Supplemental cover apparatus and method for access openings

Abstract

A supplemental access cover is adapted to cover an access cover. The supplemental access cover includes a layer of material having a thickness in the range of 0.01 inch to 1.5 inches, and an apparatus for attaching the layer of material to the access cover. A method for paving uses the supplemental access cover. The method includes locating an access cover within an area to be paved, attaching a supplemental cover to the access cover, and paving over the access cover and the supplemental cover. The method for paving also includes relocating the access cover, and removing the supplemental cover from the access cover.

1 . A method for paving comprising:
 locating an access cover within an area to be paved;   attaching a supplemental cover to the access cover;   paving over the access cover and the supplemental cover;   relocating the access cover; and   removing supplemental cover from the access cover.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein removing the supplemental cover from the access cover includes removing a layer of paving material positioned over the supplemental cover and the access cover. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising reusing the supplemental cover. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover includes associating a magnetic material with the supplemental cover. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover includes placing an adhesive between the supplemental cover and the access cover. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover includes placing a releasable adhesive between the supplemental cover and the access cover. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein attaching the supplemental cover to the access cover includes mechanically fastening the supplemental cover to the access cover. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein relocating the access cover includes locating the access cover with a metal detecting apparatus. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein relocating the access cover includes visually locating the supplemental access cover. 
     
     
         10 . A supplemental access cover adapted to cover an access cover comprising:
 a layer of material having a thickness in the range of 0.01 inch to 1.5 inches, the layer of material sized to substantially cover a major surface of the access cover; and   an apparatus for attaching the layer of material to the access cover.   
     
     
         11 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus for attaching a layer of material to the access cover includes at least one magnet. 
     
     
         12 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 11  wherein the layer of material includes a cavity therein, the cavity sized to receive the at least one magnet. 
     
     
         13 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 11  wherein the layer of material includes a plurality of cavities therein, the plurality of cavities holding the at least one magnetic device. 
     
     
         14 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus for attaching the layer of material includes magnetic tape. 
     
     
         15 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus for attaching the layer of material includes an adhesive. 
     
     
         16 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus for attaching the layer of material includes a mechanical fastener. 
     
     
         17 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 10  wherein the layer of material has a density that is less than the density of the access cover. 
     
     
         18 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 10  wherein the layer of material has a size slightly larger than a major surface of the access cover. 
     
     
         19 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 10  wherein the layer of material is formed of a material of a visible color. 
     
     
         20 . The supplemental access cover of  claim 10  wherein the layer of material is sufficiently durable to withstand being covered with asphalt a plurality of times.