GB2490105A

GB2490105A - Meter box door with decorative facing

Info

Publication number: GB2490105A
Application number: GB1106247.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Gerald Earley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-13
Filing date: 2011-04-13
Publication date: 2012-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-13
Also published as: GB2490105B; GB201106247D0

Abstract

A meter box 207 comprises a base portion 209 and a cover portion 221, the cover portion 221 being releasably engaged to the base portion 209 and provided with a cover layer 225 comprising parts of 227 and/or whole 229 multiple building units, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections. The cover portion may have formed on it projecting course runners which support and space courses of brick facings.

Description

METER BOX

The present invention concerns meter boxes. More specifically it concerns cover layers for and attachments to meter boxes, kits of parts for meter boxes and methods for their installation.

Meter boxes designed to protect and conceal meters for electricity and gas are well known. These meter boxes are often white in colour and manufactured from plastic.

Energy service providers prefer that these boxes are positioned on the outside wall of a property so as they are accessible at any time for servicing and reading purposes.

Planning Officers are however generally reluctant to permit this as the appearance of the meter box detracts from the appearance of the property. Further meter boxes often discolour and suffer structural damage long before the surrounding wall. This damage may be caused by all manner of factors including impact damage, radiation damage (e.g. sun-light bleaching), temperature extremes and chemical attack (e.g. bird droppings and acidic rain). Such factors are unlikely to impact on the surrounding wall to the same extent. Thus the meter box may become unsightly and ineffective at protecting the meter reading components long before the surrounding wall is significantly damaged. Throughout the remainder of the document such factors are generally referred to as deterioration' for convenience.

It is known to replace a part of or a whole building unit (e.g. a brick, block, tile, shingle, cladding panel or render section) with an electrical fitting and to protect and disguise this fitting by providing a cover layer similar to the building unit replaced.

There is however a need for a technology that allows effective protection and concealment of meter boxes which may be significantly larger than a single whole building unit.

According to a first aspect of the invention a meter box is provided, the meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being releasably engaged to the base portion and provided with one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and defining one or more positions for receiving one or more parts of and/or whole building units to be secured to the cover portion. In some embodiments the course projecting runners may also define the alignment and/or orientation in which parts of and/or whole building units may be secured to the cover portion. Course projecting runners may be of assistance in mounting and/or correctly positioning parts of and/or whole building units. The course projecting runners may for example help to define courses of building units. They may ensure that building units are level and/or that their courses are equally and/or S correctly spaced.

In some embodiments the building units are selected from a list containing one or more of the following in any combination: bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections.

In some embodiments one or more of the course projecting runners comprises a building unit joining material. Building unit joining material may create an effective weather seal for the cover portion. It may further have similar deterioration properties and appearance to building unit joining material used in a wall with which the meter box is to be associated.

In some embodiments the building unit joining material is mortar. Mortar may be suitable where the meter box is to be associated with a wall having mortar joins. If lines of niotor between building unit courses in the wall are aligned with lines of mortar on the cover portion the apparent continuity may serve to disguise the meter box. It will be appreciated however that in other embodiments the building unit joining material may be an alternative to mortar.

In some embodiments one or more of the course projecting runners is provided with a cap of a building unit joining material. This may be appropriate where it is desired to retain the deterioration properties and or appearance of the building unit joining material, but where a course projecting runner consisting of this material only is undesirable (e.g. is un-economic or difficult to manufacture).

In some embodiments the cap is mortar. Mortar may be suitable where the meter box is to be associated with a wall having mortar joins.

In some embodiments the cover portion is further provided with a cover layer comprising one or more parts of and/or whole building units positioned by the course projecting runners. In some embodiments the cover portion is provided with a cover layer comprising parts of and/or whole multiple building units. The building units may create an effective weather seal for the cover portion. They may further have similar deterioration properties and appearance to building units used in a wall with which the meter box is to be associated.

S

In some embodiments the building units are bricks. Bricks may be suitable where the meter box is to be associated with a brick wall. Bricks may have desirable properties with regard to deterioration and insulation. It will be appreciated however that in other embodiments other building units such as cladding panels, tiles, shingle, blocks or render sections may be used.

In some embodiments the cover layer comprises parts of and/or whole brick slips.

Brick slips may be particularly useful as they may provide the benefits of brick (e.g. deterioration properties and appearance) while also being smaller and lighter than corresponding bricks.

Preferably the brick slips are between 15mm and 25mm in thickness. Still more preferably the brick slips are substantially 20mm in thickness. Brick slips corresponding to these thicknesses may provide an acceptable compromise allowing pointing of the slips while reducing weight and maintaining surface quality. It will be appreciated that the brick slips may be orientated as stretchers, headers, soldiers, sailors, rowlock or shinners. Additionally slips may comprise two angled faces suitable for creating corners (e.g. where the meter box is positioned at the end of a wall).

In some embodiments the meter box is arranged in use to be recessed into a wall.

In some embodiments the cover portion has a height within the range 550-750mm, more preferably 600-700mm, still more preferably 650-680mm and most preferably is 665mm. Cover portion heights such as these may ensure that there is sufficient space and access inside the meter box for electrical equipment while also allowing the meter box to be more easily installed in or on an existing wall (i.e. reducing the quantity of bricks in the wall that must be cut across). Cover portion heights such as these may also increase the effectiveness of any disguise created by the cover layer.

In some embodiments the cover portion has a width within the range 160-260mm, more preferably 180-240mm, still more preferably 205-225mm and most preferably is 215mm. Cover portion widths such as these may ensure that there is sufficient space and access inside the meter box to electrical equipment while also allowing the meter box to be more easily installed in or on an existing wall (i.e. reducing the quantity of bricks in the wall that must be cut across). Cover portion widths such as these may also increase the effectiveness of any disguise created by the cover layer.

In some embodiments the meter box has a depth within the range 100-180mm, more preferably 120-160mm and most preferably is 140mm. Depths such as these may ensure that there is sufficient space inside the meter box for electrical equipment and further may be particularly suitable where the meter box in to be recessed into a cavity wall.

In some embodiments the meter box further comprises one or more hinges arranged to hinge the cover portion in order that the cover portion may be opened and closed.

Hinging of the cover portion may provide convenient access to any electrical equipment inside the meter box.

In some embodiments the hinges are arranged such that the cover portion projects away from the base portion before rotating. This may allow a hinged side of the cover portion to be positioned more closely to an adjacent brick wall, potentially improving deterioration performance and appearance.

In some embodiments the cover portion is provided with a magnetic push-catch. A keyless entry may be desirable in order that meter readings and servicing can be performed without the need for a key. A magnetic push-catch may also mean that it is not necessary to install a handle on the cover portion.

In some embodiments the base portion and/or the cover portion comprises a moulded part. Moulding the base and cover portions may be cost effective and may ensure dimension consistency.

In some embodiments the base portion and/or the cover portion comprises a glass reinforced polyester material. It will be appreciated however that other suitable materials may be used.

In some embodiments the meter box is provided with an internal lockable compartment. This may provide a convenient location to securely store items, especially where the meter box itself is not locked so as to make access to electrical equipment easier.

In some embodiments the meter box is provided in combination with a wall comprising building units.

In some embodiments the meter box is recessed into the wall.

In some embodiments the building units of the cover layer are similar to those of the wall. In this way the wall and the cover layer may have similar deterioration properties and have similar appearances.

In some embodiments the building unit joining material is similar to that of the wall.

In some embodiments the building unit joining material of the wall is aligned with building unit joining material of the cover portion so as lines of building unit joining material appear continuous.

In some embodiments a front surface of the cover layer is substantially flush with the wall.

In some embodiments the cover portion height is selected to correspond to a whole number of building units in the wall. It will be appreciated that this should include joins between building units. In this way installation may be made easier and appearance improved.

In some embodiments the cover portion width is selected to correspond to a whole number of building units in the wall. In this way installation may be made easier and appearance improved.

In some embodiments the cover portion is substantially the samc width as one building unit in the wall. This may provide an acceptable compromise between the size of the cover portion and ease of installation.

In some embodiments the cover layer comprises multiple courses of brick slips each successive course comprising one whole brick slip and then two half brick slips. This may be particularly suitable where the wall has a stretcher bond.

According to a second aspect of the invention a kit of parts is provided comprising a meter box and one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and define one or more positions for receiving one or more parts of and/or whole building units to be secured to the cover portion.

According to a third aspect of the invention a method of installing a meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion is provided comprising the steps of: -securing the base portion to a wall; and -attaching one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and define one or more positions for receiving one or more parts of and/or whole building units to be secured to the cover portion.

It will be appreciated that it is not essential that either of these steps is completed before the other.

In some embodiments a cover layer is attached to the cover portion comprising one or more parts of and/or whole building units aligned and/or orientated by the course projecting runners.

In some embodiments the cover layer attached further comprises building unit joining material between the building units.

In some embodiments an additional step of chasing out of the wall is performed and the securing of the base portion to the wall occurs in a cavity created by the chasing out. In this way the meter box may be at least partially recessed into the wall.

In some alternative embodiments the base portion is secured in the structure of the wall during the construction of the wall. This may be appropriate where it is desirable to recess the meter box and where the meter box is to be installed in a newly built wall.

In some embodiments pointing is performed between parts of and/or whole building units following their attachment. This may help to secure the building units.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention a meter box is provided, the meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being releasably engaged to the base portion and provided with a cover layer comprising parts of and/or whole multiple building units. The cover layer may provide effective deterioration protection for the cover portion and may further serve to disguise the meter box when installed.

In some embodiments the building units are bricks. Bricks may be suitable where the meter box is to be associated with a brick wall. Bricks may have desirable properties with regard to deterioration and insulation. It will be appreciated however that in other embodiments other building units such as cladding panels, tiles, shingle or blocks may be used.

Preferably the brick slips are between 15mm and 25mm in thickness. Still more S preferably the brick slips are substantially 20mm in thickness. Brick slips corresponding to these thicknesses may provide an acceptable compromise allowing pointing of the slips while reducing weight and maintaining surface quality. It will be appreciated that the brick slips may be orientated as stretchers, headers, soldiers, sailors, rowlock or shinners. Additionally slips may comprise two angled faces suitable for creating corners (e.g. where the meter box is positioned at the end of a wall).

In some embodiments the cover layer further comprises building unit joining material between the building units. Building unit joining material may create an effective deterioration seal for the cover portion. It may further have similar deterioration properties and appearance to building unit joining material used in a wall with which the meter box is to be associated.

In some embodiments the building unit joining material is mortar. Mortar may be suitable where the meter box is to be associated with a wall having mortar joins. If lines of mortar between building unit courses in the wall are aligned with lines of mortar on the cover portion the apparent continuity may serve to disguise the meter box. It will be appreciated however that in other embodiments the building unit joining material may be an alternative to mortar.

In some embodiments the meter box is arranged in use to be recessed into a wall. This may serve to further conceal the meter box.

In some embodiments the cover portion is provided with one or more course projecting runners. Course projecting runners may be of assistance in mounting and/or correctly positioning parts of and/or whole building units. The course projecting runners may for example help to ensure that building units are level and/or that their courses are equally and/or correctly spaced.

In some embodiments the cover portion has a height within the range 550-750mm, more preferably 600-700mm, still more preferably 650-680mm and most preferably is 665mm. Cover portion heights such as these may ensure that there is sufficient space and access inside the meter box for electrical equipment while also allowing the meter S box to be more easily installed in or on an existing wall (i.e. reducing the quantity of bricks in the wall that must be cut across). Cover portion heights such as these may also increase the effectiveness of any disguise created by the cover layer.

In some embodiments the cover portion has a width within the range 160-260mm, more preferably 180-240mm, still more preferably 205-225mm and most preferably is 2 15mm. Cover portion widths such as these may ensure that there is sufficient space and access inside the meter box to electrical equipment while also allowing the meter box to be more easily installed in or on an existing wall (i.e. reducing the quantity of bricks in the wall that must be cut across). Cover portion widths such as these may also increase the effectiveness of any disguise created by the cover layer.

In some embodiments the meter box is provided in combination with a wall.

In some embodiments the meter box is recessed into the wall.

In some embodiments building unit joining material of the cover layer is similar to that of the wall.

In some embodiments building unit joining material of the cover layer is aligned with building unit joining material of the cover layer.

In some embodiments the cover portion is substantially the same width as one building unit in the wall. This may provide an acceptable compromise between the size of the cover portion and ease of installation.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention a kit of parts is provided comprising a meter box and parts of and/or whole multiple building units.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention a method of installing a meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion is provided comprising the steps of -securing the base portion to a wall; and -attaching a cover layer to the cover portion comprising parts of and/or whole multiple building units to the cover portion.

In some embodiments one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and define one or more positions for receiving the parts of and/or whole multiple building units to be secured to the cover portion are attached to the cover portion before attachment of the cover layer.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention a meter box is provided, the meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being releasably engaged to the base portion and provided with a cover layer arranged to imitate building units surrounding, in use, the meter box.

The skilled person will appreciate that features of any one of the above aspects of the invention could be applied, mutatis mutandis, to other features of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the figures where:-Figure 1 is a front elevation with enlargement showing a prior art meter box installed on the external wall of a house; Figure 2a is a side view of a meter box according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2b is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 2a; Figure 2c is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b with a partial cover layer of brick slips; Figure 2d is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figures 2a, 2b and 2c with a full cover layer of brick slips; Figures 3a-c show perspective views of an embodiment of the invention installed in a brick cavity wall.

Referring first to figure 1 a prior art meter box 101 is shown installed on the wall 103 of a house 105. The meter box 101 comprises white plastic. The meter box 101 is positioned on the outside of the house 105 and therefore gives good access for service personnel. The meter box 101 is however in a relatively exposed position and is subject to deterioration. The plastic material of the meter box 101 is likely to become discoloured and suffer structural damage long before the surrounding wall 103.

Further the meter box 101 may be considered unsightly in view of the discontinuity between it and the wall 103.

Referring now to Figures 2a-2d a meter box embodiment according to the present invention is generally shown at 207. The meter box 207 has a base portion 209 comprising a back wall 211, two side walls 213 (only one shown), a top wall 215 and a bottom wall 217. The back wall 211 is provided with a base board (not shown) certified as class 0 for the surface spread of flame as specified in the fire safety building regulations 1991 Compatible with UK Electricity Utilities. The base board is used for the mounting of electrical components (not shown). The back wall 211 is also provided with inlet holes 218 (only one shown) for the passage of cabling (not shown). Around the rim 219 of the base portion is a rubber seal (not shown). Although not provided in this embodiment, in others the base portion 209 may have an internal lockable compartment.

The meter box 207 also has a cover portion 221 higedly connected to the base portion 209 such that it is releasably engaged therewith to allow opening and closing of the meter box 207. The hinges (not shown) are weather resistant and are arranged such that the cover portion 221 projects away from the base portion 209 before rotating.

The cover portion is provided with a magnetic push-catch (not shown) allowing securing and release of the cover portion 221. When the cover portion is in the closed position it abuts the rubber seal making the meter box 207 substantially weather tight.

The cover portion 221 has a height of 665mm, a width of 215mm and a depth of 140mm.

The cover portion 221 is also provided with a series of substantially horizontal course projecting runners 223. In the present embodiment the runners 223 are mortar, a building unit joining material. In alternative embodiments however the course projecting runners may imitate a building unit joining material without being that material or may be another material altogether (such as plastic) and/or optionally may be capped with a building unit joining material or a material imitating a building unit joining material. The course projecting runners 223 are arranged in use to guide the alignment and/or orientation of parts of and/or whole building units.

In the present embodiment both the base portion 209 and the cover portion 221 are moulded from a glass reinforced polyester material.

As can be seen specifically with reference to figures 2c and 2d, the cover portion 221 is also provided with a cover layer 225 comprising parts of 227 and whole 229 brick slips aligned and orientated (as stretchers) by the course projecting runners. In this embodiment the brick slips are substantially 20mm in thickness.

With reference to figure 2d it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the course projecting runners 223 may not be provided. In this case the cover portion 221 may simply be said to be provided with a cover layer 221 comprising parts of and/or whole multiple building units (in this case brick slips 227, 229). Further any mortar lines between the building units 227, 229 may also be said to be part of the cover layer 225.

With reference now to figures 3a-3c a meter box 307 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown installed in a brick cavity wall 331 comprising building units, in this case bricks 333 and blocks 335. In this embodiment the meter box 307 is S similar to meter box 207 of Figure 2d and like features are therefore given like reference numerals in the series 300.

The meter box 307 is recessed into the brick cavity wall 331 such that the base portion 309 spans the cavity 337 and the back wall 311 abuts the blocks 335. Furthermore the cover layer 325 of the cover portion 321 forms a substantially continuous surface with the bricks 333 (that is it is flush with them) when the cover portion 321 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 3a.

In this embodiment the brick slips 327, 329 of the cover layer 325 have been selected so as to appear similar to and have similar deterioration resistance (e.g. hardness, density and chemical properties) to the bricks 333. Further between the bricks 333 are mortar lines 339 which appear similar to and have similar deterioration resistance to the mortar runners 323.

To further enhance the appearance of the meter box 307 the mortar runners 323 and brick slips 327, 329 are aligned with horizontal mortar lines 339 and brick courses 333 of the brick cavity wall 331 respectively. Alignment is further improved by the height of the meter box 307 corresponding to a whole number of bricks 333 (including mortar between them) and the width of the meter box 307 corresponding to the width of a single brick 333. As can be seen in this embodiment the cover layer 325 comprises multiple courses of brick slips 327, 329, each successive course comprising one whole brick slip 329 and then two half brick slips 327.

With reference to Figures 3a-c a method of installing the meter box 307 is provided.

Chasing out of the brick cavity wall 331 is performed to remove bricks 333 located where the meter box 307 is to be installed. The base portion 309 is then secured inside the cavity by screwing it to the blocks 335 (although other methods of securing may be used). It will be appreciated however that in alternative embodiments where the meter box 307 is to be provided in a newly constructed wall (rather than retrofitted), chasing out may not be necessary. Instead the base portion 309 may be secured in the structure of the wall (for example using mortar) during its construction.

The cover portion 321 is secured to the base portion and attached thereto are one or more course projecting runners. A cover layer 325 is attached to the cover portion 321, the cover layer 325 comprising brick slips 327, 329. The brick slips 327, 329 are aligned and orientated using the course projecting runners. Attachment of the brick slips 327, 329 is achieved using tile adhesive (although other means may also be used). Additionally a cap of mortar 339 (a building unit joining material) is added over the course projecting runners and between the brick slips 327, 329, and further pointing performed if necessary.

It will be appreciated that the order in which many of these steps are completed may be altered.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments only some of these steps may be completed. In particular course projecting runners may not always be used. In that case the cover layer 325 comprising parts of and/or whole multiple building units (e.g. brick slips 327, 329) may be attached to the cover portion 321 without using course projecting runners.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being releasably engaged to the base portion and provided with a cover layer comprising parts of and/or whole multiple building units, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections.
2. A meter box according to claim 1 where the building units are bricks.
3. A meter box according to claim 1 or claim 2 where the cover layer comprises parts of and/or whole brick slips.
4. A meter box according to any preceding claim where the cover layer further comprises building unit joining material between the building units.
5. A meter box according to claim 4 where the building unit joining material is mortar.
6. A meter box according to any preceding claim arranged in use to be recessed into a wall.
7. A meter box according to any preceding claim where the cover portion is provided with one or more course projecting runners.
8. A meter box according to any preceding claim where the cover portion has a height within the range 550-750mm, more preferably 600-700mm, still more preferably 650- 680mm and most preferably is 665mm.
9. A meter box according to any preceding claim where the cover portion has a width within the range 160-260mm, more preferably 180-240mm, still more preferably 205- 225mm and most preferably is 2 15mm.
10. A meter box according to any preceding claim having a depth within the range 100-180mm, more preferably 120-160mm and most preferably is 140mm.
11 A meter box according to any preceding claim provided with an internal lockable compartment.
12. A meter box according to any preceding claim provided in combination with a wall.
13. A meter box according to claim 12 recessed into the wall.
14. A meter box according to claim 12 or 13 where the building units of the cover layer are similar to those of the wall.
15. A meter box according to any of claims 12 to 14 where building unit joining material of the cover layer is similar to that of the wall.
16. A meter box according to any of claims 12 to 15 where building unit joining material of the cover layer is aligned with building unit joining material of the cover layer.
17. A meter box according to any of claims 12 to 16 where a front surface of the cover layer is substantially flush with the wall.
18. A meter box according to any of claims 12 to 17 where the cover portion height is selected to correspond to a whole number of building units in the wall.
19. A meter box according to any of claims 12 to 18 where the cover portion width is selected to correspond to a whole number of building units in the wall.
20. A meter box according to any of claims 12 to 19 where the cover portion is substantially the same width as one building unit in the wall.
21. A meter box according to any of claims 12 to 20 where the cover layer comprises multiple courses of brick slips each successive course comprising one whole brick slip and then two half brick slips.
22. A kit of parts comprising a meter box and parts of and/or whole multiple building units, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections..
23. A method of installing a meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion comprising the steps of: -securing the base portion to a wall; and -attaching a cover layer to the cover portion comprising parts of and/or whole multiple building units to the cover portion, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections.
24. A method according to claim 23 where one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and define one or more positions for receiving the parts of and/or whole multiple building units to be secured to the cover portion are attached to the cover portion before attacbment of the cover layer.
25. A method according to claim 23 or claim 24 where the cover layer attached further comprises building unit joining material between the building units.
26. A method according to any of claims 23 to 25 where an additional step of chasing out of the wall is performed and the securing of the base portion to the wall occurs in a cavity created by the chasing out.
27. A method according to any of claims 23 to 25 where the base portion is secured in the structure of the wall during the construction of the wall.
28. A method according to any of claims 23 to 27 where pointing is performed between parts of and/or whole building units following their attachment.
29. A meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being releasably engaged to the base portion and provided with one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and defining one or more positions for receiving one or more parts of and/or whole building units to be secured to the cover portion, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections.
30. A meter box according to claim 29 where one or more of the course projecting runners comprises a building unit joining material.
31. A meter box according to claim 30 where the building unit joining material is mortar.
32. A meter box according to any of claims 29 to 31 where one or more of the course projecting runners is provided with a cap of a building unit joining material.
33. A meter box according to claim 32 where the cap is mortar.
34. A meter box according to any of claims 29 to 33 where the cover portion is further provided with a cover layer comprising one or more parts of and/or whole building units positioned by the course projecting runners.
35. A kit of parts comprising a meter box and one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and define one or more positions for receiving one or more parts of and/or whole building units to be secured to the cover portion, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections.
36. A method of installing a meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion comprising the steps of: -securing the base portion to a wall; and -attaching one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and define one or more positions for receiving one or more parts of and/or whole building units to be secured to the cover portion, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections.
37. A method according to claim 36 where a cover layer is attached to the cover portion comprising one or more parts of and/or whole building units aligned and/or orientated by the course projecting runners.
38. A method according to claim 37 where the cover layer attached further comprises building unit joining material between the building units.
39. A meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being releasably engaged to the base portion and provided with a cover layer arranged to imitate building units surrounding, in use, the meter box.
40. A meter box substantially as shown in the accompanying figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being releasably engaged to the base portion and provided with one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and defining one or more positions for receiving one or more parts of and/or whole building units to be secured to the cover portion, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections.2. A meter box according to claim 1 where one or more of the course projecting runners comprises a building unit joining material.3. A meter box according to claim 2 where the building unit joining material is mortar.4. A meter box according to any of claims 1 to 3 where one or more of the course projecting runners is provided with a cap of a building unit joining material. c\J0 5. A meter box according to claim 4 where the cap is mortar.0 6. A meter box according to any of claims 1 to S where the cover portion is further provided with a cover layer comprising one or more parts of and/or whole building units positioned by the course projecting runners.7. A meter box according to claim 6 where the building units are bricks.8. A meter box according to claim 6 or claim 7 where the cover layer comprises parts of and/or whole brick slips.9. A meter box according to any of claims 6 to 8 where the cover layer further comprises building unit joining material between the building units.10. A meter box according to claim 9 where the building unit joining material is mortar.11. A meter box according to any preceding claim arranged in use to be recessed into a wall.12. A meter box according to any preceding claim where the cover portion has a height within the range 650-680mm.13. A meter box according to any preceding claim where the cover portion has a width within the range 205-225mm.14. A meter box according to any preceding claim having a depth within the range 120-160mm.A meter box according to any preceding claim provided with an internal lockable compartment.16. A meter box according to any preceding claim provided in combination with a wall. c\J0 17. A meter box according to claim 16 recessed into the wall.0 18. A meter box according to claim 16 or 17 where building unit joining material of the cover layer is aligned with building unit joining material of the wall.19. A meter box according to any of claims 16 to l8where a front surface of the cover layer is substantially flush with the wall.20. A meter box according to any of claims 16 to 19 where the cover portion height is selected to correspond to a whole number of building units in the wall.21. A meter box according to any of claims 16 to 20 where the cover portion width is selected to correspond to a whole number of building units in the wall.22. A meter box according to any of claims 16 to 21 where the cover portion is substantially the same width as one building unit in the wall.23. A meter box according to any of claims 16 to 22 where the cover layer comprises multiple courses of brick slips each successive course comprising one whole brick slip and then two half brick slips.24. A kit of parts comprising a meter box and one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and define one or more positions for receiving one or more parts of and/or whole building units to be secured to the cover portion, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections.25. A method of installing a meter box comprising a base portion and a cover portion comprising the steps of: -securing the base portion to a wall; and -attaching one or more course projecting runners arranged in use to divide the cover portion and define one or more positions for receiving one or more parts of and/or whole building units to be secured to the cover Ti-portion, where the building units are selected from the list of bricks, blocks, tiles, shingles, cladding panels or render sections.26. A method according to claim 25 where a cover layer is attached to the cover 0 portion comprising one or more parts of and/or whole building units aligned and/or orientated by the course projecting runners.27. A method according to claim 26 where the cover layer attached further comprises building unit joining material between the building units.28. A method according to any of claims 25 to 27 where an additional step of chasing out of the wall is performed and the securing of the base portion to the wall occurs in a cavity created by the chasing out.29. A method according to any of claims 25 to 27 where the base portion is secured in the structure of the wall during the construction of the wall.30. A method according to any of claims 26 to 29 where pointing is performed between parts of and/or whole building units following their attachment.31. A meter box substantially as shown in the accompanying figures. csJ r c'J 0)