Abstract: A niche construction comprised of a wall of reinforced concrete which has a surface with recesses formed therein which have openings which extend to the surface, box liners of non-combustible plastic material which have fiberglass fibers disposed therein, the liners disposed in said recesses, and an adhesive adherent to the liner and to said concrete disposed on the exterior surface of the liner and the interior of the recess and which forms a bond between the box liner and the reinforced concrete to prevent removal of the box liner.

Abstract: Utility box construction having an enclosure formed of concrete with an opening in its top side. A ring-like protective cap formed of plastic is mounted in the concrete enclosure and circumscribes the opening. The ring-like cap has a side wall, a continuous outwardly extending rim formed integral with the upper extremity of the side wall and a continuous inwardly extending rim formed integral with the lower extremity of the side wall. The side wall has formed integral therewith vertically extending spaced apart rib portions which are tapered inwardly into the opening as they extend downwardly. The inwardly extending rim having vertically extending horizontally disposed rib portions in alignment with the rib portions on the side walls. An upstanding lip is formed integral with the inwardly extending rim. The upstanding lip extends parallel to but is spaced from the side wall.

Abstract: A high strength cover for an underground utility box of the type that is normally installed on streets and driveways and is subjected to substantial vehicle loads. The cover structure includes a fixed rectangular frame the upper edge of which is installed substantially flush with the ground level. Below the ground level the frame defines bearing surfaces throughout the periphery of the frame, the inner edge of the bearing members defining the access opening. Two structural frameworks, dimensioned to be, in combination, substantially coextensive with the access opening are provided to span the bearing surfaces. The frameworks have sufficient vertical dimensions to afford the necessary strength. The frameworks are hinged for pivotal movement about axes along two opposite ends of the frame so that they can be moved to an upright position to afford access to the box.