MANHOLE COVER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a manhole such as generally known from DE 92 10 311 U1.

[0002] The term manhole cover indicates a device (popularly but improperly also called manhole) configured for closing the wells that are on the road paving, such as sewage wells, aqueduct wells or those designed for power and/or telephone lines and in fuel selling stations (gas stations).

[0003] The manhole cover comprises a frame which is arranged on the road paving and connected to it so that the opening of the (well) lid is arranged at a respective opening of the (frame) well.

[0004] In addition, the frame defines a seat for a lid suitable to close the well so as to give continuity to the road paving.

[0005] The aforementioned lid may have different conformation geometries, e.g. circular, square or rectangular.

[0006] The lid is generally counter-shaped to the frame seat so as to ensure an effective closing of the well.

[0007] Due to their location within the road paving, the manhole covers are subjected to efforts of different magnitude, therefore they are generally made of tough and resistant materials such as steel and cast iron.

[0008] These types of material give the manhole cover a high mass which makes it particularly difficult to move if it is necessary to remove the lid so as to access the sewage or power line wells to carry out maintenance work or to fill storage tanks.

[0009] In light of this, various types of manhole covers have been developed providing a hinged coupling between frame and manhole cover so as to make the lifting easier.

[0010] The most advanced types of manhole covers are equipped with elastic elements near the hinges suitable to facilitate the opening and closing procedures of the manhole cover.

[0011] (Disadvantageously, the prior art provides a positioning of the aforementioned hinges substantially at the level of the road pavement, in this way, the wide range of loads that are exerted by the traffic upon the passage of people and vehicles can lead to fatigue deformations or breakages of the hinges themselves).

[0012] Disadvantageously, the prior art provides a positioning of the aforementioned hinges outside the frame and covered by a casing, moreover, the slots near the hinges tend to accumulate debris, such as gravel, stones and sand, which are deposited on the road pavement facilitating the wear of the hinges and springs, increasing the friction at the rotation of the manhole cover lid in the seat defined by the frame.

[0013] In this way, the opening of the manhole cover becomes very difficult, making the workers apply very high forces and prolonging the times of the intervention.

[0014] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a manhole cover ensuring lower friction and less blockages to the rotation to which the manhole cover is subjected during its operating life and due to which the springs are broken by wear or the antioxidant protective layer is damaged. The mentioned technical task and the stated object are substantially achieved by a manhole cover according to independent claim 1.

[0015] The dependent claims correspond to various possible embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a manhole cover.

[0017] Such description will be set out hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings given only for illustrative and, therefore, non-limiting purpose, wherein:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a manhole cover in a closing condition according to the present invention;
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of the manhole cover of Figure 1 in a closing condition;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the manhole cover in a partial opening condition according to the present invention;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of the manhole cover from below in a partial opening condition according to the present invention.

[0018] With reference to the accompanying figures, the reference numeral 1 generally indicates a manhole cover according to the present invention.

[0019] As illustrated in the attached figures, the manhole cover 1 comprises a support frame 2 having a substantially quadrangular, preferably square, shape.

[0020] According to alternative embodiments, the manhole cover may have a different shape, e.g. circular, without altering the inventive concept of the present invention.

[0021] The support frame 2 is configured to delimit an access point 2a to a well obtained in the road pavement, for example the wells for aqueducts, sewers, power and/or telephone lines and storage tanks.

[0022] The support frame 2 is designed to be constrained to the road paving by means of proper road repaving works so that the access point 2a is arranged at the opening of the road well to allow access.

[0023] According to alternative embodiments not illustrated in the attached figures, the support frame 2 can have a different shape from the one previously described, for example circular or triangular, without altering the innovative concept of the present invention.

[0024] In addition, the support frame 2 defines a seat 3 suitable to house a lid 4. Such lid 4 is operatively connected to the support frame 2 to define a closing condition of the aforementioned manhole cover 1.

[0025] In other words, the lid 4 is configured to engage within the aforementioned seat 3 so as to prevent access to the well during the closing condition.

[0026] Preferably, the lid 4 is counter-shaped to the seat 3 of the support frame 2 so as to remain substantially at the same level as the road surface of the upper surface of the frame in the closing condition of the manhole cover 1. Advantageously, the road surface is substantially free of differences in height, facilitating a comfortable circulation to the traffic.

[0027] Preferably, the manhole cover 1 comprises coating means 5, for example a continuous perimeter gasket, suitable to coat the seat 3 of the support frame 2.

[0028] In particular, such coating means 5 are active on the lid 4 in the closing condition of the manhole cover 1.

[0029] Advantageously, the coating means 5 limit the wear of the manhole cover 1 due to the friction between the seat 3 and the lid 4 and ensure its watertight seal.

[0030] As illustrated in the attached figures, the lid 4 can comprise clamping means 6 suitable to lock the lid 4 in the seat 3 of the support frame 2 in the closing condition of the manhole cover 1.

[0031] Preferably, such locking means 6 comprise a locking element 6a suitable to engage in a proper locking seat 6b obtained in the support frame 2. Such locking means 6 differ from the traditional ones in that on the upper part a recess is obtained for the introduction of the opening handle which will act on the lid to make it rotate and to unlock the pin which constrains the lid itself to the frame.

[0032] Such recess is substantially circular in order to avoid fatigue deformation cracks, instead of square with corners.

[0033] According to alternative embodiments, the locking means 6 may comprise elements of different types without altering the innovative concept of the present invention.

[0034] The manhole cover 1 comprises pivotal coupling means 7 suitable to rotatably couple the lid 4 to the support frame 2 defining a plurality of operating conditions between the aforementioned closing condition, wherein the lid 4 is housed in the seat 3, and an at least partial opening condition, wherein the lid 4 is at least partially arranged outside the seat 3. In particular, such pivotal coupling means 7 comprise a rotation shaft 8 which defines a rotation axis "X" for the lid 4.

[0035] Preferably, the pivotal coupling means 7 comprise at least one coupling element 14 having an arched, preferably hooked, shape; there is also a housing for coupling the torsion spring 15.

[0036] According the preferred embodiment of the present invention and as illustrated in the attached figures, the coupling means 7 comprise two coupling elements 14 each having a first portion 14a connected to the lid 4 and a second portion 14b suitable to house the rotation shaft 8 to allow a relative rotation between the lid 4 and the support frame 2 (the rotation between the closing and the opening of the lid can have an angle of about 90°).

[0037] In other words, the lid 4 is hinged to the support frame 2 by means of the aforementioned coupling elements 14.

[0038] Advantageously, the coupling element 14 can be integrally formed with the lid 4 so as to simplify the production process.

[0039] As can be seen in the attached figures, the rotation shaft 8 is housed in a proper containment seat 9 defined by the manhole cover 1.

[0040] In other words, the manhole cover 1 has a containment seat 9 suitable to house at least partially the rotation shaft 8 and/or the springs.

[0041] Such containment seat 9 is connected to a perimeter portion of the support frame 2.

[0042] In particular, the containment seat 9 has a walkable protection element 9a suitable to protect the rotation shaft 8 from the traffic passing over the road surface, for example from the passage of vehicles and/or pedestrians and to keep it protected from the road dirt.

[0043] In other words, the protection element 9a, integrally formed with the frame, is arranged substantially at the level of the road surface and protects the rotation shaft 8 which is arranged below with respect thereto.

[0044] Advantageously, the loads of different magnitude due to the transit of the road traffic are applied to the protection element 9a preserving the functionality and the operating life of the rotation shaft 8 and of the springs.

[0045] According to a the present invention, the manhole cover 1 comprises a containment body 10 suitable to define the aforementioned containment seat 9.

[0046] In particular, such containment body 10 comprises a first wall 10a and a second wall 10b arranged opposite to each other and connected to the protection element 9a.

[0047] The first and second wall 10a, 10b define respectively a support portion 11a, 11b suitable to support with greater safety and from below the rotation shaft 8. The support function just mentioned is necessary since the vertical thrust of the springs could cause the shaft to rotate making it come out of the seat.

[0048] As illustrated in the attached figures, each support portion 11a, 11b is configured to support a respective end portion of the aforementioned rotation shaft 8.

[0049] Further, the first and second wall 10a, 10b respectively have a guiding portion 12a, 12b suitable to facilitate the insertion of the rotation shaft 8 in the aforementioned support portions 11a, 11b and to compress the end parts of the torsion springs on the lower surface of the protection 9a, imposing a pre-tensioning on the latter.

[0050] According to alternative embodiments not shown in the accompanying figures, the support portions 11a, 11b and the guiding portions 12a, 12b may have different shapes from those previously set out without altering the innovative concept of the present invention.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, the containment seat 9 can have at least one upper backing portion 13 suitable to define a positioning and a further support of the rotation shaft 8.

[0052] Advantageously, the upper backing portion 13 contributes to maintain the aforementioned rotation shaft 8 housed in the containment seat 9 of the support frame 2: should the disassembly of the lid be necessary, the upper backing portion 13 could be removed by acting on a bolt which keeps it constrained to the walkable protection element 9a.

[0053] As illustrated in the attached figures, the manhole cover 1 can comprise at least one rotational spring 15 housed on the rotation shaft 8 rotatably with respect to the rotation axis "X".

[0054] Such rotational spring 15 (also called torsion spring) is active between the lid 4 and the support frame 2 to determine rotation as well as assistance while opening and closing the lid 4 with respect to the support frame 2: the rotational spring 15 reduces the physical effort of the operator and ensures greater safety during the adjustment of the lid.

[0055] Preferably, the rotational spring 15 is made of oxidation-resistant material and, in case of installation of the manhole cover in deflagrating environments, it ensures that, in case of breakage, the spark produced could not trigger possible deflagrations (for example the spring is made of stainless steel).

[0056] Advantageously, the rotational spring 15 generates on the lid 4 a moment of opposite direction to the one generated on the lid 4 by the gravity acceleration facilitating the opening and closing operations of the manhole cover 1, pushing and simultaneously maintaining the shaft in its seat. Advantageously, the aforementioned rotational spring is arranged within the containment seat 9 of the support frame 2 protected from the debris that deposits on the road pavement.

[0057] It can therefore be observed that the present invention achieves the intended aims thanks to a manhole cover having a high resistance to wearing actions which tend to degrade the manhole cover functionalities during its operating life thanks to the presence of a containment seat, having a walkable protection element, suitable to house at least partially the rotation shaft and/or the springs of the coupling means which connect the lid to the frame of the manhole cover.

[0058] Advantageously, the walkable element protects the mechanism allowing the rotation and power-assistance of the lid from the loads due to road traffic and from the dirt, thus preserving its operating life. Advantageously, the manhole cover is very easy to assemble and disassemble since the lid is built in a substantially vertical position with respect to the ground.

[0059] As shown in the attached figures, the containment seat (9) has at least one proper access opening to allow the insertion of the rotation shaft 8 in the support portions 11a, 11b during the assembly and/or disassembly of the lid 4 on the support frame 2.

[0060] In particular, when the rotation shaft 8 is housed within the support portions 11a, 11b, it is maintained in its position thanks to the substantially arched shape of the support portions 11a, 11b allowing rotation but preventing translation.

[0061] Preferably, in the opening configuration, the coupling element 14 is arranged resting on a portion, preferably the perimeter one, of the containment seat 9 generating a mechanical moment on the second portion 14b which maintains the rotation shaft 8 housed within the support portions 11a, 11b.

[0062] Moreover, the rotational springs 15, acting on the lid 4 and on the support frame 2, contribute to maintaining the rotation shaft within the support portions 11a, 11b.

[0063] In particular, the action that the rotational springs 15 induce on the lid is minimal in the opening condition (wherein the springs are substantially discharged) and assumes, preferably, a maximum value in the closing condition of the manhole cover 1.

[0064] Advantageously, in this way, the disassembly of the lid 4 is performed by maintaining the lid 4 in the opening condition and extracting it from the support portions 11a, 11b in the direction of the access point 2a.

[0065] In other words, while in the passage from an opening condition to a closing condition the lid is rotated on the rotation axis "X" activating the springs 15, during the disassembly the lid is extracted from the support portions 11a, 11b maintaining the springs in a substantially discharged condition.

[0066] Advantageously, the manhole cover 1 do not need to be constrained to the frame by means of screws or bolts, thus facilitating the assembly and disassembly operations of the manhole cover.

[0067] Advantageously, moreover, the rotational spring facilitates the opening and closing operations of the manhole cover by acting suitably against all those forces and/or torques that can make the movement of the lid uncontrolled or dangerous for the operator.

Claims

1. Manhole cover (1) comprising:

- a support frame (2) suitable to delimit an access point (2a) to a well;

- a lid (4) housed in a seat (3) defined by said support frame (2) to define a closing condition of said manhole cover (1);

- pivotal coupling means (7) suitable to rotatably couple said lid (4) to said support frame (2) defining a plurality of operating conditions between said closing condition, wherein said lid (4) is housed in said seat (3), and an at least partial opening condition, wherein said lid (4) is at least partially arranged outside said seat (3); said pivotal coupling means (7) comprising a rotation shaft (8) defining a rotation axis (X) for said lid (4); and

- a containment seat (9), having a walkable protection element (9a), connected to a perimeter portion of said support frame (2), said containment seat (9) being suitable to house at least partially said rotation shaft (8) of said pivotal coupling means (7),

Characterized in that it further comprises a containment body (10) defining said containment seat (9), said containment body (10) comprising:

- a first wall (10a) and a second wall (10b), arranged opposite to each other and connected to said protection element (9a), respectively defining an open support portion (11a, 11b) suitable to support from below said rotation shaft (8), wherein said first and second wall (10a, 10b) respectively have a guiding portion (12a, 12b) suitable to facilitate the insertion of said rotation shaft (8) in said support portions (11a, 11b).

2. Manhole cover according to claim 1, wherein said containment seat (9) has at least one upper backing portion (13) suitable to define a positioning of said rotation shaft (8).

3. Manhole cover according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least one rotational spring (15) rotatably arranged on said rotation shaft (8), said rotational spring (15) being located between said lid (4) and said support frame (2) to determine a rotation of said lid (4) with respect to said supporting frame (2) maintaining said rotation shaft (8) arranged in said containment seat (9).

4. Manhole cover according to claim 3, wherein said rotational spring (15) is made of oxidation-resistant material, preferably stainless steel.

5. Manhole cover according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said pivotal coupling means (7) comprise at least one coupling element (14) having an arched, preferably hooked, shape.

6. Manhole cover according to claim 5, wherein said coupling element (14) has a first portion (14a) connected to said lid (4) and a second portion (14b) suitable to house said rotation shaft (8) to allow a relative rotation between said lid (4) and said support frame (2), said coupling element (14) being suitable to rest on a portion, preferably the perimeter one, of said containment seat (9) in an opening condition of said manhole cover (1) to maintain said rotation axis (8) arranged in said containment seat (9).

7. Manhole cover according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said coupling element (14) is integrally formed with said lid (4).

8. Manhole cover according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said lid (4) is counter-shaped to said seat (3) of said support frame (2).

9. Manhole cover according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising coating means (5) suitable to coat said seat (3) of said support frame (2), said coating means (5) being located on said lid (4) in a closing condition of said manhole cover (1).

10. Manhole cover according to claim 8, wherein said coating means (5) comprise a continuous perimeter gasket suitable to coat said seat (3).

11. Manhole cover according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said lid (4) comprises clamping means (6) suitable to lock said lid (4) in said seat (3) of said support frame (2) in a closing condition of said manhole cover (1).

12. Manhole cover according to claim 11, wherein said clamping means (6) comprise a locking element (6a) suitable to engage in a proper locking seat (6b) obtained in said support frame (2).

13. Manhole cover according to claim 12, wherein said locking seat (6b) defines a recess having a substantially circular shape in order to avoid fatigue deformation cracks.

Ansprüche

1. Mannlochabdeckung (1), umfassend:

- einen Stützrahmen (2), der geeignet ist, einen Zugangspunkt (2a) zu einem Schacht zu begrenzen;

- einen Deckel (4), der in einem durch den Stützrahmen (2) definierten Sitz (3) untergebracht ist, um einen Schließzustand der Mannlochabdeckung (1) zu definieren;

- schwenkbare Kupplungsmittel (7), die geeignet sind, den Deckel (4) drehbar mit dem Stützrahmen (2) zu koppeln, wobei sie eine Vielzahl von Betriebszuständen zwischen dem Schließzustand, in dem der Deckel (4) in dem Sitz (3) untergebracht ist, und einem mindestens teilweisen Öffnungszustand, in dem der Deckel (4) mindestens teilweise außerhalb des Sitzes (3) angeordnet ist, definieren; wobei die schwenkbaren Kupplungsmittel (7) eine Drehwelle (8) umfassen, die eine Drehachse (X) für den Deckel (4) definiert; und

- einen Aufnahmesitz (9) mit einem begehbaren Schutzelement (9a), der mit einem Umfangsabschnitt des Stützrahmens (2) verbunden ist, wobei der Aufnahmesitz (9) geeignet ist, mindestens teilweise die Drehwelle (8) der schwenkbaren Kupplungsmittel (7) aufzunehmen,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie ferner einen Aufnahmekörper (10) umfasst, der den Aufnahmesitz (9) definiert, wobei der Aufnahmekörper (10) umfasst:

- eine erste Wand (10a) und eine zweite Wand (10b), die einander gegenüberliegend angeordnet und mit dem Schutzelement (9a) verbunden sind und jeweils einen offenen Stützabschnitt (11a, 11b) definieren, der geeignet ist, die Drehwelle (8) von unten zu stützen, wobei die erste und zweite Wand (10a, 10b) jeweils einen Führungsabschnitt (12a, 12b) aufweisen, der geeignet ist, das Einführen der Drehwelle (8) in die Stützabschnitte (11a, 11b) zu erleichtern.

2. Mannlochabdeckung nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Aufnahmesitz (9) mindestens einen oberen Stützabschnitt (13) aufweist, der geeignet ist, eine Positionierung der Drehwelle (8) zu definieren.

3. Mannlochabdeckung nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, umfassend mindestens eine Drehfeder (15), die drehbar auf der Drehwelle (8) angeordnet ist, wobei die Drehfeder (15) zwischen dem Deckel (4) und dem Stützrahmen (2) angeordnet ist, um eine Drehung des Deckels (4) in Bezug auf den Stützrahmen (2) zu bestimmen, wobei die Drehwelle (8) in dem Aufnahmesitz (9) angeordnet bleibt.

4. Mannlochabdeckung nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Drehfeder (15) aus oxidationsbeständigem Material, vorzugsweise aus rostfreiem Stahl, hergestellt ist.

5. Mannlochabdeckung nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die schwenkbaren Kupplungsmittel (7) mindestens ein Kupplungselement (14) mit einer gebogenen, vorzugsweise hakenartigen Form aufweisen.

6. Mannlochabdeckung nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Kupplungselement (14) einen ersten Abschnitt (14a), der mit dem Deckel (4) verbunden ist, und einen zweiten Abschnitt (14b) aufweist, der geeignet ist, die Drehwelle (8) aufzunehmen, um eine relative Drehung zwischen dem Deckel (4) und dem Stützrahmen (2) zu ermöglichen, wobei das Kupplungselement (14) geeignet ist, in einem Öffnungszustand der Mannlochabdeckung (1) auf einem Abschnitt, vorzugsweise dem Umfang, des Aufnahmesitzes (9) aufzuliegen, um die Drehachse (8) in dem Aufnahmesitz (9) angeordnet zu halten.

7. Mannlochabdeckung nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei das Kupplungselement (14) einstückig mit dem Deckel (4) ausgebildet ist.

8. Mannlochabdeckung nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Deckel (4) gegenförmig zum Sitz (3) des Stützrahmens (2) geformt ist.

9. Mannlochabdeckung nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, umfassend Beschichtungsmittel (5), die geeignet sind, den Sitz (3) des Stützrahmens (2) zu beschichten, wobei die Beschichtungsmittel (5) in einem Schließzustand der Mannlochabdeckung (1) auf dem Deckel (4) angeordnet sind.

10. Mannlochabdeckung nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Beschichtungsmittel (5) eine durchgehende Umfangsdichtung umfassen, die geeignet ist, den Sitz (3) zu beschichten.

11. Mannlochabdeckung nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Deckel (4) Klemmmittel (6) aufweist, die geeignet sind, den Deckel (4) in dem Sitz (3) des Stützrahmens (2) in einem Schließzustand der Mannlochabdeckung (1) zu verriegeln.

12. Mannlochabdeckung nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Klemmmittel (6) ein Verriegelungselement (6a) umfassen, das geeignet ist, in einen geeigneten Verriegelungssitz (6b) einzugreifen, der in dem Stützrahmen (2) erhalten ist.

13. Mannlochabdeckung nach Anspruch 12, wobei der Verriegelungssitz (6b) eine Ausnehmung mit einer im Wesentlichen kreisförmigen Form definiert, um Ermüdungsverformungsrisse zu vermeiden.

Revendications

1. Couvercle de regard (1) comprenant :

- un cadre de support (2) apte à délimiter un point d'accès (2a) à un puits ;

- un couvercle (4) logé dans un siège (3) défini par ledit cadre de support (2) pour définir une condition de fermeture dudit couvercle de regard (1) ;

- un moyen d'accouplement pivotant (7) apte à accoupler de manière rotative ledit couvercle (4) audit cadre de support (2) en définissant une pluralité de conditions de fonctionnement entre ladite condition de fermeture, dans laquelle ledit couvercle (4) est logé dans ledit siège (3), et une condition d'ouverture au moins partielle, dans laquelle ledit couvercle (4) est au moins partiellement disposé à l'extérieur dudit siège (3) ; ledit moyen d'accouplement pivotant (7) comprenant un arbre de rotation (8) définissant un axe de rotation (X) pour ledit couvercle (4) ; et

- un siège de confinement (9), doté d'un élément de protection praticable (9a), relié à une partie du périmètre dudit cadre de support (2), ledit siège de confinement (9) étant apte à loger au moins partiellement ledit arbre de rotation (8) dudit moyen d'accouplement pivotant (7),

caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre un corps de confinement (10) définissant ledit siège de confinement (9), ledit corps de confinement (10) comprenant :

- une première paroi (10a) et une deuxième paroi (10b), disposées opposées l'une à l'autre et reliées audit élément de protection (9a), définissant respectivement une partie de support ouverte (11a, 11b) apte à supporter par le bas ledit arbre de rotation (8), dans laquelle lesdites première et deuxième parois (10a, 10b) présentent respectivement une partie de guidage (12a, 12b) apte à faciliter l'insertion dudit arbre de rotation (8) dans lesdites parties support (11a, 11b).

2. Couvercle de regard selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit siège de confinement (9) comporte au moins une partie supérieure d'appui (13) apte à définir un positionnement dudit arbre de rotation (8).

3. Couvercle de regard selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant au moins un ressort de rotation (15) disposé de manière rotative sur ledit arbre de rotation (8), ledit ressort de rotation (15) étant situé entre ledit couvercle (4) et ledit cadre de support (2) pour déterminer une rotation dudit couvercle (4) par rapport audit cadre de support (2) en maintenant ledit arbre de rotation (8) disposé dans ledit siège de confinement (9).

4. Couvercle de regard selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ledit ressort de rotation (15) est constitué d'un matériau résistant à l'oxydation, de préférence de l'acier inoxydable.

5. Couvercle de regard selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit moyen d'accouplement pivotant (7) comprend au moins un élément d'accouplement (14) présentant une forme arquée, de préférence en crochet.

6. Couvercle de regard selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit élément d'accouplement (14) comporte une première partie (14a) reliée audit couvercle (4) et une deuxième partie (14b) apte à loger ledit axe de rotation (8) pour permettre une rotation relative entre ledit couvercle (4) et ledit cadre de support (2), ledit élément d'accouplement (14) étant apte à reposer sur une partie, de préférence celle du périmètre, dudit siège de confinement (9) dans une condition d'ouverture dudit couvercle de regard (1) pour maintenir ledit axe de rotation (8) disposé dans ledit siège de confinement (9).

7. Couvercle de regard selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel ledit élément d'accouplement (14) est formé intégralement avec ledit couvercle (4).

8. Couvercle de regard selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit couvercle (4) est de forme opposée audit siège (3) dudit cadre de support (2).

9. Couvercle de regard selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant un moyen de revêtement (5) apte à revêtir ledit siège (3) dudit cadre de support (2), ledit moyen de revêtement (5) étant situé sur ledit couvercle (4) dans une condition de fermeture dudit couvercle de regard (1).

10. Couvercle de regard selon la revendication 8, dans lequel ledit moyen de revêtement (5) comprend un joint périphérique continu apte à recouvrir ledit siège (3).

11. Couvercle de regard selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit couvercle (4) comprend un moyen de serrage (6) apte à verrouiller ledit couvercle (4) dans ledit siège (3) dudit cadre de support (2) dans une condition de fermeture dudit couvercle de regard (1).

12. Couvercle de regard selon la revendication 11, dans lequel ledit moyen de serrage (6) comprend un élément de verrouillage (6a) apte à s'engager dans un siège de verrouillage approprié (6b) obtenu dans ledit cadre de support (2).

13. Couvercle de regard selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ledit siège de verrouillage (6b) définit un renfoncement de forme sensiblement circulaire afin d'éviter les fissures de déformation de fatigue.

Drawing