Manhole guard and attachable hoist device

A manhole guard, methods of assembling the same, and methods of using the same, are described. The manhole guard generally includes a plurality of sections connected for movement, the sections being capable of being locked into a fixed rigid structure through the use of a first arm and second arm that act independently of each other. The manhole guard can include attachable mounting brackets designed to facilitate the attachment of a hoist device and/or winch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Manholes form an interface between the surface and subsurface. Manholes provide access to underground networks that contain vital infrastructure such as utility and sewage systems. To service this underground infrastructure, manholes must be temporarily uncovered to permit the transport of materials and personnel between the surface and subsurface.

Servicing this underground infrastructure poses a variety of safety concerns for workers and members of the general public. Materials need to be safely transported between the surface and subsurface without damage to supplies or injury to unsuspecting workers below. Workers need to be transported between the surface and subsurface without injury to the worker or, in the case of a worker injured below, to assist the injured worker. In addition, both workers and members of the general public run the risk of injury from falling into, or tripping over, uncovered manholes.

To address these and other safety concerns, portable manhole guards were created to safely identify and limit access to manholes that are temporarily uncovered. In addition, hoist devices were developed to be attached to manhole guards to safely transport materials and personnel between the surface and underground. However, conventional manhole guards and hoist devices suffer durability, accessibility, assembly, and portability problems. Thus, there is a need in the art for new and improved manhole guards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein is a manhole guard with a plurality of sections connected for movement. The sections include a center section, a first wing, and a second wing, where the center section includes a first post and a second post connected by at least one center section rail, the first wing includes a first wing post connected to the first post by at least one first wing rail, and the second wing includes a second wing post connected to the second post by at least one second wing rail. The manhole guard further includes a first arm connected to the center section that is capable of locking the first wing into a fixed position relative to the center section, and a second arm connected to the center section that is capable of locking the second wing into a fixed position relative to the center section. The first and second arms operate independently of each other.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the first arm or the second arm includes a spring-loaded latch mechanism configured to accept either the first wing or the second wing. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first post, the second post, the first wing post, or the second wing post includes a telescopically-fitted adjustable foot. In certain embodiments, the first arm is connected to the center section on a center section rail, and the second arm is connected to the center section on the center section rail. In certain embodiments, the first wing extends from the center section at about a 90 degree angle when in a locked position. In certain embodiments, the second wing extends from the center section at about a 90 degree angle when in a locked position. In certain embodiments, the first arm has a first latch mechanism adapted to secure the first wing into the fixed position relative to the center section, and the second arm has a second latch mechanism adapted to secure the second wing into the fixed position relative to the center section. In particular embodiments, at least one of the first latch mechanism or the second latch mechanism is coupled with a curved capping portion designed to fit securely over the first wing rail or the second wing rail. In particular embodiments, the at least one of the first latch mechanism or the second latch mechanism includes a hood housing the curved capping portion, a spring, a bolt, a latch, and a trigger, where the spring spans the bolt and the trigger is configured to either increase or decrease tension on the spring.

Further provided is a manhole guard having a plurality of sections connected for movement, a first mounting bracket, and a second mounting bracket. The hingedly connected sections include a center section, a first wing, and a second wing, where the center section includes a first post and a second post connected by at least one center section rail, the first wing includes a first wing post connected to the first post by at least an upper first wing rail and a lower first wing rail, and the second wing includes a second wing post connected to the second post by at least an upper second wing rail and a lower second wing rail. The first mounting bracket is connected to the first wing, and the second mounting bracket is connected to the second wing. The first mounting bracket has a first top recess, a first middle recess, and a first lower recess, where the first lower recess is configured to accept the first lower wing rail in an interference fit, and the first middle recess is configured to accept the first upper wing rail in an interference fit. The second mounting bracket has a second top recess, a second middle recess, and a second lower recess, where the second lower recess is configured to accept the second lower wing rail in an interference fit, and the second middle recess is configured to accept the second upper wing rail in an interference fit.

In certain embodiments, the manhole guard further includes a first arm connected to the center section capable of locking the first wing into a fixed position relative to the center section, and a second arm connected to the center section capable of locking the second wing into a fixed position relative to the center section, where the first and second arms operate independently of each other. In particular embodiments, at least one of the first arm or the second arm includes a spring-loaded latch mechanism configured to accept either the first wing or the second wing, respectively.

In certain embodiments, the manhole guard further includes a crossbar having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed in the first top recess, and the second end being disposed in the second top recess. In particular embodiments, the manhole guard further includes a hoist device suspended on the crossbar.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the first post, the second post, the first wing post, and the second wing post, includes a telescopically-fitted adjustable foot.

In certain embodiments, the manhole guard further includes a platform attached to at least one of the first mounting bracket or the second mounting bracket, the platform being capable of supporting a winch. In particular embodiments, the manhole guard further includes a winch disposed on the platform.

In certain embodiments, the manhole guard further includes a mounting plate configured to secure at least one of (i) the first mounting bracket to the first wing or (ii) the second mounting bracket to the second wing.

Further provided is a method of restricting access to a manhole. The method includes the steps of: arranging a manhole guard in proximity to a manhole, wherein the manhole guard comprises a plurality of sections connected for movement, the sections including a center section, a first wing, and a second wing, wherein the center section comprises a first post and a second post connected by at least one center section rail, the first wing comprises a first wing post connected to the first post by at least one first wing rail, and the second wing comprises a second wing post connected to the second post by at least one second wing rail; locking the first wing into a fixed position with respect to the center section with a first arm, the first arm comprising a spring-loaded latch mechanism configured to accept the first wing rail; and locking the second wing into a fixed position with respect to the center section with a second arm, the second arm comprising a spring-loaded latch mechanism configured to accept the second wing rail.

In certain embodiments, the method further includes assembling a hoist device on the manhole guard. In particular embodiments, the hoist device is suspended from a crossbar extending between a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, where the first mounting bracket is mounted on the first wing and the second mounting bracket is mounted on the second wing.

In certain embodiments, the first wing extends from the center section at about a 90 degree angle when locked in the fixed position, and the second wing extends from the center section at about a 90 degree angle when locked in the fixed position.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the first latch mechanism or the second latch mechanism includes a hood housing a curved capping portion configured to accept a wing rail, a spring, a bolt, a latch, and a trigger, where the spring spans the bolt and the trigger is configured to either increase or decrease tension on the spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments are described in the present disclosure in the context of a manhole guard. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the embodiments is illustrative only and not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of the disclosure. References to an “embodiment,” “aspect,” or “example” in this disclosure indicate that the embodiments of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Described herein is a manhole guard that addresses various problems in the art. The present disclosure provides a portable manhole guard that, in some embodiments, is easy to assemble, is durable, will not collapse while transporting weighted materials, is stable, is adjustable, is capable of folding flat on itself, and does not hinder access to a manhole during use. Furthermore, any suitable hoist device is capable of being easily attached to the manhole guard and supported by the frame and structure of the manhole guard. The manhole guard described herein thus has many advantages that provide improved durability, stability, and safety, and solve various problems related to manhole access and transport of weight between the surface and subsurface.

As seen inFIG. 1, the embodiment with two wings, when assembled, permits restricted access to the uncovered manhole. Restricted access, like that shown inFIG. 1, is important for the safe transportation of materials and personnel between the surface and subsurface through a manhole.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-4, the manhole guard2generally has a plurality of sections connected for movement, the sections including a center section10, a first wing100, and a second wing200. The connection for movement allows, for example, the first wing100and the second wing200to rotate around an axis defined by a first post12and a second post14, respectively. This allows the manhole guard2to fold flat upon itself for easy transport, assembly, and storage.

The center section10has a first post12and a second post14that are connected by at least one center rail16. In some embodiments, the first post12and the second post14are connected by multiple center rails16,18,20. In one non-limiting example, the manhole guard2has three center rails (an upper center rail18, a middle center rail16, and a lower center rail20) extending between, and connecting, the first post12and the second post14. In use, the first post12and second post14rest on the ground or other surface in proximity to a manhole.

A first wing100is pivotably or hingedly connected to the first post12such that the first wing100can rotate around the axis defined by the first post12. The first wing100has a first wing post112that connects to the first post12of the center section10by at least one first wing rail116. In some embodiments, the first wing post112is connected to the first post12by multiple first wing rails116,118,120. By way of a non-limiting example, the first wing100may include an upper first wing rail118, a middle first wing rail116, and a lower first wing rail120, all of which extend between, and connect, the first wing post112and the first post12.

A second wing200is pivotably or hingedly connected to the second post14such that the second wing200can rotate around the axis defined by the second post14. The second wing200has a second wing post214that connects to the second post14of the center section10by at least one second wing rail216. In some embodiments, the second wing post214is connected to the second post14by multiple second wing rails216,218,220. By way of a non-limiting example, the second wing200may include an upper second wing rail218, a middle second wing rail216, and a lower second wing rail220, all of which extend between, and connect, the second wing post214and the second post14.

The first post12has at least one first post hinge22comprising an internal pivot and external pivot which permit radial rotation of the first wing100around the axis defined by the first post12. Alternatively, the first post hinge22can be a hollow circular end of the center rail16that the first post12runs through in a manner so as to allow the rotation of the first post12in the hollow circular end. Similarly, the second post14has at least one second post hinge24comprising an internal pivot and external pivot which permit radial rotation of the second wing200around the axis defined by the second post14. Alternatively, the second post hinge24can be a hollow circular end of the center rail16that the second post14runs through in a manner so as to allow the rotation of the second post14in the hollow circular end. The first post12may further include an upper first post hinge26and a lower first post hinge28, and the second post14may further include an upper second post hinge30and a lower second post hinge32. Any hinge may further include a welded gusset for added strength and rigidity.

In some embodiments, the height of each wing's lower rail120,220, middle rail116,216, and upper rail118,218, relative to the height of the lower center rail20, middle center rail16, and upper center rail18, is independently customizable. By way of a non-limiting example, in one embodiment, such as depicted inFIG. 1, the first upper wing rail118is at a height relative to the ground or other surface equal to that of the upper second wing rail218, which is different from that of the upper center rail18.

In some embodiments, in order to prevent access to an open manhole, one or more (preferably two) chains can be run from the first wing100to the second wing200. The chains are attached at one end to the first wing post112, and at the other end to the second wing post214. The chains can be made of stainless steel or any other suitable material. At one of the wing posts112,214, each chain is connected to a clip hanging off a ring welded to the wing post112,214. At the other wing post112,214, each chain removably clips to a ring affixed to the wing post112,214. In use, the chains are simply clipped onto the wing post112,214to which they are not already affixed, thereby creating a barrier that hinders access to the manhole which the manhole guard2surrounds.

In another embodiment, the manhole guard2has a third wing in addition to the center section10, first wing100, and second wing200. The third wing can be attached to the first wing post112and second wing post214to entirely surround an uncovered manhole and obstruct any access to the manhole. Embodiments containing a third wing thus provide for enhanced safety surrounding an open manhole.

In some embodiments, the manhole guard2has one or more support rails34that reinforce the manhole guard structure. Generally, a support rail34can be utilized to connect any wing rail to an adjacent post or wing post. Furthermore, a support rail34can be utilized to connect any wing rail116,118,120,216,218,220to any rail or wing post in the same wing. By way of one non-limiting example, and as depicted inFIG. 1, a support rail34can connect any of: the upper first wing rail118to the first wing post112, the upper second wing rail218to the second wing post214, the upper second wing rail218to the second post14, and the upper first wing rail118to the first post12. Support rails34can also be utilized to connect the lower first wing rail120to the first post12, the lower first wing rail120to the first wing post112, the lower second wing rail220to the second post14, or the lower second wing rail220to the second wing post214. By utilizing one or more support rails34to connect a wing rail to an adjacent wing post, the entire manhole guard structure can be reinforced.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of using support rails34, the upper first wing rail118, the first post12, and the first wing post112can be manufactured as one solid piece with a slight curve where the first post12meets the upper first wing rail118, and where the first wing post112meets the upper first wing rail118. Similarly, the upper second wing rail218, the second post14, and the second wing post214can be manufactured as one solid piece with a slight curve where the second post14meets the upper second wing rail218, and where the second wing post214meets the upper second wing rail218. This method of manufacturing the manhole guard reduces the costs production, and can result in increased stability of the manhole guard.

As depicted inFIGS. 1-2, the manhole guard2includes a first arm122and a second arm222that operate independently of each other. The first arm122is connected to the center section10on the center rail16, and is capable of locking the first wing100into a fixed position relative to the center section10. The second arm222is connected to the center section10on the center rail16, and is capable of locking the second wing200into a fixed position relative to the center section10. The independent operation of each arm allows for a variety of possible configurations of the manhole guard2, thereby permitting the user to alter the access to the uncovered manhole for transport purposes or to account for any obstruction where the manhole is located. For example, the first arm122can be utilized to lock the first wing100in a fixed position relative to the center section10while the second wing200is not locked in a fixed position relative to the center section10, and vice versa.

As seen in the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the first arm122and second arm222are pivotably or hingedly connected to a center rail16of the center section. In embodiments where the center section10has multiple center rails, the first arm122and the second arm222are generally connected to the middle center rail16for optimal stability of the manhole guard2. By way of a non-limiting example, in one embodiment, the first arm122and the second arm222each has a plurality of hinged attachments124a,124b,224a,224bto the center rail16of the center section10. Multiple points of connection between the first arm122and center rail16, and the second arm222and the center rail16, lead to a stronger, longer-lasting attachment of each arm122,222to the center rail16and ensure better distribution of force throughout an arm122,222when the arm122,222is in use. In other embodiments, due to the fact that the first arm122and the second arm222operate independently, the first arm122and the second arm222can be connected to different rails in the center section10. As a non-limiting example of such an embodiment, the first arm122can be connected to the center section10at the center rail16while the second arm222is connected to the center section10at the upper center rail18. As another non-limiting example, the second arm222can be connected to the center section10at the upper center rail18while the first arm is connected to the center section at the lower center rail20.

The hinged attachment of the first and second arms122,222to a rail in the center section10permits the first and second arms122,222to each independently move between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, each arm122,222can be co-planar with the center section10(i.e., the arm can be parallel to the first and second posts12,14), but even if the arm is not fully co-planar with the center section10, the respective wing can be unlocked. That is, so long as the arm122,222is not in a locked position, the corresponding wing100,200is free to rotate about the axis of the respective post12,14. In the locked position, as depicted inFIG. 1andFIG. 7, the arm122,222is attached to the corresponding wing100,200, thereby preventing the wing100,200from rotating about the axis of the respective post12,14. In the locked position, the first or second arm122,222locks the respective wing100,200in place with respect to the center section10. In certain embodiments, the locked position preferably results in the first wing100extending at an angle a of about 90 degrees from the center section10, and the second wing200extending at an angle β of about 90 degrees from the center section10, such that the three sections10,100,200form three sides of a square. It is understood, however, that the lengths of the center section10, first wing100, and second wing200(L, L1, and L2, respectively) need not be equal, in which case the preferable locked position forms a rectangle instead of a square. In certain embodiments, the first and second arms122,222are configured such that the manhole guard2can fold flat on itself when the arms are in a specific unlocked position, as depicted in part inFIG. 2.

In some embodiments, each arm122,222is separable from the manhole guard2. However, several benefits are recognized by a pivotable or hinged attachment of each arm122,222to the manhole guard2in general. A pivotable or hinged attachment prevents an arm or arms from being misplaced or lost. Furthermore, a pivotable or hinged attachment of the arms122,222facilitates easier transport and assembly of the manhole guard2because there are fewer parts to carry and connect when the arms122,222are attached.

In some embodiments, the first arm122and the second arm222have telescopically fitted extensions. The extensions permit the arms to be expanded and contracted as necessary. As a result, the manhole guard2is capable of assuming a variety of configurations while maintaining stability due to the first and second arms122,222reinforcing the manhole guard structure.

As depicted inFIGS. 3A-3B, the first and second arms122,222each have a hinged end128,228that attaches to the center section10(preferably, though not necessarily, at the center rail16), and a wing end130,230that attaches to the respective wing100,200. The hinged end128,228is typically a metal railing that can be attached to the center section10through the use of multiple hinges124a,124b,224a,224bwhich assist in more evenly displacing force throughout the manhole guard2. The wing end128,228defines a latch mechanism132,232coupled with a curved capping134,234portion designed to fit securely over at least half the circumference of the wing rail116,216being locked into place, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3B. In some embodiments, the first arm122and second arm222each has at least one support arm136,236that connects the arm's hinged end128,228to the arm's wing end130,230. In one non-limiting example, the support arm136,236creates a triangular reinforcement between the respective arm's hinged end128,228and wing end130,230.

The first and second arms122,222each include a latch mechanism (a first latch mechanism132and a second latch mechanism232, respectively) located at the wing end130,230. In an alternative embodiment, only one of the arms includes a latch mechanism. Each latch mechanism132,232permits the respective wing100,200to be securely fastened to the center section10. This ensures the manhole guard2remains in a fixed and stable position, which is important for weighted transportation by a hoist device. In certain embodiments, the latch mechanism132,232is attached to the respective arm122,222by a ball joint.

Each latch mechanism132,232has a hood138,238housing the curved capping portion134,234, a spring140,240, a bolt142,242, a latch144,244, and a trigger146,246. The spring140,240spans the bolt142,242. The spring-bolt combination can be in an unloaded or loaded state. To transition from an unloaded state to a loaded state, the trigger146,246is depressed, which increases tension on the spring140,240and thereby loads the latch mechanism132,232. The tension engages the latch144,244which locks the latch144,244onto a welded ridge on the wing rail116,216and secures the curved capping portion134,234to the wing rail116,216. In the alternative, the spring140,240begins in the loaded position, in which case releasing the trigger146,246releases tension on the spring140,240and thus disengages the latch144,244, thereby unlocking the latch144,244. Regardless of whether the spring latch mechanism132,232begins in a loaded or unloaded position, a hood138,238covers the latch144,244and trigger146,246so as to protect the latch144,244and trigger146,246from damage. The hood138,238is generally curved, but other shapes are possible. The first and second latch mechanisms132,232connected to each respective arm122,222, and the multiple-hinged connection of each arm122,222to the center section10, together enable each arm122,222to secure a wing section100,200in a variety of configurations while still stabilizing the manhole guard.

As seen inFIG. 4, any of the first post12, second post14, first wing post112, and/or second wing post214can include a telescopically fitted adjustable foot36. The first post12, second post14, first wing post112, and second wing post214are generally configured to rest on the ground or other surface surrounding a manhole. The telescopically fitted adjustable feet36can be adjusted up or down relative to the ground or other surface, such that the manhole guard2rests firmly and relatively flat on the ground or other surface regardless of whether the ground or other surface is uniformly level. Each adjustable foot36can include a ball joint that permits the adjustable foot36to have complete contact with an uneven surface.

Referring now toFIGS. 5-6, some embodiments of the manhole guard2include mounting brackets150,250designed to facilitate the use of a hoist device40. For reference, these embodiments are referred to as hoist configurations of the manhole guard2. The mounting brackets150,250are typically hollow to reduce weight. This ensures the mounting brackets150,250are easily portable, durable, and simple to assemble with tools commonly held on-site. However, non-hollow mounting brackets150,250are encompassed within the present disclosure.

The hoist configuration generally includes a first mounting bracket150and a second mounting bracket250. The first mounting bracket150is connected to the first wing100, and the second mounting bracket250is connected to the second wing200. The first mounting bracket150has a first top recess152, a first middle recess154, and a first lower recess156. The first lower recess156is of a size, shape, and location so as to be capable of accepting one of the first wing rails116,118,120in an interference fit. In particular embodiments, the first lower recess156accepts the first middle wing rail116in an interference fit. The first middle recess154is of a size, shape, and location so as to be capable of accepting the first upper wing rail118. The first middle recess154can be secured to the first upper wing rail118by at least one first mounting plate158which connects to the first mounting bracket150with one or more bolts38. The first top recess152is of a size, shape, and location so as to be capable of accepting a crossbar42of any desired diameter.

As seen inFIGS. 5-6, the second mounting bracket250has a second top recess252, a second middle recess254, and a second lower recess256. The second lower recess256is of a size, shape, and location so as to be capable of accepting one of the second wing rails216,218,220in an interference fit. In particular embodiments, the second lower recess256accepts the second middle wing rail216in an interference fit. The second middle recess254is of a shape, size, and location so as to be capable of accepting the second upper wing rail218. The second middle recess254can be secured to the second upper wing rail218by at least one second mounting plate258which connects to the second mounting bracket250with one or more bolts38. The second top recess252is of a size, shape, and location so as to be capable of accepting a horizontal crossbar42of any desired diameter.

In one particular embodiment, the first mounting bracket150and the second mounting bracket250each have an “L” shaped middle recess154,254. This “L” configuration allows the middle recess154,254to horizontally accept an upper wing rail118,218such that the mounting bracket150,250can be lowered onto the upper wing rail118,218, causing the upper wing rail118,218to be vertically displaced in the middle recess154,254of the mounting bracket150,250. Once lowered, the mounting bracket150,250sits directly on the upper wing rail118,218in an interference fit, and the mounting bracket150,250sits directly on the lower wing rail116,216in an interference fit. This beneficial method of attaching the mounting brackets150,250ensures that each mounting bracket150,250can only be freed from the wing rails116,118,216,218by applying upward force to the mounting bracket150,250. Any downward force applied to the mounting bracket150,250, such as during weighted operation of a hoist40, solidifies the attachment of the mounting bracket150,250to the wing rails116,118,216,218.

As seen inFIGS. 1, 5A, and 6, first slits160are present at the top of the middle recess154of the first mounting bracket150, on opposing sides thereof. Similarly, second slits260are present at the top of the middle recess254of the second mounting bracket250, on opposing sides thereof. The presence of the slits160,260allows for the tightening of the middle recess154,254around the circumference of the upper wing rail118,218so as to create a secure interference fit. The slits160,260are elongated and extend from the top of the middle recess154,254. When the bolts38securing the mounting plates158,258to the mounting brackets150,250are tightened, the slits160,260permit the middle recesses154,254to deform and pinch inward so as to form-fit the upper wing rails118,218.

The crossbar42, when present, extends from the first top recess152of the first mounting bracket150to the second top recess252of the second mounting bracket250. In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 5A, the top recesses152,252are uncovered and designed to accept half of the circumference of the crossbar42, with the other half of the circumference of the crossbar42protruding atop the top recesses152,252. This permits quick assembly and removal of the crossbar42. In other embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 5B, at least one top recess152,252is partly covered and designed to accept the entire circumference of the crossbar42. In this configuration, the crossbar42extends through the recess152,252which, as a whole, reduces wiggle and provides greater stability of the crossbar42. In the embodiments depicted inFIG. 1andFIG. 6, the first mounting bracket150has a partly covered top recess152, and the second mounting bracket250has an uncovered top recess252. In yet other configurations, both top recesses152,252are partly or fully covered and designed to accept the full circumference of the crossbar42. When in use with a manhole guard2arranged around a manhole, the crossbar42extends over the open manhole. The crossbar42can suspend a hoist device40over the manhole, the hoist device40being capable of transporting materials or people through the manhole between the surface and subsurface.

As depicted inFIG. 6, the crossbar42penetrates the first top recess152and the second top recess252. This configuration helps keep the crossbar42in position in the top recesses152,252of the mounting brackets150,250. In addition, the first top recess152and the second top recess252serve to distribute the force of the crossbar42throughout the manhole guard2during weighted operation of the hoist40.

As seen inFIGS. 5A-5B, the first and second mounting plates158,258ensure that the first mounting bracket150and the second mounting bracket250stay fastened to the first wing rails116,118and the second wing rails216,218, respectively, with little wiggle or movement. Furthermore, attachment of the mounting brackets150,250to multiple wing rails provides the benefit of evenly distributing force during weighted operation of the hoist40.

As shown inFIG. 5A, certain embodiments of the manhole guard2further include a winch platform46. The winch platform46can be connected to either or both mounting brackets150,250, on either the inner side of the mounting bracket (i.e., the side facing the manhole when the first arm122and second arm222are locking the first wing100and second wing200in a fixed position relative to the center section10) or the outer side of the mounting bracket. A winch44can be attached to the winch platform46and can be used to operate the hoist device40. Any suitable winch can be utilized with the manhole guard2of the present disclosure.

While the invention has been described with reference to multiple embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the essential scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the present specification, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.