ADJUSTABLE GRATE FRAMES
An adjustable frame configured to receive a standard grate includes a plurality of threaded openings that may be threadably engaged with bolts to adjust an elevation of the frame. The threaded openings may be configured to have a desired thread pitch, which in turn dictates how much the frame may be lowered or raised with one full turn of the bolt. Optionally, threaded bushings may be installed into the frame to engage with the bolts.
This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/471,600 filed on Apr. 4, 2011 and is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to adjustable frames for grates or covers, which may take the form of manhole covers for sewer, water, storm, electrical, etc., and also generally relates to methods of installing the frames.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFor underground sewer, water, storm and electrical infrastructure, a grate or manhole is provided in the road surface through which a worker can have access to an underground structure or tunnel to do repairs or other work.
The present invention provides an underground access port that includes an entry area having a shoulder, a conduit access area coupled to the entry area and one or more conduits, a portal device received by a structure. The portal device includes a removable section and an adjustable frame configured to receive the removable section. The adjustable frame includes a plurality of adjustment devices configured to allow adjustment of height of the frame relative to the shoulder.
In one aspect of the invention, the removable section includes a grate or a manhole cover.
In another aspect of the invention, the underground access port is mounted within at least one of a road or a sidewalk.
In still another aspect of the invention, the adjustment devices includes a plurality of threaded cavities located around the threads that are configured to engage with threads in the threaded cavity and a plurality of bolts configured to be received within the threaded cavities.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the bolts have a length greater than a thickness of the adjustable frame, and wherein the threaded cavities pass through the adjustable frame.
Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:
As will be described in further detail below, at least one embodiment of the invention includes a standard grate received by an adjustable frame that may be configured to be flush with a road surface. The frame includes threaded openings that receive bolts, which when torqued provide a selected upward or downward movement of the frame.
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined by reference to the claims that follow.
Claims
1. A utility access portal device received by a structure, the device comprising:
- a removable section; and
- an adjustable frame configured to receive the removable section, the adjustable frame comprising: a plurality of adjustment devices configured to allow adjustment of height of the frame relative to the structure.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the removable section comprises a grate.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the removable section comprises a manhole cover.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the structure is at least one of a road or sidewalk.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment devices comprise:
- a plurality of threaded cavities located around the threads that are configured to engage with threads in the threaded cavity; and
- a plurality of bolts configured to be received within the threaded cavities.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the bolts have a length greater than a thickness of the adjustable frame, and wherein the threaded cavities pass through the adjustable frame.
7. An underground access port comprising:
- an entry area having a shoulder;
- a conduit access area coupled to the entry area and one or more conduits;
- a portal device received by a structure, the portal device comprising: a removable section; and an adjustable frame configured to receive the removable section, the adjustable frame comprising: a plurality of adjustment devices configured to allow adjustment of height of the frame relative to the shoulder.
8. The port of claim 7, wherein the removable section comprises a grate.
9. The port of claim 7, wherein the removable section comprises a manhole cover.
10. The port of claim 7, wherein the underground access port is mounted within at least one of a road or a sidewalk.
11. The port of claim 7, wherein the adjustment devices comprise:
- a plurality of threaded cavities located around the threads that are configured to engage with threads in the threaded cavity; and
- a plurality of bolts configured to be received within the threaded cavities.
12. The port of claim 7, wherein the bolts have a length greater than a thickness of the adjustable frame, and wherein the threaded cavities pass through the adjustable frame.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 4, 2012
Publication Date: Apr 25, 2013
Applicant: 8 Seconds LLC (Maple Valley, WA)
Inventor: Shane Read (Issaquah, WA)
Application Number: 13/439,704
International Classification: E02D 29/14 (20060101);