in the base receivable in a or a respective hole in the body.
26. A kit of parts for assembly into an enclosure for a utility meter and/or control valve according to any preceding claim.