NZ744504A - Access hatch - Google Patents

Abstract

An access hatch for an opening such as that of a sub-surface facility, the access hatch having a frame for fitting to a perimeter of the opening, a cover lid pivotally coupled to the frame, and grate segments in pivotable relationship with the frame, the access hatch being maneuverable between multiple configurations for varying the level of access to the opening, wherein: in a first configuration the grate segments extend across the opening and the cover lid is pivoted into a closed position in which it at least substantially covers the grate segments and denies access to the opening; in a second configuration the lid is pivoted to uncover the grate segments to allow inspection of the sub-surface facility; in a third configuration the grate segments and lid are moved into substantially upright positions so as to form a barrier of grating substantially surrounding the opening; the grate segments form two separate sub assemblies, each sub assembly including two collapsible grate segments pivotally connected together; from the second configuration, one of the sub assemblies is movable into a substantially upright position such that one side of the opening can be accessed; the grate segments are substantially parallel with each other when the access hatch is in the first and second configurations and pivotable from the frame in the third configuration in which the segments define sides of the barrier; and the barrier includes a substantially upright gated portion for selectively opening and closing the barrier to allow and restrict access to the opening respectively