Abstract: A rubber manhole cover, suitable for attaching to a top of a metal manhole lid, includes at least two bonded layers of rubber material of differing properties, including a bottom layer of a first rubber material, and a top layer of vulcanized rubber material, the top and bottom layers functioning as a single unit.

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: This hinge assembly comprises a lid with a covering web and a hinge adapted for enabling an angular movement of the lid between an open position and a closed position, the hinge including a first cam and a first counter-cam, the first cam and the first counter-cam cooperating over a first angular range. The hinge comprises an additional cam and an additional counter-cam cooperating over an additional angular range. The first angular range and the additional angular range overlap over an angular overlap range that amounts to at least 60° and over the entire range of which both the first cam and counter-cam and the additional cam and counter-cam cooperate simultaneously. The device can be used for road manholes.

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 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 present invention relates to a device for a pavement manhole with a support frame, for closing a panel hinged on the frame using permanent articulation means. The device is characterized in that the pivot axis (8) includes a pin made of at least two parts (13, 14) telescopically mounted into each other and spaced from each other by a spring (15) provided between the two telescopic parts (13, 14) so as to engage and hold the two ends of the pin (8) respectively in two blind holes (20) of the frame. The invention can be used in road equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manhole cover which has an upper body and a lower body coupled to each other to maintain balance, to endure loads applied from an external source in a stable manner, to protect the inside of the manhole from the ingress of rainwater, and to enable the upper body to be stably fixed inside the lower body.

Abstract: A rubber manhole cover, suitable for attaching to a top of a metal manhole lid, includes at least two bonded layers of rubber material of differing properties, including a bottom layer of a first rubber material, and a top layer of vulcanized rubber material, the top and bottom layers functioning as a single unit.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a removable manhole covers or the includes a fixed iron frame that is embedded in a mass of concrete surrounding the manhole and a removable iron gully cover having an outer rim and a plurality of parallel cross members that define a plurality of openings in the cover. The fixed iron frame and removable gully cover each have a generally rectangular shape and the cover is constructed and dimensioned to fit within the frame to close the opening. A pair of shackles and an iron chain are provided to attach the cover to the frame in many manners described which will result in the ability of opening the manhole cover with the prevention of the removal of the cover from the immediate area.

Abstract: An integrally formed riser pan member for use as a modular component within an access passageway for an on-site waste disposal system, such as a septic tank, to receivably retain a secondary cover member within, the riser pan member including a cylindrical body having an upper portion having a vertical wall member adapted to receive another modular passageway component thereon, and a lower portion which includes an integral pan portion to seatably receive a secondary cover member. The riser pan member further includes an annular ring between the upper and lower portions. The riser pan member can be employed as a lowermost, a highermost, or as an intermediate component in, for example, an access passageway formed of multiple stackable riser members. In addition, the riser pan member may be formed integrally with a stackable riser member.

Abstract: A cover for a utility trench includes upper and lower surfaces enclosing a hollow cavity, which is subdivided by multiple, transverse channels recessed into an extending transversely across the lower surface. The channels form fused engagements or “kiss offs” with the upper surface, which increase the transverse rigidity of the cover for enhanced load-bearing capacity spanning across the opening formed by the trench. The hollow construction of the cover, which can comprise a suitable plastic, tends to minimize its weight A pair of flanges extend along respective sides of the cover and are bolted to the trench sidewall top edges in overlying relation. A pair of shoulders are formed inside the flanges and are adapted to extend into the trench with the cover positioned thereover. A method of manufacturing a utility trench cover includes rotary molding a hollow cover with kiss offs.

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: A manhole assembly (10; 10?) comprises a frame (11; 11?) and at least a pair of cover plates (12, 13; 12?, 13? 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 (12, 13; 12?, 13? substantially occupying the aperture when received in the frame; a first cover plate (12; 12? of a said pair being smaller than a second cover plate (13; 13?) of the pair; the first cover plate being hingeable relative to the second cover plate, while the latter is received in the frame (11?, 11), from a closed position received in the frame to an open position in which a first part of the aperture is open; and the second cover plate being 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 device for closing an opening, particularly a man hole. The inventive device comprises a frame (4) and a cover (6) which is articulated to the frame (4) around a first axis (X-X) by means of a hinge (14). The device also comprises a locking means (16) having a locked configuration, whereby the cover is held open in a first position, and an unlocked configuration, whereby said cover (6) is disposed in a second position in which it can be pivoted around the axis (X-X). The aforementioned hinge (14) is designed such that, while resting on the frame, the cover (6) can pivot around a second horizontal axis (Y-Y). Moreover, the cover is pivoted around said second axis (Y-Y) in order to move same between the two positions. The invention is suitable for cast iron man holes.

Abstract: A cover grating for a drainage channel or a similarly hollow body which can be installed in the ground is presented, wherein the cover grating is produced in a single piece and more particularly from a sheet metal strip, comprising at least two longitudinal webs extending on the underside of the cover grating and inlet slots formed in the cover grating between these longitudinal webs and comprising transverse webs resulting from the slot forming operation and extending on the lower side of the cover grating wherein the transverse webs are provided at each of their end regions with at least one receiving projection which at least partially engages in to a respective complementarily formed receiving slot in the longitudinal web.

Abstract: A manhole cover includes a support having an upper surface and a peripherally-extending portion. An outer insulating member is disposed over the entire upper surface of the support, and the support comprises a first material and the outer insulating member comprises a second material different from the first material. The peripherally-extending portion of the support is positionable over the lip of the manhole ring. The outer insulating member is positionable between the upper surface of the support and the upper surface of the rim of the manhole ring when the manhole cover is received in the manhole ring. In one aspect, the support comprises cross-members defining a grate having passageways through the support. In another aspect, the support comprises metal, and the outer insulating member comprises a composite of resin, reinforcement fibers, and stone aggregate. In another aspect, screen inserts are disposed in a plurality of passageways in the outer insulating member.

Abstract: A device for closing a frame, which has a panel mounted removably on and articulated on the frame includes a hook that has, at an end part, a heel that can stop against a surface of the articulation edge of the frame to immobilize the panel in a secure open upright position, generally perpendicular to the frame. The invention can be applied to roads.

Abstract: A device for articulating a stopper or lid to a frame, in particular of a man hole. The male articulating member may optionally be mounted either removably in its housing of the frame to enable the stopper to be extracted from the frame in its upright position or secured in its housing such that the stopper is not detachable from the frame.

Abstract: A one-piece, unitary manhole cover has dual lifting ports that drain through the outer circumferential edge of the cover. A lifting channel runs from the interior of the upper face out to the outer circumferential edge. A lifting bar spans the lifting channel and defines an ergo lifting port and a pry bar lifting port. Both the ergo lifting port and the pry bar lifting port drain through the outer circumference of the manhole cover.

Abstract: A manhole cover having an integrated locking system that is self-locking and easy to open. The device 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 manhole frame and a surrounding surface in which the manhole frame is situated. An anchor on the cover plate is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to the first location. A locking member on the cover plate 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 the second location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame.

Abstract: A stop mechanism advantageously combined with a manhole cover includes a holder body having a passage which slidably receives a stop member able to be cammed in and out upon advance or retraction of a threaded drive member having an enlarged tip engaged with a down sloping channel formed in the stop member. Upper sides of the channel engage the tip upon reversal of the drive member to cam the stop member back into the holder body. The stop member when extends prevents removal of the cover from being blown completely free of the manhole vault structure in the event of an explosion.

Abstract: A manhole assembly which is designed to be opened with less strength consists of a circular frame (1) with a cup (11) provided on an end, and a cover (2) with an arm (21) which joints said cup (11) provided on an end thereof, characterized in that a first bracket (12) is disposed in an inner wall of the frame (1) where the cup (11) is provided, and a second bracket (22) is provided on a bottom of the cover (2). A hydraulic device (3) is provide therebetween and pin joints with both first and second brackets (12, 22) respectively, and a locking mechanism (4) is disposed on an opposite end of the arm (21) for sealing the cover (2) and frame (1) tightly.

Abstract: A multiple layer drain seal device for rapidly sealing the apertures in a drain grate, the drain seal having a lower sealing layer and an upper protective cover layer, the lower sealing layer being separable from the upper protective cover layer except at discrete attachment points, wherein the lower sealing layer is softer, more flexible and has lower shear resistance than the upper protective cover layer, such that the lower sealing layer sags into the drain grate apertures but the upper protective cover layer does not.

Abstract: A semi-automatic manhole assembly assisted by a hydraulic device consists essentially of a circular frame (1), a cover (2) provided on the top, a hydraulic device (3) and a supporting unit (5) provide therebetween and jointed with both the frame (1) and cover (2) respectively, and a locking mechanism (4) disposed on an opposite end of the hydraulic device (3) and supporting unit (5) for sealing the cover (2) and frame (1) tightly. The supporting unit (5) is partially concealed within a trough (2), disposed at the bottom of the frame (1), and the hydraulic device (3) is prestored with pressure to lift the cover (2) when the locking mechanism (4) is released.

Abstract: There is disclosed an antitheft security alarm system and method for manhole covers, rainwater drains, and the like, to prevent burglary of the cover by transmitting a wireless alarm signal to a remote station when the cap is removed to notify a dispatch center or other notification message recipient of the burglary incident and location. The security apparatus may be an integrated unit, including sensors, a telemetry unit, a power supply, a processor, and supporting hardware, all located in an enclosed, waterproof housing. The security alarm system apparatus is adapted to fit within a manhole cavity without the need for extensive or alteration of existing manhole structures.

Abstract: A manhole barrier system configured to prevent unauthorized access or dumping or removal of materials into manholes is provided. The manhole barrier system includes a substantially hollow sub-ring configured to be secured to the inside wall of the manhole, preferably using a layer of adhesive, and to receive a pan configured to serve as a barrier therein. The pan may be secured to the sub-ring by way of circumferentially spaced locking assemblies. The locking assemblies are further configured to allow for a limited amount of play between the pan and the sub-ring such that water trapped in the manhole may be allowed to flow upwardly out of the manhole.

Abstract: A curb box lock that includes a body portion and a plurality of slidably extendable claws within the body portion. The claws being extendable from the body portion to selectively engage side walls of a curb box. The lock also includes an adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the claws and the body portion. The adjustment mechanism selectively extends the claws such that the claws can be maintained in engagement with the side walls at all times when the lock is deployed within a curb box to prevent removal of the lock.

Abstract: A covering (10), for an access aperture, comprises a pair (11, 12) of cover plates, of unequal sizes, that are positionable one adjacent the other along a line of juxtaposition (14) to define a generally rectangular covering. The line of juxtaposition (14) extends from one side (24) of the generally rectangular covering to another (26) and is spaced from the diagonal (27) of the rectangular covering that it is proximate.

Abstract: There is provided a drain cover for a drain disposed within a fabricated layer having an exposed surface. The drain includes a frame member having a top surface. The frame member extends through the fabricated layer. The drain cover includes a collar having a lower surface that is placed adjacent to the top surface of the frame member. The drain cover also includes a cup member having a cavity operative to receive a filling material. The collar defines an area within the exposed surface that is larger than the area of the cup member. There is at least one fin connected to the collar and the cup member.

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 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 trench cover is described. Such a cover engages with the ground through curved surfaces. In this way multiple points of contact between the ground and the cover are provided which allows the cover to be used with a variety of road or pathway surfaces and yet minimises any rocking of the cover relative to these surfaces.

Abstract: A swing-out manhole cover assembly having at least one ramp to facilitate opening and closing the cover. The manhole cover assembly includes a frame, a cover, a swing assembly and at least one ramp. As the cover swings open away from the frame about the swing assembly, the ramp imparts linear translation to the cover separating the cover from the frame slightly. As the cover swings back to close the manhole cover, the ramp reverses the linear translation and the cover returns back to the frame. A spring may be included to bias the cover in the closed position.

Abstract: A security key tool for unlocking and locking a manhole security device that secures a manhole access opening. The security key tool includes a longitudinal body portion and a handle portion. A security key at a first end of the longitudinal portion is adapted to engage a security lock on the security device for actuating a locking mechanism on the security device to an unlocked position. A slidable member may be used to help engage the security key to the security lock or to protect the security key. A latch release tool at a second end of the longitudinal portion is adapted to release a latch on the manhole security device for actuating the locking mechanism to a locked position. Optionally, the latch release tool may be disposed on a tool head that also includes a lifting tool adapted to engage and lift the security device away from a manhole frame after the security device is unlocked.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for sealing a manhole structure. A band with a relatively rigid angled corner engages the upper margin of a manhole structure. Adhesives may also be used with the band to enhance the seal with the manhole structure.

Abstract: An adapter for a tank, having a bottom with one or more adhesive-receiving channels formed therein, an inner wall, structure for supporting a riser component on the adapter, and wall reinforcement structure. The adapter is particularly suited to providing pre-cast concrete tank lids with structural, interengaging support for a column of stackable riser components to form a passageway to facilitate access to the tank from a higher elevation.

Abstract: A device holding captive a hinge pin in a housing of a cover element, such as a grate or a lid, of a manhole. The device has a cotter pin attached in a removable manner to the cover element to axially retain a hinge pin in a housing of the element against a restoring force of an elastic component inserted between the pin and the bottom of the housing. The invention can be applied to roadway equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a pavement manhole with a support frame, for closing a panel hinged on the frame using permanent articulation means. The device is characterised in that the pivot axis (8) includes a pin made of at least two parts (13, 14) telescopically mounted into each other and spaced from each other by a spring (15) provided between the two telescopic parts (13, 14) so as to engage and hold the two ends of the pin (8) respectively in two blind holes (20) of the frame. The invention can be used in road equipment.

Abstract: A utility cover system which includes an outer frame having an opening defined by an inner tapered edge, and a wedge cover plate formed of a resilient material having an outer tapered edge that fits within the opening of the outer frame. The outer frame preferably has an inner segment and an outer segment, wherein the outer segment is thinner than the inner segment. The cover plate is sufficiently flexible to be removably positionable into engagement with the outer frame by passing through the outer frame opening.

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 watertight manhole insert and tether locking apparatus and method of use designed to prevent unauthorized entry into a sanitary sewer or other closed drainage system through a manhole closed by a manhole cover. The manhole insert is located beneath the manhole cover and is connected to the manhole by a tether apparatus in the manhole to prevent water entry into the manhole, theft of the manhole insert and to deny access to the manhole. The manhole insert includes a pan-shaped insert body having pressure-relief valve and a lift strap and a side wall fitted with a top rim for engaging a shoulder shaped in the manhole, to support the manhole insert in the manhole.

Abstract: A manhole or hatch cover assembly includes a frame defining an opening and a cover having a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter sized and dimensioned for receipt in the frame opening. The cover is coupled to the frame through a hinge connection and moveable between a closed positioned resting across the opening in the frame and an open position. A latch is pivotally coupled to the cover adjacent the hinge. The latch is selectively rotated onto the frame to retain the cover in the open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manhole (10) with a locking device, and more particular to a manhole with a locking device, which comprises a manhole frame (20) having a plurality of insertion slots (24) inwardly protruded from an inner circumferential surface thereof, each insertion slot (24) having a latching protrusion (26) formed in such a manner that a top surface of the insertion slots (24) is partially opened; a bearing member (30) having a female screw portion formed on the center thereof and a plurality of fastening pieces (36) radially formed outwardly from the outer circumferential edge thereof, so that the bearing member (30) is detachably fastened to the manhole frame (20); and a manhole cover (40) having a through-hole (41) centrally formed therein so that an upper portion of the vertical screw rod (42) is rotatably inserted into the through-hole (41), the vertical screw rod (42) having a male screw portion (45) formed on the lower portion thereof so as to be threadably fastened to the female

Abstract: A device to secure, cut and sequentially remove a manhole from a street environment. The manhole removing device is supported and rotatably driven hydraulically by a mobile operation equipment. A circular disk assembly has adjustable pavement cutters adjustably positioned from there within inter-related manhole centering and a locking alignment and engagement plate assembly define a one-step cutting and removal of an existing manhole from the street for replacement.

Abstract: A cover removal apparatus includes a frame, an electromagnet and a power source, which is electrically coupled to the electromagnet for selectively energizing the electromagnet. The removal apparatus may further include means for positioning the electromagnet relative to a cover and/or means for loosening the cover.

Abstract: A manhole system that includes a manhole cover and a frame with at least one locking device for maintaining the manhole cover in place on the frame. The locking device is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions to selectively engage the cover to hold the cover in place on the frame. The locking device may be rotatable between “locked” and “unlocked” positions about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the cover. The locking device may includes a plurality of cam locks that engage the outer circumferential edge of the cover and are configured to increasingly clamp down the cover against the frame with increasing rotation from “unlocked” position to “locked” position. A plurality of locks can be arranged around frame to engage the cover at different locations.

Abstract: A locking cover apparatus for an opening in the ground is disclosed. The apparatus can be retro-fitted to an existing ground opening, or can be newly constructed ground opening fitted with the apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus features a keyed lock that has a projecting portion that fits under an existing or newly constructed shroud that is installed at ground level and around the ground opening.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for coupling a manhole cover to an underground utility box to support the manhole cover substantially flush with a ground surface such as a roadway. A holder couples to an underground utility box and includes upper and lower ends and a channel extending therebetween, and a support structure extending into the channel and defining an upwardly facing support surface. An adjustment member for coupling to a manhole cover is inserted within the channel, and includes upper and lower ends, and a passageway extending therebetween and communicating with the channel. The adjustment member is movably receivable within the channel to be seated on the support surface, and to define an adjustment space between the adjustment member and the holder. The adjustment member may thus be adjusted for accommodating a slope and elevation of a ground surface, and sealed with the holder after adjustment.

Abstract: A municipal casting frame is provided with cast nut retainers that allow the frame to be used with or without a bolt-down cover. The frame defines one or more bolt holes of sufficient dimension to allow free passage of the cover bolts. The undersurface of the frame defines a cast nut retainer adapted to securely receive a nut. In one embodiment, the nut retainer includes protrusions that permit the nut to be snap-fitted into the nut retainer. In another embodiment, the nut retainer is configured to frictionally receive the nut in a wedging interaction. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a frame with integral cast nut retainers. The method generally includes the steps of (a) providing a core corresponding in shape to the bolt hole and the cast nut retainer, the cast nut retainer being configured to receive and retain a nut, (b) casting a frame in a mold about the core, (c) removing the cast frame from the mold and (d) removing the core from the cast frame.

Abstract: A method for controllably releasing venting gases from a manhole space around the perimeter of a manhole cover by allowing the manhole cover to rise up in stages upon development of upward forces in an explosion to vent gases developed by the explosion while being restrained from being completely blown free except under extreme conditions. A lock body mounts a latch slide which has an outer end and which can be extended to prevent removal of the manhole cover. When a shear pin fails the lock body pivots down, to a limited extent, and a secondary shear pin can also be included allowing the cover to be blown completely free upon development of pressures of a great magnitude. A slotted skirt is used to direct venting gas flow so as to retard the inflow of free air and attenuate the explosion.