Abstract: A locking ground hole cover is disclosed comprising a cover plate with a scissor-type apparatus suspended therefrom which apparatus can be actuated from above the cover plate. The apparatus allows for the locking of a hole by pulling the cover plate down into a sealed locked position with the hole mouth. Variations on the device are disclosed.

Abstract: An attic scuttle for providing a means of accessing the attic which is easily installed, fire-rated, and forms a tight, insulating seal. The attic scuttle includes a sleeve with a perimeter wall, and a hinged door positioned within the base portion of the sleeve for facilitating access to the attic from a room below.

Abstract: A window well protective cover. The cover has a nonskid surface, and is formed of plastic or fiberglass reinforced plastic in a suitable color. Trimmable cubes are provided along a rear extension of an edge flange, and a trimmable shoulder is provided along a rear extension of the top surface. The trimmable cubes and trimmable shoulder portions allow the cover to be trimmed for tight fitting engagement with an adjacent building structure.

Abstract: A rigid window well structure having first and second planar side walls and a planar front wall; first and second connecting walls, where the first connecting wall joins the first side wall to the front wall, and the second connecting wall joins the second side wall to the front wall, such that each of the walls expose an interior surface and an exterior surface; and a step bridged between the interior surface of at least two non-parallel walls, at least one of the two non-parallel walls being planar.

Abstract: A stackable riser having a substantially smooth outer surface has a first open end defined by an edge and a second open end defined by a pair of adjacent channels, so that the edge defining the first open end of a first riser can mate with one of the channels defining the second open end of a second riser. A detachable anchor tab extends radially from the outer surface about the circumference of the riser. A plurality of risers can be stacked one on top of another, with, for example, the bottommost riser embedded in concrete and the risers above it embedded in soil. Preferably, the anchor tab of the bottommost riser remains attached to the riser and the anchor tab of the risers above it is removed.

Abstract: A debris cap apparatus and method, which provides a secure and debris resistant seating of a debris cap within a valve box. The debris cap has two outwardly projecting annuli—a debris seal located near the top of the cap and a retention gasket located distal from the top of the cap. The debris seal blocks debris from entering the valve box when the debris cap is in position. The retention gasket is designed to be pushed down past an inwardly projecting flange within the valve box, to deform as it passes the flange, and then to resume its original shape when past the flange so as to preclude accidental dislodging of the debris cap from the valve box. Where the debris cap is to be used within a pre-existing valve box, an adapter may be provided. It is further preferred to provide a removal tool so as to permit ready removal of the debris cap from the valve box or valve box adapter.

Abstract: A stain/topcoat system for non-porous thermoset and/or thermoplastic articles comprises a pigmented stain, and a topcoat comprising one or more non-siloxane film-forming polymers, an emulsion of one or more curable organopolysiloxanes, a weatherability agent having a functional group that is reactive with carboxylate functional sites and water. The topcoat displays exceptional adhesion and weatherability to pigmented stained surfaces.

Abstract: A disaster shelter for mounting under ground. The shelter includes an entranceway having at least one air vent and a substantially hollow paraboloid shaped shelter cell. The shelter cell includes a paraboloid focus portion attached to the entranceway and paraboloid base portion disposed opposite the entranceway. A gravity ring is attached to the paraboloid base portion and is dimensioned such that the shelter is constrained within the ground when the water table reaches ground level.

Abstract: An entranceway for a disaster shelter and a disaster shelter. The entranceway include a substantially hollow main manway, a hatch dome ring disposed about, and extending outward from, the open top of the main manway; and a hatch dome cover removably attached to the hatch dome ring such that the hatch dome cover forms a weather resistant seal with the hatch dome ring. The exterior surfaces of the preferred hatch dome ring and hatch dome cover are manufactured of an intumescent laminate material. A substantially hollow emergency escape manway is disposed through the main manway wall to allow an alternate point of egress from the shelter in the event that the hatch dome cover is blocked by debris. The preferred entranceway also includes an air filter and a septic tank, each located exterior to the manway such that each may be accessed by a shelterist within the manway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for insulating apertures is disclosed. An insulating dome is placed over these apertures and can be locked into place, thereby providing insulation for the aperture. The apertures that are typically uninsulated are hidden stair openings and whole-house fans, plywood attic access passageways or other openings. The insulating dome can be lifted automatically once the hidden folding stair is opened or the whole-house fan is used.

Abstract: A roofing anchor plate secures a waterproof membrane to a surface of a roof structure. The roofing anchor plate includes a circumferential channel and radial channels. Air trapped between the anchor plate and a sealing tape is directed along the channels to vent holes positioned at inner ends of the radial channels. The trapped air passes through the vent holes into a cavity formed under the anchor plate between the plate and the waterproof membrane. The elimination of trapped air improves the strength and effectiveness of the seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earth anchor to secure a cover over a trench or hole in the ground. The device has a retaining cap which is attached to a rod. Extendible arms are connected to the rod below the cap. The end of the rod opposite the cap is inserted into the hole or trench until the cap rests at ground level, either on separate cover plates or on the ground itself. For large holes, the cap retains separate cover plates over the hole; for small holes, the cap acts as a cover itself. The arms are extended by a jack screw, rack and pinion, or other means until they contact the substrate or underside of the cover plates and clamp the same between the cap and the arms. The cover can be removed by reversing the motion of the jack screw or rack and pinion, and retracting the arms, thereby freeing the device to be removed from the whole.

Abstract: A steel manhole is provided which includes a steel box having a hole having a bolt hole and formed at an upper portion of the same, a height control pipe having a vertical longitudinal hole inserted into an inner diameter portion of the hole, a multi-hole lid for covering an upper portion of the height control pipe, a male screw formed at left and right portions of the steel box and having a male screw portion, and a female screw having a thread portion for being threaded with the male screw pipe.

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

Abstract: An equipped floor having at least one cavity opening outwards and for housing at least one exercise fixture.

Abstract: An adjustable manhole/catch basin structure includes a mounting base, adjustable tube, and protection sleeve. The mounting base includes a mounting flange and an externally threaded tube which extends upward from the mounting flange. A plurality of mortar openings are formed through the mounting flange. The protection sleeve is mounted concentric with the externally threaded tube. The adjustable tube is internally threaded such that it may be threaded on to the externally threaded tube. The inner diameter of the protection sleeve is large enough to provide clearance for the outer diameter of the adjustment tube. Three notches are preferably formed in a top of the adjustment tube to allow an adjustment tool to rotate thereof to the desired height. The adjustment tool includes a body, three arms and a torque lever.

Abstract: An access hatch reinforcement module and a method of assembling an access hatch to an existing engine compartment hood of a vehicle. The access hatch reinforcement module includes a wall engagement component for engagement to the hood outer wall of the engine compartment hood. The access hatch reinforcement module further includes a door engagement component for engagement to a hatch door of the access hatch. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component of the access hatch reinforcement module are directly fixedly engaged to one another by temporary fixed engagements. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component are also indirectly engaged to one another through operational door connecting components such as a hinge component.

Abstract: Sump container designed to permit gravity flow of flood water from a basement floor through the cover into the sump container and to permit the pumping of water from the container through a discharge conduit passing through an opening in the cover. The cover has a transverse opening to receive a discharge conduit for water pumped from the container to an outside drain, a dividing line through the transverse opening and separating said cover into two removable cover sections, and an air-sealed water inlet through the cover to permit flood water to flow into the container while retarding the escape of odor, radon, moisture and pump noise from the container.

Abstract: A gate valve box adaptor structure, the present invention provides a permanent support for the key box bonnet that is unaffected by the surrounding environment. The adaptor is supported on the gate valve to a positive location for the key box bonnet at a level which prevents infiltration of soil and moisture into the bonnet. The adaptor is provided with a resilient gasket of a unique design to provide a cushion and to create a seal for the bonnet on the gate valve.

Abstract: A sump containment apparatus for a fuel storage tank has a manhole skirt communicating with a sump interior, a bladder seal with a first portion secured in sealing engagement about an opening in the sump, and a second portion disposed about an inner surface of the manhole skirt and urged into sealing engagement with the inner surface by mechanical compression, preferably by an expansion ring. An observation port in a manhole cove is openable for viewing into the sump.

Abstract: An emergency shelter to be used under the floor of a residential or commercial structure. In the preferred embodiment, a prefabricated acrylic shelter is sized to accommodate at least one individual in a crouching or sitting position. The shelter is placed prior to the pouring of a slab foundation or the building of the floor in a pier and beam foundation. The unit is sealed to prevent moisture infiltration and provides the benefits of a relatively pleasant surface without the accumulation of moisture. Additional advantages are the relative lower expense, light weight, and ease of installation of the prefabricated shelter. Other uses of the shelter include security and storage.

Abstract: Two telescopically interconnected support members of an adjustable furnace support are secured together by mechanical fasteners. The mechanical fasteners maintain the top end of one of the support members a fixed predetermined distance from the bottom of the other support member. A furnace support ledge extends inwardly from the sides of one of the support members. The furnace support ledge also supports a furnace filter below the furnace.

Abstract: A locking ground hole cover is disclosed comprising a cover plate with a scissor-type apparatus suspended therefrom which apparatus can be actuated from above the cover plate. The apparatus allows for the locking of a hole by pulling the cover plate down into a sealed locked position with the hole mouth. Variations on the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A prefabricated one-piece metal frame and funnel drain is constructed for curb and gutter use. The frame may be constructed in a number of styles, with a particular style selected to match the desired curb form. The funnel drain also includes a variety of styles in order to accommodate different drain pipe orientations and configurations. When welded together, the frame and funnel drain may be mounted within any standard curb and gutter form such that curb and gutter installation and drain pipe installation may be accomplished simultaneously, without any preparatory concrete work required for placement of the frame and funnel drain.

Abstract: A window comprising a frame structure and a relative to the frame structure openable, top-hung sash structure with an insulating pane (4), a pivoting hinge provided at the top members (1, 5) of the frame and sash structures, the axis of which pivoting hinge is defined by engagement between a hook member (39) integral with the metal sheet profile of the sash top member and a hinge pin forming member (38) of a fitting member (37) connected with the frame top member, the hook member (39) being substantially V-shaped and the fitting member (37) substantially L-shaped.

Abstract: A liner for a manhole, inspection chamber or the like comprises one or more sections moulded from synthetic plastics material. The or each section comprises inner and outer skins (2,3) joined together by two series of webs (4,7) extending between and at right angles to the skins (2,3). The webs (4) are disposed at the upper edges (5,6,) of the section and the webs (7) extend between a position below those upper edges (5,6) and a position at its lower end. The upper edges (5,6) and lower periphery (9) of each section are formed so that superposed sections interlock. The arrangement provides an easily installable corrosion resistant load bearing yet light, rigid and deformation resisting structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing an access door assembly for providing entry to a crawl space or other storage area within a building is disclosed. The present access door assembly is constructed from a single blank of material by accurately cutting a door panel from the blank and simultaneously creating a peripheral frame wherein the door panel is mounted. The kerf resulting from the cutting process provides a predetermined clearance between the door panel and peripheral frame to permit installation of hinges and latching hardware to ensure proper functioning of the completed door assembly. The method of the present invention significantly reduces the labor costs involved in installing an access door by the conventional process, which requires sizing of a door to a preexisting opening, mortising hinges, and mitering and fitting a finished molding about the access door.

Abstract: There is disclosed the manufacture and use of nonwoven absorbent mats laminated with barrier film for manhole aprons. The absorbent aprons are used about manholes during routine maintenance of underground transformers, utility cables, etc. The nonwoven aprons are coated to prevent the absorbed liquid from leaching through. The mat is specially designed to absorb contaminated liquid very quickly. The nonwoven mat is made out of cotton shoddy fibers and/or a mixture of synthetic fibers and/or synthetic fibers only with film on one side. The mat has a 36-inch manhole opening in the center thereof. The mat is thin and lays flat to conform to the road. The thickness of the mat ranges from 0.075" to 0.25" in order to avoid any tripping hazard.

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

Abstract: A method of upgrading an existing unprotected submersible pump area with secondary containment to prevent accidental release of harmful materials from contaminating the soil below grade.

Abstract: A frame and cover for road surface installations has a one-piece cast metal frame member with an aperture therein to receive a cover member which can be used for catch basins, maintenance holes, valve chamber covers and underground vaults. The frame member has a side wall which extends smoothly downwardly between the upper and lower faces of the frame member and is free from laterally outer projections. Vibrations from vehicles moving over the frame and cover are transferred downwardly to the structure on which the frame is supported rather than to the adjacent asphalt, thereby extending the service life of the asphalt surrounding the frame. The cover member preferably has at least one lug extending laterally outwardly from its outer wall, the lugs adapted to be received in corresponding recesses formed about the aperture of the frame member. The lugs and the recesses in the frame members are provided with holes to permit the frame member and cover member to be secured to one another by a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A flexible tubular manhole liner soaked with a curable liquid resin is inserted into a manhole; this liner is already equipped with a number of bolts or sleeve nuts protruding or exposed from the liner surface, so that it is possible later to attach to the inner wall of the tubular liner a number of ladder steps and a hose for injecting liquid filler to the gap created between the manhole wall and the liner; there is provided a method to line the manhole with such an inventive liner.

Abstract: A cover apparatus (10) is provided which is easily and quickly installed, is simple to use, and is cost effective for selective closing of an attic opening (14) and for providing a thermal and dust barrier. The cover apparatus (10) preferably includes structure (12), adapted for placement over an opening (14) defined by peripheral wall or ceiling surfaces (16), and a plurality of snap fasteners (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for detachably coupling the structure (12) to the surfaces (16). The structure (12) includes a panel (20) presenting an inboard face (22), continuous, circumscribing sidewalls (24) extending from the inboard face (22) of panel (20), and a continuous, circumscribing flange (32) extending transversely and outwardly from the outer margin (28) of the sidewalls (24). The flange (32) includes an outermost lip (36) configured for firmly engaging the surfaces (16) when the structure (12) is coupled to the surfaces (16).

Abstract: A locking manhole cover which may be made of lighter weight material than conventional iron or steel manhole covers has a cover plate dimensioned to fit over a manhole opening. A cylindrical frame is attached to the underside of the cover plate and extends downwardly into the hole when the cover plate is in place. Diametrically opposed apertures are located in the side of the frame; and movable locking members are hingedly attached to the frame adjacent the apertures for pivotal movement through the apertures from a location within the frame to a location where a portion of the locking members engage the sides of the manhole in which the device is located. An operator is mounted inside the frame for effecting the pivotal movement of the locking members by means of an interacting cam or gear arrangement.

Abstract: A safety hole cover particularly useful in providing temporary protection for drilled and augured holes has a flange portion which is placed on the ground surrounding the hole. This flange portion has a circular opening through it; and the diameter of this opening is at least as great as the diameter of the largest hole to be covered by the hole cover. A domed housing fits over the opening in the flange, and telescoping cylindrical sections are located within the housing. The external diameters of the telescoping cylindrical sections are selected to correspond to the internal diameters of different holes with which the device is to be used. The lowermost (and smallest) cylindrical section has retractable fingers or spikes in it for extension outwardly from the side of the section to engage the side walls of a hole when the device is in place over the hole. The housing provides a visible indication of the presence of the device; and by locking the device in place, removal by vandals is inhibited.

Abstract: A wind shelter and method of installation. The wind shelter comprises a slab having a slab aperture, a pit in underlying solid material, a liner disposed within the slab aperture and pit, and a cover, the liner and cover being securely attached to the slab. The cover has at least one door and meshed windows, and is built to resemble and function as a table. The method of installation includes the steps of cutting a slab aperture in the slab, excavating a pit in the underlying material, securing installation walls against the pit walls, positioning the liner within the pit and the cover over the liner, and securely fastening the liner and cover to the slab. The slab may be the floor of a mobile home extension structure such as a porch, utility building, Florida room, driveway, sidewalk, etc.

Abstract: A manhole cover receiving frame includes an outer tube and a cover receiving frame. The cover receiving frame may be axially moved relative to the outer tube so that an upper surface of the manhole cover receiving frame matches the level of the surrounding road surface. The cover receiving frame is moved by a plurality of bolts threaded in the outer tube.

Abstract: A watertight manhole insert and tether apparatus designed to prevent rainwater from entering sanitary sewer or other systems through a manhole closed by a manhole cover. The manhole insert is located beneath the manhole cover and is connected directly to the manhole by a tether apparatus mounted in the manhole, to plug the manhole, prevent theft of the manhole insert and deny access to the manhole. The manhole insert is characterized by a pan-shaped insert body having a curved, flat or ribbed insert bottom and one or more pressure-relief valves, one or more lift straps and an upward-standing, sloping or perpendicular side wall fitted with an outwardly-extending top rim for engaging a shoulder shaped in the manhole to support the manhole insert in the manhole.

Abstract: A molded plastic extension member for use in increasing the height of manholes, or catch basins when surfacing or resurfacing a roadway. The extension member may be formed having a sloping upper planar support surface to thereby adjust the angle of the catch basin support frame or the manhole cover support frame. An outer surface of the extension member includes indicia that allows the user to align the slope of the upper planar support surface parallel with the roadway surface. When several sloped extension members are stacked, the indicia may be used to create a complex angle of slope relative to the underlying base members vertical axis. The extension member includes a pocket adaptable for receiving and retaining mortar between two stacked extensions. Planar surfaces may extend from both the upper and lower edge of the extension member, thereby providing support and added stacking surface for the stacked extension members.

Abstract: A storm shelter is provided having a modular rectangular shelter housing. An egress port extends slightly above the shelter housing, such that the housing can be buried underground with the egress port extending slightly above ground. A reinforced, sliding access door is mounted at the egress port, and a stairway is provided to allow descent into the shelter housing. A plurality of seat boxes is provided which can be utilized to contain tools, supplies, or the like, with a seat lid pivotally mounted in a hinged manner to each seat box. Each step is provided with a non-skid surface, and is sufficiently large enough to provide a seating surface. The top stair has an accessible cut-out panel for allowing an emergency jack to pass through. An emergency jack can be utilized to forcibly remove the door, should the door become stuck or blocked from the outside.

Abstract: An attic opening cover and a process for forming the cover are provided. The cover includes a first composite end element including a protective layer bonded to a thermally insulating layer. A second composite end element is provided including a protective layer and a thermal insulating layer. A first composite side element is provided including a protective layer bonded to a thermal insulating layer. A second composite side element is provided including a protective layer bonded to a thermal insulating layer. A composite top element is provided including a protective layer bonded to a thermal insulating layer. A fastening arrangement is provided including fasteners extending through the first composite end element, fasteners extending through the second composite end element, fasteners extending through the first composite side element, fasteners extending through the second composite side element and fasteners extending through the composite top element.

Abstract: An improved drain board for use on a gutter particularly has a cover board pivotally secured to a mounting bracket. The cover board has an outwardly extended pivot pole at one corner thereof and an inwardly extended receiving tube at the opposite corner for accommodation of a bias spring and a movable pivot rod. At the corresponding corners of the mounting bracket is disposed an outwardly extended engaging tube respectively so as to permit the fixed pivot pole and the movable pivot rod of the cover borad to be pivotally mounted onto the mounting bracket and the cover board is well protected from being stolen with ease by burglars.

Abstract: A protective hole cover having a plurality of slots along which slide friction locks secured by screws. Since the slots extend radially outward, the protective hole cover may be releasably secured to holes of varying dimensions. To secure the hole cover, two of the friction locks are positioned at an appropriate distance from the center of the protective hole cover and secured by the screws extending through the slots and into the friction locks. The protective hole cover is then placed within a hole with the two friction locks contacting an interior surface of the hole. The third friction lock is then slid outward to engage the interior surface of the hole as well and the friction lock is thereafter tightened to secure the protective hole cover over the hole. When it is desired to remove the protective hole cover, one of the screws 40 is loosened and the friction lock slid inward toward the center of the protective hole cover.

Abstract: A tank system includes a tank, a rainwater feed mechanism and a run-off for contaminated water. The rainwater feed mechanism includes a switch unit that passes contaminated water to the run-off. When large quantities of rainwater are received, the switch unit passes the rainwater to the tank.

Abstract: A seal and extender assembly which prevents surface water and other environmental liquids from inadvertently entering a sump, such as one used in a gasoline service station. The seal assembly includes an extender and a cover. The extender defines a channel and has a first end and a second end, the first end has a larger diameter than the diameter of the second end, the first end is secured to the sump adjacent the access port. The cover has a top surface and a perimeter surface, the top surface covers the access port and the perimeter surface secures to the second end of the extender.

Abstract: A unitary sump frame made from a continuous material is disclosed. A substantially planar and continuous flange has an inner perimeter defining an opening in the frame and an outer perimeter. A lip is integrally connected to the flange and extends downwardly from the flange. The lip includes a securing mechanism that is operative to attach a component to the frame. A lug is integrally connected to the lip and extends away from the opening. The lug is operative for anchoring the frame.

Abstract: A replacement manhole cover assembly for an existing manhole having a fixed frame around the periphery of the manhole, the frame having an upper horizontal lip essentially flush with the surrounding pavement and a lower horizontal shelf, wherein the replacement manhole cover assembly includes an annular skirt selectively removable on the lower horizontal shelf of the frame, the skirt having a vertical extension terminating at a lower horizontal shelf for supporting a manhole cover made of composite material.

Abstract: An enclosure for buried placement near grade capable of supporting vehicle loading having a reinforced cover, walls and base, the walls including internal struts and stabilizers, the cover and walls including notches for transferring load and grooves for limiting translation and rotation of the cover under transverse load. The base and the walls having portions of divided pathways forming conduit openings when the base is connected to the walls.

Abstract: A device to assist in the opening of a manhole cover has a biasing member such as a spring and a pivot rod or rods. The rods and spring are each pivotably attached to first and second mounting brackets. The first mounting bracket is attached to a skirt for seating the manhole cover and the second mounting bracket is attached to the underside of the cover. The spring acts to rotate the manhole cover in a reverse direction to which the cover is intended to be opened until the cover contacts the rod or rods. Then, the cover is rotated in an opposite direction, preferably with manual assistance, using the rods as pivot arms.

Abstract: A boltless two-piece rail fastening assembly for securing a railway rail, supported on a conventional tie plate, to a wooden cross tie is comprised of a chair and a rail clip latched thereon. The chair includes a body, having a jaw with a bight configured to receive the clip, and at least one downwardly projecting leg or shank for securing the chair adjacent the base flange of the rail. The rail clip is a torsional spring clip in the general form of an "S" having a rail-bearing leg for proximate engagement with the base flange of the rail and a tie bearing leg for proximate engagement with the tie plate.

Abstract: An attic hatchway cover wherein a tent-like structure having side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall each having a flange structure are arranged to engage and for securement to a hatchway opening framework employing mounting strips, such that fastening structure secures each mounting strip to each associated flange and simultaneously to the framework. .[.The.]. .Iadd.In a preferred embodiment, the .Iaddend.top wall of the cover employs a flap member selectively securable to the top wall and displaceable therefrom by use of a generally U-shaped zipper to disengage the flap relative to the top wall.