Patent ID: 6031180
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: H02G

Abstract:
A below ground cable management system, comprising:(a) a base having a closed loop seating surface;(b) a sleeve having an upper opening and a lower opening, the upper opening being smaller than the lower opening;(c) a lower sealing surface on the sleeve, the lower sealing surface sized to align with the closed loop seating surface upon cooperative engagement of the base and the sleeve;(d) a peripheral collar at the upper opening of the sleeve;(e) a first closed loop cover seating surface spaced from the collar by a first distance;(f) a second closed loop cover seating surface spaced from the collar by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance;(g) a cover having a planer top and a depending skirt;(h) a first closed loop sealing surface on the skirt, sized to cooperatively align with the first cover seating surface;(i) a second closed loop sealing surface on the skirt sized to cooperatively align with the second cover seating surface;(j) a first seal for contacting the first sealing surface and the first cover seating surface;(k) a second seal for contacting the second cover seating surface and the second sealing surface;(l) a plurality of locks connected to the cover for releasably retaining the cover to the sleeve with a sufficient force to sustain a positive pressure within the sleeve;(m) a rack sized to be received through the upper opening; and(n) an actuator connected to the rack and the base for selectively disposing the rack between a retracted position within the sleeve and an extended position disposing a portion of the rack above the upper opening.