Secure Access Port System

Abstract

A secure access port cover system comprises a cover and an access tool. The cover includes a base and one or more lids that are locked and unlocked via manipulation of a mechanical locking system housed within the interior of the base. A relatively small control port in the base provides access to the internal locking system. However, a specially adapted access tool is required to manipulate the internal locking system and move it between its locked and unlocked positions. Correspondingly, the access tool in one or more embodiments is a restricted-use item and not readily available to the public at large. Because the internal locking system can be manipulated only with the access tool, those not in possession of the access tool are unable to unlock the cover's lid(s) and unauthorized access to the underlying manhole or other access port is thereby prevented.

1 . A secure access port cover system for securing an access port, said system comprising:
 a cover for covering the access port, said cover including a base for mounting to a surface surrounding the access port, and a lid that is coupled to the base and is movable between an open position wherein the underlying access port is exposed and a closed position wherein the underlying access port is covered;   said base including an internal locking system positioned within an interior of the cover and configured to be movable between locked and unlocked positions via manipulation by a specially adapted tool, for locking and unlocking the lid, and wherein, when the lid occupies the closed position, the internal locking system is accessible only through a small opening provided by a control port included in the cover; and   an access tool serving as said specially adapted tool, wherein the access tool includes a lock engagement head at one end that is configured for inserting through the control port and engaging the internal locking system to lock and unlock the lid.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes a mounting lip within the interior of the cover, and wherein the mounting lip includes one or more mounting holes, such that mounting hardware used to secure the base to the ground or another mounting service is accessible only when the lid is opened and the interior of the cover is exposed. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the lid includes a lip running around at least a portion of the perimeter of the lid, and wherein the lip projects vertically downward from the lid into the interior of the cover when the lid occupies the closed position, to prevent insertion of prying devices under an edge of the lid. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the access tool includes a tee-shaped lifting tip at its other end, wherein the lifting tip is configured for insertion into a slot in the lid and rotation within the slot to engage an underside of the lid, for lifting the lid open. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the access tool comprises an elongated member having a rigid section terminating in the lock engagement head at one end of the access tool, and a flexible section terminating in a lifting tip at the other end of the access tool, wherein the lifting tip is configured for insertion into the lid, for lifting the lid open. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes a lid stop that is configured to permit the lid to swing open to an angle in excess of ninety-degrees, such that gravity holds the lid in the open position, assuming that the base is mounted to a substantially horizontal surface. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the lid includes a torsion spring hinge, to aid opening the lid and to prevent accidental closure of the lid. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the internal locking system comprises:
 a locking rod that is configured to slide back and forth between the locked and unlocked positions;   an actuator pin rigidly coupled to the locking rod and aligned with the opening provided by the control port, and configured to be engaged by the lock engagement head of the access tool inserted through the control port, for sliding the locking rod back and forth via pushing and pulling on the access tool; and   a locking pin rigidly coupled to the locking rod and configured to lock the lid by moving into engagement with the lid when the lid occupies the closed position and the locking rod is slid into the locked position, and is configured to unlock the lid by disengaging from the lid when the lid occupies the close position and the locking rod is slid into the unlocked position.   
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the lock engagement head of the access tool includes a slotted opening that is configured to slide over and, via rotation of the access tool, temporarily capture the actuator pin, for sliding the locking rod back and forth via the access tool. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein one or more first tabs are fixedly mounted within the interior of the cover, and wherein one or more second tabs are fixedly mounted to an underside of the lid in a position that brings them into alignment with the first tabs when the lid occupies the closed position, and wherein the locking pin engages with and locks the lid by projecting through aligned openings in the first and second tabs, upon the locking rod being slid into the locked position. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is hingedly mounted to the base via one or more hinge pedestals that are exposed when the lid occupies the opened position, wherein the hinge pedestals are removably fastened to the base to allow for removal or installation of the lid. 
   
   
       13 . A secure access port cover for securing an access port, said cover comprising:
 a base for mounting to a surface surrounding the access port;   a lid that is coupled to the base and is movable between an open position wherein the underlying access port is exposed and a closed position wherein the underlying access port is covered; and   wherein said base includes an internal locking system positioned within an interior of the cover and configured to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, for locking and unlocking the lid, and wherein, when the lid occupies the closed position, the internal locking system is accessible only through a small opening provided by a control port included in the cover.   
   
   
       14 . The cover of  claim 13 , wherein the internal locking system comprises a locking rod that is slidably mounted within the interior of the cover, and is configured to be pushed and pulled between the locked and unlocked positions via a tool inserted through the control port. 
   
   
       15 . The cover of  claim 14 , wherein the locking rod includes a locking pin that engages the lid, thereby mechanically locking the lid to the base, when the lid occupies the closed position and the locking rod is slid into the locked position. 
   
   
       16 . The cover of  claim 14 , wherein the locking rod includes an actuator pin fixed at one end of the locking rod, said actuator pin aligned with the opening provided by the control port and configured to be engaged by the tool inserted through the control port, for pushing and pulling the locking rod, to slide the locking rod back and forth between the locked and unlocked positions.