Device for Securing Covers of Drainage Holes and the Like

Abstract

A device for securing a cover having an opening therethrough over a well, drywell, or like structure having an upwardly facing horizontal base surface surrounding a bottom opening of the well includes an upper member positioned on the cover, a lower member positioned horizontally upward against the horizontal base surface, and a connecting rod that operatively connects the upper to the lower member and maintains a tension force between them via the connecting rod to secure the cover in position. A connector on the rod allows the lower member to pivot to a vertical position alongside the rod for insertion through the hole in the cover. In this way, the device can be installed with the cover in situ. The connector also provides translational movement of the lower member along the rod to provide, or remove, the tension. A locking element connected to the rod allows adjusting of the tension.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/475,991 entitled “DEVICE FOR SECURING COVERS OF DRAINAGE HOLES AND THE LIKE,” filed Mar. 24, 2017, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for securing drainage hole covers and, in particular, to devices for securing drainage hole covers that are able to be installed without lifting, or retrofitting, the cover.

BACKGROUND

Generally, manhole covers for covering drainage holes and the like are extremely heavy and can be safely maintained in place by gravity, usually on top of a recessed rim formed in a paved street. However, there are events which can cause such covers to be undesirably lifted, and even removed, creating a safety hazard. For example, a truck passing over a manhole cover may cause it to lift off the recessed rim, thus partially or entirely uncovering the drainage hole, and leaving a part of the heavy cover undesirably sticking up from the street. In another example, flooding may cause a drainage cover to be lifted and possibly moved.

Devices have been proposed to prevent the unwanted lifting or removal of such covers, whether it be intentional or accidental, to prevent property damage, personal injury and even death that could result from an unsecured manhole or drainage cover. However, most securing devices of the prior art require replacement of the existing cover with an improved cover having built-in securing mechanisms, or at least retrofitting the existing cover. Other prior art devices are designed for installation below the drainage cover and thus also require removal of the existing cover.

For reasons of efficiency, economy, and convenience, it is desirable to be able to safely secure covers of drainage holes and the like, without having to lift or remove the cover. It is also desirable to provide a device for securing such covers that includes a tamper-proof lock to prevent unauthorized persons, including vandals, from removing the cover from its safely installed position. Tamper-proof locks are also desirable to prevent unauthorized dumping of contaminants and pollutants which could enter the aquifers, contaminating sources of drinking water.

There is a need, therefore, for a device for securing drainage hole covers and the like that can be installed with the existing cover in situ over the drainage hole, i.e., without lifting, and/or retrofitting the existing cover. There is also a need for such devices for securing drainage hole covers and the like that also include a tamper-proof lock.

SUMMARY

Features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of this disclosure.

The present disclosure is directed to a device for securing drainage hole covers and the like that can be installed with the existing cover in situ over the drainage hole, i.e., without lifting, and/or retrofitting the existing cover. The present disclosure is also directed to a tamper-proof lock for locking the drainage hole cover once secured in place, and to a drainage hole cover which includes the tamper-proof lock.

The disclosure is also directed to a device for securing a cover over a well or like structure, wherein the cover includes at least one opening therethrough, and the well includes a hollow walled chamber with a bottom opening that intersects with a drainage section. A portion of a ceiling of the drainage section surrounding the bottom opening forms an upwardly facing horizontal base surface around a periphery of the bottom opening of the well. The device includes an upper retaining member configured to engage a top of the cover over the well or like structure; a lower retaining member configured to lay flat against the upwardly facing horizontal base surface of the well; a connecting rod sized for insertion through the at least one opening, which operatively connects the upper retaining member to the lower retaining member. A vertical position of the upper retaining member is fixed at an upper end portion of the connecting rod and the lower retaining member is translationably coupled to the connecting rod for vertical translation along the connecting rod with respect to the upper retaining member.

The device also includes a locking element positioned to engage an upper surface of the upper retaining member and coupled to the upper end portion of the connecting rod, the locking element configured to cooperate with the connecting rod for vertical translation of the lower retaining member upward and tightly against the horizontal base surface while forcibly engaging the upper retaining member down onto the cover to immobilize the cover in situ on the well.

In aspects, the lower retaining member is further pivotably coupled to the connecting rod for pivoting the lower retaining member with respect to a vertical orientation of the connecting rod for insertion through the at least one opening, and for positioning horizontally against the horizontal base surface.

In another aspect, the device may further include a securing connector that translationably couples the lower retaining member to the connecting rod.

In additional aspects, the connecting rod may have a threaded external surface, and the securing connector includes an eye portion having a threaded internal surface sized and configured to engage with the threaded external surface to facilitate translation of the lower retaining member along the connecting rod.

The securing connector, in aspects, includes a cylindrical rod portion fixedly extending from the eye portion perpendicularly to the connecting rod and coupled to the lower retaining member.

In additional aspects, the lower retaining member is pivotably coupled to the connecting rod via the cylindrical rod portion. The cylindrical rod portion is positioned in a through-hole of the lower retaining member, the lower retaining member being free to pivot around the cylindrical rod portion with respect to a vertical orientation of the connecting rod.

In aspects, the cylindrical rod portion includes a threaded end portion protruding from the through-hole, and a bolt with a threaded internal surface is threadedly fixed onto the threaded end portion to hold the lower retaining member pivotably coupled with the cylindrical rod portion.

In other aspects, the upper retaining member is in a shape that conforms to an upper surface of the cover, having a recessed portion that lays across the at least one opening.

The locking element may be positioned, in aspects, to engage the upper surface of the recessed portion of the upper retaining member.

In yet other aspects, the locking element and the connecting rod are formed as one body.

In aspects, the locking element includes a structure configured for engagement by a tool uniquely keyed to the structure.

The locking element, in aspects, may include a bolt head, wherein the device is configured to lock and immobilize the cover on the well by tightening the bolt head to refusal.

In still additional aspects, the device may include an end cap fixed to a lower end of the connecting rod.

The lower retaining member may, in aspects, be a flat bar.

The lower retaining member may be at least about ¼ inches in thickness and/or between about 1 and 1.5 inches wide, and/or between about 32 inches and 38 inches long.

The present disclosure is also directed to a device for securing a cover over a well or like structure, the cover including at least one opening therethrough, wherein the well includes a hollow walled chamber with a bottom opening that intersects with a drainage section, a portion of a ceiling of the drainage section surrounding the bottom opening forming a horizontal base surface, upwardly facing, around a periphery of the bottom opening of the well. The device includes an upper retaining member configured to engage a top surface of the cover over the well or like structure; a lower retaining member configured to lay flat against the upwardly facing horizontal base surface of the well; and a connecting rod sized for insertion through the at least one opening. The connecting rod operatively connects the upper retaining member to the lower retaining member. A vertical position of the upper retaining member is fixed at an upper end portion of the connecting rod and the lower retaining member is translationably coupled to the connecting rod for vertical translation along the connecting rod with respect to the upper retaining member. The connecting rod is configured to cooperate with the lower retaining member for vertical translation of the lower retaining member upward and tightly against the horizontal base surface, and is configured to cooperate with the upper retaining member to forcibly engage the cover down onto the well to immobilize the cover in situ.

The cylindrical rod of the device, in aspects, includes a locking element positioned to engage an upper surface of the upper retaining member, and positioned at an upper end portion of the cylindrical rod for access by a user, wherein the locking element, upon engagement by the user, is configured to vertically translate the lower retaining member upward and tightly against the horizontal base surface, while forcibly engaging the upper retaining member down onto the cover to immobilize the cover in situ on the well.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this disclosure and include examples, which may be implemented in various forms. It is to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In some instances, for example, various aspects of the disclosure may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate understanding. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts or elements, which may perform the same, similar, or equivalent functions, throughout the different views. The teaching of the disclosure can be readily understood by considering the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial plan view representation of a drainage cover secured with an embodiment of a device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial side view representation of the device of FIG. 1 upon installation (in a secured position) to secure the drainage cover in position over a typical drywell.

FIG. 3A is a pictorial side view representation of a top portion of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the top portion of FIG. 3A, shown installed on a drainage cover.

FIG. 4A is a side view of an embodiment of a device of the disclosure oriented in the secured position of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a pictorial representation of the device of FIG. 4A oriented for insertion through an opening the drainage cover for installation of the device, shown partially inserted through the opening.

FIG. 4C is a pictorial representation of the device of FIG. 4A, oriented in a position in which it will be maintained, once installed to secure and lock the drainage cover.

FIG. 4D is a side view of a lower retaining member of the device shown in FIGS. 4A-4C prior to assembly via a pivotably securing connector to the device.

FIG. 4E is a pictorial view of a portion of the embodiment of the pivotably securing connector shown in FIGS. 4A-4D.

FIG. 4F is a pictorial perspective view of another embodiment of a securing connector of the disclosure providing both pivoting and translational movement of the lower retaining member relative to the connecting rod.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial perspective view of another embodiment of a locking element of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of this disclosure. In this description, as well as in the drawings, like-referenced numbers represent elements which may perform the same, similar, or equivalent functions.

The present disclosure is directed to a device for securing drainage hole covers and the like that can be installed with the existing cover in situ over the drainage hole, i.e., without lifting, and/or retrofitting the existing cover. The use of the device may prevent property damage, unauthorized dumping, personal injury and even death that could result from an unsecured cover. The disclosure is also directed to a device for securing such covers, wherein the device includes a tamper-proof lock.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the device 10 of the present disclosure is configured for installation with a drainage cover 12 that has bars or ribs 15 separated by drainage openings 17, which may be in the form of a grating 14. The drainage cover 12 shown may also be referred to herein as a “drainage grating.”

Referring to FIG. 2, the drainage cover 12 typically rests on a rim 16, which is recessed into the ground, pavement or other surface 18, so that the top surface 19 of the cover 12 is flush with the ground surface 18. The rim 16 typically abuts a drywell 20, which is usually in the form of a concrete hollow walled structure, e.g., a concrete hollow cylinder as shown, which, in turn, opens into a larger drainage section 22. The portion of the ceiling of the drainage section 22 that abuts and surrounds the bottom opening of the drywell 20 is interchangeably referred to herein as a stepped surface 24, and as a horizontal base surface 24 of the drywell 20.

The device 10 of the present disclosure is configured to be installed onto the cover 12 and over the drywell 20 to secure and lock the drainage cover 12 in place without ever disturbing the drainage cover 12 from its resting position.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the device 10 includes an upper retaining member 30 configured to engage the top surface 19 of the cover 12, at least a portion of the upper retaining member 30 resting securely on the top surface 19 formed, e.g., by ribs 15 of the cover 12. The upper retaining member 30 is configured to engage, immobilize, and lock the cover 12 in place over the drywell 20 once the device 10 is installed. To securely engage the cover 12, at least a portion of the upper retaining member 30 is shaped to engage and rest on the top surface 19, and preferably to conform with the shape of a cover 12 on which it is installed. Referring also to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, wherein the drainage cover 12 is in the form of a grating 14, the upper retaining member 30 may be configured and shaped in an M-shape to lay flat over the top surface 19 of adjacent ribs 15 and hug the sides of the ribs 15 over the space 17 between them as shown. FIG. 5 shows a different embodiment of the upper retaining member 30 without vertical outer portions hugging the sides of the ribs 15. It will be appreciated that the upper retaining member 30 may be formed in other appropriate shapes that include a portion that rests on and engages the top surface 19 of the cover 12.

The upper retaining member 30 preferably lays flat on the surface 19 of the cover 12 such that no portion of the device 10, once installed, protrudes upward from the cover 12 in a way that would pose a safety hazard to vehicles or pedestrians passing over the cover 12. In embodiments, the upper retaining member 30 can rotate around a longitudinal axis 45 of the connecting rod 38, prior to installation, for ease in positioning the device 10 in place.

Referring still to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in embodiments, the upper retaining member 30 may include a thin planar plate, which may include at least two arms 32, configured to lay across the ribs 15 of the cover 12, each arm 32 preferably laying across one rib 15. The upper retaining member 30 also may include a connecting portion 34 positioned between and connecting the at least two arms 32. The connecting portion 34 is preferably recessed within and extends over the drainage opening 17 between the ribs 15 over which the arms 32 are positioned.

In some embodiments, each of the at least two arms 32 of the upper retaining member 30 is in the shape of an inverted “U” and is dimensioned to fit over and between the ribs 15, so that the sides of each inverted “U” hug the sides of the rib 15 it is positioned over.

In the embodiment shown, the upper retaining member 30 preferably includes an aperture 36 in the connecting portion 34, through which a top of a connecting rod 38, which in the particular embodiments shown is a threaded rod, is positioned as shown in the figures. A locking element 40 is positioned to forcibly engage an upper surface of the upper retaining member 30 and is operatively connected to the top of the connecting rod 38. Preferably, the locking element 40 is accessible to a user for installing and removing the device 10. It should be noted that in the embodiments shown, the locking element 40 is seated on the connecting portion 34, which is recessed relative to the upper surface of the cover and lays over one of the grating openings 17, so that the locking element 40 does not protrude above the cover 12. Accordingly, locking element 40 can remain in position after installation of the device 10 without posing any safety hazards. In some embodiments, locking element 40 may be configured to be removed after installation, if desired.

The vertical position of the locking element 40 is preferably fixed relative to the upper retaining member 30, the locking element 40 being operatively connected to an upper surface of the upper retaining member 30 as further described herein. Upon insertion of the device 10 for installation, as well as during and after installation, the locking element 40 is maintained in fixed vertical relationship to the cover 12 on which the upper retaining member 30 rests. The locking element 40 may be described as a tension-adjusting element, being configured to allow the tension on the portion of the connecting rod 38 between the upper retaining member 30 and a lower retaining member 50 to be adjusted as further described herein. In embodiments, the locking element 40 is tamper-proof.

In the embodiments shown, the locking element 40 is a bolt head, preferably a tamper-proof bolt head, which is secured to an upper end of the connecting rod 38. The connecting rod 38 is threaded in the embodiments shown, and rests on an upper surface 42, preferably on an upper surface 42 of the connecting portion 34, of the upper retaining member 30. The locking element 40 in these embodiments is rotatable, and is fixed to the connecting rod 38 so that the connecting rod 38 rotates with rotation of the locking element 40. In embodiments, a lock washer 44 is positioned between the upper surface 42 and the locking element 40 and against a lower surface 46 of the connecting portion 34 to prevent any tilting movement of the rod 38 when the locking element 40, together with the connecting rod 38, is rotated in one direction, preferably to refusal, for forcibly engaging the upper surface of the upper retaining member 30 down against the cover 12 while installing, tightening and locking the device 10 in place, or in the opposite direction for loosening and removing the device 10.

In embodiments, the locking element 40 and the connecting rod 38 are one body, i.e., are constructed as one integral, unitary component.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the device 10 further includes a lower retaining member 50 operatively connected to the connecting rod 38, with both pivotal and vertically translational connection to the connecting rod 38. With the lower retaining member 50 pivoted to be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 45 of the rod 38, the device 10 is inserted through an opening 17 in the cover 12 (see FIG. 4B). The upper retaining member 30 is maintained in position on top of the cover 12 once the device 10 is fully inserted. The lower retaining member 50 is lowered in a position below the horizontal base surface 24, pivoted substantially perpendicular to the connecting rod 38, and then vertically translated upward to resistance, i.e. is pulled tightly upward until it is compressed flat against the horizontal base surface 24 of the drywell 20 by translation of the member 50 along the rod 38, i.e., by tightening the locking element 40 to refusal. The cover 12 is thus locked down in situ.

Once the device 10 is locked in place, the cover 12 is immobilized, unable to be lifted up from its position on the rim 16 of the drywell, by the downward force along the connecting rod 38 of the lower retaining member 50 wedged against the horizontal base surface 24. By translating the lower retaining member 50 upward until there is no gap between the lower retaining member 50 and the horizontal base surface 24, a length 39 of the portion of the rod 38 connected between the upper retaining member 30, which is fixed against the upper surface of the cover 12, and the lower retaining member 50 is shortened. Shortening the length 39 forces the lower retaining member 50 upward against the horizontal base surface 24, while simultaneously pulling the upper retaining member 30 tightly downward against the top surface of the cover 12. The connecting rod 38 thereby acts as a type of tension rod preventing the cover 12, positioned on the rim 16 of the well 20 with the upper retaining member 30 secured thereon, from moving upward and apart from the lower retaining member 50 when it is locked tightly against the immovable horizontal base surface 24. The drainage cover 12 is thus locked down and maintained in its secured position shown in FIG. 2, until the device 10 is removed, without ever having been disturbed from its original position and without any modification of the existing cover 12.

The lower retaining member 50 of the disclosure must be of sufficient length to extend past the edges 43 of the hollow walled structure of the drywell 20, so that it can grab, and be anchored in place upward against, the horizontal base surface 24 surrounding the opening of the drywell 20. Preferably, the length of the lower retaining member 50 extends at least two inches beyond the size (a diameter, if a circular opening, or shorter side, if rectangular opening) of the lower opening of the drywell 20.

In the embodiment shown the lower retaining member 50 is a flat, preferably metallic, bar and is, in embodiments, about 36″ long. This length accommodates standard drywell cylinder diameters, which are typically between about 24 and 30 inches in diameter, as well as standard rectangular drywells, which are typically about 24 inches wide×48 inches long.

In embodiments, the lower retaining member 50 is at least 32 inches, preferably at least 34 inches long. In other embodiments, the member 50 is between about 32 inches and 38 inches long.

The lower retaining member 50, in embodiments, is a bar having a rectangular cross-section. In further embodiments, the bar 50 is at least 1 inch wide, and may be between about 1 and 1.5 inches, preferably 1.25 inches wide.

In embodiments, the bar is at least about ¼ inches thick.

In other embodiments, the bar is between about ¼ and ⅜ inches thick.

In still other embodiments, the bar has a cross-section that is between about 1 and 1.5 inches, preferably 1.25 inches, in width, and between about ¼ and ⅜ inches, preferably inches in thickness.

The lower retaining member 50, as well as the connecting rod 38, may be of any width and/or thickness that is suitable for positioning through one of the openings 17 in the cover 12 to install the device 10 and secure the cover 12, as described further herein.

In order to position the device 10 in cooperation with the drainage cover 12 in the secured position of FIG. 2 without removing the cover 12, the device 10 is further configured to operate in a placement or insertion mode, as best shown in 11G. 4B. Preferably, lower retaining member 50 is operatively coupled to the connecting rod 38 for translational movement along the connecting rod 38 for locking the cover 12 in place, and for pivotal movement with respect to the connecting rod 38 for insertion of the device 10 with the cover 12 in situ.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, and FIG. 2, in embodiments, the device 10 includes a securing connector 52 that both translationally connects the member 50 to the connecting rod 38, and pivotably connects the lower retaining member 50 to the connecting rod 38. The lower retaining member 50 may be translated along the rod 38 via the securing connector 52 for locking and removal of the device 10. The lower retaining member 50 may also be pivoted via the securing connector 52 to a position substantially parallel to the connecting rod 38, i.e., into a substantially upright position and in alignment with the connecting rod 38 (see FIG. 4B) for insertion of the lower retaining member 50 (and rod 38) through one of the drainage openings 17 in the cover 12, as shown in FIG. 4B.

The securing connector 52 is positioned on, and threadedly engaged with, the rod 38 and pivotably connected to the lower retaining member 50, preferably at a midpoint of the length 51 of the member 50 (see also FIG. 4D, position of through-hole 55 for mounting the securing connector 52 thereto). The securing connector 52 is also preferably initially located on the connecting rod 38 at an appropriate distance from the upper retaining member 30, which engages the cover 12, to allow the lower retaining member 50 to pivot to a position below the stepped surface 24. For most types of drywells, the securing connector 52 should initially be positioned at least 30 inches below the locking element 40 to insure the lower retaining member 50 can extend below the stepped surface 24.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4B and 4E, the securing connector 52 is in the form of an eye bolt 54 and a nut receiver 56, appropriately configured as described herein. The eye portion 58 is preferably an internally threaded bolt. The eye portion 58 is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape and may, in embodiments, be configured as a ring or a standard bolt, as shown if FIG. 4E. The eye bolt 54 also includes a cylindrical rod portion 53 fixedly extending from the cylindrical eye portion 58. The eye portion 58 is appropriately dimensioned, and configured with internal threads 59, for engaging with the outer threads of the threaded connecting rod 38 of the embodiments shown. The threaded rod 38 may then be inserted in, and threadedly engaged with, the eye portion 58 of the eye bolt 54.

As shown in FIG. 4F, the ring or eye portion 58, in embodiments is an elongated cylinder 64 configured with internal threads 59.

Referring also to FIG. 4D, the cylindrical rod portion 53 of the eye bolt 54 is positioned through a through-hole 55 in the lower retaining member 50 for pivotably securing the member 50 to the connecting rod 38. The di rough-hole 55 in the lower retaining member 50 is preferably positioned at the midpoint of the length 51 of the lower retaining member 50, so that the securing connector 52 is centered along the length 51 of the lower retaining member 50. Referring again to FIG. 4E, to insure smooth pivoting action, a portion 49 of the cylindrical rod 53 that engages, upon installation, with an inner surface of through-hole 55 is not threaded, whereas an end length 57 of the rod portion 53 that extends through the bar 50 upon installation is threaded. Referring also to FIG. 4B, the lower retaining member 50 may then be pivotably secured to the threaded rod 38 by tightening the nut receiver 56 onto the threaded end 57 of the eye bolt 54 that protrudes through the bar 50. A set screw 62 or other locking device ma also be used to prevent the nut receiver 56, once installed, from becoming loose from the pivoting action of the lower retaining member 50.

The securing connector 52, exemplified by the combination of the eye bolt 54 and the nut receiver 56 shown in the figures, pivotally secures the lower retaining member 50 to the threaded rod 38. Translational motion of the lower retaining member 50 along the longitudinal axis 45 (i.e., along the length, see FIG. 2) of the connecting rod 38 is facilitated by the engagement of the threaded connecting rod 38 with the inner threaded surface 59 of the eye portion 58 of the eyebolt 54. In particular, when the locking element 40 is tightened, the threaded connecting rod 38 turns with the locking element 40, e.g., with the bolt head in embodiments shown, which translates the lower retaining member 50 upward along the threaded connecting rod 38, shortening the distance between the lower retaining member 50 and the upper retaining member 30, via the threaded connection of the eye 58 with the threaded connecting rod 38. The translation of the lower retaining, member 50 is also facilitated by the weight of the lower retaining member 50, which preferably minimizes any tendency of the menthe 50 to rotate or swing, when the connecting rod 38 is rotated in threaded engagement with the eye 58 to translate the member 50.

The device 10 of the disclosure allows installation with the drainage cover 12 in situ. For installation of the embodiment of the device 10 of FIGS. 4A-4E, both the lower retaining member 50 and connecting rod 38, to which it is pivotably connected via securing connector 52, are lowered through one of the openings 17, as shown in FIG. 4B, until the upper retaining member 30 is properly seated on the upper surface 42 of the drainage cover 12. At this point, the lower retaining member 50 is pivotably rotated via securing connector 52 to a substantially horizontal position such that it is preferably positioned below the lower edges 43 of the drywell 20. It may then be pivoted around the securing connector 52 to a position substantially perpendicular to the connecting rod 38 and below the horizontal base surface 24. If the lower retaining member 50 does not extend below the base surface 24, the device 10 can simply be removed, and the securing connector 52 via threaded eye portion 58 can be repositioned to an initial location, as needed, lower on the threaded rod 38. Once the lower retaining member 50 is positioned below the surface 24, it is pivoted to extend beyond the circumferential edges 43 of the well 20 and substantially perpendicular to the connecting rod 38. It may then be tightened into locked position against the horizontal base surface 24, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B by tightening the locking element 40 to refusal. In embodiments, the lower retaining member 50 can be freely manipulated by a user to swing it into a nearly perpendicular position below the base surface 24 prior to tightening the locking element 40. One of skill in the art will recognize that various tools may also be used, or customized, to assist inserting and orienting the lower retaining member 50 as desired.

Tightening the locking element 40 shortens the length 39 of the rod 38 connected between the lower 50 and upper retaining member 30, by translating the lower retaining member 50 upward, via the securing connector 52, to lock tightly in place against the surface 24, while simultaneously the upper retaining member 30 tightly downward onto the cover 12. The length 39 of the rod must be sufficiently adjustable to reduce the distance between the lower retaining member 50 and the horizontal base surface 24 until there is no gap between them, the lower retaining member 50 being compressed tightly against the base surface 24 until the upper retaining member 30 and cover 12 are immobilized along the vertical rod 38 relative to the lower retaining member 50, and are unable to twist or lift off the rim 16 of the well 20. This maintains a strong, tightening force to secure and maintain the cover 12 in position relative to the fixed stepped surface 24, even if the cover 12 is subjected to external forces that might otherwise lift or move it from position.

In embodiments, a total length of the connecting rod 38 is between about 36 inches and about 72 inches, to allow sufficient adjustability of the length 39 of the rod 38 between the upper 30 and lower member 50 for tightening/locking and removal of the device 10. This accommodates most conventional drywells, which typically intersect with the ceiling 24 of the drainage passage 22 at a depth of about 2½ feet to about 5½ feet.

To remove the device 10, the locking element 40, which may be a bolt head, is loosened, using, e.g., a ratcheting wrench, thereby allowing the lower retaining member 50 to translate downward away from, and thus disengage from, the stepped surface 24. Once the locking element 40 is sufficiently loosened, the lower retaining member 50 is free to pivot back to a substantially vertical position for removal of the device 10 through the openings 17 in the drainage cover 12.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 4A, the device 10 preferably also includes an end cap 60 located at the end of the threaded connecting rod 38 to prevent disengagement of the rod 38 from the lower retaining member 50 in the event the lower retaining member 50 is translated too far downward along the rod 38.

In embodiments, the locking element 40 is bolt head, preferably, a tamper-proof bolt head, designed so that it can only be engaged to either tighten or loosen the device 10 using a uniquely keyed socket wrench, for example. FIG. 5 shows one embodiment 70 of the locking element 40, which is a non-commercial, custom-made tamper-proof locking element or bolt head 70, for forcibly engaging forcibly engaging the upper surface of another embodiment of the upper retaining member 30 of the disclosure. One of skill in the art will appreciate that a custom keyed tool, e.g., custom wrench, is required to engage the keyed locking element, such as keyed bolt head 70 for tightening or loosening.

The device of the present disclosure may be formed of any suitable materials, preferably metals or alloys of metal, which may be noncorrosive. In embodiments, the device may be formed of components made of stainless steel, bronze, brass, or aluminum.

While particular embodiment(s) have been described herein, it is understood that specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting. For example, while the embodiments have been described for the example of a particular grating cover, it is contemplated that a device for securing covers of drainage holes and the like in accordance with the present disclosure requires only that some type of aperture be formed in the cover through which the translational and pivotal elements of the device can be inserted.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting. Numerous other embodiments of the device described herein are contemplated as falling within the scope of the accompanying claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A device for securing a cover over a well or like structure, the cover including at least one opening therethrough, wherein the well includes a hollow walled chamber with a bottom opening that intersects with a drainage section, a portion of a ceiling of the drainage section surrounding the bottom opening forming a horizontal base surface, upwardly facing, around a periphery of the bottom opening of the well, said device comprising:

an upper retaining member configured to engage a top surface of the cover over the well or like structure;

a lower retaining member configured to lay flat against the upwardly facing horizontal base surface of the well;

a connecting rod sized for insertion through the at least one opening, said connecting rod operatively connecting said upper retaining member to said lower retaining member, wherein a vertical position of said upper retaining member is fixed at an upper end portion of said connecting rod and said lower retaining member is translationably coupled to said connecting rod for vertical translation along said connecting rod with respect to said upper retaining member; and

a locking element positioned to engage an upper surface of said upper retaining member and coupled to said upper end portion of said connecting rod, said locking element configured to cooperate with said connecting rod for vertical translation of said lower retaining member upward and tightly against the horizontal base surface while forcibly engaging said upper retaining member down onto the cover to immobilize the cover in situ on the well.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said lower retaining member is further pivotably coupled to said connecting rod for pivoting said lower retaining member with respect to a vertical orientation of said connecting rod for insertion through the at least one opening, and for positioning horizontally against the horizontal base surface.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a securing connector translationably coupling said lower retaining member to said connecting rod.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said connecting rod has a threaded external surface, and said securing connector includes an eye portion having a threaded internal surface sized and configured to engage with said threaded external surface to facilitate translation of said lower retaining member along said connecting rod.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said securing connector includes a cylindrical rod portion fixedly extending from said eye portion perpendicularly to said connecting rod and coupled to said lower retaining member.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said lower retaining member is pivotably coupled to said connecting rod via said cylindrical rod portion, wherein said cylindrical rod portion is positioned in a through-hole of said lower retaining member, said lower retaining member being free to pivot around said cylindrical rod portion with respect to a vertical orientation of said connecting rod.

7. The device of claim 6, said cylindrical rod portion comprising a threaded end portion protruding from said through-hole, and a bolt with a threaded internal surface threadedly fixed onto said threaded end portion to hold said lower retaining member pivotably coupled with said cylindrical rod portion.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said upper retaining member is in a shape that conforms to an upper surface of the cover, having a recessed portion that lays across the at least one opening.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said locking element is positioned to engage said upper surface of said recessed portion of said upper retaining member.

10. The device of claim 4, wherein said locking element and said connecting rod are formed as one body.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said locking element comprises a structure configured for engagement by a tool uniquely keyed to said structure.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said locking element comprises a bolt head, said device configured to lock and immobilize the cover on the well by tightening the bolt head to refusal.

13. The device of claim 4, further comprising an end cap fixed to a lower end of said connecting rod.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said lower retaining member is a flat bar.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said lower retaining member is at least about ¼ inches in thickness.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein said lower retaining member is between about 1 and 1.5 inches wide.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein said lower retaining member is between about 32 inches and 38 inches long.

18. A device for securing a cover over a well or like structure, the cover including at least one opening therethrough, wherein the well includes a hollow walled chamber with a bottom opening that intersects with a drainage section, a portion of a ceiling of the drainage section surrounding the bottom opening forming a horizontal base surface, upwardly facing, around a periphery of the bottom opening of the well, said device comprising:

an upper retaining member configured to engage a top surface of the cover over the well or like structure;

a lower retaining member configured to lay flat against the upwardly facing horizontal base surface of the well; and

a connecting rod sized for insertion through the at least one opening, said connecting rod operatively connecting said upper retaining member to said lower retaining member, wherein a vertical position of said upper retaining member is fixed at an upper end portion of said connecting rod and said lower retaining member is translationably coupled to said connecting rod for vertical translation along said connecting rod with respect to said upper retaining member; and

wherein said connecting rod is configured to cooperate with said lower retaining member for vertical translation of said lower retaining member upward and tightly against the horizontal base surface, and is configured to cooperate with said upper retaining member to forcibly engage the cover down onto the well to immobilize the cover in situ.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein said cylindrical rod includes a locking element positioned to engage an upper surface of said upper retaining member, and positioned at an upper end portion of said cylindrical rod for access by a user, wherein said locking element, upon engagement by the user, is configured to vertically translate said lower retaining member upward and tightly against the horizontal base surface, while forcibly engaging said upper retaining member down onto the cover to immobilize the cover in situ on the well.