Abstract: An improved shelter of the type having a front wall, a back wall, two opposing side walls, a bottom and a top defining a substantially rectangular box with an opening defined in the top, a flat lid adapted to cover the opening, a roller means for alternately rolling the lid to expose or close the open top, the improvement comprising: substantially, the entire top of the box defining an opening; the lid adapted to be substantially flush with the surrounding ground level in a closed position; and a roller means for allowing the lid to slide above the ground level, exposing more than half of the top when in an open position. The shelter alternatively including stairs rotatably affixed to the front wall and a stair support means releaseably supporting the stair in position to be used as a stepping entrance into the shelter, whereby the stair can be rotated against the front wall when not in use or rotated and fixed in place by the stair support means to serve as a stepping surface.

Abstract: Cellar or bulk head doors having sidewalls are provided which are made of a polymer and which are strong, durable, attractive, virtually maintenance free, easily assembled, have connection and anchorage points which allow the door assembly to be used over a wide temperature range without damage to the polymer parts making up the assembly and which has an opening preferably in one or both of the sidewalls for inserts such as a window, louver, screen or blank and which insert may be easily changed without tools for the purpose of providing light, ventilation, or security. The doors also may be extended from the structure being enclosed using opposed vertical extenders mated with a horizontal extender.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing an adjustable height drain onto a conduit in a layer of hardenable material. The drain includes a grate member adjustably connected to and in fluid communication with a base member. A connection member connects the grate member and base member and is adjustable to allow the elevation of the grate member to be adjusted in relation to the base member. A sealing mechanism is disposed substantially adjacent at least a portion of the connection member to limit hardenable material from setting around the connection member when a layer of hardenable material is poured.

Abstract: A remotely actuated manhole system is disclosed having a cover that is pivotable relative to a frame secured with a collar on a bulk carrier, the cover being pivotable around a substantially vertical axis between and to open and closed positions. In the closed position covering an opening to a compartment in the bulk carrier, the cover is shiftable vertically between and to locked and unlocked positions by an inflatable seal member below the cover. The manhole system includes catches that prevent over-rotation of the cover from the open position to the closed position, and the catches engage in the locked position by the vertical upward movement of the cover. The inflation of the seal member and the pivoting of the cover are remotely actuated.

Abstract: A multi-use adapter ring for converting the compatibility of an access opening of an underground on-site waste or drainage facility tank surface or component so as to receive a lower end of a riser component, in a tongue-and-groove type connection, to help achieve and maintain a vacuum tight, water-tight seal. The multi-use adapter ring has a first vertical cylindrical wall, a second vertical cylindrical wall having a height less than the first vertical cylindrical wall and spaced radially outwardly from the first vertical cylindrical wall, and a plurality of radially-extending ribs arranged between the first and second vertical cylindrical walls. An inner ledge is provided inwardly of the first vertical cylindrical wall. The first vertical cylindrical wall defines a male connection end to engage, in a substantially vacuum-tight manner, a female connection end of a riser component, such as a riser, a riser pan, or a riser cover.

Abstract: A ceiling hatch employs a frame having an upper edge and a lower edge and a passage bounded by a sidewall passing therebetween, the passage extending from the lower edge to the upper edge and having its minimum cross section at the lower edge. This frame is employed with an insulating block bounded by a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, and which is configured to be positionable substantially within the passage and substantially filling the same. A hinge attaches the frame to the insulating block, providing pivotable action between the insulating block and the frame about a pivot axis and allowing the insulating block to be swung out of the passage on an interference-free path such that the bottom surface of the insulating block is in a horizontal plane when the insulating block resides substantially within the passage.

Abstract: A pause profile is stored in a memory. An ambient condition is determined. The pause profile is accessed in the memory and a pause time is determined based upon the measured ambient condition. A moveable barrier is caused to remain in an open position for the pause time that is obtained from the memory.

Abstract: A window well cover is securely fastened to close a window well from outside the window well but which is easily unlatched from the inside of the window well for exit from the window and out of the window well. The cover includes a panel hinged to a base bracket and a fixing assembly. The panel is sized to substantially cover an open top end of the window well and has a first end edge and a second end edge, and opposite side edges. The fixing assembly is mounted to the base bracket adjacent to the first end edge. The fixing assembly comprises a first bracing bracket mounted to the base bracket adjacent one of the side edges and a second bracing bracket mounted to the base bracket adjacent the opposite side edge. Pressing portions are extendable outwardly from the bracing brackets to press against an inside of the window well to releasably lock the panel to the window well.

Abstract: A temporary cover for manholes to provide a platform for maintenance workers when operating valves of underground utility systems. The cover comprising a circular outer rim dimensioned to fit into a manhole opening, a pair of parallel and spaced apart rods extending from the outer rim to its center, a valve key receiving and positioning assembly movable along the rods, and a meshed framework covering an area bordered by the circular rim, leaving an area between the two rods. The assembly comprises a ring and two diametrically opposite sleeves exteriorly attached to the ring for receiving the rods. A valve key can be inserted into the manhole through the ring. The meshed framework serves as a platform to support a person and defines a plurality of openings facilitating viewing into the manhole after the cover is placed thereon.

Abstract: A drainage catch basin is formed from a rectangular trough with a planar upper rim defined by at least two opposite sidewalls and includes at least one inner wall forming a lower rim to define the gutter opening for flush mounting with the curb. The basin is covered by a top with a planar bottom that preferably includes a central circular manhole cover. The top is preferably formed by first providing a mold having a bottom and side frame of steel plates reinforced by a galvanized steel nosing and crossing rebar. The mold is then filled by concrete casting while installed on the catch basin trough to match the exterior color and/or finish of the adjacent sidewalk, street and/or curb.

Abstract: A cover system for septic tanks adapted to be attached to the a septic tank and provide access for repair and maintenance. The assembly includes a base which is embedded into the concrete and provides a seal between the concrete and the base. A pipe member is joined to and sits atop the stationary base member. A wrap made of high density polyethylene surrounds the pipe and covers its corrugations to reduce outside forces upon the pipe. Finally, there is a top cover which is designed to engage the top of the pipe. Additionally, a channel is provided to catch the edge of the pipe and a seal is provided to prevent leakage between the pipe and cover.

Abstract: A conventional sewer grate has a locking mechanism for preventing removal of the grate from its mounting frame by unauthorized persons. The locking mechanism includes a grate hold-down device, a threaded nut attached to the mounting frame below the hold-down device, and a bolt extending downwardly through the hold-down device into threaded engagement with the nut. The head of the bolt is specially constructed so that a specially-formed wrench is required to unscrew the bolt from the nut.

Abstract: A manhole access way security apparatus and method for using the security apparatus are disclosed. The security apparatus includes an insert, at least one locking pin and a locking mechanism each interconnected to allow users to easily and quickly install a security barrier under a manhole, handhole or vault, and thereby prevent authorized access through the manhole, handhole or vault. The apparatus uses an insert that may either sit on the existing manhole frame rim under the manhole cover, or if there is insufficient clearance on the manhole frame rim, brackets may be installed under the manhole frame upon which the insert rests. In either configuration, the insert is secured in place under the manhole cover by one or more locking pins that extend radially through the insert and are then locked to the insert.

Abstract: A method and a device for safely and efficiently adjusting the height of a manhole freely allowing the addition and removal of a height adjusting member at any position. The method and device may be used for the manhole formed by installing a tubular shaped frame in the ground, installing the removable height adjustment members on the tubular shaped frame, and installing a cover receiving frame on the height adjusting members. In this method and device, a frame is disposed in the upper space of the manhole; the cover receiving frame is raised by the height adjusting member installed on the frame; and the height adjusting members positioned under the cover receiving frame in that state are added or removed.

Abstract: A pit cover includes a casing, a cross bar and cover plate. The casing has a peripheral wall in the general shape of a rectangle, with open opposite ends and. The cross bar is coupled to and extends across the wall on an inside of the casing. The cover plate is configured to cover the first end of the casing. The cover plate has a first surface which, when the cover plate covers the first end of the casing is located on an outside of the casing. An enclosure is supported on a second opposite side of the cover plate and is provided with a slot through which a part 34 of the cross bar 14 can extend into the enclosure 28. A door 36 is coupled to the cover plate to provide access to the enclosure.

Abstract: A manhole cover includes a cylindrical manhole including manhole lugs, wherein the manhole lugs extend around the upper outer periphery of the manhole; the cover includes cover lugs, the cover lugs extend around the outer periphery of the cover. The cover co-operatively mates with and closes off the manhole. A strap also extends around the cover and manhole lugs such that applying tension to the strap assembly forceably urges together the cover and manhole lugs wherein the strap for clamping together the manhole lugs to the cover lugs thereby placing cover into a sealed position.

Abstract: A prefabricated attic hatch includes a frame comprising an outer frame and an inner frame. The inner frame encloses a central insulating panel which is fabricated from metal-skinned insulating foam. A preferred material for the panel is metal insulated door waste material. A method of fabricating attic hatches includes the use of metal insulated door waste material.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering a ditch includes a cover and girders having rabbets with projecting edges and flat-lying edges, the cover being placed on the rabbets. The apparatus has, before it is set up, a configuration for installation including one or several bars passing through lower webs of the girders and fixed to the girders and to the cover to maintain their final configuration, and level adjusting screws in edges of the girders defining a polygon providing stable support.

Abstract: A fire-resistant, aluminum, cementitious-material-free, insulation-free door adapted to prevent the spread of fire and heat passing therethrough, consists of: a door frame, a door hingedly mounted on the door frame, the door having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls, the bottom wall, top wall and side walls enclosing a hollow central core not containing substantial amounts of insulating material, the bottom wall having an outside surface, and the top wall having an outside surface; and a layer of intumescent material on the outside surface of the bottom wall. A heat-activated self-closing mechanism allows the weight of the door to close the door in the vent of fire, by releasing gas from a supporting gas spring.

Abstract: Existing street sewers consist of an immobile concrete structure supporting a frame. The present invention, the self-leveling street sewer, comprises a frame that floats on the foundation of the street and a tubular section that is connected to the connecting conduit. Since the frame is supported only by the street foundation, the immobile concrete structure is no longer required.

Abstract: A thermal insulating cover is presented. The cover includes a top, a plurality of sides extending from the top and a wide base perimeter extending from the plurality of sides. The device may be formed as a unitary piece, or may be provided in two or more sections which are easily assembled together. A piece of foam, acting as a gasket may be affixed to the base perimeter.

Abstract: An aircraft servicing pit is provided that has a pit lid set within a supporting frame and hinged for rotation relative to a pit access opening. However, the pit lid is also completely detachable from the surrounding frame once it opened. The pit lid support has a flat deck surface with an access opening surrounded by a supporting rim located beneath the deck surface. A hinge pocket is defined in the structure of the pit lid support. A pair of hinge axle end slots are formed on the opposite sides of the pit lid support frame and are inclined upwardly and outwardly. The pit lid has a hinge leaf with a pair of hinge axle ends projecting transversely therefrom in opposite directions. The hinge axle ends engage the hinge axle end slots and are entrapped therein when the pit lid is closed.

Abstract: The closure device for a circular conduit opening may be used to inhibit entry of debris and other matter into a conduit. The closure device may have an outer band, an inner band and a cover wherein a perimeter edge of the cover may be fastened between the outer band and the inner band. The outer band may have two separated overlapping ends and the inner band having two separated ends. A clamp may be attached to one of the inner band and the outer band.

Abstract: A system and kit of components for winterizing plants and trees, where the invention comprises a skeletal frame formed by plural first tubular members, each having an upper end and a lower end. When assembled, the respective lower ends are spaced apart and positioned vertically and anchored within the ground surrounding the plant or tree. Joined between adjacent first tubular members are plural second tubular, horizontally oriented, members to form a generally square skeletal frame. About the skeletal frame is a light-transmitting plastic wrap. Overriding the skeletal frame is a top frame, preferably pivotal about a pair of upper ends, to allow access to the protected plant or tree. Additionally, the invention contemplates a cover, such as a plastic wrap or canvas-like material over the top frame to ensure complete protection of the plant or tree.

Abstract: A temporary manhole cover for protecting workers purging a sewer line from splattering waste includes a substantially circular cover member having an outer rim bordering a central indented portion. The indented portion is transparent allowing the worker to observe the manhole interior if necessary. The cover member includes an elongated opening radially extending from the center of the indented portion to the outer edge of the rim. Disposed within the opening are a plurality of horizontal contiguous bristles. A water hose may be inserted into a manhole when the cover is properly installed by inserting the hose through the opening. The bristles retain the hose in a select position while retaining sewage within the manhole.

Abstract: Cover apparatus for temporarily covering access openings for water, drain, manhole and overflow pipes when the access openings are exposed, such as during construction, to prevent dirt, dust or unauthorized access to the access openings includes a top portion which extends outwardly beyond the access opening, an outer depending side wall which fits within the access opening, an outwardly flared lower side wall which extends below the outer depending side wall, a central cylindrical wall depending from the top portion in spaced relation from the depending side wall, and a plurality of ribs extending between the central wall and the depending side wall. A pump is secured within the central ring, and an expandable bladder in fluid communication with the pump is positioned on the depending side wall, between the top portion and the outwardly flared side wall. When inflated, the expandable bladder seals the cover apparatus to the access opening.

Abstract: A riser section and cover is disclosed. The riser section has a smooth cylindrical sidewall surface, a removable anchor tab on the exterior surface and bosses and ribs on the inside of the sidewall. The riser sections are stackable. The cover has a channel end to removably connect to a riser section. The cover has stowable handles and posts extending from a bottom surface that define wells open at a top surface and which posts fit into the wells of another cover. A bracket is disclosed to releasably secure and position the cover with an attached riser section on a concrete form wall to hold the riser in place while concrete is poured into the form.

Abstract: A locking cover is provided for a manhole or other access opening formed in a soffit or the like, such as an access manhole formed in an otherwise enclosed overhead cell or chamber within a concrete overpass or bridge structure of a light rail or highway transportation system. The locking cover includes an upper section defined by multiple segments sized to fit upwardly through the manhole and then assemble to define a peripheral rim for seating upon an upper soffit surface generally circumscribing the manhole. A lower section includes a peripheral rim for substantially seated engagement with a manhole-circumscribing lower soffit surface, and carries a lock unit for releasible connection with a lock bolt depending from the assembled upper section. The lock unit is positioned within an access-restricting containment sleeve to resist and/or discourage tampering.

Abstract: A device for equalizing changes in level between a ground area surface extending over a ground structure and a frame for closure of an installation projecting into a ground structure therebelow, comprises a plate-shaped dragging body connected to the closure frame and projecting horizontally into the ground structure below a carrying layer thereof so as to transfer the change in level to the closure frame, the plate-shaped dragging body being a separate structural element which supports the closure frame on an upper side thereof.

Abstract: An access panel for providing access to cables, services or the like through an opening in a floor having a floor covering, is disclosed. The access panel includes a floor frame (10) located in the opening and a lid (100) supported on the frame (10). The frame (10) has a support flange (26) extending around its periphery which extends between the floor covering and the floor deck. The flange (26) provides a ramped edge tapered substantially uniformly over a distance of between 10 and 20 times the maximum thickness of the flange (26). The outermost part of the flange (26) is typically formed from a flexible polymeric material. A rib (20) extends around an aperture in the frame (10) and the height of the rib (20) is lower than the load bearing surface of the floor. The hinge (24, 120) is generally square and defines a pivot surface which extends parallel to and is spaced inwardly from an inner edge of the frame (10).

Abstract: Two-piece sump cover plate, without water inlet, enables easy installation over the sump container. This two-piece cover plate also enables easy access to the interior of the sump container for servicing of the sump pump, replacement of the sump pump, or other necessary purposes without disassembly of the sump pump discharge conduit. This cover plate has two openings, one accommodates the discharge conduit of the sump pump and the other accommodates the pipe of the battery back up sump pump. The cover plate can have the option Of having only one opening that only accommodates the discharge conduit from the sump pump when battery back up sump pump is not used.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving as a cover for a window well associated with a window of a building and including a frame member having two vertically spaced apart inwardly extending projections, a retainer assembly that serves as a connection between the frame member and the building and also has a pair of vertically spaced apart outwardly extending projections, at least one support beam extending between and supported by the lower most projections, and a protective cover member overlying the support means and having edge portions received within the spaces between the projections of the frame member and the retainer assembly.

Abstract: A utility trenching and sidewalk system comprising modular utility sidewalk units which may be assembled together to form a cable trench. The modular units are formed from plastic composite material and include sidewalls, a bottom wall and covers which define a chamber for housing utility cables. A cavity formed in the sidewalls and bottom wall is filled with concrete through apertures in the sidewalls. The covers are removable from the module to provide access to the chamber. The module further includes a recess for receiving a paving material which serves as a sidewalk surface in the installed system.

Abstract: This device for closing an opening includes a frame (4) that delimits a pass-through access opening (10) suitable for receiving a cover (6) and which includes a frame hinge knuckle (18). The frame hinge knuckle (18) includes a hinge surface (38) and a pass-through hinge knuckle opening (40). The frame (4) has an exterior side and an interior side. The device also includes an inserted plug (52) positioned in a recess (50) of the frame hinge knuckle (18) located on the inner side of the hinge surface (38) and which makes the inner side of the frame hinge knuckle (18) appreciably sealed off from the outside.

Abstract: A pit lid assembly is formed for a subsurface aircraft servicing pit and includes a lid frame formed with a flat, upper deck, a pit access opening surrounded by the deck, and a hinge pocket defined in the structure of the frame. The hinge pocket extends radially outwardly from the pit access opening and defines mutually opposing and mutually parallel pocket side walls. The pocket has a floor and an end wall slopes upwardly from the pocket floor at an obtuse angle relative to the surrounding flat deck of the frame. A pit lid is seated in the frame upon a bearing ledge formed about the periphery of the access opening. The pit lid has a hinge leaf projecting outwardly away from the access opening. Straight, narrow, linear bores are defined through the structure of both the hinge frame and the hinge leaf.

Abstract: A rigid anti-theft cover (3), for covering of shafts leading to underground mains-water systems, hingedly mounted on a frame (1) with two side edges (32A, 32B) bearing two projecting parts (30A, 30B) and engaging into two cells (10) of the frame which are at least partially overhung by a wall (13) of this frame to provide an axis of articulation parallel to a hinging border (31) of the cover. The cover also has an elastic finger (36) extending parallel to the side edges (32A, 32B) with a free end situated in proximity to the hinging border (31) and co-operating with a pressure lug (14) borne by the corresponding hinging edge (11) of the frame to permit, by elastic deformation of the finger (36) supported against the lug (14), positioning of the projecting parts (30A, 30B) into their respective cells (10) and their removal.

Abstract: An attic access apparatus has a housing with a passage open to the attic and a door located in the passage for closing the passage. Insulating material in the passage above the door limits heat loss and air flow through the passage.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for an access hatch with a hatch frame which defines an opening; extends around at least a part of the hatch frame and includes guard members interconnection members which extend around the hatch frame, and support members for supporting the guard members at a position elevated above the hatch frame, where each interconnection member has a spacer member secured therto between the ends thereof, and each spacer member has a body portion by which the spacer member is secured to an interconnection member and a head portion for bearing firmly against an outwardly facing surface of the hatch frame.

Abstract: A riser section and cover is disclosed. The riser section has a smooth cylindrical sidewall surface, a tapered end and a channel end, a removable anchor tab and bosses and ribs on the inside of the sidewall. The riser sections are stackable. The cover has a channel end to removably connect to a riser section. The cover has stowable handles and posts extending from a bottom surface that define wells open at a top surface which fit into the wells of another cover. A bracket is disclosed to releasably secure and position a cover with attached riser section on a concrete form wall.

Abstract: A riser section and cover is disclosed. The riser section has a smooth cylindrical sidewall surface, a tapered end and a channel end, a removable anchor tab and bosses and ribs on the inside of the sidewall. The riser sections are stackable. The cover has a channel end to removably connect to a riser section. The cover has stowable handles and posts extending from a bottom surface that define wells open at a top surface which fit into the wells of another cover. A bracket is disclosed to releasably secure and position a cover with attached riser section on a concrete form wall.

Abstract: A shroud for use in combination with a septic tank having an access opening and an access cover. The shroud surrounds the access opening and facilitates removal of the access cover covering the access opening and providing access to the septic tank. The shroud comprises a contiguous sidewall opened at first and second opposed ends thereof with an access passageway extending therebetween. A first open end of the shroud has an annular surface for abutting engagement with a top surface of a septic tank. A retaining member retains the annular surface, at the first end of the shroud, in abutting engagement with the top surface of the septic tank. A removable shroud cover seals the second open end of the shroud and the shroud cover, when removed from the second end of the shroud, facilitates access an interior cavity of the septic tank.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for an access hatch of a kind comprising a hatch frame which defines an opening, is adapted to extend around at least a part of a hatch frame thereby to safeguard personnel from inadvertent entry into the hatch opening, said safety rail assembly comprising guard members which in use extend at least in part substantially horizontally, elongate rigid interconnection members which in use extend substantially horizontally around the hatch frame, support members for supporting the guard members at a position elevated above the hatch framer said support members each having associated therewith a foot portion for resting in a free-standing manner on a support surface surrounding the hatch frame, and said support members each having secured thereto a connector device for securing an end region of one interconnection member relative to an end region of another of the interconnection members, and each said interconnection member having a spacer member secured thereto, between the ends thereof, ea

Abstract: A prefabricated attic hatch includes a frame comprising an outer frame and an inner frame. The inner frame encloses a central insulating panel which is fabricated from metal-skinned insulating foam. A preferred material for the panel is metal insulated door waste material. A method of fabricating attic hatches includes the use of metal insulated door waste material.

Abstract: An attic cover apparatus comprising a base, an insulating member, a panel, and a flange creating a decorative frame.

Abstract: A windowed egress plate storm shelter door having a shatter resistant, stormproof glass or “bulletproof glass” pane secured in a steel plate forming a frame therefor and which is part of the shelter door. The steel plate is attached to the storm shelter door to allow viewing outside the shelter to verify that the storm has passed. The egress plate or panel is structured and sized so that, if the door cannot be opened due to damage or blockage, the framed window is readily removable to create a secondary escape route for occupants to escape the shelter.

Abstract: A cover for in-ground meter enclosures used in traffic loading conditions employs a relatively thin plate member formed of a ductile iron alloy and is dimensioned to extend laterally across a top opening of an in-ground meter enclosure. A plurality of relatively thick rib members of the ductile iron alloy are formed with and extend generally normal from the bottom side of the plate member. The plate member and the rib members together have sufficient strength and ductility to withstand total loads on the order of at least about 20,000 pounds on the top side of the plate member.

Abstract: Method and assembly for inspecting the contents of a connection box or a utility system such as a sewer, telephone electrical, gas etc. via an inspection plug. The inspection plug provides an inspection port and is insertable into a hole in a panel and is attachable to the panel by fixing elements such as a nut assembly, a locking mechanism, prongs, etc. The inspection plug may include a body, a peripheral shoulder, and a resiliently braced cap pivotally mounted in the body to close the inspection port. The peripheral shoulder supports the plug in place in the panel. The cap normally closes the inspection port, but is yieldably openable to allow an inspection probe or other device to gain access to the internal atmosphere for testing within the utility system or electrical connection box. The interior space of the body may contain a gel material, and the cap can be substituted with a resilient closure member having self-sealing openings therein for receiving an inspection probe.

Abstract: An insulated attic access cover which is easily installed from below the attic access opening and includes a flat panel with a central insulation portion, flanges which carry a seal and attachment points to secure the cover to the ceiling.

Abstract: A closing device with selective locking for closing a frame includes a roughly flat lid selectively applied to the frame, a lock connected with the lid, and a key which has a socket and an arm, one end of the arm carrying the socket. The lid has an opening for access to the lock by the key, the lock has a latch which cooperates with a catch of the frame, and the key selectively assumes, with respect to an opening, a locking position which the key can leave freely and in which the latch is trapped by the catch, and an unlocking position in which the key is trapped in the opening and in which the latch is disengaged from the catch. The arm and the socket of the key are roughly perpendicular to one another, and the arm is roughly perpendicular to the lid when the key is in the unlocking position.

Abstract: A shroud for use in combination with a septic tank having an access opening and an access cover. The shroud surrounds the access opening and facilitates removal of the access cover covering the access opening and providing access to the septic tank. The shroud comprises a contiguous sidewall opened at first and second opposed ends thereof with an access passageway extending therebetween. A first open end of the shroud has an annular surface for abutting engagement with a top surface of a septic tank. A retaining member retains the annular surface, at the first end of the shroud, in abutting engagement with the top surface of the septic tank. A removable shroud cover seals the second open end of the shroud and the shroud cover, when removed from the second end of the shroud, facilitates access an interior cavity of the septic tank.