Elevation Or Level Adjustment Patents (Class 404/26)
  • Patent number: 5496128
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Odill
  • Patent number: 5490419
    Abstract: A sump-riser performing as a collection sump, as a riser for the corresponding tank and as a means for secondary containment for the tank's submersible pump, manway, and fittings. The sump-riser comprises a generally cylindrical sump base with an upright annular lip extending upwardly from an upper support surface; an extension riser including a lower annular riser lip which fits over and round the lip of the sump base; a cover for the extension riser; and an access or observation lid. The riser extension is detachable or removable from the sump base and may be inverted and inserted into the sump base for compact shipping. Score lines may be provided on the riser extension to serve as cutting guides for proper sizing and the sump base may be multi-sided to provide flat walls for accurate hole drilling for pipe and conduit entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Total Containment, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5482400
    Abstract: A segmented adjustment riser for maintenance holes has a plurality of similar elongated one-piece segments. Each segment has two opposite ends provided with respective interengaging formations, and the segments are placed together end to end to form an endless riser member having planar upper and lower sides. The formations interengage and resist lateral displacement of each end of each segment relative to the adjacent end of each adjacent segment. The segments can be manufactured relatively easily and with greater economy than the corresponding one-piece riser member and facilitate handling and installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: National Rubber Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory F. Bavington
  • Patent number: 5474396
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing a manhole against entering liquid includes a guide ring with an adjustable diameter and set screws for pressing against interior walls of the manhole when the diameter of the guide ring is set to approximately the diameter of the manhole walls, a sealing ring for resting on top of the guide ring and an expandable ring disposed at the inner periphery of the sealing ring and expanded to compress the sealing ring against the walls of the manhole to provide a liquid-tight seal. The sealing assembly also includes a lid positioned on top of the sealing ring. The lid preferably has a removable portion to allow access through the lid without taking the lid off of the sealing ring and without destroying the integrity of the caulking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 5470172
    Abstract: A molded plastic extension member for use in increasing the height of manholes, or catch basins when surfacing or resurfacing a roadway is described. A wedge to adjust the angle of the catch basin support frame or the manhole cover support frame is also described. The extension includes a pocket for reducing the total surface area of the molded plastic member. It also includes a shoulder that interlocks with either the manhole cone, the catch basin cone, or with other stackable molded plastic members. The extension also contains a planer support surface which provides rigidity and support, and provides a surface for caulking to be applied to form a watertight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Dwight G. Wiedrich
  • Patent number: 5462386
    Abstract: A raising band for use in a manhole, which is both waterproof and very easy and non-costly to construct, thus rendering it easily adjustable as the need arises whatever be the height of the layer of asphalt that is adds to the road surface. It includes an upper ring of metal dimensioned to receive the cover of the manhole and a lower ring, also of metal, dimensioned to be inserted into the recess provided for receiving the cover of the manhole frame. These two rings are joined by a cylindrical sleeve made of metal, which is welded to them all along the length of its upper and lower edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Alain Prescott
  • Patent number: 5451119
    Abstract: A barrel-shaped manhole frame for receiving a manhole cover is provided with an inwardly directed peripheral flange at its lower end having circumferentially spaced inclined grooves to receive wedges that can be driven in situ into surrounding earthwork to wedge the frame upwardly and thereby adjust its height and slope to conform with a roadway or sidewalk surface under construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: John L. Hondulas
  • Patent number: 5435662
    Abstract: Marker devices, each comprising a base with an upright post thereon, are molded from an elastomeric material. A marker device is attached by adhesive on the base thereof to each paint striping on a worn down street and each maintenance cover mounted on the worn down street. Once the marker devices are in place on the worn down street, the posts thereof must withstand the punishment of not only being flattened by truck tires, and the tracts of a paving machine that is being used to lay down the new coating of hot asphalt on the worn down street, but also the hot asphalt, and still spring back to their upright position. Thus, when the stripings are to be repainted on the resurfaced street and when the maintenance covers are to be adjusted upwardly to the level of the new coating of asphalt on the resurfaced street their exact locations on the street are immediately indicated by the posts of the marker devices without having to make any measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventors: Donald M. Brown, Michael P. Manion
  • Patent number: 5431510
    Abstract: Overlay protection plate apparatus and method are provided to protect partially embedded light fixture supports for airport inset lights for runways, taxiways, or other aircraft ground traffic areas. The overlay protection plate apparatus and method provide protection against paving material entering the light fixture support during airport paving operations. Novel plate locating means and method locate the position of the overlay protection plate after the airport paving operations have covered over the overlay protection plate. Novel plate withdrawal means remove the covered overlay protection plate together with the pavement cover in substantially one piece over the overlay protection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Gary L. Reinert, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5394898
    Abstract: A valve box adapter formed of plastics material is provided by molding as a unit an interior member. The valve box cover is elevated by the adapter from the old pavement level to a new pavement level. Plastics are utilized which will not melt at the application temperature of asphalt but will soften somewhat to conform more precisely to the configuration of the adapter cover. A plurality of adapters may be used in multiple applications to enable the continuous use of the original valve box cover as a plurality of asphalt levels are added over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Frank J. Turner
  • Patent number: 5362175
    Abstract: The invention relates to a manhole head assembly of the type having a substantially vertical axis and being intended to be mounted on a conventional manhole member made of non-elastic material. The invention also relates to a manhole ring having an omni-directional upper part and to a method of use of said manhole ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Gaetan Begin
  • Patent number: 5360131
    Abstract: A cover height adjuster which can be used for a boundary box, a manhole cover, etc. in a paved location having two rings with interengaging sloping castellated end surfaces extending around the peripheries of at least three sectors of the rings and can vary the height of the upper ring upon its rotation over the lower ring. The upper surface of the upper ring may have a slope which engages a sloping surface of a cover assembly, so that relative rotation can also vary the slope of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Philmac Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy M. Phillipps, Wayne A. Harris
  • Patent number: 5344253
    Abstract: An adjustable manhole cover support frame that includes a base unit, a top support unit telescopically arranged on the base unit and screw jacks interconnecting the two units permitting selectively adjusting the relative telescopic position of the top unit on the base unit. The base unit has an open ended sleeve projecting upwardly from a flange utilized to secure the base unit to the top end of a manhole vertical conduit. The top support unit has a top annular plate from which depends three cylindrical walls defining a first outer cavity telescopically receiving the sleeve of the base unit and inwardly therefrom a second cavity with holes in the bottom to receive the upper ends of threaded bolts that provide the screw jacks for adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Cesare Sacchetti
  • Patent number: 5333490
    Abstract: A pipeline system is provided for a pumping system for fluid products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel and chemicals, and including a pump for pumping such products from a storage tank through through the primary pipeline of the pipeline system to a product dispenser. The pipeline system includes a secondary containment system for the primary pipeline between the tank and dispenser which includes telescoping pipe sections of different diameters. The telescoping piping is installed around the primary pipeline and the pipe sections are, prior to final installation, movable between intermediate and final positions, for enabling completion, testing and inspection of the primary pipeline prior to final completion of the secondary containment system. One section of the telescoping piping is a flexible corrugated pipe which is able to bend around elbows. Compression seals and ring clamps are used to connect the components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Total Containment, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5326188
    Abstract: An anchor for securing a manhole cover support to a manhole frame is shown. Dovetail-shaped receptacles are formed at a plurality of locations about the manhole cover support. A plurality of anchor straps having a cooperating dovetail shape are inserted into the receptacles. A lower end of each anchor strap has a threaded bolt extending upward. The anchor straps are simply dropped into the receptacles and the lower bolt is rotated to wedge the dovetail shapes tightly together and, at the same time, secure the manhole cover support against the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5320445
    Abstract: An improved grate riser assembly for use with catch basins and the like comprising vertically open rectangular frames with two opposing frame sections carrying inwardly projecting horizontally grate support flanges. Cooperating grates have opposite end portions of parallel spaced apart grate members resting on the flanges. The grate riser assembly includes two or more grate risers having vertically open generally rectangular frames coextensive with a catch basin frame and with opposing vertical side and end wall sections of a height substantially equal to the depth of pavement overlay. The frame rests atop a catch basin frame with its top edge substantially level with the top surface of the pavement overlay. At least two horizontally spaced connectors depend from each of two opposing grate riser frame sections to support a pair of elevated horizontal grate support members. The connectors on one frame section are spaced widely apart and on the other frame section narrowly apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: The Jack Farrelly Co.
    Inventor: Robert E. Farrelly
  • Patent number: 5318376
    Abstract: A manhole frame having a top with an opening therein defining a cover seat area, a side wall extending downward from the top to an inwardly extending lower flange, the exterior of the side wall being outwardly extending at its top and inwardly extending at its lower portion down to an inwardly extending lower flange. Also disclosed is a method of installing and raising the manhole frame to a new level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Everett J. Prescott, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5308189
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gripping system for holding a supporting ring member adapted to support a manhole cover in a tubular member having a peripheral horizontal shoulder. The gripping system has a plurality of rigid elbow-shaped members internally secured inside the ring member. The elbow-shaped members have a horizontal arm radially extending inside the ring member and a substantially vertical pending arm extending below the ring member and adapted to internally face the tubular member. A screw member is threadedly mounted through the vertical arm in the direction of the tubular member. The screw member is provided with a friction plate fixed at one end between the vertical arm and the tubular member for tightening the friction plate on the tubular member and for frictionally retaining the ring member to the tubular member. The friction force is adapted to vertically fix the ring member relative to the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Claing
  • Patent number: 5281046
    Abstract: A resilient annular transition collar is provided for roadway structures, including manholes and catch basins, which acts as a flexible transition between the rigid structure or frame of the manhole and the semi-rigid structure of the asphalt paving. The resilient transition collar absorbs any movement of the pavement during expansion and contraction and this absorption avoids the prior art problems of break-up, cracking and separation between manhole and pavement. Risers or adjusting rings may be employed in conjunction with the transition collar to ensure a flush fit between the pavement surface and the upper surface of the transition collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Domal Envirotech Inc.
    Inventor: Ferdinand M. Svirklye
  • Patent number: 5221155
    Abstract: A manhole adjusting ring includes ring sections each having a vertically disposed connecting plate which is selected from an inventory of different sized connecting plates to interconnect an outer ring portion to an inner ring portion. The resulting adjusting ring section will compliment the dimensions of the manhole casting including the distance from the top peripheral edge to the casting ledge on the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Umar, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Neil
  • Patent number: 5211504
    Abstract: An adjustable manhole top which can be readily raised up or down in minutes to correct problems when the ground around it heaves. A cylindrical sleeve with a plurality of spaced elongated ribs extending longitudinally along an internal surface thereof, is adjustably seated by its ribs resting in notches at predetermined elevations on riser blocks upwardly extending from height adjustment rings resting on the support rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Roger Trudel
  • Patent number: 5209601
    Abstract: A manhole grade adjusting ring has an adjustable diameter with a V-shaped expansion lock bridging the ends of the ring. The expansion lock has radial flanges which are adjustably pinned in slots in the ends of the ring after the ring is expanded or contracted to fit a particular manhole frame using an expansion/contraction tool. The "V" is then hammered to expand the diameter of the ring so as to form a tight friction fit between the ring and the manhole frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Odill, Ronald E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5205668
    Abstract: A cover (56) of an existing manhole is raised in elevation to the elevation of roadway resurfacing, for example, by an adapter (20) which is secured to a head ring (40) of the existing manhole. The adapter is such that when it is secured to the head ring, apertures (77--77) of ledges (75--75) of the adapter may be aligned with threaded apertures (59--59) in lugs of the head ring to which the cover had been secured. Spaced above the ledges and extending peripherally above the head ring is a lip (72) for supporting the cover. At ninety degrees to each of the ledges and projecting from the lip is an ear portion (84) to which the cover may be secured. Additional adapters may be secured to the first adapter which has been secured to the head ring prior to subsequent resurfacing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventor: Charles Adams
  • Patent number: 5201151
    Abstract: A manhole rim and cover assembly includes a rim formed with an annular upwardly projecting lip extending around its central opening with a shoulder projecting radially inwardly from the lip at a location spaced below its upper edge. A cover has circumferentially spaced circumferential segments projecting downwardly from its lower surface to fit within the inner side of the lip and to rest upon the shoulder referred to above to prevent crushing of a sealing gasket received between the bottom of the cover and the upper edge of the lip. Vent openings are formed through the lip to vent the manhole when the cover is in place. Spring clips on the cover engage an undercut shoulder on the rim to releasably retain the cover against removal from the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo J. LeBlanc, Paul Phillips
  • Patent number: 5195841
    Abstract: The locator includes a main body having a cup formed therein by an upright wall in which an indicator is slidably disposed. A spring within said main body urges the indicator upwardly to the surface of newly laid molten asphalt. A heat fusible retainer is carried within the upright wall of the main body in the path of the locator to normally retain same in place against spring action. Heat from the asphalt causes fusing of the retainer for release of the indicator which is repositioned to the surface of the asphalt material to facilitate locating of a buried street cover. A method is disclosed for paving a roadway having utility covers in place in the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Relis A. Mullins
  • Patent number: 5184912
    Abstract: The grip of the collar element of an existing circular manhole cover-supporting structure, such as a circular manhole frame, on a split-ring style expansion-joint-fitted manhole cover support inserted into, surrounded by, and forced by expansion against said collar element is improved by having selective stiffener means disposed in a sector of the cover support that is generally opposite to the expansion joint thereof, the stiffener means suppressing the tendency of the corresponding sector of the base ring to pull away from the collar element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Harold M. Bowman
    Inventors: Harold M. Bowman, George T. Fuller
  • Patent number: 5165819
    Abstract: A manhole cover support with a fixed-sized top flange is shown. The cover support is adaptable to standardizing on the manhole cover size and inventory of covers for group of manhole installations having geometrically similar but somewhat varying sizes, this as well as being useful for holding the cover level or inclined, at a new, higher grades while also permitting the efficient establishment of the new cover height elevation and adjustment of the same. The cover support comprises a top peripheral flange having a seat for a manhole cover and a cover keeper that rises from the outer periphery of the seat, and a base fitting into the confines of the cover keeper of an existing manhole cover-receiving structure such as a manhole frame, the base supporting the flange, and being in a slidable engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5150984
    Abstract: An improvement for increasing the resistance of manhole cover supports to deformation is provided which comprises equipping the upper edge or flange thereof with a succession of pressed-in gussets, the troughs of which slope with respect to the keeper of said cover support or equipping a keeper wall thereof with a succession of pressed-out gussets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Harold M. Bowman
    Inventors: Harold M. Bowman, George T. Fuller
  • Patent number: 5143478
    Abstract: An adjustable manhole cover support, useful in repaving or resurfacing of road for raising the grade of an existing structure like a manhole frame, that holds a circular cover and is capable of fitting frame openings of somewhat varying diameters, is shown. With this cover support one can standardize on a specific, single diameter manhole cover size for a group of manholes that otherwise would call for an inventory of several different cover sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5117877
    Abstract: An overfill assembly for controlling overfill of liquid to an underground storage tank during a filling operation comprises a dump tank, a fill tube positioned within the dump tank, piping with a valve, a cover base anchor ring, and a cover. The cover base anchor ring and preferably the fill tube within the dump tank are encased with a shrink-fitting covering which extends from the neck and dump tank bottom wall, respectively to ensure liquid tight fits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Bruce R. Sharp
  • Patent number: 5095667
    Abstract: A telescopic manhole or storm drain installation includes a riser assembly provided with an upper section and adjacent lower section the former of which comprises a side wall defining an inverted frustoconical configuration while the latter provides a vertically disposed member having external threads cooperating with a stationary threaded collar. To prepare for resurfacing of a roadway or the like, no excavation about the riser is required prior to its elevation by use of a tool which engages mating receptors located within the interior of the riser. Rotation of the tool rotates the riser assembly within the threads of the collar until the new, elevated plane is achieved. The effort required to displace the riser is minimial due to the movement of its outer surface away from any grouting or roadway base previously abutting the riser. Risers with non-circular upper sections and lids are accommodated by forming the riser of separate upper and lower sections having a sliding joint structure therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventors: Chester Ryan, John Morina
  • Patent number: 5081802
    Abstract: Cast members are provided with a liner assembly to protect the cast material from corrosion. The liner assembly is formed of a plurality of curved liner sections having integral joining flanges. A resilient compressible gasket is arranged between opposing flanges and is provided with at least one flange receiving slot for receiving the flange of one of said liner sections to facilitate assembly thereof. Fastening means join the opposing flanges to compress the gasket and thereby provide a liquid-tight joint. Integral flanges are provided at the upper and lower ends of the liner sections to receive a sealant which is squeezed out of the seams formed by the mating sections when joined to protect the cast assembly from corrosion. The liner sections are formed of a material which is inert to the corrosive influences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Poly-Tec Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Westhoff, James A. Kelly, James E. Parker
  • Patent number: 5078539
    Abstract: The raising structure according to the invention is intended to raise a manhole cover to the level of the resurfacing new layer of asphalt. The raising structure comprises a pair of superposed concentric rings one of which is slightly smaller than the other one so that the outer diameter of the smaller one is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the other one. The rings are maintained in a spaced relationship by a set of spacer legs disposed around the periphery of the inner ring. Each of the legs have one end secured to the outer periphery of the small ring and the outer end of the leg is secured to the inner periphery of the larger ring. The legs are characterized by at least one bent section between both ends of the legs. The bent section extends in a plane tangent to the outer periphery of the smaller ring and the inner periphery of the larger ring. The bent section is adapted to define a weak section in the legs for allowing a change in the angle of the bent upon pressure on one of the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Claing
  • Patent number: 5056955
    Abstract: A locking device for a covering comprised of a frame and a cover includes arms, which are inserted in depressions or bores formed in the frame and/or cover, whereby they undergo elastic deformation and consequently form a frictional engagement with the cover. The free end each of the arms project beyond an inner flange of the frame and form there a positive connection between the arms and the inner flange. This results in a simple, but effective connection between the cover and the frame, without requiring machining of the arms or depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Von Roll AG
    Inventors: Hansruedi Spiess, Francois Galvanetto
  • Patent number: 5054956
    Abstract: A covering device for detachably shielding an access hole which is provided on the top portion of a conduit box, includes a fixing member having a peripheral wall defining a top opening and a bottom opening and a base protruding inwardly therefrom; a plurality of bolts being fixed on the base of the fixing member; a plurality of supporting members respectively surrounding the bolts and piled up along the same bolts; a suspension member having a peripheral wall defining an upper opening and a lower opening and a bottom plate protruding inwardly therefrom and being supported by the supporting members. The supporting members are being detachable and replaceable so that the wall of suspension member can be raised or lowered thus enabling the cover of conduit hole to be adjusted to a level with a changing road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Cheng-Chih Huang
  • Patent number: 5051022
    Abstract: A manhole cover support is shown. It is used for raising the grade of an existing manhole cover-receiving structure having an upwardly projecting keeper with a rim at its top. The cover support comprises: a peripheral flange that at least substantially completely covers said rim, the flange including a bottom, an inclined seat for a manhole cover, and a cover keeper that rises from the outer periphery of the seat and has an upper rim that is correspondingly inclined; and means for anchoring the flange to a fixed part of the existing manhole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5044818
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable manhole cover assembly providing for ease of vertical adjustment and stable support of the manhole cover subsequent to roadway resurfacing. The manhole cover assembly utilizes annular adjustment rings at both the bottom and top of a vertically adjusted annular sleeve positioned within the annular frame of the manhole cover assembly for support of the manhole cover. The upper annular support ring includes an annular flange extending radially outwardly beyond the annular frame which is captured by the roadway resurfacing material so as to provide additional support to the vertically adjustable manhole cover assembly after road resurfacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Phillip C. Pritchard
  • Patent number: 5039248
    Abstract: A peripherally adjustable insert is shown for raising the grade of a generally rectangular grating that previously was supported by the end sills of the frame and by the roadway-side longitudinal sill if the frame has one. The insert comprises a base having support elements, the base being adjustable in length and adapted to rest on said sills, and ledge and keeper elements supported by the base to seat the grating restrict its lateral movement. The support elements of the base comprise a pair of essentially parallel end elements and a pair of essentially parallel side elements, and the support elements being equipped with terminals that are joined to form these base elements generally into a rectangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5030030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pad which supports a utility access conduit in a roadway and permits relative movement between the conduit and the roadway without damaging the seal between them and which supports vehicular traffic for a time comparable to the life of the roadway itself, without the occurrence of any dipping in the vicinity of the access conduit. This is accomplished with a rectangular block or rubber or similar compressibly resilient elastomeric material which has an opening passing through it that snugly engages the access conduit. The invention also relates to a method for installing the pad in either a new or existing roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Riedel Omni Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry V. Simmonds
  • Patent number: 5015371
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Nsertaseal Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Webb
  • Patent number: 4998387
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a ground opening, such as a manhole or a storm drain, is disclosed. The cover assembly includes a frame having a top, a bottom and a tubular sidewall section which is open to both the top and the bottom of the frame. An abutment portion protrudes inwardly into the tubular sidewall section adjacent its bottom. A core is slidably insertable into the tubular sidewall section of the frame so that the bottom of the core abuts against the frame abutment portion. The core includes a tubular through opening adapted to receive and support a cover such as a manhole cover or a storm drain cover across its upper end. The frame is constructed of a metallic material while the core is constructed of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, to prevent seizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: Robert A. Geiger
  • Patent number: 4995757
    Abstract: In a street manhole defining an elongated manhole duct provided with a rigid collar at its top mouth, the collar having a radially inward annular cavity defining a base wall, parallel to the plane of the collar and a side wall, orthogonal to the base wall. The collar further defines a top wall parallel to the base wall. A spacer device is provided for raising the cover level from the collar base wall, and defines: (a) a first rigid ring, destined to sit on the collar base wall; (b) a second rigid ring, diametrally larger than the first ring and destined to sit on the collar top wall; and (c) connecting tongues, for coaxially interconnecting the rings about spaced planes, the connecting tongues being flexible and capable of bending under load, so as to bring the first ring to sit against the collar base wall and the second ring to sit against the collar top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Alain Prescott
  • Patent number: 4976568
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spacer for a manhole cover for use in a manhole frame comprising a ring having a mounting surface adapted to sit on the top of a manhole cover frame. The ring has a seating surface for, in use, the seating of a manhole cover thereon. The seating surface is spaced radially inwardly of the mounting surface. The ring has a downwardly extending portion below the seating surface. The downwardly extending portion has a lesser outside diameter than the portion above said seating surface to enter into the manhole cover frame in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: The Hopper Foundry (1977) Limited
    Inventor: Mathias C. Hess
  • Patent number: 4974992
    Abstract: A closure for excavations is provided, which comprises a plate which rests on and is supported by the edges of an excavation site. The upper surface of the plate is substantially flush with the surrounding street surface, and the plate has at least one lift opening. A bale handle is provided, wherein the bale handle is pivotally connected to the plate adjacent to the lift opening so that the bale handle can pivot 360.degree. through the lift opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: William M. Harter
  • Patent number: 4969771
    Abstract: A new manhole cover support and its processes of manufacture and use are shown. Such cover supports are used to raise the effective grade of the existing manhole cover as before road resurfacing. The cover supports are mounted upon an existing manhole cover receiving structure which has an upwardly-extending shoulder surface and a sill therebelow for accommodating such cover. The new cover support comprises basically an expandable body and a flexible, compressible synthetic or natural resin-containing retention component. The body has a seat with a lateral keeper for the manhole cover, a base with an outer wall that is reactable against said shoulder surface, and an expander for the base and seat which provides at least one gap in the base and seat. The retention component is disposed between the outer wall of the base and the shoulder surface; it interacts with expansion of the base to enhance substantially the normal frictional grip between the body and the receiving structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 4969770
    Abstract: A manhole cover support is shown. It is used for raising the effective grade of an existing manhole cover-receiving structure having an upwardly projecting keeper with a rim at its top. The cover support comprises: a peripheral flange that at least substantially completely covers the rim, the thickness of the flange providing the raise in the grade, the flange including a bottom for resting on the rim, a seat for a manhole cover, and a cover keeper that rises from the outer periphery of the seat; and the flange anchored to a fixed part of the existing manhole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 4966489
    Abstract: An improved manhole cover support having a metal body comprising base, seat, and keeper portions, the keeper portion rising above the seat portion and having at least a pair of opposing ends that define a gap between them, a bridging piece for spanning each gap, the bridging piece having at least one free end, a receiver for slidably retaining each free end of each bridging piece, the receiver attached to and protruding outwardly from the keeper portion near the top thereof, the bridging piece including 2 turnbuckle for exerting parting pressure against the receivers that retain it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 4963053
    Abstract: An improvement is shown in a manhole cover support having a metal body comprising a base portion with a peripheral ledge portion that projects inwardly, a lateral keeper portion that extends from the base and rises from the outer edge of the ledge portion, and a reinforcing wale that is substantially coextensive with the top of the keeper portion and projects outwardly therefrom, the wale and/or the base portion being box members. The improvement comprises having a substantial part of a box member constituted of at least one piece of metal that is distinct from the rest of the body structure and is attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 4957389
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing manholes which includes the installation of a donut-shaped seal structure in the chimney, cone or base of a manhole at a selected distance from the manhole cover and seating a dish-shaped manhole insert in an opening provided in the seal structure to define a manhole seal. The seal structure element of the manhole seal is installed by initially mounting a flexible form base to the chimney, the concentric or eccentric cone or the base of a manhole by means of anchor bolts and masonry anchor plugs. A flexible form is then seated on the form base and concrete is poured in the annulus between the form base and the chimney wall, in order to define the seal structure. A manhole insert seal may then be seated in the top surface of the seal structure for receiving the flange or rim of the manhole insert component of the manhole seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: David L. Neathery
  • Patent number: RE34550
    Abstract: An improved manhole cover support adjustable in perimeter and adapted to raise the effective grade of an existing manhole cover receiving structure such as a manhole frame is shown. Integral and substantially coextensive with the upper part of its thin-walled lateral cover keeper portion is a reinforcing wale. The cover support can be in the form of a split ring or a plurality of joined segments. Advantageously, it can have bridged joints and a flexible, compressible retention member on at least a portion of its expanding outer wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman