Grade-level access system in underground enclosures

Abstract

A grade-level access system for an underground enclosure includes a mount assembly and a hatch. The mount assembly includes a base installed within an internal cavity defined within a box of underground enclosure, an actuator coupled to the base, and a mount to which a test component is coupled. The hatch is installed within an aperture in a lid of the underground enclosure, and is removable from the lid to provide access to the internal cavity defined within the box. When the hatch is removed from the lid, the mount and the test component are actuatable via the actuator relative to the base between a first position within the internal cavity of the box and a second position exterior to the lid through the aperture in the lid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 775,517, filed on Mar. 21, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to underground enclosures and, in particular, to a grade-level access system for components housed in underground enclosures.BACKGROUND

[0003] Communications networks (e.g., telecommunications, cable, fiber optic, and the like) can utilize above-ground (or above-grade) or underground (or below-grade) enclosures to house communication equipment and components. Underground enclosures include a box and a lid that are flush with grade to allow a sidewalk, a road, etc. to continue to be used. Typically, the installer for the underground enclosure is a different individual (or entity) than a communication networks technician that maintains components within the enclosure and that periodically needs to access the components.

[0004] In one example, the technician may require access to an isolation switch (i.e., generally, a tracer wire terminal) within the enclosure to determine various operational parameters of the communication networks. In the case of underground enclosures, the box and internal cavity (and thus the tracer wire terminal) are below grade, increasing the difficulty of the ability for the communication networks technician to access and interact with the tracer wire terminal. For example, to access the tracer wire terminal the technician may need to remove the entire lid of the underground enclosure and crawl or lean into the internal cavity of the box to engage with the tracer wire terminal.

[0005] Access to an internal cavity within the box often requires removing the entire lid which, depending on size of the enclosure and / or material from which the lid is fabricated, can be too heavy or awkwardly-dimensioned for a single individual to remove. In addition, removal of the entire lid may unnecessarily subject the communications network components housed within the internal cavity to particulates (e.g., dirt or dust), fluids (e.g., water or snow), and / or possible impact (e.g., due to dropped tools within the internal cavity during testing), potentially increasing the chance of damage to the communications network components.

[0006] Known access system solutions that are purported to increase ease of access to a component such as a tracer wire terminal in an underground enclosure can be overly complex. In addition, the known solutions can include components with an increased rate of failure (i.e., due to buildup of mud or other particulates, rust, and the like), which may be exacerbated by the increased complexity of design.SUMMARY

[0007] As such, there exists a long-felt but unmet need to improve upon the ease of access of components (e.g., such as a tracer wire terminal for a communications network) within an underground enclosure. The increased ease of access provides a reduced access point for the component, to remove needing to dismount the entire lid from the underground enclosure. In addition, the increased ease of access reduces complexity of the access system, while also reducing the possibility of access system component failure through jamming or an otherwise inability to actuate.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an underground enclosure including a box that defines an internal cavity within a plurality of sidewalls, and a lid that is installable on the box. The lid may be inset within a rim of the box, such that an exterior surface of the lid and an exterior surface of the lid are substantially flush and located at grade. Alternatively, the lid may set on and at least partially encompass the rim of the box, such that the lid forms the entirety of the exterior surface located at grade.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed a grade-level access system. The grade-level access system includes a mount assembly with a base, an actuator, and a mount for the component. The base is attached to an interior sidewall or a bottom surface within the internal cavity of the box, the actuator is attached to the base, and the mount is attached to the actuator. The mount assembly may be actuatable relative to the base, with a position of the actuator within the internal cavity being adjustable relative to the base to increase and decrease the distance between the mount and the base. In some instances, the mount assembly is adjustable in a vertical or z-direction, such that the mount is effectively raised (i.e., to above-grade) and / or lower (i.e., to below-grade) relative to the base.

[0010] The grade-level access system includes a hatch or plug that operates as a terminal access point (e.g., is a tap hatch) within the lid of the underground enclosure. The hatch may be located within the lid over the location of the mount assembly within the internal cavity. Removal of the hatch provides access for a technician to the internal cavity, without needing to remove the entire lid. The hatch is dimensioned to allow for the mount and attached component to be actuated (e.g., raised, in some instances) through the lid and above-grade, for ease of access by the technician. The hatch is optionally removable via a tool interface including, but not limited to, a lifting eye. The hatch is optionally lockable in place within the lid including, but not limited to, by being secured in place within the lid by a fastener that also is used to secure the lid to the box.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are further directed to the mount assembly being actuatable using assistance mechanisms like biasing elements or retention elements of the grade-level access system. The biasing elements may promote actuation out of the internal cavity defined within the box, for instance, prior to testing a component. The retention elements may include interlocking assemblies that prevent return into the internal cavity defined within the box during testing. Embodiments of the present disclosure are further directed to cleaning components of the grade-level access system, which are usable to prevent mount assembly failure due to jamming.

[0012] In some embodiments, the test component is a tracer wire terminal for a communications network. However, in other embodiments the grade-level access system is usable for fluid-based testing as well. For example, the test component couplable to the mount assembly may be a fluidic port including an inlet and / or outlet for a fluidic line within the underground enclosure. The fluidic port may be actuatable with the mount assembly to be either above-grade (i.e., above the lid) for testing or below-grade (e.g., within the internal cavity of the box) for storage. In this regard, the grade-level access system is not limited to electronics but is usable for testing fluidic components as well or any other component.

[0013] A first aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a grade-level access system, comprising a mount assembly, comprising a base installed within an internal cavity defined within a box of an enclosure; an actuator coupled to the base; and a mount to which a component is coupled; and a hatch installed within an aperture in a lid of the enclosure, wherein the hatch is removable from the lid to provide access to the internal cavity defined within the box, wherein, when the hatch is removed from the lid, the mount and the component are actuatable via the actuator relative to the base between a first position within the internal cavity of the box and a second position above the first position.

[0014] The grade-level access system of the first aspect may include, optionally, that the actuator includes a proximal end that is exterior to the lid through the aperture when the mount and the component are in the second position, and wherein the actuator includes a distal end that is within the internal cavity when the mount and the component are in the second position.

[0015] The grade-level access system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the distal end of the actuator includes an end stop that is configured to contact the base when the mount and the component are in the second position.

[0016] The grade-level access system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the proximal end includes an actuation element to assist in transitioning the actuator between the first position and the second position.

[0017] The grade-level access system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the mount assembly includes a biasing element that is configured to bias the mount and the component toward the first position within the internal cavity for storage.

[0018] The grade-level access system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the mount assembly includes a biasing element that is configured to bias the mount and the component toward the second position exterior to the lid for testing.

[0019] The grade-level access system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the mount assembly includes a retention element that is configured to retain the mount and the component in the second position for testing.

[0020] The grade-level access system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the mount assembly includes a cleaning element in contact with an exterior surface of the actuator, wherein the cleaning element is configured to remove at least one of particulates and fluid from an exterior surface of the actuator as the mount and the component transitions between the first position and the second position.

[0021] The grade-level access system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the hatch includes a lifting eye for removal of the hatch from the aperture.

[0022] The grade-level access system of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the hatch includes indentations or openings for removal of the hatch from the aperture.

[0023] A second aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a system for testing components below-grade, comprising an underground enclosure, comprising a box including a rim that defines an opening, wherein one or more sidewalls of the box define an internal cavity of the box; and a lid that is positionable within the opening defined by the rim of the box; and a grade-level access system, comprising a mount assembly, comprising a base installed within the internal cavity defined within the box; an actuator coupled to the base; and a mount to which a test component is coupled; and wherein the test component are actuatable via the actuator relative to the base between a first position within the internal cavity of the box and a second position exterior to the lid through an aperture in the lid.

[0024] The system of the second aspect may include, optionally, that the lid includes one or more grooves in an interior surface of the lid, which are at least partially surrounded by one or more non-grooved portions.

[0025] The system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the one or more non-grooved portions include inset rebar.

[0026] The system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that one or more of the box and the lid are fabricated from a composite material including a sheet molding compound.

[0027] The system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the base of the mount assembly is fabricated from a metal, a plastic, or a composite material including a sheet molding compound.

[0028] The system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the actuator and the mount of the of the mount assembly are each fabricated from a metal or a plastic.

[0029] The system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the mount and the actuator are fabricated from the same material, and the mount is integrally formed at a proximal end of the actuator.

[0030] The system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the mount is coupled to a proximal end of the actuator.

[0031] The system of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the proximal end of the actuator includes an actuation element to assist in transition the actuator between the first position and the second position.

[0032] A third aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method for operating a hatch, comprising removing a hatch of a grade-level access system installed within an aperture in a lid of an underground enclosure, wherein the hatch is removable from the lid to provide access to an internal cavity defined within a box of the underground enclosure; actuating a test component on a mount assembly of the grade-level access system from a first position within the internal cavity of the box to a second position exterior to the lid through the aperture in the lid, wherein the mount assembly comprises a base installed within the internal cavity defined within the box, an actuator coupled to the base, and a mount to which the test component is coupled; performing maintenance on a utility line using the test component; actuating the test component from the second position to the first position; and installing the hatch into the lid.

[0033] The method of the third aspect may include, optionally, that prior to removing the hatch from the lid, installing the grade-level access system within the underground enclosure.

[0034] The method of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, that the underground enclosure is retrofitted to install the grade-level access system, wherein retrofitting includes cutting the aperture into the lid and coupling the mount assembly to an interior sidewall that defines the internal cavity within the box.

[0035] To further support the written description requirement, examples of utility boxes, utility vaults, other subgrade enclosures, and lids or caps for the like may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,059, issued Sep. 5, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,352, issued Jan. 16, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,926, issued Jul. 6, 2010; U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,928, issued Nov. 22, 2011; U.S. Design Pat. No. D662,323, issued Jun. 26, 2012; U.S. Design Pat. No. D654,693, issued Feb. 28, 2012; U.S. Design Pat. No. D682,553, issued May 21, 2013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,628, issued Jun. 25, 2013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,821,062, issued Sep. 2, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 8,827,589, issued Sep. 9, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 8,835,757, issued Sep. 16, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 9,174,798, issued Nov. 3, 2015; U.S. Pat. No. 9,284,711, issued Mar. 15, 2016; U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,593, issued May 24, 2016; U.S. Pat. No. 9,435,099, issued Sep. 6, 2016; U.S. Pat. No. 9,919,853, issued Mar. 20, 2018; U.S. Pat. No. 9,932,157, issued Apr. 3, 2018; U.S. Pat. No. 10,132,052, issued Nov. 20, 2018; U.S. Pat. No. 10,136,530, issued Nov. 20, 2018; U.S. Pat. No. 10,197,088, issued Feb. 5, 2019; U.S. Design Pat. No. D841,279, issued Feb. 19, 2019; U.S. Pat. No. 10,240,316, issued Mar. 26, 2019; U.S. Pat. No. 10,947,693, issued Mar. 16, 2021; and U.S. Pat. No. 11,066,803, issued Jul. 20, 2021, each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

[0036] The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and / or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,”“at least one of A, B, or C,”“one or more of A, B, and C,”“one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

[0037] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” or “approximately”. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms “about,”“approximately,” etc., when used in relation to numerical limitations or ranges, mean that the recited limitation or range may vary by up to 10%. By way of non-limiting example, “about 750” can mean as little as 675 or as much as 825, or any value therebetween. When used in relation to ratios or relationships between two or more numerical limitations or ranges, the terms “about,”“approximately,” etc. mean that each of the limitations or ranges may vary by up to 10%; by way of non-limiting example, a statement that two quantities are “approximately equal” can mean that a ratio between the two quantities is as little as 0.9:1.1 or as much as 1.1:0.9 (or any value therebetween), and a statement that a four-way ratio is “about 5:3:1:1” can mean that the first number in the ratio can be any value of at least 4.5 and no more than 5.5, the second number in the ratio can be any value of at least 2.7 and no more than 3.3, and so on.

[0038] The use of “substantially” in the present disclosure, when referring to a measurable quantity (e.g., a diameter or other distance) and used for purposes of comparison, is intended to mean within 5% of the comparative quantity. The terms “substantially similar to,”“substantially the same as,” and “substantially equal to,” as used herein, should be interpreted as if explicitly reciting and encompassing the special case in which the items of comparison are “similar to,”“the same as” and “equal to,” respectively.

[0039] The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

[0040] The use of “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein. The use of “engaged with” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass any direct or indirect connections between components.

[0041] It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Abstract, and claims themselves.

[0042] These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, references made herein to “the present disclosure” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

[0043] It is to be appreciated that any feature or aspect described herein can be claimed in combination with any other feature(s) or aspect(s) as described herein, regardless of whether the features or aspects come from the same described embodiment.

[0044] Any one or more aspects described herein can be combined with any other one or more aspects described herein. Any one or more features described herein can be combined with any other one or more features described herein. Any one or more embodiments described herein can be combined with any other one or more embodiments described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this disclosure and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0046] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0047] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an underground enclosure including a lid, a box, and a grade-level access system including a hatch and a mount assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the lid and the hatch of FIG. 1;

[0049] FIG. 2B is top plan view of the hatch and the lid of FIG. 2A, with section line 3-3;

[0050] FIG. 2C is a front elevation view of the lid of FIG. 2A;

[0051] FIG. 2D is a bottom plan view of the hatch and the lid of FIG. 2A;

[0052] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a cross-section at the section line 3-3 in FIG. 2B of the hatch and the lid;

[0053] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of the underground enclosure and the mounting assembly of FIG. 1;

[0054] FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the underground enclosure of FIG. 4A including the hatch in a closed position, with section line 5-5;

[0055] FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the underground enclosure of FIG. 4A including the hatch in an open position, with section line 6-6;

[0056] FIG. 5 is a rear-side elevation view of a cross-section at the section line 5-5 in FIG. 4B of the underground enclosure including the hatch in the closed position and the mount assembly stored;

[0057] FIG. 6 is a rear-side elevation view of a cross-section at the section line 6-6 in FIG. 4C of the underground enclosure including the hatch in the open position and the mount assembly accessible for testing;

[0058] FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram for using the grade-level access system to test components within the underground enclosure, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of a variation of the hatch and the lid of FIG. 1;

[0060] FIG. 8B is top plan view of the hatch and the lid of FIG. 8A, with section line 9-9;

[0061] FIG. 8C is a front elevation view of the lid of FIG. 8A; and

[0062] FIG. 8D is a bottom plan view of the hatch and the lid of FIG. 8A; and

[0063] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a cross-section at the section line 9-9 in FIG. 8B of the hatch and the lid.

[0064] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0065] 100 Underground Enclosure

[0066] 102 Box

[0067] 104, 104A Lid

[0068] 106 Rim

[0069] 108 Opening

[0070] 110, 110A Exterior Surface

[0071] 112 Exterior Surface

[0072] 114 Grade-Level Access System

[0073] 116 Internal Cavity

[0074] 118 Mount Assembly

[0075] 120, 120A Hatch

[0076] 122, 122A Aperture

[0077] 200 Exterior Surface

[0078] 202, 202A Sidewall

[0079] 204, 204A Sidewall

[0080] 206, 206A Interior Surface

[0081] 208 Interior Surface

[0082] 210, 210A Groove

[0083] 212, 212A Non-Grooved Portion

[0084] 214 Aperture

[0085] 216 Recess

[0086] 218 Sidewall

[0087] 220 Lifting Eye

[0088] 222 Lifting Eye

[0089] 400 Base

[0090] 402 Sidewall

[0091] 404 Actuator

[0092] 406 Proximal End

[0093] 407 Actuation Element

[0094] 408 Distal End

[0095] 410 End Stop

[0096] 412 Mount

[0097] 414 Test Component

[0098] 416 Biasing Element

[0099] 418 Retention Element

[0100] 420 Cleaning Element

[0101] 422 Fastener

[0102] 500 Drain Channel

[0103] 700 Method or Process

[0104] 702 Install Grade-Level Access System in Underground Enclosure

[0105] 704 Remove Hatch from Underground Enclosure

[0106] 706 Actuate Test Component from Underground Enclosure through Hatch

[0107] 708 Perform Maintenance using Test Component

[0108] 710 Actuate Test Component into Underground Enclosure through Hatch

[0109] 712 Install Hatch into Underground Enclosure

[0110] 800 Indentation or Opening

[0111] 802 Indication Area

[0112] α Angle

[0113] β AngleDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The Detailed Description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the grade-level access system since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. Additionally, any combination of features shown in the various figures can be used to create additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, dimensions, aspects, and features of one embodiment of the grade-level access system can be combined with dimensions, aspects, and features of another embodiment of the grade-level access system to create the claimed embodiment.

[0115] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a grade-level access system installed within an underground enclosure including a box and a lid. The grade-level access system includes a mount assembly within the box and a hatch or plug that operates as a terminal access point (e.g., is a tap hatch) within the lid. Removal of the hatch allows for actuation of a component (e.g., tracer wire terminal or other component for testing of communications networks, and / or a fluidic port for testing fluidic lines) from a below-grade internal cavity defined within the box of the underground enclosure to a location above-grade through the lid, or at least a location closer to grade than the first position. The grade-level access system optionally includes mechanical assistance components to promote actuation of the mount assembly and / or to maintain components of the mount assembly (e.g., biasing element, retention elements, cleaning elements, and the like). Though embodiments are described with respect to test components, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure encompass any kind of component.

[0116] FIG. 1 illustrates an underground enclosure 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The underground enclosure 100 includes a box 102 and a lid 104. The box 102 includes a rim 106. For example, the lid 104 may be positionable within an opening 108 defined by the rim 106 of the box 102, such that an exterior surface 110 of the lid 104 is substantially flush with an exterior surface 112 of the rim 106. In this example, the one or more outer diameters or widths of the lid 104 is less than the one or more inner diameters or widths of the rim 106. By way of another example, the lid 104 may rest on the rim 106, such that the lid 104 is overset on the box 102. In this example, the lid 104 may have one or more diameters or widths that are equal to or larger than one or more outer diameters or widths of the rim 106.

[0117] In embodiments, components of a grade-level access system 114 engages with and / or is housed within the underground enclosure 100. As described in detail further herein, the grade-level access system 114 includes a mount assembly 118 and a hatch 120. For example, the mount assembly 118 is housed within an internal cavity 116 of the box 102, and the hatch 120 engages an aperture 122 within the lid 104.

[0118] It is noted that the mount assembly 118 is illustrated in cross-section, which should not be considered as limiting on the present disclosure. Rather, it is contemplated that the mount assembly 118 may receive and either partially enclose or fully enclose an actuator 404 of the grade-level access system 114, as described in detail further herein. In addition, it is noted that the hatch 120 may be a plug or other component that is operable as a terminal access point (e.g., is a tap hatch), for purposes of the present disclosure).

[0119] FIGS. 2A-2D and 3 illustrate the lid 104 and the hatch 120, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that FIG. 2B includes a section line 3-3 within the lid 104 and the hatch 120, at which location the cross-section in FIG. 3 of the lid 104 and the hatch 120 is illustrated. In addition, it is noted that FIGS. 2B-2C and 3 provide illustrative dimensions for the lid 104 and the hatch 120. It should be understood, however, that the illustrative dimensions in FIGS. 2B-2C and 3 are merely provided for example, and that the lid 104 and the hatch 120 may have other dimensions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the illustrative dimensions in FIGS. 2B-2C and 3 should at least be understood as being modified by “about” or “approximately”, as discussed throughout the present disclosure.

[0120] In embodiments, the lid 104 includes the aperture 122 dimensioned to receive the hatch 120. When the hatch 120 is positioned within the aperture 122, an exterior surface 200 of the hatch 120 and the exterior surface 110 of the lid 104 may be substantially flush, to promote an overall planarity (or singular planar surface) for the grade-level surface of the underground enclosure 100.

[0121] In some embodiments, the hatch 120 has one or more sidewalls 202 that correspond to one or more sidewalls 204 of the aperture 122. The sidewalls 202, 204 may be substantially smooth (or smooth-bore, in the case of the aperture 122). For example, the sidewalls 202, 204 may be set at an angle α from an interior surface 206 (or the exterior surface 110) of the lid 104. For example, the angle α may range between approximately 0 degrees (e.g., such that at least a portion of the hatch 120 is a plate over the aperture 122) and approximately 90 degrees (e.g., such that the hatch 120 is a plug with approximately perpendicular sidewalls 202 within the aperture 122).

[0122] In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in the cross-section of FIG. 3, the angle α of the sidewalls 202, 204 is approximately 80 degrees from the interior surface 206 (or the exterior surface 110) of the lid 104. With this angle α, the sidewalls 204 of the hatch 120 taper in diameter from the exterior surface 200 to an interior surface 208 of the hatch 120, and the sidewalls 202 of the aperture 122 taper in diameter from the exterior surface 110 to the interior surface 206 of the lid 104. It should be understood, however, that the illustrative angle in FIG. 2 is merely provided for example, and that the angle α formed by the sidewalls 202, 204 and the interior surface 206 (or the exterior surface 110) of the lid 104 may be another angle without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the illustrative angle in FIG. 3 should at least be understood as being modified by “about” or “approximately”, as discussed throughout the present disclosure.

[0123] Although embodiments are directed to the hatch 120 and the aperture 122 within the lid 104 having complementary diameters (e.g., having complementary round or substantially circular cross-sections), it should be understood that the hatch 120 and the aperture 122 within the lid 104 have a cross-section of any two-dimensional shape having 1, 2, . . . up to an N number of sides, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the hatch 120 and the aperture 122 may each be a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners (e.g., an elongated slot).

[0124] In embodiments, the grade-level access system 114 may optionally include an interlocking assembly between the hatch 120 and the lid 104. For example, the interlocking assembly may include corresponding mated threading on the sidewalls 202, 204. By way of another example, the interlocking assembly may include interlocking features (e.g., tab-and-groove or other mechanical detents) that engage to hold the hatch 120 within the aperture 122 and disengage to allow for removal of the hatch 120 from the aperture 122. It is noted that the mechanism by which the interlocking assembly engages or disengages may include a tool interface, a toggle (e.g., a button, switch, lever, or the like), or other component that provides control of the interlocking assembly.

[0125] When the hatch 120 is positioned within the aperture 122, the interior surface 208 of the hatch 120 and the interior surface 206 of the lid 104 may optionally be substantially flush, to promote an overall planarity (or singular planar surface) of the interior surface of the lid 104. In some embodiments, the entirety of the interior surface 206 of the lid 104 may be substantially planar. However, in other embodiments the interior surface 206 includes one or more grooves 210 and one or more non-grooved portions 212. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2D and 3, the grooves 210 may extend into a thickness of the lid 104, to reduce material cost during fabrication and to reduce the weight of the lid 104 (and the underground enclosure 100, in general).

[0126] In embodiments, the components of the underground enclosure 100 (e.g., the box 102 and / or lid 104) may be fabricated from a polymer concrete, or a sheet molding compound (SMC) such as a composite material including a reinforced polyester comprising glass or carbon fibers. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the lid 104 may include inset rebar for additional reinforcement, such as what may be necessary for ANSI / SCTE 77 2023 standards for Tier 15 or Tier 22 applications, in the non-grooved portions 212 or another full-thickness portion of the lid 104. In further embodiments, the lid 104 may be a pre-existing lid without the aperture 122 for the hatch 120, but which may be fabricated from a material that is modifiable post-fabrication to include the aperture 122 for the hatch 120.

[0127] Referring again to the cross-section of the hatch 120 being any two-dimensional shape having 1, 2, . . . up to an N number of sides, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the cross-section of the hatch 120 may be dependent at least in part on the material from which the hatch 120 and / or the lid 104 is fabricated. For example, a first material may allow for a circular cross-section, but a different material may require a more rectangular or elongated cross-section.

[0128] In general, the components of the underground enclosure 100 (e.g., the box 102 and the lid 104) may be fabricated from a material having load-bearing properties that are capable of meeting or exceeding ANSI / SCTE 77 2023 standards for subgrade utility enclosures, as provided in Table 1. Optionally, at least the exterior surface 110 may be skid-resistant, whether be fabricated from a material that is skid-resistant, have a coating or additional layer applied to the exterior surface 110 that is skid resistant, include an inset or raised pattern integrally formed within the exterior surface 110 that is skid resistant, or the like.TABLE 1Design / Test Loads for ANSI / SCTE 77 2023 standardsApplicationLoading RequirementsLight DutyVerticalTest Load13.3kN3000poundsPedestrian Traffic OnlyTier 5VerticalDesign Load22.2kN5000poundsSidewalk applications with a safetyTest Load33.3kN7500poundsfactor for occasional non-deliberateLateralDesign Load8.0kN1800pounds.vehicular trafficTest Load12.0kN2700pounds.Tier 8VerticalDesign Load35.6kN8000poundsSidewalk applications with a safetyTest Load53.4kN12000poundsfactor for non-deliberate vehicularLateralDesign Load8.0kN1800poundstrafficTest Load12.0kN2700poundsTier 15VerticalDesign Load66.7kN15000poundsDriveway, parking lot, and off-roadwayTest Load100.1kN22500poundsapplications subject to occasional non-LateralDesign Load10.7kN2400poundsdeliberate heavy vehicular trafficTest Load16.0kN3600poundsTier 22VerticalDesign Load100.1kN22500poundsDriveway, parking lot, and off-roadwayTest Load150.1kN33750poundsapplications subject to occasional non-LateralDesign Load10.7kN2400poundsdeliberate heavy vehicular trafficTest Load16.0kN3600poundsAASHTO H-20 Deliberate vehicularCertified precast concrete, cast iron, ortraffic applications.AASHTO-recognized materials.

[0129] In embodiments, the lid 104 includes one or more apertures 214 operable to receive a fastener or other component of an interlocking assembly (e.g., 422, as shown in FIGS. 4A-6). As discussed in detail further herein, the fastener 422 or other component of the interlocking assembly may engage corresponding features within (or on) the box 102 of the underground enclosure 100. To promote the flushness of the exterior surface 110 of the lid 104, the one or more apertures 214 may be countersunk to position a head of the fastener 422 at a depth below the exterior surface 110.

[0130] Optionally, the aperture 122 and an aperture 214 may be positioned within the lid 104 such that the width or diameter of the aperture 122 and the aperture 214 at least partially overlap and form a single pass-through region in the lid 104. When the hatch 120 is positioned within the aperture 122, the fastener 422 may be inserted through the aperture 214 to engage the hatch 120 (i.e., or, generally, to secure and retain the hatch 120 within the aperture 122). It is noted that the hatch 120 may optionally include a recess 216 that corresponds to the aperture 214, to promote the engagement of the hatch 120 by the fastener 422.

[0131] In embodiments, the lid 104 includes one or more sidewalls 218. The one or more sidewalls 218 may be substantially smooth. The one or more sidewalls 218 may be set at an angle β from the interior surface 206 (or the exterior surface 110) of the lid 104. For example, the angle β may range between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 90 degrees (e.g., such that the lid 104 has approximately perpendicular sidewalls 218). The one or more sidewalls 218 may be exterior sidewalls that correspond to one or more interior sidewalls of the rim 106 of the box 102 (e.g., where the lid 104 is positionable within the opening 108 defined by the rim 106). The sidewalls 218 of the lid 104 and the interior sidewalls of the rim 106 may be substantially smooth.

[0132] In embodiments, the lid 104 includes one or more lifting eyes 220. For example, where the lid 104 is set within the rim 106 of the box 102, such that the exterior surface 110 of the lid 104 and the exterior surface 112 of the rim 106 are substantially flush, engagement of the one or more lifting eyes 220 with a tool (e.g., a hook, or the like) assists in the removal of the lid 104 from the opening 108 in the rim 106 of the box 102.

[0133] In embodiments, the hatch 120 includes a lifting eye 222. For example, where the hatch 120 is set within the lid 104, such that the exterior surface 200 of the hatch 120 is substantially flush with the exterior surface 110 of the lid 104, engagement of the lifting eye 222 with a tool (e.g., a hook, or the like) assists in the removal of the hatch 120 from the aperture 122 in the lid 104.

[0134] In one non-limiting example, an enclosure 100 includes a box 102 that, at a proximal end, is approximately 37.5 inches in length by approximately 25.875 inches in width by approximately 30 inches in height. With an approximately 30-degree angle for the sidewalls of the box 102 from the proximal end to a distal end, the distal end of the box is approximately 33.75 inches in length by approximately 22.125 inches in width. The enclosure 100 includes a lid 104 that is approximately 35.5 inches long by approximately 24 inches wide by approximately 3 inches thick.

[0135] In another non-limiting example, which may or may not be combined with the above non-limiting example, the aperture 122 is 8.125 (8⅛) inches in diameter at the exterior surface 110. The hatch 120 is approximately 8 inches in diameter at the exterior surface 200, and approximately 2 inches in height. With an a of approximately 80 degrees for the sidewalls 202 of the hatch 120, the interior surface 208 of the hatch 120 may be approximately 6.75 inches in diameter. A center point of the aperture 122 is spaced approximately 12.688 (12 11 / 16) inches from a first bisecting axis of the lid 104, and is spaced approximately 6.875 (6⅞) inches from a second bisecting axis of the lid 104. Optionally, the one or more lifting eyes 220 are located along the second bisecting axis of the lid 104, which are approximately 4 inches in length by approximately 0.5 inches in width. Similarly, the hatch 120 may optionally include a lifting eye 222 that is approximately 4 inches in length by approximately 0.5 inches in width.

[0136] Further, the lid 104 has two apertures 214, where the apertures 214 are spaced approximately 31.125 (31⅛ inches) apart in a first direction and approximately 19.5 inches apart in a second direction. Further, the apertures 214 may be a 0.625 inches in diameter through the lid 104, with a countersink that is approximately 1.25 inches in diameter for the first approximately 0.5 inches of depth into the exterior surface 110 of the lid 104. The hatch 120 may additionally include a portion of the countersink that extends approximately 0.5 inches into the depth from the exterior surface 200 of the hatch 120.

[0137] In embodiments, the hatch 120 includes one or more indentations or openings (e.g., apertures, slots, and the like) for engagement with the hatch 120 by a technician, to assist in the removal and placing of the hatch 120. For example, the one or more indentations or openings may be dimensioned to receive the fingers or hand of a technician, allowing the technician to manually remove and / or place the hatch 120 without need for a tool as compared to the lifting eye 222. It is noted that the lifting eye 222 and the indentations or openings may be combined and / or otherwise both included in some configurations of the hatch 120. In addition, it is noted that examples of indentions or openings for engagement by a technician are illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0138] In the optional embodiments where the grade-level access system includes the interlocking assembly between the hatch 120 and the lid 104, it is noted that the control mechanism for the interlocking assembly may be integrated into the lifting eye 222 (and / or the indentations or openings for manual operation by the technician). For example, the lifting eye 222 may receive a tool (and / or engagement of the indentations or openings by the fingers or hand of the technician) to assist in the unthreading of the hatch 120 from the lid 104 (and, similarly the threading of the hatch 120 into the lid 104). By way of another example, engagement of the eye with a lifting tool (and / or the indentations or openings by the fingers or hand of the technician) may also engage a control mechanism for the interlocking assembly, causing the interlocking assembly to actuate and allow for disengagement of the hatch 120 from the lid 104.

[0139] FIGS. 4A-4C, 5, and 6 illustrate the box 102 and the mount assembly 118 in addition to the lid 104 and the hatch 120, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that FIG. 4B includes a section line 5-5 within the lid 104 and the hatch 120, at which location the cross-section in FIG. 5 is illustrated. In addition, it is noted that FIG. 4C includes a section line 6-6 within the lid 104 and the hatch 120, at which location the cross-section in FIG. 6 is illustrated.

[0140] In embodiments, the mount assembly 118 includes a base 400 on a sidewall 402 of the box 102. For example, the sidewall 402 may be an interior sidewall of the box 102 that defines the internal cavity 116. The location of the base 400 within the internal cavity 116 corresponds to the position of the hatch 120 and the aperture 122 within the lid 104. The base 400 may be fabricated as a separate component (e.g., from a metal including but not limited to aluminum, a plastic including but not limited to high density polyethylene (HDPE), or other material such as a sheet molding compound (SMC) composite material from which the underground enclosure 100 may be fabricated), and attached to the sidewall 402. Alternatively, the base 400 may be fabricated (e.g., as an integral casted or otherwise formed component) from the same material as the box 102, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0141] In embodiments, an actuator 404 extends from the base 400. For example, the actuator 404 may be a rod, rail, or other substantially rigid member that is able to actuate (e.g., raise or lower, in the case of the below-grade box 102) relative to the base 400. The actuator 404 may be fabricated from a metal including but not limited to aluminum, a plastic including but not limited to HDPE, or other substantially rigid material. It is noted that the mount assembly 118 may be considered a rod slide or rail slide assembly or system, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0142] A proximal end 406 of the actuator 404 is actuatable between a first position within the internal cavity 116 (i.e., as illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 5) and a second position exterior to the aperture 122 within the lid 104 (i.e., as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 6), or at least above the first position. It is noted that the first position may be considered a storage position or a closed position, in some embodiments. In addition, it is noted that the second position may be considered a testing position or an open position, in some embodiments.

[0143] In some configurations, the proximal end 406 of the actuator 404 optionally includes an actuation element 407 capable of assisting the raising or lowering the actuator 404 between the first position and the second position. For example, the actuation element 407 may include, but is not limited to, a handle, an eyelet, or other device that can be coupled to and / or manipulated by a user with their hand or a held tool to be lowered to the first position or raised to the second position, during transition between the first position and the second position.

[0144] A distal end 408 of the actuator 404 is actuatable between a first position within the internal cavity 116 (i.e., as illustrated in FIG. 5) and a second position also within the internal cavity 116 (i.e., as illustrated in FIG. 6), or at least above the first position. It is noted that the distal end 408 may optionally include an end stop 410 that prevents the distal end 408 from uncoupling from the base 400 of the mount assembly 118 (e.g., unless a force above a pre-determined value is acted upon the actuator 404, an interlocking assembly between the base 400 and the actuator 404 and / or the end stop 410 is disengaged, or the like).

[0145] In embodiments, the mount assembly 118 includes a mount 412. The mount 412 may be fabricated from a metal including but not limited to aluminum, a plastic including but not limited to HDPE, or other substantially rigid material. For example, the mount 412 may be coupled at or adjacent to the proximal end 406 of the actuator 404. By way of another example, the mount 412 may be integrally formed with the actuator 404 at the proximal end 406 of the actuator 404.

[0146] The mount 412 is able to actuate with the actuator 404 (e.g., raise or lower, in the case of the below-grade box 102). In some embodiments, a mount 412 is actuatable with the proximal end 406 of the actuator 404 between the first position within the internal cavity 116 (i.e., as illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 5) and the second position exterior to the aperture 122 within the lid 104 (i.e., as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 6).

[0147] The mount 412 is able to receive one or more components 414 such as test components. For example, the one or more test components 414 may include a tracer wire terminal for testing communications networks that run through the underground enclosure 100. By way of another example, the one or more test components 414 may include a fluidic port acting as an inlet and / or an outlet for a fluidic line that passes through the underground enclosure 100. In general, the one or more test components 414 may include any electronic or fluidic component that is in communication with a corresponding line that is within (or passes through) the underground enclosure 100.

[0148] In one non-limiting example, when in the first position, the proximal end 406 of the actuator 404 is proximate to (e.g., including optionally abutting against or otherwise making contact with) the base 400, and the distal end 408 of the actuator 404 is a pre-determined distance from the base 400. In another non-limiting example, when in the second position, the proximal end 406 of the actuator 404 is exterior of the box 102 and the lid 104, and the distal end 408 of the actuator 404 is proximate to (e.g., including optionally abutting against or otherwise making contact with) the base 400. For instance, the proximal end 406 may be spaced from the exterior surface 110 of the lid 104 to have approximately 0.75 inches of clearance between a lowermost or most distal edge of the mount 412 and / or the one or more components 414 on the mount 412 and the exterior surface 110.

[0149] In some embodiments, the actuator 404 has a substantially round cross-section, which is inserted the base 400. Where contact surfaces of the actuator 404 and the base 400 are smooth, the actuator 404 is rotatable within the base 400. In this regard, a technician may be able to rotationally adjust the actuator 404 (and the mount 412) about a longitudinal axis through the actuator 404, to more easily access the test components 414 when in the second or open position. However, it is contemplated that the contact surfaces of the actuator 404 and the base 400 may have engaging features that limit the rotation of the test component 414, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0150] In embodiments, the mount assembly 118 includes one or more components to assist in the actuation of the actuator 404 between the first and second positions, and / or to assist in the retention of the actuator 404 with the storage or closed and / or testing or open position. For example, the one or more actuation components may include a biasing element 416 including, but not limited to, a spring plunger. By way of another example, the one or more actuation components may include a retention element 418 including, but not limited to, a detention pin or slotted pin.

[0151] In one configuration, the biasing element 416 may bias the actuator 404 (and the mount 412) toward the second position for testing. This may be beneficial to increase the ease by which a technician can access the mount assembly 118, following removal of the hatch 120. In this configuration, installation of the hatch 120 may, at least in part, counter the biasing of the actuator 404 (and the mount 412) toward the second position for testing.

[0152] In another configuration, the biasing element 416 may bias the actuator 404 (and the mount 412) toward the first position for storage. This may be beneficial to reduce the possibility of the assembly 118 causing the hatch 120 to disengage from the lid 104 and causing a tripping hazard. In this configuration, the base 400 may include an interlocking assembly with the actuator 404 that, which engaged at approximately the second position, counters the biasing of the actuator 404 (and the mount 412) toward the first position for storage. It is noted that the interlocking assembly may include the retention element 418 or other component that retains the test component 414 in the second position for testing unless a pre-determined amount of force is applied and / or an interlocking assembly is disengaged.

[0153] In further configurations, the biasing element 416 may allow for the positioning of the actuator 404 (and the mount 412) in the first position, the second position, and any of a plurality of intermediate positions therebetween. This may be beneficial where the wires (or tubes, or pipes) in communication with the test component 414 are different lengths depending on the install within a particular underground enclosure 100. Being able to set the position of the actuator 404 (and the mount 412) during testing may serve to reduce the possibility of breakage or disconnection in the wires (or tubes, or pipes).

[0154] Embodiments are contemplated in which components of the mount assembly 118 is driven by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to cause actuation between the first and second positions, either in addition to or instead of the optional biasing element 416, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0155] In addition, embodiments are contemplated in which the mount assembly 118 may optionally be in communication with the hatch 120, such that the mount assembly 118 and the hatch 120 may be considered a monolithic build. For example, removal of the hatch 120 (e.g., via engagement of the lifting eye 222 with a tool, and / or via engagement with indentations or openings with the fingers or hand of a technician) from the aperture 122 in the lid 104 may cause the actuator 404 (and mount 412 with test component 414) to transition from the first position within the internal cavity 116 of the box 102 (i.e., below-grade) to the second position above the lid 104 (i.e., above-grade). Similarly, installation of the hatch 120 into the aperture 122 in the lid 104 may cause the actuator 404 (and mount 412 with test component 414) to transition from the second position to the first position. In this regard, it should be understood that the grade-level access system 114 may include the necessary components and / or mechanisms to couple portions of the mount assembly 118 to the hatch 120, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0156] In embodiments, the mount assembly 118 includes one or more components to assist in the cleaning of the actuator 404 when actuating between the first and second positions. For example, the one or more components may include a cleaning element 420 in contact with an exterior surface of the actuator 404 (e.g., which makes contact with the contact surface of the base400 during actuation of the mount 412 and the test component 414), where the cleaning element 420 includes, but is not limited to, a wiper or brush fabricated from a rubber, cloth, or plastic. The wiper or brush may be replaceable within the mount assembly 118, when it becomes damaged or filled with detritus that prevents proper operation. When the actuator 404 transitions between the first and second positions, the actuator 404 passes through the cleaning element 420. That motion dislodges or otherwise removes fluid and / or particulates from the actuator 404, reducing the possibility that the actuator 404 becomes stuck or otherwise jammed due to particulate buildup and / or rust.

[0157] In embodiments, the fastener 422 is insertable into the aperture 214 within the lid 104. The fastener 422 prevents removal of the lid 104 from the box 102 when engaged. Additionally, the fastener 422 may have a washer or other flange that engages the lid 104 and the hatch 120, preventing the hatch 120 from being removed from the lid 104 when engaged. For example, the hatch 120 may include the recess 216 that forms a portion of and corresponds to a particular aperture 214, where insertion of the fastener 422 into the aperture 214 also allows the fastener 422 to engage the recess 216. Thus, the fastener 422 engages the lid 104 to the box 102, and the fastener engages the hatch 120 to the lid 104 to reduce complexity of the system and increase the reliability and utility of the system.

[0158] Optionally, the box 102 includes a drain channel 500 that is in fluid communication with the aperture 214. The drain channel 500 may exit into the internal cavity 116 of the box 102, preventing blockage within the aperture 214. It is noted that, due to the positioning of the mount assembly 118 proximate to the hatch 120 (and potentially the aperture 214), the drain channel 500 may drain in the proximate vicinity of the mount assembly 118. As such, the cleaning element 420 may provide an additional benefit of automatically removing fluid and / or particulates that may be deposited onto the actuator 404 of the mount assembly 118 by the drain channel 500, when the actuator 404 (and the mount 412) is actuated between the closed position and the open position.

[0159] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method or process 700 illustrating the use of the grade-level access system 114, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. While a general order for the actions of the method or process 700 is shown in FIG. 7, the method or process 700 can include more or fewer actions or can arrange the order of the actions differently (including simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, or sequentially) than those shown in FIG. 7. It is noted that the method or process 700 shall be explained with reference to the components, devices, subassemblies, environments, etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-6. For example, it is noted that the embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 should be understood as reading on the embodiments described with respect to FIG. 7, and vice versa, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0160] In embodiments, a grade-level access system is installed 702 within an underground enclosure. For example, the grade-level access system 114 may be installed with the underground enclosure 100 at time of installation of the underground enclosure 100, where the box 102 includes the mount assembly 118 and the lid 104 includes the hatch 120. By way of another example, a pre-installed underground enclosure 100 may be retrofitted (i.e., with the installation of the mount assembly 118 into the box 102 and the modification of the lid 104 to include the aperture 122 for the hatch 120. It is noted that this installation may be considered optional, such as where the installation occurs by an installer who is not performing maintenance on communications networks and / or fluidic lines within the underground enclosure 100 using the grade-level access system 114.

[0161] In embodiments, a hatch of the grade-level access system is removed 704 from the lid of the underground enclosure. The hatch 120 is positioned within the aperture 122 in the lid 104 of the underground enclosure 100. Optionally, the hatch 120 may be removed via the engagement of a lifting eye 222 on the hatch 120 with a tool (e.g., a hook, or the like), and / or via engagement with indentations or openings with the fingers or hand of a technician.

[0162] In embodiments, a test component on a mount assembly of the grade-level access system is actuated 706 from a first position below-grade to a second position above-grade or at least above the first position. The test component 414 is coupled to a mount 412 on the mount assembly 118, at a location within the internal cavity 116 of the box 102 proximate to the hatch 120. Removal of the hatch 120 provides access to the mount assembly 118, such that the mount assembly 118 can be used to actuate the test component 414 from a first position below-grade and within the box 102 to a second position above-grade and exterior to the lid 104 or at least above the first position.

[0163] In embodiments, maintenance is performed 708 using the test component. The test component 414 may be a tracer wire terminal or other component for performing maintenance of a communications network or other electrical network within the underground enclosure 100. Alternatively, the test components 414 may be a fluidic port or other component (i.e., including electrical components such as sensors or electronic controllers) for performing maintenance on a fluidic network within the underground enclosure 100. It is noted that this maintenance may be considered optional, such as where the functionality of the grade-level access system 114 is being tested during installation of the grade-level access system by an installer who is not performing maintenance on communications networks and / or fluidic networks within the underground enclosure 100 using the grade-level access system 114.

[0164] In embodiments, the test component on the mount assembly of the grade-level access system is actuated 710 from the second position above-grade to the first position below-grade, or at least below the second position. The mount assembly 118 can be used to actuate the test component 414 from the second position above-grade exterior to the lid 104 to the first position below-grade within the box 102.

[0165] In embodiments, the hatch of the grade-level access system is installed 712 into the lid of the underground enclosure. The hatch 120 is positioned within the aperture 122 in the lid 104 of the underground enclosure 100.

[0166] It is noted that removal 704 and actuation 706 may occur simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, such as where the mount assembly 118 is coupled to the hatch 120, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it is noted that actuation 710 and installation 712 may occur simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, such as where the mount assembly 118 is coupled to the hatch 120, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is noted that, where a cleaning element 420 is installed within the mount assembly 118, that the actuation 706, 710 may also include (or result in) a cleaning of components of the mount assembly 118 (e.g., the actuator 404, and the like).

[0167] FIGS. 8A-8D and 9 illustrate a variation of the lid 104 (labeled lid 104A) and a variation of the hatch 120 (labeled hatch 120A) for insertion into a variation of the aperture 122 (labeled aperture 122A), in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the lid 104A with aperture 122A and the hatch 120A are interchangeable with the lid 104 with aperture 122 and the hatch 120 in the underground enclosure 100 with the box 102, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that the lid 104A with aperture 122A and the hatch 120A may be used with the method or process 700 in place of the lid 104 with aperture 122 and the hatch 120, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, unless otherwise noted, reference numbers of the lid 104 and the hatch 120 provided in FIGS. 1-6 should be understood as reading on the features of the lid 104A and the hatch 120A in FIGS. 8A-9, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0168] It is noted that FIG. 8B includes a section line 9-9 within the lid 104A and the hatch 120A, at which location the cross-section in FIG. 9 of the lid 104A and the hatch 120A is illustrated. In addition, it is noted that FIGS. 8B-8D and 9 provide illustrative dimensions for the lid 104A and the hatch 120A. It should be understood, however, that the illustrative dimensions in FIGS. 8B-8D and 9 are merely provided for example, and that the lid 104A and the hatch 120A may have other dimensions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the illustrative dimensions in FIGS. 8B-8D and 9 should at least be understood as being modified by “about” or “approximately”, as discussed throughout the present disclosure.

[0169] In embodiments, the hatch 120A and the aperture 122A of the lid 104A have a different geometric profile as compared to the hatch 120 and the aperture 122 of the lid 104. For example, in contrast to the circular cross-section of the aperture 122 of the lid 104 and the corresponding hatch 120 in FIGS. 1-6, the aperture 122A within the lid 104A and the hatch 120A in FIGS. 8A-8D and 9 have corresponding cross-sections that are not circular. Rather, the corresponding cross-sections of the aperture 122A and the hatch 120A each include an arc that connects two substantially straight sides (with optional rounded corner between the two substantially straight sides. However, the sidewalls 204A of the aperture 122A and the sidewalls 202A of the hatch 120A still taper through the thickness of the lid 104A, similar to the tapering of the sidewalls 204 of the aperture 122 and the sidewalls 202 of the hatch 120 through the thickness of the lid 104.

[0170] In embodiments, the lid 104A includes a different configuration of grooves 210A and non-grooved portions 212A in an interior surface 206A, as compared to the grooves 210 and non-grooved portions 212 in the interior surface 206 of the lid 104. For example, the different configuration of grooves 210A and non-grooved portions 212A may be provided in response to a different distribution of forces by the lid 104A with the geometric profile of the hatch 120A and the aperture 122A, as compared to the distribution of forces observed in the lid 104 with the geometric profile of the hatch 120 and the aperture 122.

[0171] In one non-limiting example, the aperture 122A is 7.125 (7⅛) inches in a first direction, 6.062 (6 1 / 16) inches in a second direction, and 7.84 inches in a diagonal direction. The aperture 122A passes through a lid 104A between the exterior surface 110A and the interior surface 206A, where the lid 104A is approximately 3 inches thick. A center point of the aperture 122A is spaced approximately 13.406 (13 13 / 32) inches from a first bisecting axis of the lid 104A, and is spaced approximately 7.156 (7 5 / 32) inches from a second bisecting axis of the lid 104A. Optionally, the one or more lifting eyes 220 are located along the second bisecting axis of the lid 104A. When the hatch 120 is inserted within the apertures 122A, there may be a gap of approximately 0.031-inch ( 1 / 32) to reduce or prevent inadvertent wedging of the hatch 120A within the aperture 122A.

[0172] In embodiments, the hatch 120A includes indentations or openings 800, instead of the lifting eyes 222 of the hatch 120. For example, the one or more indentations or openings may be dimensioned to receive the fingers or hand of a technician, allowing the technician to manually remove and / or place the hatch 120 without need for a tool as compared to the lifting eye 222.

[0173] In embodiments, the lid 104A includes an indication area 802 on an exterior surface 110A of the lid 104A. The indication area 802 may include information about the manufacturer and / or the installer of the underground enclosure 100, and / or information about the utilities installed within the underground enclosure 100. For example, the information may be formed within or on the exterior surface 110A within the indication area 802, and / or may be formed or printed on a plate that is coupled to the exterior surface 110A within the indication area 802. Where the information is formed or printed on a plate, the plate may be interchangeable with another plate to update the information about the underground enclosure 100 and / or the contents housed therein. It is noted that this indication area 802 may be included on exterior surface 110 of the lid 104, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0174] In this regard, the grade-level access system 114 provides access for a technician to a test component that is typically stored within an underground enclosure 100. The grade-level access system 114 includes a hatch 120 in the lid 104, so the technician does not have to remove the entire lid 104 of the underground enclosure 100. In addition, the mount assembly 118 of the grade-level access system 114 actuates the test components 414 for testing to above-grade from a location of storage below-grade within the box 102 of the underground enclosure. This allows the technician to stay above-grade to perform the necessary testing, diagnostics, and / or general maintenance and repair, which increases technician safety and efficiency.

[0175] However, although embodiments are directed to the enclosure 100 being underground, such that the grade-level access system 114 raises and lowers a test component 414 to positions above-grade and below-grade, or as otherwise described herein, the present disclosure is not limited to actuation in a generally vertical direction (e.g., at an angle approximately 90 degrees relative to a ground surface). For example, the grade-level access system 114 may be installed within an enclosure at an angle between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 90 degrees relative to the ground surface.

[0176] By way of another example, the grade-level access system 114 may be installed within an enclosure that is above-ground, such that actuation of the test component 414 may be performed substantially horizontally (e.g., at an angle approximately 0 degrees relative to the ground surface) or at an angle between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 90 degrees relative to the ground surface. By way of another example, a sidewall or a bottom surface of the enclosure 100 may be modified with an aperture 122 for the hatch 120, to accommodate actuation that occurs above-grade between the storage and testing positions. For instance, the enclosure 100 may be mounted at a particular height above a technician, and the bottom surface of the box 102 may include the hatch 120, such that the mount assembly 118 lowers the test component 414 to the testing position and raises the test component 414 to the storage position. In general, the grade-level access system 114 should be understood as increasing the ease and efficiency by which a technician may access a test component 414 within an enclosure 100, by actuating the test component 414 from a location of storage within the enclosure 100 to a location for testing exterior to the enclosure 100, for purposes of the present disclosure.

[0177] Advantages of the present disclosure thus include a grade-level access system installed within an underground enclosure including a box and a lid. The grade-level access system includes a mount assembly within the box and a hatch or plug that operates as a terminal access point (e.g., is a tap hatch) within the lid. Removal of the hatch allows for actuation of a component (e.g., tracer wire terminal or other component for testing of communications networks, and / or a fluidic port for testing fluidic lines) from a below-grade internal cavity defined within the box of the underground enclosure to a location above-grade through the lid, or at least a location closer to grade than the first position. The grade-level access system optionally includes mechanical assistance components to promote actuation of the mount assembly and / or to maintain components of the mount assembly (e.g., biasing element, retention elements, cleaning elements, and the like). Though embodiments are described with respect to test components, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure encompass any kind of component.

[0178] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Claims

1. A grade-level access system, comprising:a mount assembly, comprising:a base installed within an internal cavity defined within a box of an enclosure;an actuator coupled to the base; anda mount to which a component is coupled; anda hatch installed within an aperture in a lid of the enclosure, wherein the hatch is removable from the lid to provide access to the internal cavity defined within the box,wherein, when the hatch is removed from the lid, the mount and the component are actuatable via the actuator relative to the base between a first position within the internal cavity of the box and a second position above the first position.

2. The grade-level access system of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a proximal end that is exterior to the lid through the aperture when the mount and the component are in the second position, and wherein the actuator includes a distal end that is within the internal cavity when the mount and the component are in the second position.

3. The grade-level access system of claim 2, wherein the distal end of the actuator includes an end stop that is configured to contact the base when the mount and the component are in the second position.

4. The grade-level access system of claim 2, wherein the proximal end includes an actuation element to assist in transitioning the actuator between the first position and the second position.

5. The grade-level access system of claim 1, wherein the mount assembly includes a biasing element that is configured to bias the mount and the component toward the first position within the internal cavity for storage.

6. The grade-level access system of claim 1, wherein the mount assembly includes a biasing element that is configured to bias the mount and the component toward the second position exterior to the lid for testing.

7. The grade-level access system of claim 1, wherein the mount assembly includes a retention element that is configured to retain the mount and the component in the second position for testing.

8. The grade-level access system of claim 1, wherein the mount assembly includes a cleaning element in contact with an exterior surface of the actuator, wherein the cleaning element is configured to remove at least one of particulates and fluid from an exterior surface of the actuator as the mount and the component transitions between the first position and the second position.

9. A system for testing components below-grade, comprising:an underground enclosure, comprising:a box including a rim that defines an opening, wherein one or more sidewalls of the box define an internal cavity of the box; anda lid that is positionable within the opening defined by the rim of the box; anda grade-level access system, comprising:a mount assembly, comprising:a base installed within the internal cavity defined within the box;an actuator coupled to the base; anda mount to which a test component is coupled; andwherein the test component are actuatable via the actuator relative to the base between a first position within the internal cavity of the box and a second position exterior to the lid through an aperture in the lid.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the lid includes one or more grooves in an interior surface of the lid, which are at least partially surrounded by one or more non-grooved portions.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more non-grooved portions include inset rebar.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein one or more of the box and the lid are fabricated from a composite material including a sheet molding compound.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the base of the mount assembly is fabricated from a metal, a plastic, or a composite material including a sheet molding compound.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the actuator and the mount of the of the mount assembly are each fabricated from a metal or a plastic.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the mount and the actuator are fabricated from the same material, and the mount is integrally formed at a proximal end of the actuator.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the mount is coupled to a proximal end of the actuator.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the proximal end of the actuator includes an actuation element to assist in transition the actuator between the first position and the second position.

18. A method operating a hatch, comprising:removing a hatch of a grade-level access system installed within an aperture in a lid of an underground enclosure, wherein the hatch is removable from the lid to provide access to an internal cavity defined within a box of the underground enclosure;actuating a test component on a mount assembly of the grade-level access system from a first position within the internal cavity of the box to a second position exterior to the lid through the aperture in the lid, wherein the mount assembly comprises a base installed within the internal cavity defined within the box, an actuator coupled to the base, and a mount to which the test component is coupled;performing maintenance on a utility line using the test component;actuating the test component from the second position to the first position; andinstalling the hatch into the lid.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:prior to removing the hatch from the lid, installing the grade-level access system within the underground enclosure.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the underground enclosure is retrofitted to install the grade-level access system, wherein retrofitting includes cutting the aperture into the lid and coupling the mount assembly to an interior sidewall that defines the internal cavity within the box.

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