Patents by Inventor Vern Bigham

Vern Bigham has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Universal manhole cover engaging tool
    Patent number: 6676111
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for displacing a manhole cover from a manhole where the manhole cover includes an engaging surface. The portable apparatus includes a leg having a first end and a second end and a shaft attached to the first end of the leg such that the leg and the shaft define a fulcrum point for the device. A tool is pivotally attached to the leg wherein the tool engages the engaging surface of the manhole cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Vern Bigham
  • Universal manhole cover engaging tool
    Publication number: 20030085390
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for displacing a manhole cover from a manhole where the manhole cover includes an engaging surface. The portable apparatus includes a leg having a first end and a second end and a shaft attached to the first end of the leg such that the leg and the shaft define a fulcrum point for the device. A tool is pivotally attached to the leg wherein the tool engages the engaging surface of the manhole cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Vern Bigham
  • Lifting apparatus for a manhole cover
    Patent number: 6520482
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for displacing a manhole cover from a manhole where the manhole cover includes an engaging surface where the portable apparatus includes a leg having a first end and a second end and a shaft attached to the first end of the leg such that the leg and the shaft define a fulcrum point for the device. A tool is attached to the engaging portion wherein the tool engages the engaging surface of the manhole cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Vern Bigham
  • Manhole cover engaging tools
    Patent number: 6176469
    Abstract: A manhole cover engaging tool includes a first and second L-shaped member. The first and second L-shaped members are hingedly attached along a shank of the first and second L-shaped members. A first plate is attached to a first end of a first L-shaped member. A second plate is attached to a first end of the second L-shaped members. The first plate and the second plate configure to cooperate with a lever when the manhole cover engaging tool is in an engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Vern Bigham
  • Lift apparatus having a pivoting pole for lifting and moving a manhole cover
    Patent number: 5775674
    Abstract: A lift device for lifting a manhole cover which includes a base and a pole configured to lift the manhole cover when one end of the pole is pressed downward. The length of the pole is adjustable in order to permit easy storage and transportation, and to increase the lift force. Retainers are configured to secure manhole covers to the lift device to permit the lifting of the manhole covers in a manner that their center of mass is kept near the end of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Vern Bigham