GB2568681A

GB2568681A - Access Assemblies

Info

Publication number: GB2568681A
Application number: GB1719358.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cramphorn Michael
Original assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Current assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-22
Filing date: 2017-11-22
Publication date: 2019-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-22
Also published as: GB2568681B; GB201719358D0

Abstract

An access cover assembly 1 including a perimeter frame 2 describing an access opening 3 and a cover 4 pivotally mounted to the frame 2 at a first end thereof by a roll pin 5. The roll pin 5 extends from and/or into each side of the cover 4, preferably from a first hole (45, Figure 3) on each side of the cover 4 and into a corresponding second hole (25, Figure 3) in the frame 2. The roll pin 5 provides a frictional engagement between the cover 4 and the frame 2 for inhibiting, in use, inadvertent movement therebetween. The roll pin 5 is preferably received within, and in interference fit with, both the first and second holes (25, 45, Figure 3). The frame 2 may have one or more support ledges 24 and the cover 4 may have one or more feet 41 that engage the support ledge 24 when the cover 4 is in a closed position. There is also provided a kit of parts for an access cover assembly, a method of disassembling an access cover assembly and a method of opening an access cover assembly.

Description

INT CL B65D, E02D

Other: WPI, EPODOC, TXTE, Internet (54) Title ofthe Invention: Access Assemblies

Abstract Title: Access Cover Assembly (57) An access cover assembly 1 including a perimeter frame 2 describing an access opening 3 and a cover 4 pivotally mounted to the frame 2 at a first end thereof by a roll pin 5. The roll pin 5 extends from and/or into each side of the cover 4, preferably from a first hole (45, Figure 3) on each side of the cover 4 and into a corresponding second hole (25, Figure 3) in the frame 2. The roll pin 5 provides a frictional engagement between the cover 4 and the frame 2 for inhibiting, in use, inadvertent movement therebetween. The roll pin 5 is preferably received within, and in interference fit with, both the first and second holes (25, 45, Figure 3). The frame 2 may have one or more support ledges 24 and the cover 4 may have one or more feet 41 that engage the support ledge 24 when the cover 4 is in a closed position. There is also provided a kit of parts for an access cover assembly, a method of disassembling an access cover assembly and a method of opening an access cover assembly.

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ACCESS ASSEMBLIES

This invention relates generally to access assemblies. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to an access assembly for embedding in a substrate, such as a road or pavement, to provide access to sewers or utilities.

Access cover assemblies, such as manholes, gratings and sewer drain and stop cock access assemblies, generally include a perimeter frame that is embedded in a substrate and an access cover that is generally pivotally mounted to and/or removable from the frame. This invention is particularly concerned with pivotal access covers.

Rocking of the access cover is a well-known issue with assemblies that are embedded in substrates that experience vehicles or pedestrian traffic. One well-known method of mitigating this issue is to provide access covers that are triangular in shape, with three support points. However, the provision of a multi-part cover is not suitable for every application. The Applicants have also observed that such multi-part covers do not always eliminate movement.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an effective means for mitigating movement between components of embedded access cover assemblies, preferably one that can be used in addition, or as an alternative, to known techniques.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides an access cover assembly comprising a frame, e.g. a perimeter frame describing an access opening, and a cover pivotally mounted to the frame by a pivot pin, e.g. for selectively closing the access opening, wherein the pivot pin provides a frictional engagement between the cover and the frame, e.g. for inhibiting unwanted or inadvertent movement therebetween.

The provision of a frictional engagement between the cover and the frame has been found to be particularly useful in preventing, or at least inhibiting, vibrations and/or rattling between the cover and the frame. In addition, the frictional engagement has been found to preclude inadvertent or accidental movement of the cover from an open position toward the closed condition, thereby mitigating the risk of injury in use.

The cover may be pivotally mounted to the frame, e.g. at or adjacent one of ends of the cover, frame or assembly. The one end may comprise a first end. The cover may be pivotally mounted to the frame by a pair of pivot pins. The or at least one or each pivot pin may be on or extend from and/or into each side or a respective side of the cover. The or at least one or each pivot pin may be resiliently compressible. Preferably, the or at least one or each pivot pin comprises a roll pin or coiled pin, e.g. a roll pin or coiled spring hinge pin. Surprisingly, the provision of a roll pin or coiled pin has been found to be much more effective and reliable than other expandable pins, such as split pins.

The frame may comprise a support ledge, for example one or more support ledges. The or at least one or each support ledge may be at or adjacent the first end. The cover may comprise a foot, for example one or more feet. The or at least one or each foot may depend from the cover or a top wall thereof. The or at least one or each foot may be at or adjacent the first end. The or at least one or each foot may abut, rest on and/or engage the or one of the support ledge(s). In embodiments, each foot abuts, rests on and/or engages a respective support ledge. In embodiments, at least two or each foot abuts, rests on and/or engages the same support ledge. In embodiments, at least one or each foot abuts, rests on and/or engages two or more support ledges. The foot or feet may abut, rest on and/or engage the support ledge(s) adjacent the or each pivot pin, e.g. when the cover is in a closed condition.

In embodiments, movement of the cover from the or a closed condition, e.g. toward an open condition, causes the or each foot to disengage from the support ledge(s) and/or move away therefrom. Similarly, movement of the cover from the or an open condition, e.g. toward the or a closed condition, may cause the or each foot to engage the support ledge(s) and/or move theretoward.

The or at least one or each support ledge may comprise a ramp or be wedge shaped and/or taper or slope. In embodiments, the or at least one or each support ledge slopes away from the cover from the first end toward the inside of the opening. Similarly, the or at least one or each foot may comprise a ramp or be wedge shaped and/or taper or slope. The or at least one or each foot may slope away from the cover from the first end toward the inside of the opening. The or each foot may slope to cooperate with the sloping support ledge(s).

In embodiments, the one or more feet may comprise a pair of feet. Each of the pair of feet may carry one of the pivot pins. The one or more support ledges may comprise a pair of support ledges. Each foot may engage a respective support ledge when the cover is in a closed condition.

The or each support ledge may comprise a primary support ledge. The frame may comprises one or more further or secondary support ledges. The further or secondary support ledges may be at, or located or positioned at, or adjacent an end of the cover, frame or assembly, for example a second end thereof. The second end may be opposite the first end. The cover may engage the or at least one or each further or secondary support ledge, e.g. in the closed condition. The cover may comprise one or more further feet that engage one or more of the further or secondary support ledge(s), for example a respective or common or several further or secondary support ledge(s). Additionally or alternatively, the frame may comprise one or more additional or tertiary support ledges, which may be located between the first and the or a second end of the cover, frame or assembly. The additional or tertiary support ledges may extend from one of the sides of the frame and/or the cover may engage the or at least one or each additional or tertiary support ledge, e.g. in the closed condition.

The cover may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, ribs. The rib(s) may be configured to provide the cover with an effective thickness that increases from one or more sides or corners or its periphery to or toward a central portion. The or at least one of the or each rib may depend from the cover or a top wall thereof or extend from a lower surface of the cover. The or at least one of the rib(s) may slope, e.g. taper or curve, from corners, e.g. opposed corners, or sides, e.g. opposed or outer side edges, of the cover to a maximum depth or height at or adjacent a central region of the cover. At least one of the ribs may extend orthogonal to the sloping rib. The ribs may together describe a grid pattern. The cover may comprise one or more apertures therethrough, which may be substantially rectangular or slit-shaped in plan. The apertures may correspond to the grid pattern and/or may be located between adjacent ribs of the grid pattern.

The or at least one of the or each roll pin may be received within and/or be in interference fit with a hole or respective hole, e.g. a first hole or respective first hole, in the cover. The or at least one of the or each roll pin may be received within and/or be in interference fit with a hole or respective hole, e.g. a second hole or respective second hole, in the frame.

In embodiments, the cover comprises a pair of holes or first holes, e.g. at or adjacent one of its ends. The cover may comprise a hole or first hole on each of its sides and/or at or adjacent one of its ends. The assembly may comprise a first pivot pin received within the or one of the first hole(s) and/or the or one of the second hole(s). The assembly may comprise a second pivot pin received within another of the first holes and/or another of the second holes. The or at least one or each foot may comprise the or one of the holes or first holes. The or at least one or each foot may comprise or be comprised in or be equivalent to a lug.

Alternatively, the or at least one or each pivot pin may be fixed or secured to one of the cover and the frame and, for example, in interference fit with a hole or respective hole in the other of the cover and the frame. In some embodiments, one of the pivot pins is compressible whilst the other is incompressible or is relatively rigid. In embodiments, only one of the pivot pins is in interference fit with the hole.

The or at least one or each roll pin may be formed of stainless steel. The or at least one or each roll pin may have an uncompressed diameter of between 5-30mm, preferably between 10-20mm and most preferably between 13-16mm, for example between 14-15mm. The or at least one or each hole may comprise a diameter that is between 1-10% smaller, preferably between 2-8% smaller and more preferably between 4-8% smaller, than the uncompressed roll pin diameter. The or at least one or each roll pin may have an uncompressed diameter of between 1-10% larger, preferably between 2-8% larger and more preferably between 4-8% larger, than the hole diameter, preferably between 4-8% larger than the hole diameter. In one embodiment, the or at least one of the roll pins is between 14.45-14.95mm and the or each hole is between 13.85-14.25mm.

The assembly may comprise a first, closed condition in which the cover closes the opening and/or a second, open condition in which the cover extends substantially orthogonal to the frame. The frictional engagement between the cover and the frame may contribute at least 10N, for example at least 25N and preferably at least 50N, 60N, 70N or 80N. Preferably, the frictional engagement between the cover and the frame contributes between 50-150N, such as between 60-140N or between 70-130N, but most preferably between 80-120N or about 100N_s to the force required to move the assembly from the closed condition to or toward the open condition or vice versa.

The cover may comprise two or three or more or a plurality of portions or segments. The cover may comprise a triangular portion or segment, for example two or three or more or a plurality of triangular segments. The triangular segments, e.g. at least two or all of the triangular segments, may be connected together, e.g. so as to enable some relative movement therebetween.

Alternatively, at least two or each triangular segment may be pivotally mounted to the frame. The or at least one or each pivotal triangular segments may be pivotally mounted to the frame, e.g. at a first end thereof, by a pivot pin. In embodiments, the or at least one or each pivotal triangular segments includes a pivot pin extending from and/or into each side of the cover. The or at least one or each pivot pin may provide a frictional engagement between the cover and the frame, e.g. for inhibiting, in use, inadvertent movement therebetween.

The cover may comprise a drain cover or grill. The top wall of the cover may comprise one or more apertures, which may be elongate and/or rectangular.

Another aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into an access cover, e.g. as described above. The kit may comprise one or more of a frame, e.g. a perimeter frame describing an access opening, a cover and one or more pivot pins. The cover may be configured to be pivotally mounted to the frame by the pivot pin for selectively closing the access opening such that the pivot pin provides a frictional engagement between the cover and the frame, e.g. for inhibiting unwanted or inadvertent movement therebetween.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of assembling an access cover assembly, for example as described above. The method may comprise placing a cover into or onto a perimeter frame, which frame may describe an access opening, so that a first hole in the cover is aligned with a second hole in the frame. The method may comprise inserting a pivot pin, for example a roll pin, into both holes, e.g. such that the pin provides a frictional engagement between the cover and the frame, such as for inhibiting unwanted or inadvertent movement therebetween.

The method may comprise placing the cover into or onto the perimeter frame such that the cover, for example a foot thereof, engages the frame, for example a support ledge thereof, adjacent the first and second holes.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of opening an access cover, for example as described above. The method may comprise applying a pivoting or opening force to a cover that is sufficient to overcome a frictional engagement between the cover and a frame to which the cover is pivotally mounted.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the assembly may comprise any one or more features of the kit relevant thereto and/or the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the assembly or kit or vice versa.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or device, e.g. a threedimensional printer or CNC machine, the three-dimensional design comprising a frame or cover or assembly for use in or according to an embodiment of the assembly or kit described above.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may”, “and/or”, “e.g.”, “for example” and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature sodescribed need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed.

The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an access cover assembly according to an embodiment of the invention shown in a closed condition;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the access cover assembly of Figure 1 shown in an open condition; and

Figure 3 is an enlarged, partial exploded view of the access cover assembly of Figures 1 and 2 showing the roll pin prior to insertion into the holes in the frame and access cover.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an access cover assembly 1 that includes a perimeter frame 2 describing an access opening 3 and a cover 4 pivotally mounted to the frame 2 by a pair of roll pins 5 for selectively closing the access opening. In this embodiment, each of the perimeter frame 2 and cover 4 is formed of a steel casting, but it will be appreciated that they can be formed or fabricated using any suitable process. The access cover assembly 1 is configured to be embedded in a substrate (not shown), such as a road or pavement.

The perimeter frame 2 is substantially square in plan and includes a vertical perimeter wall 20 circumscribing the access opening 3 and a horizontal base flange 21 extending outwardly from the perimeter wall 20. The perimeter wall 20 includes a pair of end walls 20a, 20b and a pair of side walls 20c, 20d and the base flange 21 extends from both end walls 20a, 20b, but only one side wall 20c. The access cover assembly 1 in this embodiment is configured to be installed with its bare side wall 20d adjacent another feature, such as the edging of a road or pavement.

The base flange 21 forms a unitary structure with the perimeter wall 20 and includes corner portions 21a, 21b that are enlarged in plan adjacent each corner of the perimeter wall 20. The frame 2 includes a triangular reinforcing web 22a, 22b joining each corner of the perimeter wall 20 to a respective corner portion 21a, 21b of the base flange 21. Two webs 22a extend at a 45° angle with respect to the adjoining side and end walls 20c, 20a, 20b and merges with respective corner portions 21a of the base flange 21. The other two webs

22b are aligned with the bare side wall 20d and each extends from a respective one of its ends to merge with respective corner portions 21 b of the base flange 21. The base flange 21 also includes holes 23 adjacent the corners of the perimeter wall 20 through which aggregate material forming the substrate extends to secure more effectively the frame 2 within the substrate.

The perimeter frame 2 includes a pair of ramps or sloping, primary support ledges 24 (only one of which is visible in the drawings) extending from lower portions of the corners between a first end wall 20a and each of the side walls 20c, 20d. Each primary support ledge 24 is connected to corner portions of both the first end wall 20a and the adjacent side wall 20c, 20d and slopes downwardly from the first end wall 20a toward the other, or second, end wall 20b. Each side wall 20c, 20d includes a hole 25 (shown more clearly in Figure 3) through its thickness above a respective one of the primary support ledges 24 for receipt of one of the roll pins 5.

The perimeter frame 2 also includes a pair of secondary support ledges (not shown) and tertiary support ledges 26,27. The secondary support ledges (not shown) extend from lower portions of the corners between a second end wall 20b and each of the side walls 20c, 20d. The tertiary support ledges 26, 27 extend from intermediate portions of the end walls 20a, 20b and side walls 20c, 20d respectively.

The cover 4 includes a top plate 40 with an array of rectangular apertures 40a, 40b through its thickness, a pair of primary feet 41, a pair of secondary feet 42 and a plurality of ribs 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d arranged in a grid pattern. The top plate 40 is substantially coextensive with the access opening 3 when the assembly 1 is in the closed condition. The array of apertures 40a, 40b includes a central row of longer apertures 40a and a pair of outer rows of shorter apertures 40b. The rows of apertures 40a, 40b extend lengthwise, from a first end 44a of the cover 4 to a second end 44b thereof, whilst the apertures 40a, 40b extend transversely, between the sides 44c, 44d of the cover 4.

The primary feet 41 depend from the corners of the first end 44a and each primary foot 41 includes a sloped lower surface 41a for cooperation with the primary support ledges 24 of the perimeter frame 2. Each primary foot 41 also includes a hole 45 through its thickness for alignment with a respective one of the holes 25 in the side walls 20c, 20d of the perimeter frame 2 and for receipt of one of the roll pins 5. As such, each primary foot 41 can be said to provide a lug for a respective roll pin 5.

The ribs 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d extend along the portions of the top plate 40 between the apertures. The ribs 43a, 43b, 43c include four primary, transverse ribs 43a, four secondary, transverse ribs 43b, two primary, lengthwise ribs 43c and two secondary, lengthwise ribs 43d. The transverse ribs 43a, 43b extend between the sides 44c, 44d of the cover 4, while the lengthwise ribs 43c, 43d extend between the ends 44a, 44d of the cover 4. One of the primary, transverse ribs 43a extends across each end 44a, 44b of the cover 4 and the remaining two extend across intermediate positions. The secondary, transverse ribs 43b extend across the cover 4 between the primary, transverse ribs 43a. One of the secondary, lengthwise ribs 43d extends along each side 44c, 44d of the cover 4 and the primary, lengthwise ribs 43c extend along intermediate positions.

Each primary, lengthwise rib 43c has a substantially constant height or depth, measured from the top plate 40. Each primary, transverse rib 43a slopes from each side 44c, 44d of the cover 4 to the primary, lengthwise ribs 43c to provide tapering side portions. The central portion of each primary, transverse rib 43a extending between the primary, lengthwise ribs 43c has substantially the same height or depth as the primary, lengthwise rib 43c. As such, the primary ribs 43a, 43c together provide a cover 4 having an effective thickness that increases from the sides 44c, 44d to a central portion. This arrangement enables significant weight to be removed from the cover 4 without compromising its performance.

Referring now to Figure 3 and prior to embedding the access cover assembly 1 into a substrate, the cover 4 is placed into the perimeter frame 2 such that the primary and secondary feet 41, 42 of the cover 4 rest, respectively, on the primary support ledges 24 and the secondary support ledges (not shown). In this position, the holes 45 in the primary feet 41 of the cover 4 are substantially aligned with the holes 25 of the perimeter frame 2. Any misalignment can be corrected in a manner that would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such as using a pry bar or other implement.

One of the roll pins 5 is then inserted into the hole 25 of the perimeter frame 2 and forced therein. The roll pin 5 may be compressed at its leading end and/or the hole 25 in the perimeter frame 2 may include a lead-in (not shown) to facilitate initial insertion of the roll pin 5. With the roll pin 5 partially inserted, it can then be forced into the hole pair 25, 45, such as by a hammer or other implement (not shown) to force the roll pin 5 into an interference fit with both holes 25, 45 of each hole pair 25, 45. As such, the roll pins 5 provide a frictional engagement between the perimeter frame 2 and cover 4, thereby to inhibit unwanted or inadvertent movement therebetween, particularly where vehicular or pedestrian traffic passes over the cover 4.

In use, a user must apply a pivoting force to the cover 4 that is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the cover 4 and the perimeter frame 2 in order to open the access cover assembly 1. In this embodiment, each roll pin 5 is formed of CS70 stainless steel with an uncompressed diameter of between 14.45-14.95mm and the or each hole comprises a diameter of between 13.85-14.25mm.

By way of example, the frictional engagement may provide a resistance to opening that requires 200-300N to overcome the resistance, based on the dimensions of conventional access covers configured to be opened by a single individual. This arrangement has been found surprisingly effective not only to inhibit the rattling associated with known access cover assemblies, but it has also been found to inhibit inadvertent closure of the cover 4.

In addition, the cooperating sloped profile of the primary feet 41 of the cover 4 and the primary support ledges 24 of the perimeter frame 2 provide an effective support structure to the first end 44a of the cover 4 in the closed condition. As such, stress on the roll pins 5 is minimised when a significant force is applied to the cover 4, for example where a vehicle travels thereover.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the access cover assembly 1 may be provided in assembled form or, in some cases, in the form of a kit of parts for assembly on site. Several other variations will be readily apparent to the skilled person. The roll pins 5 need not be formed of CS70 stainless steel and may be formed of A2 stainless steel or any other suitable material.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

1. An access cover assembly comprising a perimeter frame describing an access opening and a cover pivotally mounted to the frame at a first end thereof by a roll pin extending from and/or into each side of the cover, wherein the roll pin provides a frictional engagement between the cover and the frame for inhibiting, in use, inadvertent movement therebetween.

Claims

2. Access cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises one or more support ledges at or adjacent the first end and the cover comprises one or more feet which engage the support ledge(s) when the cover is in a closed condition.

3. Access cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein movement of the cover from the closed condition toward an open condition causes the or each foot to disengage from the support ledge(s) and move away therefrom.

4. Access cover assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the or each support ledge slopes away from the cover from the first end toward the inside of the opening.

5. Access cover assembly according to claim 4, wherein the or each foot slopes to cooperate with the sloping support ledge(s).

6. Access cover assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the one or more feet comprises a pair of feet each carrying a roll pin.

7. Access cover assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the frame comprises one or more further support ledges at a second of its ends opposite the first end, the cover engaging the or each further support ledge in the closed condition.

8. Access cover assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each roll pin is received within and in interference fit with a respective hole in the cover and within and in interference fit with a respective hole in the frame.

9. Access cover assembly according to claim 8, wherein the or each roll pin is formed of stainless steel with an uncompressed diameter of between 4-8% larger than the diameter of the or each hole.

10. Access cover assembly according to any preceding claim comprising a first, closed condition in which the cover closes the opening and a second, open condition in which the cover extends substantially orthogonal to the frame, wherein the frictional engagement between the cover and the frame contributes between 80-120N to the force required to move the assembly from the closed condition to or toward the open condition.

11. Access cover according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of ribs configured to provide the cover with an effective thickness that increases from one or more sides or corners or its periphery to or toward a central portion.

12. Access cover assembly according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of ribs extending from a lower surface of the cover at least one of which slopes from outer side edges of the cover to a maximum height at a central region of the cover.

13. Access cover assembly according to claim 12, wherein at least one rib extends orthogonal to the sloping rib.

14. A kit of parts for an access cover assembly, the kit comprising a perimeter frame describing an access opening, a cover and one or more roll pins, wherein the cover is configured to be pivotally mounted to the frame by the one or more roll pins for selectively closing the access opening such that the roll pin provides a frictional engagement between the cover and the frame for inhibiting, in use, inadvertent movement therebetween.

15. A method of assembling an access cover assembly, the method comprising placing a cover into a perimeter frame describing an access opening so that a first hole in the cover is aligned with a second hole in the frame and inserting a roll pin into both holes such that the roll pin provides a frictional engagement between the cover and the frame for inhibiting, in use, inadvertent movement therebetween.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the cover is placed into the perimeter frame such that a foot of the cover engages a support ledge of the frame adjacent the first and second holes.

5 17. A method of opening an access cover comprising applying a pivoting force to a cover that is sufficient to overcome a frictional engagement between the cover and a frame to which the cover is pivotally mounted.

1406 18

AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS

1. An access cover assembly comprising a perimeter frame describing an access opening and a cover pivotally mounted to the frame at a first end thereof by a roll pin