Modular access cover
AssigneesAccess Technical Centre Pty Ltd, Access Covers Australia Pty Ltd
InventorsJames Sharpe, Luca Giacomin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments generally relate to modular access covers. Example embodiments relate to an access cover assembly comprising: a first set of modular access covers and a second set of modular access covers, wherein in each set, adjacent covers are coupled; and a support frame comprising end frame pieces, side frame pieces, wall boxes, and a support beam. The end frame pieces and side frame pieces define a support plane to support the first and second sets of modular access covers. The wall boxes define a support surface to support the support beam and the end frame pieces, and the support surface is offset from the support plane and the wall boxes are connected to the end frame pieces and receive respective ends of the support beam.
Claims20
An access cover assembly comprising:
- a first set of modular access covers and a second set of modular access covers, wherein in each set, adjacent covers are coupled;
- and
- a support frame comprising end frame pieces, side frame pieces, wall boxes, and a support beam, the support beam comprising:
- a first beam end disposed opposite a second beam end;
- a web spanning the beam ends, the web connecting a first flange of the support beam to a second flange of the support beam;
- wherein the web comprises first and second tapered portions, the tapered portions tapering so that the second flange angles towards the first flange at the first and second beam ends to define first and second box structures respectively;
- wherein the first and second box structures have substantially a same depth as the end and side frame pieces;
- wherein the end frame pieces and side frame pieces define a support plane to support the first and second sets of modular access covers;
- wherein the wall boxes define a support surface to support the support beam and the end frame pieces, wherein the support surface is offset from the support plane and wherein the wall boxes are connected to the end frame pieces and the wall boxes receive the box structures at the respective beam ends of the support beam;
- and
- wherein the end frame pieces, side frame pieces and the support beam define first and second recessed portions of the support frame which respectively receive and support the first and second sets of modular access covers on the support plane.
A support beam for an access cover assembly, the support beam comprising:
- a support surface for supporting an edge of at least one modular access cover;
- a first wall and a first end surface at a first end of the support beam, and a second wall and a second end surface at a second end of the support beam;
- and
- a plurality of stiffeners disposed along the support beam between the first and second ends;
- wherein an angle between the first wall and the support surface is an obtuse angle to form a drawcut configuration;
- wherein an angle between the second wall and the support surface is an acute angle to form an undercut configuration;
- and
- wherein the first and second end surfaces are configured to engage with first and second wall boxes, and the first and second end surfaces are substantially coplanar with the support surface.
A modular access cover, comprising:
- a base plate having first and second end walls, and side walls;
- ribs disposed on the base plate and connecting the end walls and side walls to define a series of cavities;
- and
- a connecting portion adjacent the second end wall;
- wherein an angle between the first end wall and the base plate is an acute angle to form an undercut configuration, and wherein an angle between the second end wall and the base plate is an obtuse angle to form a drawcut configuration;
- wherein the connecting portion is configured to allow fixed coupling of the modular access cover to an adjacent modular access cover;
- and
- wherein the series of cavities is configured to receive and contain a filler material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.