GB2527541A

GB2527541A - An access cover assembly and methods of its installation and manufacture

Info

Publication number: GB2527541A
Application number: GB1411251.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Neil Pickavance; Tim Elkin; Paul Michael Thompson
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Construction Products UK Ltd
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Construction Products UK Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-25
Filing date: 2014-06-25
Publication date: 2015-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-25
Also published as: GB2527541B; GB201411251D0

Abstract

A frame 11, for supporting an access cover, comprises an upstanding peripheral wall 12 and an outer flange 14 extending outwardly from at least a part of the wall for anchoring the frame. The frame includes at least one nut 18 and bolt 17 arrangement coupled to the outer flange, whereby the bolt extends from the outer flange in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the bolt is rotatable relative to the nut for adjusting the extent of protrusion of the bolt. The nut and or bolt may be manufactured from nylon.

Description

AN ACCESS COVER ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF ITS INSTALLATION AND

MANUFACTURE

The invention relates to an assembly for supporting an access cover, a method of installing the assembly and a related method of manufacture.

Surface access covers are well known in the art of roadway construction, and related arts. It is understood that the term "access cover includes but is not limited to a utilities manhole cover, which is a top opening to an underground utility vault or chamber. Such a chamber may be used to house an access point e.g. for making utility connections or permitting maintenance access to underground and buried public utility and other services including sewers, telephone lines, electricity cables, data cables, storm drains, water pipes and gas pipes.

The invention is additionally applicable in relation to a variety of other cover types as would occur to the person of skill in the art.

Utilities companies operating in the areas of, for example, telecommunications, water, construction, power and rail frequently require installations of cables or pipes under surfaces such as the ground and roads. Access to the cables etc. beneath these surfaces can be provided by creating a chamber as mentioned above. An opening is formed in the surface at the top of the chamber and includes a cover for the opening, such that the cover can be removed when subterranean access is required.

It has for a long time been known to provide rigid metal frames to support access covers in such installations. Typically the frame is anchored in a medium such as mortar or other bonding materials that are poured into a recess formed at the top of the chamber surrounding the opening.

The frame defines a closed-sided figure that may be e.g. square, rectangular or circular in shape, and has formed in it an aperture that may be of the same peripheral shape as the frame or may adopt a different shape. The aperture is large enough to permit access via the opening to the chamber below, In some instances such as those in which the frame accommodates a stop-cock or fire hydrant the aperture is relatively small, and in others It is large enough to permit a human to pass into the chamber in order to perform required maintenance and other tasks. In short therefore the frame is Installed at the top of a drain, sewer, inspection chamber or similar opening that extends downwardly from a surface, with the frame defining an access boundary at the exposed upper limit of the opening.

A particular problem that arises during the creation of such access cover installations is the lack of a consistent technique for levelling the frames. Contractors, carrying out the installation of access cover assemblies, might use packing shims made of timber or other materials, or indeed everyday items such as angle iron or even refuse when attempting to level the frames before pouring of the bonding material.

Aside from the fact that the aforementioned technique may not result in accurate levelling of the frames, the shims and other packing materials used tend to block the flow of mortar. It is however essential that the mortar surrounds the frame to a predetermined depth and is free from any voids in order to achieve maximum retention of the frame.

If the shims, etc. are left in place, this blocking simply results in inadequate bonding. Some contractors however attempt to recover the packing or levelling objects in order to promote mortar flow. If this is attempted before the mortar has cured adequately, the result is squeezing of the liquid mortarfrom around the frame. This also results in inadequate bonding of the frame, and probably negates any levelling benefit obtained through use of the packing materials.

Yet a further drawback of some known levelling techniques is that the packing materials may compress or collapse before the mortar has cured. This again means that any levelling effect may be sub-optimal.

There therefore exists a need for levelling the frames effectively.

According to the invention in a first aspect there is provided a frame, for supporting an access cover, comprising an upstanding peripheral wall and an outer flange extending outwardly from at least a part of the wall for anchoring the frame; and at least one nut and bolt arrangement coupled to the outer flange, wherein the bolt extends from the outer flange in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the bolt is rotatable relative to the nut for adjusting the extent of protrusion of the bolt.

The ability to adjust the extent of protrusion of the bolt downwardly beyond the flange means it is possible readily to level the frame when it is standing on a surface such as a recess as aforesaid, by adjusting the space between the flange and a horizontal (or generally horizontal) plane defined in the recess.

The nut and bolt arrangement allows precise adjustments to the height of the frame, particularly in the millimetre regions. Furthermore the bolts are small enough to allow their retention after pouring of the mortar without impeding the mortar flow around the frame.

In a variant on the invention as defined above there is provided a frame, for supporting an access cover, comprising an upstanding peripheral wall and an outer flange extending outwardly from at least a part of the wall for anchoring the frame; and at least one nut and bolt arrangement coupled to the outer flange, wherein the nut extends from the outer flange in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the nut is rotatable relative to the bolt for adjusting the extent of protrusion of the nut.

This arrangement provides similar advantages to embodiments of the invention in which the protrusion of the bolt, as opposed to the nut, is adjustable.

Preferably the frame further comprises at least one aperture in the outer flange that is capable of receiving a said nut and bolt arrangement; and the nut or the bolt has an outwardly extending protrusion, especially but not necessarily a shoulder, whereby the nut is received in the aperture with the protrusion and the outer flange in engagement with one another in order to locate the nut or the bolt.

Such an arrangement is particularly simple to assemble from component parts and therefore facilitates frame installation work.

Optionally the bolt is attached to an in-use lower side of the outer flange.

This arrangement helps to prevent inadvertent loss of parts of the frame.

Preferably the frame comprises a projection having a hollow portion, the projection being attached to an in-use lower side of the outer flange and being capable of supporting the mass of the frame, and wherein the hollow portion of the projection is capable of accommodating a said nut and bolt arrangement.

The projection helps to define a minimum standing height of the frame above bedding material on which the bolt can rest while curing of a bedding medium, as described below, occurs.

Once the frame is installed however, with an adequate quantity of bedding material bonded to the flange, the nut and bolt arrangement performs no appreciable function in supporting the mass of the frame and any cover inserted therein. Consequently it does not matter if the nut or bolt subsequently collapses or degrades in any other way.

It is advantageous if the size of each nut and bolt arrangement permits mortar flow around the frame. This means that there is no temptation for a contractor or other worker installing a frame assembly to wish to remove the bolt or nut before the bedding medium has cured.

S Furthermore the ability of the mortar or other bedding medium to flow fully around, and key to, the outer flange gives rise to the advantage that the nut and bolt do not support the mass of the frame to any significant extent once curing of the mortar has occurred.

Preferably the nut and bolt arrangement is made from or includes nylon or another cheap and light material.

It is advantageous for the frame to comprise one or more cast-in markings on the outer flange of the frame. These are useful for indicating the mortar fill level.

Cast-in markings can act as "witness marks" assisting the contractor to pour mortar to the correct level, since the contractor knows that once the witness marks are covered the mortar exists to an adequate depth in the installation. The witness marks therefore avoid wastage of mortar, which would otherwise occur because contractors tend to over-fill reinstatement apertures associated with manhole frames. Such over-filling also has the drawback of minimising the depth of aggregate material over the mortar, which may lead to premature wear of the road patch in the vicinity of the installation.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an access cover installation method comprising the steps of: (i) placing a frame according to the invention as defined hereinabove on a surface with at least one said nut or bolt in engagement with the surface, whereby the frame bounds an opening, in the surface, in which an access cover is positionable to close the opening; (ii) rotating at least one said nut and bolt relative to one another such that the bolt or the nut receiving the bolt moves in an upwards or downwards direction to cause the frame to move upwards or downwards in a plane parallel to the surface; (iH) stopping rotation of each nut and bolt arrangement when the frame is at a level position; and (iv) securing the frame to the surface by pouring a fluid, curable bedding medium, especially mortar, around the frame such that the bedding medium envelops the outer flange of the frame.

The foregoing method of access cover installation is beneficial because contractors can level the height of the frame accurately, while leaving the bolt(s) in the frame without worrying that the mortar flow would be impeded.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a frame for supporting an access cover comprising the steps of: (i) casting a frame having an upstanding peripheral wall and an outer flange extending outwardly therefrom a lower part of the wall for anchoring the frame; and (ii) coupling a nut or a bolt of a nut and bolt combination to the outer flange whereby the bolt extends in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the nut and bolt are rotatable relative to one another for adjusting a space between the frame and a horizontal plane.

Regarding the nut and bolt arrangement, it may be preferable to cast a nut with an outwardly extending shoulder or another type of projection; and form (e.g. cast) an aperture in the outer flange whereby the nut fits in the aperture and the outer flange rests on the outwardly extending shoulder, or other projection, of the nut.

Alternatively the bolt could be coupled to the outer flange by attaching the bolt to an in-use lower side of the outer flange.

These methods lead to manufacture of a frame, for supporting an access cover, each having its own benefits. The preferred method used would depend on whether it is required to provide a frame with a separate or integral nut and bolt arrangement.

Although it is preferable that the nut or the bolt is a friction fit in any feature of the flange formed for the purpose of receiving it, other means of securing the nut and bolt combination could be employed, These include but are not limited to adhesive compounds.

In order to indicate the adequate depth needed to seal the frame with mortar, it is advantageous during manufacturing of the assembly to cast markings on the outer flange of the frame representing the mortar fill level.

There now follows a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the side of a frame according to a preferred embodiment of a first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a magnified view of a nut and bolt arrangement of the frame of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the frame of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a plan view from underneath of the frame of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is an elevational view from one side of a frame according to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a frame 11 according to a first aspect of the invention.

The frame 11 is for supporting an access cover which for ease of understanding is not depicted in the drawings. The access cover may take a range of forms that will be familiar to the person of skill in the art. The access cover moreover may consist of multiple sections.

The frame 11 has an upstanding peripheral wall 12. Again for clarity, in the figures only half the frame is illustrated. Thus in Figure 1, there is illustrated a wall 12 having three sides 12a, 12b and 12c, of which sides 12a and 12b are parallel to each other. The other side 12c perpendicularly joins the two parallel sides 12a and 12b, thereby forming a U-shaped wall section 12, although as explained above in a practical embodiment of the invention the frame would be closed on four sides and thereby define a rectangular figure having a central opening.

The invention is not limited by the number of wall sides illustrated and neither is the invention limited by the shape of the frame 11 in the drawings. Typically the frame 11 will be circular or polygonal.

The frame 11 is preferably made from rigid materials which include steel and/or iron and/or other metals or alloys. It is well known for the parts of access assemblies to be made from cast iron, and this is the most preferred constructional material of the illustrated frame 11.

The upstanding waIl 12 of the frame 11 naturally determines the shape of the frame 11. The wall 12 can be viewed as having an upper part and a lower part with no constructional distinction between the upper and lower parts The lower part is relatively nearer to the ground in which the frame when in use is installed; and the upper part is relatively nearer to the access cover when the latter is installed in the top of the frame 11.

At the lower part of the wall 12, an outer flange 14 extends outwardly in a generally perpendicular planar direction to the upstanding waIl 12, forming a protruded area around the wall that is capable of anchoring the frame. In Figure 1, the outer flange 14 has a generally polygonal shape with an almost equal width all around. The invention is not however limited to the illustrated version in the figures, and the flange 14 can have differing widths at different locations about the periphery of the frame.

S

Coupled to the outer flange 14 is at least one nut and bolt arrangement 16. Coupling of the nut and bolt arrangement is achieved through the forming of a through-going aperture 23 in the flange 14. The nut 18 in the preferred embodiment of the invention is a hollow, cylindrical tube having an internal thread in which the bolt 17, which has a complementary external thread 21, isthreadedly received.

As a result of this arrangement the bolt 17 extends in an in-use downward direction, towards the ground, wherein the nut 18 receives the bolt 17, The bolt 17 and nut 18 can be made from or include nylon or a range of other low-cost, lightweight materials.

Figure 2 shows in enlarged, perspective view the nut and bolt arrangement 16 of Figure 1. The types of bolt 17 and nut 18, their physical dimensions, thread pitches, forming materials, and tightening requirements are not limited as shown or described.

The bolt 17 has an elongate shank with a hexagonal head 19 at one, in use upper, end, the shank having formed thereon the external threaded portion 21. The internal threaded portion of the nut 18 engages with the threaded portion 21 of the bolt 17. The nut 18 has an outwardly extending shoulder 22 which is visible in Figure 4.

The outer flange 14 has formed therein, typically by casting, one or more through-going apertures 23. The nut 18 fits in an aperture 23 with the shoulder 22 engaging the aperture 23.

Friction between the nut 18 and the part of the flange 14 defining the aperture 23 holds the nut 18 in place, although in some embodiments of the invention other retaining means, including projections or other formations forming part of the nut 18 or aperture 23, may be employed to assist in retaining the nut 18 in place.

The bolt 17 extends generally in an in-use downward direction, with the head 19 above the outer flange 14, part of the threaded portion 21 of the bolt 17 received in the nut 18, and part of the threaded portion 21 extending below the outer flange 14.

Rotating the nut 18 and bolt 17 relative to one another adjusts the length of the bolt 17 that extends below the outer flange 14. This in turn adjusts the space between the frame 11 and a horizontal plane such as the opening of an access chamber, when the frame rests with the bolt 17 engaging the horizontal plane.

Alternatively, the bolt 17 may be replaced by an elongate stud one upper end of which is secured to the lower side of the outer flange 14 such that the stud presents a downwardly extending threaded shank that is fixed to the flange 14. The threaded shank is engageable with the inner screw thread of a nut that can rotate up and down the threaded portion 21 of the bolt 17. The distance between the nut 18 and the lower side of the outer flange defines a space between the frame 11 and a horizontal plane. Therefore rotating the nut 18 and bolt 17 relative to one another adjusts the space and may therefore be employed to level the frame 11 in like manner to the arrangement shown in the drawings.

Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the frame 11 of Figure 1, showing the outer flange 14 of the frame 11 with four apertures 23 that each are capable of receiving a nut and bolt arrangement 16 in the manner described above. Other numbers of the apertures 23 and nut and bolt combinations 16 than those illustrated are possible within the scope of the invention.

It is however preferred that the nut and bolt combinations 16 are distributed evenly about the periphery of the flange 14 as this facilitates levelling adjustment as described. In a typical embodiment of the invention, nut and bolt combinations 16 would be provided respectively on the four sides of a rectangular flange 14 of the type shown in the drawings.

Figure 4 is a plan view from underneath of the frame 11 of Figure 3 as described above. Instead of the heads 19 of the bolts 17 being visible, the outwardly extending shoulders 22 of the nuts and the free ends 24 of the bolts are depicted.

The size of each nut and bolt combination 16 is small relative to the size of the frame 11. This has the advantage of permitting mortar flow around the frame 11 when anchoring the frame 11 is carried out.

Referring to Figure 5, it is preferable if the frame 11 further comprises a respective downwardly projecting spigot 26 having a hollow portion and which is attached to the lower side of the outer flange 14 in the vicinity of each aperture 23. Each spigot 26 encircles a nut and bolt arrangement 16. In Figure 5, the bolt 17 is shown to extend in an in-use downward direction beyond the hollow spigot 26. The spigot 26 helps to define a minimum standing height of the frame 11 above a surface on which it is required to be levelled. The spigot 26 is made of rigid material able to support the mass of the frame 11. The spigot 26 may be secured to the frame 11 e.g. by welding.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, it is preferable if the frame 11 has one or more cast-in markings 27 on the outer flange 14 for indicating the mortar fill level.

In the drawings, the marking 27 is a block protruding generally upwards from the in-use upper side of the outer flange 14 and that forms a step between the outer flange 14 and the upstanding wall 12. The invention is however not limited to the marking 27 as depicted, and the cast-in marking 27 can be of any appropriate shape, size or configuration. It is preferable to have markings 27 on opposite sides of the outer flange 14 of a frame 11.

The frame 11 can be installed in roads, yards and similar constructions. The frame 11 comprises the upstanding waIl 12 and outer flange 14, and a number of the nut and bolt combinations 16 as described above. The frame 11 defines an opening 13 in or over the surface which an access cover is positionable to close the opening 13.

A contractor or other worker installing the frame 11 after placing it on a surface, which may be uneven, with the bolts 17 or nuts 18 (as appropriate) in contact or nearly in contact with the surface, will determine whether the frame 11 is in a level position. If it is not, levelling of the frame 11 may readily be achieved by rotating each bolt in turn either up or down as required until the frame 11 is level. When the frame is level typically all the bolts 17 or nuts 18 will be in contact with the surface.

Once the frame 11 is level, mortar and/or other bonding material is poured around the frame 11 until the witness mark 27 is covered. The worker responsible for pouring of the mortar at this point knows there is sufficient bonding material in place, and ceases pouring the mortar.

This ensures an adequate bonding performance, as arises on curing of the mortar, without undue wastage of the mortar compound. When the mortar or bonding material cures, the frame 11 thus is reliably secured to the surface in a level orientation.

The frame 11 as described can be manufactured by casting a frame 11 having an upstanding peripheral wall 12 and an outer flange 14 extending outwardly from a lower part of the wall 12 for anchoring the frame 11; and coupling the nut 18 having the bolt 17 received therein to the outer flange 14.

The listing or discussion of an apparently prior published document or apparatus in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or apparatus is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

Preferences and options for a given aspect1 feature or parameter of the invention should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features and parameters of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A frame, for supporting an access cover, comprising an upstanding peripheral wall and an outer flange extending outwardly from at least a part of the wall for anchoring the frame; and at least one nut and bolt arrangement coupled to the outer flange, wherein the bolt extends from the outer flange in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the bolt is rotatable relative to the nut for adjusting the extent of protrusion of the bolt.
2. A frame, for supporting an access cover, comprising an upstanding peripheral wall and an outer flange extending outwardly from at least a pad of the wall for anchoring the frame; and at least one nut and bolt arrangement coupled to the outer flange, wherein the nut extends from the outer flange in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the nut is rotatable relative to the bolt for adjusting the extent of protrusion of the nut,
3. A frame according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 further comprising at least one aperture in the outer flange that is capable of receiving a said nut and bolt arrangement; and the nut or the bolt having an outwardly extending protrusion, whereby the nut is received in the aperture with the protrusion and the outer flange in engagement with one another in order to locate the nut or the bolt.
4. A frame according to Claim 1 or Claim 3 when depending from Claim 1 wherein the bolt is attached to an in-use lower side of the outer flange.
5. A frame according to any preceding claim further comprising a projection having a hollow portion, the projection being attached to an in-use lower side of the outer flange and being capable of supporting the mass of the frame, wherein the hollow portion of the projection is capable of accommodating a said nut and bolt arrangement.
6. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the size of each nut and bolt arrangement permits mortar flow around the frame.
7. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the nut is made from or includes nylon.
8. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the bolt is made from or includes nylon.
9. A frame according to any preceding claim including one or more cast-in markings on the outer flange of the frame for indicating the mortar fill level.
10. An access cover installation method comprising the steps of: (i) placing a frame as defined in any preceding claim on a surface with at least one said nut or bolt in engagement with the surface, whereby the frame bounds an opening, in the surface, in which an access cover is positionable to close the opening; (U) rotating at least one said nut and bolt relative to one another such that the bolt or the nut receiving the bolt moves in an upwards or downwards direction to cause the frame to move upwards or downwards in a plane parallel to the surface; (Ui) stopping rotation of each nut and bolt arrangement when the frame is at a level position; and (iv) securing the frame to the surface by pouring a fluid, curable bedding medium, especially mortar, around the frame such that the bedding medium envelops the outer flange of the frame.
11. An access cover installation method further comprising the step of removing the bolt from the frame.
12. A method of manufacturing a frame for supporting an access cover according to any preceding claim, the method comprising the steps of: (i) casting a frame having an upstanding peripheral wall and an outer flange extending outwardly therefrom a lower pad of the wall for anchoring the frame; and (U) coupling a nut or a bolt of a nut and bolt arrangement to the outer flange whereby the bolt extends in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the nut and bolt are rotatable relative to one another for adjusting a space between the frame and a horizontal plane.
13. A method according to Claim 12 wherein the bolt is coupled to the outer flange by attaching the bolt to an in-use lower side of the outer flange.
14. A method according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, further comprising the step of casting one or more mortar fill level markings on the outer flange of the frame.
15. A frame for supporting an access cover generally as herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
16. An access cover installation method generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
17. A manufacturing method generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows:CLAIMS1. A frame, for supporting an access cover, comprising an upstanding peripheral wall and an outer flange extending outwardly from at least a part of the wall for anchoring the frame, the outer flange having one or more witness marks for indicating the mortar fill level; and at least one nut and bolt arrangement coupled to the outer flange, wherein the bolt extends from the outer flange in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the bolt is rotatable relative to the nut for adjusting the extent of protrusion of the bolt.2. A frame, for supporting an access cover, comprising an upstanding peripheral wall and an outer flange extending outwardly from at least a part of the wall for anchoring the frame; * and at least one nut and bolt arrangement coupled to the outer flange. wherein the nut extends * * * from the outer flange in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the nut is * * rotatable relative to the bolt for adjusting the extent of protrusion of the nut. * 53. A frame according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 further comprising at least one aperture in the outer flange that is capable of receiving a said nut and bolt arrangement; and the nut or the bolt having an outwardly extending protrusion, whereby the nut is received in the aperture with the protrusion and the outer flange in engagement with one another in order to locate the nut or the bolt.4. A frame according to Claim I or Claim 3 when depending from Claim 1 wherein the bolt is attached to an in-use lower side of the outer flange.5. A frame according to any preceding claim further comprising a projection having a hollow portion, the projection being attached to an in-use lower side of the outer flange and being capable of supporting the mass of the frame, wherein the hollow portion of the projection is capable of accommodating a said nut and bolt arrangement.6. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the size of each nut and bolt arrangement permits mortar flow around the frame.7. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the nut is made from or includes nylon.8. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the bolt is made from or includes nylon.9. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more witness marks on the outer flange of the frame for indicating the mortar fill level are cast-in markings. * * * * .*;.**! 10. An access cover installation method comprising the steps of: (i) placing a frame as defined in any preceding claim on a surface with at least one * I, ***lS said nut or bolt in engagement with the surface, whereby the frame bounds an opening, in the surface, in which an access cover is positionable to close the opening; *: :> (ii) rotating at least one said nut and bolt relative to one another such that the bolt or the nut receiving the bolt moves in an upwards or downwards direction to cause the frame to move upwards or downwards in a plane parallel to the surface; (iii) stopping rotation of each nut and bolt arrangement when the frame is at a level position; and (iv) securing the frame to the surface by pouring a fluid, curable bedding medium, especially mortar, around the frame such that the bedding medium envelops the outer flange of the frame.11. An access cover installation method further comprising the step of removing the bolt from the frame.12. A method of manufacturing a frame for supporting an access cover according to any preceding claim, the method comprising the steps of: (i) casting a frame having an upstanding peripheral wall and an outer flange extending outwardly therefrom a lower pad of the wall for anchoring the frame; and (U) coupling a nut or a bolt of a nut and bolt arrangement to the outer flange whereby the bolt extends in an in-use downward direction, the nut receives the bolt, and the nut and bolt are rotatable relative to one another for adjusting a space between the frame and a horizontal plane.13. A method according to Claim 12 wherein the bolt is coupled to the outer flange by attaching the bolt to an in-use lower side of the outer flange.14. A method according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, further comprising the step of casting one or more mortar fill level markings on the outer flange of the frame.15. A frame for supporting an access cover generally as herein described, with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.16. An access cover installation method generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.17. A manufacturing method generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.