Systems and Methods of Providing a Notched Cover

Abstract

Example embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods of providing a notched cover include a lid for an underground vault for temporary use while the permanent lid to the underground vault is removed. In an example application, this underground vault lid would facilitate fiber maintenance in that the fiber optic cables may be maintained through the lid while protecting the public and the utility company employees from the danger of injury due to an “open hole in the ground” that is created when an underground vault is open. The disclosed systems and methods of providing a notched lid may include a temporary vault lid comprising a small opening relative to the size of the lid, the opening allowing the fiber optic cable to exit the vault while maintaining the pedestrian integrity of the vault lid, thereby reducing and/or eliminating the safety risk associated with the exposed vault.

1 . A system comprising:
 a utility vault comprising utility equipment; and   a vault lid comprising a notched opening for providing access to the vault with the lid in place on the vault.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the vault lid is a temporary vault lid used in place of a permanent vault lid. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the permanent vault lid does not have a notched opening. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the temporary vault lid is lighter than the permanent vault lid. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the vault lid is a single piece. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the notched opening is located in a corner of the vault lid. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the vault lid comprises a plurality of pieces. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the notched opening is located in each of the plurality of pieces of the vault lid. 
     
     
         9 . A system comprising:
 a vault lid, the vault lid comprising a notched opening for providing access to the vault with the lid in place on the vault.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the vault lid is a temporary vault lid used in place of a permanent vault lid. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the permanent vault lid does not have a notched opening. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the temporary vault lid is lighter than the permanent vault lid. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the vault lid is a single piece. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the notched opening is located in a corner of the vault lid. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the vault lid comprises a plurality of pieces. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the notched opening is located in each of the plurality of pieces of the vault lid. 
     
     
         17 . A method, comprising:
 removing a utility vault cover; and   replacing the utility vault cover with a temporary vault lid comprising a notched opening for providing access to the vault with the lid in place on the vault.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the vault lid is a temporary vault lid used in place of a permanent vault lid. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the permanent vault lid does not have a notched opening. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the temporary vault lid is lighter than the permanent vault lid.