LIGHTWEIGHT MOLDED COVERS AND PLATES

Abstract

Disclosed is a cover for a utility vault and a method for making such covers. The cover is formed from fiberglass reinforcement layers, a low-density core, and a polymer mix matrix. The reinforcement layers include a bottom reinforcement layer, one or more edge reinforcement layers, and a top reinforcement layer. A first portion of the edge reinforcement layer overlaps a portion of the bottom reinforcement layer and a second portion of the edge reinforcement layer overlaps a portion of the top reinforcement layer. The core is positioned between the top and bottom reinforcement layers. The reinforcement layers are formed from fiberglass fabric and may include fiberglass layers whose fibers are oriented quadraxially. The polymer mix impregnates the fabric layers, encases the core, and binds the components together. The polymer matrix includes a thermoset polymer resin.

Claims

1-9. (canceled)

10. A method for forming covers for an underground structures or plates for covering holes, the method comprises the steps of: providing a mold cavity configured in a predefined shape to form the cover a desired underground structure; placing an edge reinforcement layer along at least one side of the mold cavity such that a first portion of the edge reinforcement layer is proximate a bottom surface of the mold cavity; placing a top reinforcement layer proximate the bottom surface of the mold cavity, wherein the first portion of the edge reinforcement layer and at least a portion of the top reinforcement layer overlap; placing a core in the mold cavity proximate the top reinforcement layer; placing a bottom reinforcement layer proximate the core; folding a second portion of the edge reinforcement layer such that the second portion of the edge reinforcement layer and at least a portion of the bottom reinforcement layer overlap; and introducing a polymer mixture into the mold cavity.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of introducing comprises pouring the polymer mixture into the mold cavity or injecting the polymer mixture into the mold cavity.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the polymer mixture comprises a thermoset polymer and a hardener.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the polymer mixture further comprises a filler.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the filler comprises one or more of limestone aggregate, silica sand, chopped fiberglass fibers, polymer fibers, metallic fibers, fly ash, expanded glass beads, glass beads, expanded ceramic particles or ceramic particles.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein one or more of the top reinforcement layer, the bottom reinforcement layer or the edge reinforcement layer include a fiberglass fabric.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the fiberglass fabric comprises a quadraxial fabric.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the core comprises a low-density material.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the low-density material comprises one or more of balsa wood, expanded polymer foam, metal honeycomb or polymer honeycomb.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein the mold cavity includes at least one inlet port and at least one in communication therewith, and wherein the method further comprises the steps of: placing a first infiltration mat in the mold cavity below the core; placing a second infiltration mat in the mold cavity above the core; closing the mold cavity; applying a vacuum to the outlet port; and introducing the polymer mixture into the mold cavity through the inlet port.

20. A method for forming covers for an underground structures or plates for covering holes, the method comprises the steps of: providing a mold cavity configured in a predefined shape to form the cover for the underground structure or the plate for covering the hole; introducing a first portion of a polymer mixture into the mold cavity so that the first portion of the polymer mixture is proximate a bottom surface of the mold cavity; placing an edge reinforcement layer along at least one side of the mold cavity such that a first portion of the edge reinforcement layer is within the first portion of the polymer mixture and proximate the bottom surface of the mold cavity; placing a top reinforcement layer within the first portion of the polymer mixture and proximate the bottom surface of the mold cavity, wherein the first portion of the edge reinforcement layer and at least a portion of the top reinforcement layer overlap; placing a core in the mold cavity proximate the top reinforcement layer; placing a bottom reinforcement layer proximate the core; folding a second portion of the edge reinforcement layer such that the second portion of the edge reinforcement layer and at least a portion of the bottom reinforcement layer overlap; and introducing a second portion of a polymer mix into the mold cavity.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the steps of introducing include pouring the polymer mixture into the mold cavity or injecting the polymer mixture into the mold cavity.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the polymer mixture comprises a thermoset polymer and a hardener.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the polymer mixture further comprises a filler.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the filler comprises one or more of limestone aggregate, silica sand, chopped fiberglass fibers, polymer fibers, metallic fibers, fly ash, expanded glass beads, glass beads, expanded ceramic particles or ceramic particles.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein one or more of the top reinforcement layer, the bottom reinforcement layer and the edge reinforcement layer include a fiberglass fabric.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the fiberglass fabric comprises a quadraxial fabric.

27. The method of claim 20, wherein the core comprises a low-density material.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the low-density material comprises one or more of balsa wood, expanded polymer foam, metal honeycomb or polymer honeycomb.

29. A method for forming covers for an underground structures or plates for covering holes, the method comprises the steps of: providing a mold cavity configured in a predefined shape to form the cover a desired underground structure, the mold cavity having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port in communication therewith; placing an edge reinforcement layer along at least one side of the mold cavity such that a first portion of the edge reinforcement layer is proximate a bottom surface of the mold cavity; placing a top reinforcement layer proximate the bottom surface of the mold cavity, wherein the first portion of the edge reinforcement layer and at least a portion of the top reinforcement layer overlap; placing a core in the mold cavity proximate the top reinforcement layer; placing a bottom reinforcement layer proximate the core; folding a second portion of the edge reinforcement layer such that the second portion of the edge reinforcement layer and at least a portion of the bottom reinforcement layer overlap; closing the mold cavity; applying a vacuum to the outlet port; and introducing a polymer mixture into the mold cavity through the inlet port.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising the steps of: placing a first infiltration mat in the mold cavity below the core; and placing a second infiltration mat in the mold cavity above the core.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the polymer mixture comprises a thermoset polymer and a hardener.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the polymer mixture further comprises a filler.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the filler comprises one or more of limestone aggregate, silica sand, chopped fiberglass fibers, polymer fibers, metallic fibers, fly ash, expanded glass beads, glass beads, expanded ceramic particles or ceramic particles.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein one or more of the top reinforcement layer, the bottom reinforcement layer or the edge reinforcement layer include a fiberglass fabric.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the fiberglass fabric comprises a quadraxial fabric.

36. The method of claim 29, wherein the core comprises a low-density material.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the low-density material comprises one or more of balsa wood, expanded polymer foam, metal honeycomb or polymer honeycomb.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of trench including a trench cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0016] FIGS. 2a is an exploded view of a cover according an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] FIGS. 2b-2f are cross sections of a portion of a mold illustrating steps for forming the cover of FIG. 2a;

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of a portion of the cover formed of FIG. 2a;

[0019] FIG. 4a is a cross section showing a prior art cover installed on a vault without a load applied;

[0020] FIG. 4b shows the prior art cover of FIG. 4a with a load applied to its top surface;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a cross section of a cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure installed on a vault with a load applied to its top surface;

[0022] FIG. 6a is an exploded view of a cover according to an additional embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0023] FIGS. 6b-6f are cross sections of a portion of a mold illustrating steps for forming the cover of FIG. 6a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a trench lined with a trench liner 6 and covered with covers 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Trench liner 6 is designed to be installed below ground, for example, beneath a roadway, a sidewalk, or a lawn with the cover 1 flush with the ground surface. The top edges of the trench liner 6 include shoulders 4. One or more trench covers 1 are adapted to fit over the trench with their respective edges supported by shoulders 4. According to one aspect of the disclosure, instead of being supported by shoulders, cover 1 spans the trench and is supported by the ground surface on either side of the trench. Cover 1 may include lifting handles or lifting pins 8.

[0025] Bolts may be provided in bolt holes 9 to secure cover 1 onto collar 4. Bolts may have a security feature such as a head requiring a specialized tool, for example, a pentagonal shape, to discourage unauthorized persons from tampering with the vault or its contents. Cover 1 may have a textured top surface to increase friction and reduce the chance that a person may slip when walking across the cover. Cover 1 may also include indicia to indicate the type of contents within the trench or vault.

[0026] According to another embodiment, cover 1 forms a road plate for covering a hole in a road bed, for example, while repair work is done on structures beneath the surface of a road. According to one aspect, the road plate is provided with beveled edges so that vehicles can easily roll onto and off of the road plate. Edges of the road plate are supported by the road surface surrounding the hole.

[0027] According to another embodiment, cover 1 is a cover for a utility vault. The cover of this embodiment is shaped to fit within the collar of a vault for holding equipment, such as electrical connections, switches, transformers, valves, meters, and the like.

[0028] According to another embodiment, cover 1 can be round and suitably shaped to cover a manhole.

[0029] FIG. 2a shows an exploded view of a cover 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Top reinforcement 14 and bottom reinforcement 18 are adjacent to respective top and bottom surfaces of core 30. Edge reinforcements 12 cover the edges of core 30 and also overlap the edges of the top and bottom reinforcements. When cover 1 is assembled these components are embedded in a polymer resin matrix.

[0030] FIGS. 2b-2f are cross sectional views of a portion of a mold 10 illustrating steps to form cover 1. A variety of cover shapes and sizes can be formed by varying the size and shape of the mold cavity 10. As shown in FIG. 2b, a first portion 16 of a polymer resin mixture is poured into the mold cavity. Edge reinforcement 12 is placed in the mold with a first portion 13 along the bottom of the mold 10 and a second portion 15 resting on an outer surface of the mold. Top reinforcement 14 is placed into the mold and overlaps the first portion 13 of edge reinforcement. Top reinforcement extends across the bottom surface of the mold cavity and covers substantially the whole of the bottom surface of the mold cavity. The polymer resin wets the top reinforcement 14 and portion 13 of the edge reinforcement. When the polymer resin solidifies, as described below, it creates a bond between portion 13 of the edge reinforcement and top reinforcement 14.

[0031] According to one embodiment, features of cover 1 such as handles or lifting pins 8, bolt holes 9, indicia, and/or texturing on the finished part are formed by the shape and texture of the bottom surface of the mold cavity 10. Where the shape of the bottom surface of the mold cavity extends substantially upward from the bottom of the mold, for example, to form handles 8 and bolt holes 9, top reinforcement 14 is cut to fit around these features.

[0032] According to one embodiment, edge reinforcement 12 and top reinforcement 14 are formed from a fiberglass fabric, such as a woven roving or a biaxial or triaxial fiberglass fabric. According to a preferred embodiment, the fabric is a quadraxial fiberglass fabric with fibers aligned in separate layers offset from one another by 0?, 90?, ?45?, +45?. The layers may be stitched to one another using, for example, polyester stitching at 1-inch intervals. According to a preferred embodiment, the fiberglass fabric is a 48 oz. per square yard quadraxial fiberglass fabric manufactured by FlotexTM and sold under part number E-LHXF-4800. Such fabrics have an open structure, allowing liquids, such as the polymer resin mixture, to readily infiltrate between the fiberglass fibers and wet the fibers. According to one embodiment, the surface of the fibers is chemically or mechanically treated to be readily wetted by the resin and to securely bond with the resin once it hardens.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2c, a core 30 is placed into the mold 10. The core 30 is shaped to substantially conform to the perimeter of the mold with a predetermined clearance from the sides of the mold. A middle portion 17 of edge reinforcement 12 contacts the edges of core 30. Core 30 is pressed into the resin 16 so that it presses against top reinforcement 14.

[0034] Core 30 may be formed from a low-density material, such balsa wood, plywood, oriented strand board, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), an expanded polymer foam (e.g. Styrofoam), honeycombed materials such as aluminum honeycomb, polypropylene honeycomb, composite materials such as fly ash in an epoxy matrix, and the like. According to a preferred embodiment, core 30 is formed from end grain balsa with a density between 9 and 15 pounds per cubic foot. According to a most preferred embodiment, core 30 is formed from end grained balsa with a density of 15 pounds per cubic foot that has been predrilled to facilitate incorporation of the resin into the bulk of the core. According to a further embodiment, core 30 is fabricated from a plurality of polymer, metal, ceramic, or other components to create a hollow, high-strength structure.

[0035] Where core 30 is made from a material that provides a high R-value, for example, expanded Styrofoam, the cover may provide enhance the thermal insulation for the contents of a vault or trench.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2d, bottom reinforcement 18, which may be a fiberglass fabric, is placed in the mold on top of core 30. According to a preferred embodiment, bottom reinforcement 18 is formed from the same quadraxial fiberglass fabric that forms the edge reinforcement 12 and top reinforcement 14. A second portion 20 of polymer resin mixture is poured into the mold cavity 10. The resin mixture infiltrates the bottom reinforcement and portions of the edge reinforcement and flows into any openings in core 30, such as predrilled holes.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2e, portion 15 of reinforcement 12 is folded over bottom reinforcement 18. In an alternative embodiment to what is shown in FIG. 2e, portion 15 is folded into the mold cavity before the bottom reinforcement 18 is placed into the cavity. This embodiment differs from what is shown in FIG. 2e in that portion 15 of the edge reinforcement lies directly on the core and the bottom layer 18 overlies the second portions 15 of the edge reinforcement.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2f, a third portion 24 of resin mixture is poured into the mold cavity 10 to fill the cavity. When the resin mixture hardens it will form a bond between bottom reinforcement 18 and edge reinforcement 12 as well as to form a bond between each of the reinforcements 12, 14, 18 and core 30. As shown in FIG. 2f, according to one embodiment a top portion of mold 22 is closed over the cavity 10. Force may be applied to the top 22 by a mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic clamping mechanism or by placing weights on the top 22 to apply increased hydrostatic pressure to the polymer resin mixture, driving the resin to infiltrate the fiberglass reinforcements 12, 14, 18 and helping to drive air bubbles out of the matrix. According to another embodiment, instead of closing mold cavity 10, the cavity is left open and the polymer resin mixture is allowed to harden while being exposed to air.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the polymer mixture includes a thermoset polymer such as a polyester resin. The resin includes a hardener component that is mixed with the resin prior to pouring the mix into the mold cavity to initiate a chemical reaction to cause the mix to solidify.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the resin is an unsaturated polyester resin sold as Polynt?768-6871 by Polynt SpA. This resin is a low viscosity (100 cps) resin, promoted using cobalt octuate and dimethylaniline and cured using a methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (mekp). According to other embodiments the polymer resin is an unsaturated polyester promoted solely with anilines and cured using benzoyl peroxide (bpo). According to further embodiments, the resin is a methacrylate, a vinyl ester, or an epoxy. Such resins can be cured using the above-mentioned metal salt/peroxide and/or aniline/peroxide systems already mentioned, and/or using heat-activated or UV curing systems.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the resin is used neat. According to other embodiments, a filler is added to the polymer resin such as limestone aggregate, silica sand, chopped fiberglass fibers, polymer fibers, metallic fibers, fly ash, and/or combinations thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the filler comprises expanded glass beads instead of, or in addition to other fillers such as limestone aggregate. According to one embodiment, the filler is entirely expanded glass beads and comprises from 20% to 80% by weight of the polymer mix. According to a more preferred embodiment, the glass beads comprise between 40% and 70% by weight of the polymer mix. According to a most preferred embodiment, the glass beads comprise 55% by weight of the polymer mix. According to a preferred embodiment, the glass bead filler is manufactured by Dennert Poraver GmbH with a particle size of from 0.04 mm to 8.0 mm and have an apparent density from 20 to 60 lb/cubic foot, depending on the particle size. According to a further embodiment, instead of expanded glass beads, the filler comprises other lightweight materials such as expanded ceramic spheres or particles.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the edge of cover 1 after the polymer mixture has hardened and the cover has been removed from the mold and oriented upright. Top reinforcement 14 lies within a matrix 26 of hardened polymer resin mixture on top of core 30 and below the top surface 28 of the cover. Bottom reinforcement 18 lies below the bottom surface of core 30 and above the bottom surface 32 of the cover. The hardened polymer mixture, which has infiltrated reinforcement 14 and overlapping portion 13 bonds the fibers of these together. Likewise overlapping portion 15 and bottom reinforcement 18 are bonded together. Top, edge, and bottom reinforcements 14, 12, 18 are bonded to the surfaces of core 30.

[0043] Other structures can be embedded in the polymer matrix or positioned within the core 30 during assembly of cover 1. For example, RFID circuitry can be provided in the cover to enable workers to identify the location and contents of a vault or trench using an electronic sensor. Cover 1 may include circuitry that interfaces with a meter housed in the vault to allow workers to remotely monitor the quantity of electricity, water, or gas used by a utility customer. Induction coils for monitoring the location and speed of vehicles in the vicinity of a vault can be provided to facilitate operation of traffic control devices, e.g., stoplights.

[0044] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate a known vault cover 100. As shown in FIG. 4a, cover 100 includes a bottom reinforcement 102 embedded in a molded polymer matrix 104. The reinforcement 102 may be a fiberglass fabric infiltrated with the polymer matrix 104. Cover 100 may be installed on the shoulders 4 of a trench liner 6, such as the one shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4b shows cover 100 with a force F applied to the top of the cover. Such a force may be the result of a vehicle or other heavy object on top of the cover. Because cover 100 is supported along its edges by shoulders 4, downward force will cause cover 100 to flex with the bottom surface in tension. Because reinforcement 102 impregnated with the solidified polymer is stiff, it tends to pull away from the bottom of the cover 100 and delaminate. As a result, the cover 100 loses strength and may collapse, potentially causing damage to the vault and any equipment resident in the vault.

[0045] FIGS. 5 shows cover 1 according to the present disclosure installed within the shoulders 4 of a trench liner 6 with downward force F applied. Here, because the edge reinforcements 12 are bonded with the bottom reinforcement 18 at each edge of the cover, the bottom reinforcement does not delaminate from the cover. Instead, tensile forces along the bottom surface 30 of the cover 1 are communicated to the edge reinforcements and then through the thickness of the cover to the top reinforcement 14. In addition, because the edge reinforcements 12 are formed from a quadraxial fabric with fibers aligned in different directions (i.e., at 0?, 90?, ?45?, +45?), any tensile force applied to the edge reinforcements will be in a direction no more than 22.5? from the axis of fibers in at least one layer. Likewise, in embodiments where bottom reinforcement 18 is also formed from a quadraxial fiberglass fabric, tensile forces along the bottom surface 30 of the cover will likewise be substantially aligned with at least one layer of the fibers and tensile forces will be communicated from the bottom surface 30 to the edges and through the thickness of the cover 1. In addition, because reinforcements 12, 14, 18 are each bonded to core 30, tensile forces along bottom surface 32 and compressive forces along top surface 28 are distributed through the bulk of the cover.

[0046] FIGS. 6a-6f show a further embodiment of the disclosure. Elements common to the above described embodiments will be identified with the same numerals. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 6a, cover 1 is formed from a core 30 with top and bottom reinforcements 14, 18 along the top and bottom surfaces of the core. Edge reinforcements 12 are provided around the edges of core 30 and overlap edges of the top and bottom reinforcements. In this embodiment, infiltration mats 34 and 36 are positioned over the top and bottom reinforcements.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the core is formed from a low-density material, for example, end grain balsa and reinforcements are formed from fiberglass fabrics, such as 48 oz. quadraxial (0?, 90?, ?45?, 45?) fabric as in the previous embodiments. Infiltration mats may be formed from a variety of open structured fibrous materials, such as fiberglass chopped strand mat. According to one embodiment, in addition to infiltration mats, one or more layers of a flow enhancing material, such as Rovicore? manufactured by Chomarat may be provided to facilitate distribution of resin through the mold cavity, as will be described below. The core, reinforcements, and infiltration mats are embedded in a polymer matrix as will be explained below.

[0048] FIG. 6b is a cross section showing a portion of a mold 60. Connected with the bottom of the mold 60 is a resin inlet port 62. Inlet port 62 is connected with resin source 64, which is part of a Light Resin Transfer Molding (LRTM) system, as will be explained below. According to other embodiments, additional inlet ports may be provided, depending on the shape and configuration of the cover being formed. The inlets may be connected via a manifold to a single resin source 64. The location of the inlet ports is selected based on the shape of the cover being assembled and may vary depending on the size of the cover, the location of structures such as lifting pins and bolt holes, and other factors that influence the flow of resin in the mold cavity. According to other aspects of the invention, inlet ports may be provided on the sides and/or top of the mold cavity in addition to or in lieu of inlet ports on the bottom of the mold cavity

[0049] Infiltration mat 34 is placed on the bottom surface of the mold 60. The mat 34 is sized to substantially cover the entire bottom surface of mold 60. Edge reinforcement 12 is placed in the mold, with a first portion 13 lying on top of mat 34 and a second portion extending out of the mold and lying on the side of the mold. Top reinforcement 14 is placed in the mold 60 with its edges overlying portion 13 of the edge reinforcement.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6c, core 30 is placed in the mold 60 on top of top reinforcement 14. Core 30 is shaped to fit within the mold with a predetermined clearance between the edges of core 30 and the sides of mold 60.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6d, bottom reinforcement 18 is placed in mold 60 on top of core 30. As shown in FIG. 6e, second portion 15 of edge reinforcement 12 is folded over into mold 60 and lies atop bottom reinforcement 18. Infiltration mat 36 is placed on top of second portion 15 of the edge reinforcement 12 and bottom reinforcement 18.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6f, the top of the mold 66 is closed over the mold cavity 60 and forms an airtight seal. To enhance sealing between mold 60 and top 66, the top may be made from a flexible material (e.g., silicone) or may include a resilient gasket to form a seal. The top of the mold 66 includes a vacuum outlet port 68. According to one embodiment, outlet port 68 is provided near the center of the cover. According to other embodiments, the location of outlet port 68 is selected based on the shape of the mold. The outlet port 68 is connected with the vacuum source 70 of the LRTM system. Resin is pumped into the mold 60 by resin source 64 through inlet port 62, while vacuum is applied to vacuum outlet port 68 by vacuum source 70. Resin flows into the mold cavity and infiltrates reinforcements 12, 14, 18 as well as infiltration mats 34, 36. According to some embodiments, core 30 is provided with holes that facilitate resin infiltrating into the core. Infiltration mats 34, 36 provide resistance to the flow of the resin, causing it to spread throughout the mold cavity and complete fill spaces surrounding the core. Once the resin hardens the cover is removed from the mold.

[0053] The resin may be one of a variety of resins suitable for LRTM including low viscosity polyester resins, such as the resin used in the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 2a-2f.

[0054] According to the embodiments of the disclosure, the top, bottom, and edge reinforcements and the core embedded in a polymer resin matrix using other molding techniques including Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and vacuum bag molding.

[0055] While illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.