Patent Abstract:
A secure access port cover system comprises a cover and an access tool. The cover includes a base and one or more lids that are locked and unlocked via manipulation of a mechanical locking system housed within the interior of the base. A relatively small control port in the base provides access to the internal locking system. However, a specially adapted access tool is required to manipulate the internal locking system and move it between its locked and unlocked positions. Correspondingly, the access tool in one or more embodiments is a restricted-use item and not readily available to the public at large. Because the internal locking system can be manipulated only with the access tool, those not in possession of the access tool are unable to unlock the cover&#39;s lid(s) and unauthorized access to the underlying manhole or other access port is thereby prevented.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority from the U.S. provisional patent application entitled “Secure Access Port Cover System,” as filed on 3 Sep. 2008 and assigned App. No. 61/093,906, and from the U.S. provisional patent application of the same title, as filed on 20 Nov. 2008 and assigned App. No. 61/116,434. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to access ports, such as manholes or other underground storage tank (UST) access ports, and particularly relates to a system for securing such access ports. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Underground storage tanks (USTs), such as fuel storage tanks at fuel depots and commercial filling stations, often have associated security and safety issues relating to their accessibility. For the typical UST, a manhole or other port provides access to maintenance personnel and the like. These access ports represent a key consideration in maintaining tank security, and in protecting against theft of the stored fuel or other liquid. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A secure access port cover system comprises a cover and an access tool. The cover includes a base and one or more lids that are locked and unlocked via manipulation of a mechanical locking system housed within the interior of the base. A relatively small control port in the base provides access to the internal locking system. However, a specially adapted access tool is required to manipulate the internal locking system and move it between its locked and unlocked positions. Correspondingly, the access tool in one or more embodiments is a restricted-use item and not readily available to the public at large. Because the internal locking system can be manipulated only with the access tool, those not in possession of the access tool are unable to unlock the cover&#39;s lid(s) and unauthorized access to the underlying manhole or other access port is thereby prevented. 
         [0005]    As a non-limiting example, the secure access port cover system contemplated herein is advantageously used to protect fueling station manholes. Different sizes of cover systems are used to protect different sizes of manholes, and it is contemplated that a range of cover system sizes will be offered for a variety of fueling station and other uses. 
         [0006]    Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above features and advantages. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description, and upon viewing the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of one embodiment of a secure access port cover system, shown with the lid closed. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a secure access port cover system that differs primarily from that shown in  FIG. 1  by its inclusion of more than one lid. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the secure access port cover system introduced in  FIG. 1 , shown with the lid open. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is plan view of the secure access port cover system introduced in  FIG. 1 , shown with the lid open. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the secure access port cover system introduced in  FIG. 1 , shown with the lid open. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of the cover portion of the secure access port cover system, wherein one embodiment of an internal locking system is shown within the cover base. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  provides the same perspective view as shown in  FIG. 6 , with the added detail of depicting engagement of the internal locking system via the access tool. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are side views of one embodiment of the internal locking system, respectively depicting locked and unlocked positions. 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of the cover portion of the secure access port cover system, wherein another embodiment of an internal locking system is shown within the cover base. 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of the cover portion of the secure access port cover system, wherein another embodiment of an internal locking system is shown within the cover base. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of sectional pieces that are used in one or more embodiments to fabricate bases of desired dimensions for use in differently sized secure access port cover systems. 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a longer section of stock material, e.g., plate steel, from which base sections of desired length may be cut. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 14 and 15  are partial side views of a base section, wherein the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14  depicts a base configuration that extends below grade, and wherein the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15  surface-mounts and does not extend below grade. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 16 and 17  are side and front views, respectively, of an embodiment of the cover wherein hinge pedestals provide enhanced lid support and allow for the lid and its hinge assembly, to be conveniently removed from and installed to the base&#39;s cover as a removable assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a secure access port cover system  10  (“system  10 ”), as contemplated herein. It will be appreciated that the drawing is not necessarily to scale, and that the illustrated configuration is given by way of non-limiting example. 
         [0022]    The illustrated system  10  comprises a cover  12 , which fits over and secures an access hole or port (not shown), and an access tool  14 , which is intended for use by authorized personnel. The access tool  14  provides the ability to open, close, lock, and unlock the cover  12 . Note that as used herein the terms “access hole” and “access port” should be given broad construction, and are meant to cover essentially any type of access opening, hatchway, tube, port, etc. With this broad meaning, it should be understood that the system  10  can be adapted to provide a secure access cover for restricting access to a broad range of openings, such as manholes, maintenance ports, viewing ports, etc., as might be found in a variety of commercial and industrial environments. 
         [0023]    In a particularly advantageous but still non-limiting application, the system  10  provides restricted access to fueling station manholes, such as are commonly used for accessing underground storage tanks and related equipment. In this context, and in other contexts, the system  10  can be manufactured or otherwise fabricated in a range of sizes, to fit various manhole opening sizes and configurations. Moreover, the system  10  can be configured to have multiple secure openings, such that a single, multiple opening cover can be used to secure two or more adjacent manholes. 
         [0024]    With such applications in mind, the illustrated cover  12  includes a base  16  and a lid  18 , which may be hinged or otherwise movably attached to the base  16 . The base  16  may be integrally formed or formed by welding or otherwise joining separate pieces together. A control port  20  in the base  16  provides access to an internal locking system (not shown) that prevents opening of the lid  18  when the locking system is locked. The control port  20  includes a cylindrical key lock  22  in one or more embodiments, for added security. In such embodiments, the cylindrical key lock  22  must be unlocked and removed, to gain access to the internal locking system. In one or more other embodiments, the cylindrical key lock is omitted and the control port  20  simply is an opening into the interior of the system  10 . 
         [0025]    More particularly, the control port  20  is positioned or otherwise configured to provide access to the internal locking system via insertion of the access tool  14 . Correspondingly, one end of the access tool  14  includes a lock engagement head  24  that is specially configured to engage with the internal locking system, for locking and unlocking the lid  18 . Advantageously, the configuration of the internal locking system is such that only the specially adapted lock engagement head  24  allows for locking and unlocking control. 
         [0026]    The other end of access tool  14  comprises a lifting tip  26 , which may be formed from metal or other suitably strong and durable material. In one or more embodiments, the lifting tip  26  is “tee” shaped, and, correspondingly, the lid  18  includes a lifting slot  28  that is sized for insertion of the lifting tip  26 . With this configuration, the operator orients the lifting tip  26  with the long axis of the lifting slot  28 , inserts the lifting tip  26  into the lifting slot  28 , and then rotates the shaft of the access tool  14  ninety degrees (approximately), so that the long axis of the lifting tip  26  is perpendicular to the lifting slot  28 . This orientation allows the lifting tip  26  to engage the underside of the lid  18 , so that the operator can open the lid  18  by pulling upward on the access tool  14 , assuming that the lid  18  is unlocked. ( FIG. 2  illustrates a similar embodiment of the system  10 , but where the cover  12  includes two lids  18 , in a side-by-side configuration.) 
         [0027]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in at least one embodiment, the access tool  14  includes a flexible section  30 , e.g., a length of steel cable, which terminates in the lifting tip  26 . Inclusion of the flexible section  30  increases operator convenience and comfort by allowing a more comfortable range of angles between the access tool  14  and the lid  18  as the lid  18  is moved between its open and closed positions. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the system  10 , with the lid  18  shown in its open position. In this view, one sees one embodiment of the aforementioned internal locking system, here designated by reference number  40 . In this embodiment, the internal locking system  40  engages or otherwise interlocks with tabs  42 , which are welded or otherwise fastened to the underside of the lid  18 . Each tab  42  includes a hole  44  through which an element of the internal locking system  40  projects when the lid  18  is locked. The operator manipulates—i.e., locks and unlocks—the internal locking system  40  by inserting the lock engagement head  24  of the access tool  14  through the control port  20 . 
         [0029]    One also sees a stop  46  fixed to the underside of the lid  18  and positioned below the lifting slot  28 . The stop  46  facilitates use of the access tool  14  in lifting the lid, by limiting the insertion depth of the lifting tip  28 , which, for example, prevents the lifting tip  28  from being inserted too deeply and thereby prevents it from becoming entangled in the internal locking system  40 . 
         [0030]    Further, one sees that the lid  18  includes a lip  48  around all or at least a portion of its perimeter. Preferably, in embodiments that include it, the lip  48  runs around all but the hinged side of the lid  18 . The lip  48 , which is vertically oriented when the lid  18  is in its closed position, prevents prying or other tampering that might be attempted by persons not in possession of a properly configured access tool  14 . Correspondingly, the interior perimeter of the base  16  may include or be formed as a horizontal lip  50 , on which the lip  48  of the lid  18  rests when the lid  18  is closed. 
         [0031]    The base  16  may further include a second interior lip  52  included on one or more interior sides of the base  16 . This second interior lip is lower within the base  16  and it includes one or more holes  54 , for use in bolting or otherwise anchoring the base  16  to the surface around the manhole or other access opening to be secured by the system  10 . Including these interior mounting points enhances the security of the system  10 , because the mounting hardware used to anchor the base  16  to the ground or other surface—e.g., a concrete or asphalt pad—is accessible only when the lid  18  is open. One sees the configuration of these one or more interior lips  52  and their included mounting holes  54  more clearly in the plan view of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0032]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , at least one such interior lip  52  may include a lid stop  56 , to catch the back edge of the lid  18  in its opened position. In this manner, the lid stop  56 , which is formed, for example, by welding on a small surface strip. Preferably, the lid stop  56  is positioned to allow the lid  18  to rotate past ninety degrees into its open position, e.g., to 110 degrees. A greater-than-ninety degree open position allows the lid  18  to swing out of the way, and to rest safely in the open position. This configuration is shown by way of non-limiting example in  FIG. 5 , wherein the angle denotes the angle of the lid  18  (relative to the horizontal) in its fully opened, resting position. Of course, in one or more embodiments, the system  10  includes one or more lid struts, e.g., gas-assisted struts, that bias the lid  18  in the open position. Alternatively, it is also contemplated herein to configure the lid hinge  60  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) as a torsion-spring assembly, which is useful in providing a biasing force for ease of lid opening and/or to ensure that the lid  18  is prevented from accidentally falling into the closed position. 
         [0033]    As for unlocking the lid  18 , and for moving it from its closed position to its open position,  FIG. 6  provides a perspective view partially illustrating the cover  12 , and in particular providing mechanical details for one embodiment of the internal locking system  40 . The internal locking system  40  includes an actuator rod  70  with a perpendicularly attached actuator pin  72  that is aligned with the bore of the control port  20 , the barrel of which may extend into the interior of the base  16 , to ensure that the lock engagement head  24  stays aligned with the actuator pin  72  as the access tool  14  is inserted through the control port  20 . 
         [0034]    The lock engagement head  24  is formed or machined to have a slotted opening  74  in the circular opening formed at its end, which allows it to slide over the actuator pin  72 . By sliding the lock engagement head  24  over the actuator pin  72  and then rotating the actuator tool  14 , the actuator pin  72  is captured by an engagement slot  76  formed or machined toward the rear of the slotted opening  74 . With the actuator pin  72  thus captured in the lock engagement head  24  of the access tool  14 , an operator can lock the lid  18  by pushing the access tool  14  forward (toward the base  16 ), and can unlock the lid  18  by pulling the access tool  14  rearward (away from the base  16 ). 
         [0035]    Such operation is enabled because the actuator rod  70  is fixed—such as by welding, pinning, or via some other fastening means—to a locking rod  78 , which is configured to slide between locked and unlocked positions within the interior of the base  16 . That is, the locking rod  78  slides back and forth via pushing and pulling of the access tool  14 , which locks and unlocks the lid  18 . In particular, pairs of tabs  80  are mounted to one of the interior lips  52  of the base  16 —such as by welding, bolting, or otherwise fastening—and these tabs  80  include a lower set of aligned holes  82  through which the locking rod  78  axially slides. The tabs  80  further include an upper set of aligned holes  84 , through which locking pins  86  axially slide. 
         [0036]    One locking pin  86  slides through each pair of the tabs  80 , and each locking pin  86  is mounted to the locking rod  78  via mounts  88 . The mounts can be integrally formed as part of the locking pins and the pins/mounts are attached to the locking rod  78  via welding, pinning, bolting, or any suitable fastening means. Regardless, the configuration provides for the locking pins  86  to slide with the locking rod  78 . When the locking rod  78  is slid into the locked position, the locking pins  86  project through the aligned holes  84  in their respective tab pairs. Conversely, when the locking rod  78  is slid into the unlocked position, the locking pins  86  are withdrawn from their respective tab pairs, i.e., the locking pins  86  are withdrawn from the aligned holes  84  in the pairs of tabs  80 . 
         [0037]    With this arrangement, and with momentary reference back to  FIG. 3 , the tabs  42  attached to the underside of the lid  18  will be understood to align with the gap formed by each pair of tabs  80  fixed to the interior of the base  16 . As such, assuming the locking rod  78  is slid to the unlocked position, closing the lid  18  causes the tabs  42  to drop into the gaps between the pairs of tabs  80 , such that the holes  44  in the tabs  42  are axially aligned with the holes  84  in the tabs  80 . Sliding the locking rod  78  into its locked position therefore causes the locking pins to project through the holes  84  in the tabs  80  and through the holes  44  in the tabs  42 , thereby locking the lid  18  down in the closed position. 
         [0038]    Assuming an initially closed and locked configuration of the system  10 , an operator thus inserts the lock engagement head  24  of the access tool  14  into the control port  20 , and presses it forward (into the base  16 ) until it makes contact with the actuator pin  72 . The operator then rotates the access tool  14  until the actuator pin  72  slides into the slot  74  formed in the end of the lock engagement head  24 . The operator then pushes the access tool  14  slightly forward and slightly rotates it to capture the actuator pin  72  in the engagement slot  76  formed in the lock engagement head  24  at the rear of the slot  74 . This engagement temporarily captures the actuator pin  72  in the lock engagement head  24  and allows the operator to slide the locking pin  78  to its unlocked position by pulling on the access tool  14 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  illustrates the actuator pin  72  engaged by the lock engagement head  24  of the access tool  14 , e.g., the drawing illustrates the actuator pin  72  captured within the engagement slot  76  of the lock engagement head  24 . Sliding the locking rod  78  to the unlocked position withdraws the locking pins  86  from the tabs  80  of the base  16  and from the aligned tabs  42  of the lid  18 , thereby freeing the lid for opening. 
         [0040]    For better understanding,  FIG. 8  illustrates a detail view of the locked position, wherein one sees a portion of the lid  18  in its closed position, with the underside tabs  42  residing between the respective pairs of the tabs  80  fixed on an interior lip  52  of the base  16 . (The angled walls forming the base  16  are omitted from the illustration for a clearer view of the tabs  80 , locking rod  78 , etc.) One sees that sliding the locking rod  78  rightward in the drawing causes the locking pin  86  to withdraw from the tabs  80  and tab  42 , thereby unlocking the lid  18 .  FIG. 9  provides the same view as  FIG. 8 , but depicts the unlocked position. 
         [0041]    After unlocking the lid  18 , the operator slightly rotates the access tool  14  in the opposite direction to disengage the actuator pin  72  from the engagement slot  76  in the lock engagement head  24  of the access tool  14 . With the access tool  14  thus disengaged, the operator withdraws it from the control port  20  and then inserts the other end of the access tool  14 , i.e., the lifting tip  26  into the lifting slot  28  of the lid  18 . 
         [0042]    The operator accomplishes this insertion by aligning the long axis of the lifting tip  26  with the long axis of the lifting slot  28 . Once the lifting tip  26  is inserted, the operator rotates the access tool  14  ninety degrees, or thereabouts, such that the lifting tip  26 , as positioned on the underside of the lid  18 , is perpendicular to the lifting slot  28 . The operator then opens the lid  18  by pulling up and back on the access tool  14 . Once the lid  18  is fully opened, a quick counter rotation of the access tool  14  by the operator allows the lifting tip  26  to be withdrawn from the lifting slot  28 . 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 10 , the actuator rod  70  is mounted to the locking rod  78  further away from the control port side of the base  16 . Although operation of the system  10  in this configuration is as described above for  FIG. 6 , placing the actuator rod  70 /actuator pin  72  deeper into the interior of the base  16  with respect to the control port  20  makes it harder for unauthorized personnel to tamper with the actuator rod  70 /actuator pin  72 , and therefore offers enhanced security. In such embodiments, a guide channel or guide rails may be mounted within the interior of the base  16 , to provide support and guidance for the extended length of the access tool  14  required in this configuration to reach the actuator pin  72 . In the illustration, guide rails  90  are mounted within the interior of the base  16 , and provide guidance and support for the access tool  14 , thus allowing the operator to easily guide the lock engagement head  24  of the access tool  14  into engagement with the actuator pin  72 . 
         [0044]    In one or more embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 11 , additional security is provided through use of a lock cover  92 , which may be rigid, semi-flexible, or flexible. The lock cover  92  covers the actuator rod  70 /actuator pin  72  portion of the internal locking system  40 . The lock cover  92  hides the configuration of the these elements from casual observation, making it less likely for unauthorized personal to determine how to fashion a facsimile of the access tool  14 , and/or to develop strategies for defeating the internal locking system  40 . 
         [0045]    In another aspect, related to ease of fabrication and flexibility in adapting the system  10  to a variety of manhole or other access port sizes and configurations,  FIG. 12  illustrates that the base  16  can be fabricated from individual sections  100  that are cut to desired lengths. (Note that “ 100 ” is used commonly to refer to each depicted section, but one section or pairs of sections may have different dimensions, e.g., two long sides and two short sides for rectangular openings.) 
         [0046]    Further along these lines, one may stock longer sections of stock plate material  102 , which may be cut into desired lengths of side sections  100 , and from which corner pieces  104  may be cut. Any given size of square or rectangular opening may be fabricated from appropriate lengths of four side sections  100  and four corner pieces  104 . The side sections  100  and corner pieces  104  may be joined together via welding, bolting, clipping, or by some other suitable fastening means. 
         [0047]    In another variation,  FIG. 14  depicts a portion of the base  16  of the cover  12 , wherein the base  16  is formed such that an exterior perimeter of it extends below grade. That is, a perimeter portion  106  of the base  16  may project below the mounting surface (concrete, asphalt, etc.), which further secures the base  16  against prying, and, advantageously, essentially eliminates any problems associated with catching the exterior edges of the base  16  with snowplow blades, etc. One also sees that the interior lip(s)  52  of the base  16  may be anchored to the mounting surface via fasteners  108 , e.g., bolts, screws, etc. 
         [0048]    Of course, the base  16  may not extend below the mounting surface, such as shown in  FIG. 15 . The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 15  arguably may not be as secure as that shown in  FIG. 14 , although it is unlikely that the base  16  actually is vulnerable to prying, particularly in embodiments where it is implemented using plate steel of sufficient thickness. However, the illustrated configuration is particularly advantageous for use in retrofitting manholes or other access ports at existing sites, because it does not require cutting concrete, asphalt, or the like, to mount the base  16  of the cover  12 . Instead, one simply needs to prep anchor holes in the mounting surface to align with mounting holes  54  in the one or more interior lips  52  within the base  16  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0049]    In a further variation,  FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate an embodiment wherein the lid  18  is reinforced against external loads, at least in its closed position. More particularly, hinge pedestals  120  are provided, e.g., as “boxed” metal supports which can be threaded into an embodiment of piano hinge assembly  60 , such as introduced in  FIG. 3 . Particularly, each hinge pedestal  120  includes a fixed portion of the piano hinge tube elements, such that they can be threaded into the piano hinge  60  of the lid  18 . 
         [0050]    This arrangement allows the hinge pedestals  120  to be attached to the lid  18 , before the lid  18  is interconnected with the base  16  of the cover  12 . In particularly, the hinge pedestals  120  are inter-threaded as part of the piano hinge assembly  60  of the lid  18 , and the resulting overall assembly can be placed into alignment with the base  16  and bolted into hinged connection, e.g., at anchor bolt positions  122  and  124 . The resulting structure exhibits improved load bearing performance, as the rearward portion of the lid  18  is, in its closed position, supported against downward deflection by the underlying hinge pedestals  120 . 
         [0051]    With these and other variations in mind, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the foregoing discussion and accompanying drawings. Instead, the present invention is limited only by the following appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4