Title

Road Hole Cover

Field of the Invention The present specification provides road or trench covers of the type used to temporarily cover a single access hole or trench formed in a path or road.

Background

It is well known that pathways or roads may require the digging of a trench or formation of a single access hole for example, to lay or install services and/or for access to the services. During the periods when the hole or trench is open and that work is continuing on the services it is desirable to provide for a temporary covering of that hole or trench. Trench or road covers such as those described in my earlier application WO02084033 are known for this purpose. While such trench or road covers are suitable for a wide variety of trenches, there are limitations with regard to the size of trench that may be covered. Depending on the services and types of components to be installed under a road or pathway increasingly large trench openings are often required.

Issues in covering relatively large trenches include the requirement for a covering means that meets strength and stability requirements, adequately bears weight, and distributes loads across a relatively large span open trench or hole.

In one prior art approach a heavyweight metal sheet cover may be placed temporarily across such a trench and supported by an overlap of lower surface peripheral portions of the sheet with the supporting ground surfaces around the periphery of the trench. This is typically retained in position by providing a retaining portion of asphalt around the perimeter of the sheet. However, problems with this approach include for example, difficulty in handling, storing, transporting and installing the sheet cover due to the necessary heavy weight of the component. It is often also difficult for users to remove the temporary sheet cover to gain access to the services. More than one operator would normally be required to move such a cover. There may often be safety issues with such an arrangement depending on how the sheet cover rests or interfaces with the surface surrounding the trench and further constraints and limitations in the size of the sheet cover will result in constraints in the size of holes and trenches and vice versa.

There are other cases in which it may be necessary to provide a temporary cover for an access hole. It is known that permanent covers may be provided to cover permanent access holes. These covers are normally removable to enable access to the services via the access hole and replaceable to cover and secure the hole to ensure that the road or pathway is safe for users. However, overtime and due to wear and tear, the access cover may become worn, collapse, or may be otherwise damaged or removed, necessitating provision of a replacement cover. Normally a collapsed missing, worn or damaged access cover will need to be replaced with urgency to secure the access hole and remove any potential risk or danger to users.

Access holes are provided in various sizes and configurations for example, as single, double or treble access holes of dimensions of 600 x 600mm, 600 x 1200mm and 600 x 1800mm respectively, for example. Heretofore providers may have endeavoured to maintain a stock of temporary covers in the form of steel plates of the various sizes for use, as required. There are problems associated with such an approach, for example, storage and transport requirements for a relatively large number of steel plate covers, and of course the inevitable problem that the provider may run out of steel plate covers of a particular size possibly leading to delays in securing a collapsed or damaged access hole. It may then be necessary to cordon or otherwise close off a portion of the road or pathway until the access hole can be secured. As the deployment of these known temporary cover typically requires use of a large truck to carry and lower the cover - the cover itself being a large and heavy structure- onto the hole, this can cause delays in traffic arising from traffic management situations.

For these reasons and others there is a need for an improved road cover system.

Summary

These problems and others are addressed by a road hole cover assembly provided in accordance with the present specification for covering holes or openings in a road surface, the assembly comprising a first support member and at least one covering plate which are operable together to cover a hole, wherein the support member has an elongate form and is configured such that in use it may be orientated in a first longitudinal direction relative to the hole, the support member having a lower surface which in use is arranged proximal to and in contact with the ground peripheral to the hole, and having fixing means to enable fixing of the support member to the ground peripheral to the hole, the support member further comprising a plurality of spaced apart connection members for coupling to a corresponding connection member of a covering plate, and wherein in use at least one covering plate is coupled to the support member, a coupling of the covering plate to the support member effecting a securing of the hole covering plate relative to the road surface and a covering of the hole, the covering plates being oriented and arranged together with the support to span the hole in a second transverse direction.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a hole cover assembly for covering holes or openings in a road surface, the assembly comprising a support member configured for coupling to first and second hole covering plates, the plates being coupled on opposite sides of the support member to define a cover for a hole.

Preferably, the support member is oriented in use to span the hole is a first longitudinal direction and the covering plates on opposite sides of the support member are oriented and arranged together with the support to span the hole in a second transverse direction.

The arrangement provides for excellent load bearing and weight distribution over a relatively large hole, the assembly being arranged to contact the ground proximal to the hole on all sides. The support member is preferably a reinforced member of high strength which overlies the ground on first and second sides of the hole directly facilitating distribution of load therethrough.

In one embodiment the support member comprises a reinforced beam of elongate form having first and second longitudinal side walls, front and rear lateral side ends and upper and lower surfaces. Preferably the lower surface of the support member near the lateral ends define ground engaging portions which in use directly overlap and engage the ground peripheral to the hole.

In another embodiment the support member comprises fixing arms located near and oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the support for fixing the support to the ground.

The fixing members provide a very secure fixing of the support to the ground to hold the assembly securely and safely in place against movement or any lifting forces.

In a further embodiment the covering plates are pivotably coupled to the support member. The covering plates comprise an elongate form having a first connection end which in use is arranged proximal the support member and a second distal ground engaging end which is use engages the ground peripheral to the hole.

The pivotable coupling between the plates and support provides for the plates to be pivoted relative to the ground to take account of any camber or bumpiness and provides for an improved and safe covering. In one embodiment, the covering plates comprise a connector for connection to the support member. The support member having a plurality of connectors located along opposite longitudinal side walls wherein adjacent connectors are spaced apart to define a seat for receiving a corresponding connector of a covering plate. In a preferred embodiment he connectors comprise connector sleeves of substantially cylindrical form, the assembly further comprising a fixing pin for insertion through corresponding connector sleeves of the covering plate and support member to secure covering plates to the support member as required. Each covering plate may be pivotable about the connection between the connector sleeve and fixing pin.

In a further embodiment first and second ramp portions locatable adjacent to the front and rearward facing lateral ends of the assembly of the support and covering plates to define a ramp for vehicles or users passing onto and off the cover assembly. The ramp portion comprising a low profile leading/trailing edge to be presented to user rolling onto and off the cover assembly. The ramp slopes upwardly from the leading/trailing edge to a rear side wall or end.

The ramp portion may have a hemispherical form comprising a curved leading/trailing edge and the rear side wall may be configured to abut the front or rearward facing lateral ends of the assembly of the support and covering plates. The ramp portion is comprised of two quadrant portions configured for assembly.

The ramp portion and the covering plates effectively act together to provide ramp features on all sides.

In a further embodiment the cover assembly has an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being presented to users passing over the cover wherein the upper surface comprises skid resistant covering or means. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a temporary access hole cover system for temporarily covering access holes or openings in a road surface to facilitate repair of the road surface, the system comprising: a first support member configured for attachment to the road surface along one side of the access hole or opening, at least one hole covering plate, the hole covering plate being dimensioned to extend across the hole or opening, and wherein the hole covering plate and support member are configured to allow coupling therebetween, a coupling of the hole covering plate to the support member effecting a securing of the hole covering plate relative to the road surface and a covering of the hole.

In one arrangement the first support member is operably secured to the road surface in a direction parallel with the direction of traffic on that road surface. In another the first support member is operably secured to the road surface in a direction perpendicular with the direction of traffic on that road surface.

There may be provided a second support member configured for attachment to the road surface along a second side of the access hole or opening, the second support member and hole covering plate being configured to allow coupling therebetween to effect a securing of the hole covering plate to both the first and second support members such that the hole covering plate operably spans across the access hole or opening between the first and second support members.

In one arrangement the system may comprise a plurality of hole covering plates configured for individual coupling to the first support member and which may be configured for individual coupling to each of the first and second support members. The first and second support members may be configured such that in use they are orientated to first and second sides of the hole in a first longitudinal direction to define side support members, with the coupled covering plates being orientated and arranged together with the support to span the hole in a second transverse direction.

In one arrangement the support members comprise bars of elongate form having upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface being arranged, in use, proximal to and in contact with the ground peripheral to the hole. The support members may comprise fixing means to enable them to be fixed to the ground peripheral to the hole. The upper surfaces of the support members may comprise a plurality of spaced apart connection members for coupling to the cover plates. Preferably, the connection members comprise protrusions, for protruding studs or bolts. Preferably, the at least one cover plate comprises first and second cover plate connection members located near the lateral side ends for coupling to the first support member. The cover plate connection members preferably comprise through holes configured to receive corresponding support member protrusions, most preferably, the cover plate receivers or through holes are of dimensions greater than the support member protrusions to enable some limited movement between the cover plates and support members for the dissipation of forces.

In one arrangement the system comprises first and second end members connectable to lateral ends of the first and second side support members at joint to define a closed support frame which in use is positioned to surround the access hole to be covered. The first and second end members may be configured such that in use they define leading and trailing ends of the frame being oriented in a second transverse direction relative to the support members. Preferably, the end members comprise a curved form or a substantially hemispherical form.

The side support members and end members and the joints may be configured to maintain the side support members at a fixed separation dimensioned to be greater than the width of the hole to be covered. Preferably, the leading/trailing edge portions comprise reflective means.

In another arrangement the system may comprise a ramp having an upper ramped surface which in use is located proximal to users and a lower support or ground contacting surface. The upper surface may ramped from a leading edge portion to a raised portion which in use is arranged proximal the cover portion of the system to convey users from the supporting surface to the cover portion Preferably, the ramp is configured such that the raised portion lies substantially at the level of the top surface of the cover plates seated thereon. Preferably, the ramp is formed to co-operate with the end portions of the frame. The leading edge of the ramp comprises a curved form or a hemispherical form. Preferably, the leading/trailing edges members of the frame define a seat for holding the ramp in place between the end members of the frame and the covering portion. In a preferred arrangement the side support members and end members of the frame comprise steel bars of low profile form.

In one arrangement the cover plate comprises a central hole covering portion and a wing portion arranged pivotable relative to the central hole covering portion, preferably, the wing comprises a ground engaging proximal portion and a ground engaging portion distal portion or tip, most preferably, the pivoting of the wing relative to the central covering portion effects a change in the relative orientation of the central trench covering portion to the tip of the wing. In one arrangement the pivoting of the wing enables the tip to be brought into contact with the ground, to provide a ramp along each side of the cover portion.

According to a further aspect there is provided an access hole cover system comprising a support portion and a cover portion, the support portion having first and second side members for operably positioning to first and second longitudinal sides of the access hole to be covered, the cover portion comprising one or more cover plates operably coupled side by side at first and second lateral ends thereof to the first and second side members to extend transversely between the side members to define the cover portion, the side bars and cover plates having corresponding support and cover plate connection members.

In one arrangement the first and second end members connectable between the first and second side members to define a frame for operably positioning to surround the access hole to be covered.

Preferably, the first and second end members define leading and trailing edge portions of the frame. Preferably, the end members are connectable to the side members at joints to define a closed frame. The side members and end members and the joints are preferably configured to maintain the side members at a fixed separation dimensioned to be greater than the width of the hole to be covered. In a preferred arrangement the end members have a curved form to define curved leading/trailing edge portions. The leading/trailing edge portions comprise a substantially hemispherical form and may further comprise reflective means.

In one arrangement the system may further comprise a ramp having an upper ramped surface which in use is located proximal to users and a lower support or ground contacting surface. The upper surface is preferably ramped from a leading edge portion to a raised portion which in use is arranged proximal the cover portion of the system to convey users from the supporting surface to the cover portion.

The ramp may be configured such that the raised portion lies substantially at the level of the top surface of the cover plates seated thereon. The ramp may be formed to co-operate with the end portions of the frame. The leading edge of the ramp may comprise a curved for or a hemispherical form. Preferably, the leading/trailing edges portions of the frame define a seat for holding the ramp in place between the end members of the frame and the covering portion.

The side members may comprise a lower surface configured to contact the ground or supporting surface and an upper surface, wherein the connection members are provided on the upper surface. The support connection members may comprise protrusions or studs. Preferably, the support connection members are spaced apart by distances corresponding to the separation of corresponding connection members on adjacent cover plates. Preferably, the cover plates are arranged to the cover the access hole in a direction transverse to the axis of the hole or the direction of travel of users. The cover plates may comprise a lower surface which in use is proximal to the hole to be cover and an upper surface which is exposed, the upper surface may comprise a skid resistant surface. In one arrangement the cover plate connection members may comprise first and second connection holes located and formed for connection to the corresponding support connection members. Preferably, the cover plate connection members are oversized or of greater dimensions than the corresponding support connection members. The cover plates may further comprise corresponding side connectors for the inter-connection of adjacent plates side by side.

According to a further aspect there is provided an access hole cover kit comprising: - frame side members and end members which are configured for assembly to define a frame dimensioned to comfortably surround the access hole(s) to be covered,

- one or more cover plates, the cover plates being configured for coupling between the frame side members operably located on first and second longitudinal sides of the access hole(s) to extend transversely across the hole,

- the frame side members and the cover plates comprising corresponding connection members. In one arrangement the kit comprises ramp portions operably located to the leading and trailing edges of the access hole to be covered.

According to another aspect there is provided an access hole cover system for covering access holes or openings in a road surface, the assembly comprising a frame having first and second side members and first and second end members configured for coupling to one or more hole covering plates, the plates being coupled between the side members to define a cover for a hole.

Preferably, the first and second side members are configured such that in use they are orientated to first and second sides of the hole in a first longitudinal direction to define side support members, with the coupled covering plates being orientated and arranged together with the support to span the hole in a second transverse direction.

Preferably, the side members comprise bars of elongate form having upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface being arranged, in use, proximal to and in contact with the ground peripheral to the hole. The side or end members may comprise fixing means to enable them to be fixed to the ground peripheral to the hole and the upper surfaces of the side members may comprise a plurality of spaced apart connection members for coupling to the cover plates.

These and other features of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings which follow which are provided to assist in an understanding of the teaching of the specification and are not to be construed as limiting in any fashion.

Brief Description Of The Drawings The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view from the above of a road cover assembly in accordance with an arrangement of the present specification;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of support portion of the road cover assembly;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing detail of the connector arrangement on a portion of the support member, the connectors are arranged on both of the longitudinal sides of the support and a connecting pin is provided for threading through the connectors;

Figs. 4 and 5 are perspective views of portions of the road cover assembly of Figs. 1 to 3 showing the coupling of road cover plates to the support member by means of connectors provided on the road cover plates and on the support member, and threading of the connector pin through the corresponding connectors;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a detail of the assembly with cover plates arranged side by side on opposite longitudinal sides of the support;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a the components of a road cover assembly according to an embodiment of the specification showing a support and covering plates for assembly/coupling to the support;

Fig. 8 is an illustration of the cover assembly located over a hole in a road or pathway; and

Figs. 9 and 10 show detailed views of a cover plate of an arrangement according to the present description.

Figure 11 is a partially cut-away top plan view of an access cover system in accordance with an alternative arrangement of the present application;

Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are plans views from above and the side respectively of the side frame portion of the access cover system of Fig. 11 ; Fig. 13 is a plan view from above frame and ramp components of the entry and exit portions of the system of Fig. 11 ; Figs.14 (a) and 14(b) are cross-section views from the side of the frame and ramp components of Fig. 13 along the line A-A; and

Fig.15 is a perspective view of an exemplary cover plate of the system of Fig. 11 ; and Figs. 16(a) and 16(b) are views of an exemplary cover plate according to an alternative arrangement; and

Figs. 17(a) and 17(b) are views of an exemplary cover plate according to a further arrangement.

Detailed Description Of The Drawings

The teaching of the present invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof which are provided to assist with an understanding of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting in any way. It will be appreciated that modifications can be made to the exemplary arrangements which follow without departing from the scope of the invention which is only to be limited insofar as is deemed necessary in the light of the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings and in particular Fig. 1 and 8 a road cover assembly 100 for covering a hole in a road for example, a single access hole 200 in a road, comprises a support member 110 and a plurality of hole covering plates 130. The support member is configured for coupling two or more covering plates on opposite sides thereof so that the support member and opposed covering plates together cover the trench or single access hole. Within the present specification the terms trench and single access hole will be used interchangeably and while a trench may be considered to have an extended longitudinal dimension relative to a single access hole it will be appreciated that each share the common feature of a hole in the road or path surface. The cover assembly of the present teaching serves to temporarily cover that hole. Furthermore where the use of the cover assembly is described with reference to a road, it will be understood that utility operators often also require access to services below pathways and gain access through provision of a hole in the pathway. The cover assembly of the present teaching can be equally used within the context of covering holes or openings in the pathway.

The cover assembly comprises a support member 110 which is in use located across an open hole in a first longitudinal direction. The hole may be considered as having four sides. The support member has a length sufficient to span the open hole from a first to a second side of the hole such that first and second end portions of the support member are supported on the road surface. A central portion of the support member extends therefore across the trench from a first side to a second side thereof.

The support member is configured to couple to one or more covering plates 130. On positioning of the support member across the hole, the covering plates may then be coupled to the support member. The coupling arrangement provides on coupling for the cover plates to extend transverse to the longitudinal axis of the support member. The cover plates are coupled at a first end to the support member and have a length sufficient to extend across the hole away from the support member so as to be supported at a second end by the road surface. Covering plates 130 are desirably coupled to each of the two sides of the support member such that on final assembly one or more cover plates extend from each side of a support member which is bisecting a trench to opposite sides of the hole. In this way the final cover assembly is supported on four sides of the hole.

It will be understood that in use the covering plates are arranged at opposite sides of the support member to extend in opposite directions of the support substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the support member. In this way the support member covers the hole in a first direction and the covering plates cover hole in a second transverse direction. Further ramp portions 170 are located adjacent or proximal to the first and second ends of the ends of the support member 110. Typically the support member is arranged parallel to a central median of the road such that its longitudinal axis is parallel with the direction of traffic on that road. In such an arrangement the ramp portions may be considered as being provided at lead in and lead out portions of the hole- depending on the direction of traffic.

Portions of the cover assembly 100 which in use are exposed or presented to the user preferably comprise a skid resistant finish. For example, the upper surfaces of the covering plates preferably comprise a skid resistant finish, and the upper surfaces of the support and the ramp portions may comprise a covering of skid resistant tiles or other skid resistant finish. The skid resistant covering may be provided integral to the cover assembly components or for assembly thereto.

Referring to the drawings and in particular Figs. 2 to 4, the support member 110 and covering plates 130 are described.

The support member 110 comprises an elongate form having longitudinal first and second side walls 111 and 112, front and rear lateral side ends 113 and 114 and upper and lower surfaces 115 and 116. The support member 110 comprises a reinforced metal support preferably of beam form and having a substantially rectangular lateral cross-section and may further comprise reinforcing ribs or members. The beam is preferably of reinforced steel. The support member or beam provides the main load bearing and distribution of the assembly. The support member has a load bearing of 8 to 10 tonnes.

When the support member 110 is arranged across a trench the ends are arranged to rest on the ground at the periphery of the trench to support it in place. The support member is coupled to fixing arms 117, 118, 119 and 120 located near each of the lateral side ends 113, 114. The fixing arms are offset from the longitudinal axis of the support member and are arranged to extend outwardly at an angle thereto and/or to the lateral side ends 113 and 114. The fixing arms are connected to the support member at a first proximal end and are provided with fixing holes 121 near their distal ends. In use the support member 110 may be fixed to a ground surface by inserting fixing means for example bolts or pins through the fixing holes 121 into the ground. In the exemplary embodiment, the fixing arms are arranged at an angle of the order of 135 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the support, in preferred embodiments the arms may be at an angle of between 135 and 180 to the lateral ends and most preferably at 180 degrees or at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the beam. The angular orientation of the arms relative to the beam provides excellent stability in the fixing and prevents movement of the support means relative to the trench or hole. The relative angular arrangement of arms to provide secure fixing and support prevents the beam from moving or lifting from the fixed position.

The support member 110 comprises a plurality of connectors 125 located along both the first and second longitudinal side walls 111 and 112. The connectors 125 comprise a substantially cylindrical sleeve form configured for receiving a corresponding pin 160. The pin 160 is elongated and arranged so that it may be threaded through all connectors provided along the longitudinal side edges of the support. In the case that a long support member of the order of 2-3m is being used then two connection pins may be provided for example, for threading from opposite directions. Adjacent connectors 125 are spaced apart to define a gap or seat 126 for receiving a corresponding covering plate connector 150. Connectors located near the lateral side ends of the support member may be shorter than the others.

A web or rib 128 may be provided at the side walls 111 , 112 located below the connector sleeves 125. The web or rib is arranged to project relative to the walls and act to support the connectors of the arrangement and to assist in alignment of connector sleeves 150 to the connector sleeves 125 during assembly. The web 128 may be formed integrally to the beam. The connectors 125 may be formed to the beam for example, by welding, the connectors for example, may comprise cylindrical sleeves having walls of the order of 5mm in thickness.

Referring to the drawings in particular Figs. 1 , 4 to 8, the covering plates 130 comprise a central hole covering portion 131 arranged to span a portion of the hole between the support member 110 and ground at the periphery of the hole or trench. Covering plates 130 are connectable to the support at a proximal support connection end 132, and engage the ground at a distal ground engaging end 133. The covering plates 130 comprise an upper surface 134 which in use is presented to the user and a lower surface 135 which in use faces and is proximal to the hole and ground. Referring to Fig. 5 the covering plate 130 comprises a plate connector 150 located at the connection end 132 on the lower surface 135 thereof. The connector 150 comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve form.

The gap or seat 126 defined by adjacent support member connectors 125 is dimensioned to accommodate the plate connector 150 in a close fitting relationship and assists with alignment of the corresponding connectors 125 and 150 to facilitate ease of insertion of the holding pin 160 through adjacent connectors 125, 150 from one lateral end to the other. The connectors 125, 150 are arranged such that when aligned and fixed in place a close connection is maintained to prevent undue tolerance or movement in the longitudinal direction at the points of connection.

The covering plates 130 are desirably pivotably connectable to the support member 110, the cover plate connector sleeve 150 being pivotable about the holding pin 160. The pivotable arrangement is advantageous from the point of view of the user as it facilitates pivoting of the covering plates between an open position and a hole covering position when the distal end engages the ground at the periphery of the hole the pivoting arrangement enables pivoting of the covering plates to take account of the camber or any bump in the road on either side of the main support. Ramp portions 170 are locatable adjacent to the front and rearward facing lateral ends of the assembly of the support 110 and covering plates 130 to define a ramp for vehicles or users passing onto and over the hole cover assembly 100. Referring to Figs. 1 and 8 the ramp portion 170 presents a low profile leading/trailing edge 171 to users rolling onto and off the cover assembly. The ramp portion 170 slopes gently upwardly from the leading/trailing edge in the direction of the support defining a substantially linear back edge 172 arranged to abut the ends of the lateral ends of the support 110 and covering plate 130 assembly.

The ramp portion is fixable directly to the road surface which it overlies, fixing points being provided as required to provide a secure fixing. The ramp portion which is arranged to cover the fixing arms 117-120 of the support 110 may further comprise fixing holes arranged for alignment with fixing holes 121. The ramp 170 and arms 117-120 may then be fixed together to the ground by inserting fixing pins through the fixing holes 174 and 121. The ramp portion may further be fixable to the support 110 and/or covering plates adjacent to the ramp back edge.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 1 and 8 the ramp portion may have an integral hemispherical form, with a curved leading/trailing edge 171. The ramp portion may further be provided in a plurality of components for example comprise two quadrants which are configured for assembly together.

The ramp portion may be provided as a plurality of components which may be hingeably or otherwise interconnected.

As noted above the surface of the ramp portion 170 may comprise a skid resistant surface being provided integral to the ramp portions or for connection thereto. The relatively large area and footprint of the ramp portion again provides for a stable overlap with the ground near the hole.

The cover assembly described herein opens up possibilities for effectively covering relatively large holes for example of the order 1 m x1 m. Typically the assembly of the exemplary embodiment is usable to cover holes of the order of 1200mm in width in the transverse direction by 1 m to 2m or 3m in length in the longitudinal direction in dimension.

The hole cover assembly 100 may be provided as a kit of the component parts for assembly on site to provide a cover for a hole as required. The kit would include the support 110, covering plates 130, connector pin 160 and forward and rearward ramp portions 170.

The covering plates 130 are usable with support members of different lengths for example, 1 m, 2m or 3m as noted above. In the case where longer support members for example of 2m or 3m are being used then the connector pin 160 may be provided as two separate connector pins for ease of handling to cover the longitudinal extent of the support member.

Exemplary steps of assembly are described with reference to the drawings in particular Figs 2-8.

First of all, the support member 110 is laid down across a single access hole 200 to be covered. In a preferred in use orientation the support 110 is laid such that the longitudinal axis (shown here as the X-axis direction) thereof runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the path or road and to the direction of travel of vehicles.

The support member 110 is preferably located near the centre of the hole or along a central axis of the hole to effectively define two transverse hole portions 210, 220 to be covered by the covering plates 130 to opposite sides of the support member.

Lateral end portions of the lower surface 116 of the support member 110 overlay the ground at first and second opposite peripheral sides (201 , 204) of the hole to provide support and load distribution. The ground engaging arms 117, 118, 119 and 120 are arranged for connection to the ground peripheral to the hole.

With the support member 110 in place the user then selects the required cover plates 130 and arranges the connection sleeves 150 of the cover plates 130 in seats 126 proximal to the connection sleeves 125 of the first and second side walls 111 and 112 of the support member. The user inserts the holding pins 160 through the successive connection sleeves 125 and 150 until all the required cover plates are coupled to the support at the first and second side walls.

It will be understood that in use the covering plates 130 are arranged at opposite sides of the support member 110 to extend in opposite directions of the support substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the support member. In this way the support member covers the hole in a first direction on first and second opposite peripheral sides 201 and 202 and the covering plates cover hole in a second transverse direction (shown here as the Y-direction) to third and fourth opposite peripheral sides 203 and 204. The hole cover assembly thus arranged can be described as contacting the ground on all sides of the hole.

Fixing means for example bolts or pins may be inserted through fixing holes 121 of the ground engaging arms.

The ramp portions 170 are arranged and located to the forward and rearward sides of the covering assembly. As noted above fixing means for example bolts and pins may be inserted through one or more fixing holes provided in the ramp portion to fix it in place relative to the ground or road surface adjacent the hole.

Referring to the drawings and in particular Figs. 7, 8 and 9 the covering plate 130 is described in further detail. As noted above the covering plates 130 comprise a ground engaging end 133. The ground engaging end 133 may be provided with an arcuate or curved surface 140 which in use is in contact with the ground. It will be appreciated that by providing a curved surface that multiple points of contact between the ground engaging end 133 and the ground are provided, the specific points of contact being dependent on the actual camber of the surface on which the cover is used. In this way the contact between the cover and the ground can be distributed depending on the camber thereby ensuring that when the cover is located over a hole that it will not rock on the hole. It will be understood that as there are multiple points of contact between the covering plate and the ground at the ground engaging end, that there is a minimisation of rocking between the cover assembly and the ground surface.

To provide the multiple possible points of contact it is necessary for the ground engaging portions to have a convex surface presented to the ground. The central covering portion 131 of the covering plates have an upper 134 and a lower 135 surface, the lower surface being that surface which is proximal to the hole when the cover is in use. The lower surface 135 may also be curved, but in contrast with the ground engaging portions, it is desirable that where curved, that the lower surface present a concave surface to the ground. In this way any debris which has accumulated around the perimeter of the hole is cleared by the hole cover, the concave surface increasing the clearance height between the lower surface of the covering portion and the ground.

The covering plates 130 may include wings 141 which are located at the sides of the hole cover adjacent to the ground engaging ends 133. Desirably, if provided these wings 141 are pivotable relative to the central covering portion 131 of the plates. Each of the wings has a ground engaging portion proximal portion 142 and a ground engaging portion distal portion or tip 143. The pivoting of the wing relative to the central covering portion effects a change in the relative orientation of the central trench covering portion to the tip 143 of the wing. Once the hole cover is in location relative to the hole, the pivoting of the wing enables the tip 143 to be brought into contact with the ground, to provide a ramp along each side of the cover 100.

Cover assembly advantages The prior art approach of using a relatively large area metal sheet cover to cover a large hole presents handling problems for users due to the sheer size and weight of the cover. Often the cover will be so heavy that it can only be handled by machine and so large in dimension that it must be transported by truck. In addition more than one operator will normally be needed for handling, placement and removal of such a cover. The cover assembly described herein comprises a kit of a number of components each of which is suitable and safe for handling by users without the requirement for lifting machinery from the point of view of properties of size and weight of the components. The component parts may be flat packed into a relatively small area for ease of transportation for assembly on site. The components of the assembly and the assembly have the advantages that they may be safely handled by users.

The provision of a cover assembly as a kit allows for an increased ease and flexibility in assembly and in enabling use of a cover assembly kit to cover holes of different size and form. As noted above the same covering plates may flexibly be used with support members of different lengths. The components are configured to enable ease and speed of assembly at the hole site, the user does not required any specialised tool set, assembly is by the steps of aligning the connection sleeves and insertion of the connector pins.

The provision of pivotable covering plates which in use are arranged transverse to longitudinal axis of the road has the advantages of providing a road hole cover which is flexible to and adaptable to the camber or bumpiness of the surface of the road.

The cover assembly has the advantage that it is not necessary to remove the entire assembly to gain access to the hole. For example, the covering plates on only one side of the support member may be removed by removing the relevant connector pin to provide access to the hole while leaving the covering plates on the other side in place. This provides increased ease or access for the user and increased safety from the point of view of the public since it is possible to limit the opening to that required for access.

The provision of a reinforced central longitudinal support member for use with covering plates each of which is arranged to cover half of the width of the hole and spans from the support to ground at the edge of the hole provides advantages from the point of view of strength and load bearing. The arrangement is very strong and secure, the support being anchored in place by the fixing means described. The reinforced support interacts with each of the covering plates to distribute the load from the plates and/or spread the weight.

The hole cover assembly described has the advantage of having an integral skid resistant surface, although of course be appreciated that this represents a desirable but not essential feature of the assembly.

The assembly which includes ramp portions and pivotably mounted hole covering plates has the advantage of providing a ramp means on all sides with safety advantages from the point of view of users. This is advantageous over the prior art arrangement in which tarmac may be provided/laid to the leading or trailing edge, the tarmac does not providing a ramp and has the disadvantage that it may be easily disturbed or removed. The hole cover assembly described includes fixing means for securely fixing the assembly to the road. The hole cover assembly is thus secure against lifting during use and provides increased security and safely for users.

The hole cover assembly described may be flexibly used to cover holes of different shapes and sizes for example in ranges of 1 m x 1 m to 1.2mx2m or 1.2x 3m.

It will be understood that preferred embodiments of the invention have been described. It will be further understood that where a hole cover has been heretofore described with reference to specific features or integers that other features or integers could equally be used without departing from the scope of the road cover assembly described and the invention.

It will be appreciated that for the purposes of providing clear views in the drawings that not all of the details are shown in all of the drawings. For example, details of the coupling and connector features are shown and described with reference to in particular to Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and Figs. 1 while 8 which are perspective views of the overall assembled cover do not show all of these details but rather show the arrangement of the main components.

Referring to the drawings and in particular Figs. 11 to 15 an access hole cover system 1000 of an alternative arrangement of the present specification is described. The access hole cover system is advantageously employed to cover holes in roads. For example, the access hole cover system is advantageously employed to temporarily covering access holes or openings in a road surface during periods of repair. In this way it is not intended to be a permanent cover for the access hole, rather is a temporary system that is used when the access hole has collapsed or the like. In such circumstances to prevent personal injury or damage to vehicles caused by them entering the opening in the road surface such an access hole cover system can be quickly and efficiently deployed to cover the hole or opening until such time as it can be repaired. The access hole cover system 1000 comprises a frame portion 1100 and an access hole covering portion 1200. The frame 1100 has in this exemplary arrangement first and second side frame components 1120, 1121. First and second end frame components 1130, 1131 may also be provided. Each of the components is desirably provided as a separate component which, together are used together as part of the system or kit. While this exemplary arrangement employs a plurality of side and end frame components, in a most simple configuration only one side frame component may be required or used for temporarily covering the access hole.

The frame 1100 is configured for placement on a supporting surface, normally the ground, so that it surrounds or extends about a perimeter of an access hole 1300 which is to be covered. The covering portion 1200 is comprised of one or more cover plates 1210 which are coupled to the frame to cover over the access hole, as required.

An exemplary situation is shown in which access holes 1300 arranged in a double configuration are to be covered is shown in Fig. 11. The access holes 300 define longitudinal sides 1301 , 1302 and transverse sides 1303, 1304. The main or longitudinal axis of the holes 1300 is shown as the X-axis being that axis which runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the path or road and to the direction of travel of vehicles. The Y-axis as shown is in the transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of traffic. It will be appreciated that leading and trailing edges of the access holes lie in the transverse direction.

The side frame components here comprise first and second side bars 1120, 1121. The side bars 1120, 1121 are configured for laying down onto the supporting surface in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the holes 300 and for holding the cover portion in place over the holes to be covered. Thus the side bars 1120, 1121 preferably have a low profile form with a depth of 5-15mnn, preferably around 10mm. The bars 1120, 1121 have a lower surface 1122 and upper surface 1123. The lower surface 1122 is desirably substantially planar being arranged in use proximal to the supporting surface. By providing a substantially planar surface when placed on the supporting surface, the lower surface 1122 will sit flush on the surface. The upper surface 1123 comprises bar connection means 1125 to enable connection to corresponding connection means provided on the cover plates.

Desirably, the bar connection means 1125 comprises one or more protrusions or upstanding studs or bolts arranged to protrude upwardly from the upper surface 1123 of the bar and for co-operation with connection means 1220 provided in the cover plates 1210. The frame side bars 1120, 1121 may further comprise one or more fixing holes or receivers (not shown) for receiving a pin/bolt for fixing the frame side bar to the supporting surface.

The frame 1100 may further comprise end frame components comprising frame end bars 1130, 1131. The frame end bars are in use positioned proximal to the entry or leading edge 1303 and to the exit or trailing edge portions 1304 of the access hole 1300. Desirably the ends of each of the bars 1120, 1121 , 1130, 1131 may comprise connectors to enable their interconnection at joints 1126 to define a closed frame 1100. In this way the side and end components may be coupled together during use to define a continuous frame about the perimeter of the area to be covered.

Desirably the frame end bars 1130, 1131 comprise a curved leading/trailing edge 1132 of hemispherical form or similar form. An inner edge, that edge within the area of the defined frame, defines a concave surface whereas an outer edge defines a convex surface. Preferably, the frame end bars 1130, 1131 are of similar form to the side bars 1120, 1121 having upper and lower surfaces 1133 and 1134, and being comprised of steel, having a low profile with a depth of 5 mm-15 mm preferably 10mm. The open ends 1137 and 1138 of the end bars are connectable to the side bars at joints 1126, as noted above. In a further exemplary embodiment, the end bars may be movable about the connections/joints connecting them to the side bars. The distance between the ends 1137 and 1138 of the curved frame end bars correspond to or define the preferred separation of the side bars 1120, 1121 when the frame is assembled.

In use the lower surface 1134 is placed proximal the supporting surface. The curved front edge 1132 or the upper surface 1133 of the end bars 1130, 1131 may comprise a reflective coating at the edges/surfaces which are exposed to users when the system is in place.

Preferably, the side and end 1120, 1121 , 1130, 1131 components of the frame are formed as bars having a depth in the range of 5-15mm, preferably 10 mm, and a width of substantially 30-80mm, preferably 50 mm. The bars are preferably of steel. The bars having a low profile and substantially planar lower surfaces which may be arranged to rest stably on the supporting surface as noted above. By having a low profile the bars when placed on the surface do not project too high thereby minimising the possibility of generation of a trip surface. The side bars 1120, 1121 may be of different lengths, depending on the size, or length of access hole(s) 1300 to be covered. If required, one or more side bars may be arranged end to end, or, one or more side bars 1120, 1121 may be connected end to end to define a side bars of a different length, as required.

In use, the frame side bars 1120, 1121 are arranged to the longitudinal sides of the access hole(s) 1300 so as to be substantially parallel to the intended direction of travel of users, here shown as the X direction, as discussed above. The side bars 1120, 1121 are desirably placed adjacent to the first and second longitudinal sides 1301 , 1302 of the hole 1300, but not over the hole. For example, if the holes 1300 are of width 600mm then the side bars are placed at a separation of the order of 650 - 700 mm. The side bars thus define the longitudinal sides of the frame 1100 and define supports for the cover plates which are coupled between the side bars and arranged to span the hole in the transverse direction, here shown as the Y direction.

The system 1000 desirably further comprises a ramp 1150. In use, the ramp 1150 may be located between the end portions 1130, 1131 of the frame and the cover portion 1200 of the system.

The ramp 1150 preferably has an upper ramped surface 1151 which in use is located proximal to users and away from ground, and a lower support or ground contacting surface 1152. The upper surface is ramped from a leading edge portion 1153 to a raised end portion 1154 which in use is arranged proximal the cover portion 1200. The ramp is configured to convey users from the supporting surface or ground G at a first lower level to the cover portion 1200 which is raised relative to the supporting surface or ground. The ramp 1150 is preferably configured such that the raised portion 1154 lies substantially at the level of the top surface of the road plates 1210 seated on the frame side bars 1120, 1121.

The ramp portion may have a hemispherical form comprising a curved leading/trailing edge 1153 and the substantially straight rear side wall 1154 configured to abut the front or rearward facing lateral ends of the assembly of the cover portion 1200. The heights or depths of the lower leading edge portion 1153 and the raised portion 1154 are configured to correspond to the height or depth of the frame, shown as d1, and the covering portion, shown as d2. In a preferred embodiment the depth at the lower edge portion is 10mm and the depth at the raised portion is 40mm. The radius r of the curved ramp form of an exemplary embodiment is 350mm. However, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the ramp may be varied as required depending on the depth of the frame and level of the covering portion.

The ramp preferably is comprised of a resilient material, for example, rubber. The ramp 1150 is formed to co-operate with the end bars or leading/trailing edge portions 1130, 1131 of the frame 1100. The leading edge 1153 of the ramp 1150 comprises a curved form, preferably a semi-circular or a hemispherical form. The inner radius of the end bars 1130, 1131 preferably corresponds to the radius r of the ramp. The end bars 1130, 1131 of the frame define a seat for holding the ramp in place between the leading/trailing edge portion of the frame 1100 and the covering portion 1200.

The ramp 1150 is preferably formed as a unitary piece which does not include any receivers or through holes for fixing the ramp to the supporting surface or ground. Instead the ramp is held in position by an end portion of the frame which is formed and dimensioned such that the inner side wall thereof abuts against the curved leading edge of the ramp. The end portion of the frame is connected at joints to the frame side bars to hold the ramp in position between the end portion of the frame and the covering portion. The end portions of the frame hold the ramp in place, the leading edge of the ramp is protected by the edge of the frame and the lifetime of the ramp increased by the fact that the ramp is not fixed directly to the ground by fixing means. The arrangement of the present specification provides for reduced wear of the ramp. It will be appreciated that in contrast a ramp having a receiver for fixing a ramp to the supporting surface may in particular be subject to wear due to the forces acting through this point.

The cover portion 1200 is comprised of one or more cover plates 1210 which are operably arranged to extend transversely across the access hole(s) being coupled near a first side end to the first side bar 1120 and near a second side end to the second side bar 1121. The one or more cover plates 1210 of the cover portion 1200 are preferably arranged side by side to provide a substantially complete or continuous cover. As noted above, the upper surface 1123 of each of the side bars 1120, 1121 comprises a number of spaced apart connection members or protrusions 1125, for example studs or bolts. The cover plates 1210 comprise corresponding holes 1220 used to couple the plates to the frame side bars 1120, 1121. The protrusions 1125 are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the distance between holes 1220 on adjacent cover plates. The holes 1220 of the cover plate may be sized to be of a greater diameter than the protrusions 1125 to provide for some limited movement of the cover plates 1210 relative to the frame side bars 1120, 1121 facilitating dissipation of forces. Depending on the manner of coupling, the plates may be arranged such that there is some movement between the plates and bars in substantially vertical directions relative to side bar surface and the protrusions and/or some limited movement between the side bars and cover plates in the plane of the access cover system. The frame and cover plates are formed to co-operate and the distance between the holes 1220 near first and second lateral ends of the plates corresponds to the separation of the side bars 1120,1121 , and in particular the protrusions 1125 on the opposed side bars of the frame.

Exemplary cover plates 1210 are shown in Fig. 11 and Fig 15. The cover plate 1210 comprises a lower surface 1212 which in use is placed proximal to the access hole and an upper surface 1211 which in use is exposed to users. The upper surface 1211 may comprise a skid resistant means 1213. The cover plates comprise holes 1220 near each side end for coupling the plates to the frame such that the plates extend across the hole in the transverse direction. The ends of the plates here extend outwardly beyond the hole and protrusion connection and the frame and may be formed to slope downwardly to the supporting surface at the peripheral ends. The cover plates 1220 may further comprise corresponding plate inter-connectors 1227, 1228 for holding the one or more cover plates in place side by side.

The cover plates 1210 are desirably formed of ductile iron. As the system utilises a plurality of such plates for covering a single access hole, it will be appreciated that individually each of the cover plates are lighter and smaller in dimension than prior art solutions of a single sheet of steel, the single sheet being sufficiently large and strong to cover the entire hole and support passing traffic.

Referring to Figs. 16(a), (b) a further exemplary cover plate 1250 suitable for use in the system of the present description is shown. The cover plate 1250 comprises a central covering portion 1253, a lower surface 1251 which in use is placed proximal to the access hole 1300, and an upper surface 1252 which in use is exposed to users. The upper surface 1252 may comprise a skid resistant finish, typically integrally formed in the upper surface. The cover plates 1250 comprise holes 1260 located near each side end for coupling the plates to the frame side bars protrusions 1125. The cover plates are dimensioned for use with the frame and the access hole cover system and the separation of the holes 1260 at first and second side ends corresponds to the separation of the side bars of the frame and is dimensioned to take account of the width of the access hole(s) 1300 to be covered. The cover plates 1250 may further comprise corresponding plate inter-connectors 1270, 1271 for holding the one or more cover plates in place side by side.

Referring to Figs 17(a) and 17(b), a further exemplary cover plate 1350 suitable for use in the system of the present description is shown. The cover plate 1350 is similar to the cover plate 1260 having a central hole covering portion 1353, lower surface 1351 which in use is proximal a hole 1300 to be covered and an upper surface 1352 which may comprise a skid resistant finish. In use the upper surface is located proximal the user. The cover plate 1350 further includes wings 1365 which are located at the sides of the central hole covering portion 1353. Desirably, if provided these wings 1365 are pivotable relative to the central covering portion 1353 of the cover plates. Each of the wings has a ground engaging proximal portion 1367 and a ground engaging portion distal portion or tip 1366. The pivoting of the wing 1365 relative to the central covering portion 1353 effects a change in the relative orientation of the central trench covering portion to the tip 1366 of the wing. Once the cover plate 1350 is in location relative to the hole, the pivoting of the wing enables the tip 1366 to be brought into contact with the ground, to provide a ramp along each side of the cover portion 1353. The cover plates 1350 comprise holes 1360 located near each side end for coupling the plates to the frame side bars protrusions 1125. The cover plates 1350 are dimensioned for use with the frame and the access hole cover system and the separation of the holes 1360 at first and second side ends corresponds to the separation of the side bars of the frame and is dimensioned to take account of the width of the access hole(s) 1300 to be covered. The cover plates 1350 may further comprise corresponding plate inter-connectors 1370, 1371 for holding the one or more cover plates in place side by side.

In use, the location and orientation of the frames side bars 1120, 1121 and end portions 1130, 1131 , ramps 1150, and the cover plates 1210 depends on the form, location and direction of the access hole 1300 relative to the major axis of the pathway or roadway, as noted above. The frame side bars 1120, 1121 are normally oriented parallel to the main axis of the path or roadway. The end bars or leading/trailing edge portions 1130, 1131 and ramps 1150 are arranged substantially transversely to enable traffic or other user to roll on and off the cover portion 1200. The side bars 1120, 1121 and end portions 1130, 1131 are inter-connectable at joints to define the frame portion 1100.

The side bars 1120, 1121 of the frame comprise a plurality of protections 1125 or studs or bolts for coupling the cover plates 1210, 1250 to the frame 1100 to define the covering portion 1200.

The side bars 1120, 1121 are preferably fixable to the supporting surface at the periphery of the hole to be covered. In use or when the frame 1100 is assembled the side bars are located such that protrusions on the first side bar are located opposite protrusions on the second side bar to facilitate correct alignment of the cover plates upon coupling to the frame. End bars or leading/trailing edge portions 1130, 1131 are located to the entry and exit sides of the hole(s) 1300 and ramps 1150 are installed or seated into the end bars to be held in position between the leading/trailing edges of the end portions 1130, 1131 and the covering portion 1200.

One or more cover plates 1210, 1250, 1350 are coupled to the side bars

1120, 1121 , each cover plate being coupled to oppositely located side bar protrusions 1125 using cover plate connection holes 1220, 1260, 1360. The cover plates are arranged such that each extends transversely across a portion of hole 1300 between the first and second side bars 1120, 1121.

Access hole cover system kit

The access hole cover system 1000 may be provided as a kit, including a frame portion 1100 having first and second side bars 1120, 1121 , first and second end portions 1130, 1131 , one or more cover plates 1210, and entry and exit ramps 1150. The kit may for example be formed and dimensioned to cover the single, double or treble access holes of the types noted earlier having widths 600mm and lengths 600, 1200 or 1800mm. The kit thus may be operably used to cover holes of common width or transverse dimension and of differing longitudinal dimensions. Of course it will be understood that different kit arrangements could equally be provided.

The frame end bars and ramps are commonly used to cover the single double and treble holes. Side bars of three different lengths corresponding to the lengths required to cover single, double and treble holes may be provided in the kit. Alternatively side bars of one or two different lengths may be connected or laid side by side to define a longer side bar. For example, the kit may include only single and double, or single length side bars. The cover plates are all of similar form and the number cover plates used will depend on the longitudinal extent of the hole(s) to be covered. The cover plates and frames are formed to cover a common access hole width and the separation of the side bars and the connection members at the end of the cover plates correspond as required to enable their coupling. The kit provides excellent flexibility since it may be used to cover single, double or treble access holes, as required. The user may hold a stock of side bars of various lengths or may use a number of side bars end to end to define a side bar of the required length. The user is thus prepared to quickly cover a collapsed hole of various dimensions. The cover plates, end portions and ramps are components that are used in common as part of the access hole cover system for holes of different sizes. To cover a hole(s) of greater longitudinal dimension, the user will use a longer side bar or a series of side bars with a greater number of cover plates.

Furthermore all of the individual components of the system or kit are of relatively compact form and are light and easy to store and handle individually. This is advantageous from the point of view of storage, transport and handling. The system of the invention may be used to cover holes of various sizes with ease.

It will be understood that exemplary arrangement of an access hole cover system have been described to assist in an understanding of the teaching of the present invention. Where such a system has been described with reference to specific features or integers it will be understood that other features or integers could equally be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

As noted in the background portion of the present specification there are a number of instances in which road hole covers are required, for example to provide a cover for an access hole during while the systems are being laid or while work is ongoing. Hole covers are also required in the event that an access hole cover collapses or otherwise fails. It will be appreciated that access holes are often provided in roadways or pathways and that it is necessary to provide a secure covering when required. As noted above there are issues and problems associated with the storage, supply, transport and deployment with current solutions. In the event that there is a failure of an access hole cover or in the event that it is necessary to open an access hole in a thoroughfare, it is paramount that a cover is deployed as quickly as possible to ensure the minimum interruption, with an objective of providing safe or uninterrupted flow of traffic. It has been noted that the prior art has tended to provide covers of a fixed dimension for example relatively large steel plates in a "one size fits all solution" that must be transported and handled into position using mechanical means.

- The arrangements described in the present specification have the advantages of being useable to temporarily cover holes for example in roads or pathways. In each case, the assembly provides a support member or support member arrangement which is configured such that a lower surface of the support overlies a portion of the ground proximal to the hole and in which the support members are configured for fixing to the ground. The cover plates are connectable not directly to the ground but rather directly to the support member which then provides for a fixing and coupling of the cover plates relative to the ground. The arrangement provides for ease of deployment. Only the support member must be fixed to the ground. If access is required to the hole it is not necessary to remove the support member, instead the cover plates may be decoupled from the support members or in the alternative arrangement described hinged upwardly relative to the support member and the ground to provide access as required.

In each of the arrangements described, the cover plates are attachable to the support. The cover plates are relatively smaller in dimension than the support member and a number of different sizes of support may be provided. In this way each of the component parts of the system is portable and easily stored, transported and deployed. It is possible for one worker on their own to deploy a cover system according to the present specification. Whereas with the prior art single steel plate several workers and/or mechanical lifting means would typically be required. - The assemblies and systems described are each made up of a number of components which may be interconnected in different ways to meet the requirements on site. For example, the road hole cover assembly may be provided in a kit with a number of support members each of different length and a number of cover plates for connection thereto as required.

- In each case, there is provided a support member arrangement or support member that is deployed such that a lower surface thereof overlies or rests on the ground adjacent or proximal the hole or area to be covered. There is no requirement to provide an excavation to lay the support in the ground. The upper level of the support and cover assembly is raised relative to the ground surface, the assembly may be provided with a ramp to enable ease of movement of traffic or pedestrians to the cover surface. - In each case there is provided a temporary cover. The arrangements provide for fast deployment as noted above no excavation is needed. The system and assemblies provide complete solution for covering the access hole or hole in a path or roadway - fixing and covering are both provided by the integral arrangement - there is no need for the later placement of tarmac around a cover late arrangement to fix and provide a ramp as in the prior art.

- In each case the cover plates are separate from the support member or support members and may be attached or coupled to the support or detached or decoupled from the support as required, for example for replacement of a single damaged plate or a single damaged support member.

The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers , steps, components or groups thereof.