Abstract
A cover system including a hidden locking system for providing controlled entry into access holes provided in overpasses, bridges, roads, or freeways. The cover system includes a cover removably attached to a cover frame installed about an access hole. The cover includes locking elements to prevent tampering with the cover by unauthorized individuals. The locking elements include the coordinated function of cover brackets aligned with guide tubes that are used for inserting a tool for fastening or unfastening the cover, a tool post having windows that align with each guide tube for insertion of the tool, and an inner and outer plug to provide controlled access to the hidden locking system. The cover frame includes a frame plate having a frame opening to receive the cover plate therein, frame brackets, frame bracers, support rods, and frame supports for affixing the cover frame securely in position about an access hole.
Claims
1. A cover system comprising: a cover comprising: a cover plate having an inner plate surface opposite an outer plate surface, and a bore opening formed within a central region of said cover plate, a plurality of guide tubes each affixed to said inner plate surface, each guide tube having a tube opening that extends completely through said guide tube; a plurality of cover brackets, each including a bracket aperture, and each affixed to said inner plate surface adjacent one end of each of said plurality of guide tubes so that each bracket aperture aligns with each tube opening of each guide tube; and an outer plug removably attachable to said bore opening; and a cover frame comprising: a frame plate having an inner surface opposite an outer surface, and including a frame opening formed completely through said frame plate for receiving said cover plate; a plurality of frame bracers affixed to said inner surface of said frame plate about said frame opening; a plurality of rod holders, each interposed between said plurality of frame bracers; and a plurality of frame brackets each affixed to said inner surface of said frame plate adjacent said frame opening, each frame bracket including another bracket aperture; and wherein said outer plate surface of said cover plate is coplanar with said outer surface of said frame plate when said cover is attached to said cover frame.
2. The cover system of claim 1, wherein said cover further includes a tool post mounted to the inner plate surface, said tool post including a top member, a bottom member mounted about said bore opening, and post legs extending between said top and bottom members forming a passage, a first window, a second window, a third window, and a fourth window, each window aligning with another end of each tube opening of each of said plurality of guide tubes.
3. The cover system of claim 2, wherein said tool post further includes a plug holder attached to said top member of said tool post, and an inner plug, said inner plug slidable within said passage of said tool post, and removably engaging said plug holder.
4. The cover system of claim 3, wherein said bore opening includes bore threads, and each of said plugs includes plug threads formed on an outer surface of each plug to removably engage with said bore threads of said bore opening, said inner plug removably threaded within said bore opening to restrict viewable access to said windows.
5. The cover system of claim 4, wherein each of said plurality of guide tubes is affixed at equal distances apart from each other to said inner plate surface of said cover plate.
6. The cover system of claim 5, wherein each of said plurality of cover brackets are affixed at equal distances apart from each other to said inner plate surface, and each of said plurality of frame brackets are affixed at equal distances apart from each other to said inner surface of said frame plate so that each bracket aperture of each cover bracket and each another bracket aperture of each frame bracket align with each other, with one end of each respective tube opening of each guide tube, and with each window of said tool post.
7. The cover system of claim 6, wherein each of said plurality of frame brackets includes a threaded nut affixed thereto in alignment with each of said another bracket apertures, and each of said rod holders includes a threaded nut affixed thereto to receive each of said plurality of support rods.
8. The cover system of claim 3, wherein said plug holder includes one or more magnets.
9. The cover system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support rods each removably attached to each of said plurality of rod holders, and a pair of frame supports each having rod holes for receiving each of said plurality of support rods therethrough to secure said pair of frame supports a parallel distance from said frame plate.
10. The cover system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of frame bracers are arranged in a square or rectangular configuration about said frame opening.
11. The cover system of claim 1, wherein said cover further includes aligners affixed to said inner plate surface, and to said inner surface of said frame plate, said aligners engaging to align said plurality of cover brackets with said plurality of frame brackets.
12. The cover system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of rod holders includes a first end affixed to a first end of one of said plurality of frame bracers, and a second end affixed to a first end of another of said plurality of frame bracers.
13. The cover system of claim 12, wherein each of said plurality of rod holders is situated adjacent each of said plurality of frame brackets when each of said plurality of rod holders are interposed between each of said plurality of frame bracers.
14. An industrial cover comprising: a cover including a bore opening; a plurality of guide tubes affixed to one surface of said cover, each guide tube having a tube opening extending completely therethrough defining a first open end, and a second open end; a plurality of cover brackets, each cover bracket affixed to the one surface of said cover adjacent a first open end of each of said plurality of guide tubes, each cover bracket including a bracket aperture that aligns with each first open end of each guide tube; a tool post mounted to the one surface of the cover about said bore opening, said tool post including, a first window, a second window, a third window, and a fourth window, each window aligning with said second open end of each of said plurality of guide tubes; an outer plug removably attachable to said bore opening; and a cover frame comprising: a frame plate including a frame opening formed therethrough for receiving said cover; a plurality of frame bracers, each frame bracer affixed to one surface of said frame plate in a square or rectangular configuration about said frame opening; a plurality of frame brackets each affixed to said one surface of said frame plate adjacent said frame opening, each frame bracket including another bracket aperture; a plurality of rod holders, each interposed between, and attached to, said plurality of frame bracers, each rod holder situated adjacent each of said plurality of frame brackets; a plurality of threaded support rods each removably threaded to each rod holder; and a pair of frame supports receiving said plurality of support rods to secure said pair of frame supports a parallel distance from said frame plate with fasteners; and wherein another surface of said cover is coplanar with another surface of said frame plate when said cover is completely attached to said cover frame.
15. The industrial cover of claim 14, wherein said tool post further includes a plug holder having one or more magnets, and an inner plug, said inner plug slidable within said tool post, and removably engaging said one or more magnets when said inner plugs is uplifted within said tool post.
16. The industrial cover of claim 15, wherein said bore opening includes bore threads, and each of said plugs includes plug threads formed on an outer surface of each plug to removably engage with said bore threads of said bore opening, said inner plug threaded within said bore opening to restrict viewable access to said windows.
17. The industrial cover of claim 16, wherein each of said plurality of cover brackets are affixed at equal distances apart from each other to said one surface of said cover, and each of said plurality of frame brackets are affixed at equal distances apart from each other to said one surface of said frame cover so that each bracket aperture of each cover bracket and each another bracket aperture of each frame bracket align with each other, with said first open end of tube opening of each of said plurality of guide tubes, and with each window of said tool post.
18. A method of installing a cover system comprising: providing a cover system comprising: a cover comprising: a cover plate having an inner plate surface opposite an outer plate surface, and a bore opening formed within a central region of said cover plate, a plurality of guide tubes each affixed to said inner plate surface, each guide tube having a tube opening that extends completely through said guide tube; a plurality of cover brackets, each including a bracket aperture, and each affixed to said inner plate surface adjacent one end of each of said plurality of guide tubes so that each bracket aperture aligns with each tube opening of each guide tube; and an outer plug removably attachable to said bore opening; and a cover frame comprising: a frame plate having an inner surface opposite an outer surface, and including a frame opening formed completely through said frame plate for receiving said cover plate; a plurality of frame bracers affixed to said inner surface of said frame plate about said frame opening; a plurality of rod holders, each interposed between said plurality of frame bracers; a plurality of frame brackets each affixed to said inner surface of said frame plate adjacent said frame opening, each frame bracket including another bracket aperture; a plurality of support rods each removably attached to each rod holder; and a pair of frame supports each having rod holes to receive said plurality of support rods therethrough to secure said pair of frame supports a parallel distance from said frame plate; installing said cover frame about an access hole formed within material structure where said material structure abuts against each of said plurality of frame bracers, each of said plurality of support rods attached to each rod holder, and extending within said access hole; attaching said pair of frame supports to each of said plurality of support rods such that said material structure is interposed between said pair of frame supports, and said frame plate; and attaching each frame support to each of said plurality of support rods with fasteners to firmly compress said material structure between said frame supports and said frame plate, said frame opening aligned with said access hole.
19. The method of claim 18, further including: inserting and temporarily holding said cover plate within said frame opening; aligning each of said plurality of cover brackets on said cover plate with each of said plurality of frame brackets on said cover frame so that said bracket apertures align with each other; sequentially extending an installment tool through each window of said tool post, and through each tube opening of each of said plurality of guide tubes to secure fasteners through each of said bracket apertures attaching said cover plate to said cover frame; removing said installment tool from said tool post, and attaching said inner plug, and said outer plug to said bore opening; and wherein said outer plate surface of said cover plate is coplanar with said outer surface of said frame plate when said cover is completely attached to said cover frame.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein aligning each of said plurality of cover brackets with each of said plurality of frame brackets comprises engaging aligners that are provided on both said inner plate surface of said cover plate, and said inner surface of said frame plate while temporarily holding said cover plate within said frame opening.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a cover system including a cover having a cover plate with a hidden locking system, and a cover frame readily installable about an access hole formed in a road, overpass, freeway, or bridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a front, partial, perspective view of the cover system of FIG. 1, showing an outer plug removably threaded within a threaded bore opening formed within a central region of the cover plate;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a back, perspective view of the cover frame with the cover removed to expose a frame opening formed within a frame plate, and framing elements comprising frame brackets, frame bracers, and rod holders each affixed to an inner surface of the frame plate;
[0028] FIGS. 4 and 5 is a back view, and a back, perspective view, respectively, of the cover system of FIG. 1, showing framing elements mechanically secured to the frame plate defining the cover frame, and the hidden locking system provided on an inner plate surface of a cover plate for removably mounting the cover securely to the cover frame;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an inner plug including a circular body having an open bottom, a closed top, and a plurality of threads formed on the circular body, showing a bottom surface of the closed top to provide restricted viewing within an access hole, and to prevent tampering of the locking elements of the cover during use;
[0030] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, back, partial, perspective view, of the cover, showing a tool post aligned with the threaded bore opening including a bore spacer for differentiating a first threaded bore from a second threaded bore;
[0031] FIGS. 8 and 9 are back, partial perspective views of the cover of FIG. 1, showing the inner plug of FIG. 6 slidably insertable within the tool post, and readily aligned to engage the second threaded bore that is formed colinear with the first threaded bore of the bore opening;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a back, partial perspective view of the cover, showing the inner plug removably threaded within the second threaded bore of the bore opening formed within the cover plate;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a front, partial perspective view of the cover with the outer plug removed from the cover plate to expose the bore opening, showing the inner plug fully seated within the bore opening exposing the bottom surface of the closed top of the inner plug for preventing visual access to both, the covered access hole, and to the hidden locking system;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a top, back, perspective view of the cover frame including a pair of frame supports each adjustably affixed to corresponding rod holders provided on the frame plate, via support rods for securely supporting and holding the cover system in position over a designated access hole;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a side, partial, perspective view of the cover frame of FIG. 12, showing adjustable spacing provided between each frame support, and the frame plate for receiving a portion of the material structure of a bridge or freeway to attach the cover frame in a secured position about an access hole;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a back, perspective view of the cover frame including a pair of frame supports each readily, adjustably affixed to material structure of a freeway or bridge for securely supporting and holding the cover system in position over a designated access hole with material structural butting against each frame bracer, and being compressed between each frame support and frame plate of the cover frame with the frame opening being aligned with an access hole;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cover frame of FIG. 14, showing a portion of the material structure butting against a frame bracer;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a front, partial, perspective view of the cover, showing use of a plug tool for detaching the inner plug from the second threaded bore of the bore opening to gain access to the locking elements provided on the inner surface of the cover plate;
[0039] FIG. 17 is a front, partial, perspective view of the cover, showing the inner plug unthreaded, and pushed upwards along the tool post to provide access to multiple windows for inserting a tool fastener therethrough;
[0040] FIG. 18 is an enlarged, front, perspective view of the tool post provided on the back of the cover plate, showing the inner plug uplifted, and held in place by a plug holder to provide unrestricted access to the multiple windows of the tool post for gaining unobstructed access to each tube opening of each guide tube;
[0041] FIG. 19 is an enlarged, back, partial, perspective view of the cover, showing one side of the plug holder including a magnet to hold and retain the inner plug in an upward position;
[0042] FIG. 20 is an enlarged, back, partial, perspective view of the cover, showing a fastener tool extending through one window of the tool post, and entering a tube opening of a guide tube for fastening or unfastening a fastener to each frame bracket for attaching or removing the cover to the cover frame; and
[0043] FIG. 21 is an enlarged, back, partial view of the cover system, illustrating attaching the cover to the cover frame by securing a cover bracket to a frame bracket, via a fastener installed by the tool fastener shown in FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. The term including should be read as meaning including, without limitation or the like; the terms illustrative, exemplary, or example is used to provide exemplary instances or illustrations of the item in discussion, and not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, or not construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations; the terms a or an should be read as meaning at least one, one or more or the like; and adjectives such as conventional, traditional, normal, standard, known and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Furthermore, the use of plurals can also refer to the singular, including without limitation when a term refers to one or more of a particular item; likewise, the use of a singular term can also include the plural, unless the context dictates otherwise.
[0045] All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions, exploded views, and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[0046] When describing or introducing elements, components, features, embodiments, structure, or variations, the terms, a, an, the, it, and said as used herein and in the following claims, means or connotes the singular or plural. Certain terminology is utilized herein for purposes of providing one or more points of reference and is not intended for limiting the present disclosure to any specific construction, dimension, orientation, configuration, structure, view, or embodiment. For example, the terms, top, bottom, side, left, right, front, rear, back, upper, lower, length, width, height, depth, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, above, radius, are utilized herein to describe orientation of elements, features, elements, or components, and to provide perspective, dimension, and reference within each drawing and figure.
[0047] When elements are referred to as being affixed, attached, connected or coupled to other elements, or to another element, it will be understood that elements can be directly affixed, attached, connected or coupled to other elements or another element, or any number of intervening elements may be present. Other words used to describe relationships between components may be similarly interpreted, such as between and directly between, or adjacent and directly adjacent, etc.
[0048] The term, access hole, as used herein, generally refers to a hole or opening that is dimensionally sized to allow an individual, such as a city worker, to enter therethrough, and that is constructed or formed within the earth, body, and/or structure of a bridge, highway, road, building, overpass, freeway, or interstate.
[0049] Referring now to the figures wherein like elements are represented by like numerals throughout, there is shown in FIG. 1 an elevated, front view of a cover system 10 including a hidden locking system that is used for removably attaching a cover 12 to a cover frame 14 where the cover system 10 is readily installed about an access hole formed in an overpass, freeway, bridge or road, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cover 12 comprises a cover plate 16 having an inner plate surface opposite an outer plate surface, and a variety of locking elements that are provided on the inner plate surface for securely attaching the cover 12 to the cover frame 14, and to prevent unauthorized individuals from tampering with cover 12 during use. In one embodiment, cover plate 16 comprises a circular geometric shape that corresponds to the circular shape, or dimensional construction of an access hole. Cover frame 14 generally comprises a frame plate 18 having an inner surface opposite an outer surface, and a square or rectangular geometric shape that includes a frame opening 20 having a circular geometric shape corresponding to the circular shape of the access hole, and cover plate 16. Preferably, frame opening 20 includes a diameter that is slightly larger in size than the diameter of cover plate 16 so as to receive the cover 12 securely within the cover frame 14. The diameter of frame opening 20 should be as close as possible to the diameter of the cover plate 16 resulting in a small circular gap 22 being formed when the cover 12 is completely mounted to the cover frame 14. Upon installation, the cover 12 is mounted to the cover frame 14 so that the outer plate surface of the cover plate 16 lies coplanar with the outer surface of the frame plate 18 to provide a completely coplanar, flat outer surface giving the illusion or appearance of a single, metal plate, as one single unit, when viewed by on-lookers. The small circular gap 22 is preferably filled with a gap filler such as a silicone, a caulking compound, matting, or a hardening liquid metal material in an effort to further hide the seam created by the small circular gap 22 from view. The goal is, upon installation of the cover system 10 to an access hole, the cover plate 16 and frame plate 18 should provide the appearance of a single metal plate to hide any appearance of a cover to deter, dissuade or elude tampering of the cover 12 by unauthorized individuals. Both the cover plate 16, and frame plate 18 are preferably constructed from a durable, strong material such as steel. In one embodiment, the steel may consist of stainless steel, or galvanized steel to help resist rust or corrosion due to water or condensation. The cover 12, and frame plate 18 may each comprise any size, and/or dimension to accommodate access holes having different sizes. In one exemplary embodiment, cover plate 16, and frame plate 18 may be to inch thick, with frame plate 14 comprising a square geometric configuration that is 30 inches by 30 inches in size, and the frame opening 20 comprising 21 inches in diameter. It is understood that in another embodiment, frame opening 20, and cover plate 16 may comprise a generally square or rectangular shape and/or dimension.
[0050] In reference to FIGS. 1, and 2, the unique hidden locking system utilizes an outer plug 24 that is removably attached to the cover plate 16 of cover 12 to provide a first tamper deterrent. The outer plug 24 is implemented to hide the appearance of an inner plug 126 as will be described further herein. In one non-limiting embodiment, outer plug 24 includes a round geometric body having a closed top 26 opposite an open bottom 28, and a series of threads 30 formed on the outer circumference of the body of the outer plug 24 for engaging a series of threads provided in a first threaded bore 32 of a bore opening 28 formed within the central region of cover plate 16. Outer plug 24 may comprise any durable material such as steel, hard plastic, aluminum, or ceramic. In one non-limiting embodiment, the outer plug 24 may comprise 1 inches in diameter, and inches in height. For added convenience, no tool is necessary to insert or remove the outer plug 24 from the first threaded bore 32, however, in one embodiment, the outer plug 24 may be designed such that a tool or special tool is needed to removably attach and/or detach the outer plug 24, to or from, cover plate 16 to prevent unauthorized users from attempting to remove the outer plug 24 with case. It is noted that although a threaded connection between the outer plug 24 and bore opening 28 is depicted, other mechanical connections may be employed for removably attaching the outer plug 24 to the cover plate 16 including for example, but not limited to, the use of detents, springs, bayonet connection, magnetic connection, or other mechanical configurations.
[0051] Turning now to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 there are shown a back perspective view of the cover frame 14, and back perspective views, respectively, of the cover system 10 including the cover 12 and cover frame 14, in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the cover frame 14 is illustrated with the cover 12 completely removed to expose the frame opening 20. Cover frame 14 includes a host of framing elements for securely installing the cover system 10 about an access hole provided in an overpass, freeway, bridge or road, and for removably attaching the cover 12 to the cover frame 14. In one preferred embodiment, the framing elements include frame brackets 34, 36, 38, 40, rod holders 42, 44, 46, 48, and frame bracers 50, 52, 54, 56 that are all attached to the inner surface of the frame plate 18, directly or indirectly, preferably by a welding process. In one embodiment, each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40 comprises an L-shaped body that is strategically placed at designated areas on the inner surface of the frame plate 18, adjacent the peripheral opening of frame opening 20. Each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40 is aligned to engage with a corresponding cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86 provided on the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16. For illustrative purposes, reference is made herein to a single frame bracket 40, as the mechanical structure, construction, and function of each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40 is the same. As better illustrated in FIG. 5, frame bracket 40 includes a first leg 58 that is securely attached to the inner surface of the frame plate 18, for example via a welding process, and that is integral with a second leg 61 shown extending upwards a predetermined length, and having a bracket aperture formed therethrough. A threaded bracket nut 60 is attached thereto, for example welded to the body of the second leg 61, and aligned with the bracket aperture formed within the second leg 61 to accommodate entry of a threaded bolt used to secure the cover 12 to the cover frame 14. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a threaded bracket nut 60, 62, 64, 66 is affixed to each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40, and each threaded bracket nut 60, 62, 64, 66 correspondingly aligns with apertures that are formed in each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40, and in each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86 for receiving a fastener therethrough, as also illustrated in FIG. 21. In one non-limiting embodiment, each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40, and each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86 comprise a dimension that is 2 inches by 2 inches.
[0052] There is also provided a plurality of frame bracers 50, 52, 54, 56 each constructed from a durable material, for example steel, that is employed for installing the cover frame 14 about an access hole formed in a road, freeway or bridge. Each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 is structured and designed to brace against earth, cement, cement blocks, or structural material that forms the access hole. Upon placing the cover frame 14 in position about an access hole, the structural material, i.e., the cement block or material, firmly butts against one leg of each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 to provide structural, and installment stability. As illustrated, each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 is configured in a generally square layout on the inner surface of frame plate 18 adjacent frame opening 20, and are each affixed to the frame plate 18, for example by a welding process. Each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 comprises an L-shaped body including an upwardly extending first leg integral with a second leg. In one embodiment, the legs may be situated 90 degrees apart from each other, or alternatively, the legs of each frame bracer may be situated at any degree angle from each other. With reference made to a single frame bracer 56 for descriptive purposes only, there is illustrated in FIG. 5, frame bracer 56 having an L-shaped body including an upwardly extending first leg 68 that is integral with a second leg 70 with each leg 68, 70 comprising the same length. Upon installation of cover frame 14, material structural used to construct the freeway and access hole, such as cement, butts firmly against the second leg 68 of frame bracer 56. As such, the material structural surrounds all sides of the cover frame 14 such that the material structural butts against an upwardly extending first leg of each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 providing for structural integrity of the cover system 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, each frame bracer may comprise a length of 15 to 25 inches, including a first and second leg being 1 inches. In a preferred embodiment, each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 comprises a length of 19 inches.
[0053] It is understood that the cover system 10 of the present invention may also be employed as a manhole cover system used in various roads or streets. In such cases, the cover system 10 must be able to withstand greater weight bearing loads imposed on the cover 12 or cover plate 16 during use such as the weight of individuals walking on it, or the weight of automobiles passing over it. To address the weight bearing issue, a second leg of each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56, for example leg 70 of frame bracer 56, may comprise a larger width 71, and a second leg 73 of a frame bracer 52 may also comprise a larger width 75 to cover, and support a larger portion of the cover plate 16 to better resist weight bearing loads thereon. As such, one leg of any two or more frame bracers 50, 52, 54, 56 may comprise a larger predetermined width to support greater weight bearing loads on the cover 12 and cover plate 16.
[0054] Cover frame 14 further includes rod holders 42, 44, 46, 48 for enhancing the structural integrity of each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56, and for providing a footing for adjustable frame supports 140, 142, as better illustrated in FIG. 13. Each rod holder 42, 44, 46, 48 comprises a metal plate having a trapezoid shaped body that includes angled sides. Threaded support nuts 72, 74, 76, 78 are each affixed to an upper surface of each rod holder 42, 44, 46, 48 by a welding process, to each receive a support rod 144, 146, 148, 150 therein, as better illustrated in FIG. 12. Each rod holder 42, 44, 46, 48 is disposed between each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 such that the angled sides of each trapezoid metal plate are welded to designated ends of the frame bracers 50, 52, 54, 56 to further stabilize, and enhance the functional integrity of cover frame 14, and to permit each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 to securely brace against the material structural of the access hole upon installation of the cover frame 14. Each rod holder 42, 44, 46, 48 is interposed between the ends of each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56, as better illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. It is understood that each rod holder 42, 44, 46, 48 may comprise any geometric configuration, dimension, size, or structure. In one non-limiting embodiment, each rod holder 42, 44, 46, 48 comprise a trapezoid body having a base length of 6 inches, and a height of 2 inches.
[0055] With continued reference made to FIG. 4, cover plate 16 includes cover brackets 80, 82, 84, 86 that are each affixed to inner plate surface of the cover plate 16 via, a welding process. Each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86 is strategically disposed about the peripheral edge of the cover plate 16 to align with each corresponding frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40 provided on cover frame 14. Each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86 is similar in structure to each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, and 40. For example, each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86 comprises an L-shaped body having a first leg affixed to the body of the cover plate 12, and an integral, extended second leg having a bracket aperture formed therethrough. The second leg of each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86 aligns with a second leg of each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40 with bracket apertures formed in both second legs, aligning with a bore of each threaded bracket nut 60, 62, 64, 66 that is welded to each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40. Thus as shown in FIG. 4, for example, each cover bracket and each frame bracket comprises similar mechanical construction, and are constructed from a durable steel material.
[0056] There are also included aligners, denoted at 92, 94 to assist technicians during the installation process for better aligning the cover brackets 80, 82, 84, 86 with the frame brackets 34, 36, 38, 40 when securely installing the cover 12 to the cover frame 14. In one embodiment, the aligners 92 comprise a first member affixed to the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16, and a second and third member affixed to the inner surface of the frame plate 18 in a spaced-apart relation from each other, such that the first member is disposed between the two spaced-apart second and third members upon installment of the cover 12 to the cover frame 14. Aligners 94 comprise a fourth member affixed to the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16, and a fifth and sixth member is affixed to the inner surface of the frame plate 18 in a spaced-apart relation from each other, such that the fourth member is disposed between the two spaced-apart fifth and sixth members. It is understood that aligners 92, 94 may comprise other mechanical configurations, or may comprise any visual/audible tactical mechanisms to help align the cover 12 in position to the cover frame 14 during the installation process. It is understood that aligners 92, 94 may comprise stubs, protrusions, tabs, extensions or small pieces constructed from steel.
[0057] With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the hidden locking system includes various locking elements that are particularly designed for removably securing the cover 12 to the cover frame 14 while restricting tampering of the cover 12 during use. The hidden locking system includes a plurality of guide tubes 96, 98, 100, 102 that are each strategically affixed to the inner plate surface of cover plate 16 at a predetermined distance apart from each other, using for example a welding process. In one non-limiting embodiment, each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102 may be directly or indirectly affixed to the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16. For example, each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102 may be elevated upwards from the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16 using a spacer such as a steel block so that each tube opening 104, 106, 108, 110 of each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102 laterally aligns with each aperture of each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86, each aperture of each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40, and each threaded bracket nut 60, 62, 64, 66 provided on each frame bracket 34, 36, 38 and 40. Each tube opening 104, 106, 108, 110 comprises a predetermined dimension including a length and diameter to accommodate entry of a fastener and fastening tool 300 therein, as better illustrated in FIG. 20. In one non-limiting embodiment, each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102 may comprise a length of 5 to 8 inches having a diameter of 1 to 2 inches. In one preferred embodiment, each guide tube is 6 inches in length, and includes a diameter of 1 inches. A fastening tool 300 is used to attach, or remove the cover 12, to or from, cover frame 14. The fastening tool 300 is used to removably insert a fastener such as a bolt through a bracket aperture of each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86 and a bracket aperture of each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40, and for threading the fastener securely within each threaded bracket nut 60, 62, 64, 66 firmly securing the cover 12 to the cover frame 14. Each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102 may be constructed from a heavy metal or steel material, from a lightweight metal or steel material, or from a hard, durable plastic material. In one embodiment, each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102 is constructed from a stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized material. It is understood that each tube opening 104, 106, 108, 110 may comprise a non-standard dimension defined by a metric measurement thus requiring the use of a metric fastening tool 300. The theory is trespassing individuals who may wish to tamper with the cover system 10 may have access to standard tools, but may have more difficulty acquiring a metric tool as they are less commonly made available than standard tools.
[0058] The hidden locking system includes a tool post 112 that is affixed to the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16, and strategically aligned with the bore opening 28 provided about the central region of the cover plate 16. In one non-limiting embodiment, the tool post 112 comprises a top member 114, a bottom member 116, and post legs 118, 120, 122, 124 that each extend between the top and bottom members 114, 116 such that each post leg has a proximate end affixed to the top member 114, and a distal end attached to the bottom member 116. In one non-limiting embodiment, tool post 112 may comprise 4 inches in length, with each post leg 118, 120, 122, 124 comprising 3 inches in length, where the top member and bottom member each comprise 2 inches in diameter. The bottom member 116 is shown affixed to the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16, via a welding process. As illustrated, top member 114, and bottom member 116 each comprise a circular member such as a metal ring having a predetermine diameter. Post legs 118, 120, 122, 124 may comprise any predetermined length, shape and size, and are generally spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance along the circumference of the top and bottom members 114, 116 forming access windows W1, W2, W3, W4 that each align with a corresponding tube opening 104, 106, 108, 110 of each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102, as better illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. In application, when installing or uninstalling the cover 12 to the cover frame 14, technicians extend a fastening tool 300 through each access window W1, W2, W3, W4, and subsequently insert the fastening tool 300 within each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102 to fasten or unfasten fasteners to each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86, and frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40, as better illustrated in FIG. 20. It is understood that tool post 112 may comprise any dimension, size, or shape.
[0059] When the cover system 10 is securely installed in position about an access hole of a structure, such as a freeway, there may be occasion where unauthorized users attempt to remove the outer plug 24, and peck through the bore opening 28 to see what is on the other side of the cover 12, or to determine if they can mechanically remove the cover 12 to gain entry into the access hole. To deter such intentions, there is provided an additional locking element comprising an inner plug 126 that is used in conjunction with tool post 112. As illustrated in FIG. 6, inner plug 126 comprises a circular plug body 128 having an open bottom 130, a closed top 132, and a plurality of threads 134 that are formed of the outer circumferential surface of the circular plug body 128. It is understood that both the outer plug 24, and inner plug 126 may comprise any predetermined diameter, and be constructed from a durable material such as, but not limited to, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic, or galvanized steel. In one non-limiting embodiment, the inner plug 126 may be 2 inches in diameter, and 1 7/16 in height.
[0060] Functional use of the inner plug 126, and structure of the tool post 112 are better illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10 that illustrate back, partial, perspective views of the cover 12, and cover plate 16. In application, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the inner plug 126 is slidably inserted within the tool post 112 and guided therein by each post leg 118, 120, 122, and 124. The inner plug 126 is removably threaded into position within a second threaded bore 136 of bore opening 28 provided in cover plate 16, as shown in FIG. 10. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, bore opening 28 includes a bore spacer, generally denoted at 138, that functionally separates a first threaded bore 32 from a second threaded bore 136. As such, distal ends of each the outer plug 24, and inner plug 126 may terminate at bore spacer 138. It is noted that in one embodiment, the first threaded bore 32 may comprise a smaller diameter than the second threaded bore 136 with the inner plug 126 having a larger diameter than the outer plug 24. In one alternative embodiment, bore spacer 138 may be completely eliminated, and the distal end of the outer plug 24, and the inner plug 126 may overlap with each other such that the distal end of the smaller diameter body of the outer plug 24 enters the open bottom of the distal portion of the larger diameter body of the inner plug 126 when both plugs 24, 126 are fully threaded within bore opening 28.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the inner plug 126 is aligned for entry into the tool post 112, and is inserted within the top opening of the top member 114 to slide within the tool post 112, as shown in FIG. 9. The inner plug 126 slides completely down the tool post 112 to engage the second threaded bore 136 of bore opening 28. It is understood that the diameter of the top member 114 of the tool post 112 is slightly larger than the diameter of the inner plug 126 to permit the inner plug 126 from freely sliding within the tool post 112. As depicted in FIG. 10, the plurality of threads 134 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner plug body 126 engage with the plurality of threads provided within the second threaded bore 136 to secure the inner plug 126 in position.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 11, upon fully attaching the inner plug 126 in position within bore opening 28, the inner surface of the closed top 132 of inner plug 126 restricts viewing access into an access hole covered by the cover system 10, and also prevents unauthorized users from viewing within the bore opening 28 to see the locking elements provided on the cover plate 16 thereby preventing them from attempting to remove the cover 12 with tools. Use of the inner plug 126 discourages unauthorized individuals from seeing within an access hole associated with the cover system 10, and prevents individuals from tampering with the mounting arrangement of the cover 12. Thus, the inner plug 126 provides a strong tampering resistant feature.
[0063] With reference now made to FIGS. 12 and 13 there is shown a top, back, perspective view, and a partial, side, perspective view, respectively, of the cover frame 14 including a pair of frame supports 140, 142 that are each adjustably affixed to corresponding rod holders 42, 44, 46, 48, via support rods 144, 146, 148, 150 for securely supporting, and holding the cover system 10 in position about an access hole. Each frame support 140, 142 comprises an elongate metal piece having a predetermined length, a generally square or rectangular geometric configuration, and strategically provided rod holes for receiving support rods 144, 146, 148, 150 therethrough. In one non-limiting embodiment, each frame support 140, 142 comprises a length of 35 inches, and square configuration being 1 by 1 inches. As shown, each support rod 144, 146, 148, 150 comprises a metal rod having threads that extend along the entire length of the support rod, or threads that are situated only at the distal and proximate ends of each support rod to engage both threaded support nuts 72, 74, 76, 78 that are welded to each rod holder 42, 44, 46, 48, and to receive threaded rod nuts 152, 154, 156, 158 that are each driven by a tool, such as a wrench, rachet, impact wrench, to firmly clamp the material structure of the access hole between each frame support 140, 142, and frame plate 18 of cover frame 14. As illustrated, opposite ends of each frame support 140, 142 extend outwards a predetermined distance over frame plate 18 defining frame support extensions, and each frame support 140, 142 is adjusted vertically to provide an adjustable distance for receiving different thicknesses of material structure forming the access holes when securely attaching the cover frame 14 securely in position.
[0064] For installation, technicians generally transport covers 12, and cover frames 14 to various installation sites for installing cover systems 10 to one or more access holes formed within a road, bridge, or freeway. It is understood that the cover 12, and cover frame 14 may be attached together in advance of transport as one unit, or the cover 12, and cover frame 14 may be transported as separate pieces, and subsequently assembled, or attached together at the installation site. The material structure referenced herein may comprise any well-known earthly material, cement, wood, asphalt, or any combination thereof. For example, a road structure for a freeway or a bridge may be constructed from a cement material with an access hole formed within the cement material. Upon identifying the particular location for installation, the installation technicians proceed to install the cover frame 14 in position within the road structure of interest about a designated access hole. One exemplary demonstration for installing the cover frame 14 is illustrated in FIG. 14 where there is shown a back, perspective view of the cover frame 14 including a pair of frame supports 140, 142 each readily, adjustably affixed to material structure, generally denoted as CB for securely supporting, and holding the cover system 10 in position over the designated access hole. Initially upon installing the cover frame 14, one end of each support rod 144, 146, 148, 150 is initially threaded into each corresponding rod holder 42, 44, 46, 48 provided on cover frame 14, via threaded support nuts 72, 74, 76, and 78. It is understood that in one embodiment, each support rod 144, 146, 148, 150 may be pre-installed to the cover frame 14 in advance before arriving to the installation site. The cover frame 14 with the mounted support rods 144, 146, 148, 150 is subsequently uplifted about a designated access hole such that the frame plate 18 of cover frame 14 engages against the underside surface of material structure CB in which the access hole is formed, with each support rod 144, 146, 148, 150 extending through the access hole near the circular perimeter of the access hole so as not to obstruct access entry into the access hole. In one alternative embodiment, holes may be formed within the material structure to accommodate entry of the support rods 144, 146, 148, 150 therethrough. With reference made to FIGS. 12, and 14, upon placement of cover frame 14 about an access hole, the surrounding material structure CB butts against each first upwardly extending leg of each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 to brace the cover frame 14 securely in position. While securely holding the cover frame 14 in position, each frame support 140, 142 is removably attached to the cover frame 14 by passing another end of each support rod 144, 146, 148, 150 through a corresponding rod hole formed in the body of each frame support 140 and 142. Each frame support 140, 142 slides downwards to rest against the material structure such that the frame supports 140, 142, and frame plate 18 compress the material structure CB on both opposite ends. Washers and fasteners comprising threaded rod nuts 152, 154, 156, 158 are subsequently threaded onto the ends of each support rod 144, 146, 148, 150, and manipulated by a tool, such as a wrench, rachet, or impact wrench to force each support frame 140, 142 firmly downwards against the material structure CB compressing the material structure CB between the frame supports 140, 142, and frame plate 18 of the cover frame 14. Frame support extensions, or the opposite ends of each frame support 140, 142, firmly engage with a larger surface area of the material structure CB to enhance gripping and compression of the frame support 140, 142 and the frame plate 18. It is noted that each frame support 140, 142 may comprise a longer length to provide for longer frame support extensions, or longer opposite ends that help to further engage the material structure CB. It is appreciated that in one embodiment, the cover frame 14 can be installed directly to a mechanical or material structure via, a welding or fastening process without the need for employing frame supports 140, 142, and support rods 144, 146, 148, and 150. For example, the cover frame 14 may be directly welded to a metal bracing, metal bridge, or metal framing if warranted.
[0065] Turning to FIG. 15, there is illustrated a cross-section, side, partial view of cover frame 14 with support frames 140, 142, taken along line A-A, of FIG. 13. As noted, upon installation of the cover frame 14, the material structure CB engages against each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 to enhance the bracing stability of the cover frame 14 when in position about an access hole, while providing an unobstructed access to the frame opening 20. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the material structure CB butts against each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 with opposite ends of each frame support 140, 142 engaging the material structure CB. The material structure CB is sandwiched between the opposite ends of each frame support 140, 142, and the frame plate 18, with fasteners such as a threaded rod nuts 152, 154, 156, 158 tightened to firmly press the frame support 142 against the material structure CB to compress the material structure CB between the frame supports 140, 142, and frame plate 18. Each frame support 140, 142 is adjustable vertically to accommodate different thicknesses of material structure. As shown in FIG. 15, upon installation of the cover frame 14 about an access hole, the material structure CB butts firmly against frame bracer 54, (and although not shown, also butts against frame bracer 50), to provide unobstructed access to frame opening 20 formed within the frame plate 14. It is appreciated that each first leg of each frame bracer 50, 52, 54, 56 may comprise a longer or wider dimension to engage a larger area of the material structure when butting against each frame bracer.
[0066] In demonstrating the functional attributes of the hidden locking system there is illustrated in FIG. 10, the inner plug 126 that is threaded to the second threaded bore 136 of bore opening 28 of cover plate 16 to deter individuals from tampering with the cover system 10, and viewing inside the access hole, and to avoid attempts at gaining access to locking elements provided on the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16. It is understood that inner plug 126 may be pre-installed in advance before installation of the cover system 10, or alternatively the inner plug 126 can be installed on-site. To gain access to the inner plug 126, the outer plug 24 is first removed from the cover plate 16 to expose viewing of the inner plug 126. It is noted that, when attempting to attach, or remove a cover 12 from an installed cover system 10, both the outer plug 24, and inner plug 126 must be removed. There is shown in FIG. 16 a front, partial, perspective view of the cover plate 16, showing use of a plug tool 200 to remove, or install the inner plug 126 from the second threaded bore 136 of the bore opening 28 to gain access to the hidden locking system provided on the inner plate surface of cover plate 16. It is understood that the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16 faces towards the access opening and is not viewable from the outside by on-lookers. Plug tool 200 comprises a first handle 210 including a first head 212 disposed at the distal end of the first handle 210, and a second handle 214 including a second head 216 disposed at the distal end of the second handle 214, where the first and second handle 210, 214 are pivotably coupled together via a pivot point 218. Each handle 210, 214 is covered by a rubber material to provide frictional gripping of the tool by hand. Each head 212, 216 comprises a curved body having an outer surface comprising an arcuate or convex configuration corresponding to the contour of the inner, circular surface of inner plug 126. The outer convex or arcuate surface of each head 212, 216 may include a rubber material, a friction material, or dimples, protrusions, or nubs to better effectuate engaging the inner surface of the circular wall of inner plug 126. In use, the distal end of the plug tool 200 including each head 212, 216 is inserted within bore opening 28 of cover plate 16, and the technician squeezes the handles 210, 214 together forcing each head 212, 216 to expand outwards, to firmly compress against the inner surface of the circular wall of inner plug 126. The plug tool 200 is subsequently rotated, continuously counter-clockwise (clockwise if installing the inner plug 126 within the bore opening 28, or vice-versa) until the inner plug 126 is fully unscrewed or unthreaded from the second threaded bore 136 of bore opening 28. Upon the inner plug 126 being completely unthreaded or unscrewed, the technician may then use the plug tool 200 to push the inner plug 126 upwards within tool post 112 to engage the plug holder 160, and expose access to windows W1, W2, W3, W4, as illustrated in FIG. 17. Though only two windows W1, W2 are shown in FIG. 17, it is understood that upon removing the inner plug 126 from position, all windows W1, W2, W3, W4 are freely made accessible, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0067] With reference now made to FIG. 18, there is shown an enlarged, back, partial, perspective view of the cover plate 16, showing the inner plug 126 pushed upwards within the tool post 112, and held in place by the plug holder 160 for providing unrestricted access to windows W1, W2, W3, W4, and gaining unobstructed access to each tube opening 104, 106, 108, 110 of each guide tube 96, 98, 100, and 102. In one embodiment, plug holder 160 comprises a holding bar 162 that is attached to tabs 164, 166 affixed to top member 114 of the tool guide 112. In one non-limiting embodiment, the holding bar 162 is attached to tabs 164, 166 via, removeable fasteners such as screws, as shown in FIG. 19. As shown, holding bar 162 comprises a flat, rectangular bar having a width, thickness and depth. In one non-limiting embodiment, the holding bar 162 may comprise a length being approximately from 4 to 5 inches in length to span across the top opening diameter of the top member 114. With reference made to FIG. 19, the holding bar 162 includes one or more magnets, generally denoted as M, that is affixed to the underside of the holding bar 162 for magnetically attracting the outer surface of the closed top 132 of inner plug 126 thereby holding, and retaining the inner plug 126 in an upwards position after unfastening and uplifting the inner plug 126 from bore opening 28. It is understood that although a single magnet M is shown, additional magnets may be implemented to provide greater magnetic strength for releasably holding inner plug 126 in position. It is appreciated that other mechanisms may be employed to retain the inner plug 126 in an uplifted position. For example, one or more magnetic elements may be incorporated within the body of the top member 114, or within the body 128 of the inner plug 126, or both, providing magnetic attraction between the inner plug 126, and tool post 112. In one non-limiting embodiment, the holding bar 126 may comprise metal, steel, ceramic, plastic, wood, or other material. It will be noted that the holding bar 126 itself may comprise a magnet itself in one embodiment.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 5, and 20, with inner plug 126 held in an upwards position by plug holder 160, each window W1, W2, W3, W4, of tool guide 112, is made accessible, and strategically aligns with each tube opening 104, 106, 108, 110 of each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102. A fastening tool 300 is used to attach, or remove, a fastener to each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86, and frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40 for attaching or removing the cover 12 securely to, or from, the cover frame 14. In one embodiment, it is understood that the diameter of the fastening tool 300 is smaller than the diameter of each tube opening 104, 106, 108, 110 for easily sliding the body of the fastening tool 300 therein. As noted, to further deter tampering, each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102 may include a tube opening 104, 106, 108, 110 having a metric dimension for receiving both a metric fastener such as a bolt, or screw, and a metric fastening tool 300. Thus, each threaded bracket nut 60, 62, 64, 66 provided on each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40 may comprise a metric nut for threadably receiving a metric fastener. The purpose of using metric fasteners, and/or a metric fastening tool rather than standard fasteners or standard tools is to further restrict unauthorized users from tampering with the mounting elements, and attempting to uninstall the cover 12 by using standard tools that are more commonly used and available than metric tools.
[0069] Reference is now made to FIGS. 20 and 21 for depicting the installation of, or removal of, cover 12 to a cover frame 14 that has been previously installed about an access hole in the material structure of a road, bridge or freeway. In installation, a technician must ascertain that the outer plug 24 is removed, and that the inner plug 126 is detached, and held in place by plug holder 160 to expose access to each window W1, W2, W3, W4, of tool guide 112, and each tube opening 104, 106, 108, and 110. The cover 12 is inserted to the cover frame 14 so that each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86, and each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, 40 correspondingly align together. Aligners 92, 94 are used to assist technicians to properly align and guide the cover brackets 80, 82, 84, 86 64 with the frame brackets 34, 36, 38, and 40. Once the cover 12 and cover plate 18 is properly aligned within the cover frame 14, the cover 12 is held in position by the assistance of one or more technicians so that the cover plate 16 fits fully within frame opening 20. An installation technician then places a fastener 168 at the distal end of a fastening tool 300, and maneuvers the fastening tool 300 through a selected window W3, as illustrated in FIG. 20, sliding a portion of the fastening tool 300 with the attached fastener 168 within a tube opening 106 of guide tube 98, and proceeds to insert the fastener 168 into bracket apertures provided in the second leg of cover bracket 82, and frame bracket 36, and rotates the fastener 168 within the threaded bracket nut 64 provided on the frame bracket 36 to securely attach the cover plate 16 to the frame plate 18 of the cover frame 12, as better illustrated in FIG. 21. The installation steps are repeated, via sliding the fastening tool 300 having a removably attached fastener, through each of the other windows W1, W2, W4 and through each corresponding tube opening 96, 100, 102 to secure fasteners to each additional cover bracket 80, 84, 86 and frame bracket 34, 38, 40. Upon fully attaching the cover 12 to the cover frame 14, the technician subsequently inserts the distal end of the plug tool 200 within the bore opening 28 of the cover plate 16, inserts the heads 212, 216 within the open bottom 130 of the inner plug 126, and squeezes the handles 210, 214 of the plug tool 200 to engage the heads 212, 216 against the inner circular wall of the inner plug 126. The technician then pulls the inner plug 126 away from the plug holder 160 to engage the threads 134 of the inner plug 126 with the threads of the second threaded bore 136 to secure the inner plug 126 in position. The plug tool 200 is rotated to fully attach the inner plug 126 within the second threaded bore 136 obstructing the view of the access hole, and the locking elements affixed to the inner plate surface of the cover plate 16. The outer plug 24 is than threaded into the first threaded bore 32 of the bore opening 28 to hide the presence of the inner plug 126. Upon securing the cover 12 to the cover frame 14, a gap filler is employed to fill the small gap 18 formed between the frame opening 20 and outer perimeter of the cover plate 16 to hide the seam from view, and provide for a single, metal plate with no indication of there being a cover 12.
[0070] Similar steps are undertaken to remove the cover 12 from the cover frame 14 that has been properly installed about an access hole in the material structure of a road, bridge or freeway. In removal, a technician first removes the outer plug 24 from the cover plate 16 to gain access to the inner walls of the attached inner plug 126. The distal end of the plug tool 200 is inserted within the bore opening 28 of the cover plate 16 for inserting the heads 212, 216 within the open bottom 130 of the inner plug 126. The technician squeezes the handles 210, 214 of plug tool 200 to engage the heads 212, 216 firmly against the inner circular wall of the inner plug 126, and rotates the plug tool 200 to detach the inner plug 126 from the second threaded bore 136. The technician then continues to push the inner plug 126 upwards within the tool post 112 towards the plug holder 160 for retaining the inner plug 126 in an upward position by the magnetic attraction of the magnet M provided on the plug holder 160 thereby exposing access to each window W1, W2, W3, W4, of tool guide 112, and each tube opening 104, 106, 108, and 110. The fastening tool 300 is subsequently inserted through a corresponding window W3, and within a tube opening 106 to engage the head of a fastener 168. The fastening tool 300 is rotated counterclockwise to remove the fastener 168 from the threaded bracket nut 64, cover bracket 82, and frame bracket 36. The technician uses the fastening tool 300 to remove each additional fastener from each remaining threaded bracket nut 60, 62, 66, cover bracket 80, 84, 86, and frame bracket 34, 38, 40 to fully remove the cover 12 from the cover frame 14 allowing access and entry into the corresponding access hole.
[0071] The cover system 10 may include various modifications to enhance certain functional attributes. For example, the inner plate surface of the closed top 132 of the inner plug 126 may be painted with a dark or black color to further obstruct any possible viewing by unauthorized individuals when attempting to tamper with the cover system 10, or attempting to view within the access hole. Also, each guide tube 96, 98, 100, 102 may be constructed from a lighter material such as plastic, or an aluminum material to help reduce the weight of the cover 12. The cover plate 16, and cover frame 14 may comprise larger and/or smaller sizes to accommodate larger or smaller access holes. Further, it is appreciated that the cover plate 16, and corresponding frame opening 20 may each comprise other geometric shapes including for example, a square, rectangle, or other polygon shape. Also, installation aids may be provided within the cover plate 16 to help hold the cover 12 in position while aligning each cover bracket 80, 82, 84, 86 to each frame bracket 34, 36, 38, and 40. Such installation aids may include for example, threaded plate holes that are formed in designated areas of the cover plate 16 to removably insert fasteners such as long bolts, or installation rods having a threaded distal end for holding the cover plate 16 in position by hand, within the cover frame 14, while a technician fastens the cover 12 to the cover frame 14. It is understood that the cover system 10 may be painted using any color, coated with a weather resistant material, and include any indicia, or markings.
[0072] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not deemed to be limiting. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the system may be integrated together, or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps.
