# US 7,744,304 B2 · Socket hinged construction casting assembly

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- Number: US 7,744,304 B2
- Document ID: US7744304B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 11/458,271
- Filed: 2006-07-18
- Published: 2006-11-02
- Granted: 2010-06-29
- Earliest claimed: 2004-05-03
- Assignees: Neenah Foundry Company
- Inventors: Steven M. Akkala; Timothy J. Law
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7744304B2

## CPC

- E02D 29/14: Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers {(gully gratings E03F5/06)}
- E02D 29/1463: {Hinged connection of cover to frame}
- E02D 29/1427: {Locking devices}
- Y10T 137/7021: Covers
- E02D: FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS (specially adapted for hydraulic engineering E02B); UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES {(tunnels, tunnelling, mining E21)}
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A manhole or hatch cover assembly includes a frame defining an opening and a cover having a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter sized and dimensioned for receipt in the frame opening. The cover is coupled to the frame through a hinge connection and moveable between a closed positioned resting across the opening in the frame and an open position. A latch is pivotally coupled to the cover adjacent the hinge. The latch is selectively rotated onto the frame to retain the cover in the open position.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A manhole or hatch cover assembly comprising:
a frame including an inner flange extending radially inward from an edge of the frame;
a cover, the cover having a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter sized and dimensioned for receipt in the frame, the cover being coupled to the frame through a hinge connection and moveable between a closed positioned resting in the frame and an open position in which the frame is open; and
a latch pivotally coupled to the bottom surface of the cover adjacent the hinge, the latch being selectively rotated onto the inner flange to retain the cover in the open position.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The manhole or hatch cover assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the latch includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being angled with respect to the upper portion and configured to rest on the inner flange when the cover is in the open position.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The manhole or hatch cover assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the latch comprises a boss at a distal end of the lower portion adjacent an outer edge of the lower portion, the boss being sized and dimensioned to overhang and engage the inner flange of the frame when the cover is in the open position.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The manhole or hatch cover assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the latch is pivotally fastened to the cover with a hinge assembly.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The manhole or hatch cover assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising an aperture for receiving a device for pulling the latch.