GB2272236A - Improvements relating to pivotal covers - Google Patents

Improvements relating to pivotal covers Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2272236A
GB2272236A GB9223385A GB9223385A GB2272236A GB 2272236 A GB2272236 A GB 2272236A GB 9223385 A GB9223385 A GB 9223385A GB 9223385 A GB9223385 A GB 9223385A GB 2272236 A GB2272236 A GB 2272236A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
end region
link arm
cover member
assembly
recess
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9223385A
Other versions
GB2272236B (en
GB9223385D0 (en
Inventor
George William Williams
Graham George Sinkinson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Frederick Jones & Son
Original Assignee
Frederick Jones & Son
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Frederick Jones & Son filed Critical Frederick Jones & Son
Priority to GB9223385A priority Critical patent/GB2272236B/en
Publication of GB9223385D0 publication Critical patent/GB9223385D0/en
Publication of GB2272236A publication Critical patent/GB2272236A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2272236B publication Critical patent/GB2272236B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
    • E02D29/12—Manhole shafts; Other inspection or access chambers; Accessories therefor
    • E02D29/14—Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers
    • E02D29/1463—Hinged connection of cover to frame
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
    • E02D29/12—Manhole shafts; Other inspection or access chambers; Accessories therefor
    • E02D29/14—Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers
    • E02D29/1418—Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers with implements to assist in lifting, e.g. counterweights, springs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C17/00—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith
    • E05C17/02—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means
    • E05C17/04—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing
    • E05C17/12—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod
    • E05C17/24—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod pivoted at one end, and with the other end running along a guide member
    • E05C17/28—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod pivoted at one end, and with the other end running along a guide member with braking, clamping or securing means at the connection to the guide member

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Superstructure Of Vehicle (AREA)

Abstract

A pivotal cover assembly comprises a cover member (1), pivotally attached to a support frame member (3) with a support stay (9) extending between the cover member (1) and the support frame member (3). The stay (9) comprises a link arm (11) and a securing means (13). One end region (15) of the link arm (11) being pivotally attached to the support frame member (3) and a projection (17) at the other end region of the link arm (11) being slidably located in an elongate aperture (19) formed in the cover member (1). Said projection (17) slides between one end region (23) and the other end region of the elongate aperture (19) as the cover member (1) is pivoted towards an open position. Said securing means (13) is pivotally attached to the cover member (1) adjacent to the said one end region of the elongate aperture (19), and has a recess (33) into which the said other end region of the link arm (11) engage when the cover is pivoted to the open position. <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO PIVOTAL COVERS The present invention relates to a pivotal cover assembly.
More particularly the present invention relates to a pivotal cover assembly for use in closing an access opening such as an opening for gaining access to a water main, or a container, the assembly comprising a cover member pivotally attached to a support frame member. Such cover members may comprise planar sheet material to completely close off an opening, or be in the form of a grating or the like.
Pivotal access covers for gaining access to, for example, water mains or the like are relatively large heavy structures, usually located at ground level.
When the cover assembly is to be opened the cover member is first unlocked, if normally secured against unauthorised entry, and then pivoted upwards to a near vertical position, and to hold the heavy cover member in this near vertical position whilst access is gained to the water main, a sliding support stay can be provided. This stay comprises an elongate link arm, one end region of the elongate link arm being pivotally attached usually to a side of the support frame, and the other end region engaging in an elongate aperture provided in a depending projection of the cover member, so that as the cover member is lifted, i.e. pivoted upwardly, the other end region of the link arm slides from one end region of the aperture towards the other end region.The said other end region of the aperture has a lateral recess into which the projection moves when the cover member is in the open position, the cover member then being thus supported in this open position. However, if the wind blows or the cover member is knocked, the projection can be moved out of the lateral recess to allow the cover member to drop to the closed position. This, besides being undesirable, is dangerous with such a heavy cover member and could cause an injury or damage.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a pivotal cover assembly with a support stay which remains positively locked in position supporting the cover member in the desired open position until the support stay is purposely released.
According to the present invention there is provided a pivotal cover assembly comprising a cover member pivotally attached to a support frame member with a support stay extending between the cover member and a fixed location, the stay comprising a link arm and a securing means, one end region of the link arm being pivotally attached to one of said members and a part of the other end region of the link arm being slidably located in an elongate aperture formed in the other of said members, said part of the other end region of the link arm sliding between one end region of the elongate aperture and the other end region of the elongate aperture as the cover member is pivoted relative to the frame member towards an open position, said securing means being pivotally attached to the other of said members adjacent to the other end region of said elongate aperture, and having a recess into which the said other end region of the link arm can engage, said securing means pivoting to a position to receive and retain said other end region of the link arm in said recess when said part of the link arm approaches said other end region of the elongate aperture.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the securing means is spring biased towards the position wherein said recess receives said other end region of the link arm, the pivotal securing means being preferably pivotally mounted between two parallel planar plates extending normally from the underside of the cover member. An elongate aperture is provided in each planar plate and said other end region of the link arm is likewise located between the said plates with oppositely directed lateral projections provided at said other end region of the link arm engaging in said elongate apertures.The securing means preferably has a generally S-shaped configuration when viewed along its pivotal axis which is positioned in its mid-region, with an upper arm and a lower arm, the lower arm extending behind the link arm when the cover member is in the closed position and the upper arm being spring biased towards the cover member. Thus the lower arm is spring biased against the other end region of the link arm, said other end region of the link arm sliding along said lower arm of the securing means as the cover member is pivoted upwardly to an open position.As the cover member approaches the near vertical open position the other end region of the link arm reaches a position wherein it is adjacent to said recess which is provided in the lower end region of the said lower arm, the spring bias, or gravity, pivoting the securing means so that the other end region of the link arm engages in the recess, the cover member thus being positively supported by the link arm and securing means. Preferably, said other end region of the link arm is rounded and said recess is rounded, the recess having a lip over which the other end of the link arm must pass to gain entry to the recess, the lip retaining the link arm in the recess until release is required. To release and close the cover member, the cover member is first pivoted further towards the near vertical position to thus lift said other end region of the link arm off the base of the recess.Then the upper arm of the securing means is manually pulled against the spring bias to move the lower arm towards the cover member. In this position the other end region of the link arm is clear of the recess and the cover member can be lowered to the closed position, the other end region of the link arm sliding along said lower arm of the securing means.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the support frame member is upstanding from the surface in which it is secured and the cover member overlaps the frame member and has a depending lip. In this way a variety of locks and vents which are hidden from view and difficult to tamper with can be provided behind the depending lip.
The present invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position; Fig.2 is a partial view of the embodiment of Fig.1 in a closed position; Fig.3 illustrates the provision of gas cylinders for use in assisting the operation of the present invention.
Figs. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d illustrate different types of lock for use in the present invention; Fig.5 illustrates a catch mechanism for locking the cover assembly of the present invention and allowing it to be opened solely from underneath; and Fig.6 illustrates an air vent which is provided in the support frame of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises a generally rectangular cover member 1 and a generally rectangular support frame member 3, the cover member 1 being pivotally attached at 5 to the support frame member 3, and overlapping the support frame 3 in the closed position with a depending lip 7 of the cover member 1 extending downwards at a spaced distance from the perimeter of the frame member 3.
To hold the cover member 1 in a near vertical open position, as illustrated in Fig.l, a support stay assembly generally designated 9 is provided. This stay assembly 9 comprises an elongate link arm 11 and securing means 13. One end region 15 of the link arm 11 is pivotally connected to the support frame member 3 whilst the other end region of the link arm 11 has oppositely directed parts or projections 17 which engage in respective elongate apertures 19 provided in two parallel planar plates 21 which project normally from the underside of the cover member 1, the link arm being thus located between said plates 21. In the closed position (see Fig.2) of the cover member 1 the said other end region of the link arm 11 is located towards one end region 23 of the respective elongate apertures 19, and in opening the cover assembly, i.e.
pivoting the cover member 1 upwardly, the said other end region of the link arm 11 moves towards the other end region of the elongate apertures 19.
The securing means 13 comprises a generally elongate S-shaped member which is pivotally mounted between said plates 21 at 25, adjacent to said one end region of the elongate apertures 19. The S-shaped member has a lower arm 27 which is located between the link arm 11 and the underside of the cover member 1 when the cover member 1 is in the closed position, and an upper arm 29 which is spaced from but generally parallel to, the underside of the cover member 1. The upper arm is spring biased towards the underside of the cover member 1 by a spring 31, thus pressing the lower arm 27 against the said other end region of the link arm 11.
As the cover member 1 is opened, i.e. lifted upwardly, the other end region of the link arm 11 moves along the elongate apertures 19 and said lower arm 27 of the securing means. Provided at the free end region of the lower arm 27 is a curved recess 33 with a lip 35, and as the said other end region of the link arm 11 approaches the free end region of the lower arm 27 the bias of the spring 31 pivots the S-shaped member so that the other end region of the link arm 11 moves over the lip 35 and into the recess 33. If the cover member 1 is now moved in the closing direction slightly, the other end region of the link arm 11 engages the base of the recess 33 and is retained in this position by lip 35. Thus the cover member is positively held in the open position.To release the cover member 1 and allow it to be closed, the cover member 1 is first moved in the opening direction to lift the other end region off the base of recess 33 and allow the S-shaped member to be manually pivoted against the spring 31, the other end region of the link arm 11 passing over the lip 35. The cover member 1 can then be lowered and the S-shaped member released to engage behind the link arm 11.
The cover member 1 being a relatively heavy item, especially when designed to close off access to water mains etc., gas spring units 37 (see Fig.3) can be provided to take at least part of the weight of the cover member as it is moved to a closed position.
Further, as a result of the cover member 1 overlapping the support frame member 3, and the provision of the depending lip 7, the pivotal attachment 5 of the cover member 3 to the frame member 5 is protected and tamper-proof. Also, as shown in Figs. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d of the accompanying drawings, different types of locks can be used to secure the cover member 1 against unauthorised opening, the lock being inaccessibly located behind the depending lip 7 out of line of sight, thus reducing the likelihood of tampering. In Fig.4a a simple padlock 39 is utilised.
In Fig.4b a multi-lever lock 41 requiring a special key is used. In Fig.4c a simple turncatch 43 is used, and in Fig.4d a single lever lock 45 requiring a special key is used.
In Fig.5, a catch 46 is provided on the underside of the cover member 1 to prevent access from above and only allow for the cover assembly to be opened from within.
Further, to allow for venting of the closed region without the possibility of undesired extraneous fluids being introduced into the closed region by unauthorised personnel, a mesh filter 47 (see Fig.6) can be provided in the side of the frame member 3 behind the depending lip 7, with a flange 49 projecting from the frame member 3 below the filter 47 to further inhibit unauthorised access.
The present invention thus provides for a cover assembly with a simple stay assembly which enables the cover member to be positively retained in an open position, requiring positive release for closing and thus obviating the possibility of accidental closing which could result in injury and damage especially with the heavy cover assemblies used to prevent unauthorised access to installations in the water industry or in any other industry in which such cover assemblies are used.

Claims (11)

1. An pivotal cover assembly comprising a cover member pivotally attached to a support frame member with a support stay extending between the cover member and a fixed location, the stay comprising a link arm and a securing means, one end region of the link arm being pivotally attached to one of said members and a part of the other end region of the link arm being slidably located in an elongate aperture formed in the other of said members, said part of the other end region of the link arm sliding between one end region of the elongate aperture and the other end region of the elongate aperture as the cover member is pivoted relative to the frame member towards an open position, said securing means being pivotally attached to the other of said members adjacent to the other end region of said elongate aperture, and having a recess into which the said other end region of the link arm can engage, said securing means pivoting to a position to receive and retain said other end region of the link arm in said recess when said part of the link arm approaches said other end region of the elongate aperture.
2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which said securing means is spring biased towards the position wherein said recess receives said other end region of the link arm.
3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the pivotal securing means is pivotally mounted between two parallel planar plates extending manually from the underside of the cover member.
4. An assembly as claimed in claim 3, in which an elongate aperture is provided in each plate and said other end region of the link arm is likewise located between said plates with oppositely directed lateral projections provided at said other end region of the link arm, engaging in said elongate apertures.
5. An assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the securing means has a generally S-shaped configuration when viewed along its pivotal axis which is positioned in its mid-region, with an upper arm and a lower arm, the lower arm extending behind the link arm when the cover member is in the closed position, and the lower arm being spring biased against the other end region of the link arm.
6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5, in which the lower arm has a recess in its free end region, the said other end region of the link arm engaging in the recess when the cover member attains a desired open position.
7. An assembly as claimed in claim 6, in which the recess is rounded and has a lip over which said other end of the link arm must pass to gain entry to the recess, the lip retaining the links arm on the recess until release is required.
8. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover member overlaps the frame member and has a depending lip.
9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which a lock is provided to secure the cover member in a closed position, the lock being located behind the said depending lip.
10. An assembly as claimed in claim 8 or 9, in which a vent is provided in the frame member behind said depending lip.
11. A pivotal cover assembly constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
GB9223385A 1992-11-07 1992-11-07 Improvements relating to pivotal covers Expired - Fee Related GB2272236B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9223385A GB2272236B (en) 1992-11-07 1992-11-07 Improvements relating to pivotal covers

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9223385A GB2272236B (en) 1992-11-07 1992-11-07 Improvements relating to pivotal covers

Publications (3)

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GB9223385D0 GB9223385D0 (en) 1992-12-23
GB2272236A true GB2272236A (en) 1994-05-11
GB2272236B GB2272236B (en) 1996-05-01

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GB9223385A Expired - Fee Related GB2272236B (en) 1992-11-07 1992-11-07 Improvements relating to pivotal covers

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2381820A (en) * 2001-11-13 2003-05-14 Graham Munn Lockable window assembly for supporting tilting pane
WO2010106266A1 (en) * 2009-03-18 2010-09-23 Norinco Road system apparatus with a safety device for at least one buffer of the apparatus
GB2493852A (en) * 2011-08-19 2013-02-20 Underground Vision Uk Ltd Device for keeping manhole cover in open position

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0507708A1 (en) * 1991-04-05 1992-10-07 Societe Anonyme Dite : Sodif Safety device for hinged manhole cover

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0507708A1 (en) * 1991-04-05 1992-10-07 Societe Anonyme Dite : Sodif Safety device for hinged manhole cover

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2381820A (en) * 2001-11-13 2003-05-14 Graham Munn Lockable window assembly for supporting tilting pane
GB2381820B (en) * 2001-11-13 2005-03-23 Graham Munn Window assembly
WO2010106266A1 (en) * 2009-03-18 2010-09-23 Norinco Road system apparatus with a safety device for at least one buffer of the apparatus
FR2943359A1 (en) * 2009-03-18 2010-09-24 Norinco SAFETY DEVICE FOR AT LEAST ONE BUFFER, IN PARTICULAR A PAVEMENT LOOK
GB2493852A (en) * 2011-08-19 2013-02-20 Underground Vision Uk Ltd Device for keeping manhole cover in open position

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2272236B (en) 1996-05-01
GB9223385D0 (en) 1992-12-23

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19971107