Manhole cover locking device

A locking device for securing an unsecured manhole cover to its associated mounting frame, the locking device comprising:

• a) a body portion comprising a fin portion and a distal section for engaging a supporting shoulder of the mounting frame for the manhole cover;
• b) a frame catch portion, comprising:
• i) a vertical portion for fitting between the outside circumference of the manhole cover and its mounting frame;
• ii) an external horizontal portion;
• and
• iii) an exterior bolt for catching the exterior of the mounting frame ;
• and
• c) a locking portion, comprising:
• i) a cover bolt that is passed through an access hole of the outer circumference of the manhole cover;
• ii) a nut portion for receiving the cover bolt;
• and
• iii) a washer for fitting between the head of the cover bolt and the manhole cover, wherein the locking device can be fitted onto an unsecured manhole cover and its associated mounting frame and locked in place.

A method of installing a locking device for securing an unsecured manhole cover to its associated mounting frame, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) positioning a body portion of a locking device to engage a supporting shoulder of a mounting frame for a manhole cover;
• b) positioning a frame catch portion of the locking device to engage the exterior of the mounting frame;
• c) placing the manhole cover atop the supporting shoulder of the mounting frame;
• and
• d) tightening a cover bolt into a nut portion of the locking device to secure the locking device to the manhole cover and its associated mounting frame.