Abstract
A subgrade vault system with a locking lid assembly is provided. Specifically, a subgrade vault suitable for housing utility and similar equipment is provided, the vault comprising a main body portion, a cap, and a lid that may be selectively secured with one or more rotatable locking mechanisms to prevent or deter unauthorized access to vault contents.
Claims
1. A subgrade vault, comprising: a body portion comprising a plurality of side walls which define an enclosure; at least one of the plurality of sidewalls comprising a structure such that the vault comprises a first internal perimeter and a second internal perimeter, the first internal perimeter being less than the second internal perimeter; a lid comprising a top surface and a bottom surface and the bottom surface comprising at least one locking element that is rotatable between a first position and a second position, the first position comprising an unlocked position and the second position comprising a locked position wherein the locking element is provided in contact with at least one of the plurality of side walls of the body portion; a fastener extending through at least a portion of the locking element; the locking element having a predetermined length comprising a slot, and wherein the fastener extends through the slot and the slot enables movement of the locking element; and a biasing member provided substantially coaxially with the fastener that biases the locking element such that manipulation of the locking element is facilitated; and wherein the locking element comprises a nut at least partially disposed within a cage of the locking element, and wherein a rotation of the nut is opposed by the cage.
2. The subgrade vault of claim 1, further comprising a cap member operably interconnected to the upper end of at least one of the plurality of side walls.
3. The subgrade vault of claim 1, wherein a first end of the fastener is accessible via an aperture in said lid, and wherein movement of said fastener results in movement of said locking element between said first position and said second position.
4. The subgrade vault of claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises a second nut comprising a fixed nut that is secured to a distal end of the fastener.
5. The subgrade vault of claim 3, further comprising a washer fixed at the distal end of the of the fastener.
6. A lid adapted for locking engagement with a subgrade vault, said lid comprising: an upper surface oriented in a substantially horizontal plane, a lower surface, a predetermined length, a width, and a height; a locking member for releasably securing said lid to said subgrade vault, said locking member being movable with respect to said lid and provided on the lower surface of the lid; said locking member having a predetermined length and being movable between at least a first unlocked position and a second locked position, said second locked position characterized by a distal end of the locking member being in force transmitting communication with a surface of said vault; and a control member comprising a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being accessible from said lid and the control member is adapted for moving said locking member between said first position and said second position; the lid comprising at least one aperture for accessing the first end of the control member; wherein a nut is provided on the control member, and the nut is at least partially disposed within the locking member such that rotation of the nut is opposed by the locking member; the locking member comprising a planar portion with a slot provided therein enabling movement of the locking member, and wherein the control member extends through the slot; the planar portion comprising a cage with a second slot, wherein the control member extends through the second slot; and a biasing member provided with the control member and substantially perpendicular to said lower surface of said lid, the biasing member providing a force to the locking member.
7. The lid of claim 6, wherein activation of said control member results in movement of said locking member between said first position and said second position.
8. The lid vault of claim 6, wherein the planar portion of the locking member comprises a cage extending therefrom, and wherein the nut is provided within the cage.
9. The subgrade vault of claim 6, wherein the biasing member is compressed when the locking member is in a locked position.
10. The subgrade vault of claim 6, wherein the control member comprises a bolt and wherein the nut is provided on and moveable along an axis of the member.
11. The subgrade vault of claim 10, further comprising a washer fixed at a second end of the control member.
12. A subgrade vault assembly for providing an enclosed region to secure utility connections, said assembly comprising: a lid comprising an upper surface oriented in a substantially horizontal plane, a lower surface, a length, a width, and a height; a locking member positioned proximate to said lower surface of the lid and having a predetermined length and movable between at least a first unlocked position and a second locked position; said locking member interconnected to at least one of a bracket and an extension, said bracket or extension secured to said lower surface of said lid, and said locking member comprising a slot enabling movement of the locking member; a bolt extending through the slot, and a nut adapted for contacting a cage member of the rotatable locking member and effecting a movement of the locking member; a biasing member provided in communication with the bolt and providing a force on the locking member wherein the biasing member is provided in a compressed state when the locking element is provided in a locked position; a vault having a body portion comprising a plurality of side walls which define an enclosure, an upper end, and lower end, and at least one of the plurality of sidewalls is configured such that the vault comprises a first internal perimeter and a second internal perimeter, the first internal perimeter being less than the second internal perimeter; said locking member being movable between the first unlocked position and the second locked position, said second locked position characterized by a portion of the rotatable locking member being in force transmitting communication with an interior surface of a sidewall of said vault such that said lid and said vault are securely interconnected when said locking member is provided in said second position.
13. The subgrade vault of claim 12, wherein a first end of the bolt is accessible via said lid, and wherein movement of said bolt results in movement of said locking member between said first unlocked position and said second locked position.
14. The subgrade vault of claim 12, wherein said biasing member biases the locking member toward the first unlocked position.
15. The subgrade vault of claim 12, wherein rotation of the nut is opposed such that movement of the threaded member induces a movement of the nut along an axis of the threaded member to engage the locking member.
16. The subgrade vault of claim 12, wherein the lid comprises at least one aperture for accessing the first end of the threaded member such that movement of the locking member may be effected from an exterior of the vault.
17. The subgrade vault of claim 12, wherein the vault is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of concrete, fiberglass, plastic material, or cement.
18. The subgrade vault of claim 1, wherein the locking element is connected to the lid via a hinge member.
19. The subgrade vault of claim 6, wherein the lid comprises at least one plug covering the aperture for accessing the first end of the control member.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this disclosure invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
(2) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosures.
(3) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
(4) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a locking lid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
(5) FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the locking lid of FIG. 1;
(6) FIG. 3a is a partially exploded top perspective view of the locking lid of FIG. 1;
(7) FIG. 3b is a detailed top perspective view of the locking lid of FIG. 1;
(8) FIG. 4a is a partially exploded top perspective view of the locking lid according the embodiment of FIG. 1;
(9) FIG. 4b is a detailed top perspective view of the locking lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
(10) FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
(11) FIG. 5b is a detailed front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
(12) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken at line 6-6 and depicting a subgrade vault and cap;
(13) FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a locking lid according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;
(14) FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the locking lid of FIG. 7;
(15) FIG. 9a is a partially exploded top perspective view of the locking lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 7;
(16) FIG. 9b is a detailed top perspective view of the locking lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 7;
(17) FIG. 10a is a partially exploded top perspective view of the locking lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 7;
(18) FIG. 10b is a detailed top perspective view of the locking lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 7;
(19) FIG. 11a is a cross-sectional front view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with a cap attached to a subgrade vault;
(20) FIG. 11b is a detailed front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
(21) FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional front view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
(22) FIG. 13a is top perspective view of a lid according to an alternative embodiment;
(23) FIG. 13b is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13a;
(24) FIG. 14a is a bottom plan view of a lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 13a;
(25) FIG. 14b is an elevation view of a lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 13a;
(26) FIG. 14c is a side elevation view of a lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 13a;
(27) FIG. 15a is a top perspective view of a locking lid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
(28) FIG. 15b is a bottom perspective view of the locking lid of the embodiment of FIG. 15a;
(29) FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the locking lid of the embodiment of FIG. 15a;
(30) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a component of the locking lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 15a;
(31) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a component of the locking lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 15a;
(32) FIG. 19 is an elevation view of the locking lid according to the embodiment of FIG. 19;
(33) FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the locking lid of the embodiment of FIG. 19;
(34) FIG. 21a is a perspective view of a component of a locking lid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
(35) FIG. 21b is a perspective view of a component of a locking lid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(36) The present invention provides its benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is applicant's intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the method that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary method is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, can be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention, the invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification.
(37) Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.
(38) To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph.
(39) While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims.
(40) FIGS. 1-2 depict a lid 2 adapted for use with a subgrade vault (not shown) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the lid 2 is sized to rest upon a shoulder or shelf portion of a cap of the subgrade vault, such that an upper surface of the lid is generally flush with upper portions of the cap when the lid 2 is in a closed position. The lid 2 is provided with at least one aperture, and preferably two apertures 4a, 4b adapted to align with a portion of locking elements 6a, 6b, as will be described in greater detail herein. Apertures 4a, 4b provides access to locking features of the present disclosure, while maintaining a substantially flush or flat upper surface of the lid 2.
(41) In one embodiment, a security frame assembly 8 is provided on an underside or bottom of the lid 2. The security frame assembly 8 is preferably a substantially rigid steel frame structure which may be retrofitted to existing lids by standard connections, such as known fasteners 10.
(42) Various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate the use of tamper-proof or tamper-resistant fasteners, such that when a lid 2 is applied to a cap 12 and a fastener is employed to secure the lid 2, contents housed within a subgrade vault are generally inaccessible to those lacking the proper means (e.g. specialty tools). In various embodiments, selectively removable caps or covers are provided to protect fasteners from the elements, render them less obvious to potential trespassers, and/or create a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing upper portion of the lid 2.
(43) As shown in FIG. 3a, a utility vault 14 comprises an internal storage volume defined by internal walls of the vault 14. An upper portion 16 of the vault is provided with an inward taper or angle such that an internal perimeter of the vault 14 at one vertical location is less than an internal perimeter of the vault 14 at a lower vertical location. Tapered portion 16 provides a locking surface for contact with additional lid features as shown and described herein.
(44) Referring now to FIG. 3b, detail A of FIG. 3a is provided. As shown, the lid 2 is provided in a closed or locked position. Locking element 6b is oriented such that an interference fit is provided between the locking element 6b and a tapered portion 16 of the vault 14. The locking element 6b is selectively adjustable from an above-ground location to selectively position the locking element 6b between at least one locked and at least one unlocked position. The unlocked position of locking element 6b is depicted in FIGS. 4a-4b.
(45) In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3a-4b, the locking element 6b comprises a threaded member and an at least partially restrained nut. Referring now to FIGS. 5a-5b, the locking elements 6a, 6b are shown in more detail. FIGS. 5a-5b show the elements 6a, 6b in an open position. The locking elements 6 comprise a flange member 18 for contacting a nut 22 disposed on a vertically oriented threaded member 26. A biasing element 20, such as a coil spring is provided in combination with the threaded member 26. For illustration purposes, a line 24 is provided to indicate a vertical plane. When locking members 6 are disposed in the open or lowered position of FIGS. 5a and 5b, the lid 2 may be lifted vertically upward and the locking elements pass through an upper opening or aperture of the vault. When the locking elements 6 are raised and thus rotated outwardly, at least a portion of the locking element(s) will extend beyond the boundary line 24 to a position where contact is made between the locking element 6 and the tapered portion(s) 16 of the vault, thus prohibiting removal of the lid.
(46) In order to effect rotation of the locking elements 6 about hinges 28, a rotational force is imparted upon an upper portion of the threaded member 26, the upper portion being disposed above or within a thickness of the lid 2. The rotational force applied to the threaded member 26 further applies a rotational force upon the nut 22. However, rotational force upon the nut 22 is resisted and rotation of the nut 22 is substantially prevented by contact between the nut 22 and the flange 18. This resistance and prohibition on movement causes the nut 22 to translate along the length of the threaded member 26. As will be recognized by one of skill in the art, the direction of travel of the nut 22 will be dictated by the threading of the member 26 and the direction of rotation applied to the threaded member 26. Thus, when the appropriate rotation is applied to threaded member 26, a rotational force is applied to corresponding nut 22, whereupon rotation of the nut 22 is prevented by contact with flange 18 and the nut 22 translates upwardly, thus drawing locking element 6b to a closed position, the closed position characterized by at least a portion of the locking element 6b extending beyond boundary line 24.
(47) The closed position of locking features 6a, 6b is shown in FIG. 6. As shown, the locking elements 6a, 6b are both drawn upwardly such that a portion of the substantially rigid locking element 6a, 6b contacts the tapered portion 16 of the vault 14. FIG. 6 depicts the springs 20 provided around the threaded member 26 in a compressed state. Springs 20 provide the necessary force to allow the locking elements 6a, 6b to be lowered or transitioned into an unlocked state (See FIG. 5). It will be appreciated that where the appropriate rotation is applied to the threaded member 26 to translate the nut 22 down the length of the threaded member 26, the nut 22 is not capable of rotating the member 6 downwardly. That is, some additional force is required to move the member 6 and prevent the nut 22 from simply extending below the member 6 and flange 18, where the nut 22 would rotate freely. In various embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1-6, this force is provided by coil spring 20. Thus, when rotation is applied to the threaded member as depicted in FIG. 6, interaction between the nut 22 and flange 18 with cause the nut to move downward. The rotatable locking member 6 tracks or follows the nut 22 due at least in part to a downward force applied by the coil spring 20. A flange or washer is provided on a lower end of the threaded member 26 in various embodiments to prevent the nut 22 from becoming detached from the threaded member 26.
(48) FIGS. 7-8 are top and bottom perspective views of one embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. As shown, a locking lid 30 for interconnection with a subgrade vault is provided. In the embodiment shown, two substantially rigid hinged locking arms 32 are provided for securing the lid 30. The hinged locking arms 32 are rotatable about hinges 33, 35 and may be accessed or controlled from a single above-grade or surface level access point 34. Hinged locking arms 32 are provided for communication with at least one internal surface of a corresponding subgrade vault. The locking arms 32 are rotatable between at least one open or unlocked position and at least one closed or locked position.
(49) FIGS. 9a-9b depict a partial cut-away perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8. The lid 30 and associated locking arms 32 are shown in connection with a cap 36 and subgrade vault structure 38. Although subgrade vault structures are generally depicted as comprising rectangular cubes, it will be expressly recognized that the present disclosure is not so limited. Indeed, vaults of various sizes, dimensions, and proportions are contemplated as within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Locking arms 32 are each rotatable about at least one hinge 35, and preferably two hinges, such that they are selectively positionable between an open position and a closed or locked position.
(50) Referring now to FIG. 11a-11b, locking arms 32a, 32b are shown in an open position. Each locking arm is provided with two hinges 42a, 44a, 42b, 44b. A substantially vertically oriented threaded member 46 is provided. Hinge members 44a, 44b are both hingedly connected to a translatable member 48 on the threaded member 46. In one embodiment, translatable member 48 comprises a flanged nut or similar threaded member. The rotation of the translatable member 48 is opposed (e.g. by interconnection to non-rotatable elements) such that rotation of the threaded member 46 produces linear movement of the nut 48 along the threaded member 46. Based on the hinged connections 42a, 44a, 42b, 44b, distal ends 40 are angularly displaced when the nut 48 is translated. Thus, translation of the translatable member 48 causes movement of the ends 40 of the locking arms 32 between at least a locked and an unlocked position.
(51) FIG. 11b depicts a distal end 40 of a locking arm disposed in an open position. As shown, an approximately 3/16-inch clearance is provided between the narrowest portion of the vault 38 and the end of the locking arm 40. Various embodiments contemplate various gaps or spacing between locking elements and side walls of the vault. Various embodiments contemplate, for example, providing gaps between approximately 1/16 inches and 1 inch for an open position. Preferably, however, a sufficient tolerance is provided between locking elements and vault portions to accommodate for natural size changes of various components (e.g. due to thermal expansions/contractions, shifting of ground features and devices, etc.). Thus, preferred embodiments comprise gaps or tolerances of between approximately 3/16 inches and ½ inches.
(52) FIG. 12 depicts a closed position of the locking arms 32a, 32b wherein the distal ends 40 of the locking arms are rotated or otherwise repositioned into a position of engagement with the interior of the vault. Vertical displacement (i.e. removal) of the lid 30 is thus prevented. As shown, the translatable member 48 has been lowered (with respect to FIG. 11a) such that the arms 32a, 32b have been rotated about pivot points 42a, 44a, 42b, 44b and the distal ends 40 brought into contact with the interior surfaces of the vault.
(53) FIGS. 13a and 13b provide top and bottom perspective views of a lid according one embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. As shown, a lid 50 comprises one or more apertures 52, which are selectively sealable by cap or plug member 54. Rotating locking arms 56a, 56b are provided on an underside of the lid 50. For each locking arm 56, a bracket 58 is provided, the bracket 58 being secured to the underside of the lid. The bracket 58 comprises a substantially rigid structure and receives the locking arm 56 in a rotatable manner about hinge point 60. The locking arm 56 is rotatably secured to the bracket 60 through any one of a variety of known means and devices, including, but not limited to, nut and bolt connections.
(54) A control member 62 is provided which extends through a slot 61 in the locking arm 56. The control member 62 is contemplated as comprising, but is not limited to, a threaded rotatable member. The control member 62 of certain embodiments comprises a threaded member such as a bolt with a nut and wherein the rotation of the nut is opposed so as to facilitate translation of the nut along the length of the bolt. In alternative embodiments, the control member 62 comprises a worm gear for inducing rotational movement directly to a locking member 56. A top portion of the control member 62 is accessible from the aperture 52 provided in the top surface of the lid 50. When the control member 62 is rotated, a nut 64 is translated along the length of the control member 62 due in part to the nut being provided in a substantially fixed rotational position. Rotation of the nut 64 is at least partially restricted from rotation by contact with at least one flange member 65. Where rotation of the control member 62 is effected, yet rotation of the nut 64 is restricted, it will be recognized that the nut 64 will travel or creep along the length of the control member 64, similar to the features and functions described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-6. Such travel causes the locking arm 56 to rotate between a locked and an unlocked position by pivoting about hinge 60. The locked position is generally defined or characterized by the locking arm 56 being in a raised position such that a distal end of the locking arm contacts a sidewall of the vault and thus prevents removal of the associated lid. The unlocked position is generally defined or characterized by the locking arm 56 being in a lowered position such that a distal end of the locking arm is rotated away from a point of contact with the vault (i.e. either up or down) such that the lid may be removed without contact or interference between the arm 56 and an internal portion of the vault.
(55) In certain embodiments, the locking arms 56 are provided with biasing members to bias the locking arms toward an open position. In one embodiment, at least one of the locking arms 56 is provided with a coil spring provided substantially coaxial with the control member 62. The coil spring serves to bias the locking arm 56 toward an open position such that when the nut 64 is rotated, rotation of the locking arm is facilitated. This may be particularly advantageous, for example, where the locking arm 56 has been brought securely into contact with a sidewall of the vault and the force of gravity alone is not sufficient to subsequently lower the locking arm 56. In another embodiment, a torsion spring is provided proximal a hinge point 60 of the locking 56 to bias the locking arm 56 toward an open position. For example, the torsion spring may be provided around a bolt 60 that defines the hinge point, with a portion of the torsion spring applying a downward force on an upper surface of the locking arm 56 and thereby biasing the locking arm 56 toward an open or unlocked position. In embodiments that comprise one or more biasing elements, it is contemplated that the biasing elements do not comprise sufficient force to move the nut 64 downwardly in the absence of additional input. That is, downward movement of the nut 64 requires rotation of the control member 62 wherein corresponding rotation of the nut 64 is opposed by a flange member 65. Downward movement or creep of the nut 64 is therefore induced and a corresponding downward movement of the locking arm 56 is facilitated by the biasing force provided by the biasing member.
(56) In one embodiment, a coil spring is provided along a length of the threaded member to assist in downward movement of the locking arm 56 (see, e.g. FIG. 5a). Alternatively, one or more springs are provided at or proximal to the hinge point 60. For example, in one embodiment, a torsion spring is provided in the hinge point 60 to bias the locking arm 56 toward a lowered position. In various embodiments, threaded members of the present disclosure are provided in slots of the locking arm or feature to allow for rotation of the locking feature while the threaded member remains is a substantially fixed lateral position.
(57) FIGS. 14a-14c provide bottom plan, side elevation, and cross-sectional views of the lid 50. The underside of the depicted lid 60 comprises two locking arms 56a, 56b, although alternative embodiments contemplate any number of locking arms, including a single locking arm and three or more locking arms. A slot 61 is provided in the rotatable locking arms 56a, 56b to allow for rotation about bolt 60 without interference from vertically disposed control member 62.
(58) FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional view taken at section A-A of FIG. 14a. As shown, a pair of locking arms 56a, 56b are provided on corresponding brackets 58 and rotatable about a bolt 60 joining the respective arm 56 with the bracket 58. Control members 62 are provided and extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the lid 50. The control members 62 extend through slots in the locking members 56 and comprise a translatable member 64 for interaction with the locking member 56. Rotation of the translatable member 64, which preferably comprises a nut, is opposed by contact with a flange member 65 such that when rotation of the control member 62 is effected, this rotation induces a translational movement of the translatable member 64 along a length of the threaded member rather than a rotational movement about the axis of the control member 62. An upward (downward in FIG. 14b) movement of the translatable member 64 provides force to the locking member 56 and moves the locking member 56 into a locked position as shown and described herein. Rotational movement of the control member 62 may be accomplished by applying force to a head 69 of the control member 62, the head 69 being accessible through an aperture provided in an upper surface of the lid 50.
(59) FIG. 14c is a side elevation view of the lid 50 of FIGS. 14a-14b. As shown, the bolt 60 which connects the locking member 56 to the bracket 58 and defines an axis of rotation of the locking arm 56 comprises a torsion spring 70. The torsion spring 70 comprises an extension for applying force to the locking member 56 and facilitating an unlocking operation of the locking member 56. One of skill in the art will recognize that as a control member 62 is rotated and the opposed nut 64 is translated along a length of the control member 62, the nut 64 serves to raise the locking member 56. When the nut is lowered through reverse rotation, however, it will be recognized that the locking member 56 may require some additional input or force to follow the nut 64 downwardly, particularly where the locking member 56 has been brought into contact with an internal side portion of a vault. The spring 70 provides this additional biasing force. The spring force of the spring 70 is not of sufficient magnitude, however, to move or translate the nut by itself. Rather, the spring 70 cooperates with a rotational movement of the control member 62 to lower the locking member 56. In various embodiments a washer or limiter 67 is provided at a distal end of the control member 62 to prevent the nut 64 from being inadvertently translated off of the control member 62.
(60) FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a locking lid 80 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the lid comprises a substantially rectangular lid with an upper surface 82. The upper surface 82 is adapted to and intended to be provided proximal to and/or flush with a ground surface. As with other embodiments shown and described herein, the lid 80 is operable to selectively close and secure an interior volume comprising an enclosure for utility connections (for example). It is an object of embodiments of the present disclosure to provide an enclosed space that is selectively accessible to authorized or qualified personnel, while limiting access to others. Accordingly, the embodiment of FIG. 15a comprises locking means to secure the lid 80 to an enclosure. Specifically, and as shown in FIG. 15a, the lid 80 comprises first and second locking elements 86a, 86b that comprise rotatable wings or arms. The locking elements 86a, 86b are rotatable about an axis, and are rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Although not shown in FIGS. 15a-15b, various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that at least one threaded member is provided with the lid 80, wherein the threaded member extends through an aperture 90a, 90b in the lid and wherein a portion of the threaded member (e.g. a head of the threaded member) is accessible from an upper side of the lid 80. The threaded member is in communication with at least one of the locking elements 86a, 86b as shown and described herein. The lid 80 comprises a sidewall 84 extending around a perimeter of the lid 80. In various embodiments, the sidewall 84 is adapted to nest within a portion of a cap of an enclosure or vault system.
(61) FIG. 15b is a bottom perspective view of the lid 80 shown in FIG. 15a. As provided in FIG. 15b, first and second locking elements 86a, 86b are provided. The locking elements 86a, 86b are rotatably attached to extensions 92a, 92b which preferably extend from a lower surface 88 of the lid 80. In the depicted embodiment, the extensions 92a, 92b extend substantially perpendicularly from the lower surface 88. It will be recognized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments, and various alternatives to the extensions shown in FIG. 15b are contemplated. In certain embodiments, the extensions 92 and at least a lower portion of the lid 80 are formed of a single piece of material. For example, the lower portion 88 of the lid 80 and the extensions 92 may be cast or molded as a single piece. The locking elements 86a, 86b are rotatably connected to the extensions by fasteners 94a, 94b, such as a bolt or pin. The locking elements 86a, 86b are thus rotatable about an axis that generally corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the fasteners(s) 94. The locking elements 86a, 86b comprise a substantially planar portion 87 with a cage 100 extending from the substantially planar portion 87. The cage 100 comprises an elongate slot 99 through which the threaded fastener extends. The elongate nature of the slot 99 allow for a rotation of the locking element 86, even when a threaded fastener is provided through the locking element 86.
(62) FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the lid 80 according to the embodiments of FIGS. 15a and 15b. For illustration purposes, the lid 80 in FIG. 16 is shown without the locking members 86a, 86b. As shown in FIG. 16, the lid 80 comprises a plurality of extensions 92 for receiving locking elements. Apertures 90a, 90b extend through the lid from an upper surface of the lid (see FIG. 15a). The apertures are provided through a protrusion 99. The protrusions 99 and extensions 92 are preferably formed with a bottom surface of the lid 80 as a single element. For example, the lid 80, the extensions 92 and the protrusions 99 are contemplated as being cast as a single piece of iron or molded as a single pieced of plastic. In alternative embodiments, the extensions 92 and/or protrusions 99 may be provided as attachment members that are secured (e.g. welded) to the lid 80.
(63) FIGS. 17-18 are perspective views of a locking element 86 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the locking element 86 comprises a rotatable locking feature for securing at least a portion of a lid (not shown in FIG. 17) to a cap or another portion of a vault. Accordingly, the locking element 86 preferably comprises a rigid material including, but not limited to, a ferrous material. The locking element 86 comprises a substantially planar portion 87 with a cage extending therefrom. The cage 100 comprises an elongate aperture 104. The substantially planar portion 87 also comprises an elongate aperture 102. Both elongate apertures 102, 104 are provided to enable or allow a rotation of the locking element 86 when a fastener (e.g. threaded bolt) is provided and extends through the cage 100. The locking element 86 further comprises first and second extensions 95 that extend from the substantially planar portion 87. Preferably, the first and second extensions 95 extend from the substantially planar portion on an opposite side of the substantially planar portion from the cage 100. The extensions 95 comprise apertures 96 for receiving a bolt or similar fastener and for securing the locking element 86 to a lid such that the locking element 86 is rotatable and as shown and described herein.
(64) FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a locking lid assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the lid 80 comprises an upper surface 82 and a sidewall 84. Preferably, the upper surface 82 extends beyond the sidewall 84 and provides a lip 106 or overhang that is adapted to rest on and be positioned on a cap of an enclosure or vault, for example. The lid assembly further comprises first and second locking elements 86a, 86b that are selectively rotatable. The locking elements 86 are rotatable about an axis that corresponds to a longitudinal axis of a fastener 94a, 94b provided through a bracket or other extension 114a, 114b, respectively. The upper surface of the lid comprises apertures 90a, 90b or similar access points through which fasteners are provided. Preferably, the fasteners extend downwardly through the lid and through the locking elements 86. Manipulation and manual rotation of the fasteners is operable to provide a force to rotate the locking elements 86 as shown and described herein.
(65) As shown in FIGS. 19-20, distal ends of the fasteners are provided with a secure or fixed nut 112a, 112b. The fixed nuts 112a, 112b are provided to prevent the locking elements 86 from rotating off of or below the fastener(s). In order to effectuate a rotation of the locking element 86 about a horizontal axis generally corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the fastener(s) 94a, 94b, a moveable nut 115 is provided within each cage 100 of each locking element 86. When the fastener 120 is rotated, a corresponding rotation of the moveable nut 115 that would otherwise occur is opposed by sidewalls of the cage(s) 100. The opposition of rotation of the moveable nut(s) 115 results in a movement of the nut 115 along a length of the fastener 120, wherein the direction of linear movement of the moveable nut 115 depends upon a direction of rotation of the fastener 120. The linear movement of the moveable nut 115 serves to pull a locking member 86 upwardly or push the locking member 86 downwardly. The locking members 86 are thus rotatable between a lowered position corresponding to an unlocked position of the lid, and a raised position corresponding to a locked position of the lid wherein the locking element 86 is in contact with a sidewall of a vault (for example). In the embodiment of FIG. 19, springs 110a, 110b are provided on each of the fasteners 120. The springs 110a, 110b, which are provided in the form of a coil spring in the embodiment of FIG. 19, serve to bias the locking element 86 downwardly (at least with respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 19). The spring(s) 110 are operable to prevent the locking elements from getting caught or stuck in a raised or locked position.
(66) FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the lid 80 of FIG. 19. As shown, the lid 80 comprises a pair or locking elements 86a, 86b that are rotatable interconnected to bracket members 114a, 114b. As shown in FIG. 20, fasteners extend through an upper portion of the lid 80 and through a fastener 90 and at least a portion of the locking element 86.
(67) FIGS. 21a-21b are perspective views of a locking element and related hardware according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The locking elements of FIGS. 21a-21b are shown in isolation for illustrative purposes. The elements may be but are not necessarily formed or provided as individual or separable components from a lid. As shown, the locking element 86 is rotatable attached to a base portion 89 with extensions 92. The locking element 86 is rotatable with respect to the base 88 and lid (not shown) about a bolt 94 or similar fastener. Apertures 90 extend through a lid and through a protrusion 99. The aperture 90 is adapted to receiving a threaded fastener, which also preferably extends through elongate slots 102, 104 provided in the locking element.
(68) The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.
(69) Moreover, though the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g. the use of a certain component described above alone or in conjunction with other components may comprise a system, while in other aspects the system may be the combination of all of the components described herein, and in different order than that employed for the purpose of communicating the novel aspects of the present disclosure. Other variations and modifications may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. This method of disclosure is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.
