Abstract: A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a plastic reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The plastic reinforcement structure includes one or more plastic sidewalls that protect the edges of the lid from damage. The upper and lower surfaces of the lid are exposed concrete (with the exception of the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls). The one or more plastic sidewalls laterally surround a plastic reinforcement grid, which is centrally located between the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls. The one or more plastic sidewalls can be integrally formed with the plastic reinforcement grid. The plastic reinforcement grid reinforces the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material. Support struts can be used to support the plastic reinforcement grid while wet concrete is being poured into the plastic reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A cover prevents asphalt, gravel and other debris from falling into the basin during construction or paving by covering the manhole cover or basin with a thin metal plate. The cover can be made in a size to match the size of the top of a basin frame and can include a central hole into which a metal shaft can be inserted to secure the cover into a center hole of a manhole cover, for example, to prevent the cover from moving. The cover can help environmentally during construction and paving by ensuring construction debris does not enter the sewer. Moreover, the cover helps makes paving around manholes easier.

Abstract: A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a plastic reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The plastic reinforcement structure includes one or more plastic sidewalls that protect the edges of the lid from damage. The upper and lower surfaces of the lid are exposed concrete (with the exception of the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls). The one or more plastic sidewalls laterally surround a plastic reinforcement grid, which is centrally located between the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls. The one or more plastic sidewalls can be integrally formed with the plastic reinforcement grid. The plastic reinforcement grid reinforces the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material. Support struts can be used to support the plastic reinforcement grid while wet concrete is being poured into the plastic reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The reinforcement structure includes a plastic frame and one or more reinforcing trusses that extend between opposing sidewalls of the plastic frame. The reinforcing trusses also extend substantially between the upper and lower edges of the opposing sidewalls. For example, a reinforcing truss may include a flat truss member that is substantially coplanar with the lower edges of the sidewalls, and an arched truss member that extends towards (but does not reach) a plane defined by the upper edges of the sidewalls. The reinforcing trusses include openings that allow wet concrete to pass through. The sidewalls of the plastic frame protect the edges of the lid from damage. The reinforcing trusses reinforce the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material.

Abstract: Pick hole guards are provided for use in guarding pick holes on manhole covers. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pick hole guards can have a base, biasing member, and guard member. The biasing member can be attached to the base and guard member, and can bias the guard member toward a pick hole on the manhole cover to guard the pick hole. In other embodiments, the pick hole guards do not have movable guard members, but instead have retaining surfaces to serve as a receptacle for catching waste disposed through a pick hole.

Abstract: A manhole cover assembly configured to behave as a relief valve in an explosion event, opening so that fluid, such as air or explosive gas, may vent from an underground area. The manhole cover assembly may include a manhole cover and a frame, and may be configured to limit movement of the manhole cover with respect to the frame in response to increased pressure on the manhole cover. In one embodiment, the manhole cover may include legs having angled surfaces adapted to substantially center or guide the manhole cover in the frame while the manhole cover displaces to release pressure. In another embodiment, one or more legs slidable within the manhole cover to enable configuring the manhole cover between a restraint mode and a removal mode.

Abstract: A locking utility pull box lid device is provided. The device includes a lid and two locking members that are rotatably coupled to a bottom surface of the lid. An actuator bolt extends through each lid aperture and each bolt engages an engagement plate of one locking member. The rotation of the bolt moves the bolt axially and in response, the locking member is rotated between a locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: A manhole cover includes a cover panel formed from a first material, which may be a generally lightweight material, and an insert formed within a cutout in the first material. The insert may be formed from a higher strength material and may include one or more openings for receiving conventional cover removal tools. In one embodiment, the manhole cover includes a cover panel having a peripheral edge and defining a diameter, and further defining an opening or cutout that is spaced from the peripheral edge. The insert is disposed in the opening. The insert may include an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the insert defining first and second openings in the upper surface, with the first opening shaped to receive a first removal tool and the second opening shaped to receive a second removal tool.

Abstract: A manhole cover assembly configured to behave as a relief valve in an explosion event, opening so that fluid, such as air or explosive gas, may vent from an underground area. The manhole cover assembly may include a manhole cover and a frame, and may be configured to limit movement of the manhole cover with respect to the frame in response to increased pressure on the manhole cover. In one embodiment, the manhole cover may include legs having angled surfaces adapted to substantially center or guide the manhole cover in the frame while the manhole cover displaces to release pressure. In another embodiment, one or more legs may be at least one of pivotable with respect to the manhole cover and slidable within the manhole cover to enable configuring the manhole cover between a restraint mode and a removal mode.

Abstract: A locking core plug includes an upper plate, an insertion portion extending outward from the upper plate and forming an outer perimeter, and a locking mechanism positioned within the outer perimeter of the insertion portion. The locking mechanism includes a rotating member, a plurality of locking arms having a first end connected to the rotating member and a second end extending outward toward holes in the outer perimeter, and a plurality of guides fixedly mounted to the upper plate. Each guide engages a corresponding locking arm to convert the circular movement of the first end of the arm as rotating member rotates into a generally linear movement of the second end between a release position retracted toward or within the outer perimeter of the insertion portion and a locking position extended outward from the outer perimeter of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A confined space control cover that covers a man-way to a confined space area that includes a polyester base cover and an attachment perimeter orifice that covers the man-way, a heavy nylon strapping with two ends that is utilized to secure the confined space control cover over the man-way and a plurality of steel eyelets that are disposed on both ends of the strapping. A lock is placed through the eyelets on both ends to secure the control cover to the man-way. The control cover also includes a warning sign disposed on the front of the base cover to prevent persons from entering the confined space area and a maintenance tag that is attached to the strapping to indicate maintenance activity performed near or within the confined space area or man-way.

Abstract: A spill containment system is attachable to a riser pipe with an axially moveable seal. The spill containment system allows access to a drop tube in the riser pipe via a removable liquid communication assembly. The spill containment system includes a sealed interstitial space, which remains sealed during installation, service and use of the system. The spill containment system is protected by a weather resistant cover assembly.

Abstract: A device for setting the position of a closing element for a porthole in an open position toward the outside around an opening in a wall of a room includes a protruding part with a circular shape fastened to the wall around the opening by means of at least one fastener, and a joining part that has a first end connecting a hinged end of the closing element to the protruding part. The protruding part has at least one first groove. The joining part has a second end movable in the at least one first groove, and the movement of the second end in the at least one first groove entails movement of the closing element in the open position around the opening. In a closed position, the closing element integrally covers the protruding part in order to seal the porthole in the closed position.

Abstract: A spill containment apparatus includes a container adapted to be coupled to an end of a riser pipe of a storage tank and having a proximal end and a distal end. A tubular socket is formed in the container adjacent its distal end for receiving the riser pipe therein. The socket includes a securing mechanism for securing the container to the riser pipe, wherein the securing mechanism is spaced proximally of the distal end of the container to define the socket. The socket is configured to allow the riser pipe to support and balance the container during coupling of the container to the riser pipe.

Abstract: The present fastener (36) for street ironwork includes a fastening or locking element (56). The fastener (36) includes a retaining foot (60) suitable for removably connecting the fastener (36) to a member of the street ironwork, via a receiving cavity (40) made in the member of the street ironwork by element of a shape-matching connection. The invention further relates to the use in attaching jacks to man hole covers.

Abstract: A locking device for a storm grate to prevent theft or vandalism by unauthorized individuals. The device typically includes an upper plate, a positioning frame, at least one coupler nut, and a bolt. The positioning frame can include the coupler nut, a catch end for engaging the frame of the grate, a lower plate for engaging the underside of the grate, and a pliers handle for holding the device during insertion through a drain opening. In one embodiment, a second coupler nut is part of a wing wedge that secures a lower plate of the positioning frame to the underside of the grate. A method of inserting the device includes lowering the device through an opening in the grate, securing the catch end around the frame beneath the ground, and then tightening the bolt.

Abstract: Pick hole guards are provided for use in guarding pick holes on manhole covers. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pick hole guards can have a base, biasing member, and guard member. The biasing member can be attached to the base and guard member, and can bias the guard member toward a pick hole on the manhole cover to guard the pick hole. In other embodiments, the pick hole guards do not have movable guard members, but instead have retaining surfaces to serve as a receptacle for catching waste disposed through a pick hole.

Abstract: A cover for a road system device provided with a frame comprises: a blocking member and a base body defining a covering surface for the road system device, extending in a cover plane, and having a housing for receiving the blocking member. The housing and the blocking member are adapted for blocking the cover relative to the frame or to a neighboring cover. The housing is adapted to maintain the blocking member relative to the base body autonomously and to oppose a movement of the blocking member in a direction extending perpendicular to the cover plane and tending to move the blocking member away from the covering surface. The invention is applicable to access manholes for underground installations.

Abstract: A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The reinforcement structure includes a plastic frame and one or more reinforcing trusses that extend between opposing sidewalls of the plastic frame. The reinforcing trusses also extend substantially between the upper and lower edges of the opposing sidewalls. For example, a reinforcing truss may include a flat truss member that is substantially coplanar with the lower edges of the sidewalls, and an arched truss member that extends towards (but does not reach) a plane defined by the upper edges of the sidewalls. The reinforcing trusses include openings that allow wet concrete to pass through. The sidewalls of the plastic frame protect the edges of the lid from damage. The reinforcing trusses reinforce the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material.

Abstract: A manhole cover is made of a fiberglass reinforced saucer-like shell that is filled with concrete. The interior surface of the shell is rough and the shell has a maximum thickness of 5 mm. An adhesive agent may be provided between the base and the filling, to obtain a reliable bond between base and filling. The concrete for the filling may be pure mineral concrete. One or more lifting handles are embedded in the filling. To this end, a recess for each handle is formed in the filling. The ends of the handle are embedded in the concrete and the lifting portion of the handle is curved upward and is held in the recess such that there is a space between the curved portion and the bottom of the recess, so that the handle may be easily grasped.

Abstract: A cover for a structure may include a plate including upper and lower surfaces. A rim portion of the lower surface may be configured to contact an edge of the structure. The cover may include a spider including a center portion, a plurality of legs extending radially outward from the center portion, and a plurality of coupling elements. Each leg may be coupled to the lower surface of the plate with a corresponding coupling element. The center portion of the spider may be movable away from the lower surface of the plate to move the spider from a locked position in which a distal end of each leg extends outward to a first radial position to engage the structure to an open position in which the distal end of each leg is withdrawn to a second radial position radially inward of the first radial position to disengage the structure.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a manhole cover having a thickness of at least 10 mm, and up to 80 mm, comprising the generation of a mixture of reagents able to generate a polymeric thermosetting material, the mixing of suitable reinforcement fibres, the introduction into an open mould of the mixture thus obtained, the closure of the mould with a suitable counter-mould, the hardening of the said mixture, the opening of the mould, and the removal of the manhole cover obtained. The process makes use of the co-injection of reagents for the generation of the polymeric thermosetting material and the reinforcement fibre. The present invention also describes a manhole cover obtained with the said process.

Abstract: A manhole cover assembly includes a frame that includes a central opening and a safety stop portion, and a cover hingedly attached to the frame such that the cover is pivotable between a closed position covering the central opening and an open position providing access to the central opening. A safety device is connected to the frame and the cover for locking the cover in the open position. Movement of the cover to the open position automatically moves the safety device to a locked position in which said safety device engages the safety stop portion and prevents movement of the cover to the closed position. When the cover is open, the safety device is manually movable between the locked position and an unlocked position in which the safety device is disengaged from the safety stop and permits movement of the cover to the closed position.

Abstract: A two piece inflow dish assembly for installation in an enlarged manhole opening to prevent debris from entering the manhole to clog the sewer system and to permit the inflow dish assembly to be removed from the manhole in separate pieces.

Abstract: A method for repairing roadway and pathway defects utilizes a filling material and a primer. The method calls for applying the primer to an edge of the defect; pouring the filling material into the defect; and curing the filling material to form a patch that is even with the road.

Abstract: A trench cover comprising a main body arranged to cover or partially cover a trench, in use, and retainer means operable to resist lateral movement of the cover, in use, the retainer means comprising a plurality of movable retainers, each being movable between a retracted position in which it projects beneath a lower surface of the main body.

Abstract: A locking device for a storm grate to prevent theft or vandalism by unauthorized individuals. The device typically includes an upper plate, a positioning frame, at least one coupler nut, and a bolt. The positioning frame can include the coupler nut, a catch end for engaging the frame of the grate, a lower plate for engaging the underside of the grate, and a pliers handle for holding the device during insertion through a drain opening. In one embodiment, a second coupler nut is part of a wing wedge that secures a lower plate of the positioning frame to the underside of the grate. A method of inserting the device includes lowering the device through an opening in the grate, securing the catch end around the frame beneath the ground, and then tightening the bolt.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing an existing spill containment manhole operably associated with an underground fuel storage tank. The apparatus includes a containment vessel for containing fuel spilled during filling of the underground fuel storage tank. A major portion of the containment vessel is adapted to be inserted into an existing spill containment manhole. The containment vessel includes at least one wall that surrounds an existing pipe section operably associated with the underground fuel storage tank when the containment vessel is installed. The at least one wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. Preferably, the containment vessel includes an upper annular flange that extends over and surrounds a portion of an existing cover rim of an existing spill containment manhole thereby isolating an upper portion of the containment vessel from an upper portion on the existing spill containment manhole when the containment vessel is installed.

Abstract: A closure is adapted to limit damage from a gas explosion in an underground space. The closure includes a telescoping sleeve having a plurality of vents extending radially through the sleeve. The sleeve defines a manhole extending axially through the sleeve so a person can enter the underground space through the manhole. A manhole cover is moveable to a closed position in which the cover is supported on an upper end of the sleeve and covers the manhole. The sleeve can be received in an opening of a frame of a manhole installation so the sleeve is moveable by gas pressure to an extended position in which gas from the underground space can be vented through the sleeve to an aboveground space. If desired, the sleeve can be installed in an existing manhole installation to upgrade the installation to have an explosion mitigation capability without replacing the conventional manhole cover.

Abstract: A water draining foot mat having a base with a plurality of upward extending projections where the upper draining surface of the base is sloped to facilitate the draining of water from the mat and the tops of the projections form a support for people to step on. The projections are sufficiently spaced apart to permit the majority of snow impinging the mat to contact the base where it can melt with the assistance of sunlight or salt so that the resulting water flows off the mat. The mat optionally includes water retaining walls with one or more water exits so that the walls in conjunction with the slope of the upper surface of the base cause water impinging on the mat to flow towards the water exits and off the mat.

Abstract: A manhole cover assembly includes a frame that includes a central opening and a safety stop portion, and a cover hingedly attached to the frame such that the cover is pivotable between a closed position covering the central opening and an open position providing access to the central opening. A safety device is connected to the frame and the cover for locking the cover in the open position. Movement of the cover to the open position automatically moves the safety device to a locked position in which said safety device engages the safety stop portion and prevents movement of the cover to the closed position. When the cover is open, the safety device is manually movable between the locked position and an unlocked position in which the safety device is disengaged from the safety stop and permits movement of the cover to the closed position.

Abstract: A manhole cover includes a security device, preferably located beneath an upper surface thereof. A cover removing apparatus includes a magnetic element to hold the cover, when a pin of the apparatus is engaged with the security device of the cover. A push force, which may be applied through a port in the upper surface of the cover, for example, by the pin member, can deform, and thereby unlock, a spring-loaded locking member of the security device. The security device may further include at least one elongate member, which is caused to move from a first position to a second position, by the push force, in order to disengage the cover from a manhole, so that the cover may be removed from the manhole.

Abstract: A road plate securing assembly for a roadway surface includes an assembly frame comprising a plurality of assembly frame members having various lengths and adapted for attachment to the roadway surface in end-to-end relationship with respect to each other, a plate opening defined by the assembly frame members and a plurality of road plates seated in the plate opening. A road plate securing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A security device for detecting the position of a manhole cover includes a pinger device, such as an acoustic pinger, that transmits a signal in the direction of the expected position of the manhole cover. The device takes energy samples to determine if the signal has been reflected back by the manhole cover. If the device determines the signal has not been reflected, it determines that the manhole cover has been moved from the expected position. In response, the device captures an image of an area around the expected position of the manhole cover. In addition, the device can notify a remote security station via a network that the manhole cover has been moved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for providing a water impenetrable barrier between a cone and support frame of a manhole system. The apparatus includes a barrier, cap, and seal that restricts the inflow and infiltration of water or other debris into the interior of the manhole system. The cap and seal barrier may be implemented in a sanitary sewer, catch basin or other manhole system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for sealing containment sumps used in connection with underground storage tanks. A sump cover sealing system includes an expansion ring assembly adapted to affix to the interior of the sump, and to fastenably attach with the sump cover to removably seal the sump cover to the sump. A contraction band assembly is also provided to affix to the exterior of the sump opposite the expansion ring assembly. Methods of using the system are described. A sump cover with an observation portal is provided.

Abstract: A manhole cover is made of a fiberglass reinforced saucer-like shell that is filled with concrete. The interior surface of the shell is rough and the shell has a maximum thickness of 5 mm. An adhesive agent may be provided between the base and the filling, to obtain a reliable bond between base and filling. The concrete for the filling may be pure mineral concrete. One or more lifting handles are embedded in the filling. To this end, a recess for each handle is formed in the filling. The ends of the handle are embedded in the concrete and the lifting portion of the handle is curved upward and is held in the recess such that there is a space between the curved portion and the bottom of the recess, so that the handle may be easily grasped.

Abstract: One embodiment of a lockable utility box lid (20) for a utility box enclosure (10) comprises a box lid (12) having at least one upper tool aperture (22) and at least one clamping mechanism (30) coupled to the underside of the box lid (10). The clamping mechanism (30) includes at least one lower tool aperture (38) of a lock plate (32) oppositely corresponding to the upper tool aperture (22) of the box lid (12). The lock plate (32) may be coupled to a plurality of side plates (40). The clamping mechanism (30) may also include a pivot arm (60) coupled with a jaw plate (72). A pivot tab (34) of the lock plate (32) may be inserted through a pivot tab aperture (76) of the pivot arm (60) thereby creating a fulcrum point. A back plate (50) inserted into a plurality of back plate apertures (52) of the side plates (40) and a threaded plate (64) inserted into a plurality threaded plate apertures (68) of the pivot arm (60) may be aligned to receive a bolt (80).

Abstract: A manhole assembly including a frame and at least a pair of cover plates that are receivable in and disengageable from the frame to permit selective closing and opening of an aperture, the periphery of which is defined by the frame. The cover plates substantially occupy the aperture when received in the frame. A first cover plate of a pair thereof is smaller than a second cover plate of the pair. The first cover plate is hingeable relative to the second cover plate, while the latter is received in the frame, from a closed position received in the frame to an open position in which a first part of the aperture is open. The second cover plate is removable from the frame, when the first cover plate is disengaged from the frame, to open a second part of the aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cast-iron cover fitted with at least one traffic-bearing surface which in turn comprises at least segment-wise a wear-resistant layer constituted by chilling the cast iron. Preferably the wear-resistant layer exhibits a Brinell hardness larger than 275 HBW but less than 350 HBW. A method of the invention furthermore relates to manufacturing a cast-iron cover, first manufacturing a shaped body. Then an activation layer is made within the shaped body. Cast iron is poured-in in a way to be at least partly chilled at a contact surface with the activation layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for providing a water impenetrable barrier between a cone and support frame of a manhole system. The apparatus includes a barrier, cap, and seal that restricts the inflow and infiltration of water or other debris into the interior of the manhole system. The cap and seal barrier may be implemented in a sanitary sewer, catch basin or other manhole system.

Abstract: The present fastener (36) for street ironwork includes a fastening or locking element (56). The fastener (36) includes a retaining foot (60) suitable for removably connecting the fastener (36) to a member of the street ironwork, via a receiving cavity (40) made in the member of the street ironwork by element of a shape-matching connection. The invention further relates to the use in attaching jacks to man hole covers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using manhole safety gratings are described. Each safety grating includes a plate that has a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter edge that extends between the two surfaces. The plate also defines a plurality of vents that extend between the first surface and the second surface. The plate can have any suitable shape or size that fits within the desired manhole. The plate can comprise any suitable material and be any suitable weight that provides the desired protection to the manhole. The safety gratings can therefore provide temporary safety for the manhole when they are used in place of permanent safety gratings. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cast article including a frame that in use of the article defines an aperture; and a further component that is in use retained moveably captive relative to the frame. The method casts the further component and respective first and second frame members, the further component and the frame members being securable together to form the article, and subsequently assembles the frame members and the further component together to form the article. A gully grate results from practicing the method.

Abstract: A manhole cover assembly includes a frame defining an access opening, first and second mounting posts extending from the frame, and a cover for covering the access opening. The cover includes first and second mounting recesses that pivotally receive the first and second mounting posts respectively, such that said cover is movable between an open position and a closed position by rotating the recesses about the posts. At least one of the recesses includes a locking groove that aligns with the post when the cover is moved to an open position to lock the cover in the open position.

Abstract: Provided are a manhole cover and a method for manufacturing same, wherein the manhole cover maintains a strength and weight the same as those of conventional manhole covers made of cast iron, eliminates the risk of theft, and achieves improved corrosion resistance and sealing properties. The manhole cover comprises: a base unit made of composite materials having compositions containing 12 to 18 wt % of glass fiber, 17 to 23 wt % of a polyester resin, with the remainder being calcium carbonate (CaCO3), wherein the base unit is mounted on the manhole such that an upper portion of the base unit is exposed aboveground; and a metal reinforcement unit which is uniformly distributed within the base unit to reinforce the base unit and increase weight and strength of the base unit.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant self-locking manhole cover includes a cover plate adapted to rest on a manhole cover support surface of a manhole frame so as to be substantially flush with a top portion of the frame and a surrounding surface. An anchor on the cover plate, which may comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. A locking member on the cover plate, which may also comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a second location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame.

Abstract: A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a plastic reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The plastic reinforcement structure includes one or more plastic sidewalls that protect the edges of the lid from damage. The upper and lower surfaces of the lid are exposed concrete (with the exception of the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls). The one or more plastic sidewalls laterally surround a plastic reinforcement grid, which is centrally located between the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls. The one or more plastic sidewalls can be integrally formed with the plastic reinforcement grid. The plastic reinforcement grid reinforces the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material. Support struts can be used to support the plastic reinforcement grid while wet concrete is being poured into the plastic reinforcing structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a secured device for locking and unlocking a plug on a frame with a wrench. The device has an obstructing component that is mobile with respect to a plug and can be brought from an obstructing position to an unobstructing position in which the wrench can engage a rotor of a bolt when an identification code of the wrench, read by a reader, is in agreement with the code stored in an electronic module that is associated with the plug.