U.S. patent application number 11/701256 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for manhole skirt assembly and kit.
Invention is credited to Patrick E. O'Brien.
Application Number | 20070144606 11/701256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327178 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070144606 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Brien; Patrick E. |
June 28, 2007 |
Manhole skirt assembly and kit
Abstract
A manhole assembly is usable in combination with an underground
tank assembly, and essentially comprises a double-walled,
lid-supporting skirt assembly. The skirt assembly comprises inner
and outer isolation walls. The inner isolation wall defines an
inner manhole cavity and a moisture-directing, outer manhole
channel. The outer manhole channel extends intermediate the inner
isolation wall and the outer isolation wall. The outer manhole
channel directs moisture from the superior skirt end adjacent a
manhole lid supported by skirt assembly to the inferior skirt end
thus isolating the inner manhole cavity from channel-directed
moisture. The manhole assembly may further comprise a
spring-actuable, lid-compressible collar assembly. It is
contemplated that the collar assembly may be cooperable with the
lid for selectively allowing matter to pass through the outer
manhole channel depending on whether the lid is seated upon the
collar assembly or removed therefrom.
Inventors: |
O'Brien; Patrick E.;
(Caledonia, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles F. Meroni, Jr.
P.O. Box 309
Barrington
IL
60011
US
|
Family ID: |
46327178 |
Appl. No.: |
11/701256 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11237290 |
Sep 28, 2005 |
7171994 |
|
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11701256 |
Feb 1, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/105
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/086 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04 |
Claims
1. A manhole assembly for use in combination with an underground
tank assembly, the manhole assembly comprising: a lid and a skirt
assembly, the lid comprising a superior lid surface and an inferior
lid surface, the skirt assembly comprising a double-walled,
lid-supporting skirt, the lid-supporting skirt comprising an inner
isolation wall, an outer isolation wall, a superior skirt end, and
an inferior skirt end, the inner isolation wall defining an inner
manhole cavity and a moisture-directing, outer manhole channel, the
outer manhole channel extending intermediate the inner isolation
wall and the outer isolation wall, the inner isolation wall
supporting the manhole lid at the inferior lid surface, the outer
manhole channel directing moisture from the superior lid surface to
the inferior skirt end thus isolating the inner manhole cavity from
channel-directed moisture.
2. The manhole assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer isolation wall
is bell-shaped, the bell-shaped outer isolation wall for maximizing
the radial distance intermediate the inner and outer isolation
walls at the inferior skirt end, the maximized radial distance for
enhancing moisture redirection away from the inner manhole
cavity.
3. The manhole assembly of claim 2 wherein the outer isolation wall
comprises an upper annular portion and a lower annular portion, the
upper and lower annular portions being attachable to one another
for effecting the bell-shaped outer isolation wall.
4. The manhole assembly of claim 1 wherein the inner isolation wall
comprises a plurality of arc length portions, the arc length
portions being attachable to one another to form a cylindrical
inner isolation wall, the plurality of arc length portions for
decreasing stowage space of the inner isolation wall when in a
knock-down state.
5. The manhole assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer isolation wall
is perforated, the perforated outer isolation wall for enhancing
moisture drainage.
6. The manhole assembly of claim 5 comprising a moisture-permeable
wrap, the moisture-permeable wrap being wrapped about the outer
isolation wall for preventing debris from entering the perforated
outer isolation wall.
7. The manhole assembly of claim 1 comprising channel-stabilizing
means, the channel-stabilizing means for extending intermediate the
inner and outer isolation walls for maintaining a substantially
uniform distance therebetween.
8. The manhole assembly of claim 1 comprising channel
debris-filtering means, the channel debris-filtering means for
filtering channel-located debris and for preventing clogging of the
outer manhole channel.
9. The manhole assembly of claim 1 comprising a collar assembly,
the collar assembly interfacing intermediate the lid and the inner
isolation wall, the collar assembly comprising a collar member and
spring-actuating means, the spring-actuating means for
spring-actuating the collar member, the collar member comprising
channel-gating structure, the spring-actuating means being
compressed when the lid is seated upon the collar member thereby
opening the outer manhole channel via the channel-gating structure
for allowing matter to pass through the outer manhole channel, the
spring-actuating means being relaxed when the lid is removed from
the collar member thereby closing the outer manhole channel via the
channel-gating structure for preventing matter from passing through
the outer manhole channel.
10. The manhole assembly of claim 1 wherein the inner isolation
wall is truncated relative to the outer isolation wall, the
truncated inner isolation wall for enhancing the effectiveness of
the manhole assembly.
11. A manhole kit, the manhole kit for outfitting an underground
tank assembly, the manhole kit comprising: a knock-down skirt
assembly, the knock-down skirt assembly comprising a plurality of
inner wall portions and a plurality of outer wall portions, the
inner wall portions being attachable to one another to form an
inner isolation wall, the outer wall portions being attachable to
one another to form an outer isolation wall, the inner and outer
isolation walls being cooperable to form a double-walled skirt
assembly, the inner isolation wall defining an inner manhole cavity
and a moisture-directing, outer manhole channel, the outer manhole
channel extending intermediate the inner isolation wall and the
outer isolation wall, the inner isolation wall supporting the
manhole lid at the inferior lid surface, the outer manhole channel
directing moisture away from the inner manhole cavity.
12. The manhole kit of claim 11 wherein the outer isolation wall is
bell-shaped, the bell-shaped outer isolation wall for maximizing
the radial distance intermediate the inner and outer isolation
walls at an inferior end thereof, the maximized radial distance for
enhancing moisture redirection away from the inner manhole
cavity.
13. The manhole kit of claim 11 wherein the outer isolation wall is
perforated, the perforated outer isolation wall for enhancing
moisture drainage.
14. The manhole kit of claim 13 comprising a moisture-permeable
wrap, the moisture-permeable wrap being wrapped about the outer
isolation wall for preventing debris from entering the perforated
outer isolation wall.
15. The manhole kit of claim 11 comprising channel-stabilizing
means, the channel-stabilizing means for extending intermediate the
inner and outer isolation walls for maintaining a substantially
uniform distance therebetween.
16. The manhole kit of claim 11 comprising a lid-support structure,
the lid support structure being extendable intermediate the outer
isolation wall and a manhole lid, the lid-support structure being
sized and shaped to seatedly receive the manhole lid, the
lid-support structure comprising a lid-support portion and a
lid-centering portion, the outer isolation wall being cooperatively
associated with the lid-support portion for enhancing support of
the manhole lid and for directing diverted moisture through the
outer manhole channel.
17. The manhole kit of claim 11 comprising a spring-actuable collar
assembly, the collar assembly interfacing intermediate a manhole
lid and the inner isolation wall and being lid-compressible for
selectively allowing matter to pass through the outer manhole
channel.
18. A moisture-redirection assembly for use in combination with a
manhole, the moisture-redirection assembly comprising a
double-walled skirt assembly, the skirt assembly comprising inner
and outer isolation walls, the inner isolation wall defining an
inner manhole cavity and an outer manhole channel, the outer
manhole channel extending intermediate the inner isolation wall and
the outer isolation wall, the inner isolation wall for supporting a
manhole lid, the outer manhole channel for directing moisture away
from the inner manhole cavity.
19. The moisture-redirection assembly of claim 17 wherein the outer
isolation wall comprises a plurality of outer wall portions, the
outer wall portions being attachable to one another for forming the
outer isolation wall, the plurality of outer wall portions for
decreasing stowage space of the outer isolation wall when in a
knock-down state.
20. The moisture-redirection assembly of claim 18 wherein the inner
isolation wall comprises a plurality of inner wall portions, the
inner wall portions being attachable to one another to form the
inner isolation wall, the plurality of inner wall portions for
decreasing stowage space of the inner isolation wall when in a
knock-down state.
21. The moisture-redirection assembly of claim 18 wherein the outer
isolation wall is bell-shaped, the bell-shaped outer isolation wall
for maximizing the radial distance intermediate the inner and outer
isolation walls at an inferior end thereof, the maximized radial
distance for enhancing moisture redirection away from the inner
manhole cavity.
22. The moisture-redirection assembly of claim 18 wherein the outer
isolation wall is perforated, the perforated outer isolation wall
for enhancing moisture drainage.
23. The moisture-redirection assembly of claim 22 wherein the outer
isolation wall comprises a moisture-permeable wrap, the
moisture-permeable wrap being wrapped about the outer isolation
wall for preventing debris from entering the perforated outer
isolation wall.
24. The moisture-redirection assembly of claim 18 comprising
channel-stabilizing means, the channel-stabilizing means extending
intermediate the inner and outer isolation walls for maintaining a
substantially uniform distance therebetween.
25. The moisture-redirection assembly of claim 18 comprising
channel debris-filtering means, the channel debris-filtering means
for filtering channel-located debris.
26. The moisture-redirection assembly of claim 18 comprising
channel-gating means, the channel-gating means being cooperable
with the lid for selectively allowing matter to pass through the
outer manhole channel.
Description
PRIOR HISTORY
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part patent
application claiming the benefit of pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/237,290, filed in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office on Sep. 28, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a manhole skirt
assembly for use in combination with an underground storage tank.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a
moisture-diverting manhole skirt assembly or kit for outfitting
underground storage tank assemblies and the like.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Those experienced with underground storage tanks and the
maintenance thereof must often address the fact that many of the
underground storage tanks suffer from aged, deteriorated, and
contaminated fill locations. In this regard, it is noted that
manhole type entranceways to underground storage tanks all suffer
from moisture infiltration that occurs when moisture from rain,
snow, and the like accumulates. The moisture generally permeates
into the manhole type entranceway at the lid/lid rest junction.
Countless attempts have been made to make a waterproof manhole
assembly, all of which exhibit a poor end result, namely, a
water-permeable manhole assembly.
[0006] When moisture enters a manhole assembly in superior
adjacency to an underground storage tank, the moisture tends to
pool upon underground storage tank components, thereby infiltrating
and often damaging said components. By providing a
moisture-redirecting structure or chamber with a larger drainage
area, the moisture that inevitably enters a manhole assembly may be
redirected away from inner chamber or moisture-sensitive
components. A structural feature of this type then allows internal
components to be isolated from damaging moisture and further allows
visual inspection and moisture-free access to internal
components.
[0007] It is further noted that the effects of petroleum products
entering, and contaminating ground water from spills, and leaks are
well documented, there being a great deal of documentation
detailing the negative effects of contaminated ground water.
Obviously, if a leak or spill can be prevented the environment will
benefit. In an effort to protect the environment from leaks and
spills of the type here noted the United States Congress enacted
the Underground Storage Compliance At of 2003. The Act attempts to
regulate the use of underground storage tanks and thus attempts to
foster improvements to underground storage tank systems to minimize
spillage and soil contamination.
[0008] In addition to federal law(s), many local and state laws
have also been written to regulate the use of underground storage
tank systems. Often, however, the conditions surrounding the
underground storage tanks are in violation of any number of local,
state, and/or federal laws. In this regard, it is noted that all
current fill locations at underground storage tanks must have an
overspill (OS) device capable of holding at least 5 gallons of
liquid. This device is practical and is used for a collection
vessel upon the draining hoses after a fill delivery is made. The
OS device has a small opening at the top of the device
approximately 9 to 10 inches in diameter, which opening allows
access to the fill riser pipe that is connected to the tank top and
is used as the port for liquid delivery. The existing overspill or
OS devices are designed to be water tight at installation and most
contain a drain port allowing drainage of the device through said
port to the fill riser pipe. The overspill device is typically
accessible by opening a manhole lid at the grade of the concrete
drive and is designed to act as a spill catch for fuel delivery
drivers draining the delivery hose from the delivery truck after
dropping/delivering a load of product. This mandatory OS device has
proven effective and has contained a great deal of spillage, there
being on the order of 700,000 active underground storage tanks in
the United States.
[0009] As time has gone by many of the OS devices have started to
show wear and attendant contamination. Indeed, it is rare to find a
fill location that has no contamination present. Existing OS
devices thus, do not come close to offering a complete solution to
the spillage, leakage, and contamination problems that still exist
at underground storage tanks. A number of means for secondarily
containing spillage adjacent underground storage tanks has arisen.
Indeed, all underground storage tank components (including tanks,
product piping, dispensers, and pumps) of the underground tank
system that hold, or transfer liquids must also be secondarily
contained (except for the most spill prone, used, overlooked,
component the OS location, namely, the fill port).
[0010] The underground storage tank assembly typically has an outer
containment tank with monitoring capability as achieved by a sensor
installed at the interstitial space between the walls of said tank.
The pumping devices are located on the top of the underground
storage tank and have a secondary containment sump that acts as a
collection device for liquids in case of a leak. The sump is also
usually monitored by a sensor. The piping from the pump/suction
device at the tank top sump is secondarily contained by the primary
piping being surrounded by a larger diameter pipe from the tank top
sump to the dispensing location. The dispensing location (pump or
dispenser) also typically has a sump located beneath the dispensing
device. The dispenser/pump sump is monitored via a sensor. All of
the major components that contain and hold fuel at an underground
storage tank system are thus secondarily contained and have the
capability of being monitored at the tank monitoring systems.
Almost all underground storage tank systems have a tank monitoring
system that, when in alarm status, will give an audible warning and
a print out of the alarm condition.
[0011] Perhaps the most used, spill prone, and volatile point of an
underground storage tank is the fill port. It then follows that the
most used, spill prone, and volatile port of the underground
storage tank system should be secondarily contained. As earlier
noted, there are approximately 700,000 active underground storage
tanks in the United States, and the amount of spillage at and
around the existing OS locations of these 700,000 underground
storage tanks on a daily basis is often not reported and/or
cleaned. It then follows that a great deal of petroleum product
enters and contaminates groundwater supplies. Clearly secondary
containment of the fill port location of underground storage tanks
is useful, if not essential.
[0012] Current methods of containing spillage at the fill location
of underground storage tanks by an overspill device are lacking in
certain respects. The most notable problems may be listed, as
follows: 1) a relatively small 9-10 inch opening at the top of the
OS device (the small opening does not allow much room for delivery
error or missed spillage. 2) Upon completion of installation of an
OS device, and after a period of time, a build up of debris/silt
forms a dam between the skirt material of the manhole and the OS
device allowing water infiltration and build up of debris/silt
surrounding the OS device. 3) The water/silt build up also damages
the lid assembly and components of the OS device (making the
initial water tight capability obsolete, and thus allowing debris,
silt, or water to infiltrate the OS device, thus damaging the drain
device of the OS device, and thus the probability of the water,
silt, and debris infiltrating the UG storage tank. 4) The area
outside of the OS device is a release point to the environment
(soil, groundwater). When a spill occurs outside of the small
opening at the OS device the spill is a release into the
environment. Spillage of even the smallest amounts will build up
over the lifetime of the underground storage tank system and will
create certain far-reaching environmental problems. 5) Most
currently used OS devices do not have means for containing,
monitoring, or receiving notification of spillage or water
infiltration with the use of the OS device. 6) When liquid spillage
occurs outside of the OS device, the tank owner is held liable, and
in most cases will not otherwise be advised of the spillage.
[0013] It is noted that while the prior art attempting to address
secondary containment of underground fill/overfill area with
particular attention being given to moisture-redirective manhole
assemblies for use in combination with underground storage tanks is
rather poorly developed. A brief listing of certain relatively
ineffective prior art specifically relating to secondary spillage
containment systems and the like, is briefly described,
hereinafter.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,361 ('361 Patent), which issued to
Clover et al., discloses a Containment Tank. The '361 Patent
teaches a secondary containment tank and manhole cover assembly.
The assembly provides access to a fill pipe for a main underground
storage tank and prevent overflow of excess volatile liquid such as
gasoline into the ground. The containment tank includes an upper
ring or rim secured on an in-ground vertical skirt supported in a
concrete base. An inner container is secured to the vertical skirt
and has an open end adjacent to the upper ring. The cover fits into
and is supported on a horizontal flange or step of the upper ring
over the opening of the inner container and includes a vertical
ring extending downwardly from the underside of the cover into a
space between the inner container and vertical skirt. The vertical
ring on the cover extends below the level of the container opening
and thus bypasses any surface water leakage through the upper ring
around the cover into the space adjacent to the container and into
the ground below. The upper containment tank also includes means
such as a manually operable sump pump or drain valve to empty
excess liquid into the fill pipe of the main storage tank.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,718 ('718 Patent), which issued to Milo,
discloses a Containment Manhole having Spillage Sealing Means. The
'718 Patent teaches a containment manhole comprising a hollow body
having a closed bottom and an open top. A concentric opening is
provided in the bottom to receive an underground tank fill
therethrough and a circular, resilient seal is provided to seal the
junction between the tank fill and the manhole bottom. Optionally,
a drain valve may be provided in the manhole bottom to lead any
spillage directly back to the tank fill. The manhole terminates
upwardly in the machined ring and includes a gasketed junction with
the ring. The ring includes an upper shoulder upon which the cover
peripheral lip can rest and a lower shoulder of size to enable the
cover peripheral edges to rest. An O-ring seal is provided
intermediate the cover and the top ring to provide a first sealed
junction and a circular gasket is affixed on the lower ring edge to
provide a second seal when the cover is in position.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,036 ('036 Patent), which issued to
Dundas et al., discloses a Liquid Tank Spillage Control System. The
'036 Patent teaches a spill control device for underground liquid
storage tanks having an upwardly extending fill pipe. The control
device comprises a steel, epoxy coated, and liquid collecting spill
tank having a riser tube that extends upward through the tank
bottom. A circular seal ring fits about the upper end of the riser
tube and about the outer wall of a fill pipe received through the
riser tube. A clamp compresses the seal about both the riser tube
and fill pipe. A liquid impermeable cover is provided which covers
the access opening in the top of the spill tank. A first basin
surrounds the cover for channeling precipitation, and other liquids
impinging the cover, away from the spill tank. A valve is disposed
on the fill pipe for selectively directing liquids discharged into
the spill tank into the storage tank. A second basin surrounds the
spill tank for recovering liquids discharged from the spill tank
during a filling operation.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,440 ('440 Patent) and U.S. Pat. No.
4,842,443 ('443 Patent), both of which issued to Argandona,
disclose certain Spill Containment Device(s). The '440 and '443
Patents teach spill containment devices for the fill tube of a
liquid storage tank, particularly an underground, liquid storage
tank. The containment devices each have a spill container with a
bottom opening for receiving the tank fill tube in liquid sealing
relation to the container wall and a top opening through which the
fill tube is accessible for filling the tank, whereby the container
contains any liquid spill during filling of the tank. The container
top openings are closed by removable covers which cooperate with a
water drain arrangement to vent liquid vapor from the containers
while preventing rain and other ground surface water from entering
the containers. A drain valve operable from a position adjacent
each container top opening is provided for draining liquid spill
from the respective container to the tank. One embodiment is
designed to receive multiple tank fill tubes and has a surrounding
casing with a relatively massive top end closure having openings
closed by separate relatively small covers which are individually
removable to access the different tank fill tubes.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,633 ('633 Patent), which issued to
Sharp, discloses a Containment Assembly for Fill Pipe of
Underground Storage Tanks. The '633 Patent teaches an assembly
intended for use on underground storage tanks. The assembly
provides ready access to a fill pipe from ground level. At the same
time the assembly serves as a spill containment means for
accidental spillage and a secondary containment means for the fill
pipe. The assembly of the invention comprises a secondary
containment chamber having a sidewall with means for attaching to
the storage tank. An anchor ring which is attached to an upper open
end of the containment chamber acts as a permanent ground base for
the assembly. A bridging surface cover within the anchor ring has a
removable lid positioned in its interior portion to gain access to
the chamber's interior for a filling operation. The assembly also
comprises a fill pipe for delivering liquid to the storage tank.
The fill pipe is positioned within the secondary containment
chamber with a discharging end extending through the chamber's
bottom and a receiving end terminating within the chamber but near
the bridging surface cover. An open top spill compartment is
positioned within the secondary containment chamber and at the
receiving end of the fill pipe so as to encompass the fill pipe's
receiving end for the purpose of catching any spilled liquid from
the filling operation. The spill compartment also prevents any of
the spilled liquid and vapors from entering the secondary
containment chamber.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,832 ('832 Patent), which issued to
Sunderhaus et al., discloses Spill Containment Devices and Their
Installation. The '832 Patent teaches a below grade, spill
containment device for connection with the riser pipe of an
underground fuel storage tank. The containment device is disposed
within and isolated from a manhole, which is mounted in a concrete
apron. The containment device comprises a compositely formed
container, rigidly mounted on the riser pipe. The container formed
of structural synthetic resin material elements held in assembled
relation by snap fitted lugs and notches. A lid, for closing the
upper, access opening, is mounted on a pivotable arm. A lever
pivoted on the arm selectively engages latch means to lock the lid
in a closed position. A projection on the lever prevents the
manhole cover from seating if the lever is not in its lock
position. A valve for draining fuel from the container to the riser
pipe is closed when the lid is open and opened when the lid is
closed. The manhole and the containment device are packaged in a
shipping carton in spaced relation be corrugated paper sheets.
These sheets are employed in obtaining a desired relation between
the containment device and manhole in the installation of these
components, which involve pouring a concrete apron around the upper
end of the manhole. An alternative system employs adjusting nuts to
obtain this relationship between the manhole and containment
device. In one embodiment the manhole is compositely formed to
permit relative movement between its upper and lower portions,
after installation.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,418 ('418 Patent), which issued to
McGill et al., discloses a Drop Tube Seal for Petroleum Underground
Storage Tanks. The '418 Patent teaches a drop tube sealing
assembly. The assembly may contain a riser pipe having a proximal
end with internal threads and an underground storage tank spaced
apart from the proximate end of the riser pipe. The storage tank
may contain a threaded inlet which is positioned atop the tank. A
pipe nipple may include a first end in cooperation with the
proximal end, an opposite end in cooperation with the threaded
inlet, and an annular inner surface that forms a conduit. The inner
surface may comprise a female thread section. A drop tube adapter
fitting may be concentrically disposed within the pipe nipple. The
adapter fitting may contain an outer surface containing external
threads in cooperation with the female thread section. A seal in
the form of an O-ring may be disposed between the adapter fitting
and the pipe nipple. A drop tube having an open end may be coupled
to the adapter fitting.
[0021] It will be seen from a further review of the
above-referenced patents and other prior art generally known to
exist relating to underground storage tank spillage containment
systems, that the prior art does not teach a double-walled manhole
skirt assembly in combination with primary or secondary spillage
containment assemblies as situated in superior adjacency to
underground storage tank assemblies. Further, the prior art does
not teach a matter isolation kit installable upon an underground
storage tank assembly comprising for directing moisture away from
moisture-sensitive underground storage tank assembly components.
The prior art thus perceives a need for a matter isolation system
and kit comprising a double-walled manhole skirt assembly
optionally usable in combination with underground storage tank
assemblies and/or primary and secondary spillage containment
assemblies associated therewith.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a double-walled manhole skirt assembly and/ or kit, which
when outfitted upon an underground storage tank assembly functions
to direct moisture away from the inner manhole cavity and structure
commonly found therein. The present invention thus teaches a
manhole assembly designed most specifically for use in combination
with an underground tank assembly and comprises a manhole lid and a
skirt assembly. The lid comprises a superior lid surface and an
inferior lid surface. The skirt assembly comprises a double-walled,
lid-supporting skirt having an inner isolation wall, an outer
isolation wall, a superior skirt end, and an inferior skirt end.
The inner isolation wall defines an inner manhole cavity and a
moisture-directing, outer manhole channel. The outer manhole
channel extends intermediate the inner isolation wall and the outer
isolation wall, the inner isolation wall aids in the support of the
manhole lid at the inferior lid surface. The outer manhole channel
directs moisture from the superior lid surface to the inferior
skirt end thus isolating the inner manhole cavity from
channel-directed moisture.
[0023] The outer isolation wall may be bell-shaped for maximizing
the radial distance intermediate the inner and outer isolation
walls at the inferior skirt end. It is contemplated that the
maximized radial distance intermediate the inner and outer
isolation walls at the inferior skirt end may well enhance moisture
redirection away from the inner manhole cavity. The inner and outer
isolation walls may be provided in sections. Thus, the inner and
outer isolation walls may comprise transversely sectioned upper and
lower annular portion(s) or a plurality of longitudinally sectioned
arc length portions. It is contemplated that providing the sections
may well ease stowage space, for example, when in the knock-down
state.
[0024] The manhole assembly may further comprise a spring-actuable,
lid-compressible collar assembly. It is contemplated that the
collar assembly may interface intermediate the lid and the inner
isolation wall, and comprise a collar member and certain
spring-actuating means. The collar member may further comprise
certain channel-gating structure. The spring-actuating means, when
compressed by the lid as seated upon the collar member, function to
open the outer manhole channel via the channel-gating structure for
allowing matter to pass through the outer manhole channel. When the
lid is removed from the collar member, the spring-actuating means
return to a relaxed equilibrium state thereby closing the outer
manhole channel via the channel-gating structure for preventing
matter from passing through the outer manhole channel.
[0025] Other objects of the present invention, as well as
particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be
elucidated or become apparent from, the following description and
the accompanying drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Other features of my invention will become more evident from
a consideration of the following brief descriptions of patent
drawings:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of a
manhole skirt assembly of the present invention showing a
multi-piece inner isolation wall and an outer isolation wall and a
manhole lid.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the
outer isolation wall of the present invention and a manhole
lid.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional
depiction of a first alternative arrangement of the inner and outer
isolation walls depicting non-partitioned inner and outer isolation
walls.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional
depiction of a second alternative arrangement of the inner and
outer isolation walls depicting a non-partitioned inner isolation
wall and a transversely partitioned outer isolation wall.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional
depiction of a third alternative arrangement of the inner and outer
isolation walls depicting a transversely partitioned inner
isolation wall and a non-partitioned outer isolation wall.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional
depiction of a preferred arrangement of the inner and outer
isolation walls depicting a wrapped and perforated outer isolation
wall and moisture pathway through the outer manhole channel.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional
depiction of the superior end of the manhole skirt assembly
positioned adjacent spillage containment structure.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional
depiction of a preferred arrangement of the inner and outer
isolation walls depicting channel-stabilizing structure extending
intermediate the inner and outer isolation walls.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional
depiction of the superior end of the manhole skirt assembly
depicting a collar assembly in a lid-compressed--open outer manhole
channel state.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional
depiction of the superior end of the manhole skirt assembly
depicting the collar assembly in a lid-removed--closed outer
manhole channel state.
[0037] FIG. 11 is an end view depiction of first and second
knocked-down, stackable, longitudinally-sectioned isolation wall
arc lengths.
[0038] FIG. 12 is an end view depiction of four knocked-down,
stackable, longitudinally-sectioned isolation wall arc lengths.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of a
manhole skirt assembly of the present invention showing a
single-piece inner isolation wall and an outer isolation wall and a
manhole lid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the
present invention concerns a manhole assembly 10 generally designed
for use in combination with an underground tank assembly and
generally illustrated and referenced in FIGS. 1 and 3-10. The
manhole assembly 10 of the present invention preferably comprises
double walled skirt assembly for supporting a manhole lid 11 as
further illustrated and referenced in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, and 10.
It is noted that manhole lids 11 are typically constructed from
fiberglass or other composites, steel, and/or polyethylene type
materials. It may be understood from a consideration of the noted
figures as well as from a consideration of the prior manhole lid
art that the manhole lid 11 essentially comprises a superior lid
surface 12 and an inferior lid surface 13. The skirt assembly of
the present invention supports the manhole lid 11 via the inferior
manhole lid surface 13.
[0041] The manhole assembly 10 or skirt assembly of the present
invention is thus preferably double-walled and lid-supporting. The
lid-supporting skirt is preferably constructed from fiberglass or
other composites, steel, and/or polyethylene type materials and
comprises an inner isolation wall 20 as illustrated and referenced
in FIGS. 1, 3-10; an outer isolation wall 21 as illustrated and
referenced in FIGS. 1-10, a superior skirt end 22 as generally
referenced in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5-10; and an inferior skirt end 23 as
generally referenced in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8. It may be seen
that the inner isolation wall 20 defines an inner manhole 20 cavity
as at 24 in FIGS. 1, and 5-10; and a moisture-directing, outer
manhole channel as at 25 in FIGS. 1, 3-10. The outer manhole
channel 25 thus extends intermediate the inner isolation wall 20
and the outer isolation wall 21. The inner isolation wall 20 may
well function to support or contribute to the support of the
manhole lid 11 at the inferior lid surface 13 as generally depicted
in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7. The outer manhole channel 25 functions to
direct moisture 100 as at vector arrows 101 from the superior lid
surface 12 to the inferior skirt end 23 in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 further
depicts moisture 100 entering the outer manhole channel 25 at the
superior skirt end 22. It is thus contemplated that the outer
manhole channel 25 effectively functions to otherwise isolate the
inner manhole cavity 24 from channel-directed moisture 100.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment, it may be seen that the outer
isolation wall 21 of the manhole or skirt assembly 10 is preferably
bell-shaped as perhaps most clearly depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. In
other words, the outer isolation wall 21 comprises a pronounced
inferior wall portion as compared to the superior wall portion.
From an inspection of the noted figures, as well as from a
consideration of FIGS. 3-6 and 8, it may be understood that the
bell-shaped outer isolation wall 21 maximizes the radial distance
intermediate the inner and outer isolation walls 20 and 21 at the
inferior skirt end 23. It is contemplated that the maximized radial
distance may well function for enhancing moisture redirection away
from the inner manhole cavity 24 insofar as the maximized radial
distance or relatively larger lower open end of the outer manhole
channel 25 enables enhanced hydraulic flow through the outer
manhole channel 25.
[0043] Although it is contemplated that inner isolation wall 20 may
be formed as a single piece unit as generally depicted in FIG. 13,
it is further contemplated that as means to ease stowage space,
transport, and/or installation of the manhole or skirt assembly 10
of the present invention, inner isolation wall 20 and/or the outer
isolation wall 21 may be formed in knock-down pieces, attachable to
one another for integrally effecting a unit wall, as the case may
be. In other words, given skirt assembly having a generally
circular transverse cross-section, the wall-forming pieces may
comprise two or more portions having certain arc lengths, which,
when assembled, form a unitary circle. In this regard, the reader
is directed in FIG. 1 which shows a left inner wall portion 30 and
a right inner wall portion 31, and FIG. 2 which shows a left outer
wall portion 40 and a right outer wall portion 41. When bolted or
otherwise attached to one another as at 32, the left and right
inner wall portions 30 and 31 form a semi-circular (i.e.
180.degree.) inner wall portion 34 (FIG. 1 depicting a longitudinal
cross-section through the diameter of manhole assembly 10). Two
semi-circular inner wall portions 34 may be bolted or otherwise
attached to one another to form a unitary inner isolation wall 20.
The individual inner wall portions, whether semi-circular portions
34, quarter-circle portions 35 (or similar other arc length
portions), may be stacked or nested as generally and comparatively
depicted in FIG. 11 versus FIG. 12. The individual outer wall
portions may be similarly stacked or nested when in a disassembled
state and bolted or otherwise attached to one another as at 42 in
FIG. 2 when in an assembled state.
[0044] Similarly, it is contemplated that superior wall portions
may be attachable to inferior wall portions for ease of stowage
space, transport, and/or installation. In other words, the inner
and outer isolation walls 20 and 21 may be transversely segmented
and thus may comprise at least one upper annular portion and at
least one lower annular portion, radially nestable inside one
another. In this regard, the reader is directed to FIGS. 4 and 5.
From an inspection of FIG. 4, it will be seen that outer isolation
wall 21 may preferably comprise an upper outer wall portion 36 and
a lower outer wall portion 37, which may be bolted or otherwise
attached to one another as at 43. Similarly, from an inspection of
FIG. 5, it will be seen that inner isolation wall 20 may preferably
comprise an upper inner wall portion 38 and a lower inner wall
portion 39, which may be bolted or otherwise attached to one
another as at 44.
[0045] It is further contemplated that the outer isolation wall 21
of the manhole or skirt assembly 10 of the present invention may
comprise perforations 50 as generally depicted and referenced in
FIG. 6. Moisture 100 may thus enter the outer manhole channel 25 as
at 51 for enhancing moisture drainage. Further, it is contemplated
that the outer isolation wall 21 may be wrapped with a
moisture-permeable wrap 52 as generally depicted and referenced in
FIG. 6. It is contemplated that the moisture-permeable wrap 52 of
the present invention may be wrapped about the outer isolation wall
21 for preventing debris and/or backfill material 75 from entering
the perforated outer isolation wall 21.
[0046] In this last regard, it should be readily understood that
the typical underground tank assemblies and/or manhole assemblies
are usually buried, in part, by backfill material 75 such as gravel
and/or sand. For purposes of the present invention, it is
recommended that 1/8-inch, self-compacting pea gravel be used as
backfill material 75, which backfill material (region) 75 is
generally referenced in FIGS. 6 and 7. The backfill material 75 is
most usually covered by a surface layer 73 such as a concrete slab
or asphalt paving as further generally illustrated and referenced
in the noted figures. Typically a concrete pad or slab is poured on
top of the underground storage tank system and around the manholes
cooperatively associated therewith. It is contemplated that surface
layer 43 is preferably graded to otherwise direct matter away from
any intermediate structure (such as a manhole lid and/or skirt
assembly). The finished primary grade 41 of concrete slab, for
example, may preferably have a gradual 3-inch pitch from the top of
the manhole area to the substantially horizontal flat grade of the
surrounding concrete slab. Outer isolation wall 21 is a part of
drain trough, moisture-directing channel, or gutter system and also
functions as an isolation wall for preventing the backfill material
75 from entering areas inwardly adjacent to the skirt assembly
10.
[0047] The manhole or skirt assembly 10 may further preferably
comprise a collar assembly 60 as generally illustrated and
referenced in FIGS. 9 and 10. It may be seen from an inspection of
the noted figures that collar assembly 60 essentially functions to
interface intermediate the lid 11 and the inner isolation wall 20
and thus is cooperably associated with the superior end of the
inner isolation wall. The collar assembly 60 preferably comprises a
collar member 61 and spring-actuating means (as at 62 in FIG. 10).
The collar assembly 60 may be alternatively cooperably associated
with a manhole lid ring 67 or collar-engaging structure as
generally illustrated and referenced in FIGS. 9 and 10. The
spring-actuating means essentially function to spring-actuate the
collar member 61. The collar member 61 further preferably comprises
certain channel-gating structure 63 as illustrated and referenced
in FIGS. 9 and 10. The lid 11 inherently has considerable weight as
at vector arrow 63 in FIGS. 9 and 10, which weight is sufficient to
elastically compress the spring-actuating means 62 as comparatively
depicted.
[0048] In other words, the spring-actuating means 62 are compressed
when the lid 11 is seated upon the collar member 61 thereby opening
the outer manhole channel 25 via the channel-gating structure 63
for allowing matter such as moisture 100 to pass through the outer
manhole channel 25 as generally depicted in FIG. 9. Comparatively,
FIG. 10 depicts the spring-actuating means 62 in a relaxed
equilibrium state when the lid 11 is removed from seated engagement
upon the collar member 61 thereby closing the outer manhole channel
25 via the channel-gating structure 63 for preventing matter (such
as moisture 100 and/or debris) from passing through the outer
manhole channel 25. A closure ring 68 may be cooperatively
associated with the channel-gating structure 63 for enhancing the
effectiveness of the channel-closing feature exhibited during lid
11 removal. In this regard, it may be understood from a
consideration of FIG. 10 that closure ring 68 and channel-gating
structure 63 as sized and shaped to mate when the lid 11 is removed
and the spring-actuating means 62 return to the relaxed equilibrium
state as generally depicted in FIG. 10.
[0049] It is thus contemplated that the manhole assembly 10 of the
present invention may preferably comprise certain channel
debris-filtering means preferably definable by the foregoing or as
alternatively defined by certain mesh-like filtering structure 64
as generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. 7. In this regard,
it should be noted that it is preferable to keep the outer manhole
channel 25 clear from debris so as to maintain the
moisture-directing passageway achieved thereby. In other words, it
is contemplated that the channel debris-filtering means of the
present invention essentially function to filter channel-located
debris and prevent clogging of the outer manhole channel 25.
[0050] Further, it is contemplated that the outer manhole channel
25 should be of uniform size intermediate the transverse
perimeter(s) of the inner and outer isolation walls 20 and 21. In
this regard, it is further contemplated that the manhole assembly
10 may preferably comprise certain channel-stabilizing means
extendable intermediate the inner and outer isolation walls 20 and
21 for maintaining a substantially uniform distance therebetween.
The reader is directed to FIGS. 7 and 8, which figures depict
certain means for maintaining the distance intermediate the inner
and outer isolation walls or certain channel-stabilizing means.
These means may be preferably defined by fasteners as at 65 in FIG.
7 and/or certain mechanical stop structure 66 as generally depicted
in FIG. 8.
[0051] Inner isolation wall 20 supports the manhole lid 11 in
superior adjacency to structure (such as spillage containment
structure 70 referenced in FIG. 7) located in cavity 24. The
manhole assembly 10 of the present invention may further preferably
comprise a lid-support structure 80 intermediate outer isolation
wall 21 and inferior lid surface 13 at superior skirt end 22 as
referenced in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6-10. Lid-support structure 80 is
preferably sized and shaped to seatedly the manhole lid 11. The
lid-support structure 80 further preferably comprises a lid-support
portion 81 and a lid-centering portion 82 or lid-centering means as
further illustrated and referenced in the noted figures.
[0052] Notably, inner isolation wall 20 is cooperatively associated
with lid-support portion 81 for enhancing support of the lid 11 and
for directing diverted moisture 100 through outer manhole channel
25. In this regard, it is contemplated that inner isolation wall 20
may comprise a diverted portion adjacent superior skirt end 22. It
will be seen from an inspection of FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, that
the diverted superior portion(s) of inner isolation wall 20
function to maintain a substantially uniform channel width at outer
manhole channel 25 adjacent lid-support portion 81. Both
lid-support portion 81 and inner isolation wall 20 thus function to
support the lid 11 at inferior manhole surface 13, and the path for
moisture 100 is preferably diverted adjacent the inferior lid
surface 13 to provide certain filtering-enablement means.
[0053] Inner isolation wall 20 may preferably be truncated or made
longitudinally shorter than outer isolation wall 21 as generally
depicted in FIGS. 8 and 13. It is contemplated that the reason(s)
for having the inner isolation wall 20 slightly shorter than the
outer isolation wall 21 would be, as follows: (1) a shorter inner
isolation wall 20 allows space between the bottom/backfill material
75 and the bottom of the inner isolation wall 20 for movement
should the surface layer 73 or concrete slab holding the manhole
lid 11 move up or down; (2) the inner isolation wall 20 can be
removed and replaced and the space created by a shorter inner
isolation wall 20 will allow a new/replacement inner isolation wall
20 to be easily installed; (3) a shorter inner isolation wall 20
provides a larger drainage space at the bottom, and also eliminate
the potential of a dam forming between the inner and outer
isolation walls 20 and 21. It is thus contemplated that the inner
isolation wall may be preferably truncated relative to the outer
isolation wall, the truncated inner isolation wall for enhancing
the effectiveness of the manhole assembly.
[0054] It may be further understood that the components of the
present invention may well function to provide a manhole conversion
kit or manhole kit for outfitting an underground tank assembly,
which kit may preferably be said to essentially comprise a
knock-down type skirt assembly such as manhole assembly 10. In this
regard, it may be said that the knock-down skirt assembly
preferably comprises a plurality of transverse or longitudinal
inner wall portions and a plurality of transverse or longitudinal
outer wall portions. The inner wall portions are preferably
attachable to one another to form an inner isolation wall such as
wall 20; and the outer wall portions are preferably attachable to
one another to form an outer isolation wall such as wall 21. The
inner and outer isolation walls are thus cooperable to form a
double-walled skirt assembly, whereby the inner isolation wall
defines an inner manhole cavity and a moisture-directing, outer
manhole channel. The outer manhole channel extends intermediate the
inner isolation wall and the outer isolation wall, and the inner
isolation wall may well function to support a manhole lid 11 at the
inferior lid surface.
[0055] While the foregoing specifications contain much specificity,
this specificity should not be construed as limitations on the
scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the
invention. For example, as is implicit in the foregoing
descriptions the present disclosure may further be said to disclose
a moisture-redirection assembly for use in combination with a
manhole. The moisture-redirection assembly essentially comprises a
double-walled skirt assembly comprising inner and outer isolation
walls. The inner isolation wall defines an inner manhole cavity and
an outer manhole channel. The outer manhole channel extends
intermediate the inner and outer isolation walls. The inner
isolation wall functions to supporting a manhole lid and the outer
manhole channel functions to direct moisture away from the inner
manhole cavity. The skirt assembly may further comprise certain
channel-gating means preferably defined by a spring-actuable collar
assembly interfacing intermediate a manhole lid and the inner
isolation wall. The collar assembly may be lid-compressible for
selectively allowing matter to pass through the outer manhole
channel. The channel-gating means are thus cooperable with the
manhole lid for selectively allowing matter to pass through the
outer manhole channel.
[0056] The outer isolation wall may comprise a plurality of outer
wall portions attachable to one another for forming the outer
isolation wall, and for decreasing stowage space of the outer
isolation wall when in a knock-down state. Similarly, the inner
isolation wall may comprise a plurality of inner wall portions
attachable to one another to form the inner isolation wall, and for
decreasing stowage space of the inner isolation wall when in a
knock-down state. The outer isolation wall may be bell-shaped for
maximizing the radial distance intermediate the inner and outer
isolation walls at an inferior end thereof. The noted maximized
radial distance may well function to enhance moisture redirection
away from the inner manhole cavity. Further, the outer isolation
wall may be perforated for enhancing moisture drainage, and may
comprise a moisture-permeable wrap for preventing debris from
entering the perforated outer isolation wall.
[0057] Thus, although the invention has been described by reference
to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended that the novel
assembly or kit be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof
are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and
spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the following claims and the
appended drawings.
* * * * *