AU2018102257A4

AU2018102257A4 - A Worker's Access Lid or Cover

Info

Publication number: AU2018102257A4
Application number: AU2018102257A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Chanaka Madushan Abeysinghe; Chris Hopkins
Original assignee: Cubis Systems
Current assignee: Cubis Systems
Priority date: 2017-08-11
Filing date: 2018-04-13
Publication date: 2024-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-13
Also published as: AU2018202599A1

Abstract

A system including: a pit box at least partially defining a subterranean workplace, and a worker's access lid for use in giving access to the subterranean workplace. The lid includes a body and an electronic identifier carried by the body, the electronic identifier being readable by an electronic reader. 1/8 o 0 cusi o o NKN 00 00 F-C

Description

1/8

o 0

cusi

o o

NKN

00 00

F-C A WORKER'S ACCESS LID OR COVER TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to access covers and lids. In particular, access covers or lids for covering a subterranean workspace.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In ground access pits are typically used to provide easy access to underground cables and other infrastructure by exposing a portion of the cables (or other infrastructure) such that it is accessible to a maintenance worker.

[0003] Known access pits typically include a pit box for housing and exposing the cables (or other infrastructure), and a corresponding pit lid or cover for covering an access opening defined by the pit portion and/or for protecting the exposed cable (or other infrastructure). In use, the pit portion of an access pit is located below ground level with the access opening being at ground level. The corresponding pit lid or cover is then located above or within a recess of the pit box. The pit lid or cover is removeable such that a maintenance worker may access the contents of the pit box when required.

[0004] Known pit boxes include a 50 mm rebate to mount access pit covers and lids. Thus, the thickness of an access pit lid or cover is limited to being a maximum of 50 mm thick in order for the access lid or cover to sit fully within the rebate.

[0005] Access pit boxes and pit covers or lids may be made of the same or different material. Typically, however, known pit covers and lids are manufactured using reinforced concrete, cast-iron and/or galvanised mild steel. However, such pit lids and covers have known disadvantages.

[0006] One disadvantage relates to the removal of a pit cover or lid from a pit box when maintenance is required to be carried out on the contents of the access pit. In particular, pit covers or lids made from cast iron and reinforced concrete are heavy. As such, the weight is difficult to manage for a single maintenance worker manually removing an access lid or cover from a pit box.

[0007] Another disadvantage is that while galvanised mild steel may offer lower slip resistance properties, galvanised mild steel is overly expensive in light of the intended use of the lid or cover.

[0008] Finally, known access pit covers and lids only serve as access covers or lids for the pit to which it is mounted. As such, these access pit covers and/or lids are considered dead assets which cannot be used in relation to asset or workforce management activities.

[0009] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is directed to an access cover, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0011] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a system including a pit box at least partially defining a subterranean workplace, and a worker's access lid for use in giving access to the subterranean workplace, the lid including a body, and an electronic identifier carried by the body, the electronic identifier being readable by an electronic reader.

[0012] Advantageously, electronic identifier may hold information relating to the worker's access lid, pit box, the workspace and/or the contents of the pit box, such as, identification information, location information and/or service information relating thereto, which is made accessible to a third party computer through the electronic reader.

[0013] The electronic identifier may be attached, mounted or moulded to the lid using any suitable means known in the art so long as the electronic identifier may be read by the electronic reader from outside the workspace. In some embodiments, the electronic identifier is directly mounted to the body. In alternative embodiments, the electronic identifier is indirectly mounted to the body. The electronic identifier may be mounted to the body using, for example, one or more nuts, bolts, adhesives, and/or brackets or the alike. In some embodiments, the electronic identifier may be integrally moulded into the body of the lid at the time of forming the body.

[0014] Alternatively, the body may include an aperture, recess or cavity for locating or housing the electronic identifier at least partially therein. An opening of the aperture, recess or

-Y

cavity may extend from an outer surface of the body such that the electronic identifier may be located at least partially inside the body. In some embodiments, the outer surface may be a bottom surface. In some embodiments, the outer surface may be a top surface. In some embodiments, the outer surface may be a front, back or side surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the electronic identifier may be permanently secured to the body such that the electronic identifier cannot be removed from the body once attached thereto. In other embodiments, the electronic identifier may be detachably secured to the body of the lid such that the electronic identifier may be replaced if required, for example, if the electronic identifier stops functioning, requires updating, etc.

[0016] The electronic identifier may be located in any particular location on or within the body so long as the electronic identifier is readable by the electronic reader from outside the workspace. In some embodiments, the electronic identifier is located towards a comer of the body. In some embodiments, the electronic identifier is located towards the center of the body.

[0017] The electronic identifier may be located at any particular depth so long as the electronic identifier is readable by an electronic reader from outside the workspace. In some embodiments, the electronic identifier is located no more than 25mm from the upper surface of the lid. In some embodiments, the electronic identifier is located no more than 15mm from the upper surface of the lid. In some embodiments, the electronic identifier is located no more than mm from an upper surface of the lid. In some embodiments, the electronic identifier is located no more than 5mm from an upper surface of the lid.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electronic identifier is located above an internal structure of the lid. Advantageously, this prevents any internal structure from causing interference between the electronic identifier and the electronic reader.

[0019] The electronic identifier may be an RFID tag or NFC tag.

[0020] A person skilled in the art would understand the lid may include more than one electronic identifier, as described above, so long as each electronic identifier is readable by an electronic reader without interfering with another electronic identifier.

[0021] The body may be any particular size or shape. Typically, however, the size and shape of the body will correspond to the size and shape of the shape of the opening of the pit box. In some embodiments, the body may be substantially rectangular in shape. In some embodiments,

-r

the body may be substantially circular in shape. In some embodiments, the body will be substantially planar or flat.

[0022] The body may be formed from a single unitary body portion. In alternative embodiments, the body may be formed from one or more body portions.

[0023] The body of the lid may sit above the workspace defined by the pit box. Alternatively, the body of the lid sit at least partially inside the workspace of the pit box. In such embodiments, the body of the lid may sit on a ledge or a seat of the pit box.

[0024] The body may include an upper portion including an upper surface. In use, the upper surface faces outwardly or away from the workspace. The upper portion may include one or more raised or recessed indicia, shapes or patterns that extend inwardly or outwardly from the upper surface. Advantageously, the raised or recessed portions increase the grip and prevent a person from slipping on the upper surface.

[0025] The body may include a lower portion including a bottom surface. In use, the bottom surface faces inwardly or towards the workspace. The bottom portion may include one more ridges. The ridges may form a criss-cross pattern. The ridges may define one or more recesses. Advantageously, the one or more ridges may aid in minimising the amount of material required while maintaining strength and/or rigidity of the lid or cover.

[0026] The sides of the body may be tapered. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the body tapers inwards towards the lower portion. This aids in aligning the lid within an access opening defined by the pit box.

[0027] The body may be made out of any suitable material known in the art. In some embodiments, the body may be made from cast iron and reinforced concrete. In other embodiments, the body may be made from a fibre reinforced polymer. More specifically, the body may be made from a bulk moulding compound consist of: calcium carbonate, sand, fibre glass, UV loaded resin, liquid styrene, recycled styrene beads (added to the liquid styrene they melt), pigment and carbon black colour mix, and talc. Advantageously, a body made from the bulk moulding compound material is lightweight, has a high load rating, is durable, offers high slip resistance properties and becomes comparatively economical product to replace other known access covers.

[0028] The lid or cover may include one or more reinforcement structures for reinforcing the body. The reinforcing structure may be any suitable size or shape. However, a person skilled in the art would understand that the size and shape of the reinforcing structure would substantially correspond to the size and shape of the body.

[0029] The reinforcement structure may be in the form of one or more reinforcement rods or a reinforcement mesh. In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure may include a first plurality of rods that are arranged in a first direction and a second plurality of rods that are arranged in a second direction. The first plurality of rods may extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the second plurality of rods to form a rectangular mesh pattern. The plurality of rods extending in a first direction may extend along a first plane and the plurality of rods in a second directing may extend along second plane. The first plane and the second plane may be parallel to one another.

[0030] The reinforcement structures may be made of any suitable material known in the art for reinforcing the body. In some embodiments, the one or more reinforcement structures may include 6mm to 16 mm diameter reinforcement bars. The reinforcing bars may be steel reinforcement bars. The steel reinforcement bars maybe in grades 250N or 500L.

[0031] The access lid or cover may further include one or more grip structures for removing the lid from the access opening of the pit box. The one or more grip structures may be in the form of one or more apertures, handles, hooks, recesses or the alike. The one or more grip structures may be hand operated, for example, a recess or the alike for manually removing the lid. In some embodiments, the one or more grip structures may be suitable for gripping with one or more tools suitable for lifting the lid or cover away from the access opening of the pit box.

[0032] The access lid may include one or more drainage apertures for allowing one or more liquids to drain through the access lid.

[0033] As mention above, the system includes a pit box at least partially defining a workplace. The pit box may be any particular size or shape suitable for housing one or more cables, infrastructure or the alike.

[0034] The pit box may include a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls may define the access opening. One or more side walls may include one or more apertures suitable for allowing cables or pipes to enter and/or exit the workspace and a floor from which the side walls extend upwardly.

V

[0035] The one or more side walls may include a recess or seat for locating the access lid at least partially inside the workspace.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of identifying a worker's access lid for use in giving access to a subterranean workplace, the method including the steps of: storing identification data on an electronic identifier carried by a body of the lid, and reading the identification data using an electronic reader.

[0037] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0038] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 shows a top view and side views of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 1A shows an enlarged view of a top right comer of Figure 1.

[0042] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment show in Figure 1.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a bottom and sides views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0044] Figure 3A shows an enlarged view of the top left corner of Figure 1.

[0045] Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a top and a side view of the internal reinforcement structure of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4.

[0047] Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the internal reinforcement structure shown in Figure 5.

[0048] Figure 7 shows a top view and an end view of second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 8 shows various views of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 9 shows various views of the internal reinforcement structure of the third preferred embodiment shown in Figure 8.

[0051] Figure 10 shows various views of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 11 shows various views of the internal reinforcement structure of the fourth preferred embodiment shown in Figure 10.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Figures 2, 7, 8 and 11, in particular, show a worker's access lid or cover 100, 200, 300, 400 that form part of a system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system including a pit box (not shown) that at least partially defines a subterranean workplace and lid 100, 200, 300, 400 for use in giving access to the subterranean workplace. Lid 100, 200, 300, 400 includes a body 102, 202, 302, 402 and an electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 carried by the body. The electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 is readable by an electronic reader (not shown).

[0054] Advantageously, each electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 may hold information relating to the worker's access lid 100, 200, 300, 400, pit box (not shown), workspace (not shown) and/or contents of the pit box (not shown), such as, identification information, location information and/or service information relating thereto, which is made accessible to a third party computer through the electronic reader.

[0055] As best shown in Figure 4, section view D-D of Figure 8 and section views A-A and B-B of Figure 10, body 102, 202, 302, 402 includes a recess 106, 306, 406 extending from the bottom surface for locating electronic identifier 104, 304, 404. In other embodiments (not shown), body 102 may not include a recess. Instead, electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 may be located on the outer surface of the body.

[0056] In preferred embodiments, electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 is secured to the body using an adhesive. A skilled person, however, would understand that, in other embodiments, the electronic identifier may be attached, mounted or moulded to body 102, 202, 302, 402 using any suitable means known in the art so long as the electronic identifier may be read by the electronic reader from outside the workspace.

[0057] In embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, 7, 8 and 9, electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 is located in the top right hand comer of body 102, 202, 302, 402 as indicated by electronic identifier symbol 126, 226, 326, 426 as shown in Figure 1A. However, a skilled person would understand that the electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 may be located in any particular location on or within the body so long as the electronic identifier is readable by the electronic reader from outside the workspace. Further, the electronic identifier symbol 126, 226, 326, 426 need not reflect the location of the electronic identifier but mere that one is carried by the body.

[0058] In preferred embodiments, the electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 is located at a maximum depth of 10mm from the surface of the lid. However, a skilled person would understand that in other embodiments, the electronic identifier may be located at any particular depth so long as the electronic identifier is readable by an electronic reader from outside the workspace.

[0059] In the embodiments shown, the electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 is an RFID tag or NFC tag.

[0060] Although not shown, a person skilled in the art would understand lid 100, 200, 300, 400 may include more than one electronic identifier 104, 304, 404, as described above, so long as each electronic identifier 104, 304, 404is readable by an electronic reader without interfering with another electronic identifier.

[0061] Body 102, 202, 302, 402 may be any particular size or shape. In the embodiment shown in Figures 8-9, the body is 650mm in length, 345 mm in width and 50mm in thickness. In the embodiment shown in Figures 10-11, the body is 615mm in length, 245mm in width and mm in thickness. Typically, however, the size and shape of the body will correspond to the size and shape of the shape of the opening of the pit box.

[0062] As best shown the Figure, body 102, 202, 302, 402 may be formed from a single unitary body portion. However, in embodiments not shown, body 102, 202, 302, 402 may be formed from one or more body portions.

[0063] During use, body 102, 202, 302, 402 may sit above the workspace defined by the pit box. Alternatively, body 102, 202, 302, 402 may sit at least partially inside the workspace of the pit box. In such embodiments, body 102, 202, 302, 402 may sit on a ledge or a seat of the pit box.

[0064] Body 102, 202, 302, 402 includes an upper portion including an upper surface 108, 208, 308, 408 and a lower portion including a lower surface 110, 310, 410. In use, upper surface 108, 208, 308, 408 faces outwardly or away from the workspace and the lower surface 110, 310, 410 faces inwards or towards the workspace.

[0065] As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, upper portion 108, 308, 408 includes recessed portions, in the form of the manufacturer's name, a cobble stone pattern and electronic identifier symbol 126, 326, 426 that extend inwardly from upper surface 108, 308, 408. Advantageously, the recessed portions increase the grip and prevent a person from slipping on upper surface 108, 308, 408 of the lid. In alternative embodiments, indicia and pattern may be raised as shown in Figure 7 for example.

[0066] As best shown in Figures 3, 4, 8 and 10, the bottom portion may include multiple ridges 112, 312, 412. Ridges 112, 312, 412 form a criss-cross pattern. The ridges define recesses 114, 314, 414. Advantageously, the ridges aid in minimising the amount of material required while maintaining strength and/or rigidity of lid 100, 200, 300, 400.

[0067] As best shown best in Figure 3 (side views), Figure 7 (end view), Figure 8 (section views A-A and E-E) and Figure 10 (section views A-A and B-B), the sides of body 102, 202, 302, 402 are tapered. The upper portion of the body tapers inwards towards the lower portion. This aids in aligning the lid within an access opening defined by the pit box.

[0068] In the preferred embodiments, body 102, 202, 302, 402 is made from a bulk moulding compound consist of: calcium carbonate, sand, fibre glass, UV loaded resin, liquid styrene, recycled styrene beads (added to the liquid styrene they melt), pigment and carbon black colour mix, and talc. Advantageously, a body made from the bulk moulding compound material is lightweight, has a high load rating, is durable, offers high slip resistance properties and becomes comparatively economical product to would understand that the body 102, 202, 302, 402 may be made out of any other suitable material known in the art, for example, cast iron and reinforced concrete or a fibre reinforced polymer.

IU

[0069] Lid 100, 200, 300, 400 further includes reinforcement structure 116, 316, 416 for reinforcing body 102, 202, 302, 402. Reinforcing structure 116, 316, 416 may be any suitable size or shape, for example those shown in Figures 5-6, 9 and 11. However, a person skilled in the art would understand that the size and shape of the reinforcing structure would substantially correspond to the size and shape of the body, for example those shown in Figures 1-4, 7 and 10.

[0070] In the preferred embodiments shown, reinforcement structure 116, 316, 416 is in the form of a reinforcement mesh made from a plurality of reinforcement rods joined together. The reinforcement structure 116, 316, 416 includes a first plurality of rods 118, 318, 418 that are arranged in a first direction and a second plurality of rods 120, 320, 420 that are arranged in a second direction. The first plurality of rods 118, 318, 418 extending in a direction that is perpendicular to the second plurality of rods 120, 320, 420 to form a rectangular mesh pattern. The plurality of rods extending in a first direction 118, 318, 418 extend along a first plane and the plurality of rods in a second direction 120, 320, 420 extend along a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are parallel to one another.

[0071] As best shown in Figures 9 and 11, reinforcement structure 326, 426 may further include as boarder rod that extends around the first plurality of rods 318, 418 and the second plurality of rods 320, 420.

[0072] The reinforcement structure 116, 316, 416 may be made of any suitable material known in the art for reinforcing body 102, 302, 402. In preferred embodiments, reinforcement structure 116, 316, 416 includes 6mm to 16 mm diameter reinforcement bars. The reinforcing bars may be steel reinforcement bars. The steel reinforcement bars maybe in grades 250N or 500L.

[0073] As best shown in section view D-D of Figure 8 and section views A-A and B-B of Figure 10, the electronic identifier 104, 304, 404 is located above internal reinforcement structure 116, 316, 416. Advantageously, this prevents the internal reinforcement structure from causing interference between the electronic identifier and the electronic reader.

[0074] In some embodiments, lid 100, 200, 300, 400 further includes one or more grip structures (not shown) for removing the lid from the access opening of the pit box. The one or more grip structures may be in the form of one or more apertures, handles, hooks, recesses or the alike. The one or more grip structures may be hand operated, for example, a recess or the alike for manually removing the lid. In some embodiments, the one or more grip structures are suitable for gripping with one or more tools suitable for lifting the lid or cover away from the access opening of the pit box.

[0075] Lid 100, 200, 300, 400 further includes one or more drainage apertures 124, 224, 324, 424 for allowing one or more liquids to drain through the lid 100, 200, 300, 400.

[0076] As mention above, the system includes a pit box (not shown) at least partially defining a workplace. The pit box may be any particular size or shape suitable for housing one or more cables, infrastructure or the alike.

[0077] The pit box may include a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls may define the access opening. One or more side walls may include one or more apertures suitable for allowing cables or pipes to enter and/or exit the workspace and a floor from which the side walls extend upwardly.

[0078] The one or more side walls may include a recess or seat for locating the access lid at least partially inside the workspace.

[0079] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of identifying a worker's access lid for use in giving access to a subterranean workplace, the method including the steps of: storing identification data on an electronic identifier carried by a body of the lid, and reading the identification data using an electronic reader.

[0080] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0081] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0082] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A worker's access lid for use in giving access to a subterranean workplace including: a body, and an electronic identifier carried by the body, the electronic identifier being readable by an electronic reader.

2. The worker's access lid as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body includes an upper surface and the electronic identifier is located no more than 10mm from the upper surface of the body.

3. The worker's access lid as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein body includes an upper surface and the electronic identifier is located no more than 5mm from the upper surface.

4. The worker's access lid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is a unitary body.

5. The worker's access lid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic identifier is mounted directly to the body.

6. The worker's access lid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic identifier is detachably mounted to the body.

7. The worker's access lid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes an upper surface and a lower surface and the electronic identifier is mounted to the lower surface of the body.

8. The worker's access lid as claimed in claim 7, wherein the body is tapered inwardly from the upper surface to the lower surface.

9. The worker's access lid as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the upper surface includes one or more raised or recessed portions.

10. The worker's access lid as claimed in claim any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the upper surface includes an electronic identifier symbol for indicating that an electronic identifier is carried by the body.

11. The worker's access lid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

1-r

electronic identifier is mounted to the body using an adhesive substance.

12. The worker's access lid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes a recess for at least partially housing the electronic identifier.

13. The worker's access lid as claimed in claim 10, wherein the recess extends from a bottom surface of the body.

14. The worker's access lid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a reinforcement structure for reinforcing the body.

15. The worker's access lid as claimed in claim 14, wherein the reinforcement structure is located inside the body.

16. The worker's access lid as claimed in claims 14 to 15, wherein the electronic identifier is positioned above the reinforcement structure when in an in use orientation.

17. The worker's access lid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic identifier is a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag or Near Field Communication (NFC) tag.

18. A system including: a pit box at least partially defining a subterranean workplace, and a worker's access lid for use in giving access to the subterranean workplace, the lid including: a body, and an electronic identifier carried by the body, the electronic identifier being readable by an electronic reader.

19. A method of identifying a worker's access lid for use in giving access to a subterranean workplace, the method including the steps of: storing identification data on an electronic identifier carried by a body of the lid, and reading the identification data using an electronic reader.