Patent ID: 6616371
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: E02D,Y10T

Abstract:
In combination:a meter enclosure dimensioned to be inserted into a ground area, the meter enclosure having a top opening; a relatively thin plate member formed of a ductile iron alloy, the plate member having a length and width dimensioned to extend generally laterally across the top opening of the meter enclosure, the cover further comprising a meter access opening extending through the plate member between the top and bottom sides; a relatively thick rib member of the ductile iron alloy formed with and extending generally normal from a bottom side of the plate member, the rib member comprising a peripheral rib surrounding the periphery of the bottom side of the plate member and at least two longitudinal ribs and at least three lateral ribs extending generally normal to, and intersecting with, the longitudinal ribs at spaced unitary joints; and wherein the plate member and the rib member together have sufficient strength and ductility to withstand total loads on the order of at least 20,000 pounds on a top side of the plate member opposing the bottom side.