Abstract: A lift-assisted manhole cover assembly with a flush surface and external pivot shaft. The cover includes a mounting tab that extends beyond the general periphery of the cover. The mounting tab may be connected to a shaft that is threadedly engaged with the frame. A spring may be mounted between the frame and the mounting tab, for example, in a sleeve, to provide a mechanical assist in lifting the cover. The sleeve may be disposed outside the manhole opening where it does not block access to the manhole opening.

Abstract: A manhole installation and repair assembly. The assembly has a first load carrying member and a second load carrying member. Each load carrying member has a midspan seat arranged substantially at a midspan location of the respective load carrying member's. The midspan seats form a crossmember joint, the joint enables the load carrying member's to be arranged in the same plane and also provides for structural continuity between the load carrying members. The load carrying member's each have ground engaging locations and manhole ring retainer elements to grab on to the manhole ring holding the ring and cover in suspension below the load carrying members. An inflatable form liner is used to span the gap between the manhole ring and the top of the manhole cone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lid for a shaft cover, comprising a cover body (12) and at least one locking means (20) arranged on the body of the lid (12), said locking means comprising a spring section (21-24) and an engaging section (26) which can be placed into contact with one part (36) of the frame (30) and arranged thereon. The invention is characterised in that the spring section (21-24) is respectively secured by both ends thereof to the body of the lid (12), is separated from the body of the lid (12) and the engaging section (26) is arranged between the two ends of the spring section (21-24).

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 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 cover arrangement for a surface drainage device or similar hollow body is provided that is adapted to be installed in the ground and to be opened. This comprises a rectangular frame to be installed in the ground, a cover that can be inserted into the frame, hinge devices by means of which the cover is retained in the frame so that it can be pivoted upward in an opening direction, and latch devices by means of which the cover can be locked into the frame so that it will not open. These hinges and/or latch devices are constructed as spring-action cast rods and are integrally connected to the cover.

Abstract: A warning device that turns on a warning light and or a warning sound to indicate when a manhole cover or a service box cover or a metal pole for lights, traffic lights, transformers or others has become dangerously electrically charged. The invention is attached to the frame of a manhole cover, or a service box cover or a metal pole. The light and sound warns people to stay off the covers and their surrounding areas, and the surrounding areas of the metal poles.

Abstract: An expansion ring assembly for sealing a gasket within an opening in the wall of a structure, the assembly including a drive mechanism having a pair of block members each having a threaded bore, and a bolt having oppositely threaded ends respectively threaded within the bores. The block members are removably engaged with respective ends of the expansion ring. An oversleeve is disposed in overlapping relationship with the expansion ring ends, and the expansion ring ends and the oversleeve include cooperating ratcheting structures. Rotation of the bolt of the drive mechanism in a first direction causes the block members to move outwardly along the bolt to expand the expansion ring and concurrently sequentially engage the ratcheting structures of the expansion ring ends and the oversleeve.

Abstract: A locking mechanism which includes a locking member which is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a retaining device which is movable between a first position at which movement of the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented and a second position at which movement of the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position is allowed, and an actuator for moving the retaining device between the first and second positions.

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 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 matter-isolating system for use in combination with an underground storage tank assembly comprises primary and secondary spillage containment assemblies and a double-walled manhole assembly. The manhole assembly comprises a manhole lid, an outer skirt wall, and an inner skirt wall. The inner skirt wall defines an inner manhole cavity and an outer manhole channel. The outer manhole channel directs moisture from the lid to certain backfill material thus isolating the inner manhole cavity from channel-directed moisture. The spillage containment assemblies form concentric primary and secondary spillage-containing chambers in radial adjacency to a tank access conduit of the underground tank assembly. The inner manhole cavity functions to isolate the secondary spillage containment chamber from the outer manhole channel and the primary spillage containment chamber isolates the secondary spillage containment chamber from the tank access conduit.

Abstract: A riser assembly for supporting a manhole cover is placed within a manhole frame for raising the height of the manhole cover to pavement level. The riser assembly includes a circular frame formed of a metal bar and has a locking ring attached thereto which extends vertically downwardly from the frame. A plurality of outwardly projecting tabs are formed in the locking ring and are adapted to engage the manhole frame to prevent upward movement of the riser. An expansion device expands the frame and locking ring outwardly whereby the locking ring abuttingly engages a vertical surface of the manhole frame to assist in locking the riser assembly to 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: A fixed frame (4) and a covering element (6), the frame (4) defining a frame plane (P—P). A first latch (30) has two latch surfaces (32, 34) which cooperate and which are inclined relative to the frame plane (P—P). The covering element (6) and the frame (4) comprise cooperating stop surfaces (52, 56) which limit a displacement of the lid (6) within the frame (4) in the frame plane (P—P). The stop surfaces (52, 56) are inclined relative to the frame plane (P—P) by an angle of from 30° to 80° and they maintain the covering element flat on the frame. Application to manhole covers for closing manholes.

Abstract: A manhole system including a cover, a frame receiving the cover and at least one security device securing the cover to the frame.

Abstract: An improved temporary manhole insert for securing a manhole passageway having a generally cylindrical structure with an inflatable, ring like tube encompassing the outer rim of the rigid portion of the insert. The insert with the inflatable ring is placed within the manhole aperture and then inflated to expand until the insert is secured in position. The manhole insert of the present invention prevents debris such as rocks, dust, asphalt and other debris from falling into the manhole during adjustments to the casting and also prevents debris from going into the sewer system such as pipes and pumps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for sealing a manhole structure. An elastomeric band with at least two different peripheries is sealingly engaged to at least two corresponding peripheries of the manhole structure. Adhesives and supplemental retaining bands may also be used to secure the elastomeric band to the manhole structure.

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 sealing device effects a seal between a first member and a second member of a hermetic chamber. The sealing device includes a body having an elongated shape forming a closed loop. The body of the sealing device includes magnetic material and further includes a) a first and a second sealing portions, and b) at least one internal compartment formed by walls undulatingly extending between the first and second sealing portions. A sealing apparatus includes a first member of a hermetic chamber, a second member of the hermetic chamber, and the above sealing device.

Abstract: A joint suitable for construction castings having a frame and a lid or cover, such as manholes, grates, trench drains, hatches and the like, and construction castings incorporating the same. No tools are necessary to separate the joint. A ball head located on a lid fits into a socket located on a frame or adjacent lid. To separate the ball head from the socket, the lid is lifted to a substantially vertical position and turned about ninety degrees. The lid can then be lifted away from the socket. When the joint is used in manhole or hatch assemblies, a latch may be used to hold the cover open and the cover may be opened and closed with a lever.

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 joint suitable for construction castings having a frame and a lid or cover, such as manholes, grates, trench drains, hatches and the like, and construction castings incorporating the same. No tools are necessary to separate the joint. An enlarged head located on a cover fits into a socket located on a frame or adjacent lid. To separate the head from the socket, the lid is lifted to a substantially vertical position and turned about ninety degrees. The lid can then be lifted away from the socket. When the joint is used in manhole or hatch assemblies, a latch may be used to hold the cover open and the cover may be opened and closed with a lever.

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 cover arrangement is disclosed for a channel arrangement, a drainage channel, cable channel, shaft or similar hollow body that can be installed in the ground and opened, with a cover that can be set onto a bearing surface of a frame and is coupled to the frame so as to be pivotable about an axis of rotation, such that the cover can be tilted toward two sides without the use of tools, through the use of two oppositely disposed hinges comprising two rotation/fixation devices.

Abstract: A drainage assembly (10) comprises a frame (11) for defining at least part of the surface boundary of a surface drainage aperture; and a grating (14) having formed therein a plurality of apertures. The grating (14) is hingedly secured to the frame (11) and is moveable, when so secured, between an operative position in which the grating (14) is contiguous with the frame (11); and an open position in which the grating (14) lies hinged away from the frame (11). The grating (14) includes protruding therefrom a pair of forks (34, 36). The frame (11) includes a pair of journal bearings (37, 38). The forks each have protruding therefrom a respective protuberance (39) that is receivable in a respective journal recess (42) formed in the journal bearings.

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 utility cover system for preventing water and silt leakage into a utility entrance within a road surface. The utility cover system includes an outer frame having an opening defined by an inner tapered edge, and a wedge cover 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.

Abstract: Method of replacing a blind flange manhole cover of the type including a bolted on blind flange mounted on a bolting flange of a negative pressure storage tank manway with a manhole cover having a hinged door assembly includes the step of removing the blind flange manhole cover from the bolting flange of a tank-installed manway. The manhole cover may be attached to the bolting flange of the existing manway. A seal may be provided for creating a leakproof joint between the cover and a cover receiving surface when the hingedly attached manhole cover is in a closed position. A manway having a hingedly attached manhole cover may be provided with a hinge frame. A locking assembly may be provided adjacent the cover that includes a locking and sealing element for engaging the cover with a seal for locking and sealing the manway.

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 cover assembly includes a support frame (20) fixed to a utility access hole and a rounded cover (10) fitted into the support frame. The support frame is provided in its upper portion with an S-curved inner peripheral surface (20b) having a convex curved surface portion (21) and a concave curved surface portion (22) that continues to the convex curved surface portion and is formed thereabove. The cover has an S-curved peripheral surface (10b) that is substantially complementary in shape to the S-curved inner peripheral surface of the support frame. When the access hole is closed by the cover, the cover is smoothly fitted into the support frame due to a guide function of the S-curved inner peripheral surface of the support frame.

Abstract: A flag assembly includes an elongated and rectilinear shaft having opposed end portions situated adjacent a ground surface. The shaft includes a banner attached to one of the end portions having surface indicia imprinted thereon. A protective cover member is provided with a centrally registered countersunk bore situated therebelow. A frusto-conical spring member having axially opposed first and second end portions is conjoined to another end portion of the shaft and extends downwardly away therefrom along a vertical plane respectively. A bushing having a monolithically formed lower portion provided with a tapered diameter is inwardly offset from a diameter of the shaft. The bushing further has an axially registered upper portion operably conjoined to the spring member and cooperating with the shaft such that the spring member can be resiliently adapted between compressed and equilibrium positions to absorb vertically channeled impact forces encountered during installation procedures.

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: A colored ring immovably associated with an inlet of an underground tank to enhance the identification of the material in the underground tank. The ring can be bolted to the inlet or engaged with adhesive to the inlet. The ring can be formed as a substantially continuous ring or a plurality of ring members. The ring can be partially positionable in the ground or can be fully disposed above ground. The ring can include a colored surface or can be uniformly colored. The ring can be used in combination with a colored lid such as the color of the lid and the color of the ring are substantially similar.

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 manhole access way security apparatus and method for using the security apparatus are disclosed. The inventive 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 inventive 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 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 device installed at a ditch on a road for preventing a backflow of sewage and a malodor is provided. The device includes a frame portion comprising a plurality of frames arranged in parallel with each other, a valve portion being opened or closed in a manner of a lever according to the weight of a flow of the sewage, and a cover portion for covering the frame portion and the valve portion. The cover portion includes flat drain holes formed in plural lines which are arranged in parallel with each other; flow velocity resistance embossings protruding upwardly with a predetermined height in a bar shape; inclined drain holes formed at both ends of the lengthwise direction and inclined upwardly; and a plurality of sliding prevention embossings protruding upwardly from an upper surface of the cover portion, for preventing walkers from sliding thereon.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for an aircraft service pit having a lid frame formed with an access opening encompassed within an upwardly facing bearing ledge. The pit lid has a flat upper surface and is hinged at one edge at a horizontal axis of rotation relative to the lid frame. The pit lid has an opposite, latching edge. A latch mechanism is mounted on the latching edge of the pit remote from the horizontal axis of rotation and includes a latch mount embedded in the structure of the pit lid. The latch mount defines a latch guide path inclined downwardly from the flat upper surface of the pit lid and outwardly toward the latching edge thereof. A latch bolt, preferably having a T-shaped handle, is reciprocally mounted for movement in the latch guide path. The latch bolt preferably has a gripping end formed as a T-shaped handle that is accessible from the flat upper surface of the pit lid. The latch bolt also has an opposite, distal, bearing ledge-engaging end.

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: A cover arrangement is disclosed for a channel arrangement, a drainage channel, cable channel, shaft or similar hollow body that can be installed in the ground and opened, with a cover that can be set onto a bearing surface of a frame and is coupled to the frame so as to be pivotable about an axis of rotation, such that the cover can be tilted toward two sides without the use of tools, by means of two oppositely disposed hinge means comprising two rotation/fixation devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manhole cover/frame exchange method capable of minimizing the size of a portion to be mended, of eliminating a pressing step by a roller machine, of eliminating/reducing steps and a required mending time and of suppressing vibrations, noises and the like during the exchanging process. The manhole cover/frame exchange method comprises steps of: cutting a portion of a paved road around the manhole cover/frame spherically; removing the spherically cut portion; filling a self-curing highly fluid non-shrink filler into a spherical hollow space formed by the removing step, and filling a surface layer material over the self-curing highly fluid non-shrink filler. Thus, the pressing step by the roller machine is eliminated by the present invention.

Abstract: A manhole access way security apparatus and method for using the security apparatus are disclosed. The inventive 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 inventive 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 device for covering shafts of manholes in roads, (3) which is slideably guided in a covering ring (2) that is rigidly fixed on the shaft (1) proper, and a retaining ring (4) for receiving the shaft cover positioned in the plane of the road surface (6). Flexible fastening and simple construction is obtained by mounting the retaining ring (4) on the tube (3) so as to be detachable, with a limited degree of movement.

Abstract: A mat is disposed on top of an access cover to compensate for a vertical offset between the top of the cover and the top of the roadway surrounding the cover. Fasteners are inserted through aligned holes in the mat and the cover and anchored in place in such a manner that the heads of the fasteners do not protrude above the top of the cover.

Abstract: A locking lid and method for a valve box. The locking lid has a closure and surrounding external seal, which fit into the valve box opening and close/seal it. The locking mechanism of the locking lid preferably consists of an actuator spindle that extends through the closure, and that is received in an actuator follower positioned therebelow. The actual follower is in pivotal engagement with a plurality of locking pawls, such that turning of the actuator spindle causes movement of the actuator follower and thus pivoting of the locking pawls—moving the locking pawls into a locked or unlocked position relative to a lid seat within the valve box.

Abstract: A cover system in use with a pavement slab, a communicating and downwardly extending manhole tube extending from the slab. The system includes a substantially annular shaped and three dimensional frame, encased within the pavement slab and such that a top edge extending surface of the frame lies substantially flush with a corresponding top edge surface of the slab. The frame further includes an inwardly facing, annular extending and recessed ledge in communication with the manhole tube. A cover is seatingly engaged and supported upon the recessed ledge, such that an upper edge surface of the cover is substantially flush with the top edge extending surface of the frame. A plurality of locking fasteners are arrayed at an angle relative to a perpendicular axis extending through the cover and the frame.