Modular AMI/AMR in-ground meter box

1 . An AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, comprising:

first and second side panels, each having an interior side and an exterior side; and

first and second end panels, each having an interior side and an exterior side;

wherein each of said side panels and end panels include a generally rectangular planar portion having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first interlocking end having a plurality of male elements and female slots forming the first interlocking end having a half-blind vertical edge, an arcuate second end having a 90-degree bend which forms a corner of the assembled meter box and terminating in a second interlocking end having a plurality of male elements and female slots configured to interlock with paired male elements and female slots in a first interlocking end of an adjoining side or end panel; and

at least a first adjustable bracket channel assembly mounted in the interior side of the first side panel of the assembled meter box assembly.

2 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, according to claim 1 , wherein:

said at least first adjustable bracket channel assembly includes a channel member defining a slidable channel and an adjustable bracket member having a free support first end and a support second end removably and adjustable retained within said slidable channel.

3 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, according to claim 2 , wherein:

said channel member is mounted to said interior of said assembled meter box assembly and has an extending length along said slidable channel.

4 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, according to claim 3 , wherein:

said free support end of said adjustable bracket member including a C-shaped member having an open side; and

said open side facing away from said channel member.

5 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly of claim 4 , wherein:

said support second end of said adjustable bracket member includes cross member having an engaging profile shaped for slidable engagement with said slidable channel of said channel member, whereby said support second is slidably adjustable along said extending length allowing a relative positioning of said free support end of said adjustable bracket member within said interior of said assembled meter box assembly.

6 . An AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, comprising:

first and second side panels, each having an interior side and an exterior side; and

first and second end panels, each having an interior side and an exterior side;

wherein each of said side panels and end panels include a planar portion having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first interlocking end having a plurality of male elements and female slots forming the first interlocking end having a vertical edge, an arcuate second end which forms a corner of the assembled meter box and terminating in a second interlocking end having a plurality of male elements and female slots configured to interlock with paired male elements and female slots in a first interlocking end of an adjoining side or end panel; and

at least a first adjustable bracket channel assembly mounted in an interior of the assembled meter box assembly; and

wherein said at least first adjustable bracket channel assembly includes a channel member defining a slidable channel and an adjustable bracket member having a free support first end and a support second end removably and adjustable retained within said slidable channel.

7 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, according to claim 6 , wherein:

said channel member is mounted to said interior of said assembled meter box assembly and has an extending length along said slidable channel.

8 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, according to claim 6 , wherein:

said free support end of said adjustable bracket member including a C-shaped member having an open side; and

said open side facing away from said channel member.

9 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly of claim 6 , wherein:

said support second end of said adjustable bracket member includes cross member having an engaging profile shaped for slidable engagement with said slidable channel of said channel member, whereby said support second is slidably adjustable along said extending length allowing a relative positioning of said free support end of said adjustable bracket member within said interior of said assembled meter box assembly.

10 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly of claim 6 , wherein the channel member is affixed to the interior of the assembled meter box assembly using an epoxy or an adhesive.

11 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly of claim 6 , wherein the channel member is affixed to the interior of the assembled meter box assembly using a threaded fastener.

12 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly of claim 6 , wherein the channel member is integrally molded to the interior of the assembled meter box assembly.

13 . An AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, comprising:

first and second side panels, each having an interior side and an exterior side; and

first and second end panels, each having an interior side and an exterior side;

wherein each of said side panels and end panels include a planar portion having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first interlocking end having a plurality of male elements and female slots forming the first interlocking end having a vertical edge, an arcuate second end which forms a corner of the assembled meter box and terminating in a second interlocking end having a plurality of male elements and female slots configured to interlock with paired male elements and female slots in a first interlocking end of an adjoining side or end panel; and

at least a first adjustable bracket channel assembly mounted in an interior of the assembled meter box assembly; and

wherein said at least first adjustable bracket channel assembly includes an adjustable bracket member having a free support first end with a C shape and a support second end movably coupled to the interior side of the first side panel.

14 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, according to claim 13 , wherein:

said at least first adjustable bracket channel assembly further includes a channel member directly coupled to the interior side of the first side panel; and

said channel member is mounted to said interior of said assembled meter box assembly and has an extending length along said slidable channel.

15 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly of claim 14 , wherein the channel member is affixed to the interior of the assembled meter box assembly using an epoxy or an adhesive.

16 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly of claim 14 , wherein the channel member is affixed to the interior of the assembled meter box assembly using a threaded fastener.

17 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly of claim 14 , wherein the channel member is integrally molded to the interior of the assembled meter box assembly.

18 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly, according to claim 14 , wherein:

said free support end of said adjustable bracket member including a C-shaped member having an open side; and

said open side facing away from said channel member.

19 . The AMI/AMR in-ground meter box assembly of claim 14 , wherein:

said support second end of said adjustable bracket member includes cross member having an engaging profile shaped for slidable engagement with said slidable channel of said channel member, whereby said support second is slidably adjustable along said extending length allowing a relative positioning of said free support end of said adjustable bracket member within said interior of said assembled meter box assembly.