US Patent 10136530 Utility vault interlocking lid seat

A vault system is provided that defines an enclosed volume to protect various electrical, water, communications and other components. The system comprises a lid to allow selective access to the contents in the enclosed volume of the vault. Over time, continued wear and tear on the lid of the vault can cause the lid to deflect inward and/or cause the body of the vault to deflect outward, which compromises the integrity of the vault. Interlock features, methods, and systems are provided transfer stress and strain between the lid and the vault, which maintain the integrity of the selective interconnection between the lid and the vault.