Abstract: A manhole embodiment that includes a skirt made of flexible material, such as rolled sheet steel, having a stiffening flange extending laterally from the bottom rim of the skirt to increase the manhole lateral strength and provide a footing for the manhole and an outwardly extending lip at the skirt upper rim. The manhole top ring connects directly to the top of the lip. This eliminates the need for a separate piece such as the lower L-shaped ring piece included in conventional manholes. An optional extension skirt can telescope into the bottom of the upper skirt that can be held to the upper skirt by fasteners. The telescoping extension skirt can be height adjusted in the field so that the over-all height of the manhole can be adjusted to any desired height, say between 8 and 16 inches.

Abstract: A combination roof louver that ventilates an attic and an attic access hatch for providing entry by a person into the attic. The device consists of two main parts, a base and a cover. The base of the device provides an entrance into an attic, and has a flange around its periphery which is to be installed under a roof covering. The cover has ventilating apertures in a soffit located underneath an outside edge. The cover pivots to open and close. The cover can also be removed.

Abstract: A manhole opening structure having a cover traveling rail on which at least one manhole cover can travel between a manhole opening and the ground and rail lifter serving to upwardly and downwardly move the cover traveling rail between a lower position where the manhole cover closes the manhole opening and an upper position where the manhole cover can move between the cover traveling rail and the ground.

Abstract: A watertight manhole insert and tether apparatus designed to prevent rainwater from entering sanitary sewer or other systems through a manhole closed by a manhole cover. The manhole insert is located beneath the manhole cover and is connected directly to the manhole by a tether mounted in the manhole, to plug the manhole and prevent theft of the manhole insert. The manhole insert is characterized by a pan-shaped insert body having a flat insert bottom and a pressure-relief valve, one or more lift straps optionally provided with a warning tag, and an upward-standing, sloping or perpendicular side wall fitted with an outwardly-extending top rim for engaging a shoulder shaped in the manhole to support the manhole insert. One end of the flexible stainless steel tether is connected to the manhole wall and the opposite end first extends through a grommet in the insert bottom and subsequently through a lever bar locking device.

Abstract: The present invention is a device providing a safe and convenient attachment point for connecting a lifting apparatus to a trench or cover plate. The invention consists of an insert for location in the plate, the insert having at least two secured pins extending across an aperture centered in the insert. A single length of chain is secured at each end to the portions of the pins spanning the aperture. The chain is of such length and size to fit within the aperture without extending outward from the upper and lower surfaces of the insert. The insert is positioned in an existing cover plate of similar thickness or incorporated into the manufacture of new cover plates. A lifting mechanism is attached to the chain for safe and quick lifting of the cover plate.

Abstract: A device is provided with a substantially rigid sheet having a pair of parallel opposite edges; and a holder for holding the sheet at a position in stable equilibrium at a predetermined location; the sheet and the holder being so constructed and arranged that the sheet can be moved easily to and away from the location by a person without a need for equipment.

Abstract: A floating areaway system which can respond to changing soils conditions (such as freezing, expansion, settling, or the like) utilizes a continuously adjustable attachment to the foundation or a free motion support. The system is particularly adapted to overhanging areaway enclosures such as may include an escape dement. The designs can range from slidable retainers to elastic members to rotating elements so that the areaway enclosure can move up or down with the soil. Shields, low friction surfaces, and waterproof elements can be included to assure continuous operation. Installation, whether new or retrofit, is facilitated through individual free motion support brackets which can accommodate previously installed areaway enclosures as well as a new enclosure. The brackets can be designed to be specific to particular designs, generic, removable, and reversible so that the mounting can be in either the interior or the exterior of the enclosure. Integral designs afford efficient manufacture and installation.

Abstract: Openings such as those for attic staircases may be covered with a multipocket member having top, side, and end pockets in which insulation can be placed. The side pockets are of longer length than the top pocket. When the side and end pockets are pivoted downwardly from the top pocket and provided in box-like configuration, the insulation at the pivot edges is compressed thereby filling up these edges.

Abstract: An internal fastening band for an internal manhold chimney seal is disclosed, as well as a means for expanding the band and a means for removing the band. One end of the band is narrower than the other end so that when overlapped the ends of the band nest into one another to form a continuous expansion band. The first end portion has a plurality of apertures longitudinally spaced along the fastening band, and a plurality of slots spaced between the apertures and an end of the fastening band. The second end portion also has a aperture along a tab for engaging one of the slots to connect the first end portion to the second end portion with the particular slot being selected to adjust the continuous circular fastening band to a desired diameter. A tool is described for engaging an aperture in each end portion to increase the diameter of the circular expansion band and force the resilient sleeve against the inside surface of the manhole.

Abstract: An attic hatchway cover wherein a tent-like structure having side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall each having a flange structure are arranged to engage and for securement to a hatchway opening framework employing mounting strips, such that fastening structure secures each mounting strip to each associated flange and simultaneously to the framework. The top wall of the cover employs a flap member selectively securable to the top wall and displaceable therefrom by use of a generally U-shaped zipper to disengage the flap relative to the top wall.

Abstract: A habitable structure has a ground-supported, water-impervious floor and upright foundation walls which together define an open top water enclosure. Flooring is supported on the foundation walls essentially covering the open top. Roofing is supported above the flooring so as to define a habitable space between the roofing and the flooring above the enclosure. Various systems for distributing water from the enclosure are disclosed and include the sprinkler system for distributing water outside as well as inside of the structure and heating/cooling systems which can either circulate water from the enclosure as a heat transfer liquid or circulate fluids through water in the enclosure to use the water as a heat sink or heat source.

Abstract: A leakproof modular manhole system comprising a plurality of separate cooperating, plastic form units that snap fit together in a vertical stack. The deployed system provides a complete replacement for an existing manhole, or forms an entirely new corrosion resistant and leakproof manhole. Each of the seamless units is preferably rotationally molded from polyethylene plastic. Each double walled unit interiorly defines a material receptive annular cavity. The cavity may be filled with structural or non structural fill material. A generally tubular base unit is disposed at the bottom of the excavation for connection with the sewer line by an eccentric reducer coupling. A concrete invert is formed in the base in fluid flow communication with the sewer line. One or more tubular riser units extend serially upwardly from the base. The risers are available in varying lengths to accommodate different manhole depths. The system corbel is formed by a cone that structurally terminates alongside the pavement.

Abstract: The improved manhole cover of this invention provides a strong yet lightweight access cover structure made from a series of radially staggered ply layers bonded above and below a homogenous frusto-conical core portion with resin, each ply layer made from an array of radially staggered unidirectional fiber tape.

Abstract: A water permeable landscape ditch cover comprising a monolithic body with a paved, water permeable surface comprised of a aggregate material and a synthetic resin binder.

Abstract: A sewer chimney system for stabilizing and protecting a chimney pipe interconnecting a service pipe and a main sewer line includes a base for bridging a main sewer line, the base having a hole for accommodating the chimney pipe rising from the main sewer line; a hollow casing vertically mounted on the base and having a lower open end aligned with the hole in the base for receiving the chimney pipe; and having an upper open end for receiving fill about the chimney pipe, the case including a lateral hole for receiving a service pipe for interconnection with the chimney pipe, and a device for attaching the hollow casing to the base for securing it during filling of the casing and during backfilling around the casing.

Abstract: A roof pipe entry hatch which includes side walls defining an opening, a cover hinged to one end of the side walls exteriorally of the opening, and a plurality of apertures presented by the side walls for receiving pipes from the exterior of the side walls into the opening, or handling pipes from the interior to the exterior of the building.

Abstract: A sewer chimney system for stabilizing and protecting a chimney pipe interconnecting a service pipe and a main sewer line includes a base for bridging a main sewer line, the base having a hole for accommodating the chimney pipe rising from the main sewer line; a hollow casing vertically mounted on the base and having a lower open end aligned with the hole in the base for receiving the chimney pipe; and having an upper open end for receiving fill about the chimney pipe, the case including a lateral hole for receiving a service pipe for interconnection with the chimney pipe, and a device for attaching the hollow casing to the base for securing it during filling of the casing and during backfilling around the casing.

Abstract: An internal form with exterior surfaces corresponding to the interior surfaces of the access chamber adapted to be contacted by corrosive gasses; spraying such exterior surfaces of the form with a release agent and allowing the release agent to cure; spraying the cured release agent with a first layer of gel coat having a first color and allowing the gel coat to cure; spraying the cured first layer of gel coat with a second layer of gel coat having a second color contrasting to the first color and allowing the second layer of gel coat to cure; spraying the cured second layer of gel coat with resin and chopped strands to form a first fiberglass coating; attaching half cylinder pockets to the first fiberglass coating; spraying the first fiberglass coating and pockets with resin and chopped strands to form a second fiberglass coating; rolling the second fiberglass coating to remove air bubbles and to improve the bonding between the layers and coatings; laying up metal reinforcing rods interior of the pockets and

Abstract: A distributing box for laying a cable duct is dealt with in the construction field so that, after laying the cable duct, the box is sealed with mortar and then buried in the ground. Accordingly, the distributing box should desirably be set up in the construction field with ease. Underground water must not permeate the distributing box which has been buried in the ground. In the present invention, therefore, a distributing adapter which is mounted in the wall of a concrete box is constructed of a case which has a back plate, a partition wall which divides the interior of the case into a plurality of areas, a flange which is formed at the periphery of the case, and marks for drilling positions, which are put on the rear surface of the back plate.

Abstract: A habitable structure has a ground-supported, water-impervious floor and upright foundation walls which together define an open top water enclosure. Flooring is supported on the foundation walls essentially covering the open top. Roofing is supported above the flooring so as to define a habitable space between the roofing and the flooring above the enclosure. A catchment system collects rainwater from the roofing and other sources and conducts it into the enclosure where it is stored for future use. The enclosure formed by the foundation walls and floor is modified to permit use as either a water storage tank or habitable area itself.

Abstract: A displaceable flooring system for particular use on truck trailers includes a movable second floor portion, and control structure for elevating and guiding translational displacement of the movable floor portion into a position at least partially superimposed above an adjacent first floor portion in order to selectively create a floor opening left by the displacement of the movable floor portion. The control structure includes a driving mechanism for elevating an end of the movable floor portion normally aligned adjacent to the abutting end of the first floor portion, and a roller system is provided to enable translational rolling of the movable floor portion over the fixed, first floor portion.

Abstract: Plastic linings in the form of synthetic polymeric plastic resiliently flexible sheets are disclosed having matingly engagable connector structures along their opposing edges to permit mated engagement of adjoining sheets to form a continuous lining. The sheets have a uniform transverse cross section which extends from one end of the sheet to an opposing end of the sheet to permit extrusion of each sheet. Y-shaped engagement members are preferably provided to better secure the sheet to the surface of a concrete body of a concrete structural element being lined with the sheet. The matingly engaged connectors further provide a compression joint between mated, adjoining sheets. The sheets may also be bonded together along the joints to provide a fluid-impervious seal between the mated sheets. L-shaped synthetic polymeric plastic end members are further bonded to the sheet at corners of the concrete body where the sheets end to provide smooth, protected surfaces for coupling elements together.

Abstract: A covering for a ground opening includes a frame in which a cover can be inserted. The frame has a recess for receiving a retaining web shaped onto the edge of the cover. A niche with a sloping bearing surface is formed in the frame at a distance from the recess. The cover has a cam. When the cover is in the closed position, a supporting wall provided on the cam formed on the cover edge rests on a bearing surface of the frame, so that, on closing the cover, the later is moved in the direction of the recess and assumes a locked position. Thus, the cover is held in a clearance-free manner in the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in cooperation with a liquid-receiving pipe for catching and temporarily storing spilled or overflowed liquid as the liquid is being transferred into the pipe. An elastic band grips the pipe in liquid-tight relationship, and the band supports the apparatus on the pipe. A flexible sleeve is connected in liquid-tight relationship with the elastic band for fitting over and around the pipe to form an inner liquid-retaining wall. A funnel is connected in liquid-tight relationship with the sleeve for positioning over and around the pipe and over and around the sleeve to form an outer liquid-retaining wall. The funnel cooperates with the sleeve to create a container for catching and temporarily storing the spilled or overflowed liquid.

Abstract: A sump cover containment assembly is provided for use with containment sumps utilized with underground fluid holding tanks having a sump cover with an access hole therein, a frame which communicates with the containment sump to which the sump cover is attached and a sump shield positioned between the containment sump and the frame and having a hole which communicates with the interior of the containment sump as well as with the sump cover access hole.

Abstract: A covering for a ground opening includes a frame in which a cover can be inserted. The frame has a recess for receiving a retaining web shaped onto the edge of the cover. A niche with a sloping bearing surface is formed in the frame at a distance from the recess. The cover has a cam. When the cover is in the closed position, a supporting wall provided on the cam formed on the cover edge rests on a bearing surface of the frame, so that, on closing the cover, the later is moved in the direction of the recess and assumes a locked position. Thus, the cover is held in a clearance-free manner in the frame.

Abstract: A safety device for sealing a drain assembly including a plate element defining a basin with the drain assembly, a housing element depending from the plate element closed to an underground line associated with the drain assembly, and a seal element positionable between the plate element and drain assembly to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween when liquid fills the housing element interior.

Abstract: A step module is provided for use in constructing stairways. Each step module includes a tread portion and a riser portion connected at a nosing so that a plurality of modules may be secured adjacently in stepwise fashion to create a stairway. A shoulder member attaches to the riser portion of one module along the front riser surface parallel to the nosing and thus forms a tread seat for attachment of the distal tread edge of a lower module. When connected, a channel is formed which may be enclosed and filled with a filler material such as an acoustical damping material. The cover may be a wing projecting forwardly of the riser portion and underlying the tread portion of the lower module.

Abstract: A box-shaped enclosure, open on its bottom, pivotally mounted over an attic access stairway, so a foldable, downward stairway mounted in the opening, may be upwardly raised and stored therewithin.

Abstract: A sump crock cover for airtight istallation on the surface of a floor directly over a sump pump opening is disclosed. The cover includes a sump lid base member of generally circular shape having two spaced apart annular sealing rings which assit in preventing the escape of hazardous gases such as radon enriched soil gas. The cover has an integral radially extending ribbed section with a central aperture for the purpose of receiving a flexible grommet which provides a seal around sump discharge piping and electrical wiring. Effective O-ring sealing is obtained by positioning the O-rings radially inwardly and outwardly of the bolts which mount the cover to the floor and by providing for installation of the O-rings in grooves in the sump lid so that the O-rings extend beyond the plane of the sump lid.

Abstract: A kit of parts for constructing a loft hatch frame comprises four extruded `T`-section mouldings 12 and four corner plates 14. Each moulding 12 comprises an elongate face plate 12a and an upstanding longitudinal web 12b upstanding generally centrally from the face plate. In use the mouldings 12 are cut slightly shorter than the sides of the loft access opening, and nailed to the ceiling purlins through the upstanding webs 12b. The face plates 12a closely abut the ceiling and together provide an internal shoulder on which an access panel rests. Each of the four corner plates 14 has a pair of recesses 16 formed therein, shaped to receive the ends of the face plates 12a of a pair of the extruded mouldings 12. Thus the corner plates 14 mask the junction between adjacent mouldings 12, and provide a neat finish even though the mouldings have not been cut to exact length.

Abstract: The structure comprises a main wall (1) having bins (2) projecting therefrom. The bins are separated by gaps (b 5, 8) and projects outwardly from an installed storage facility, such that each bins is completely surrounded by earth on five of its six faces. The wall (1) is made as a generally flat tray-like structure for storage and transport purposes, which structure is curved prior to being installed in a suitable hole.

Abstract: An insulating cover provides a easily removed thermal barrier over a hatchway used for access to an attic or other unheated area located above a heated living space. A cap, besides providing thermal insulation, provides an insulated dome or pocket space above the hatch, this space being used to manipulate a hatch cover or folding stairway. The seating surface of the insulating cap interlocks with a deck member on the attic floor sufficiently to hold it in place while allowing seepage of air during closing of the hatch cover or folding stairway. It is well known that such closing of a folding stairway of common design can cause an air movement or air rain into the stairwell opening. Only materials with high thermal "R" value are used.

Abstract: An improved manhole seal for sealing a manhole lid to the frame. The frame has an upwardly facing ledge and an annular surface bordering the outer extremity of the ledge. The lid encloses the manhole and has a lower surface seated directly on the ledge and an outer peripheral surface abutting the annular surface of the frame. In addition, the lid is provided with an angular surface which interconnects the lower surface and the outer peripheral surface. An annular gasket seals the lid to the frame and has a generally triangular cross section. The gasket includes a first surface resting on the ledge, a second surface disposed in engagement with the annular surface of the frame and a third diagonal surface which is disposed in engagement with the angular surface on the lid. The angularity of the third surface of the gasket with respect to the horizontal, is greater than the angularity of the angular surface on the lid to provide a positive seal between the members.

Abstract: A manhole access cover comprises a removable cover member which fits within an outer frame, the cover member comprising an inner frame with an appropriate filling (44). Each of the inner and outer frames are fabricated from a plurality of lengths of angle-sectioned members (1, 21) mitred at their ends and joined to each other at the corners of the frame so that the frame comprises a substantially vertical wall formed from vertical (3, 33) limbs of the frame members and a substantially horizontal ledge extending inwardly from the vertical wall and formed from horizontal limbs (2, 22) of the frame members. The joint at each corner includes an angular corner member (9) extending around the corner on the vertical wall and to which the angle-sectioned members are crimped by piercing metal out of the angle-sectioned members (15) and crimping it into the corner members.

Abstract: A breather device for use in a vent hole of a double glazed window sash is provided and comprises an elongated hollow sleeve member extending into the vent hole and having opposite interior and exterior ends, and a plurality of resilient fingers extending axially from the exterior end of the sleeve member with each finger terminating in a radially inwardly extending tip portion. The fingers and tip portions of the device are closely spaced so as to inhibit entry of foreign matter into the sleeve and are resilient so as to deflect radially outwardly when a cleaning tool is inserted through the device for removing any foreign matter therein.

Abstract: A roof tile having a lead-in hole for antenna cords or other elongated bodies of rooftop fixtures comprises a tile body, a pedestal integrally formed on the upper central surface of the tile body, a nozzle integrally formed on the pedestal, and a pipe joint having a base and a bent leading end. The pedestal has a bolt hole bored therein so as to pierce through the tile body for inserting an anchor bolt thereinto to fix the tile body to a roof board. The nozzle has an annular rib formed on the upper periphery thereof and a nozzle hole formed therein so as to pierce through both the pedestal and the tile body for serving as the lead-in hole. The base of the pipe joint is adapted to be fitted around the nozzle and fixed to the nozzle with a bolt screwed therein and brought into collision contact with the periphery of the nozzle at a position below the annular rib. The bent leading end of the pipe joint is directed to the upper surface of the tile body.

Abstract: In a rectangular utility vault cover a continuous flange on the underside of the cover presses against a sealing material contained in a channel mounted on the vault casing to form a non load bearing seal on the vault cavity. A raised ramp or cam located at each corner of the cover rides upon a raised track on the casing so that the projecting flange does not abrade the sealing material as the cover is slidably removed from the vault casing.

Abstract: A sealing cover for an attic floor well opening and attic stairs is provided and consists of a dome made of insulated material, a seal made of weather stripping mounted around bottom edge of the dome, a device for holding down the dome over the attic floor well opening and compressing the seal around perimeter of the attic floor well opening making the dome draft free and another device for raising up the dome from the attic floor well opening so that a person may gain access through the attic floor well opening via the attic stairs.

Abstract: An insulating cover is disclosed for enclosing an opening in a building floor containing a folding stairs which has a pair of tracks mounted adjacent the opening. An inverted box-like structure of sufficient size to cover the opening has sides which fit and are movable in the tracks to enable the box-like structure to be slid horizontally and/or pivoted to cover or expose the openings.

Abstract: A chimney access door assembly for mounting on existing chimneys to permit convenient cleaning includes a frame member defining an aperture therein and which is mounted in the opening of the chimney and a closure member dimensioned to overlie and close the aperture in the frame member and extend about a marginal portion of the frame member about the aperture. Gasket means is provided between the adjacent surfaces of the closure member and frame member and extends about the frame member aperture so as to substantially prevent passage of smoke, fumes and the like. In one embodiment, the closure member is provided with a recess for seating on its inside surface insulating means for use of the access door assembly on an exterior wall.

Abstract: A pollution prevention device for use in association with a fill pipe for the passing of material to a container, the device includes a basin positioned about the end of the fill pipe and capable of collecting a predetermined amount of the material spilled during the filling or emptying of the container through the fill pipe.

Abstract: A frame, for a manhole/access cover and frame assembly, has outer peripheral portions which are generally of inverted U-shape in cross-section, and the outer surfaces of the peripheral portions, forming the outer limb of the inverted U, are formed with a plurality of apertures or cut-outs to facilitate the flow of concrete into the space within the peripheral portions to bed the frame securely into the concrete.

Abstract: A manhole structure comprising a circular frame formed with a pair of diametrically opposite inwardly and upwardly open recesses traversed by respective pivot pins and a further pair of diametrically opposite brackets having inwardly and upwardly open recesses. A pair of semicircular cover heads, each has three radially projecting lugs including a pivot lug engaging a respective one of the pins and a pair of support lugs at opposite ends of the rectilinear edge of the cover half. The pivot lug has a pocket receiving the pin and communicating with a narrow slot whereby the pivot lug is inserted over the pin, the pocket being shaped so that when the cover is swung open, it can be braced between the pin and an edge of the recess. All of the recesses have wedge-forming inclined flanks which engage inclined flanks of the cover halves to support the latter in their closed positions.

Abstract: A novel panel and panel assembly for use in building-type structures, together with panel forming apparatus are disclosed which are especially suitable for using portable, point-of-use, continuously operable, roll-forming techniques. The panel is characterized by upwardly diverging inclined sidewall portions (26, 27), wing portions (28, 29) of substantial lateral extent in relation to an intermediate wall portion that forms the bottom thereof, and centered edge fastening structure (31, 32). This panel provides a greater panel width per sheet stock width, ease of assembly, spacing and tracking surfaces for continuous edge seaming, and balanced strength with respect to loading. The panel assembly has continuous seam structure (54) with abutting inclined side sections (41, 47) and centered interlocking lateral flange portions (46, 53).

Abstract: A manhole cover plug (1A) contains three helical ribs (5A) whose profile, in transverse cross-section, has two lateral quarter-circular parts (11A, 12A). These lateral parts cooperate with helical grooves of the frame with a quarter-circular profile of a greater radius.

Abstract: A tubular drain vertically positioned within the ground beneath the ground level in the vicinity of surface water and having a tubular drain cover-support member anchored in the surface ground layer with a tubular part of the drain cover-support means extending down into the tubular drain, so as to be axially movable relative thereto as a separately movable support element in annular disc form placed around the tubular part of the drain cover-support member so as to be axially movable relative to the drain while being guided by the upper part with it being anchored in the surrounding ground layer in a manner so as to be able to exert a downwardly pressing force from the underlying drain when relative movement is obtained between the drain and the supporting element.

Abstract: The manhole has a frame 1 with a flange 4 to be embedded in the road and a movable cover 2 to fit in the cylindrical wall 3 of the frame. On its inside the wall 3 has three support surfaces 9 each downwardly sloping at an angle .alpha. to the horizontal in the circumferential direction and at an angle .beta. to the horizontal in the radial direction. Between the surfaces 9 the frame has three undercut surfaces 11 extending radially. On its underside the cover 2 has six surfaces 14, 15. When the cover is on the frame three surfaces 14 are parallel to the corresponding surfaces 9 and the three surfaces 15 are parallel to the corresponding surfaces 11. The surfaces 9, 11 on the frame abut the surfaces 14, 15 by which the cover is held against rocking.

Abstract: A double support wall roof curb linear form fabricated from a continuous strip of metal of substantially uniform thickness into an elongated structure having both inner and outer support walls. The linear form has a top member extending the length of the form, an inner portion bent from one edge of the top member and an outer portion bent from the other edge of the top member. Both the inner and outer portions function as supports for equipment mounted upon a finished roof curb incorporating the linear form. The roof curb linear form is fabricated by first forming the inner and outer portions before formation of the top member is begun. Thereafter, the top member is formed by applying pressure to the strip of metal on opposite sides of the strip at the location of the top member. If the bottom of the linear form is to be open, pressure may be applied by a ram having an offset portion to accommodate the formed bottom member of the linear form as the form is fabricated.

Abstract: A lid for a vehicle roof opening including a linkage hinging it to the roof structure to accommodate tilting of the lid upwardly in either of two directions, or elevating it bodily, for use of the opening to ventilate the vehicle and including provision for separating the linkage from the roof supporting structure to permit swinging the lid to a fully open position relative to the roof opening to provide an escape hatch.