US20200024820A1 - Safety railing for utility hatch - Google Patents
Safety railing for utility hatch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200024820A1 US20200024820A1 US16/038,608 US201816038608A US2020024820A1 US 20200024820 A1 US20200024820 A1 US 20200024820A1 US 201816038608 A US201816038608 A US 201816038608A US 2020024820 A1 US2020024820 A1 US 2020024820A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- edge
- panel
- hatch
- safety railing
- pivotally connected
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004567 concrete Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011178 precast concrete Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/12—Manhole shafts; Other inspection or access chambers; Accessories therefor
- E02D29/122—Steps or handrails for shafts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/1865—Collapsible or portable balustrades
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B5/00—Doors, windows, or like closures for special purposes; Border constructions therefor
- E06B5/01—Trap-doors
Definitions
- An underground utility enclosure locates utility equipment underground to improve service reliability, provide greater public safety, and enhance aesthetics.
- the underground utility enclosure typically includes a concrete body with a top access opening, a utility hatch frame around the access opening, and one or more utility hatch covers received in the utility hatch frame to close the access opening. Utility workers swing open or remove the utility hatch covers to access the utility equipment.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure having a hatch frame and a hatch cover in the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for the underground enclosure of FIG. 1 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure having a hatch frame and a hatch cover in the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for the underground enclosure of FIG. 9 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure having a hatch frame and a hatch cover in the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 17, 18, 19, and 20 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for the underground enclosure of FIG. 16 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure having a hatch frame and a hatch cover in the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 22, 23, and 24 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for the underground enclosure of FIG. 21 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- Utility workers swing open or remove utility hatch covers to access utility equipment in an underground utility enclosure. With the utility hatch covers swung open or removed, a passerby or a utility worker may accidentally fall into the underground utility enclosure. Thus, what are needed are device and method to prevent such accidents.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure 100 having a hatch frame 102 and a hatch cover 104 for the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure.
- Underground enclosure 100 may be an underground utility enclosure, such as an underground utility vault, for locating utility equipment below ground.
- FIGS. 2 to 8 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for underground enclosure 100 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- underground enclosure 100 includes a body 202 defining a top access opening 204 .
- Body 202 is typically a precast concrete structure consisting of one or more components.
- access opening 204 is shown as the open top of body 202 , access opening 204 may be an opening in a top section of body 202 or a riser fitted to such opening.
- Hatch frame 102 and hatch cover 104 form a hatch for access opening 204 .
- Hatch frame 102 is fixed around access opening 204 by concrete (cast in), fasteners, or equivalent means.
- hatch cover 104 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to an upper edge of hatch frame 102 by hinges or equivalent means.
- a lifting mechanism e.g., one or more gas struts or springs may be provided to assist the opening and closing of hatch cover 104 .
- FIG. 2-1 shows hatch cover 104 swung to a vertical or near vertical position.
- a folding safety railing 206 is pivotally connected to a left side of hatch cover 104 while a folding safety railing 208 is pivotally connected to a right side of hatch cover 104 .
- folding safety railings 206 and 208 rest against hatch cover 104 .
- FIGS. 2-2 and 2-3 are partial views that show latching mechanisms to secure folding safety railings 206 and 208 ( FIG. 2-1 ) rest against hatch cover 104 .
- a latch 230 is pivotally connected to the right side of hatch cover 104 .
- Latch 230 swings down to hook onto a latch bar 232 fixed to the right side of a panel 406 (more clearly illustrated in FIG. 4 ) of folding safety railing 206 .
- a nut 234 on latch bar 232 may be turned clockwise to lock latch 230 on latch bar 232 or counterclockwise to release latch 230 from latch bar 232 .
- a latch 240 is pivotally connected to the left side of hatch cover 104 .
- Latch 240 swings down to hook onto a bar 242 fixed to the left side of a panel 404 (more clearly illustrated in FIG. 4 ) of folding safety railing 206 .
- a nut 244 on latch bar 242 may be turned clockwise to lock latch 240 onto latch bar 242 or counterclockwise to release latch 240 from latch bar 242 .
- panel 406 of folding safety railing 206 extends over folding safety railing 208
- securing folding safety railing 206 also secures folding safety railing 208 .
- FIGS. 3 and 4 shows folding safety railing 206 being unfolded.
- Folding safety railing 206 includes panels 402 , 404 , and 406 ( FIG. 4 ) that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means.
- Each panel has a frame construction consisting of upright and cross tubes, such as outer upright tubes, upright (slide) tubes between the outer upright tubes, and cross tubes joining the upright tubes.
- a panel may include infills between the tubes, such as bars, mesh, or louvers, or a panel may be covered by sheet metal.
- Panel 402 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the left side of hatch cover 104 by hinges or equivalent means, panel 404 is pivotally connected to another vertical edge of panel 402 , and panel 406 is pivotally connected to panel 404 .
- a hinge may consist of a pivot plate and gusset fixed to the outer upright tube of a panel, a mount plate and gusset fixed to hatch cover 104 or the outer upright tube of another panel, and a pin passing through holes defined in the pivot and mount plates.
- panel 402 swings open clockwise from a vertical or near vertical hatch cover 104 and then panel 404 swings open counterclockwise from panel 402 so panels 402 and 404 stand vertically along a left edge of hatch frame 102 .
- Panel 406 then swings open clockwise from panel 404 so panel 406 stands vertically along a lower edge of hatch frame 102 .
- FIG. 5 is a partial view that shows a drop bolt 502 (also referred to as a “kick stand”) that is extendable into an L-shaped socket 504 , which is fixed to body 202 (or hatch frame 102 ), to lock folding safety railing 206 ( FIG. 4 ) in its unfolded state.
- Drop bolt 502 may be located on one or more panels, such as panels 404 and 406 .
- Drop bolt 502 may be a tube located in an upright slide tube of panel 404 .
- Drop bolt 502 may include a top lift tab for easy handling.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 show folding safety railing 208 being unfolded.
- Folding safety railing 208 includes panels 702 and 704 ( FIG. 7 ) that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means. Referring to the orientation in FIGS. 6 and 7 , panel 702 is pivotally connected at one vertical edge to the right side of hatch cover 104 by hinges or equivalent means, and panel 704 is pivotally connected to another vertical edge of panel 702 . Panel 702 swings open counterclockwise from a vertical or near vertical hatch cover 104 and then panel 704 swings clockwise from panel 702 so panels 702 and 704 stand vertically along a right edge of hatch frame 102 . As previously described, a drop bolt 502 ( FIG. 5 ) may be located on one or more panels, such as panel 704 ( FIG. 4 ), to lock folding safety railing 208 in its unfolded state.
- FIG. 8 shows folding safety railing 206 further includes extensions 802 , 804 , and 806 that are extendable from panels 402 , 404 , and 406 , respectively, to increase the height of folding safety railing 206 .
- folding safety railing 208 further includes extensions 812 and 814 that are extendable from panels 702 and 704 , respectively, to increase the height of folding safety railing 208 .
- Each extension consists of a top horizontal handrail fixed to upright slide tubes, which telescope from upright slide tubes of a corresponding panel.
- Each panel includes spring latches that are extendable through holes in the tubes to lock a corresponding extension in a raised or lowered position.
- An extension 822 may also be provided for hatch cover 104 when its height is too low to act as a safety railing. Extension 822 may telescope from upright slide tubes fixed to hatch cover 104 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure 900 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- Underground enclosure 900 includes a hatch frame 902 and one or more hatch covers 904 , which together form a hatch for an access opening of underground enclosure 900 .
- Underground enclosure 900 is like underground enclosure 100 ( FIG. 1 ) except that hatch covers 904 are drag-off covers, which are not pivotally connected to hatch frame 902 .
- the later described folding safety railings are pivotally connected to hatch frame 902 instead of hatch covers 904 .
- FIGS. 10-1 to 15 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for underground enclosure 900 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10-1 shows underground enclosure 900 after removing hatch covers 904 ( FIG. 9 ).
- a folding safety railing 1002 is pivotally connected to a right (short) side of hatch frame 902 while a folding safety railing 1004 is pivotally connected to a left (short) side of hatch cover 104 .
- FIGS. 10-2 is a partial view that shows folding safety railings 1002 and 1004 ( FIG. 10-1 ), in their folded state, rest horizontally on supports 1010 (only one is shown) fixed to hatch frame 902 .
- FIG. 10-3 is a partial view that shows a latching mechanism for securing folding safety railing 1002 or 1004 in its folded state.
- a latch 1020 is pivotally connected one of the panels of a folding safety railing.
- Latch 1020 swings down to hook onto a bar (not visible) fixed to another panel of the same folding safety railing.
- a nut 1022 on the latch bar may be turned clockwise to lock latch 1020 on the latch bar or counterclockwise to release latch 1022 from the latch bar.
- FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 show folding safety railing 1002 being unfolded.
- Folding safety railing 1002 includes panels 1202 , 1204 , and 1206 that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means.
- Each panel has a frame construction composed of upright and cross tubes.
- a panel may include infills, such as bars, mesh, or louvers, or a panel may be covered by sheet metal.
- panel 1202 is pivotally connected at a lower horizontal edge to a right (short) side of hatch frame 902 by hinges or equivalent means
- panel 1204 is pivotally connected to a vertical (perpendicular) edge of panel 1202
- panel 1206 is pivotally connected to panel 1204 .
- panel 1202 swings open upward from hatch frame 902 so panels 1202 , 1204 , and 1206 are oriented vertically along the right edge of hatch frame 902 .
- panel 1204 swings open counterclockwise from panel 1202 and then panel 1206 swings open clockwise from panel 1204 so panels 1204 and 1206 stand vertically along a lower (long) edge of hatch frame 902 .
- a drop bolt 502 ( FIG. 13 ) may be located on one or more panels, such as panel 1204 Drop bolt 502 may be extended into a socket 504 ( FIG. 12 ), which is fixed to hatch frame 902 , to lock folding safety railing 1002 in its unfolded state.
- FIG. 14 shows folding safety railing 1004 being unfolded.
- Folding safety railing 1004 includes panels 1402 , 1404 , and 1406 that are like panels 1202 , 1204 , and 1206 ( FIG. 12 ).
- panel 1402 is pivotally connected at a lower horizontal edge to a left (short) side of hatch frame 902 by hinges or equivalent means
- panel 1404 is pivotally connected to a vertical (perpendicular) edge of panel 1402
- panel 1406 is pivotally connected to panel 1404 .
- Panel 1402 swings open upward from hatch frame 902 so panels 1402 , 1404 , and 1406 are oriented vertically along the left edge of hatch frame 902 .
- Panel 1404 swings open counterclockwise from panels 1402 and then panel 1406 swings open clockwise from panel 1404 so panels 1404 and 1406 stand vertically along an upper (long) edge of hatch frame 902 .
- a drop bolt 502 may be located on one or more panels, such as panel 1404 .
- Drop bolt 502 may be extended into a socket 504 , which is fixed to hatch frame 902 , to lock folding safety railing 1004 in its unfolded state.
- a free end of panel 1206 may abut against panel 1402 and a free end of panel 1406 may abut against panel 1202 .
- FIG. 15 shows folding safety railing 1002 further includes extensions 1502 , 1504 , and 1506 that are extendable from panels 1202 , 1204 , and 1206 , respectively, to increase the height of folding safety railing 1002 .
- folding safety railing 1004 further includes extensions 1512 , 1514 , and 1516 that are extendable from panels 1402 , 1404 , and 1406 , respectively, to increase the height of folding safety railing 1004 .
- Each extension consists of a top horizontal handrail connected to upright slide tubes, which telescope from upright tubes of a corresponding panel.
- Each panel may include spring latches extendable through holes in the slide tubes to lock a corresponding extension in a raised or lowered position.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure 1600 in sonic examples of the present disclosure.
- Underground enclosure 1600 includes a hatch frame 1602 and two hatch covers 1604 and 1606 , which together form a hatch for an access opening of underground enclosure 1600 .
- Underground enclosure 1600 is like underground enclosure 100 ( FIG. 1 ) except underground enclosure 1600 includes two hatch covers 1604 and 1606 .
- hatch cover 1604 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to a right (short) edge of hatch frame 1602 by hinges or equivalent means
- hatch cover 1606 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to a left (short) edge of hatch frame 1602 by hinges or equivalent means.
- Lifting mechanisms e.g., one or more gas struts or springs
- FIGS. 17 to 20 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for underground enclosure 1600 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 17 shows hatch covers 1604 and 1606 swung to vertical or near vertical positions.
- a folding safety railing 1702 is pivotally connected to hatch cover 1604 while a folding safety railing 1704 is pivotally connected to hatch cover 1606 .
- folding safety railings 1702 and 1704 rest against respective hatch covers 1604 and 1606 .
- Similar latching mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 2-2 and 2-3 are used to secure folding safety railings 1702 and 1704 against hatch cover 1604 and 1606 , respectively.
- FIGS. 18 and 19 show folding safety railing 1702 being unfolded.
- Folding safety railing 1702 includes panels 1902 and 1904 ( FIG. 19 ) that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means.
- Each panel has a frame construction composed of upright and cross tubes.
- a panel may include infills, such as bars, mesh, or louvers, or a panel may be covered by sheet metal.
- panel 1902 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the right side of hatch cover 1604 by hinges or equivalent means, and panel 1904 is pivotally connected to another vertical (parallel) edge of panel 1902 .
- Panel 1902 swings open clockwise from a vertical or near vertical hatch cover 1604 and then panel 1904 swings open counterclockwise from panel 1902 so panels 1902 and 1904 stand vertically along an upper (long) edge of hatch frame 1602 .
- FIG. 20 shows folding safety railing 1704 being unfolded.
- panel 2002 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the left side of hatch cover 1606 by hinges or equivalent means
- panel 2004 is pivotally connected to another vertical (parallel) edge of panel 2002 .
- Panel 2002 swings open clockwise from a vertical or near vertical hatch cover 1606 and then panel 2004 swings open counterclockwise from panel 2002 so panels 2002 and 2004 stand vertically along a lower (long) edge of hatch frame 1602 .
- Drop bolts 502 may be located on the panels, such as panels 1902 and 2002 . Drop bolts 502 may be extended into sockets 504 , which are fixed to hatch frame 1602 , to lock folding safety railings 1702 and 1704 in their unfolded state. In the locked state, a stop plate (not visible) on a free end of panel 1904 may abut against and be latched by its lock tab to the right side of hatch cover 1606 , and a stop plate 2006 on a free end of panel 2004 may abut against and be latched by its lock tab (not visible) to the left side of hatch cover 1604 .
- Folding safety railing 1702 further includes extensions 2012 and 2014 that are extendable from panels 1902 and 1904 , respectively, to increase the height of folding safety railing 1702 .
- folding safety railing 1704 further includes extensions 2022 and 2024 that are extendable from panels 2002 and 2004 , respectively, to increase the height of folding safety railing 208 .
- Each extension consists of a top horizontal handrail connected to upright slide tubes, which telescope from upright tubes of a corresponding panel.
- Each panel may include spring latches extendable through holes in the slide tubes to lock a corresponding extension in a raised or lowered position.
- Extensions 2032 and 2034 may be provided for hatch covers 1604 and 1606 , respectively, when their height is too low to act as a safety railing. Extensions 2032 and 2034 may telescope from upright slide tubes fixed to hatch covers 1604 and 1606 .
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure 2100 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- Underground enclosure 2100 is like underground enclosure 1600 ( FIG. 16 ).
- Underground enclosure 2100 includes a hatch frame 2102 and two hatch covers 2104 and 2106 , which together form a hatch for an access opening of underground enclosure 2100 .
- FIGS. 22 to 24 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for underground enclosure 2100 in some examples of the present disclosure.
- hatch cover 2104 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to a right (short) edge of hatch frame 2102 by hinges or equivalent means
- hatch cover 2106 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to a left (short) edge of hatch frame 2102 by hinges or equivalent means.
- Lifting mechanisms e.g., one or more gas struts or springs
- FIG. 22 shows hatch covers 2104 and 2106 swung to vertical or near vertical positions.
- a folding safety railing 2202 is pivotally connected to hatch cover 2104 while a folding safety railing 2204 is pivotally connected to hatch cover 2106 .
- folding safety railings 2202 and 2204 rest against respective hatch covers 2104 and 2106 .
- Similar latching mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 2-2 and 2-3 are used to secure folding safety railings 2202 and 2204 against hatch cover 2104 and 2106 , respectively.
- FIGS. 23 and 24 show folding safety railings 2202 and 2204 being unfolded.
- Folding safety railing 2202 is like folding safety railing 1702 ( FIG. 19 ) but includes three panels 2302 , 2304 , and 2306 that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means and do not have any extensions.
- Folding safety railing 2204 is like folding safety railing 1704 ( FIG. 20 ) but includes three panels 2402 , 2404 , and 2406 ( FIG. 24 ) that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means and do not have any extensions.
- Each panel has a frame construction composed of upright and cross tubes.
- a panel may include infills, such as bars, mesh, or louvers, or a panel may be covered by sheet metal.
- panel 2302 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the right side of hatch cover 2104 by hinges or equivalent means
- panel 2304 is pivotally connected to another vertical (parallel) edge of panel 2302
- panel 2306 is pivotally connected to panel 2304 .
- Panel 2302 swings open clockwise from a vertical or near vertical hatch cover 2104
- panel 2304 swings open clockwise from panel 2302
- panel 2306 swing open counterclockwise from panel 2304 so panels 2302 , 2304 , and 2306 stand vertically along an upper (long) edge of hatch frame 2102 .
- Panel 2402 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the left side of hatch cover 2106 by hinges or equivalent means, panel 2404 is pivotally connected to another vertical (parallel) edge of panel 2402 , and panel 2406 is pivotally connected to panel 2404 .
- Panel 2402 swings open clockwise from a vertical or near vertical hatch cover 2106
- panel 2404 swings open clockwise from panel 2402
- panel 2406 swings open counterclockwise from panel 2404 so panels 2402 , 2404 , and 2406 stand vertically along a lower (long) edge of hatch frame 2102 .
- Drop bolts 502 may be located on the panels, such drop bolts 502 on panels 2304 and 2404 . Drop bolts 502 may be extended into sockets 504 , which are fixed to hatch frame 2102 , to lock folding safety railings 2202 and 2204 in their unfolded state. In the locked state, a stop plate 2308 ( FIG. 23 ) on the free end of panel 2306 may abut against and be latched by its lock tab (not visible) to the right side of hatch cover 2106 , and a stop plate 2408 on the free end of panel 2314 may abut against and be latched by its lock tab (not visible) to the left side of hatch cover 2104 .
Abstract
Description
- An underground utility enclosure (vault) locates utility equipment underground to improve service reliability, provide greater public safety, and enhance aesthetics. The underground utility enclosure typically includes a concrete body with a top access opening, a utility hatch frame around the access opening, and one or more utility hatch covers received in the utility hatch frame to close the access opening. Utility workers swing open or remove the utility hatch covers to access the utility equipment.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure having a hatch frame and a hatch cover in the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for the underground enclosure ofFIG. 1 in some examples of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure having a hatch frame and a hatch cover in the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for the underground enclosure ofFIG. 9 in some examples of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure having a hatch frame and a hatch cover in the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 17, 18, 19, and 20 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for the underground enclosure ofFIG. 16 in some examples of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an underground enclosure having a hatch frame and a hatch cover in the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 22, 23, and 24 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system for the underground enclosure ofFIG. 21 in some examples of the present disclosure. - Use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical elements.
- Utility workers swing open or remove utility hatch covers to access utility equipment in an underground utility enclosure. With the utility hatch covers swung open or removed, a passerby or a utility worker may accidentally fall into the underground utility enclosure. Thus, what are needed are device and method to prevent such accidents.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anunderground enclosure 100 having ahatch frame 102 and ahatch cover 104 for the hatch frame in some examples of the present disclosure.Underground enclosure 100 may be an underground utility enclosure, such as an underground utility vault, for locating utility equipment below ground. -
FIGS. 2 to 8 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system forunderground enclosure 100 in some examples of the present disclosure. - Referring to
FIG. 2-1 ,underground enclosure 100 includes abody 202 defining atop access opening 204.Body 202 is typically a precast concrete structure consisting of one or more components. Although access opening 204 is shown as the open top ofbody 202, access opening 204 may be an opening in a top section ofbody 202 or a riser fitted to such opening. -
Hatch frame 102 andhatch cover 104 form a hatch for access opening 204.Hatch frame 102 is fixed around access opening 204 by concrete (cast in), fasteners, or equivalent means. Referring to the orientation inFIG. 2-1 ,hatch cover 104 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to an upper edge ofhatch frame 102 by hinges or equivalent means. A lifting mechanism (e.g., one or more gas struts or springs) may be provided to assist the opening and closing ofhatch cover 104. -
FIG. 2-1 shows hatch cover 104 swung to a vertical or near vertical position. Referring to the orientation inFIG. 2-1 , a foldingsafety railing 206 is pivotally connected to a left side ofhatch cover 104 while a foldingsafety railing 208 is pivotally connected to a right side ofhatch cover 104. In their folded state, foldingsafety railings hatch cover 104. -
FIGS. 2-2 and 2-3 are partial views that show latching mechanisms to secure foldingsafety railings 206 and 208 (FIG. 2-1 ) rest againsthatch cover 104. Referring to the orientation ofFIGS. 2-2 and 2-3 , alatch 230 is pivotally connected to the right side ofhatch cover 104. Latch 230 swings down to hook onto alatch bar 232 fixed to the right side of a panel 406 (more clearly illustrated inFIG. 4 ) of foldingsafety railing 206. Anut 234 onlatch bar 232 may be turned clockwise to locklatch 230 onlatch bar 232 or counterclockwise to releaselatch 230 fromlatch bar 232. Alatch 240 is pivotally connected to the left side ofhatch cover 104. Latch 240 swings down to hook onto a bar 242 fixed to the left side of a panel 404 (more clearly illustrated inFIG. 4 ) of foldingsafety railing 206. A nut 244 on latch bar 242 may be turned clockwise to locklatch 240 onto latch bar 242 or counterclockwise to releaselatch 240 from latch bar 242. Aspanel 406 of foldingsafety railing 206 extends over foldingsafety railing 208, securing foldingsafety railing 206 also secures foldingsafety railing 208. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 shows foldingsafety railing 206 being unfolded. Foldingsafety railing 206 includespanels FIG. 4 ) that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means. Each panel has a frame construction consisting of upright and cross tubes, such as outer upright tubes, upright (slide) tubes between the outer upright tubes, and cross tubes joining the upright tubes. A panel may include infills between the tubes, such as bars, mesh, or louvers, or a panel may be covered by sheet metal. -
Panel 402 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the left side ofhatch cover 104 by hinges or equivalent means,panel 404 is pivotally connected to another vertical edge ofpanel 402, andpanel 406 is pivotally connected topanel 404. A hinge may consist of a pivot plate and gusset fixed to the outer upright tube of a panel, a mount plate and gusset fixed tohatch cover 104 or the outer upright tube of another panel, and a pin passing through holes defined in the pivot and mount plates. - Referring to the orientation of
FIGS. 3 and 4 ,panel 402 swings open clockwise from a vertical or nearvertical hatch cover 104 and thenpanel 404 swings open counterclockwise frompanel 402 sopanels hatch frame 102.Panel 406 then swings open clockwise frompanel 404 sopanel 406 stands vertically along a lower edge ofhatch frame 102. -
FIG. 5 is a partial view that shows a drop bolt 502 (also referred to as a “kick stand”) that is extendable into an L-shaped socket 504, which is fixed to body 202 (or hatch frame 102), to lock folding safety railing 206 (FIG. 4 ) in its unfolded state.Drop bolt 502 may be located on one or more panels, such aspanels bolt 502 may be a tube located in an upright slide tube ofpanel 404. Dropbolt 502 may include a top lift tab for easy handling. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 show foldingsafety railing 208 being unfolded. Foldingsafety railing 208 includespanels 702 and 704 (FIG. 7 ) that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means. Referring to the orientation inFIGS. 6 and 7 ,panel 702 is pivotally connected at one vertical edge to the right side ofhatch cover 104 by hinges or equivalent means, andpanel 704 is pivotally connected to another vertical edge ofpanel 702.Panel 702 swings open counterclockwise from a vertical or nearvertical hatch cover 104 and thenpanel 704 swings clockwise frompanel 702 sopanels hatch frame 102. As previously described, a drop bolt 502 (FIG. 5 ) may be located on one or more panels, such as panel 704 (FIG. 4 ), to lock foldingsafety railing 208 in its unfolded state. -
FIG. 8 shows foldingsafety railing 206 further includesextensions panels safety railing 206. Similarly, foldingsafety railing 208 further includesextensions panels safety railing 208. - Each extension consists of a top horizontal handrail fixed to upright slide tubes, which telescope from upright slide tubes of a corresponding panel. Each panel includes spring latches that are extendable through holes in the tubes to lock a corresponding extension in a raised or lowered position.
- An
extension 822 may also be provided forhatch cover 104 when its height is too low to act as a safety railing.Extension 822 may telescope from upright slide tubes fixed tohatch cover 104. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of anunderground enclosure 900 in some examples of the present disclosure.Underground enclosure 900 includes ahatch frame 902 and one ormore hatch covers 904, which together form a hatch for an access opening ofunderground enclosure 900.Underground enclosure 900 is like underground enclosure 100 (FIG. 1 ) except that hatch covers 904 are drag-off covers, which are not pivotally connected to hatchframe 902. Thus, the later described folding safety railings are pivotally connected to hatchframe 902 instead of hatch covers 904. -
FIGS. 10-1 to 15 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system forunderground enclosure 900 in some examples of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 10-1 showsunderground enclosure 900 after removing hatch covers 904 (FIG. 9 ). Referring to the orientation inFIG. 10 , afolding safety railing 1002 is pivotally connected to a right (short) side ofhatch frame 902 while afolding safety railing 1004 is pivotally connected to a left (short) side ofhatch cover 104. -
FIGS. 10-2 is a partial view that showsfolding safety railings 1002 and 1004 (FIG. 10-1 ), in their folded state, rest horizontally on supports 1010 (only one is shown) fixed to hatchframe 902.FIG. 10-3 is a partial view that shows a latching mechanism for securingfolding safety railing latch 1020 is pivotally connected one of the panels of a folding safety railing.Latch 1020 swings down to hook onto a bar (not visible) fixed to another panel of the same folding safety railing. Anut 1022 on the latch bar may be turned clockwise to locklatch 1020 on the latch bar or counterclockwise to releaselatch 1022 from the latch bar. -
FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 showfolding safety railing 1002 being unfolded. Foldingsafety railing 1002 includespanels - Referring to the orientation in
FIGS. 11 to 13 ,panel 1202 is pivotally connected at a lower horizontal edge to a right (short) side ofhatch frame 902 by hinges or equivalent means,panel 1204 is pivotally connected to a vertical (perpendicular) edge ofpanel 1202, andpanel 1206 is pivotally connected topanel 1204. As shown inFIG. 11 ,panel 1202 swings open upward fromhatch frame 902 sopanels hatch frame 902. Referring toFIGS. 12 and 13 ,panel 1204 swings open counterclockwise frompanel 1202 and thenpanel 1206 swings open clockwise frompanel 1204 sopanels hatch frame 902. - A drop bolt 502 (
FIG. 13 ) may be located on one or more panels, such aspanel 1204Drop bolt 502 may be extended into a socket 504 (FIG. 12 ), which is fixed to hatchframe 902, to lockfolding safety railing 1002 in its unfolded state. -
FIG. 14 shows foldingsafety railing 1004 being unfolded. Foldingsafety railing 1004 includespanels panels FIG. 12 ). Referring to the orientation inFIG. 14 ,panel 1402 is pivotally connected at a lower horizontal edge to a left (short) side ofhatch frame 902 by hinges or equivalent means,panel 1404 is pivotally connected to a vertical (perpendicular) edge ofpanel 1402, andpanel 1406 is pivotally connected topanel 1404.Panel 1402 swings open upward fromhatch frame 902 sopanels hatch frame 902.Panel 1404 swings open counterclockwise frompanels 1402 and thenpanel 1406 swings open clockwise frompanel 1404 sopanels hatch frame 902. - A
drop bolt 502 may be located on one or more panels, such aspanel 1404.Drop bolt 502 may be extended into asocket 504, which is fixed to hatchframe 902, to lockfolding safety railing 1004 in its unfolded state. In the locked and unfolded state of foldingsafety railings panel 1206 may abut againstpanel 1402 and a free end ofpanel 1406 may abut againstpanel 1202. -
FIG. 15 shows foldingsafety railing 1002 further includesextensions panels safety railing 1002. Similarly, foldingsafety railing 1004 further includesextensions panels safety railing 1004. - Each extension consists of a top horizontal handrail connected to upright slide tubes, which telescope from upright tubes of a corresponding panel. Each panel may include spring latches extendable through holes in the slide tubes to lock a corresponding extension in a raised or lowered position.
-
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of anunderground enclosure 1600 in sonic examples of the present disclosure.Underground enclosure 1600 includes ahatch frame 1602 and two hatch covers 1604 and 1606, which together form a hatch for an access opening ofunderground enclosure 1600.Underground enclosure 1600 is like underground enclosure 100 (FIG. 1 ) exceptunderground enclosure 1600 includes two hatch covers 1604 and 1606. Referring to the orientation inFIG. 16 ,hatch cover 1604 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to a right (short) edge ofhatch frame 1602 by hinges or equivalent means, and hatchcover 1606 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to a left (short) edge ofhatch frame 1602 by hinges or equivalent means. Lifting mechanisms (e.g., one or more gas struts or springs) may be provided to assist the opening and closing of hatch covers 1604 and 1606. -
FIGS. 17 to 20 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system forunderground enclosure 1600 in some examples of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 17 shows hatch covers 1604 and 1606 swung to vertical or near vertical positions. Referring to the orientation inFIG. 17 , afolding safety railing 1702 is pivotally connected to hatchcover 1604 while afolding safety railing 1704 is pivotally connected to hatchcover 1606. In their folded state, foldingsafety railings FIGS. 2-2 and 2-3 are used to securefolding safety railings hatch cover -
FIGS. 18 and 19 showfolding safety railing 1702 being unfolded. Foldingsafety railing 1702 includespanels 1902 and 1904 (FIG. 19 ) that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means. Each panel has a frame construction composed of upright and cross tubes. A panel may include infills, such as bars, mesh, or louvers, or a panel may be covered by sheet metal. - Referring to the orientation of
FIGS. 18 and 19 ,panel 1902 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the right side ofhatch cover 1604 by hinges or equivalent means, andpanel 1904 is pivotally connected to another vertical (parallel) edge ofpanel 1902.Panel 1902 swings open clockwise from a vertical or nearvertical hatch cover 1604 and thenpanel 1904 swings open counterclockwise frompanel 1902 sopanels hatch frame 1602. -
FIG. 20 shows foldingsafety railing 1704 being unfolded. Referring to the orientation ofFIG. 20 ,panel 2002 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the left side ofhatch cover 1606 by hinges or equivalent means, andpanel 2004 is pivotally connected to another vertical (parallel) edge ofpanel 2002.Panel 2002 swings open clockwise from a vertical or nearvertical hatch cover 1606 and thenpanel 2004 swings open counterclockwise frompanel 2002 sopanels hatch frame 1602. - Drop
bolts 502 may be located on the panels, such aspanels bolts 502 may be extended intosockets 504, which are fixed to hatchframe 1602, to lockfolding safety railings panel 1904 may abut against and be latched by its lock tab to the right side ofhatch cover 1606, and astop plate 2006 on a free end ofpanel 2004 may abut against and be latched by its lock tab (not visible) to the left side ofhatch cover 1604. - Folding
safety railing 1702 further includesextensions panels safety railing 1702. Similarly, foldingsafety railing 1704 further includesextensions panels safety railing 208. - Each extension consists of a top horizontal handrail connected to upright slide tubes, which telescope from upright tubes of a corresponding panel. Each panel may include spring latches extendable through holes in the slide tubes to lock a corresponding extension in a raised or lowered position.
-
Extensions Extensions covers -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of anunderground enclosure 2100 in some examples of the present disclosure.Underground enclosure 2100 is like underground enclosure 1600 (FIG. 16 ).Underground enclosure 2100 includes ahatch frame 2102 and two hatch covers 2104 and 2106, which together form a hatch for an access opening ofunderground enclosure 2100. -
FIGS. 22 to 24 are perspective views illustrating the operation of a safety railing system forunderground enclosure 2100 in some examples of the present disclosure. - Referring to the orientation in
FIG. 22 ,hatch cover 2104 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to a right (short) edge ofhatch frame 2102 by hinges or equivalent means, and hatchcover 2106 is pivotally connected at its lower edge to a left (short) edge ofhatch frame 2102 by hinges or equivalent means. Lifting mechanisms (e.g., one or more gas struts or springs) may be provided to assist the opening and closing of hatch covers 2104 and 2106. -
FIG. 22 shows hatch covers 2104 and 2106 swung to vertical or near vertical positions. Afolding safety railing 2202 is pivotally connected to hatchcover 2104 while afolding safety railing 2204 is pivotally connected to hatchcover 2106. In their folded state, foldingsafety railings FIGS. 2-2 and 2-3 are used to securefolding safety railings hatch cover -
FIGS. 23 and 24 showfolding safety railings safety railing 2202 is like folding safety railing 1702 (FIG. 19 ) but includes threepanels safety railing 2204 is like folding safety railing 1704 (FIG. 20 ) but includes threepanels FIG. 24 ) that are linked in series by hinges or equivalent means and do not have any extensions. Each panel has a frame construction composed of upright and cross tubes. A panel may include infills, such as bars, mesh, or louvers, or a panel may be covered by sheet metal. - Referring to the orientation of
FIGS. 23 and 24 ,panel 2302 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the right side ofhatch cover 2104 by hinges or equivalent means,panel 2304 is pivotally connected to another vertical (parallel) edge ofpanel 2302, andpanel 2306 is pivotally connected topanel 2304.Panel 2302 swings open clockwise from a vertical or nearvertical hatch cover 2104,panel 2304 swings open clockwise frompanel 2302, andpanel 2306 swing open counterclockwise frompanel 2304 sopanels hatch frame 2102. -
Panel 2402 is pivotally connected at a vertical edge to the left side ofhatch cover 2106 by hinges or equivalent means,panel 2404 is pivotally connected to another vertical (parallel) edge ofpanel 2402, andpanel 2406 is pivotally connected topanel 2404.Panel 2402 swings open clockwise from a vertical or nearvertical hatch cover 2106,panel 2404 swings open clockwise frompanel 2402, andpanel 2406 swings open counterclockwise frompanel 2404 sopanels hatch frame 2102. - Drop
bolts 502 may be located on the panels,such drop bolts 502 onpanels bolts 502 may be extended intosockets 504, which are fixed to hatchframe 2102, to lockfolding safety railings FIG. 23 ) on the free end ofpanel 2306 may abut against and be latched by its lock tab (not visible) to the right side ofhatch cover 2106, and astop plate 2408 on the free end of panel 2314 may abut against and be latched by its lock tab (not visible) to the left side ofhatch cover 2104. - Various other adaptations and combinations of features of the examples disclosed are within the scope of the invention. Numerous examples are encompassed by the following claims.
Claims (22)
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US16/038,608 US10550539B1 (en) | 2018-07-18 | 2018-07-18 | Safety railing for utility hatch |
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US16/038,608 US10550539B1 (en) | 2018-07-18 | 2018-07-18 | Safety railing for utility hatch |
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US20200024820A1 true US20200024820A1 (en) | 2020-01-23 |
US10550539B1 US10550539B1 (en) | 2020-02-04 |
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Cited By (2)
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US20210131184A1 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2021-05-06 | Korea Institute Of Civil Engineering And Building Technology | Foldable balcony balustrade-combined fire/disaster evacuation facility |
US20230304250A1 (en) * | 2022-03-28 | 2023-09-28 | Ohio Gratings, Inc. | Folding barrier assembly and method of use |
Families Citing this family (1)
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US11466461B1 (en) * | 2019-04-27 | 2022-10-11 | Luis Jones | Actuatable assemblies |
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US4266380A (en) * | 1979-02-09 | 1981-05-12 | Christy Concrete Products, Inc. | High strength cover for underground utility box |
JP2790620B2 (en) * | 1996-03-19 | 1998-08-27 | 阿南電機株式会社 | Hatch safety fence |
JPH10220024A (en) * | 1997-02-08 | 1998-08-18 | Tokyu Constr Co Ltd | Safety cover device for opened part |
US5941024A (en) * | 1998-03-20 | 1999-08-24 | Journault-Jourplex Inc. | Floor hatch with integrated security fence |
US6640495B1 (en) * | 1999-01-21 | 2003-11-04 | Syracuse Castings Sales Corp. | Safety hatch for preventing fall-through and unauthorized entry |
GB2353313B (en) * | 1999-08-19 | 2003-10-15 | Clarksteel Ltd | Access cover assembly |
US6688046B2 (en) * | 2002-05-08 | 2004-02-10 | Kee International Products Inc. | Assembly of a safety rail for an access hatch |
US6830127B2 (en) * | 2002-08-29 | 2004-12-14 | Robert Aaron Johnson | Pipeline construction safety platform |
US6931793B2 (en) * | 2003-02-06 | 2005-08-23 | The Bilco Company | Roof scuttle safety railing system |
US7516575B2 (en) * | 2003-07-08 | 2009-04-14 | Joseph Cuccurullo | Rooftop opening safety railing |
WO2010017399A2 (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2010-02-11 | SafePro, L.P. | Safety hatch system and egress method |
WO2010151892A1 (en) * | 2009-06-26 | 2010-12-29 | SafePro, L.P. | Integrated safety rail protection system |
US8517144B2 (en) * | 2009-06-30 | 2013-08-27 | Joseph Cuccurullo | Hatchway safety grab post safety barrier and grate |
US8250811B2 (en) * | 2010-01-27 | 2012-08-28 | Sjirk W. Zijlstra | Cane bolt with spring and slotted stop |
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US10100576B1 (en) * | 2016-09-06 | 2018-10-16 | Edward Dimovski | Undergrate stairway access assembly |
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Cited By (3)
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US20210131184A1 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2021-05-06 | Korea Institute Of Civil Engineering And Building Technology | Foldable balcony balustrade-combined fire/disaster evacuation facility |
US11549310B2 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2023-01-10 | Korea Institute Of Civil Engineering And Building Technology | Foldable balcony balustrade-combined fire/disaster evacuation facility |
US20230304250A1 (en) * | 2022-03-28 | 2023-09-28 | Ohio Gratings, Inc. | Folding barrier assembly and method of use |
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