Importance

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Abstract

An integrated structure that offers improved casing for an electric utility meter is disclosed. The improved structure uses a minimum number of parts required for proper functionality of a meter casing, and excludes the use of screws, clips or other additional parts that make meter disassembly a tedious procedure. The meter casing generally includes a baseplate, at least two inner covers for housing and protecting electronic components for an electric utility meter, an outer cover, and pluralities of projections extending from the covers for interconnection of casing components and stabilization of the integrated casing structure. The various electronic components of the meter generally include electronic circuit boards and current transformers. The various projections enable snap-fit connections between the baseplate and an inner cover, between inner covers, and between inner covers and an outer cover. The specific projections utilized for snap-connecting an inner cover to the baseplate include rivets and corresponding rivet bosses. Securing the inner covers together incorporates the use of snaps, locator pins and holes, and adjacent flange members. The casing module is secured and stabilized by interconnecting the outer cover with the other inner covers, thus safeguarding against possible snap deflection. The additional use of cantilever springs and containment ribs helps to ensure that the inner casing components will not move within the overall casing structure.

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First Claim