Universal Lid Closure for Underground Landscape Boxes

Abstract

A universal lid closure for underground landscape boxes that universally adapts to all underground landscape box sizes by the design of flexible flaps Mat extend radially outwardly from their attachments to the lid body. The flaps are preferably of varying lengths and widths. A plurality of flexible flaps prevent accidental lid removal by exerting resilient force at a precise angle on the underground landscape box wall. A lid top is provided to enclose all box opening circumferences in each box class, and the flexible flaps are molded at a precise angle to horizontal to deter fatigue within the flexible flap.

1 . A one-piece universal lid closure for underground landscape boxes of the type having upper circular openings of diameters varying over a given range and a generally cylindrical inner wall having an engagement ring defining an annular shoulder at vertical positions varying over a given range, the lid comprising:
 a flat circular body dimensioned to overlie and close the opening;   a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible flaps formed integrally with, attached to and extending downwardly from the underside of the body, the flaps having free edges positioned radially outwardly from their attachment to the lid body, said free edges adapted to engage the inner walls of all diameters within the given range and deflect radially inwardly to provide frictional engagement therewith, and wherein each of the flaps has a locking protrusion positioned to positively engage a ring positioned in the given range.   
   
   
       2 . The lid as set forth in  claim 1  comprising at least three flexible flaps. 
   
   
       3 . The lid as set forth in  claim 1  comprising a plurality of pairs of circumferentially spaced diametrically opposed flaps. 
   
   
       4 . The lid as set forth in  claim 3  wherein pairs of diametrically opposed flaps are identical. 
   
   
       5 . The lid as set forth in  claim 3  wherein pairs of circumferentially adjacent flaps are of different lengths. 
   
   
       6 . The lid as set forth in  claim 4  wherein circumferentially adjacent flaps are of different widths. 
   
   
       7 . The lid as set forth in  claim 4  wherein flaps of one diametrically opposed pair are adapted to engage an engagement ring disposed on the inner wall in a first vertical position in the given range and flaps of an adjacent opposed pair are adapted to engage an engagement ring disposed on the inner wall in a second vertical position in the given range.