U.S. patent application number 09/862859 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-28 for manhole cover cap.
Invention is credited to Abbott, David H., Shumlansky, Steven F.
Application Number | 20020176743 09/862859 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25339560 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020176743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shumlansky, Steven F ; et
al. |
November 28, 2002 |
Manhole cover cap
Abstract
A manhole cover cap, for an access cover of an opening into an
underground utility structure, can be used to raise the level of an
access, or manhole, cover, and to prevent water inflow. The cover
cap includes upper and lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge
having dimensions substantially conforming to dimensions of the
opening, adapted for attachment to the access cover, and comprises
a rubber material.
Inventors: |
Shumlansky, Steven F;
(Skaneateles, NY) ; Abbott, David H.;
(Skaneateles, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HESLIN ROTHENBERG FARLEY & MESITI PC
5 COLUMBIA CIRCLE
ALBANY
NY
12203
US
|
Family ID: |
25339560 |
Appl. No.: |
09/862859 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/26 ;
404/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 29/1409 20130101;
E01C 23/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/26 ;
404/75 |
International
Class: |
E02D 029/14 |
Claims
1. A cap for an access cover for an opening into an underground
utility structure, the cap comprising upper and lower opposed
surfaces and an outer edge having dimensions substantially
conforming to dimensions of the opening, adapted for attachment to
the access cover, and comprising a rubber material.
2. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the access cover is seatable
in a frame in the opening into the underground utility structure
and the cap is adapted for disposition over at least a part of the
frame, whereby a juncture between the access cover and the frame is
shielded.
3. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the rubber material
comprises rubber particles.
4. A cap according to claim 3, wherein the rubber material
additionally comprises a polyurethane binder.
5. A cap according to claim 3, wherein the rubber particles are
derived from used vehicle tires.
6. A cap according to claim 1, having a circular cross-section.
7. A cap according to claim 1, having a thickness of at least 0.5
inches.
8. A cap according to claim 1, additionally comprising drainage
holes.
9. A cap according to claim 1, adapted for attachment to an upper
surface of the access cover.
10. A cap according to claim 1, additionally comprising means for
attaching the cap to the access cover.
11. A cap according to claim 10, wherein the cap is attached to the
access cover by an adhesive.
12. A cap according to claim 12, wherein the cap is attached to the
access cover by at least one bolt.
13. A cap according to claim 12, wherein the cap is attached to the
access cover by at least one clamp.
14. A method for raising the level of an access cover of an
underground structure by a predetermined amount, said method
comprising: fitting to the access cover a cap comprising upper and
lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge having dimensions
substantially conforming to dimensions of the opening, adapted for
attachment to the access cover, having a thickness generally
corresponding to the predetermined amount, and comprising a rubber
material; and attaching the cap to the access cover; whereby the
level of the access cover is raised.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the cap is attached to
the access cover using an adhesive.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the cap is attached to
the cover using at least one mechanical fastener.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the mechanical fastener
is a bolt.
18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the mechanical fastener
is a clamp.
19. A method for repaving a roadway having at least one access
cover for an opening into an underground utility structure set
therein with a layer of pavement having a predetermined thickness,
said method comprising: fitting to the access cover a cap
comprising upper and lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge
having dimensions substantially conforming to dimensions of the
opening, adapted for attachment to the access cover, having a
thickness generally corresponding to the predetermined thickness
and comprising a rubber material; attaching the cap to the access
cover to form a cover cap combination; and applying the layer of
pavement to the roadway such that an upper surface of the cover cap
combination is substantially flush with the upper surface of the
layer of pavement.
20. A method according to claim 19, additionally comprising
contacting the outer edge of the cover-cap combination with the
layer of pavement.
21. A method according to claim 19, wherein the rubber material
comprises rubber particles derived from used vehicle tires.
22. A method according to claim 19, wherein the rubber material
additionally comprises a polyurethane binder.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a cap for an access cover of an
opening into an underground utility structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A costly problem commonly faced by municipalities is the
need to raise the level of sub-grade manhole, or access, covers,
especially when re-paving a roadway. In the context of the present
invention, a manhole is an opening with a detachable cover which
gives access to an enclosed area and includes such structures as
catch basins, sealed inlets, drop-in lids and access ports to shut
off valves for water and gas lines. The terms `access cover` and
`manhole cover` are used interchangeably herein, and include covers
for utility manholes, including electric, gas, telephone and fiber
optic facilities, catch basins, sealed inlets, drop-in lids and
underground shut off valves for water and gas lines. Since at least
two inches of asphalt is generally added to the surface of the
roadway as part of the repaving procedure, sub-grade manhole covers
are the result. These can be a safety hazard for both vehicles and
pedestrians using the roadway, and it is frequently desirable to
raise the level of the manhole covers when the roadway is
repaved.
[0003] While retrofitting devices to raise manhole covers are known
and are used to some extent, these devices have not gained wide
acceptance. Rather, it is common practice for a crew to excavate
the manhole, remove the frame, recast the concrete of the mouth of
the manhole and finally, reset the frame and cover at a higher
level. This tedious process is both costly and time consuming,
particularly in view of the large number of manholes in a typical
street: on average, eighteen in one city block.
[0004] This concern/problem occurs not only in the re-paving
situation, but in any situation where the manhole cover is not
level with grade, including sunken manholes and low lying field
inlets, for example. Therefore, there is a need for a cost
effective method for raising the level of a manhole cover.
[0005] Another problem encountered with manholes is inflow of
drainage water carrying silt through the junction between the
manhole cover and the manhole cover frame. This water can flood
underground utility vaults, and add to the volume of sewage water
in wastewater treatment plants, increasing treatment costs. Water
and gas shutoff valve chambers can become clogged with silt
remaining after inflow water has evaporated, hindering access to
the valves. Accordingly, there is a need for a way to seal the
junction between the manhole cover and frame, and prevent this
inflow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It has been unexpectedly discovered that a cover cap
according to the present invention, for an access cover for an
opening into an underground utility structure, can be used
cost-effectively to raise the level of an access, or manhole,
cover, and to prevent water inflow. The cover cap includes upper
and lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge having dimensions
substantially conforming to dimensions of the opening, adapted for
attachment to the access cover, and comprises a rubber material.
The cover cap may be disposed over at least a part of the manhole
frame, shielding the juncture between the manhole cover and the
frame, and preventing inflow.
[0007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
for raising the level of an access cover of an underground
structure by a predetermined amount. The method comprises fitting
to the access cover a cap comprising upper and lower opposed
surfaces and an outer edge having dimensions substantially
conforming to dimensions of the opening, adapted for attachment to
the access cover, having a thickness generally corresponding to the
predetermined amount, and comprising a rubber material; and
attaching the cap to the access cover; whereby the level of the
access cover is raised.
[0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a
method for repaving a roadway having at least one access cover for
an opening into an underground utility structure set therein with a
layer of pavement having a predetermined thickness. The method
includes fitting to the access cover a cap comprising upper and
lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge having dimensions
substantially conforming to dimensions of the opening, adapted for
attachment to the access cover, having a thickness generally
corresponding to the predetermined thickness and comprising a
rubber material; attaching the cap to the access cover to form a
cover cap combination; and applying the layer of pavement to the
roadway such that an upper surface of the cover cap combination is
substantially flush with the upper surface of the layer of
pavement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a manhole structure,
including a cover cap, manhole cover and manhole cover frame for
seating the cover.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the same manhole
structure as shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a cover cap according to
the present invention, having drainage holes.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows cross sectional views of means for attaching
the cover cap to a manhole cover: FIG. 4a. adhesive; FIG. 4b,
bolting means, and FIG. 4c, clamping means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show an assembly 10
which includes a cover cap 12 according to the present invention, a
manhole cover 14 and a manhole cover frame 16. Manhole cover frame
16 surrounds manhole opening 18 and seats or supports manhole cover
14. FIG. 2 shows assembly 10 in cross-section. Cover cap 12
comprises upper and lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge having
dimensions substantially conforming to dimensions of the opening
18, adapted for attachment to manhole cover 14 and comprising a
rubber material. The upper and lower surfaces cover cap 12 are
parallel or generally parallel. In situations where manhole opening
18 is located in a sloping part of a road (not shown), one of the
surfaces may be inclined relative to the other so that the cover
cap tapers in wedge-like manner throughout its width. The upper and
lower surfaces maybe generally flat or may be patterned in some way
as, for example, to increase traction.
[0014] Cover cap 12 is composed of a rubber material. Use of a
rubber material minimizes the weight of the combination of cover
cap 12 and manhole cover 14, allowing the combination to be removed
as easily as manhole cover 14 alone. In addition, and in contrast
to `harder` polymeric materials, that is, those having a higher
T.sub.g, the rubber material is resistant to cracking in cold
weather.
[0015] The rubber material can be any natural or synthetic rubber
or combination thereof, such as saturated or unsaturated
polyalkylene rubbers, containing residues derived from at least one
olefin comonomer, including monoolefins, such as ethylene,
alpha-alkenes with 3-8 carbon atoms, for instance, propylene and/or
1-butene, isobutylene, and also diolefin monomers, such as
butadiene and isoprene. If desired, residues derived from
polyethylenically unsaturated compounds with non-conjugated double
bonds, may be included, for instance, 1,4-hexadiene,
dicyclopentadiene, 5-methylene-2-norbomene,
5-ethylidene-2-norbornene and 5-isopropylidene-2-norbornene.
Exemplary rubber materials, therefore, include natural rubber,
synthetic polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber,
bromobutyl rubber, chlorobutyl rubber, any of the neoprenes,
ethylene propylene rubbers, nitrite elastomers, polyacrylic rubber,
polysulfide polymers, silicone elastomers, ethylene acrylic
elastomers, vinyl acetate ethylene copolymers, chlorinated or
chlorosulfonated polyethylenes, and mixtures thereof. The rubber
material may also include any of the usual additives such as oil,
carbon black, and/or other fillers, zinc oxide, and stearic
acid.
[0016] In one embodiment, the rubber material may be a composite
derived from rubber particles and a polymeric binder, and
optionally, reinforcing fibers. The rubber particles may be ground
from any suitable vulcanized or unvulcanized rubber or mixture
thereof which can be ground in any suitable manner under any
suitable conditions, crogenically or ambiently. The rubber may be
obtained from cured or uncured rubber articles such as old or
off-specification tires, wiper blades, or any other rubber
materials available. The polymeric binder may be an aqueous rubber
latex containing natural or synthetic rubber particles, and which
is compatible or miscible with the rubber particles, including, for
example, neoprene, styrene-butadiene rubbers,
acrylonitrile-butadiene rubbers, high molecular weight olefin
polymers with or without other monomers and polymers such as butyl
rubber and cis- and trans-polybutadienes. The polymeric binder may
also be a polymerizable binder, such as a urethane prepolymer. A
suitable composite is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,192, to
Jonasz, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The composite of the patent contains 60-90% (w/w) of rubber
particles of a varied sized distribution in the range of 5-30 mesh,
3-20% of a polymerizable material being non-reactive with the
rubber particles and polymerizing to form a matrix surrounding the
rubber particles, and 0-20% of reinforcing fibers that are
non-reactive with the polymerizable material. Particularly suitable
polymerizable materials are polyurethane prepolymers which may be
polymerize to a polyurethane matrix, and specifically,
methylene-4,4'-di(phenyl-isocyanate) and polymers or oligomers
thereof having an NCO functionality of from 2.2 to 3, and
4,4,4"-triphenylmethane triisocyanate.
[0017] Cover cap 12 may be produced by a molding process. Such
processes are known in the art, for example for tire molding, and
will not be detailed here. In particular, a compression molding
process may be used, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,723,192, referenced above.
[0018] In various embodiments, the cover cap of the present
invention conforms substantially to the shape of the opening into
the underground structure. For example, the cover cap may be
circular in cross-section as for attachment to manhole cover 14 of
FIGS. 1 and 2, or it may be rectangular, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
Cover cap 30 of FIG. 3 is suitable for attachment to a cover for a
catch basin, field inlet or drop inlet. Cover cap 30 is pierced
with drainage holes 32; these are generally necessary when the
cover cap of the present invention is attached to a cover for an
underground drainage structure. The particular configuration of
drainage holes is not critical, but fluids should be able to pass
through the cover cap and access cover readily.
[0019] FIGS. 4a-c illustrate several means for fastening cover cap
12 to manhole cover 14. A layer of adhesive 42 is shown between
cover cap 12 and manhole cover 14 in FIG. 4a. Adhesives for bonding
rubber to metal are known; any adhesive composition may be used,
provided that adhesive strength of the bond is sufficient to
prevent delamination under temperature conditions of actual use.
For example, an adhesive material that is useful at temperatures
ranging from -20.degree. F. to about 100.degree. F. is A-1226-B,
available from BF Goodrich, which conforms to standard MMM-A-1617.
In FIG. 4b, cover cap 12 is joined to manhole cover 14 by means of
a bolt 44. If desired, bolt 44 may be placed within a sleeve (not
shown), in order to minimize wear on the rubber material
surrounding bolt 44. Bolt 44 passes through cover cap 12 and
manhole cover 14, and is fastened by nut 46. Many manhole covers
contain holes through which a bolt may be passed; if there is no
preexisting hole, a hole sized for the bolt may be drilled through
the cover cap and manhole cover at appropriate position(s). FIG. 4c
shows a clamp or clip 48 for fastening cover cap 12 to manhole
cover 14. Clamp 48 fits tightly over cover cap 12 and under manhole
cover 14. Clamp 48 may be composed of hardened steel and is
typically about one inch in diameter, and less than 1/8" in
thickness. It will be apparent that other fastening means may be
used, as well as other adhesive compositions, bolts and clamps,
provided that the cover cap is securely attached under conditions
of use.
[0020] In a basic embodiment, the present invention also relates to
a method for raising the level of an access cover of an underground
structure by a predetermined amount. This method may be used for
any manhole cover that is not level with grade, including, for
example, low lying field inlet covers, sunken catch basin covers
and also, manhole covers set in a roadway which has been or will be
repaved. The method includes fitting to the access cover a cap
comprising upper and lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge
having dimensions substantially conforming to dimensions of the
opening, adapted for attachment to the access cover, having a
thickness generally corresponding to the predetermined amount, and
comprising a rubber material. Fitting the cap to the access cover
typically involves selecting a cap of the proper size and shape,
corresponding to covers which are generally manufactured in
standard sizes and shapes. If necessary, or desired, two or more
cover caps may be attached to the manhole cover, especially where
the predetermined thickness is greater than the thickness of the
cover cap. The thickness of the two or more cover caps is typically
limited to less than six inches, in order to minimize shifting or
the cover cap, and/or delamination. The cap typically overlays the
juncture between the access cover and the frame and shields it from
water inflow, although, in some cases, it may be desirable for the
cap to be the same size as the access cover, or even smaller than
it. The cap is then attached to the access cover, using any of the
above-described means for fastening the cap to the access cover may
be used.
[0021] The invention also relates to a method for repaving a
roadway having at least one access cover for an opening into an
underground utility structure set therein with a layer of pavement
having a predetermined thickness. The method includes fitting to
the access cover a cap comprising upper and lower opposed surfaces
and an outer edge having dimensions substantially conforming to
dimensions of the opening, adapted for attachment to the access
cover, having a thickness generally corresponding to the
predetermined thickness and comprising a rubber material; attaching
the cap to the access cover; applying the layer of pavement to the
roadway such that an upper surface of the cap is substantially
flush with the upper surface of the layer of pavement; and
contacting the outer edge of the cap with the layer of
pavement.
[0022] While the invention has been described in detail herein in
accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many
modifications and changes therein may be affected by those skilled
in the art. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to
cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *