Secondary Safety Lid for a Riser System

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/645,490, filed May 10, 2024, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/749,980, filed Jan. 27, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/755,183, filed Feb. 6, 2025, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

This disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and apparatuses for a secondary safety lid for a riser system, and more particularly, to a secondary safety lid that does not need to be removed from the riser system to access the riser system.

Septic tanks and other water storage tanks may be buried beneath the surface of soil. Such tanks may include openings at a top portion of the tank to allow access to the interior of the tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. When a tank is buried below grade, a tubular riser may extend from the tank opening to the soil surface to allow access to the tank. A primary lid may be installed at the top of the riser to prevent access to the riser and the tank. A secondary lid may also be installed within the riser below the primary lid to provide secondary protection if the primary lid is accidentally removed or becomes damaged. Some existing secondary lids may be fixed in place within the riser using screws or other fasteners. Such secondary lids may require a contractor to remove the screws and the secondary lid to access the riser and the tank for cleaning, maintenance, or inspection. Other existing secondary lids may be very heavy (typically made of concrete) to prevent children or animals from removing the secondary lid and accessing the riser and the tank. Such secondary lids also require a contractor to remove the secondary lid to access the tank. Such secondary lids may also be difficult to remove because of the weight of the secondary lid.

Therefore, solutions are needed to provide a secondary lid that does not need to be removed from within a riser to allow a contractor to access the riser and a tank. Such secondary lids should provide a secure cover over the opening of a riser that cannot be accidentally removed by children or other unauthorized users. Further, such secondary lids should be permanently installed within the riser and should not need to be removed to allow access to the riser and the tank. Such secondary lids should also be able to be opened and securely closed without the use of tools. Such secondary lids should also include an expandable ring or a mounting plug which may allow the secondary lid system to be installed within a variety of riser systems of varying diameters.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and apparatuses for a secondary lid for a riser system are disclosed. The secondary lid for installation in a riser may comprise a top, wherein the top may be configured to cover an opening in the riser, an expandable ring configured to attach to an inner circumference of the riser, and wherein the expandable ring may comprise at least one hinge configured to rotate the top.

In some embodiments, the expandable ring may further comprise a ratchet. In some embodiments, the ratchet may be configured to adjust a circumference of the expandable ring. In some embodiments, the expandable ring may further comprise a plurality of openings configured to affix the expandable ring to the riser. In some embodiments, the top may comprise a rib pattern. In some embodiments, the top may be configured to rotate around the at least one hinge. In some embodiments, the top may further comprise a captive fastener. In some embodiments, the captive fastener may be permanently affixed to the top. In some embodiments, the expandable ring may further comprise an opening configured to receive the captive fastener. In some embodiments, the top may further comprise a handle.

The disclosed embodiments may further include a secondary lid for installation in a riser. The secondary lid may include a top configured to cover an opening in the riser, an expandable ring configured to abut a horizontal surface of the riser, and the expandable ring may comprise at least one hinge configured to attach the top to the expandable ring.

In some embodiments the expandable ring may be attached to the horizontal surface of the riser. In some embodiments, the expandable ring may rest on the horizontal surface of the riser. In some embodiments, the top may comprise a fastener. In some embodiments, a horizontal surface of the expandable ring may comprise a groove and an insert located in the groove and the fastener may comprise a threaded body portion configured to threadedly engage with the insert. In some embodiments, the insert may be configured to slide within the groove.

The disclosed embodiments may further include a secondary lid for installation in a riser. The second lid may comprise a top configured to cover an opening in the riser, a mounting plug configured to attach to the riser, wherein the mounting plug may comprise at least one hinge configured to attach the top to the mounting plug, a fastener configured to secure the top to the mounting plug, and a latch configured to secure the top to the mounting plug.

In some embodiments, the mounting plug may comprise a vertical wall extending upwardly from the top and a horizontal extension extending horizontally from the upper edge of the vertical wall. In some embodiments, the latch may comprise a spring-loaded latch. In some embodiments, the top may comprise a rib pattern forming a pattern of openings through the top.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments.

Examples of embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It should also be noted that as used in the present disclosure and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The disclosed embodiments improve deficiencies in existing secondary lids for riser systems by providing a secondary lid that does not need to be removed from the riser to allow access to the riser. The disclosed embodiments provide secondary lids that may cover a riser opening to prevent unauthorized access to the riser and the tank. However, when a contractor needs to access the riser and the tank, the disclosed embodiments provide a secondary lid that does not need to be fully removed from the riser. Further, the disclosed embodiments provide a secondary lid that does not require tools to open or securely close. The disclosed embodiments also provide a secondary lid that includes an expandable ring, which may allow the secondary lid to be installed in a variety of riser systems with varying diameters. Additional disclosed embodiments also provide a secondary lid with a mounting plug that may allow the secondary lid to be installed in pipes and riser systems with a variety of diameters. The disclosed embodiments may further provide a secondary lid system that may be retrofitted to the top of an existing riser system without any modification to the riser system itself.

depicts a secondary lid systemwith a hinged topin a closed position. Secondary lid systemmay be installed within a riser. Risermay comprise a cylindrical section that may be connected to a septic tank or other water storage tank installed below grade. Risermay extend upwardly from an opening in a top portion of such a tank to allow access to the below-grade tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. Secondary lid systemmay be installed within the inner circumference of riserby screws or other fasteners. After secondary lid systemhas been installed within riser, topmay be rotated upwardly or downwardly to open and close, which may allow or prevent access to riser.

Secondary lid systemmay comprise a top, hinges, and lid snap connection. Topmay comprise a solid cover that may prevent access to riserwhen topis in a closed position, as depicted in. In other embodiments, topmay include a rib pattern, such as a rib pattern as depicted in. The rib pattern may comprise a plurality of openings through topthat may allow a person to see through topto view the contents of the tank below. The rib pattern may provide openings through topfor viewing of the tank below but may still cover the opening of riserto prevent a person or other large objects from entering riser. The size and shape of topmay correspond to the size and shape of riser, such that topmay extend over substantially the entire opening of riser. In some embodiments topmay extend over the entire opening of riser, while in other embodiments topmay extend over some other portion of the opening of riser, such as, for example, approximately ½, ⅔, ¾, ⅚, or ⅞ of the opening of riser. As depicted in, secondary lid systemmay further comprise two hinges. Hingesmay be configured to allow topto rotate upwardly to provide open access to riser. Althoughdepicts secondary lid systemwith two hinges, secondary lid systemmay include more or fewer hinges. Topmay be secured in a closed position by lid snap connection. Lid snap connectionmay hold topin a closed position without the use of tools. Lid snap connectionmay also be disengaged to open topwithout the use of tools.

depicts a section cut, at cut line A-A as depicted in, of secondary lid systeminstalled within riser. As depicted in, secondary lid systemmay include a hinge. Hingemay be connected to an inner circumference of riserusing screws or other fastener methods. Hingemay comprise a hinge pinwhich may provide a rotating connection between hingeand top. Hinge pinmay rotate about a rotational axis, which may be in the horizontal plane, to allow topto open or close.

depicts an enlarged view of lid snap connectionat location B as depicted in. Lid snap connectionmay be configured to secure topin a closed position without the use of tools. Lid snap connectionmay include lid canted surface. Lid canted surfacemay extend outwardly at an angle from a surface of lid snap connection. Lid snap connectionof topmay interconnect with outer snap connection. Outer snap connectionmay be fastened or otherwise connected to an inner surface of riser. Outer snap connectionmay include outer canted surface. Outer canted surfacemay extend outwardly at an angle from a surface of outer snap connection. Lid canted surfaceof lid snap connectionmay interconnect with outer canted surfaceof outer snap connectionto secure topin a closed position without the use of tools. For example, to engage lid snap connectionand outer snap connection, lid snap connectionmay deflect inwardly as it is pressed or pushed downwardly. Lid snap connectionmay then return to its original form when lid canted surfaceis engaged below outer canted surface. Lid canted surfacemay then engage with outer canted surfaceand prevent topfrom opening. Lid snap connectionmay be disengaged from outer snap connectionto open topby deflecting lid snap connectioninwardly and upwardly such that lid canted surfacedisengages from below outer canted surface. As depicted in, topmay further include gapadjacent to lid snap connection. Gapmay allow for flexibility of topnear lid snap connectionwhich may facilitate deflection of lid snap connectionas lid snap connectionengages or disengages with outer snap connection.

In other embodiments, not depicted in, topmay comprise a lid connection configured to secure topin a closed position. The lid connection may be configured to engage with an outer connection. The outer connection may be fastened or otherwise connected to an inner surface of riser. The lid connection may be configured to connect with outer connection by at least one screw when topis in a closed position.

depicts a section cut of secondary lid systemwith topin an open position. Topmay be rotated upwardly at hinge. Although not depicted in, hingemay further include at least one detent. The at least one detent of hingemay keep topin a fully open position (90-degree rotation) and may prevent topfrom falling downwardly into a closed position. The at least one detent of hingemay be overcome with slight pressure to close top. The open configuration of secondary lid systemmay prevent a primary lid from being installed over riserwhen secondary lid systemis in an open position. Because topextends vertically upwardly when in an open configuration, the primary lid may not be accidentally installed without closing and securing secondary top.

depicts secondary lid systemin an open position anddepicts secondary lid systemin a closed position. Secondary lid systemmay be installed within a riser, such as riseras depicted inand, to allow or prevent access to riser. Secondary lid systemmay include a stationary lid portionand a rotating lid portion. A size and shape of stationary lid portionmay correspond to a size and shape of a riser, such as riser, such that stationary lid portionmay be installed within the riser. Stationary lid portionmay be fastened to the interior circumference of a riser, such as riser, with screws or other fastening methods. Stationary lid portionmay include opening. In some embodiments, as depicted in, openingmay comprise a semi-circular opening through stationary lid portion. In other embodiments, not depicted in, openingmay comprise an opening of any shape through stationary lid portion. In some embodiments, as depicted in, stationary lid portionmay include one opening. In other embodiments, not depicted in, stationary lid portionmay include more than one opening. In such embodiments, rotating lid portionmay cover all of the one or more openings when rotating lid portionis in a closed position. Openingmay allow access to the riser and the below-grade septic tank or water storage tank when secondary lid systemis in an open position, as depicted in.

Rotating lid portionmay comprise a semi-circular cover that may extend over openingwhen secondary lid systemis in a closed position, as depicted in. In some embodiments, as depicted inand, rotating lid portionmay comprise a solid cover that may completely cover opening. In other embodiments, rotating lid portionmay include a rib pattern (not shown) that may comprise openings through rotating lid portion. In such embodiments, the rib pattern may allow a person to see through rotating lid portionwithout opening secondary lid system. The rib pattern may further prevent a person from entering openingwithout opening secondary lid system. Rotating lid portionmay rotate around rotation pin. Rotation pinmay allow rotating lid portionto rotate around a rotation axis. The rotation axis of rotating lid portionmay be a vertical axis.

Although not depicted inand, rotating lid portionand stationary lid portionmay each include a snap connection, similar to lid snap connectionand outer snap connection, as disclosed herein with respect to. The snap connections of rotating lid portionand stationary lid portionmay secure rotating lid portionin the closed position depicted in. The snap connections may allow rotating lid portionto be secured in a closed position without the use of tools and may allow the rotating lid portionto be opened without the use of tools.

depicts a secondary lid systemwith expandable ringand top. Expandable ringmay comprise a generally circular ring that may facilitate connection of secondary lid systemto a riser system of a below-grade water storage tank. Expandable ringmay form opening, and when topis in an open position a user may access a below-grade water storage system through opening. Expandable ringmay include vertical surfaceand horizontal surface. Vertical surfacemay be configured to abut an inner wall of a riser system. Vertical surfacemay include holesA. HolesA may comprise openings in vertical surface, which may be configured to receive fasteners to affix vertical surfaceof expandable ringto an inner surface of a riser system. Horizontal surfacemay be configured to abut a horizontal surface of a riser system. Horizontal surfacemay include holesB, which may be configured to receive fasteners to affix horizontal surfaceof expandable ringto the horizontal surface of the riser system.

Expandable ringmay further include ratchet. Ratchetmay include a bar with a set of angled teeth in which a cog or tooth engages to allow an expansion of the circumference of expandable ring. For example, ratchetmay allow expandable ringto expand so that the diameter of expandable ringmay correspond to the diameter of the riser in which secondary lid systemis being installed. Accordingly, ratchetmay facilitate expansion of the circumference of expandable ringso that expandable ringmay fit riser systems of varying diameters.

Expandable ringmay further include hingesA andB. Topmay be affixed to hingesA andB. HingesA andB may facilitate the upward and downward rotation of lid. For example, topmay be rotated upwardly through use of hingesA andB, such that openingcan be accessed by a user without having to physically remove topfrom expandable ringor the riser in which expandable ringis installed. This may increase safety in the riser system because it may prevent a user from forgetting to reinstall topafter accessing opening. Althoughdepicts topconnected to expandable ringwith two hingesA andB, expandable ringmay include more or fewer hinges.

Topmay comprise a cover that may prevent access to a riser system of a below-grade water storage tank when topis in a closed position, as depicted in. As discussed above, topmay allow a user of secondary lid systemto open topto access the riser system below without having to physically remove any of the components of secondary lid systemfrom within the riser.

In some embodiments, as depicted in, topmay include rib pattern, fins, and handle. Rib patternmay include a pattern of openingsthrough topthat may allow a person to see through rib patternto view the contents of the riser system and tank below. While rib patternmay provide openingsthrough topfor viewing the tank below, topmay still cover the opening of the riser to prevent a person or large object from entering the riser. The pattern of openingsmay further provide structural strength to topto prevent a person or large object from entering openingwhen topis in a closed position. The pattern of openingsmay further create a lightweight topthat may be easily installed and operated. Topmay further include finson either side of rib pattern. Finsmay provide additional structural strength and support to top, which may prevent a person or large object from entering openingwhen topis in a closed position. In some embodiments, the size and shape of lidmay correspond to the size and shape of the riser, such that topmay extend over the entire opening of riser. In other embodiments (not shown), topmay extend over a portion of the opening of the riser such as, for example, approximately ½, ⅔, ¾, ⅚, or ⅞ of the opening of the riser. Topmay also include handle, which may allow a user to pull Topupward to provide open access to a riser below. As depicted in, topmay be connected to expandable ringby hingesA andB. HingesA andB may be configured to allow topto rotate upwardly to provide open access to a riser or downwardly to prevent access to a riser.

Topmay be secured in a closed position by fastener. Fastenermay comprise a captive fastener that may be permanently affixed to top. Fastenermay remain attached to topand may not be removable from topeven when topis in an opened position. Because fastenermay not be removed from top, fastenermay not fall out or become lost when topis opened to access opening. Fastenermay lock topin a closed position, as disclosed herein with respect to.

depicts secondary lid systeminstalled within riserA. RiserA may comprise a cylindrical section that may be connected to a septic tank or other water storage tank installed below grade. RiserA may extend upwardly from an opening in a top portion of such a tank to allow access to the below-grade tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. Expandable ringmay be sized to fit within the inner diameter of riserA using ratchet, as depicted in(not shown in). Accordingly, the size of secondary lid systemmay be adjustable to be installed within a variety of risers, such as riserA, with varying diameters. Expandable ringmay be installed within the inner circumference of riserA by screws or other fasteners. For example, screws or other fasteners may be placed in holesA, as depicted in(not show in), and/or holesB. As depicted in, after secondary lid systemhas been installed within riserA, topmay be lifted upwardly to open topand allow access to opening.

depicts secondary lid systeminstalled within riserB anddepicts a section cut of secondary lid systeminstalled within riserB. RiserB may comprise a cylindrical section that may be connected to a septic tank or other water storage tank installed below grade. RiserB may extend upwardly from an opening in a top portion of such a tank to allow access to the below-grade tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. Expandable ringmay be sized to fit within the inner diameter of riserB using ratchet, as depicted in(not shown in). Accordingly, the size of secondary lid systemmay be adjustable to be installed within a variety of risers, such as riserB, with varying diameters. Expandable ringmay be installed within the inner circumference of riserB by screws or other fasteners. For example, screws or other fasteners may be placed in holesA, as depicted in(not show in), and/or holesB.

depicts secondary lid systeminstalled within pipeC anddepicts a section cut of secondary lid systeminstalled within pipeC. PipeC may comprise a cylindrical pipe that may be connected to a septic tank or other water storage tank installed below grade. PipeC may extend upwardly from an opening in a top portion of such a tank to allow access to the below-grade tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. Expandable ringmay be sized to fit within the inner diameter of pipeC using ratchet, as depicted in(not shown in). Accordingly, the size of secondary lid systemmay be adjustable to be installed within a variety of risers or pipes, such as pipeC, with varying diameters. Expandable ringmay be installed within the inner circumference of pipeC by screws or other fasteners. For example, screws or other fasteners may be placed in holesA, as depicted in(not show in), and/or holesB.

depicts secondary lid systeminstalled within pipeD anddepicts a section cut of secondary lid systeminstalled within pipeD. PipeD may comprise a high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) corrugated cylindrical pipe that may be connected to a septic tank or other water storage tank installed below grade. PipeD may extend upwardly from an opening in a top portion of such a tank to allow access to the below-grade tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. Expandable ringmay be sized to fit within the inner diameter of pipeD using ratchet, as depicted in(not shown in). Accordingly, the size of secondary lid systemmay be adjustable to be installed within a variety of risers or pipes, such as pipeD, with varying diameters. Expandable ringmay be installed within the inner circumference of pipeD by screws or other fasteners. For example, screws or other fasteners may be placed in holesA, as depicted in(not show in), and/or holesB

depicts a section cut of secondary lid systeminstalled within riserA anddepicts an enlarged view of a portion of. As depicted inandB, topmay comprise fastener. Fastenermay comprise a captive fastener that may be permanently attached to top. For example, fastenermay be permanently installed within openingof top. In some embodiments, fastenermay include an unthreaded body portion. Unthreaded body portionmay not include threads and may comprise a first diameter. The first diameter of unthreaded body portionof fastenermay be less than a diameter of opening. The smaller diameter of unthreaded body portionmay allow fastenerto be rotated within openingto facilitate the fastening and unfastening of fastener. Fastenermay further include threaded body portion, which may include threads that may be configured to engage with internal threads within holeof expandable ring. Threaded body portionmay include a second diameter, which may be greater than the first diameter of unthreaded body portionand openingof top. The larger second diameter of threaded body portionmay prevent fastenerfrom being completely removed through openingof top, and which may maintain fastenerpermanently within top. When topis in a closed configuration, as depicted in, threaded body portionof fastenermay align with and engage internal threads of holeof expandable ring. When disengaging topfrom expandable ringto open top, a user may rotate fastenerto disengage threaded body portionfrom the internal threads of hole. By fastening topto expandable ringthrough fastener, secondary lid systemmay be secured in a closed configuration, which may prevent a person or object from accidentally opening top.

depicts an enlarged section cut of topsecured to expandable ringby fastener. As depicted in, holeof expandable ringmay include insert. Insertmay comprise a threaded female insert. When topis in a closed position, threaded body portionof fastenermay threadedly engage with insertto secure topto expandable ring. The smaller diameter of unthreaded body portionmay allow fastenerto be rotated within openingof topto facilitate the fastening and unfastening of fastener.

depicts an enlarged view of expandable ringand fastener, with topremoved for clarity. As depicted in, horizontal surfaceof expandable ringmay include groove. Groovemay comprise a longitudinal opening through horizontal surface. The size of groovemay correspond to the size of insert, such that insertmay slide in groove. For example, as the diameter of expandable ringis expanded or reduced, insertmay be configured to slide within grooveso that fastenercan engage with insertwithin the varying diameters of expandable ring. For example, in some embodiments, a diameter of expandable ringmay be adjusted from a range of aboutinches to aboutinches. In other embodiments, the diameter of expandable ringmay be adjusted to be larger thaninches or smaller thaninches. Insertmay be a non-cylindrical shape, such that insertmay only slide linearly along grooveand may not rotate within groove.

To install expandable ringwithin a riser, such as riserA as depicted in, an installer may engage ratchet, as depicted in, to reduce the diameter of expandable ringso that expandable ringmay be placed within the riser. When engaging ratchetto reduce the diameter of expandable ring, a lid, such as top, may be in a closed position and fastened to expandable ringthrough fastener. As the diameter of expandable ringis reduced, threaded insertmay slide within groove. An installer may then insert expandable ringinto the riser and engage ratchetto expand the diameter of expandable ringuntil expandable ringis securely abutting the inner wall of the riser. As the installer expands the diameter of expandable ring, insertmay further slide within groove. The installer may then use screws or other means of fastening to permanently affix expandable ringto the walls of the riser. The installer may then disengage fastenerfrom insertand open the lid, as needed, and insertmay stay in the proper location along groovebased on the friction fit between insertand groove.

depicts a section cut of secondary lid systemwith topand mounting plug. Topmay comprise a cover that may prevent access to a riser system of a below-grade water storage tank when topis in a closed position, as depicted in. Topmay allow a user of secondary lid systemto open topto access the riser system below without having to physically remove any of the components of secondary lid systemfrom within the riser.

In some embodiments, as depicted in, topmay include a rib patternand a handle. The rib patternmay include a pattern of openingsthrough topthat may allow a person to see through rib patternto view the contents of the riser system and tank below. While the rib patternmay provide openingsthrough topfor viewing the tank below, topmay still cover the opening of the riser to prevent a person or large object from entering the riser. The pattern of openingsmay further provide structural strength to lidto prevent a person or large object from entering opening when topis in a closed position. The pattern of openingsmay further create a lightweight topthat may be easily installed and operated. Topmay further include fins (not depicted in) on either side of the rib pattern. In some embodiments, the fins may correspond to finsas disclosed herein with respect to. Fins may provide additional structural strength and support to top, which may prevent a person or large object from entering the opening when topis in a closed position. In some embodiments, the size and shape of topmay correspond to the size and shape of a riser or pipe, such that topmay extend over the entire opening of a riser or pipe. In other embodiments (not shown), topmay extend over a portion of the opening of the riser such as, for example, approximately ½, ⅔, ¾, ⅚, or ⅞ of the opening of the riser or pipe. Topmay also include a handle, which may allow a user to pull topupward to provide open access to a riser below.

As depicted in, topmay be connected to mounting plugby hinges. The hingesmay be configured to allow topto rotate upwardly to provide open access to a riser. For example, topmay be rotated upwardly through use of the hinges, such that an opening can be accessed by a user without having to physically remove topfrom within the riser or pipe in which secondary lid systemis installed. This may increase safety in the riser system because it may prevent a user from forgetting to reinstall topafter accessing the riser or pipe.

Mounting plugmay comprise a vertical wallextending upwardly from topand a horizontal extensionthat may extend from the upper edge of the vertical wall. The horizontal extensionmay allow mounting plugto be permanently attached to a pipe or riser system. The vertical wallmay allow topto be located within the opening of the pipe or riser system, such that a primary lid, as disclosed herein, may be installed over top. Mounting plugmay be generally circular in shape and may be configured to be installed in risers or pipes of varying diameters and configurations. For example, mounting plugmay include holesaround the horizontal extensionof mounting plug, which may allow mounting plugto be screwed or otherwise fastened to a riser or pipe system using mounting fastener. In some embodiments, mounting fastenermay comprise a screw or any other fastener that may connect mounting plugto a riser or pipe system.

Topmay be secured in a closed position by fastener. Fastenermay comprise a captive fastener that may be permanently affixed to top. Fastenermay remain attached to topand may not be removable from topeven when topis in an opened position. Because fastenermay not be removed from top, fastenermay not fall out or become lost when topis opened to access a riser or pipe. Fastenermay lock topin a closed position.

Topmay further include latch. Latchmay comprise a spring-loaded latch. When topis moved from an open position to a closed position, latchmay automatically engage a notch or other component of secondary lid systemsuch that latchlocks topin a closed position. To open latch, and thus top, a substantial amount of force may need to be applied to the spring of latchto disengage latchfrom the notch or other component of the secondary lid system. For example, latchmay require more force to open than a child may be able to apply to latch, which may prevent a child from opening top. Latchmay increase the safety of secondary lid systembecause if a contractor forgets to engage fastenerinto a locked position when topis closed, latchmay still prevent a child from opening top.

depicts a section cut of mounting plugand topinstalled within riser. Risermay comprise a cylindrical section that may be connected to a septic tank or other water storage tank installed below grade. Risermay extend upwardly from an opening in a top portion of such a tank to allow access to the below-grade tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. As depicted in, the horizontal extensionof mounting plugmay be placed in contact with the upper edge of riser. Mounting plugmay be permanently attached to the upper edge of riserby installing a mounting fastenerthrough holein riser. The vertical wallof mounting plugmay extend downwardly into the inner circumference of riser, such that topextends across the opening of riser. Primary lidmay be installed over topand mounting plug.

In some embodiments, risermay include tapered walls that extend between a wider end and a narrower end.depicts mounting pluginstalled to a wider end of riser.depicts mounting pluginstalled to a narrower end of riser. As depicted in, mounting plugmay be permanently attached to the narrower end of riserby installing mounting fastenerthrough holeof riser. Primary lidmay then be installed over topand mounting plug.

depicts a section cut of mounting plugand topinstalled within an alternative riser. Risermay comprise a cylindrical section that may be connected to a septic tank or other water storage tank installed below grade. Risermay extend upwardly from an opening in a top portion of such a tank to allow access to the below-grade tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. As depicted in, the horizontal extensionof mounting plugmay be placed in contact with the upper edge of riser. Mounting plugmay be permanently attached to the upper edge of riserby installing a mounting fastener, such as mounting fasteneras depicted in, through a hole or opening in riser. The vertical wallof mounting plugmay extend downwardly into the inner circumference of riser, such that topextends across the opening of riser. Primary lidmay be installed over topand mounting plug.

depicts a section cut of mounting plugand topinstalled within pipe. Pipemay comprise a corrugated dual wall pipe that may be connected to a septic tank or other water storage tank installed below grade. Pipemay extend upwardly from an opening in a top portion of such a tank to allow access to the below-grade tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. As depicted in, the horizontal extensionof mounting plugmay be placed in contact with the upper edge of pipe. Mounting plugmay be permanently attached to the upper edge of pipeby installing a mounting fastener, such as mounting fasteneras depicted in, through a hole or opening in pipe. The vertical wallof mounting plugmay extend downwardly into the inner circumference of pipe, such that lidextends across the opening of pipe. Primary lidmay be installed over topand mounting plug.

depicts a section cut of mounting plugand topinstalled within an alternative pipe. Pipemay comprise a cylindrical pipe that may be connected to a septic tank or other water storage tank installed below grade. Pipemay extend upwardly from an opening in a top portion of such a tank to allow access to the below-grade tank for maintenance, cleaning, or inspection. As depicted in, the horizontal extensionof mounting plugmay be placed in contact with the upper edge of pipe. Mounting plugmay be permanently attached to the upper edge of pipeby installing a mounting fastener, such as mounting fasteneras depicted in, through a hole or opening in pipe. The vertical wallof mounting plugmay extend downwardly into the inner circumference of pipe, such that topextends across the opening of pipe. Primary lidmay be installed over topand mounting plug.

depicts a section cut of mounting plug, top, and primary lid. Primary lidmay comprise a substantially flat lid that may be attached to the horizontal extension of mounting plug.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of the embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments.