Retractable Cover for Automobile Service Pit with Oil Change Mechanism, Detent Pin and Method of Use

Abstract

A retractable cover for an automotive service pit allowing an auto technician to utilize a retractable cover and mobile oil drain attachment to successfully collect oil from an automotive oil pan as well as provide repair and replacement of vehicle parts while providing a protective cover over an open automotive pit. Too, the present invention allows for a quick release mechanism, in the form of a detent pin, internal or external to said service pit, which allows an automotive technician to quickly and easily release the present pit cover when in need of a rapid service pit cover release for service person's entrance or egress.

Claims

1. A flexible covering device and detent pin securement for an automotive service pit, said pit having a generally rectangular floor opening, wherein said flexible covering for said rectangular floor opening comprises: said generally rectangular floor opening exhibiting a length greater than its width; said rectangular opening exhibiting C-channel rails running coextensive with said rectangular floor opening length and within said rectangular opening's interior sides for engaging a plurality of flexible covering device anchor members along said covering device's length; said C-channel having interned upper and lower flanges; said upper flange largely flush with the top of said rectangular opening; said flexible covering device exhibiting a length greater than its width; said flexible covering device comprising a web net formed of a fabric material and including a plurality of spaced transverse web strips connected to a plurality of spaced longitudinal web strips at right angles; said each transverse web strips connected to a plurality of spaced longitudinal web strips each having looped ends; said flexible covering device supported by a pair of transverse support members along said flexible covering device's width at either terminal end of said covering device; said pair of transverse support members at either terminal end being fixed into looped longitudinal column ends; said plurality of anchor members having a T-bar anchor wherein a first end is held within selected looped opposite ends of each transverse web strip and a second end that is perpendicular to said first end; said second end exteriorly threaded and bolted, capped or otherwise exhibiting a mated, interiorly threaded bolt; said bolt fixable and exhibiting a washer engaged within said C-channel within the interior of said rectangular floor opening; said anchor member bolt and washer mounted supporting said transverse web support members and engaged within said C-channels for manual sliding movement within said C-channels along C-channel interior; said bolt and washer adjustable on said anchor members for adjusting the depth of said anchor members' washer in said C-channel rails in relation to said threaded exterior to provide an adjustable depth within C-channel and desired tautness to said selected transverse web strips; said anchor members allowing translocation of said flexible cover to positions between a covered, partially covered and uncovered positions of said floor opening; said C-channel rail adapted to receive said transverse support member at flexible covering device terminal ends and at each C-channel rail end which are secured by insertion of detent pins perpendicular to each C-channel flange for secured placement; a means for reversibly securing one end of said cover to at least one end of rectangular floor opening by securing and release of transverse support members via insertion and removal of one to a plurality of detent pins; and said detent pins insertable and removable at either terminal end of said C-channel rails for securing and releasing said transverse support members at one or both pit ends.

2. The improved covering device as set forth in claim 1 wherein: one or both transverse support members is releasably held fixed and made mobile by detent pin insertion and removal.

3. The improved covering device as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said at least one transverse support members is received within said loops at one end of said longitudinal web strip wherein one of said transverse support members being fixable releasable via said detent pins and the other of said transverse support members is mounted to a mobile oil drain pan for flexible cover and oil drain pan movement along the length of said opening.

4. The improved covering device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said mobile oil drain pan attachment comprises: a largely rectangular basin with grated top opening and wheel and axel attachments at either terminal basin end; said wheel and axel residing above said rectangular floor opening; and said axel made to exhibit wheels spanning just beyond the width of said generally rectangular floor opening.

5. The improved covering device as set forth in claim 4 wherein: said at least one transverse support member is attached to said mobile oil drain pan via an attachable and detachable e-track anchor and anchor receiver comprising: an e-track anchor receiver attached to said oil drain pan at said either terminal ends; and an e-track anchor and conjoined anchor strap; said anchor strap looped around the exposed area of said transverse support member where each strap end is connected to said e-track anchor

6. Apparatus for covering a generally rectangular floor opening of an automotive service pit of claim 1 comprising: a pair of fixed longitudinal guide rails adjacent to and above said rectangular opening for guiding the inner surfaces of tires of an automotive vehicle over said floor opening for servicing of the vehicle and guiding of said oil pan drain attachment; said outer surface of fixed longitudinal guide rails guiding said tires; said inner surface guiding said oil drain attachment affixed wheels; a pair of longitudinally extending C-Channel rails within said rectangular opening whose upper flange provides extending cover support guides fixed to said tire guide rails and extending alongside said tire guide rails over said rectangular opening; a plurality of anchor members mounted at selected horizontal intervals to opposed sides of said flexible cover, said anchor members having an extending end thereof mounted on an adjacent support guide for sliding manual movement along the adjacent cover support guide; a means for securing one end of said cover to permit movement of said anchor members and cover between covered, partially covered and uncovered positions of said cover; said cover support guides comprising C-shaped channels and said anchor members having extending threaded ends received within said C-shaped channels for sliding movement, and adjustable nuts on said threaded ends to adjust the effective length of said anchor members between said C-shaped channels and said cover; and a set of circular wheels made to rotate around an axle which are attached to an oil drain attachment on one end of said wheel axel and to a wheel on the other end of said axle; and said circular wheel made to reside to the exterior of said fixed longitudinal rail to allow for movement of both said cover and said oil drain attachment within and above said rectangular opening, respectively.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein: said flexible cover comprising a web net formed of a fabric material and including a plurality of spaced flat transverse web strips secured to a plurality of spaced flat longitudinal web strips, each of said webs having ends with web loops therein; and said anchor members are received within selected web loops of said transverse webs.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein: said anchor members are adjustable in length to provide a desired tautness to selected transverse webs.

9. Apparatus for covering a generally rectangular floor opening of an automotive services pit comprising: a pair of fixed longitudinally extending tire guide rails for extending alongside said rectangular opening for guiding the inner surfaces of tires of an automotive vehicle over the floor opening for servicing of the vehicle; a pair of longitudinally extending cover support guides fixed to said guide rails and guides extending alongside said guide rails over said rectangular opening; a rigid longitudinal guide mounted on each tire guide rail along each side of said rectangular opening; a flexible cover for said opening of a rectangular shape generally similar to the shape of said generally rectangular opening of said pit and having a width less than the width of said opening; said cover including a plurality of spaced columns of flexible material and a plurality of spaced transverse rows of flexible material; a plurality of anchor bolts mounted on opposed ends of selected transverse rows of said flexible material; adjustable means on said bolts connected to said guides for adjustment to provide a desired tautness to said selected rows; means at one end of said opening for anchoring one end of said cover thereat; and releasable detent pins at the either end of said cover to permit manual securement with insertion and horizontal movement of said cover upon release thereof along said guide rails toward said one end for retracting or removing said cover from said opening.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein: said selected transverse rows of said flexible material comprise flat webbing material with each row having looped ends; said anchor bolts being received within said looped ends of said selected transverse rows; and detent pins inserted between.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein: said anchor bolts are generally T-shaped with a portion thereof fitting within said looped ends.

12. Apparatus for covering a generally rectangular floor opening in a foundation of an automotive service pit comprising: cable support members for mounting on said foundation in a fixed relation; a pair of longitudinally extending parallel cable members extending along opposite sides of said rectangular floor opening; a flexible cover for said rectangular opening comprising a web net formed of flat webbing material, said web net including a plurality of transverse rows of spaced flat transverse webs and a plurality of columns of spaced flat longitudinal webs secured to each other; anchor members secured to the ends of selected transverse rows and mounted on said cable members for sliding movement; and means to adjust the length of said anchor members to provide a desired tautness to said selected transverse webs.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein: a web loop is provided for each end of said transverse rows; and said anchor members are received within the web loops for said selected transverse rows.

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein: a web loop is provided for each end of said longitudinal columns, and a transverse end rod is received within said loops at each end of said columns, one of said rods being fixed and the other of said rods being mounted on said cable members for sliding movement along said cable members.

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein: means are provided to releasably secure the movable rod at an end of said opening.

16. For an automotive service pit having a generally rectangular floor opening; an improved covering device for covering the rectangular floor opening comprising: a pair of longitudinally extending cover support members comprising flexible cables for securement along said rectangular opening; a flexible cover for said rectangular opening of a width less than the width of said rectangular opening and supported on said pair of support members; said cover comprising a web net formed of a fabric material and including a plurality of spaced transverse webs connected to a plurality of spaced longitudinal webs; a plurality of anchor members having an outer end mounted on said cover support members for sliding movement along said cover support members, said anchor members having inner ends thereof mounted on selected transverse webs for supporting said cover for manual sliding movement along said cover support members; adjustable means on said anchor members to adjust the length of said anchor members to provide a desired tautness to said selected transverse webs; and means for removably securing one end of said cover to permit movement of said anchor members and cover between covered and uncovered positions of said floor opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Although the novel features and method of use of the application are set forth above, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referencing to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in view of the appended claims, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective and side view of the preferred embodiment of the pit safety cover of the present invention shown installed over a rectangular opening of a service pit;

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a section of FIG. 1 providing a detailed view of an oil drain pan attachment and pit cover connection to said oil drain pan attachment and C-channels via detent pins;

[0040] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged, cutaway section of FIG. 2 depicting an oil drain pan attachment and pit cover connector system;

[0041] FIG. 4 displays an enlarged section of said pit cover webbing and anchor system;

[0042] FIG. 5 is an enlarged section of the present invention's C-channel rail;

[0043] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a webbing secured tension bar for maintaining a safety cover column and placing a tension bar adjacent to one end of the pit opening for securing to a pit end or to an oil drain pan attachment;

[0044] FIG. 7 is a top view of a tension bar within a cross section of a C-channel rail;

[0045] FIG. 8 depicts a locking mechanism for releasably securing and tensioning a tension bar to one end of a service pit;

[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a U-bolt securing mechanism for transverse netting rows;

[0047] FIG. 10 is a standard embodiment and industrial webbing embodiment of a support member for the end of a row of web material of transverse rows;

[0048] FIG. 11 is an industrial C-channel (left) and standard C-channel (right);

[0049] FIG. 12 shows a standard support member (T-bolt), left, and an industrial support member (T-bolt), right;

[0050] FIG. 13 illustrates tension bar length adapters;

[0051] FIG. 14 is a set of securing pins, detent and cotter;

[0052] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pit safety cover and oil drain pan attachment in an extended conformation;

[0053] FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of pit cover attached-tension bar and E-track spring assisted coupling and receiver attached to an oil drain pain attachment; and

[0054] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a tension bar attached to the overlapping loops of a pit cover and oil drain pan attachment through looped extension's to an E-track connection assembly.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0055] As described below, the following reference numbers are provided by the succeeding legend of numbers corresponding to the enumerated features as shown and described in the various FIGS. 1-17 as further detailed in the Detailed Description. [0056] 22 Reinforced angle [0057] 24 Pit channel [0058] 26 Upper leg [0059] 37 End tire guide [0060] 52 Stitching [0061] 56 Standard T-bolt [0062] 57 Standard T-bolt shank [0063] 60 Standard T-bolt head [0064] 62 Hole [0065] 64 Standard T-bolt washer [0066] 66 Standard T-bolt nut [0067] 72 Opening [0068] 74 Bolt [0069] 78 Bolt [0070] 88 Locking mechanism hook [0071] 90 Locking mechanism [0072] 91 Pivot link, second [0073] 92 First center link [0074] 93 Second center link [0075] 94 Handle [0076] 95 First pivot link [0077] 96 Pivot link, third [0078] 97 Pin [0079] 100 Pit Cover [0080] 101 Pivot link, fourth [0081] 102 Concrete Foundation [0082] 103 Mounting bracket [0083] 104 Upward handle movement [0084] 105 Downward handle movement [0085] 110 Pit bottom [0086] 112 Pit side wall [0087] 115 Pit opening [0088] 120 Floor [0089] 122 Standard hook adapters [0090] 123 Industrial hook adapters [0091] 124 Adjustable nut and washer adapter [0092] 130 Tire guide rail [0093] 134 Upper flange [0094] 135 Longitudinal columns [0095] 136 Lower flange [0096] 138 Standard C-shaped guide channel [0097] 139 Industrial C-shaped guide channels [0098] 140 Service pit [0099] 144 Slot [0100] 145 Transverse rows [0101] 150 Intervening transverse rows [0102] 154 Industrial T-bolt [0103] 156 U-bolt [0104] 158 2-inch webbing [0105] 160 4-inch webbing [0106] 161 Loop, support member [0107] 169 Loop, tension bar [0108] 170 Tension bar, first end [0109] 180 Tension bar, second end [0110] 181 Looped webbing [0111] 182 Washer [0112] 184 Bolt [0113] 185 Truncated E-track bolted webbing [0114] 200 Oil Drain Pan attachment [0115] 205 Wheel [0116] 210 Axel [0117] 215 Pit end [0118] 220 Oil drain pan attachment and pit cover connector system [0119] 225 E-channel spring-assisted couplings [0120] 230 E-channel receivers [0121] 245 Industrial T-bolt head [0122] 250 Industrial T-bolt shank [0123] 255 Industrial T-bolt washer [0124] 260 Industrial T-bolt nut [0125] 265 Detent pin [0126] 270 Cotter pin [0127] 275 Swedge [0128] 280 Swedge Clip

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0129] The following detailed description provides exemplary embodiments and is not intended to in any way limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of those embodiments disclosed herein. Instead, the following description provides practical examples for implementing representative embodiments. Examples of construction, materials, measurements and dimensions are provided for specific elements and all other elements exemplify that which is known to those having skill in the field of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized in various and variable ways.

[0130] Referring now to the drawings a person having skill in the art will appreciate the present invention, and more particularly to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4, FIG. 1 shows a portion of an automotive service pit 140 for servicing automotive vehicles including a concrete foundation 102. Concrete foundation 102 forms a floor 120 and a service pit 140 having a generally rectangular pit opening 115. Service pit 140 is able to receive service personnel to service vehicles driven over the service pit including automotive lubrication, servicing, oil changing, filter changing, and making vehicle adjustments and repairs. Service pit 140 includes pit side walls 112 and a pit bottom 110. As further evidenced in FIGS. 2-3, each side wall 112 has upon its upper edge reinforcing angle 22 at each upper corner of pit 140. Secured to this downwardly extending edge of reinforcing angle 22 is a C-channel 24 having an upper leg 26 and a lower leg 28 which may be modified as to pit channel 24 size (width and length) as to accommodate either a standard or industrial support member (i.e., T-bolt 56 or 154 in FIGS. 10. and 12). As further depicted, oil drain pan attachment 200 has supporting rollers or wheel 205 supported on axels 210 at each oil drain pan attachment 200 corner for facilitating fluid sliding movement of oil drain pan 200 above said C-channel 24 and within the confines of tire guide rail 130. Movement, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, is stayed or halted by insertion of insertable pins (e.g., detent or cotter pins) but may be reversable made to move coplanar to the movement of the pit cover 100 itself through movement above and along C-channel rails 24. Succinctly, the upper surfaces of upper leg 26 and tire guide rail 130 are adapted to engage the outer surface of the wheels 205 of an oil drain attachment 200 as well as a tire (not shown) to restrict or block movement of the tire to a position over service pit 140 to the exterior of the tire guide rail but also the movement of an oil drain pan attachment wheel 205 inwardly. Further, it is in the contemplation of inventors to use an end tire guide 37, appropriately flanged, at the entrance end service pit 140 to engage the tires of a vehicle in the event the wheels of the vehicle are not centered when the vehicle is driven over rectangular opening 115 of service pit 140.

[0131] A truncated safety pit cover 100 as in FIG. 1 and full pit cover of FIG. 15 for insertion into C-channels and movement across a rectangular pit opening 115 of service pit 140 is shown spanning the pit opening 115 from pit side walls 112 and from opposite ends 215 of said service pit 140. Safety (pit) cover 100 is of a generally rectangular shape for covering rectangular pit opening 115 of service pit 140. For supporting pit cover 100 along pit side walls 112 defining rectangular pit opening 115, a C-shaped (guide) channel rails 138 (or guide channel 139) is secured, such as by welding, to the inner surface of each tire guide rail 130 or to the upper reinforced angle 22 of a service pit. C-shaped (guide) channel rails 138 and 139 has inturned upper and lower flanges 134 and 136 defining a slot 144 therebetween as shown particularly in FIG. 11. As provided, pit cover 100 insertion and movement is facilitated by C-shaped channel rail 138, 139 in the form of C-shaped guide channels extends along the length of both sides of service pit 140. Particularly, standard T-bolts 56 correspond to C-shaped channel rail 138 and industrial T-bolts 154 correspond to C-channel 139 where larger webbing 160 gauge necessitates larger support members (T-bolts 154) which, in turn begs larger C-channels 139 for insertion. In opposite, smaller webbing gauge 158 necessarily utilizes smaller T-bolts 56 and smaller C-shaped channel rails 138. This is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 15, service pit cover 100 is secured at one end of pit opening 115 and is moved longitudinally along opening 115 from the other opposite end of pit opening 215. Pit cover 100 is adapted for longitudinal movement manually between a closed position of pit cover 100 when not in service, and an open position of service pit cover 100 when service pit 140 is in service. Pit cover 100 is formed of a fabric material, preferably a flat webbing material such as nylon or polyester with a width of about two (2) inches in width, 2-inch webbing 158, in the standard invention. Yet, As described supra and illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, inventor does contemplate an industrial webbing, approximately four (4) inches in width whereby individual components are of an increased size as to accommodate the sturdy construct. The 4-inch industrial (i.e., heavy duty) webbing 160 is used primarily when the weight limit of the pit cover 100 exceed 6000 pounds and each component is upgraded to a 3 to 1 ratio as to accommodate larger sized webbing.

[0133] The mesh itself may be a vinyl coated polyester woven mesh (1000 Denier PVC Coated 2-inch Polyester) with a breaking strength of 6900 lbs. to 7300 lbs., width variance of 1.8 to 2 inches, a thickness of 0.43 to 0.050 inches, a weight of approximately 12 pounds per 100 years, elongation of 8% to 14%, and self-extinguishing flammability. Further, the woven material may operate at temperatures of up to negative 40 degrees F. As best evidenced in FIG. 4, the service pit cover 100 itself consists of a plurality of longitudinally extending longitudinal columns 135 of the webbing material and a plurality of transverse extending alternate transverse rows 145 and transverse intervening rows 150 of the webbing material. longitudinal columns 135 and row 145, 150 are stitched, via stitching 52, to each other at the intersections of the separate webs by a suitable stitching 52 forming right angles to provide maximum support and reinforced assistance among and between strips of webbing.

[0134] Operationally, to mount pit cover 100 for sliding longitudinal movement, alternate rows 145 have support members in the form of T-bolts (standard T-bolt 56 or industrial T-bolt 154) generally mounted in corresponding C-shaped channel rail 138, 139 (See FIGS. 4-5 and 7) for sliding movement over the uppermost portion of a service pit 115. Support members comprise standard T-bolts 56 each having an externally threaded shaft or shank 57 and a head 60 or industrial T-bolts 154 having an externally threaded shank 250 and a head 245. In the former, T-bolt 56, nut 64 is screwed to threaded shank 57 as to capture an inserted washer 64 which forms the supportive structure to transvers webbing 145 wherein the washer 64 diameter (edges) of washer 64 are at least slightly larger than the inwardly turned flanges 134, 136 of C-shaped channel rail 138. Likewise, to T-bolt 154, nut 255 is screwed to threaded shank 250 as to capture an inserted washer 255 which forms the supportive structure to transverse webbing 145 wherein washer 255 diameter (edges) of washer 255 are at least slightly larger than the inwardly turned flanges 134, 136 of C-channel 139.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 4, loop 161 are formed on each end of each row 145, 150 with stitching 52 securing the loops. For positioning standard T-bolts 56 on alternate rows 145, a hole or opening 62 is burned at the center of loop 161 by a suitable heating iron. Shank 57, in the case of a standard T-bolt 56, is then inserted within loop 161 and through opening 62. A washer 64 is positioned on shank 56 and a nut 66 is threaded to a position to obtain the desired tensioning of alternate transverse rows 145 (i.e., nut advancement causing greater tension and nut retraction causing tension release). When installed, support members of standard T-bolts 56 may then be inserted from an open end of C-shaped guide channel rail 138.

[0136] For anchoring pit cover 100 at one end of pit 140, reference is made to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 in which loop 169 on the adjacent end of each fabric longitudinal column 135 extends about a tension or support rod or bar (i.e., end bar 170, 180). An opening 72 for loop 169 is burned or otherwise inserted into the webbing or fabric material centrally of the width of longitudinal column 135 by a suitable heating iron or poker. Bolts 74 with suitable washers 64 and nuts 66, or washer 182 and bolt 184, are positioned within opening 72 for securing of each longitudinal column 135 about end tension bar 170 or 180. To position rod 170, 180 for the desired tensioning of longitudinal web columns 135, a bolt 78 may be positioned within aligned openings (pit channels 24) in legs 26, 28 of C-shaped guide channel rail 138 as shown particularly in FIG. 5 and braced from loosening by upper and lower flanges 134, 136. End bar 170/180 abuts a pair of bolts 66 for mounting end bar 170/180 at a predetermined position with C-shaped channel rail 138, 139.

[0137] As in FIG. 4, for releasably securing a second movable end 115 of service pit cover 100, end 180, longitudinal columns 135 are looped at 181 about tension bar 180 and wherein adjacent intervening transverse rows 150 may be interspersed between transverse rows 145 providing secured attachment at every other transverse row. However, it is contemplated by inventor to utilize each transverse row 145, 150 to equally support the insertion of support members, T-bolt 56, 154 and/or U-bolt 156 without having any transverse rows unattached to C-shaped channel rail 138, 139, where applicable, through ubiquitous and continuous support member attachment. Ideally, suitable openings are burned into loops 161 and web rows 150, similar to transverse row 145, to facilitate this enhanced securement. For tension bar 180, bolts 184 are positioned within the openings 72 with suitable washers 182 over the openings similar to loops 169 as shown in FIG. 4, bottom, for the opposite end 115 of longitudinal columns 135.

[0138] In one preferred embodiment, exhibited in FIG. 8, locking hook 88 may be secured to either tension rod 180, tension rod 170, in the alternative, or both, for releasably locking of end tension rod 180/170. A locking mechanism for hook 88 is shown generally at 90 in FIG. 8. A manual handle 94 is pivotally mounted at second pivot link 91 to mounting bracket 103 secured to concrete foundation 102. Arm 98 secured to handle 94 is pivotally mounted at pivot 101 to bracket 103. Over first center link 92 and second center 93 are pivotally mounted to each other at first pivot ling 95. Second pivot link 93 is pivotally mounted to handle 94 at third pivot link 96 and link 92 has a pin 97 received by hook 88. Handle 94 when depressed downwardly, signified by 105, from the locked position of FIG. 8, first and second center links 92, 93 about first pivot 95 pass dead center portion to permit release of first center link 92 from hook 88. Thus, pit cover 100 may be releasably locked in position, via upward handle 94 movement, designated by upward movement 104, to lock said service pit cover 100 in place and prevent inadvertent movement of pit cover 100 and subsequently released through downward 105 movement. It should be noted, however, that locking mechanism 90 may be used to secure an oil drain pan attachment 200 or a service pit cover 100 to wither end 115, 215 which may be further secured with a detent pin 265 or cotter pin 270. What is more, each of the detent pin 265 or cotter pin 270 may be tethered to a service pit cover 100, oil drain pan attachment 200 or C-shaped channel rail 138, 139 or any combination thereof for connection to any portion of the present invention.

[0139] Ideally, service pit cover 100 may be provided as a kit for installation on an existing service pit with or without tire guide rails 130. If the existing service pit 100 does not have tire guide rails 130, tire guide rails may be installed before service pit cover 100 installation. The kit preferably includes a C-shaped guide channel 138, standard T-bolts 56, standard webbing material 158, including longitudinal columns 135 and transverse rows 145 and 150 with stitching 52 at the intersections of longitudinal columns 135 and transverse rows 145 and 150, along with associated loops 161, 169, 181, tension bars 170, 180, and, if desired, locking mechanism 90. In addition to the aforementioned, an oil drain pan attachment 200 may be placed at either end 115, 215 of service pit 140, or between two service pit cover 100 subsections (not shown) wherein one, two, three or a plurality of oil drain pan attachments 200 may exist at any point at either service pit 100 ends 115, 215, both service pit ends 115, 215 or within a subsection of a one to a plurality of service pit subsections. Additionally, stays or pins (i.e., detent pins or cotter pins in FIG. 14) may be used at either service pit end 115, 215, on either side of said oil drain pan attachment 200, dependent upon placement at either end, both ends or within a subsection of a serve pit cover 100 for securement and quick release.

[0140] For installation, C-shaped guide channel 138, 139 may be first welded to the inner, upper surfaces of a service pit 140 wherein tire guide rails 130 are also installed contiguous to said C-shaped-guide channels 138, 138 above a service pit floor and at a right angle to the upper leg 26 of said C-shaped channel rail 138, 139. The fixed and movable tension bars 170 and 180 are cut to the desired length. Moreover, tension bar 170/180 may be modified to a desired length where, just as T-bolts 56 and 154 may be adjusted to provide a balance between fluid movement and appropriate tension, so too may tension bars be adjusted via standard hook adapters 122, adjustable nut and washer adapter 124 (similar to T-bot 56, 154 and U-bolt 156 support members) or industrial hook adapters 123 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 13.

[0141] Transverse rows 145 of the webbing material may have holes 62 burned in loops 161 and then threaded standard T-bolts 56 may be inserted in the openings. Washers 64 (industrial washer 255) and nuts 66 (industrial nuts 260) are then installed and nuts 66/260 are thereby tightened to move washer 64/255 along shaft 57/250 and toward head 60/245 to provide desired or required tension. Threaded standard T-bolts 56 are then inserted from the ends of the C-shaped guide channel 138. Next, support tension bars 170 and/or 180 are mounted upon burning of openings 72 in the associated web material. Bolts 74 are then secured. Next, bolt 78 is mounted and tightened or loosened, as appropriate, within C-shaped guide channel 138/139 for a desired positioning of an end bar 170 and/or 180. Openings 72 are then burned in loops 181 and standard T-bolts 56 or industrial T-bolts 154 are secured within the openings 62 or 72 as appropriate. Furthermore, it is considered by inventor to alternate, rotate, or intersperse standard T-bolts with and between industrial T-bolts, and/or U-bolts 156, to achieve desired securing and tension where various section of a service pit may have different and differing requirements.

[0142] By way of definition, industrial T-bolts 154, having a ratio of 3:1 to comparable standard T-bolts 56, are constructed of a fortified bolt assembly consisting of an industrial T-bolt head 225, industrial T-bolt shank 230, industrial T-bolt washer 235 and industrial T-bolt nut for use in 4-inch webbing 160. Moreover, industrial T-bolts 154 necessitate industrial C-shaped guide channels 139 as well as industrial hook adapters 139.

[0143] By way of further definition, tension bars 170, 180 are adaptable for insertion into standard C-shaped guide channels 138 via standard 6-inch hook adapters 122 or adjustable nut and washer 10-inch adapters 124, in FIG. 13, which may be used to adjust the length of tension bars at either end of a service pit 140. Standard 6-inch hook adapters 122 having the dimensions of inch OD SCH40 black pipe and hot rolled strip A-36 and adjustable nut and washer 10-inch adapters 124 having the dimensions of inch OD SCH40 black pipe, inch 2-inch grade 8 bolt and % inch by 0.265 thickness/0.25 threaded insert. Each adapter slipping onto each active passive rod (tension bar 170, 180) which allows for ease of installation even with varying service pit 140 widths thereby allowing for some variation in tension bar 170, 180 length as to accommodate differences in service pit 140 width even within a single service pit 140.

[0144] AS in FIGS. 6-8, the locking mechanism 90 itself may be mounted on a concrete foundation 102 adjacent the rectangular opening 115 at either pit end 115, 215 for securing a service pit cover 100, oil drain attachment 200 or both to a service pit 140. A suitable opening 72 for locking mechanism hook 88 may be burned or seared in the loop 169 of the center of longitudinal column 135. Then, tension bar 170 or 180 may be inserted through loops 169 or 181 of longitudinal columns 135. Locking mechanism hook 88 is then secured to tension bar 170 or 180 and adjusted with locking mechanism 90 for the desired tensioning of pit cover 100. Conversely, the same locking mechanism 90 may be used to an end of an oil pan drain attachment 200 (not shown) at an end most proximal to a service pit end 115, 215 for securing and tensioning.

[0145] A modified support member for alternate webbing transverse rows 145 is shown in FIG. 9 in which a U-bolt 156 is mounted on loop 161 of transverse row 145 (a potentially intervening transverse row 150) to provide distributed pressure on transverse webbing 145, 150 and to further obviate tearing or wear at each loop 161 center 62. Suitable washers 64 and nuts 66 are provided on the ends of U-bolt 156 which is adapted for mounting within slot 144 of the C-shaped guide channel rail 138, 139. Advantageously, the arrangement shown in FIG. 9 does not require any openings 62, 72 to be burned or punched in loop 161 in order to mount U-bolt 156.

[0146] In terms of the oil drain pan attachment 200, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, 15 and 16, oil drain pan attachment 200 is made mobile via attached wheels 205 supporting the coplanar movement of said oil drain pan attachment linearly within the confines of tire guide rail 130 and above standard C-shaped guide channel 138 or industrial C-shaped guide channel 139. The mobility of the oil drain pan attachment 200 is limited within the upper opening of pit opening 115 by the pit ends 115, 215 and tire guide rails 130. The pit cover 100 is made to attach to oil drain pan attachment 200 via drain pan connector system 220, constructed of e-channel spring-assisted couplings 225 and e-channel receivers 230, where e-channel receivers are attached to one or both side ends 235 of oil drain pan attachment 200. This may be best viewed in FIGS. 15-17 where Oil drain pan attachment and pit cover connector system 220, consisting of E-channel spring-assisted couplings 225 and E-channel receivers 230, are maintained where E-channel spring-assisted couplings 225 are connected to tension bar 170 or 180 via a truncated looped, bolted webbing 185 connecting E-channel spring-assisted couplings 225 to the exposed portion of tension bar 170/180existing at the exposed tension bar areas between longitudinal columns 135 an at either end of oil drain pan attachment. Said looped, bolted webbing exhibiting a rivet, bolt or other secured attachment for promoting dislodgement of said loop 185 from oil drain pan attachment 200.

[0147] Insertable and removable pins, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, 14 and 15, may be of a detent pin 260 configuration or a cotter pin 270 configuration (FIG. 14), with or without a swedge 275 and swedge clip 280 for attachment to E-channel receiver 230 on either side end of oil drain pan attachment 200. This oil drain pan attachment 200, together with detent pin 265 and connecting swedge 275 may be viewed as an interconnected system 220 (FIG. 3) consisting of an oil drain pan attachment 200 connected to pit cover 100 via e-channel spring-assisted couplings 225 and e-channel receivers 230 and an insertable and removable detent pin 265 (or cotter pin 270) for releasably fixing said pit cover 100 to both said oil drain pan attachment 200 and fixedly releasable within said channel 24 through fixing in and removal from opening 77. Alternatively, upon removal of detent pin 265 (or cotter pin 270), both pit cover 100 and oil drain pan attachment 200 may be slidably moveable within said pit channel 24 and on said pit channel 24, respectively, to move coplanar in the same direction away from a pit end 215. In yet another alternative, oil drain pan attachment 200 may be separated from pit cover 100, where e-channel spring-assisted couplings 225 and e-channel receivers 230 are uncoupled, and pit cover may thereby be detachably removed from said oil drain pan attachment 200 and moved along channel 24 and within channel slot 144.

[0148] From the above, a safety cover 100 comprising the present invention has been provided from a strong webbing material. As an example, a woven webbing material formed of polyester having a width of two inches and a 6,000-pound tensile strength has been found to be satisfactory, but as detailed an industrial 4-inch webbing 160 is contemplated by inventor for tensile strength above 6000 pounds. The rows 145, 150 of the web material are preferably spaced at centers four inches apart. longitudinal columns 135 of the webbing material may also be spaced with their centers four inches apart. Support members (T-bolt 56, 154 and or U-bolt 156 in alternate transverse rows 145) are spaced with their centers approximately eight inches apart (while other spacing is also considered). For stitching 52 of the webbing material to each other and to form loops, various stitch patterns have been utilized. Stitch patterns which have a recommended working load limit of of the minimum break strength of the webbing material are selected by the manufacturer of the webbing material. The service pit cover 100 of the present invention shown in whole or in part in FIGS. 1-9 and 15-17 may be installed on an existing service pit by two installation personnel in around four to eight hours. While the cover is shown as extending for the entire length of the rectangular opening of the service pit, it may be desirable, under certain conditions, for the cover to extend only at designated increments (e.g., for one-third, one half or three-fourths the length of the service pit. In this type of installation, a releasable locking mechanism 90, detent pins/cotter pins 265, 270 or a combination thereof may be utilized for each movable tension bar 170/180.

[0149] Of note, other embodiments and various permutations are possible. Although the description above contains specificity in terms of arrangement, configuration and implementation of certain elements, this specification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but as merely providing exemplary representations of some of the presently preferred embodiments and best modes contemplated by inventor of implementing those embodiments. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall squarely within the scope of this disclosure.

[0150] Thus, the scope of this disclosure should be determined by the appended claims, in light of the present disclosure, along with their legal equivalents. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiments will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are expressly incorporated herein by reference as is to be read into the present claims.