GB2568682A

GB2568682A - Access assemblies

Info

Publication number: GB2568682A
Application number: GB1719359.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mistry Hinesh
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: GB201719359D0; GB2568682B

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. The cover 4 is pivotal between a first orientation in which the cover 4 closes the access opening 3 and a second orientation in which the access opening 3 is uncovered and the cover 4 preferably extends at an obtuse angle of at least 110 degrees relative to the frame 2. Between the first and second orientations is a third orientation in which the cover 4 preferably extends substantially orthogonal to the frame 2. The cover 4 is retained with the frame 2 in the first and second orientations and is removable from the frame 2 in the third orientation. 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.

Description

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 pivoting access covers that are removable.

Pivoting access cover assemblies with removable covers normally include pins projecting from the sides of the cover adjacent one of its ends that are removably insertable into, and pivotable within, a corresponding slot in the perimeter frame. The applicant has observed that such assemblies can be difficult to operate and are prone to health and safety issues.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved removable pivoting access cover, particularly one which is easier to manoeuvre and/or safer to operate.

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 movably or pivotally mounted to the frame between a first condition, e.g. in which the cover closes the access opening, a second condition, e.g. in which the access opening is uncovered, and a third condition, e.g. between the first and second conditions, wherein the cover is retained with the frame in the first and second conditions and/or is removable from the frame in the third condition.

In the first condition, which can be referred to as a first or closed or covered position, orientation or condition, access to the access opening is inhibited and traffic is able to pass over the assembly. In the second condition, which can be referred to as a second or open or access position, orientation or condition, a user is able to gain access to the access opening. By limiting removal of the cover to a condition between the first and second conditions, a user is able to gain access to the access opening without the risk of the cover being disconnected inadvertently from the frame. Hereinafter, the first and second conditions will be referred to as first and second orientations.

The cover may extend at an oblique or obtuse angle relative to the frame the second orientation, for example such that the weight of the cover inhibits inadvertent closure thereof. One of the frame and the cover may comprise a slot, e.g. at least one slot. The other of the frame and cover may comprise a pivot pin, e.g. at least one pivot pin. The pivot pin may be retained in the slot in one or more orientations, e.g. in the first and second orientations. The pivot pin may be removable from the slot in the third orientation.

Another, more specific 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 which is received within a slot, wherein the cover has a first, closed orientation in which the cover closes the access opening and the pivot pin is retained within the slot, a second, open orientation in which the cover extends at an obtuse angle relative to the frame and the pivot pin is retained within the slot and a third orientation between the first and second orientations in which the pivot pin is removable from the slot.

The obtuse angle may be at least 100 degrees. Preferably, the obtuse angle is at least 110 degrees and most preferably at least 120 degrees, such as between 120-180 degrees. The cover may extend substantially orthogonal to the frame in the third orientation. The cover may be removable from the frame only in the third orientation. Preferably, the frame comprises the slot(s) and the cover comprises the pivot pin(s).

The or each slot may comprise an opening, which may be necked. The opening may be at or on an exposed, upper or intended upper side of the frame. The, at least one, each or a respective pivot pin may be removable through the opening, for example in the third orientation, e.g. only in the third orientation.

The or at least one or each pivot pin may be non-round and/or have a major dimension and/or a minor dimension. In embodiments, the pivot pin is substantially round with flat sides. In embodiments, the pivot pin is substantially discorectangular. The minor dimension of the or each pivot pin may be aligned with the or each or a respective slot or opening in the third orientation, for example to enable the pivot pin(s) to be removed from the slot(s) or opening(s).

The or at least one or each slot may comprise an enlarged portion, e.g. within which the pivot pin is pivotally received. The opening, if present, may be connected to or adjoin the enlarged portion, for example at or adjacent one of its sides or its centre. In embodiments, the or at least one or each slot is substantially T-shaped, for example wherein the opening comprises or provides a stem of the T-shaped slot and/or the enlarged portion comprises or provides the flanges or horizontal limbs of the T-shaped slot. In other embodiments, the or at least one or each slot is substantially L-shaped. The L-shaped slot may comprise a horizontal limb, which may enable the pivot pin to move therealong, for example as the cover moves from the third orientation toward the second orientation. In other embodiments, the or at least one or each enlarged portion is circular, elliptical or any other suitable shape.

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 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 pivotal triangular segments may be pivotable between a first orientation, e.g. in which the segment closes a portion of the access opening, a second orientation, e.g. in which the access opening portion is uncovered, and/or a third orientation, which may be between the first and second orientations. The or each or at least one of the segment(s) may be retained with the frame in the first and second orientations and/or may be removable from the frame in the third orientation.

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. outer or opposed side edges, of the cover to a maximum depth or height at or adjacent a central region of the cover. At least one rib may extend at an oblique angle, e.g. relative to at least one outer edge of the cover.

Preferably, the cover is configured such that its centre of gravity is in in its upper half, e.g. when the cover is in the first orientation. The cover may comprise a top wall with one or more rib(s) depending therefrom such that the centre of gravity of the cover is adjacent its top wall. As such, when the cover extends at an obtuse angle relative to the frame, e.g. in the second orientation, the centre of gravity of the cover further inhibits inadvertent closure thereof.

Another aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for an access cover assembly, e.g. as described above. The kit may comprise a frame, e.g. a perimeter frame describing an access opening. The kit may comprise a cover, which may be configured to be mounted, e.g. removably mounted, to the frame to be pivotable. The cover may be configured to be pivotable relative to the frame between a first, e.g. closed, orientation and/or a second, e.g. open, orientation and/or a third orientation, e.g. between the first and second orientations. The cover may be retained with the frame in the first and/or second orientation(s). The cover may be removable from the frame in the third orientation.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of disassembling an access cover assembly, e.g. as described above. The method may comprise pivoting a cover of the assembly, for example relative to a frame or perimeter frame thereof. The pivoting may be from a first, e.g. closed, orientation or from a second, e.g. open, orientation to a third orientation, which may be between the first and second orientations, in order to release the cover from the frame. The method may comprise removing the cover from the frame, e.g. while the cover is in the third orientation.

The method may comprise removing the cover from the frame in the third orientation by removing at least one pivot pin of the cover from a slot or respective slot of the frame. The pivot pin may be pivotably retained within the slot in the first and/or second orientations and/or may be removable therefrom in the third orientation.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of opening an access cover, e.g. as described above. The method may comprise pivoting a cover of the assembly, for example relative to a frame or perimeter frame thereof. The pivoting may be from a first, e.g. closed, orientation to a second, e.g. open, orientation via a third orientation, which may be between the first and second orientations. The cover may be retained with the frame in the first and/or second orientations. The cover may be removable from the frame in the third orientation.

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

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 an embodiment of any component of the assembly 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 assembly of Figure 1 shown in an open condition;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of one of the T-slots in the perimeter frame of the assembly of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of one of the pivot pins projecting from the cover of the assembly of Figures 1 to 3; and

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of an alternative, L-slot in the perimeter frame of an access cover assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 5, 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 between a first, closed orientation in which the cover closes the access opening (as shown in Figure 1), a second, open orientation in which the access opening is uncovered (as shown in Figure 2), and a third, vertical orientation between the first and second orientations. The cover 4 extends at an obtuse angle relative to the frame 2, roughly 120 degrees in this embodiment, in the second, open orientation. This is particularly advantageous, since the weight of the cover 4 biases it toward an open condition.

As explained further below, the cover 4 is retained with the frame 2 in both the first and second orientations and is removable from the frame only in the third orientation. As such, not only is the cover 4 biased to remain in an open condition, thereby inhibiting inadvertent closure thereof, but it is also retained with the frame 2, thereby preventing it from disconnection therefrom. As such, the access cover assembly 1 provides improved safety.

The perimeter frame 2 is substantially rectangular 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. The base flange 21 forms a unitary structure with the perimeter wall 20 and includes corner portions 21a that are enlarged in plan adjacent each corner of the perimeter wall 20. The frame 2 includes a pair of triangular reinforcing webs 22 extending orthogonally from one another and joining each corner portion of the perimeter wall 20 to a respective corner portion 21a 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 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 includes a ramp or sloping portion 24a and a substantially horizontal portion 24b. Each primary support ledge 24 is connected to corner portions of both the first end wall 20a and the adjacent side wall 20c, 20d. The sloping portions 24a slope downwardly from the first end wall 20a toward the other, or second, end wall 20b and transition to the substantially horizontal portion 24b.

Each side wall 20c, 20d includes a slot 25 (shown more clearly in Figure 4) in a thickened portion of the side wall 20c, 20d and above a respective one of the primary support ledges 24. The slot 25 includes a substantially rectangular recess 25a extending from the first end wall 20a and an adjoining, necked opening 25b at an exposed, upper side of the side wall 20c, 20d of the frame 2. The necked opening 25b is at the centre of the recess 25a to provide a slot 25 substantially in the form of an inverted T-shape. As such, the rectangular recess 25a provides an enlarged portion of the slot, which is open at an upper edge of the side wall 20c, 20d through the necked opening 25b.

The perimeter frame 2 also includes a pair of secondary support ledges (not shown), similar to the primary support ledges 24, and a pair of tertiary support ledges 26. 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. A pair of tertiary support ledges 26 project from an intermediate portion of each wall 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

The cover 4 is rectangular, formed of a pair of triangular segments 4a, 4b. Each segment 4a, 4b has a right-angled triangle-shaped top plate 40a, 40b, a foot 41, 42, 43 depending from each of its corners and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 43a, 43b, 43c extending along and/or parallel to the hypotenuse of the top plate 40a, 40b. Each segment 4a, 4b includes a perimeter wall 44 depending from the top plate 40a, 40b about its peripheral edge. The top plate 40a, 40b of each cover segment 4a, 4b also includes a keyway 45 for receiving a tool (not shown) having a correspondingly shaped key to assist with manoeuvring and/or removing the cover 4.

A first segment 4a includes a pivot pin 5 extending outwardly from each corner of its shorter side. Each pivot pin 5 is substantially round with flat sides, or discorectangular. Each pivot pin 5 includes a major dimension 50 along a direction parallel to the top plate 40a of the first segment 4a and a minor dimension 51 perpendicular thereto. In this embodiment, the minor dimension 51 is larger than the necked opening 25b, while the minor dimension 51 is smaller than the necked opening 25b. As such, the pivot pin 5 can only be inserted with the cover 4 in an orientation perpendicular to the perimeter frame 2, which is a substantially vertical orientation in use.

A first rib 43a depends from the hypotenuse portion of the perimeter wall 44 and includes a sloping transition from adjacent the corners to provide tapering side portions that lead to a central rib portion which is approximately double the depth of the perimeter wall 44. The hypotenuse portions of the perimeter walls 44 of the first and second segments 4a, 4b are secured together by a pair of bolt fasteners 6 to provide the rectangular cover 4. The bolt fasteners 6 extend through holes 60 in the perimeter wall 44 in each bolt fastener 6 includes a bolt 61 and nut 62 that threadedly engages the bolt 61 in the usual way.

A second rib 43b runs parallel to the first rib 43a and includes end portions with a similar depth to the perimeter wall 44 and a similar, sloping transitions to provide an overall rib shape similar to, albeit shorter than, the first rib 43a. The first and second ribs 43a, 43b have the same depth and act together to provide the cover segments 4a, 4b with an effective thickness that increases from the perimeter wall 44 to a central portion. Each segment 4a also includes a third rib 43c that runs parallel to the first and second ribs 43a, 43b, is adjacent the right angled corner and has the same depth as the perimeter wall 44. This arrangement enables significant weight to be removed from the cover 4 without compromising its performance. Moreover, the ribs 43a, 43b, 43c also provide a centre of gravity that is adjacent the top walls 40a, 40b. As such, when the cover 4 extends at an obtuse angle relative to the perimeter frame 2 in the second orientation, the moment arm generated by the centre of gravity of the cover 4 is greater than that of an equivalent, solid cover 4.

The feet 41 adjacent the pivot pins 5 of the first segment 4a form primary feet 41 that engage the primary support ledges 24 of the frame 2, while the feet 42 depending from each corner of the shorter side of the second segment 4b form secondary feet 42 that engage the secondary support ledges (not shown) of the frame 2. The foot 43 depending from the remaining corner of each segment 4a, 4b coacts with the adjacent foot 42, 41 of the other segment 4b, 4a, engaging the relevant support ledge 24.

The combined top plate 40a, 40b of the cover 4 is substantially coextensive with the access opening 3 when the assembly 1 is in the closed condition. The primary feet 41 depend from the corners of a first end 44a of the cover 4 and each primary foot 41 includes a sloped lower surface portion 41a and a flat bottom portion 41b that is substantially parallel to the top plate 40a. The sloped lower surface portion 41a is configured to cooperate with the sloping portion 24a of the primary support ledges 24 of the perimeter frame 2, while the bottom portion 41b is configured to cooperate with the substantially horizontal portion 24b of the support ledge 24. Similarly, the secondary 42 depend from the corners of a second end 44b of the cover 4 and each secondary foot 42 includes a sloped lower surface portion 42a and a flat bottom portion 42b that is substantially parallel to the top plate 40b. The sloped lower surface portion 42a is configured to cooperate with the sloping portion of the secondary support ledges (not shown) of the perimeter frame 2, while the bottom portion 42b is configured to cooperate with the substantially horizontal portion thereof.

In use, the perimeter frame 2 is embedded into a substrate and the cover assembly 1 can be assembled or disassembled subsequently. First, the cover segments 4a, 4b are secured together by the bolt fasteners 6 as illustrated in Figure 3. Second, the cover 4 is positioned above the perimeter frame 2 in a substantially vertical orientation with the minor dimension 51 of each pin 5 aligned with the necked opening 25b of a respective slot 25 in the perimeter frame 2. The cover 4 is then lowered such that each pin 5 enters the rectangular recess 25a of one of the slots 25 and are able to pivot therein.

The cover 4 is then pivotable from this, vertical orientation to the first, closed orientation shown in Figure 1 or to the second, open orientation shown in Figure 2. It will be appreciated that in the open orientation, the pivot pin 5 is captivated within the portion of the rectangular recess 25a furthest from the first end wall 20a and removal of the pin 5 from the recess 25a through the necked opening 25b is precluded. It will also be appreciated that in the closed orientation, the pivot pin 5 is captivated within the portion of the rectangular recess 25a closest to the first end wall 20a and removal of the pin 5 from the recess 25a through the necked opening 25b is also precluded.

As such, the invention enables a user to gain access to the access opening 3 without the risk of the cover 4 being disconnected inadvertently from the perimeter frame 2. Removal of the cover 4 is also possible by pivoting the cover 4 relative to the perimeter frame 2, aligning the pins 5 with the necked openings 25b and lifting the cover such that the pins 5 are removed from the slots 25.

Turning now to Figure 6, there is shown a portion of a perimeter frame 102 which incorporates an alternative slot 125. The slot 125 according to this embodiment is similar to the slot 25 in the perimeter frame 2 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, however, the first end wall 120a is stepped for receiving a correspondingly shaped hinge member (not shown) projecting from the cover (not shown). Moreover, the necked opening 125b of the slot 125 is adjacent the end of the rectangular slot 125a nearest the stepped first end wall 120a, thereby providing a substantially L-shaped slot 125.

In the open orientation, the pivot pin 5 is captivated within the portion of the rectangular recess 125a furthest from the first end wall 120a and removal of the pin 5 from the recess 25a through the necked opening 125b is precluded. It will also be appreciated that in the closed orientation, the pivot pin 5 is captivated in part within the portion ofthe rectangular recess 125a furthest from the first end wall 120a and removal ofthe pin 5 from the recess 125a through the necked opening 125b is also precluded. The rectangular slot 125a provides a horizontal limb, which enables the pivot pin 5 to move therealong as the cover 4 moves from the vertical orientation toward the open orientation. It will be appreciated that the pivot pin 5 remains in the portion of the rectangular slot 125a adjacent the first end wall 120a when the cover 4 is moved from the vertical orientation to the closed orientation.

As with the first embodiment, removal of the cover (not shown) is achieved by pivoting the cover (not shown) relative to the perimeter frame 102, aligning the pins 5 with the necked openings 125b and lifting the cover such that the pins 5 are removed from the slots 125.

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 slot 25, 125 need not be as shown in the embodiments described herein. Any suitable configuration is envisaged. Indeed, the pins 5 may be on the perimeter frame 2, 102 with the slots 25, 125 on the cover. Additionally or alternatively, the assembly may incorporate a different disconnection mechanism, for example one in which a pivotal connection, which need not incorporate a pin 5, disengages when the cover 4 is in a predetermined position or orientation. Moreover, the segment 4a, 4b may be pivotally mounted to the frame 2 independently. Several other modifications are also envisaged.

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.

Claims

1. An access cover assembly comprising a perimeter frame describing an access opening and a cover pivotally mounted to the frame between a first orientation in which the cover closes the access opening, a second orientation in which the access opening is uncovered and a third orientation between the first and second orientations, wherein the cover is retained with the frame in the first and second orientations and is removable from the frame in the third orientation.

2. Access cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover extends at an obtuse angle relative to the frame the second orientation and extends substantially orthogonal to the frame in the third orientation.

3. Access cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein the obtuse angle is at least 110 degrees.

4. Access cover assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the cover is only removable from the frame in the third orientation.

5. Access cover assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the frame comprises at least one slot within which a pivot pin of the cover is retained in the first and second orientations and from which the pivot pin is removable in the third orientation.

6. Access cover assembly according to claim 5, wherein the or each slot comprises a necked opening at an exposed side of the frame through which the or a respective pivot pin is removable in the third orientation.

7. Access cover assembly according to claim 6, wherein the or each pivot pin has a major dimension and a minor dimension and the minor dimension is aligned with the or each necked opening in the third orientation to enable the pivot pin(s) to be removed from the slot(s).

8. Access cover assembly according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the or each slot comprises an enlarged portion within which the pivot pin is pivotally received.

9. Access cover assembly according to claim 8, wherein the necked opening adjoins the enlarged portion at or adjacent its centre.

10. Access cover assembly according to claim 8, wherein the necked opening adjoins the enlarged portion at or adjacent one of its sides to provide a substantially L-shaped slot with a horizontal limb that enables the pivot pin to move therealong as the cover moves from the third orientation toward the second orientation.

11. Access cover assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the frame comprises a support ledge adjacent the or each slot and the cover comprises a foot which engages the or each support ledge when the cover is in a closed condition.

12. Access cover assembly according to claim 11, 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.

13. Access cover assembly according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the or each support ledge slopes away from the cover from a periphery of the frame toward the inside of the opening.

14. Access cover assembly according to claim 13, wherein the or each foot slopes to cooperate with the sloping support ledge(s).

15. Access cover assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the or each foot carries a pivot pin.

16. Access cover assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises two or more triangular segments.

17. Access cover assembly according to claim 16, wherein the triangular segments are connected together so as to enable some relative movement therebetween.

18. Access cover assembly according to claim 16, wherein each triangular segment is pivotally mounted to the frame between a first orientation in which the segment closes a portion of the access opening, a second orientation in which the access opening portion is uncovered and a third orientation between the first and second orientations, wherein the segment is retained with the frame in the first and second orientations and is removable from the frame in the third orientation.

19. Access cover assembly according to any preceding claim comprising one or more 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.

20. 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 or corners of the cover to a maximum height at a central region of the cover.

21. Access cover assembly according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein at least one rib extends at an oblique angle relative to at least one outer edge of the cover.

22. A kit of parts for an access cover assembly, the kit comprising a perimeter frame describing an access opening and a cover configured to be removably mounted to the frame to be pivotable between a first, closed orientation, a second, open orientation and a third orientation between the first and second orientations, wherein the cover is retained with the frame in the first and second orientations and is removable from the frame in the third orientation.

23. A method of disassembling an access cover assembly, the method comprising pivoting a cover of the assembly relative to a perimeter frame thereof from a first, closed orientation or from a second, open orientation to a third orientation between the first and second orientations in order to release the cover from the frame and removing the cover from the frame while the cover is in the third orientation.

24. A method of opening an access cover comprising pivoting a cover of the assembly io relative to a perimeter frame thereof from a first, closed orientation to a second, open orientation via a third orientation between the first and second orientations, wherein a pivot pin of one of the cover and the frame is retained in a slot of the other of the cover and the frame in the first and second orientations, thereby retaining the cover with the frame, and a minor dimension of the pivot pin is aligned with a necked 15 opening of the slot in the third orientation, thereby enabling the pivot pin to be removed from the slot such that the cover is removable from the frame when the cover is in the third orientation.

24. Method according to claim 23, wherein the cover is removed from the frame in the third orientation by removing at least one pivot pin of the cover from a slot or respective slot of the frame within which the pivot pin is pivotably retained in the first and second orientations and from which the pivot pin is removable in the third orientation.

25. A method of opening an access cover comprising pivoting a cover of the assembly relative to a perimeter frame thereof from a first, closed orientation to a second, open orientation via a third orientation between the first and second orientations, wherein 5 the cover is retained with the frame in the first and second orientations and is removable from the frame in the third orientation.

21 06 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 between a first orientation in 5 which the cover closes the access opening, a second orientation in which the access opening is uncovered and a third orientation between the first and second orientations, one of the frame and the cover comprising a slot with a necked opening and the other of the frame and the cover comprising a pivot pin having a major dimension and a minor dimension, wherein the pivot pin is retained in the slot in the io firstand second orientations, thereby retaining the cover with the frame, and the minor dimension of the pivot pin is aligned with the necked opening in the third orientation, thereby enabling the pivot pin to be removed from the slot such that the cover is removable from the frame when the cover is in the third orientation.

15 2. Access cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover extends at an obtuse angle relative to the frame the second orientation and extends substantially orthogonal to the frame in the third orientation.

3. Access cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein the obtuse angle is at least 110

20 degrees.

25 5. Access cover assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises the slot and the cover comprises the pivot pin.

6. Access cover assembly according to claim 5, wherein the slot comprises a necked opening at an exposed side of the frame through which the pivot pin is removable in

30 the third orientation.

7. Access cover assembly according to claim 6, wherein the or each slot comprises an enlarged portion within which the pivot pin is pivotally received.

21 06 18

8. Access cover assembly according to claim 7, wherein the necked opening adjoins the enlarged portion at or adjacent its centre.

9. Access cover assembly according to claim 7, wherein the necked opening adjoins the

5 enlarged portion at or adjacent one of its sides to provide a substantially L-shaped slot with a horizontal limb that enables the pivot pin to move therealong as the cover moves from the third orientation toward the second orientation.

10. Access cover assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the frame io comprises a support ledge adjacent the or each slot and the cover comprises a foot which engages the or each support ledge when the cover is in a closed condition.

11. Access cover assembly according to claim 10, wherein movement of the cover from the closed condition toward an open condition causes the or each foot to disengage

15 from the support ledge(s) and move away therefrom.

12. Access cover assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the or each support ledge slopes away from the cover from a periphery of the frame toward the inside of the opening.

13. Access cover assembly according to claim 12, wherein the or each foot slopes to cooperate with the sloping support ledge(s).

14. Access cover assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the or each

25 foot carries a pivot pin.

15. Access cover assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises two or more triangular segments.

30 16. Access cover assembly according to claim 15, wherein the triangular segments are connected together so as to enable some relative movement therebetween.

17. Access cover assembly according to claim 15, wherein each triangular segment is pivotally mounted to the frame between a first orientation in which the segment closes 35 a portion of the access opening, a second orientation in which the access opening

21 06 18 portion is uncovered and a third orientation between the first and second orientations, wherein the segment is retained with the frame in the first and second orientations and is removable from the frame in the third orientation.

5 18. Access cover assembly according to any preceding claim comprising one or more 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.

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

20. Access cover assembly according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein at least one rib

15 extends at an oblique angle relative to at least one outer edge of the cover.

21. A kit of parts for an access cover assembly, the kit comprising a perimeter frame describing an access opening and a cover configured to be removably mounted to the frame to be pivotable between a first, closed orientation, a second, open

20 orientation and a third orientation between the first and second orientations, one of the frame and the cover comprising a slot with a necked opening and the other of the frame and the cover comprising a pivot pin having a major dimension and a minor dimension, wherein the pivot pin is retained in the slot in the first and second orientations, thereby retaining the cover with the frame, and the minor dimension of 25 the pivot pin is aligned with the necked opening in the third orientation, thereby enabling the pivot pin to be removed from the slot such that the cover is removable from the frame when the cover is in the third orientation.

22. A method of disassembling an access cover assembly, the method comprising

30 pivoting a cover of the assembly relative to a perimeter frame thereof from a first, closed orientation or from a second, open orientation to a third orientation between the first and second orientations in order to align a minor dimension of a pivot pin of one of the frame and the cover with a necked opening of a slot of the other of the frame and the cover, thereby enabling the pivot pin to be removed from the slot such

21 06 18 that the cover is released from the frame and removing the cover from the frame while the cover is in the third orientation.

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein the cover is removed from the frame in the

5 third orientation by removing the pivot pin of the cover from the slot of the frame within which the pivot pin is pivotably retained in the first and second orientations and from which the pivot pin is removable in the third orientation.