Enhanced features for backflow prevention device enclosure

Abstract

An apparatus for maintaining the temperature of material conveyed through fluid conveying devices. The apparatus may include an enclosure having an improved door, mounting bracket, locking mechanism, heating device and a secure structure for accessing the upper portion of the enclosure. An alignment guide and integral tabs are also disclosed which facilitate assembly of the enclosure. The apparatus may include an enclosure supported upon a chase or chases, which may extend from the enclosure downwardly to the frost line. Heating elements may be included within the chase(s) or enclosure to maintain the temperature of the material and the fluid conveying devices surrounding the material above a predetermined setpoint all the way to the frost line. The enclosure may employ a suitable valve to facilitate the removal of discharged material from the enclosure in applications where the fluid conveying device discharges material to the atmosphere.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Apparatus for protecting a fluid conveying device in fluid communication with valves and piping, comprising: 
 a top and walls extending downward from the top,    a self-closing, gravity-biased door, and    insulation integrated into said top, said walls and said door.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of    claim 1    wherein said door comprises a notched portion.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of    claim 1    wherein the upper portion of the door is connected to the lower portion of one of said walls.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of    claim 1    further comprising a pivot between said wall and said door and a door stop wherein said pivot and said stop are in the same vertical plane.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of    claim 4    wherein said pivot is a hinge.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of    claim 4    wherein said stop comprises a zee.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of    claim 1    further comprising a water-proof heater placed in the lower portion of the apparatus.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus for protecting a fluid conveying device in fluid communication with valves and piping, comprising: 
 a top and walls extending downward from the top forming an enclosure having a length and width, wherein the length is greater than the width of the enclosure, and    a mounting bracket, said mounting bracket having at least two riser portions, wherein the distance between the riser portions is greater than the width of said enclosure.    
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of    claim 8    further comprising a rod, and 
 wherein said enclosure and said mounting bracket contain openings, said openings being aligned when the enclosure is resting upon the mounting bracket and permitting insertion of said rod therethrough.  
 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of    claim 9    further comprising a lock, and 
 wherein said rod comprises a handle at one end and an opening at the other end, and further wherein said lock is inserted through the opening in said rod to prevent said enclosure from being removed from said mounting bracket.  
 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of    claim 8    wherein said mounting bracket further comprises mounting holes.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of    claim 8    wherein said mounting bracket further comprises a trough.  
     
     
         13 . Apparatus for protecting a fluid conveying device in fluid communication with valves and piping, comprising: 
 a top and walls extending downward from the top, said top formed of a plurality of top portions, and    a hinge connecting the top portions.    
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of    claim 13    further comprising a latch to secure at least one of the plurality of top portions, said latch being accessible only through the interior of the enclosure.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of    claim 13    further comprising an alignment guide to establish the opening for a center panel and to aide in the assembly of said apparatus.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of    claim 13    further comprising tabs extending from the lower portions of said walls, said tabs being integral with said walls.  
     
     
         17 . Apparatus for protecting a fluid conveying device in fluid communication with valves and piping, said apparatus adapted to rest upon a slab, comprising: 
 a top and walls extending downward from the top,    a radiant heater,    a holder for said radiant heater, and    a thermostat to control said radiant heater,    wherein the output of said radiant heater is directed toward the slab.    
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of    claim 17    further comprising insulation covering said top and walls.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of    claim 17    further comprising a reflective surface covering said top and walls.  
     
     
         20 . Apparatus for protecting a fluid conveying device in fluid communication with valves and piping, said apparatus adapted to rest upon a slab, comprising: 
 a top and walls extending downward from the top, and    a sleeve extending into the slab.    
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of    claim 20    wherein said sleeve extends below the lower portion of the slab.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of    claim 20    wherein said sleeve extends to the frost line.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of    claim 20    further comprising a heater, said heater being placed within said sleeve.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of    claim 21    further comprising an open space below the slab.  
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of    claim 21    further comprising heat transfer media disposed below the slab.