Inherently deployable warning to alarm of an opening into the top of a sub-grade structure
First Claim
Patent Images
1. In combination:
- a sub-grade structure having a peripheral sidewall including an upper rim forming an open top above a cavity inside said wall;
a cover adapted to fit in said open top to close said cavity; and
a warning device so disposed and arranged as to give visual notice of the open condition of said open top when the cover is raised or removed, said device comprising a hinge plate mounted to said upper rim inside said cavity;
a hinge pin rotatably fitted in said hinge base;
a spine on said hinge pin rotatable between an upper deployed position and a lower position below said rim;
a placard mounted to said spine; and
bias means biasing said spine toward its deployed position;
whereby with the cover laid atop said rim, the spine and placard will be held in the cavity, spring-loaded against the cover, and when the cover is raised or removed, the spine and placard will rise above the rim.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A signal to warn of the open condition of a sub-grade vault whose lid may be open or missing. A spring-loaded placard is held down in the vault by a closed lid and raises above the opening by its own stored energy when the lid is open or missing.
7 Citations
11 Claims
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1. In combination:
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a sub-grade structure having a peripheral sidewall including an upper rim forming an open top above a cavity inside said wall;
a cover adapted to fit in said open top to close said cavity; and
a warning device so disposed and arranged as to give visual notice of the open condition of said open top when the cover is raised or removed, said device comprising a hinge plate mounted to said upper rim inside said cavity;
a hinge pin rotatably fitted in said hinge base;
a spine on said hinge pin rotatable between an upper deployed position and a lower position below said rim;
a placard mounted to said spine; and
bias means biasing said spine toward its deployed position;
whereby with the cover laid atop said rim, the spine and placard will be held in the cavity, spring-loaded against the cover, and when the cover is raised or removed, the spine and placard will rise above the rim. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A warning device to alert the open condition of a sub-grade structure comprising:
a hinge mountable to said structure including a warning placard and a spine, said spine being spring-loaded toward an erect position and able to be depressed when a cover is applied to it. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
Specification