Backflow security enclosure

Abstract

A backflow security enclosure for maintained equipment is disclosed. The security enclosure includes a plurality of side panels joinable along an adjacent edge with an elongate rod. The elongate rod is received in a channel of a plurality of sockets disposed in a spaced apart relation along an adjacent edge of the plurality of panels. The plurality of sockets may be arranged in a hinge type configuration. A top panel is supported by the plurality of side panels when joined. A locking mechanism secures the top panel to at least one of the plurality of side panels. The side panels may be secured to a ground or wall surface to surround the equipment to be repaired or serviced by a technician.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A backflow security enclosure, comprising:
 a plurality of side panels joinable to define sidewalls of the security enclosure, each of the plurality of side panels having a socket defined in a spaced apart relation along an interior adjacent edge of the plurality of side panels,   a rod received through a channel defined through the socket to selectively join or unjoin the plurality of side panels; and   a top panel supported on the plurality of side panels when joined.   
     
     
         2 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a locking mechanism to secure the top panel to the plurality of side panels, when joined.   
     
     
         3 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the channel is positioned on an interior space of the security enclosure when the plurality of side panels are joined. 
     
     
         4 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of side panels comprises:
 a frame; and   a mesh suspended within the frame.   
     
     
         5 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 4 , wherein the frame is formed of a metal. 
     
     
         6 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 4 , wherein the mesh is selected from the group consisting of a steel wire mesh, an expanded metal plate, and a perforated metal plate. 
     
     
         7 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the top panel further comprises:
 a frame; and   a mesh suspended within the frame.   
     
     
         8 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 7 , wherein the frame is formed of a metal. 
     
     
         9 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 8 , wherein the mesh is selected from the group consisting of a steel wire mesh, an expanded metal plate, and a perforated metal plate. 
     
     
         10 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of apertures formed in a spaced apart relation along a bottom frame element of one or more of the plurality of side panels, the plurality of apertures dimensioned to receive a fastener to secure the backflow security enclosure to one or more of a ground or a wall surface.   
     
     
         11 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 2 , the locking mechanism further comprising:
 a locking tab protruding from the top panel, the locking tab having a locking aperture defined therethrough, the locking aperture dimensioned to receive a hasp of a lock.   
     
     
         12 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a corresponding locking tab protruding from at least one of the plurality of side panels.   
     
     
         13 . The backflow security enclosure of  claim 12  further comprising:
 a slot defined along a top margin of at least one of the plurality of side panels, the slot dimensioned to receive the locking tab.