Gas meter box of utilities box and method of use and / or manufacture thereof

Abstract

A utilities box, particularly a box for enclosing a gas meter, comprises a cavity, surrounded by walls 6, 8, 10,12 and a door 14 which may be opened for user access to the interior of the utilities bo

Description

Gas Meter Box or Utilities Box and Method of Use and / or Manufacture Thereof This invention relates to a gas meter box or utilities box and to a method of use and / or manufacture thereof. This invention also relates to vent means for use on a gas meter box or utilities box and to a method of use and / or manufacture thereof. Although the following description refers almost exclusively to a gas meter box for the storage or location of gas meter equipment therein in use, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention could be used for the location of any equipment or utilities equipment, such as electric, water, internet, telephone and / or the like (hereinafter referred to interchangeably as a utilities meter box or utilities box). A gas meter box is a secure water-resistant container for storing gas meter equipment that is typically located on the exterior of a building or property in use. Conventional gas boxes can either be surface mounted, wherein the box is secured directly to an external wall of the property; or can be built in or flush mounted, wherein the box is recessed within the property wall or external cladding of the property and the front of the box is substantially flush with the property wall or external cladding. Vents are provided in the front door of the box to allow any build up of gas within the box to be vented to atmosphere. Conventional gas box vents are typically in the form of shroud covered vent apertures. However, a problem associated with conventional gas boxes, and particularly the type that are built in or flush mounted, is that they create cold bridging problems. This is where the box creates a break in the thermal insulation of the property or external cladding. The vents in the box also allow cold air to enter the box and further exacerbate the cold bridging problems. Since it is desirable to maximise the thermal efficiency of a property in order to reduce heat loss from the property, to reduce the impact of the property on the environment, and to reduce heating bills for the occupant of the property, the cold bridging issues cause significant problems and need to be addressed. In addition, current gas meter boxes are typically formed from a Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) material which can become brittle and easily damaged over time when exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The Applicant has a co-pending patent application for an electrical utility box (GB2613698) that helps to overcome the cold bridging problems of the prior art. The electrical utility box comprises thermal insulation within the walls of the box. However, this product is not suitable for gas meter boxes because the sealed and thermal insulation properties of the box do not allow adequate gas venting, which is a legislative requirement in many countries, including the UK. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a gas meter box or utilities box that overcomes the abovementioned problems. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using and / or manufacturing a gas meter box or utilities box that overcomes the abovementioned problems. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide closure means including vent means for use with a gas meter box or utilities box. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using and / or manufacturing closure means including vent means for use with a gas meter box or utilities box. It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide vent means for use with a gas meter box or utilities box. It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using and / or manufacturing vent means for use with a gas meter box or utilities box. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a utilities box, said utilities box having one or more walls defining at least one cavity or recess therebetween, at least one opening defined in and / or between said one or more walls to allow user access to said at least one cavity or recess in use, and closure means provided to allow selective closure of said opening in use, and wherein thermal insulation means are provided in and / or associated with said utilities box, and venting means are provided in and / or associated with the one or more walls and / or the closure means for venting the utilities box in use. Thus, the present invention provides a gas meter box or utilities box with thermal insulation that prevents or reduces the problems associated with cold bridging and which also has venting means provided with and / or associated therewith for allowing venting on any gas or fluid pressure build up within the box. The provision of a thermally insulated gas meter box or utilities box that also includes venting means has never been done before to the best of the applicant’s knowledge. Preferably the utilities box is a gas meter box. Preferably the venting means are fluid or gas venting means (i.e. for venting gas that may leak from gas meter equipment contained in the utilities box in use). Preferably the venting means is a one way venting means. For example, the one way venting means can be arranged to only allow venting of gas or fluid from the interior of the box to the exterior of the box in normal use. This typically allows a build-up of gas or fluid within the cavity of the utilities box to be released to the exterior of the utilities box in normal use but prevents or significantly prevents gas, fluid or air from entering the interior of the box from the exterior in use. Preferably the venting means include vent closure means. The vent closure means are typically separate to and distinct to the closure means of the utilities box. Preferably the vent closure means is movable, and preferably automatically movable, from a first closed position to at least a second open position when a pre-determined fluid or gas pressure is reached on an interior side of the vent closure means in use (i.e. on a cavity or recess side of the box). Preferably the pre-determined fluid or gas pressure is a maximum fluid pressure which is allowed in the box before the vent closure means moves from the closed position to the open position in use. Preferably the venting means includes a vent housing in which at least one vent opening or aperture is defined and the vent closure means selectively opens and closes said at least one vent opening or aperture in use. Preferably the vent closure means is slidably, rotatably, pivotably and / or hingedly movable between the open and closed positions in use, and further preferably with respect to the at least one vent opening or aperture of the vent housing or utilities box in use. Preferably the venting means or vent closure means is in a closed position in normal use, is biased or is resiliently biased to the closed position in use. Thus, the venting means or vent closure means typically remains in a closed position in normal use of the box, thereby providing a thermally insulating position for the utilities box, until a pre-determined fluid pressure is reached on an interior side of the venting means or vent closure means, whereupon the venting means or vent closure means is then moved to an open position to allow venting of the excess or unwanted fluid. In one embodiment the venting means are provided in the same wall and / or closure means which also has the thermal insulation means provided in or associated with the same. For example, the thermal insulation means can be encapsulated in a wall or closure means of the box and the venting means can be defined in the same wall or closure means. In normal use of the venting means or vent closure means, it assumed that the fluid or gas pressure within the utilities box is below the pre-determined fluid pressure (i.e. is not sufficient to cause opening of the venting means or vent closure means). Preferably the pre-determined fluid pressure corresponds to an maximum unwanted build up of gas or fluid in the interior of the utilities box. Preferably the pre-determined fluid pressure is or is about 2bars of gas or fluid pressure. Preferably once the interior pressure in the utilities box has fallen below the predetermined fluid pressure after venting, the venting means or vent closure means moves from the open position to the closed position. Preferably the venting means or vent closure means is resiliently biased to the closed position via resilient biasing means, such as for example, one or more springs, sprung material and / or the Eke. Preferably the biasing force of the resilient biasing means is overcome once the predetermined pressure is reached on the cavity / recess side of the box, thereby moving the resilient biased venting means or vent closure means from the closed position to the open position. Preferably the vent closure means is in the form of a closure or flap member but can be any member that can selectively close a vent opening or aperture in use. Preferably the venting means or vent closure means has an interior facing surface and an exterior facing surface. In one embodiment at least part of an interior facing surface the venting means or vent closure means is arranged to engage or abut with at least part of a surface or exterior surface of the utilities box or housing of the venting means when in a closed position in use. In one embodiment the whole or substantially the whole of the interior facing surface of the venting means or vent closure means is flat, substantially flat, planar or substantially planar in form. In one embodiment at least part of the interior facing surface of the venting means or vent closure means that is arranged to engage or abut with a surface or exterior surface of the utilities box or vent housing is complementary or substantially complementary in shape or form to the surface of the utilities box or vent housing surface with which it engages or abuts in use when in a closed position. This helps to form a seal or abutment between the venting means or vent closure means and the utilities box or vent housing in use. In one embodiment at least part of the interior facing surface of the venting means or vent closure means that engages or abuts with a part of the housing of the venting means and / or the utilities box when in a closed position is flat, substantially flat, planar or substantially planar. Preferably the exterior facing surface of the venting means or vent closure means is curved, substantially curved, convexed or substantially convexed or convexed in shape. Preferably the curvature of the exterior facing surface of the venting means or vent closure means is such that a greater curvature and / or more material weight of the venting means or vent closure means is provided towards a top or region where the venting means or vent closure means is movably mounted to the utilities box or vent housing, compared to a base or free edge of the venting means or vent closure means. This helps to maintain the venting means or vent closure means in the closed position in normal use. In one embodiment the venting means or vent closure means has a narrowing taper from a top or top edge of the venting means or vent closure means, and preferably in the region where the venting means or vent closure means is movably mounted to the utilities box or vent housing, to a base or free edge of the venting means or vent closure means, and preferably in the region opposite or substantially opposite to where the venting means or vent closure means is movably mounted to the utilities box or vent housing. The provision of more weight of the venting means or vent closure means adjacent the top or region where the venting means or vent closure means is movably mounted to the utilities box or vent housing helps to maintain the venting means or vent closure means in the closed position in use. Preferably the venting means or vent closure means is movably mounted to the utilities box or vent housing at, adjacent or immediately adjacent a top or top edge of the venting means or vent closure means. Preferably the venting means or vent closure means is pivotably or hingedly mounted to the utilities box or vent at, adjacent or immediately adjacent a top or top edge of the venting means or vent closure means. In one embodiment each opposing side of the venting means or vent closure means at or adjacent a top edge has an outwardly protruding members or pivot member provided thereon to allow pivotal mounting of the same to the utilities box or vent housing in use. In one embodiment the vent means is in the form of a gravity vent or is a gas / fluid pressure sensitive vent. Preferably the fluid pressure sensitive vent is arranged to automatically move from a closed position to an open position when a pre-determined gas or fluid pressure acts upon the vent in use, and typically acts upon an interior facing surface of the vent in use. Preferably the venting means is arranged to move in an outwardly or exterior direction relative to the utilities box when the pre-determined pressure is reached in the box in use. In one embodiment the utilities box is provided with two or more vent means. Preferably the two or more vent means are provided a spaced distance apart on the utilities box, and further preferably on the closure means of the utilities box. Preferably one or more apertures are defined in the closure means of the utilities box and the venting means are provided in and / or associated with the one or more apertures. For example, the housing of the venting means can be located through the one or more apertures in the gas meter box closure means. In one embodiment the venting means, or each venting means, comprises a single vent closure means. This typically provides an improved aesthetic appearance when the utilities box is viewed from the exterior of the same in use. It also reduces the surface area of the vent closure means that is required to form a seal or engage against the housing of the vent means in use. In one embodiment venting means are provided at or adjacent a top and / or bottom of the utilities box, and further preferably venting means are provided at or adjacent a top and / or bottom of the closure means of the utilities box. In one embodiment the venting means are provided a pre-determined minimum distance from a bottom and / or top edge of the closure means of the utilities box. Preferably the pre-determined minimum distance is equal to or greater than 50mm. In one embodiment the venting means, the vent closure means or the exterior surface of either of the same, is arranged to be flush, substantially flush, recessed or substantially recessed with respect to a front of the utilities box closure means or vent housing in use. This helps to prevent the venting means or vent closure means from accidentally moving from the closed position to an open position as a result of a draught, wind etc, in use acting on the exterior surface of the venting means or vent closure means. In one embodiment the vent housing includes a recessed flange, frame or border that surrounds or substantially surrounds the at least one venting aperture to allow abutment, engagement or sealing engagement of at least part of the vent closure means with the same when in a closed position in use. The recessed nature of the flange, frame or border prevents or reduces the likelihood of the vent closure means from protruding outwardly of the vent housing in use, thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood of the vent closure means accidentally opening in the wind or as a result of air flow acting on an exterior surface of the vent closure means in use. In one embodiment the venting means, the vent closure means and / or vent housing is attached, detachably attached or integral with the one or more walls and / or closure means of the utilities box. In one embodiment the venting means, the vent closure means and / or vent housing includes attachment means for attaching or detachably attaching the same to the one or more walls and / or closure means of the utilities box in use. Preferably the attachment means includes any or any combination of adhesive, welding, friction fit, one or more pins, inter-engaging members, clips, screws, nuts and bolts, fasteners, clips, apertures, recesses, protrusions and / or the like. Preferably attachment means are provided on and / or associated with both a front and rear of the vent housing or venting means in use. In one embodiment the vent housing is in the form of a sleeve that is located in an aperture defined in the one or more walls and / or closure means of the utilities box in use. Preferably the vent means housing or sleeve is located between a front or exterior surface of the one or more walls and / or closure means of the utilities box and a rear or interior surface of the one or more walls and / or closure means of the utilities box. Thus, for example, the walls and / or closure means of the utilities box typically has a pre-determined minimum thickness as a result of the thermal insulation provided in the same. The vent means housing or sleeve is of such dimensions to be located between the front and rear surfaces of the one or more walls and / or closure means in use. In one embodiment the vent means housing or sleeve is arranged between the front or exterior surface and the rear or interior surfaces of the one or more walls and / or closure means of the utilities box. Preferably the sleeve comprises at least a first or front sleeve part and a second or rear sleeve part. Preferably the first and second sleeve parts are adjustable or adjustably movable or mounted relative to each other. This typically allows the width or dimensions of the sleeve to be adjustable in use, thereby allowing the sleeve or venting means to be located in one or more walls and / or closure means of different dimensions, thicknesses and / or the like. Thus, the venting means of the present invention can be universally fitted to any utilities box of any size, dimensions and / or design in use. Preferably the at least second sleeve part is telescopically in and / or slidably mounted or movable relative to the at least first sleeve part or vice versa. Preferably the venting means are arranged to cover at least 2% of the plan surface area of the utilities box and / or box closure means in use. This complies with British Standards (BS8499:2017 — 4.1.3.2). Thus, for example, the venting means can be any dimension, shape and / or design to provide the required % of venting to the utilities box. Preferably the “plan surface area” is the internal cross sectional area in plan view. Preferably a first venting means is provided that covers at least 1% of the plan surface area of the utilities box and / or box closure means adjacent a top thereof, and at least a second venting means is provided that covers at least 1% of the plan surface area of the utilities box and / or closure means adjacent a bottom thereof. This complies with British Standards (BS8499:2017 — 4.1.3.2). Preferably a first venting means is provided at or adjacent a top of the closure means or utilities box and the at least a second venting means is provided at or adjacent a base of the closure means or utilities box. Preferably the venting means are arranged to accommodate a maximum of 2bar gas pressure leakage from gas meter equipment contained in the utilities box in use. In one embodiment sealing means are provided on and / or associated with the venting means, the vent housing and / or vent closure means for forming sealing engagement between the venting means and the utilities box, or the vent closure means and the vent housing in use. In one embodiment the venting means is formed from or includes fire retardant material or materials. In one example, the venting means is formed from or includes a plastics material and / or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Preferably the at least one cavity or recess is an interior cavity or recess of the utilities box. Preferably the thermal insulation means is provided in, on and / or associated with the one or more walls, the cavity and / or the closure means. In one embodiment the thermal insulation means is provided inside, within or in the interior of said one or more walls and / or the closure means. For example, the thermal insulation means can be encapsulated within the one or more walls and / or the closure means defining the electrical and / or utilities meter box. In one embodiment thermal insulation means is provided inside, within or in the interior of all of the walls of the box and the closure means. Preferably the thermal insulation means is of a minimum thickness and / or is formed from or includes a material sufficient to reduce or prevent cold bridging, such as for example when the box is located a wall of a building, as a result of the box being present in use. In one embodiment the thermal insulation means is or includes mineral wool, such as for example ROCKWOOL®. Preferably the thermal insulation means used is a fire rated or fire retardant thermal insulation material. In one example, the thermal insulation means is used at a thickness equal to or at least 75mm + / -5mm within the box, the one or more walls and / or closure means of the box. In a preferred example, a thickness equal to or at least 75mm + / -5mm is used in the closure means. In one example, the thermal insulation means is used at a thickness equal to or at least 25mm + / - 5mm within the one or more walls and / or closure means of the box. In a preferred example, a thickness equal to or at least 25mm + / - 5mm is used in the walls of the box. In one embodiment the box, the one or more walls and / or the closure means are formed from or include metal, such as for example a powder coated metal. This makes the box strong and robust and is able to withstand extreme environmental conditions without becoming brittle. In one embodiment sealing means are provided to seal or substantially seal the box when the venting means is in a closed position in use. Preferably sealing means are provided on and / or associated with the closure means and / or the one or more walls of the box to form an a seal between the one or more walls and the closure means when the closure means is in a closed position in use. Preferably the sealing means are provided on and / or associated with interior facing surfaces of the box. Preferably the sealing means are arranged to create an air tight or substantially air tight seal between the one or more walls and the closure means in use. Preferably the sealing means includes one or more sealing members, rubber strips, gaskets, and / or the like. Preferably the closure means is movable between an open position, wherein access can be gained to the interior cavity of the box, and a closed position, wherein access to the interior cavity of the box is prevented. Preferably handle means are provided on and / or associated with the closure means of the utilities box to allow the closure means to be moved between open and closed positions in use. Preferably the closure means is hingedly or pivotably movable between said open and closed positions in use via hinge or pivot means. Preferably one or more hinge means or pivot are provided on and / or associated with at least a first edge, end or side of the box, the one or more walls and / or the closure means. Preferably the closure means is arranged to hingedly move or pivot outwardly of the box when moved from the closed position to the open position in use. In one embodiment the hinge means or pivot means is or includes a quick release mechanism to allow the closure means to be easily removed from and / or replaced on the box. In one embodiment the hinge or pivot means includes at least one pin or arm member provided on one of the one or more walls or the closure means, and a recess is provided on the other of the one or more walls or the closure means. Preferably the pin or arm member is locatable in the recess to form a hinged or pivoted position in use. Preferably the at least one pin or arm member is rotatably, pivotably or hingedly mounted in the recess. In one embodiment at least two hinge or pivot means, pin or arm members are provided for hingedly mounting the closure means with the one or more walls of the box. Preferably the at least two hinge or pivot means, pin or arm members are provided at spaced apart locations on the closure means or one or more walls of the box and / or are further preferably provided on opposite sides, ends or surfaces of the closure means or one or more walls of the box. Preferably the at least one pin is resilient biased relatively outwardly of the closure means or walls via resilient biasing means. Preferably the resilient biasing means includes one or more springs, sprung material and / or the Eke. Preferably the at least one pin is movably mounted in the closure means or a wall of the box. Preferably actuation means (or user actuation means) are provided to move the at least one pin between a relatively outwardly protruding position, wherein at least part of the pin can locate in the recess, and a relatively retracted position, wherein at least part of the pin is moved clear of the recess. Preferably the actuation means are at least partly movably mounted in a slot defined within the closure means or one or more walls. Preferably the actuation means is slidably mounted in the slot. In one example, the actuation means is an arm member that is slidably mounted in the slot. Preferably with the actuation means or arm member in a first position at an end of the slot, the at least one pin is in the relatively outwardly protruding position, and with the actuation means or arm member in a second position, and preferably substantially opposite position to the first position, the at least one pin is in the relatively retracted position. Preferably the actuation means or arm member is provided on a side, end, edge or surface of the closure means or one or more walls that is transverse or perpendicular to a side, end, edge or surface of the closure means in which the at least one pin the actuation means or arm member is arranged to move in use is provided. Preferably with the at least one pin in the relatively retracted position, the pin can be removed from the recess and the closure means can be detached from the one or more walls of the box. This allows for quick release of the closure means from the box in use. In one embodiment at least one pin is movably mounted and at least one pin is fixedly protruding from the closure means or at least one wall. In one embodiment the at least one movably mounted pin is provided on or associated with an opposite side, end, surface or edge of the closure means to the at least one fixedly protruding pin. In one embodiment locking means are provided on and / or associated with the closure means for locking the closure means in the closed position in use. Preferably the locking means are movable between a locked position, wherein the closure means are maintained in a closed position; and an unlocked position, wherein the closure means can be moved between open and closed positions. In one embodiment the locking means are provided on or associated with at least one edge, surface, end or wall of the box or closure means opposite to the hinge or pivot means. Preferably lock actuation means are provided to move the lock means between the lock and unlocked positions in use, such as for example user actuation lock means. Preferably the lock actuation means are rotatably mounted to move the lock means between the locked and unlocked positions in use. In one embodiment the locking means is a triangular lock. In one embodiment two spaced apart locks are provided. The locks are typically provided on opposite sides or edges of the box and / or closure means. In one embodiment sealing means are provided on and / or associated with the locking means, hinge or pivot means and / or lock actuation means to allowing sealing around the same in use. In one example, the sealing means is in the form of an air sealing grommet. In one embodiment the locking means includes at least one locking arm that is movable between the locked and unlocked positions in use. Preferably the at least one locking arm is provided on one of the closure means or one or more walls and is moved between locked and unlocked position with respect to the other of the closure means or one or more walls. Preferably rotation of the lock actuation means is arranged to move the at least one locking arm in a linear or substantially linear manner. Preferably the at least one locking arm is moved between the locked and unlocked positions at at least two spaced apart locations (i.e. the locking means provides at least a two point lock). In one embodiment two separate locking arms are provided and each arm is independently moved between the locked and unlocked positions at two spaced apart locations in use. In one example, rotation of the lock actuation means is arranged to move at least two locking arms in a linear or substantially linear manner in opposite or substantially opposite directions, thereby allowing the lock actuation means to allow engagement of the locking arms in complementary recesses on opposite sides of the box in use. In one example, rotation of the lock actuation means is arranged to rotatably move at least one locking arm. Preferably rotation of the lock actuation means is arranged to move the at least two locking arms simultaneously or substantially simultaneously in use. Preferably one or more outwardly protruding flanges are provided on or associated with the one or more walls of the box. These flanges can be used help to allow attachment of the box to a surface or wall surface in use. As the flanges extend outwardly of the box, this means the attachment of the box to a surface can take place externally of the box, thereby ensuring the thermal insulation of the box is not compromised. In one embodiment attachment means are provided on and / or associated with the box, one or more walls and / or one or more outwardly protruding flanges to allow attachment of the box to a surface in use. Preferably the attachment means are arranged to be external to the interior cavity of the box, thereby helping to ensure that cold bridging problems do not occur where the attachment means are located. In one embodiment at least one flange is provided to protrude outwardly from opposite walls of the box, thereby allowing attachment of the box to a surface via at least two separate and spaced apart locations. In one embodiment the attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more screws, nuts and bolts, apertures, slots, hooks and / or the like. In one embodiment the one or more walls of the closure means and / or box are chamfered to provide improved clearance of the closure means with one or more walls of the box when in a closed position and / or to improve water run off if required. In one embodiment a safety tether or chain is provided on and / or associated with the closure means for preventing the closure means from opening beyond a predetermined range and / or angle with respect to the utilities box in use. For example, a safety tether can be provided between the one or more walls and the closure means for limiting the maximum opening angle of the closure means to a pre-determined angle, such as for example approximately 110 degrees or between 0-180 degrees. It will be appreciated that reference to a box herein can also refer to a frame. Thus, in one example, the box can include side walls, end walls and a rear wall joined to the side and end walls, thereby forming a tray Eke element. The opening can be defined opposite to the rear wall and the interior cavity of the box can be wholly enclosed or substantially wholly enclosed within the side walls, end walls, rear wall and closure means when in a closed position in use. The gas or utikties equipment can be located entirely within the box in this example. In an alternative example, the box can be in the form of a frame including side walls and end walls but no, or only a partial, rear wall joined to the side and end walls. The frame in this example defines an opening through the frame. The closure means is associated with a front part of the opening. The wall on which the box is to be mounted in use forms a rear wall closure for the frame, thereby creating a box with an interior cavity when fitted to a surface in use. The gas or utikties equipment can be located on the mounting wall and the frame surrounds the equipment ensuring the equipment is located within the box in this example. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using and / or manufacturing a utikties box, said method including providing a utikties box having one or more waks defining at least one cavity or recess therebetween, defining at least one opening in and / or between said one or more waks to allow user access to said at least one cavity or recess, and providing closure means to akow selective closure of said opening in use, said method further including the steps of providing thermal insulation means in, on and / or associated with said utrkties box; and providing venting means in the one or more waks and / or the closure means for venting the utikties box in use. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a gas meter box or utrkties meter box. Although the above description refers to the venting means being used with a thermally insulated utilities box, it will be appreciated that the venting means of the present invention could also be used with a non-thermally insulated utilities box. According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided venting means for use with a utilities box or gas meter box and / or a method of using and / or manufacturing venting means for use with a utilities box or gas meter box. It will be appreciated that the venting means could be used in any suitable application is not restricted for use with the utilities box of the present invention. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided venting means including a vent housing a vent closure means which is arranged to move relative to the vent housing between open and closed positions in use, wherein the vent housing is in the form of a sleeve comprising at least a first sleeve part and a second sleeve part, and wherein one of the first or second sleeve part is adjustably movable relative to the other of the first or second sleeve parts to allow adjustment of the length of the sleeve in use. Preferably the vent closure means is a one way vent closure means. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using and / or manufacturing venting means, said method including the steps of providing a vent housing, movably mounting vent closure means to the venting housing to allow the vent closure means to move between open and closed positions, wherein the venting housing is in the form of a sleeve comprising at least a first sleeve part and a second sleeve part, and wherein the method includes the step of adjustably moving one of the first or second sleeve parts relative to the other of the first or second sleeve parts to allow adjustment of the length of the sleeve. According to further aspects of the present invention there is provided a gas meter or utilities frame and / or a method of using and / or manufacturing a gas meter or utilities frame. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figure la is a rear plan view of a gas meter box according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure lb is a first horizontal cross sectional view of the gas meter box in figure la; Figure 1c is a second vertical cross sectional view of the gas meter box in figures la; Figures 2a-2d show a front view, a rear view, a first horizontal cross sectional view and a second vertical cross sectional view of a closure means according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the venting means according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 4a-4c show a front view, top plan view and cross sectional view of a front sleeve part of the venting means in figure 3 respectively; Figures 5a-5c show a front view, top plan view and cross sectional view of a rear sleeve part of the venting means in figure 3 respectively; Figure 6a is a simplified view of a hinge of the closure means according to one embodiment of the present invention in a relatively outwardly protruding position; and Figure 6b is a simplified view of the hinge of the closure means shown in figure 6a in a relatively retracted position. Referring to the figures, there is illustrated a gas meter box 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention for the location of gas meter equipment in use. The gas meter box in this example includes a frame 4. In this illustrated example, the frame is square or substantially square shaped. However, it will be appreciated that the gas meter box and / or frame could be of any suitable shape, design and / or dimensions as required. The frame 4 is defined by two opposing side walls 6, 8 and two opposing end walls 10, 12. In this illustration, the end walls 10, 12 are arranged to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the side walls 6, 8. The dimensions of the end walls 10, 12 and side walls 6, 8, will typically depend on the thickness of the wall, cladding or render that the frame or box is to be located in and whether the box / frame is to be surface mounted or flush (or substantially flush) mounted in use. An opening (not shown) is defined in the frame between the end and side walls (6, 8, 10, 12). Closure means in the form of a door 14 is hingedly mounted to one of the side walls 8 of the frame 4 to allow selective access through said opening in use. The door 14 is movable with respect to the frame 4 between an open position, wherein access through said frame opening can be gained, and a closed position, wherein access through said frame opening is prevented. Any suitable hinge arrangement can be used with the gas meter box 2. One example of a hinge arrangement that can be used is a quick release mechanism for quick removal of the door 14 from the frame 4, as shown in figures 6a-6b. At least one of the hinges on the door includes a pin 13 provided on an end 46 of the door that is rotatably mounted in a complementary shaped recess (now shown) defined in the frame 4. The pin 13 is resiliently biased outwardly of the door 14 via a spring mechanism located internally of the door to form a hinged position. Actuation means are provided to move the pin 13 between the relatively outwardly protruding position, as shown in figure 6a, wherein the pin 13 protrudes outwardly of aperture 21 defined in end 46, and a relatively retracted position, as shown in figure 6b, wherein pin 13 is recessed within aperture 21 in this example. With the pin 13 in the relatively retracted position, this forms an unhinged position, allowing removal of the door 14 from the frame 4. The actuation means includes actuation arm 15 that is slidably mounted in a slot 19 defined on side 44, which is perpendicular to the end 46 on which the pin 13 is located. In use, a user slidably moves actuation arm 15 from a first position, wherein arm 15 is located at an end 23 of the slot 19 closest to the pin 13, to a second opposite position, wherein arm 15 is located at an opposite end 25 of the slot 19. In the first position, the pin 13 protrudes relatively outwardly from the door 14 and in the second position, the pin 13 is relatively recessed with respect to door 14, thereby allowing removal of the door 14 from the frame in use. A further hinge can be provided on the door. This can be a quick release hinge as described above or it can be a fixed pin that is fixed in an outwardly protruding position with respect to door 14. In figures la-2d, locking means (in the form of a triangle lock 16 in this example) can be provided on a front surface 17 of door 14 to lock the door 14 in a closed position in use. The triangle lock 16 is movable between a locked position, wherein the door 14 is maintained in a closed position and cannot be opened, and an unlocked position, wherein the door 14 can be moved between open and closed positions. Sealing means, such as a sealing grommet (not shown), can be provided on or associated with the triangle lock 16 to prevent water and / or air from passing through said lock in use. Each triangle lock 16 includes an locking arm 18,20 provided adjacent a rear surface 22 of the door 14. The triangle locks 16 act as actuation means for moving the locking arms 18, 20 between the locked and unlocked positions in use. More particularly, rotation of triangle lock 16s causes rotational motion of locking arms 18, 20 between the locked and unlocked positions. The free end of each locking arm 18, 20 engages behind a flange defined in the side wall 6 of the frame 4 when in the locked position. Thus, a two point lock is provided on the gas meter box 2 to increase the security of the same. Each triangle lock can be independently moved between locked and unlocked positions in use. Other locking arrangements could also be used on the gas meter box if required. Sealing means can be provided between the door 14 and the frame 4 to provide an air-tight or substantially air-tight seal in use. Attachment means can be provided on the box 2 for allowing attachment of the box 2 to a wall surface in use. Any suitable attachment means could be provided to allow attachment of the box 2 to a surface if required. The door 14 is thermally insulated and has thermal insulation means encapsulated between the front surface 17, the rear surface 22, opposing side walls 42, 44 and opposing end walls 46, 48. In the illustrated example the thermal insulation means used in the door is mineral wool or rock wool. A minimum depth in this example of 75mm is used in the door to prevent cold bridging problems. However, any depth of thermal insulation means can be used as required to achieve the required thermal insulation effect. In addition, any type of thermal insulation material can be used. The side and end walls 6, 8, 10, 12 of the frame 4 are also thermally insulated and have thermal insulation means encapsulated between opposing front and rear end walls and the opposing walls. In the illustrated example, the thermal insulation means used in the frame walls is mineral wool or rock wool. A minimum depth in this example of 25mm is used in the frame to prevent cold bridging problems. However, any depth of thermal insulation means can be used as required to achieve the required thermal insulation effect. In addition, any type of thermal insulation material can be used. The side and end walls 42, 44, 46, 48 are chamfered (or have narrowing taper from front surface 17 towards rear surface 22) to improve the fit of the door within the frame opening and to allow any water ingress to drain away. In one example, the frame / box is formed from metal to provide a strong, rigid container for electrical equipment or utilities equipment that can withstand extreme weather conditions in use. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, venting means are provided in the door 14 to allow venting of gas build up within the gas meter box in use above a pre-determined fluid pressure. The Applicant’s have found it is particularly necessary for venting with the gas meter box of the present invention because the thermal insulation and sealing means provided in the box to overcome cold bridging problems potentially prevents adequate gas venting of the gas meter box unless venting means are provided. However, the Applicant’s have found that the venting means need to be designed in such a manner to minimise cold bridging problems. Hence, the use of conventional open vents on the gas box would cause cold bridging problems. In order to provide adequate venting of the gas meter box but minimise cold bridging problems, the Applicant provides venting means that typically are only moved to an open position automatically when a pre-determined fluid or gas pressure is reached on the interior side of the venting means. In the illustrated example, the venting means are in the form of gravity vents 100, 100’, provided at the top and bottom of the gas meter box 2. In this example, gravity vents 100, 100’ are of the same type and form, although different venting means could be provided at the top and bottom of the door if required. As such, the same reference numerals are used to describe the same features in vents 100, 100’ in this example. The vents 100, 100’ each comprise a sleeve formed from a first or front sleeve part 102 and a second or rear sleeve part 104. Each of the first and second sleeve parts 102,104 define a fluid channel 106 therethrough. The first sleeve part 102 has a sleeve body 108 which is slidably and telescopically mounted in sleeve body 110 of second sleeve part 104. An intermediate frame member 112 is provided. Each sleeve part 102, 104 has an outwardly protruding skirt 114, 116 provided at ends 118, 120 respectively. The ends 118, 120 are opposite to the ends 122, 124 of the sleeve parts 102, 104 that are telescopically mounted together. Attachment apertures 126, 128 are defined in opposite sides of the skirt 114 of the first sleeve part 102 for attaching the first sleeve part 102 to the front surface 17 of door 14. Attachment apertures 130, 132 are defined in opposite sides of skirt 116 of the second sleeve part 104 for attaching the second sleeve part 104 to the rear surface 22 of door 14. Attachment means in the form of screws or nuts and bolts can be fitted through the attachment apertures 126-132 for fixing the sleeve parts to the door 14. It will be noted that other forms of attachment of the venting means to the door 14 could be used. A closure flap 134 is movably mounted to the front of first sleeve part 102. Closure flap 134 has a rear or inwardly facing planar surface 136 and a front or exterior facing convexed surface 138. The curvature of the front surface 138 is such that the closure flap has a narrowing taper in depth from a top edge 140 to a base edge 142, thereby providing more weight of material towards the top edge 140 of the flap 134 compared to the base edge 142. This helps to move or bias the flap 134 to a closed position in use. Outwardly protruding portions 146, 148 are provided at opposing ends at the top edge 140 of flap 134 and are rotatably mounted in recesses defined in the skirt 114 of first sleeve part 102. The protruding portions 146, 148 act as pivot pins to allow the flap 134 to be pivotably movable between open and closed positions with respect to the first sleeve part 102. When the flap 134 is an open position, the gas box can be vented and fluid can pass from the interior of the gas box to the exterior of the gas box. When the flap is in a closed position, the gas box is sealed or substantially sealed and fluid does not pass from the interior of the gas box to the exterior of the gas box. The design of the flap 134 is such that it remains in a closed position with respect to the opening of channel 106 in normal use of the gas meter box 2. In the closed position, the rear planar surface 136 abuts with a front planar recessed surface 150 of the skirt 114 of the first sleeve part 102. A close abutment is formed between the flat surface 136 of the flap and the corresponding flat surface 150 of the first sleeve part 102. This provides a sealing engagement to prevent air from passing from an exterior of the door 14 to an interior of the gas meter box 2 in use. Reference to “normal use” of the vent means is when the fluid pressure within the box is below a pre-determined pressure and the vent means is in a closed position. Once a pre-determined fluid pressure (i.e. of gas) builds up in the gas meter box 2, this applies an outward force on the rear surface 136 of flap 134, thereby causing the flap 134 to automatically pivotably move in an outwardly direction of the box from the closed position to an open position, thereby allowing the gas meter box to be vented. Thus, the vent is moved from the closed position to an open position passively and automatically without using powered means. The vent channels 106 of the sleeve can be any suitable size, shape and design but the UK legislative requirements for gas venting are that there is a minimum of 2% of the surface area of the closure door provided with venting means. This is separated as 1% surface area venting adjacent the top of the door 14 and 1% surface area venting adjacent the bottom of the door 14 in the illustrated embodiment for example. The venting means of the present invention can be fitted in different depth doors (i.e. the distance between the front and rear surface of the door). The depth in one example can be dependent on the depth of thermal insulation used in the door. The first and second sleeve parts can be telescopically moved to whatever depth is required for them to fit between the front and rear surfaces of the door. As such, the venting means of the present invention provides a universal fit that can be used for any depth and / or dimension of door. The venting means of the present invention could be provided in one or more other walls of the gas meter box (i.e. other than the door) if required. A chain 152 can be attached to the rear surface 22 of the door and is attachable to the frame of the gas meter box to Emit the angle at which the door 14 can be opened relative to the frame. For example, the angle of the door opening may be limited to 110 degrees, but could be anywhere between 0-180 degrees for example. A handle 150 is provided on the front surface 17 of the door 14 to allow the door 14 to be moved between open and closed positions in use. In one embodiment the gas box or utiEties box is formed from metal or a powder coated metal. Thus, it can be seen that the gas meter box or frame or utihties box or frame of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over conventional gas meter boxes.

Claims

1. A utilities box, said utilities box having one or more walls defining at least one cavity or recess therebetween, at least one opening defined in and / or between said one or more walls to allow user access to said at least one cavity or recess in use, and closure means provided to allow selective closure of said opening, and wherein thermal insulation means are provided in and / or associated with said utilities box, and venting means are provided in and / or associated with the one or more walls and / or the closure means for venting the utilities box in use.

2. The utilities box according to claim 1, wherein the venting means is a one way venting means in that it is arranged to only allow venting of fluid or gas from an interior of the box to an exterior of the box.

3. The utilities box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the venting means includes a vent closure means that is movable from a closed position to an open position when a pre-determined fluid pressure is reached on an interior side of the vent closure means in use.

4. The utilities box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the utilities box is a gas meter box and the venting means are fluid or gas venting means, a gravity vent or a gas / fluid pressure sensitive vent.

5. The utilities box according to claim 3, wherein the venting means includes a vent housing in which at least one vent opening or aperture is defined and the vent closure means is arranged to selectively open said at least one vent opening or aperture in use.

6. The utilities box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vent closure means is slidably , rotatably, pivotably and / or hingedly movable between the open and closed positions in use.

7. The utilities box according any preceding claim, wherein the pre-determined fluid pressure at which the venting means or vent closure means moves from a closed position to an open position is or is about 2 bars of gas or fluid pressure on an interior side of the venting means or vent closure means.

8. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein the venting means or vent closure means is resiliently biased to the closed position via resilient biasing means.

9. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of an interior facing surface the venting means or vent closure means is arranged to engage or abut with at least part of a surface or exterior surface of the utilities box or housing of the venting means when in a closed position in use.

10. The utilities box according to claim 9, wherein the at least part of the interior facing surface of the venting means or vent closure means and the at least part of the exterior surface of the utilities box or housing of the venting means which is arranged to engage or abut is flat, substantially flat, planar, substantially planar or complementary or substantially complementary in shape to each other.

11. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein an exterior facing surface of the venting means or vent closure means is curved, substantially curved, convexed or substantially convexed in shape.

12. The utilities box according to claim 11, wherein the curvature is greater and / or a greater material weight of the venting means or vent closure meansis provided towards a top or region where the venting means or vent closure means is movably mounted to the utilities box or housing of the venting means, compared to a base or free edge of the venting means or vent closure means.

13. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein the venting means or vent closure means is pivotably or hingedly mounted to the utilities box or the housing of the venting means at, adjacent to or immediately adjacent to a top or top edge of the venting means or vent closure means.

14. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein the venting means, the vent closure means or an exterior surface of the venting means or venting closure means is arranged ot be flush, substantially flush, recessed or substantially recessed with respect to a front of the closure means or vent housing.

15. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein the venting means, vent closure means or vent housing is arranged to be attached, detachably attached or integral with the one or more walls and / or closure means of the utilities box.

16. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein the venting housing is in the form of a sleeve that is located in an aperture defined in the one or more wall and / or the closure means of the utilities box in use.

17. The utilities box according to claim 16, wherein the sleeve comprises a first or front sleeve part and a second or rear sleeve part, the first or front sleeve part and second or rear sleeve part being adjustable relative to each other inuse.

18. The utilities box according to claim 17, wherein one of the first sleeve part or second sleeve part is telescopically and / or slidably movable relative to the other of the first sleeve part or second sleeve part to allow adjustment of the same in use.

19. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein the venting means are arranged to cover at least 2% of the plan surface area of the utilities box and / or closure means in use.

20. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermal insulation means is provided inside, within, in the interior or encapsulated in the one or more walls and / or the closure means.

21. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein sealing means are provided to seal or substantially seal the box when the venting means is in a closed position in use.

22. The utilities box according to any preceding claim, wherein the box closure means includes any or any combination a quick release hinge or pivot mechanism, locking means for locking the box closure means in a locked position in use, lock actuation mean for actuating locking means in use, a safety tether to preventing the closure means from opening beyond a predetermined angle or range in use.

23. A method of manufacturing a utilities box, said method including providing a utilities box having one or more wall defining at least one cavity or recess therebetween, defining at least one opening in and / or between the one or more walls to allow user access to said at least one cavity or recess, and providing closure means to allow selective closure of said opening, said method further including the steps of providing thermal insulation means in, on and / or associated with the utilities box; and providing venting means inthe one or more walls and / or the closure means for venting the utilities box in use.

Images