Patent US4262946A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4262946A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Meter lock seal
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1978-08-02
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Granted: 1981-04-21
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Expires: 1998-08-02
Abstract
Abstract A frangible plug for sealing the access opening of a barrel lock, particularly such a lock installed in an electric meter box lock, the plug being so designed and installed that it cannot be removed without being destroyed, thus giving positive visible indication that the integrity of the seal has or has not been violated.
Inventors
- 👤 James A. Swisher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 13:49
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05B; E05B65/00; E05B65/0089; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T292/00; Y10T292/48
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A frangible plug assembly for sealing an opening in one end of a tubular member, comprising a head portion at least as large as the opening, a base portion adapted to extend from the head portion into the tubular member, both of said portions being of frangible material, and a locking element engaged with the base portion and said element including a resiliently deformable projection adapted to be non-releasably engaged with the tubular member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
A frangible plug assembly for sealing an opening in one end of a tubular member, comprising a head portion at least as large as the opening, a base portion adapted to extend from the head portion into the tubular member, both of said portions being of frangible material, and a locking element engaged with the base portion and said element including a resiliently deformable projection adapted to be non-releasably engaged with the tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A frangible plug assembly according to claim 1 wherein the head and base portions are glass.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A frangible plug assembly according to claim 1 wherein the base portion is formed with at least one flat side having a transverse groove and the locking element has a portion engaged with said groove.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
A frangible plug assembly according to claim 1 wherein the base portion is formed with two parallel flat sides adapted to form, with a tubular member to be sealed, two segmentally profiled spaces, a locking element being located in each said space and each locking element being in mechanical engagement with the base portion and being engageable with the tubular member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A frangible plug assembly according to claim 4 wherein the locking element includes a resiliently deformable projection adapted to be non-releasably engaged with the tubular member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A frangible plug assembly according to claim 2 wherein the inner face of the plug is adapted to bear indicia, visible from outside the plug.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
In combination, a frangible plug assembly according to claim 1 wherein the base portion is provided with an annular groove and a locking element having a portion engaged in said groove.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
In combination, a frangible plug assembly according to claim 1 and a locking element having a projection which includes a latch surface facing toward the head portion of the plug.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
In combination, a plug assembly according to claim 1 wherein the base portion is provided with an annular groove and at least one lateral recess, and the locking element comprises an arcuately bent plate having a grooved portion and a tongue portion, the tongue portion being retractable into said recess.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
A frangible plug assembly according to claim 1 wherein the outer face of the head portion is adapted to bear indicia and the indicia is designed to permit viewing of the interior of the plug.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A frangible plug assembly according to claim 10 which includes indicia on the inner face of the plug.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A frangible plug assembly according to claim 1 wherein the tubular member is provided with a flanged extension, the head portion of the plug being adapted to fit at least partially within said extension.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
90 words
A frangible plug for sealing an opening in one end of a tubular member, comprising a glass head portion at least as large as the opening and a glass base portion adapted to extend from the head portion into the tubular member, the base portion being formed with at least one flat side area and the end of the base portion having applied coloration so located as to be visible directly through the head portion on the axis of the plug and also by reflection from said flat side area.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
90 words
A frangible plug for sealing an opening in one end of a tubular member, comprising a glass head portion at least as large as the opening and a glass base portion adapted to extend from the head portion into the tubular member, the base portion being formed with at least one flat side area and the end of the base portion having applied coloration so located as to be visible directly through the head portion on the axis of the plug and also by reflection from said flat side area.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-04-20 | 1984-10-20 | 1985-04-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-04-20 | 1988-10-20 | 1989-04-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-04-20 | 1992-10-20 | 1993-04-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |