Abstract: A tank sump has a one-piece body comprising a hollow base member for collecting fluids leaking from a piping system, the base member having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a hollow riser section having an upper portion and a lower portion, the riser lower portion extending upwardly from the base member upper portion, the riser section having sidewalls with alternately adjacent vertically extending wall portions and outwardly extending, U-shaped grip portions. An integrally formed cover is defined on top of the riser section upper portion. The cover may be cut off from the riser section of the body. A gasket may extend between the cover outer periphery and the outwardly extending grip portion of the riser section, and a mechanism removably secures the cover to the outwardly extending grip portion with the gasket therebetween, in a substantially water resistant sealing manner. The cover may alternately be cut away from the body and discarded.

Abstract: An entrance-deterring cap for manhole openings in which an annular pan has an annular flange extending laterally from a skirt for supporting the pan on an upper edge of a frame in a manhole opening. A support member comprises an elongate bar disposed outwardly of the pan with a pair of plates rigidly attached at distal ends of the bar. A threaded stud is attached to the elongate bar for insertion through an opening in the bottom of the pan whereby the plates of the bar are exposed outwardly of the skirt with the distal ends of the plates near the flange of the pan. An elongate flexible strand attached to the threaded stud extends through an opening in the pan for coupling the bar with the pan. The pan is supported by the flange on an upper surface of the frame in a manhole opening and the elongate bar is suspended by the flexible strand below the pan in a throat of the manhole opening. The strand is pulled in order to move the threaded stud through the opening in the pan.

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 containment box and anchor frame assembly is provided for anchoring a containment box at a gasoline service station to either a concrete island, or to the paved driveway of a gasoline service station. The anchor frame is fastened to the upper opening of the containment box and includes a plurality of outwardly extending anchoring brackets for securing the anchor frame to the surrounding concrete. The anchor frame helps to keep the containment box from being damaged if a product dispenser is hit by a vehicle. The assembly also includes a dispenser frame for mounting a product dispenser to the anchor frame. The anchor frame is of a universal design such that a particular size of containment box and anchor frame assembly can receive a number of different sizes of dispenser frames so that different sizes of dispensers can all be mounted to the same containment box and anchor frame assembly.

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: A manhole embodiment that includes a skirt made of flexible material, such as rolled sheet steel, having a stiffening flange extending laterally from the bottom rim of the skirt to increase the manhole lateral strength and provide a footing for the manhole and an outwardly extending lip at the skirt upper rim. The manhole top ring connects directly to the top of the lip. This eliminates the need for a separate piece such as the lower L-shaped ring piece included in conventional manholes. An optional extension skirt can telescope into the bottom of the upper skirt that can be held to the upper skirt by fasteners. The telescoping extension skirt can be height adjusted in the field so that the over-all height of the manhole can be adjusted to any desired height, say between 8 and 16 inches.

Abstract: An improved storage system and a method of constructing the storage system adaptably satisfies structural requirements in different seismic zones. The storage system is efficiently constructed to restrain movement of a storage tank within a vault, even if the storage tank is positioned such that all sides of the tank are not physically accessible. Within the outer containment vault, a plurality of structural members and bottom restraints restrict movement of a storage tank relative to the vault. The structural member has two depending restraints, one on each side of the storage tank to wedge the storage tank in place. Additionally, the bottom restraints are structurally connected to the bottom of the vault and positioned in close proximity to the side of the tank to further restrain movement of the tank. Different sized storage systems may be constructed in compliance with seismic requirements by modifying the number and size of the structural members and bottom restraints within a particular storage system.

Abstract: A septic tank adapted for burial in soil includes a movable anchor that extends near the bottom of the tank to hold the tank in the soil.

Abstract: A protective cover for sewer clean-out lines for protection of the termination end of the sewer clean-out line, but permitting access to the sewer clean-out line, the housing having a cast iron collar with removable cover made into an ABS plastic skirt by force fitting, the plastic skirt having a flared lower end to maintain the position of the housing with the upper surface and cover of the cast iron collar being flush with the level of the ground.

Abstract: A base for a manhole or catch basin structure having an embedded plastic canal-bed liner and a corresponding hood. The plastic liner has an annular, outwardly extending flange which becomes embedded in a sidewall of the base to form a unitary structure when the concrete is poured. The liner is not subject to delamination from the canal-bed and includes bosses for additional anchoring to the base. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a seal and seal adapter are provided. The adapter, in combination with an integral socket of the canal-bed liner, restrains the seal within a canal-bed sidewall opening. This combination also serves to conveniently position the seal at time of casting. The canal-bed liner and hood serve to protect the concrete base and cone of the manhole from corrosive fluids, thus extending the useful life of the manhole structure.

Abstract: A double depth vault has a floor and opposing spaced side walls and end walls forming a burial enclosure. An intermediate floor panel is mountable in the enclosure at a predetermined location spaced above the floor to divide the vault into a lower burial chamber and an upper burial chamber. Pairs of aligned vertical guide grooves are provided in opposing walls of the vault to extend from the open end towards the floor, terminating at the desired intermediate floor position. Opposite edges of the intermediate floor member facing the grooved walls of the vault each have at least two spaced projecting pins for engagement in the respective guide grooves as the intermediate floor member is lowered into the vault. The closed ends of the guide grooves provide stops for engagement by the respective pins to support the intermediate floor member at the desired height in the vault.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing a manhole against entering liquid includes a support ring fixed to the manhole's skirt and a sealing member resting on the support ring. The sealing member has a base with a foam ring under it, and pressing members on top of it for pressing the base against the support ring with the foam in between. The sealing member also has a top which is flexibly connected to the base. The top is fixed to the manhole cover with a gasket between it and the cover. A relief valve is provided to prevent the enclosed space within the manhole formed by the sealing member from overpressuring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chimney access structure which is particularly well adapted for use in grounds subject to freezing. This structure incorporates chimney provided with an upper end on which is mounted an adaptor provided with a vertical through-hole and with a countersink hole of greater diameter that the through-hole. The countersink hole is preferably frusto-conical and extends coaxially within the through-hole at a given depth from the upper face of the adaptor. This countersink hole defines a sleeve with upper portion of the adaptor which is provided with an inwardly projecting flexible sealing ring. A floating head is slidably mounted into the sleeve. This head has a vertical through-hole coaxial with the one of the adaptor. The floating head also has a lower portion provided with an outer lateral surface whose shape and size are selected to fit into the countersink hole of the adaptor and sealingly slide within the same thanks to the sealing ring.

Abstract: A manhole opening structure having a cover traveling rail on which at least one manhole cover can travel between a manhole opening and the ground and rail lifter serving to upwardly and downwardly move the cover traveling rail between a lower position where the manhole cover closes the manhole opening and an upper position where the manhole cover can move between the cover traveling rail and the ground.

Abstract: A drain closure apparatus for closing a storm drain, or other type of drain, in a fluid-tight manner so as to prevent a flow of hazardous materials into the drain. The closure member comprises a first cover member having an outside diameter and a peripheral edge which corresponds to the outside diameter and peripheral edge of an existing drain cover member covering a drain to enable seating and supporting the first cover member in the drain in place of the existing drain cover member, a second cover member in a hole provided therefor in the center of the first cover member, said second cover member having holes in the top thereof so as to permit a flow of fluid through the second cover member and into the drain, a closure member, and a threaded rod for moving the closure member between a first position and a second position as the second cover member is rotated to selectively close the drain in a fluid-tight manner.

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 mounted in the manhole, to plug the manhole and prevent theft of the manhole insert. The manhole insert is characterized by a pan-shaped insert body having a flat insert bottom and a pressure-relief valve, one or more lift straps optionally provided with a warning tag, 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. One end of the flexible stainless steel tether is connected to the manhole wall and the opposite end first extends through a grommet in the insert bottom and subsequently through a lever bar locking device.

Abstract: A device for housing the active and passive junction assemblies of underground-located telecommunications installations, with a removable holding fixture for the assemblies placed inside the container, has the following characteristics:a) the container (6) has a hollow main body portion (6a) and a shoulder portion (6b) which extends conically towards one end,b) a hollow neck portion (6c) is adjacent to the conical portion (6b),c) the container (6) is closed by a cover (7), which simultaneously serves as a sidewalk cover,d) the container (6) rests on a pipe (2) cast into a foundation (1), which protrudes from the foundation (1), while the hollow neck portion (6c) extends into the pipe (2).

Abstract: A structure for use with water drainage inlets includes an outside wall portion, a perforated bottom portion, and an inside wall portion. The outside wall, bottom, and inside wall together define a trough for retention of a replaceable filter media. The trough is installed on the inside surface of a drainage structure so that drainage water that would normally flow directly through the drainage structure is caused instead to flow through the filter media, thereby removing undesirable materials that may be carried in the water, while permitting the water itself to pass through essentially unimpeded to the ultimate drainage location.

Abstract: The root-space protection comprises a basic component (1) forming the root space and a cover (9) with a trunk aperture. In order to suit the root-space protection to the biological, technical and aesthetic requirements, the proposal is for a structural insert in which the basic component (1) is subdivided transversely to its vertical axis (2) into at least two parts (3, 4), where the upper part has a recess (5) for the cover.

Abstract: A locking device for securing a manhole cover support insert or a grate cover support insert to a utility access frame is disclosed. The locking device includes a plurality of rotatable locking members which are connected to the support insert. The locking members are rotatable between a position where they rest inside the perimeter of the utility access hole and a locking position outside the perimeter of the utility access hole. The locking members may be rotated from an easy to reach position above the utility access hole by turning the exposed head of a bolt. The locking members are stopped from rotating at their locking position by engagement with a stop. From their locking position, the locking members may be axially moved by further rotation of the bolt to lock the support to the frame.

Abstract: A plastic fluid distribution box for installation in a subterranean system for waste water transport includes a first wall having an opening in the wall, and an elastomeric seal mounted in the opening and including a second wall. The second wall is permanently and sealingly attached to the first wall adjacent to and around the opening. The elastomeric seal includes a third planar wall having an annular separation ring defining a second opening dimensioned to provide a watertight fit on a pipe of predetermined dimension. Walls connecting the third planar wall to the second wall are angled with respect to the planar wall by an angle selected from the group of angles consisting of generally 90 degrees and generally 180 degrees.

Abstract: In an underground configuration housing for telecommunication devices, a mechanically stable housing, which is closed by a removable cover, has an installation located inside which supports at least one telecommunication device. The installation supporting the telecommunication devices is a pot-shaped container with a cylindrical insert positioned therein so as to form a gap therebetween. The container is sealed in water-proof fashion by a removable cover and the telecommunication devices are located inside of the cylindrical insert.

Abstract: A skimmer cover for a secondary dispersement system orifice in a storm water catch basin prevents inflow of floatable materials, and especially hydrocarbons from motor vehicles, from entering the orifice. The orifice is defined in a neck extending spacedly above the bottom of the catch basin surface to carry the skimmer cover. The skimmer cover provides a top with a peripheral skirt diametrically larger than the neck and supported on the neck to depend therebelow to a point spacedly above the catch basin bottom surrounding the neck. An internal cylinder depends from the cover top within the skimmer cover skirt and defines plural spaced orifices to allow fluid passage therethrough and into the orifice defined by the neck. A depending fastening structure having opposed pivotal lever arms moved by a medial screw therebetween is carried by the skimmer cover top to allow releasable fastening of the skimmer cover within the neck orifice for positional establishment and maintenance of the skimmer cover thereon.

Abstract: A form for construction of a catch basin including a water insert form that has a front insert wall, a rear insert wall, a pair of side insert walls and a concave bottom edge. The front insert wall and the rear insert wall each have knockouts along the bottom. The mortar insert form is positioned over an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe of a catch basin for bridges. Also, included are a pair of thumb screws that are capable of being positioned through one of the side walls of the mortar insert form. Included is a height mortar bridge form that has a front bridge wall, a rear bridge wall, and a pair of side bridge walls. The front bridge wall and the rear bridge wall each have a concave bottom. The front bridge wall and the rear bridge wall each have an inner wall that sloops downwardly from a top edge to form a cross rib. Lastly, the height mortar bridge form is locked within the mortar insert form a pair of thumb screws. This provides a form for mortar to be poured into.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in manhole casting positioning apparatus and methods. In particular there is provided a casting positioning apparatus; for positioning a casting in relation to an upper end of a manhole, which comprises an inner sleeve comprising a rigid hollow cylinder having an annular flange extending around the upper circumference thereof. The diameter of the cylinder is less than that of the manhole lid opening. An annular resilient rubber ring or skirt whose inner diameter is slightly less than the outer diameter of the inner sleeve and whose outer diameter is greater than that of the manhole lid opening is stretched around the outer surface of the cylindrical inner sleeve. The lower end of the cylindrical inner sleeve is inserted into the upper end of the manhole, and lowered until the lower surface of the rubber ring rests on the upper edge of the manhole lid. Pressure is then applied downwardly on the flange of the sleeve to push it down to the desired height and slope.

Abstract: A manhole cover and frame assembly includes an outer frame having a support surface and a side wall that extends upward from the support surface and has a recessed portion. An inner frame is supportable on the support surface. The inner frame has a protrusion extending from the outer peripheral surface. The inner frame also includes an adjustable joint for adjusting the inner frame in its peripheral dimensions to expand to engage the protrusion with the recessed portion, thereby preventing upward movement of the inner frame, and to contract to remove the protrusion from the recessed portion. The inner frame also includes a cover support surface. A manhole cover is supportable on the cover support surface.

Abstract: A plastic stackable riser for providing a grade level access for underground components such as septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drop boxes, is disclosed. The stackable riser includes a continuous peripheral side wall having a top free edge and a bottom edge. The top free edge defines a first end opening and the second bottom edge is connected to a generally inverted U-shaped connecting member which defines a channel shaped to receive the first free edge portion of an adjacent stackable riser. In use, a plurality of stackable risers are interlocked together so that the side walls all extend along common vertical axes to the underground component.

Abstract: A method and article for sealing a manhole riser a catch basin, and a pipe juncture. The method is an economical process whereby elastomeric bands are placed around and inside a manhole riser, a catch basin, or a pipe juncture and effectively seals the manhole riser, catch basin, or pipe juncture from loss of water or infiltration of water and other contaminants such as gases and salt.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of repair for manholes and other like tubular structures and is more specifically directed to a sectioned panel assembly which is premanufactured for installation within an existing manhole.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing a manhole against entering liquid includes a support ring fixed to the manhole's skirt and a sealing member resting on the support ring. The sealing member has a base with a foam ring under it, and pressing members on top of it for pressing the base against the support ring with the foam in between. The sealing member also has a top which is flexibly connected to the base. The top is fixed to the manhole cover with a gasket between it and the cover.

Abstract: A resilient annular transition collar is provided for roadway structures, including manholes and catch basins, which acts as a flexible transition between the rigid structure or frame of the manhole and the semi-rigid structure of the asphalt paving. The resilient transition collar absorbs any movement of the pavement during expansion and contraction and this absorption avoids the prior art problems of break-up, cracking and separation between manhole and pavement. Risers or adjusting rings may be employed in conjunction with the transition collar to ensure a flush fit between the pavement surface and the upper surface of the transition collar. A mold structure for forming the collars includes heat transfer studs to provide an increased production rate.

Abstract: A concrete cover for a subterranean construction includes a cast-in plastic handle which holds a piece of rebar in the cover and removably holds a piece of rebar externally of the cover.

Abstract: A trench structure for a drain or chase is presented which can be quickly and economically constructed. A unique cap block, which has a notched face section for accepting a drain grate or trench cover and a laterally offset horizontal support section for retaining a paving member, forms the top rows of the trench side walls.

Abstract: A manhole base comprising a benching portion, an annular wall portion surrounding the benching portion and extending axially therefrom, the annular wall portion having inside and outside surfaces and at least two angularly spaced apart passages extending through the annular wall portion, each passage having inner and outer portions respectively, the inner and outer portions being disposed within the annular wall portion, the inner portions having respective inner openings in the inside surface and the outer portions having respective outer openings in the outer surface, the inner and outer openings being in communication with their respective passages. There is at least one canal in the benching portion for connecting at least two of the passages in communication with each other, the canal having an open top portion.

Abstract: A drain closure apparatus for closing a storm drain, or other type of drain, in a fluid-tight manner so as to prevent a flow of hazardous materials into the drain. The closure member comprises a first cover member having an outside diameter and a peripheral edge which corresponds to the outside diameter and peripheral edge of an existing drain cover member covering a drain to enable seating and supporting the first cover member in the drain in place of the existing drain cover member, a second cover member in a hole provided therefor in the center of the first cover member, said second cover member having holes in the top thereof so as to permit a flow of fluid through the second cover member and into the drain, a closure member, and a threaded rod for moving the closure member between a first position and a second position as the second cover member is rotated to selectively close the drain in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: In order to prevent hazardous substances--oils, fuels, deicing liquids--spilled onto the ground or pavement, e.g. at an airport, to enter storm sewer system with subsequent contamination of the environment, a catchbasin structure is provided comprising a receptacle with an opening closable with a valve in a manner to seal off the entry of the liquid into the storm sewer system. Instead, the liquid can be kept in the receptacle and on the ground in the area adjacent to the catchbasin, or selectively directed to a storage tank system for treatment or recovery.

Abstract: A method of positioning a pipeline across a water-course. A first coffer dam is formed to isolate a first area of the water-course and a first part of the pipeline is then positioned in the first area. A chamber is put at the distal end of the first part of the pipeline. The chamber has an upper portion with an open top and a lower portion as opposed ports to receive the pipeline. The first coffer dam is then dismantled. A second coffer dam is formed to isolate a second area of the water-course. The second area includes the chamber. The first and second areas of the water-course are positioned to include the path of the pipeline across the water-course. A second part of the pipeline is located in the chamber and a aligned with the first part of the pipeline. The ports are sealed around the pipeline. Water is removed from the chamber to allow make-up of the pipeline by joining of the first and second parts within the chamber. The upper portion of the chamber is removed and the second coffer dam is dismantled.

Abstract: An improved gate valve lid for covering an access tube of a service box assembly leading to a gate valve below street level. The lid has a vertical height which is greater than its diameter so that the lid may not be flipped out of the service box assembly. In one embodiment, the lid includes a two-part assembly having an upper portion which is sized to rest in a tapered upper section of the service box located near street level, and a lower portion which may be displaced laterally with respect to the upper portion to allow the lower portion to be centered within a lower section of the service box, which may be out of alignment with the upper section. In this embodiment, the lower adjustable portion of the gate valve lid is preferably a tubular element slidably located on a cross pin passing through holes located at the upper end of the element across a downwardly opening recess in the upper portion. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the lid is defined by a plurality of downwardly depending fingers.

Abstract: A retaining band assembly is provided for use in retaining a seal inside a pipe. The retaining band assembly includes a retaining band having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the retaining band has a flat surface and a first edge and the second end portion of the retaining band has a second edge. An expansion block is mounted on the flat surface of the retaining band in spaced-apart relation from the first edge to define a receiving surface on the flat surface. The expansion block includes an upright face extending in a direction generally normal to the flat surface. The second end portion is arranged to engage the receiving surface so that the upright face of the expansion block is positioned to lie in spaced-apart confronting relation to the second edge of the second end portion. A clip engages the second end portion and the first end portion adjacent to the receiving surface. The second edge is disposed between the expansion block and the clip.

Abstract: A spacer arrangement is provided for use in raising the height of a manhole cover frame, including one or more base spacer elements and one or more upper side extension elements; said one or more base spacer elements are adapted to be located within said manhole cover frame with said one or more side extension elements extending upwardly relative thereto; the spacer arrangement is adapted to receive a manhole cover; at least an underside surface of said one or more base spacer elements includes downwardly directed projections for stabilizing at least said one or more base spacer elements.

Abstract: A chamber for installation underground is formed of extruded or moulded plastics material. Preferably, the chamber comprises a plurality of sections (1,2,3) which are assembled in situ. The sections are preferably formed by cutting and jointing lengths of extruded or blow-moulded plastics material, and the chamber is then assembled by forming a stack of such sections.

Abstract: A plastic fluid subterranean distribution box with integral seal for a pipe, permanently and sealingly mounted in an opening in a wall of the box, including a substantially continuous annular bond between the seal and the wall on one side of the wall.

Abstract: A transition collar for use in road construction comprises an annular collar member made of elastomeric materials such as rubber. It has a generally planar top surface and a central opening sized to accommodate a rigid frame structure having an access opening formed therein. The collar member has a vertical outer wall that faces the road material, which outer wall has a number of horizontally extending, spaced apart ridges formed thereon. These ridges assist in securing the collar in a road bed. Preferably the uppermost ridge is spaced below the top surface of the collar. The collar can have a number of small bumps distributed over its top surface to improve traction for vehicles. Preferably these bumps have sloping sidewalls extending about their periphery. A cushioning device is used to adjust the position of the frame structure and comprises a flat, elastomeric member with exterior dimensions corresponding to those of the frame structure.

Abstract: A temporary manhole cover constructed of glass fiber reinforced resin grate fits into the standard manhole opening is strong enough to support a motor vehicle and light enough to be lifted out from below or above and also includes a cut out to the edge for pipes, tubing, and wires to be trained through the opening down the manhole.

Abstract: The invention is a monitoring well cover with a generally planar lid, a generally cylindrical rim, and one or more generally cylindrical skirts. The lid has threads on its side to secure the lid to the rim. The rim has an L-shaped upper edge for receiving and sealing tightly with the lid and has snaps positioned around its lower edge for receiving and sealing tightly with one of the skirts. The skirts each having flanges positioned around their upper ends and snaps positioned around their lower ends such that the first of the skirts may seal tightly with the rim and each subsequent skirt may seal tightly with the skirt preceding it. The lid, the rim, and the skirt are all constructed from a fiber reinforced, heat stabilized, high strength thermoplastic.

Abstract: Prefabricated concrete pipe encasements are disclosed for stabilizing underground conduit systems from movement caused by flotation, back filling or settling. In one embodiment, a sewer chimney includes a plastic riser connected between a tee-fitting in a sewer main and a cap block at a branch service line. At least one pipe encasement and a prefabricated concrete base encircles the riser for maintaining alignment with the tee-fitting. In other embodiments the pipe encasement encircles a generally horizontal pipe line.

Abstract: The manhole head assembly is for mounting a cover onto a manhole frame. This assembly has a lower annular rim member and an upper annular rim member. The lower member has a bottom side sized and shaped to rest on the manhole frame. It also has an opposite top side which has an inner surface portion sized and shaped to receive and support the peripheral bottom portion of the cover, and an outer surface portion. The upper annular rim member has a bottom side sized and shaped to rest onto the outer surface portion of the top side of the lower rim member in order to fully surround the peripheral edge of the cover when the same lays on the inner surface portion of the top side of the lower rim member. The upper annular rim member also has an opposite top side and a thickness substantially equal to the one of the peripheral sidewall of the cover. Bolts are used for anchoring to the manhole frame, the upper and lower rim members in operative position to receive and support the cover.

Abstract: A method and article for sealing a manhole riser and a catch basin. The method is an economical process whereby elastomeric bands are placed around a manhole riser and/or a catch basin and effectively seal the manhole riser and catch basin from infiltration of water and other contaminants.

Abstract: A manhole includes a carriage mounted on the underside of the cover that cooperates with a supporting guide channel located across the mouth of the manhole. the guide channel can be rotated to an incline so that the carriage can easily roll onto and from the supporting guide member. The free end of the guide channel is raised and lowered by a standard ratchet wrench inserted through the cover so that the operator need not lift any part of the cover manually. Once raised to the ready position, the operator simply pulls laterally on the cover handle to roll the cover slightly upward and laterally from the manhole opening. Once the cover clears the manhole, the guide channel can be rotated up and outward to provide access to the entire manhole area , if desired. To replace the cover, the guide channel is rotated to again extend across the manhole, the cover/carriage assembly is rolled laterally on to the guide channel until the cover edge contacts the ring edge.

Abstract: A cover assembly for manholes and the like has a hinged cover which is urged closed by gravity and open by an opposing bias force acting between the cover and cover base in such manner as to reduce the force required to open a relatively heavy cover whose weight exceeds the maximum single person lifting weight permitted by OSHA and union regulations to a value equal to or less than such maximum lifting weight. A manually releasable latch prevents uncontrolled closure of the cover by gravity in the event of failure of the bias force.