Utility meter cover

Abstract

The invention relates to protective covers for utility meters, such as gas and electric meters. An open framework of horizontal and vertical members supports a plurality of arch support members. A protective shield is secured on the framework, forming a dome cover over the utility meter.

1 . A cover for a utility meter, comprising: 
 an open frame comprised of horizontal and vertical members; and    an arched shield extending over the open frame, said shield being sized and shaped to substantially cover a utility meter.    
     
     
         2 . The cover of  claim 1 , wherein said frame comprises a pair of elongated base plates, a plurality of arched support members and a plurality of horizontal bars extending between said arched support members in a spaced relationship to each other and to said base plates.  
     
     
         3 . The cover of  claim 2 , wherein said base plates are adapted for positioning on a horizontal surface.  
     
     
         4 . The cover of  claim 2 , wherein said frame further comprises a plurality of sockets fixedly attached to the base plates, each of said sockets receiving an end of the arched support therein.  
     
     
         5 . The cover of  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of the arched support members comprises a first front arch member, a second middle arch member and a third rear arch member.  
     
     
         6 . The cover of  claim 5 , wherein said front, middle and rear arch members have substantially identical length.  
     
     
         7 . The cover of  claim 5 , wherein a distance between opposite ends of the rear arch member is greater than the distance between opposite ends of the front arch member.  
     
     
         8 . The cover of  claim 1 , wherein said frame comprises a rectangular frame assembly adapted for mounting on a vertical surface.  
     
     
         9 . The cover of  claim 8 , wherein said rectangular frame assembly is provided with securing members extending from each corner of the frame assembly and fixedly attached thereto.  
     
     
         10 . The cover of  claim 9 , wherein said arched shield has an interior surface and wherein a plurality of receiving members are attached to said interior surface, said receiving members receiving said securing members when the shield is mounted on the frame assembly.  
     
     
         11 . The cover of  claim 10 , wherein said receiving members and said securing members extend transversely to a normal axis of the frame assembly.  
     
     
         12 . A cover for a utility meter, comprising: 
 an open frame comprised of a pair of parallel base plates, a plurality of arched support members extending between said base plates, each of said arched support member having an arcuate top portion, and a plurality of horizontal bars extending transversely to said arched support members and in a spaced relationship to each other; and    a shield extending over the open frame, said shield being sized and shaped to substantially cover a utility meter.    
     
     
         13 . The cover of  claim 12 , wherein said frame further comprises a plurality of sockets fixedly attached to the base plates, each of said sockets receiving an end of the arched support member therein.  
     
     
         14 . The cover of  claim 12 , wherein said arched supports comprises a first front arch member, a second middle arch member and a third rear arch member, and wherein a distance between the front, middle and rear arch members is substantially identical.  
     
     
         15 . The cover of  claim 12 , wherein said arched supports comprises a first front arch member, a second middle arch member and a third rear arch member, and wherein a distance between opposite ends of the rear arch member is greater than the distance between opposite ends of the front arch member.  
     
     
         16 . A cover for a utility meter, comprising: 
 an open rectangular frame configured for mounting on a vertical surface, said frame carrying a securing member fixedly attached and extending from each corner of frame; and    a shield detachably mounted on said frame, said shield being provided with a means for securing said shield to said frame.    
     
     
         17 . The cover of  claim 16 , wherein said securing means comprises a plurality of open sleeves extending transversely to and fixedly attached to an interior surface of the shield, said sleeves receiving the securing members of the frame therein.