CA1232483A - Method of and apparatus for adjustably leveling manhole covers, grates and the like - Google Patents
Method of and apparatus for adjustably leveling manhole covers, grates and the likeInfo
- Publication number
- CA1232483A CA1232483A CA000467142A CA467142A CA1232483A CA 1232483 A CA1232483 A CA 1232483A CA 000467142 A CA000467142 A CA 000467142A CA 467142 A CA467142 A CA 467142A CA 1232483 A CA1232483 A CA 1232483A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ground
- annular ring
- ring
- manhole cover
- similar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/12—Manhole shafts; Other inspection or access chambers; Accessories therefor
- E02D29/14—Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers
- E02D29/1409—Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers adjustable in height or inclination
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Paleontology (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Underground Structures, Protecting, Testing And Restoring Foundations (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
An adjustable leveling structure for manhole covers, grates and the like within ground and similar structures which comprises an annular-walled ring for supporting a cover, grate and the like near its upper edge and mechanically compressible resilient layer means shaped to conform to the wall of the annular ring and disposed in the space between the outer wall of the annular ring and the ground or similar structure when the annular ring is vertically displaced.
An adjustable leveling structure for manhole covers, grates and the like within ground and similar structures which comprises an annular-walled ring for supporting a cover, grate and the like near its upper edge and mechanically compressible resilient layer means shaped to conform to the wall of the annular ring and disposed in the space between the outer wall of the annular ring and the ground or similar structure when the annular ring is vertically displaced.
Description
3L2~2 4~3 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTABLE
LEVELING MANHOLE COYER, GRATES AND THE LIKE
The present invention relates to support struck lures for roadbed manhole covers, grates and the like, being more particularly directed to a method and apparatus to extend, raise or otherwise change or adjust the level Or the supporting structure and thus the manhole cover or similar devils as may be required in road resurfacing or other wear correction applications.
This art is replete with a wide variety ox structures proposed and used through many years to try to provide a ladle construction and method for these and related purposes. As examples, concentric rotational adjustment structures date back before the turn of the century, at least to United States Patent No. 638,692, with recent threaded versions appearing in United States Patent Nos. 3,629,981 and 4,075,796. Bolts and similar mechanisms for adjusting the support level are illustrated in United States Patent Nos. 2,930,295 and 3,858,998.
Special inserts, including extension rings, are described in, for example, United States Patent Nos. 3,240,133;
i it 3L2;~ 3 3,331,295; 3,926,533; ~Ig337,005 and 4,174,1~3. Less gum-bersome methods have been proposed such as the Quik-RiseTM
system described in a publication entitled "SOWER PRODUCTS
by QUIP" published by Quality Water Products, Inc., South Barren Massachusetts. These and other similar construe-lions and methods have left much to be desired apart from either requiring separate inserts or devices or relatively costly or awkward mechanisms, including threaded or specially shaped mechanisms, and often causing hazardous instability problems, such as wobbling, in the event per-foot fits are not always attained or mechanisms become loosened, wear or are dislodged. Additionally, environ-mental conditions, primarily water seepage from the ground or other similar supporting structures, cause corrosion of the aforementioned insert structures which leads to a freezing or locking of the mechanisms and a bonding of the apparatus to the ground or other supporting structure requiring a lengthy and expensive replacement operation.
Additionally, with many prior methods and ~L2~2483 apparatus and specifically with the conically tapered Qulk-RiseTM system, noted above, the raising ox the man-hole cover supporting structure causes an increasing gap to be formed between the ground and the supporting struck lure which requires an additional complex recentering operation to align the supporting structure within the -hole during resurfacing. Also, the fit within the hole is critically dependent on the smooth and accurate format lion of the walls of the hole to receive or re-recelve the supporting structure.
It is to the improved solution of these problems that the present invention is accordingly directed; it being an object of the invention to provide a novel method of and apparatus or providing adjustable leveling of man-hole covers, grates and the like, that shall not be sub-sect to the above-described disadvantages and others of the prior art, but that, to the contrary/ shall be rota-lively inexpensive, reliable and simple.
A further object is to provide an apparatus that will not buckle, pop-out, or otherwise lose structural integrity and level stability in conjunction with ground and similar structures subject to various expansion/con-traction effects.
A still further object is to provide such an improved manhole cover or similar adjustable-level support structure that does not require drastic departure prom present-day types of installations, but can readily be adapted for use with a wide variety ox current support structures.
Other and further objects will be explained hereinafter and are more particularly delineated in the appended claims.
In summary, the invention contemplates apparatus for providing adjustable leveling of manhole covers, grates and the like within ground and similar structures which comprises an annular ring for supporting a cover, grate and the like near its upper edge, and flexible means positioned substantially between the annular ring and the ground or similar structure, adapted to reduce the Eric-lion between the annular ring and the ground or similar structure when the annular ring is moved within the ground or similar structure in order to adjust the level of the manhole cover, grate and the like. Preferred details and best mode embodiments are hereinafter presented.
The invention will now be described with refer-once to the accompanying drawing, Fig 1 of which is a cut-away isometric view showing a portion of a preferred supporting structure, constructed in accordance with the invention, seated within the ground or similar structure;
Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing a portion of another form of preferred supporting structure seated within the ground or similar structure;
Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, illustrating a portion of the removal operation of the supporting structure from the ground or similar structure;
Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the supporting structure held at a desired height above the original position;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing the supporting structure secured at a new desired height with a new surface level ox ground, or similar structure sun-rounding the supporting structure;
Fig. 6 is a view similar to jig. 2, showing the supporting structure supported at a height below a desired height;
it. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing the supporting structure suspended at the desired height above the surrounding ground or similar structure; and it. 8 is a view similar to Figs. 5 and 7 show in the supporting structure secured at the new desired height with a new surface level of ground, or similar structure surrounding the supporting structure.
The number 1 in Fig. 1 refers to an apparatus for providing adjustable leveling Or a manhole cover M or the like within ground 2. The ground 2 may be composed Or soil, rocks, pavement, brick concrete or other similar materials. The apparatus 1 is composed essentially Or a manhole, grate or similar supporting structure S, depicted in the form of an annular ring Or frame, shown circularly cylindrical though other polygonic shapes, including Jo ~Z32~83 square or rectangular, may be used, and a resilient flex-isle material 3 such as polyethylene or other plastic sheets, bitumen impregnated cloth or paper, roofing paper or other substantially non-porous water-impermeable material.
The supporting structure S, commonly referred to in the art as a slab-type manhole cover support structure, has an upper flange 4 that extends radially outward from the cylindrical portion of the support structure and is normally positioned flush with the surface of the ground
LEVELING MANHOLE COYER, GRATES AND THE LIKE
The present invention relates to support struck lures for roadbed manhole covers, grates and the like, being more particularly directed to a method and apparatus to extend, raise or otherwise change or adjust the level Or the supporting structure and thus the manhole cover or similar devils as may be required in road resurfacing or other wear correction applications.
This art is replete with a wide variety ox structures proposed and used through many years to try to provide a ladle construction and method for these and related purposes. As examples, concentric rotational adjustment structures date back before the turn of the century, at least to United States Patent No. 638,692, with recent threaded versions appearing in United States Patent Nos. 3,629,981 and 4,075,796. Bolts and similar mechanisms for adjusting the support level are illustrated in United States Patent Nos. 2,930,295 and 3,858,998.
Special inserts, including extension rings, are described in, for example, United States Patent Nos. 3,240,133;
i it 3L2;~ 3 3,331,295; 3,926,533; ~Ig337,005 and 4,174,1~3. Less gum-bersome methods have been proposed such as the Quik-RiseTM
system described in a publication entitled "SOWER PRODUCTS
by QUIP" published by Quality Water Products, Inc., South Barren Massachusetts. These and other similar construe-lions and methods have left much to be desired apart from either requiring separate inserts or devices or relatively costly or awkward mechanisms, including threaded or specially shaped mechanisms, and often causing hazardous instability problems, such as wobbling, in the event per-foot fits are not always attained or mechanisms become loosened, wear or are dislodged. Additionally, environ-mental conditions, primarily water seepage from the ground or other similar supporting structures, cause corrosion of the aforementioned insert structures which leads to a freezing or locking of the mechanisms and a bonding of the apparatus to the ground or other supporting structure requiring a lengthy and expensive replacement operation.
Additionally, with many prior methods and ~L2~2483 apparatus and specifically with the conically tapered Qulk-RiseTM system, noted above, the raising ox the man-hole cover supporting structure causes an increasing gap to be formed between the ground and the supporting struck lure which requires an additional complex recentering operation to align the supporting structure within the -hole during resurfacing. Also, the fit within the hole is critically dependent on the smooth and accurate format lion of the walls of the hole to receive or re-recelve the supporting structure.
It is to the improved solution of these problems that the present invention is accordingly directed; it being an object of the invention to provide a novel method of and apparatus or providing adjustable leveling of man-hole covers, grates and the like, that shall not be sub-sect to the above-described disadvantages and others of the prior art, but that, to the contrary/ shall be rota-lively inexpensive, reliable and simple.
A further object is to provide an apparatus that will not buckle, pop-out, or otherwise lose structural integrity and level stability in conjunction with ground and similar structures subject to various expansion/con-traction effects.
A still further object is to provide such an improved manhole cover or similar adjustable-level support structure that does not require drastic departure prom present-day types of installations, but can readily be adapted for use with a wide variety ox current support structures.
Other and further objects will be explained hereinafter and are more particularly delineated in the appended claims.
In summary, the invention contemplates apparatus for providing adjustable leveling of manhole covers, grates and the like within ground and similar structures which comprises an annular ring for supporting a cover, grate and the like near its upper edge, and flexible means positioned substantially between the annular ring and the ground or similar structure, adapted to reduce the Eric-lion between the annular ring and the ground or similar structure when the annular ring is moved within the ground or similar structure in order to adjust the level of the manhole cover, grate and the like. Preferred details and best mode embodiments are hereinafter presented.
The invention will now be described with refer-once to the accompanying drawing, Fig 1 of which is a cut-away isometric view showing a portion of a preferred supporting structure, constructed in accordance with the invention, seated within the ground or similar structure;
Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing a portion of another form of preferred supporting structure seated within the ground or similar structure;
Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, illustrating a portion of the removal operation of the supporting structure from the ground or similar structure;
Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the supporting structure held at a desired height above the original position;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing the supporting structure secured at a new desired height with a new surface level ox ground, or similar structure sun-rounding the supporting structure;
Fig. 6 is a view similar to jig. 2, showing the supporting structure supported at a height below a desired height;
it. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing the supporting structure suspended at the desired height above the surrounding ground or similar structure; and it. 8 is a view similar to Figs. 5 and 7 show in the supporting structure secured at the new desired height with a new surface level of ground, or similar structure surrounding the supporting structure.
The number 1 in Fig. 1 refers to an apparatus for providing adjustable leveling Or a manhole cover M or the like within ground 2. The ground 2 may be composed Or soil, rocks, pavement, brick concrete or other similar materials. The apparatus 1 is composed essentially Or a manhole, grate or similar supporting structure S, depicted in the form of an annular ring Or frame, shown circularly cylindrical though other polygonic shapes, including Jo ~Z32~83 square or rectangular, may be used, and a resilient flex-isle material 3 such as polyethylene or other plastic sheets, bitumen impregnated cloth or paper, roofing paper or other substantially non-porous water-impermeable material.
The supporting structure S, commonly referred to in the art as a slab-type manhole cover support structure, has an upper flange 4 that extends radially outward from the cylindrical portion of the support structure and is normally positioned flush with the surface of the ground
2, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, or flush with a ground cowering surface, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8. At the innermost edge of the upper flange 4 is a seat for receive in and supporting a manhole cover M or the like that is shown formed by a concentric cylindrical inner wall port lion 5 and a concentric cylindrical internal flange 6.
The height of the wall portion 5, between the upper sun-face Or the internal flange 6 and the upper surface of the upper flange 4, is approximately equal to the thickness of the manhole cover M. Therefore, when the manhole cover M
_. .
is placed in the seat it is supported by the internal flange 6 along an area about the perimeter of the manhole cover M with the top surface approximately flush with the top surface ox the upper flange I
The supporting structure S additionally has a cylindrical sleeve 7 securely attached to the innermost portion of the internal flange 6, as shown in Fig. 1, or attached to the outermost portion of the internal flange 6 and forming a uniform cylindrical wall in conjunction with the wall portion 5, as shown in Figs. 2 through 8. Other forms are anticipated, including increased thickness and tapering cylindrical sleeves that contact the entire in-vernal flange 6 and sleeves that taper inwards towards the center of the primarily cylindrical support structure S.
In the original installation operation, the resilient material 3 is wrapped or shaped around the cylindrical outer wall sections of the support structure S
to conform to and abut the same, and a slab of ground 2 is formed around the support structure S, such as with the common practice of pouring a concrete slab around a man-.
__ .. ..
~LZ3Z~33 hole support structure, such that the resilient material resists contact between the ground 2 and the support structure S. Being flexible, the resilient material 3 is normally in the form of sheets that are wrapped around the support structure S, but may be brushed, washed, sprayed or extruded on to the support structure S as necessary.
The support structure S is surrounded by a hole such that the upper surface of the upper flange 4 is slush with the surface of the ground 2 or ground covering. The forming operation compresses the flexible material 3 against the walls of the hole, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2. The support structure S is then prepared to receive and support the manhole cover M as described previously.
Additionally, in view of the use of the nest-lint material 3, a novel installation process can be achieved. Specifically, for the original installation process, a presided hole is prepared in the ground 2 ox a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the sup-port structure So The flexible material 3 is then placed around the inside of the hole or around the outer circus-, Jo .. ____ . . . .
The height of the wall portion 5, between the upper sun-face Or the internal flange 6 and the upper surface of the upper flange 4, is approximately equal to the thickness of the manhole cover M. Therefore, when the manhole cover M
_. .
is placed in the seat it is supported by the internal flange 6 along an area about the perimeter of the manhole cover M with the top surface approximately flush with the top surface ox the upper flange I
The supporting structure S additionally has a cylindrical sleeve 7 securely attached to the innermost portion of the internal flange 6, as shown in Fig. 1, or attached to the outermost portion of the internal flange 6 and forming a uniform cylindrical wall in conjunction with the wall portion 5, as shown in Figs. 2 through 8. Other forms are anticipated, including increased thickness and tapering cylindrical sleeves that contact the entire in-vernal flange 6 and sleeves that taper inwards towards the center of the primarily cylindrical support structure S.
In the original installation operation, the resilient material 3 is wrapped or shaped around the cylindrical outer wall sections of the support structure S
to conform to and abut the same, and a slab of ground 2 is formed around the support structure S, such as with the common practice of pouring a concrete slab around a man-.
__ .. ..
~LZ3Z~33 hole support structure, such that the resilient material resists contact between the ground 2 and the support structure S. Being flexible, the resilient material 3 is normally in the form of sheets that are wrapped around the support structure S, but may be brushed, washed, sprayed or extruded on to the support structure S as necessary.
The support structure S is surrounded by a hole such that the upper surface of the upper flange 4 is slush with the surface of the ground 2 or ground covering. The forming operation compresses the flexible material 3 against the walls of the hole, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2. The support structure S is then prepared to receive and support the manhole cover M as described previously.
Additionally, in view of the use of the nest-lint material 3, a novel installation process can be achieved. Specifically, for the original installation process, a presided hole is prepared in the ground 2 ox a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the sup-port structure So The flexible material 3 is then placed around the inside of the hole or around the outer circus-, Jo .. ____ . . . .
3;~33 furriness of the support structure S, or both (Fig. 3.).
The flexible material may be placed either around the sup-port structure or on the walls of the hole or both, as necessary. The support structure S is then inserted into the hole such that the upper surface of the upper flange 4 is flush with the surface of the ground 2 or ground cover-lung. This insertion compresses the flexible material, as noted above and as shown in Figs. 1 and I Since the flexible material 3 can compressively compensate for ire-gularitles in the hole surface, so long as the hole is not smaller than the size of the support structure S, a proper insertion can be accomplished.
By using the flexible material 3 as a buffer between the support structure S and the ground 2, a slightly larger and irregular hole can be used to hold the support structure S, as the compressible material will fill any small spaces between the ground 2 and the support structure S and accept non-destructive compression when space is lacking. Therefore, less accurate holes in the ground 2 need to be produced to hold the support structure ~:3;~3 S then would be needed without the flexible material 3 and surface irregularities Or the support structure S are absorbed.
When the level of the support structure S must be changed, for example, to facilitate the resurfacing of a roadway, the support structure S can be easily removed prom the ground 2 as shown in Fig. 3. To remove the sup-port structure S, a clamp or hook, such as L-hook 8, is secured under the internal flange 6. The L-hook 8 is attached by an eyelet 9 to a chain 10 which is drawn away from the support structure S and the ground 2 by a device such as a back-hoe or tractor (not shown). When souffle-client tensile force is exerted on the chain 10, and there-fore sufficient lifting force is exerted on the support structure So the support structure S is removed from or raised in the hole, as shown in Fig. 3.
For most raising operations the desired change in height is less than the length Or the cylindrical support structure. Under these circumstances, the extend-Ed cylindrical sleeve 7 retains the support structure S
lL23;2483 centered within the supporting hole during the raising and resurfacing operations without the need to resort to come placated repositioning methods and apparatus.
When lifting force is exerted on the support structure S, frictional force exerted on the support structure S by the flexible material 3 tends So oppose the upward movement of the support structure S. The flexible material is designed to provide less frictional resistance to movement than would be obtained by a support structure-ground or support structure-ground covering material interface. The different frictional resistance can be obtained by using the flexible material 3 in differing constructions or by using different types of flexible materials. A preferred method of construction includes the use of two or more sheets Or plastic material, such as polyurethane, that have a minimal coefficient of friction between them. Therefore, when the support structure S is raised, the plastic sheets provide minimal resistance to the lifting force. Another example that is contemplated includes the use of bitumen impregnated materials, such as ., _. = .___ , . _._. , ._ _ . .. ... ..
~3Z~8~
paper, which include bitumen coated materials that have a friction coefficient higher than the shear strength of the matrix material (paper or cloth) and a shear strength less than the support structure-ground friction coefficient.
With this condition, the center portion of the material will shear when the support structure S is raised, while both surfaces of the material continue to engage their respective portions of the ground 2 or the support struck lure S, (Fig. 3, for example).
When the support structure S is raised, one or more support blocks 14, Fig. 4, are inserted into a gap 12 prior to the release of tension on the chain 10 and the removal of the L-hook 8. With the support blocks 14 inserted into the gap 12, the support structure S is rig-duly held at the desired height. New ground covering material 13, such as concrete, asphalt, brick, soil or other similar materials, is now inserted into the gap 11, with sufficient flexible material 3 remaining in contact with the support structure S at all points to preclude the ground 2 or new ground covering material 13 from directly 'I I
contacting the support structure S, as seen in jig. 4.
After the new ground covering material 13 hasobtalned sufficient structural strength, the support blocks 14 may be removed, allowing the ground covering material to support the support structure S. Alterna-lively, the chain 10 could be held in tension to support the support structure S until the new ground covering material can function as a support and the support blocks 14 need not be used. After the support structure S is properly supported, a new surface of ground covering material 15, such as concrete, asphalt> brick, soil or other similar materials, is then placed over the ground 2 such that the upper surface 17 of the ground covering material 15 it essentially flush with the upper surface of the upper Lange 4 of the support structure S, as shown in jig. 5-Where the separating material 3 is of proper resilience and the lifting distance is not excessive, the friction alone may hold the range or frame in proper post-lion without the help of blocks or chain or other means.
~L~32~3 Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6, the ground covering material 15 may be placed around the support structure S, prior to height readjustment, leaving a space 16 between the ground covering material 15 and the support structure S. The support structure S is then raised and supported in a manner as discussed previously, and shown in Fig. 7 (support not shown). New ground covering material 13 is then placed into the gap 11 and space 16 such that the upper surfaces 17 and 18 of the ground covering materials 15 and 13, respectively, are effect lively flush with the upper surface of the upper flange 4, Asian in Fig. 8. After the ground covering material 13 has obtained sufficient structural strength to support the support structure S, any other supporting means, such as L-hook 8 and chain 10 or blocks 14 may be removed as explained previously.
With support structure S and manhole cover M
installed in accordance with the present invention, a greater resistance to structural degradation and damage is achieved in comparison with normal manhole cover struck ,. ... ____~ . .,.. ,, . ._ _,. . ..... .
~3Z~83 ~16-lures. Since the thermal expansion Or the manhole cover support structure S and the surrounding ground 2 is rarely similar, changes in surrounding temperatures, as expert fenced by seasonal changes, cause different amounts of ox-pension and contraction in the support structure S and the ground 2. Without the flexible material 3, expansion of the ground 2 and support structure S would tend to cause the support structure S to buckle or pop out of the ground 2, and the ground 2 to buckle and heave. Additionally without the flexible material 3, contraction Or the ground 2 and the support structure S would create a gap between the walls of the hole in the ground 2 and the outer wall portion of the support structure, reducing the structural integrity and support of the arrangement and allowing for tipping or collapsing of the manhole cover M-supporting structures. The present invention provides a flexible material 3 as a buffer between the support structure S and the ground 2 and ground coverings 13 and 15. The flexible material can be non-destructively compressed and expanded to fill small cavities as necessary. Therefore, with pro-per installation, the present invention can compensate for the thermal expansion and contraction normally encountered in the year-round continuous use of the manhole cover.
Additionally, since the flexible material 3 is a water impermeable or resistant material, the support structure S, which is normally made of metal> is protected from contact with the surrounding ground and round water. The protection afforded by the flexible material 3 decreases the corrosion and material degradation of the support structure S and, therefore, increases its effective life. further modifications will also occur to those skilled in this art and such are considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The flexible material may be placed either around the sup-port structure or on the walls of the hole or both, as necessary. The support structure S is then inserted into the hole such that the upper surface of the upper flange 4 is flush with the surface of the ground 2 or ground cover-lung. This insertion compresses the flexible material, as noted above and as shown in Figs. 1 and I Since the flexible material 3 can compressively compensate for ire-gularitles in the hole surface, so long as the hole is not smaller than the size of the support structure S, a proper insertion can be accomplished.
By using the flexible material 3 as a buffer between the support structure S and the ground 2, a slightly larger and irregular hole can be used to hold the support structure S, as the compressible material will fill any small spaces between the ground 2 and the support structure S and accept non-destructive compression when space is lacking. Therefore, less accurate holes in the ground 2 need to be produced to hold the support structure ~:3;~3 S then would be needed without the flexible material 3 and surface irregularities Or the support structure S are absorbed.
When the level of the support structure S must be changed, for example, to facilitate the resurfacing of a roadway, the support structure S can be easily removed prom the ground 2 as shown in Fig. 3. To remove the sup-port structure S, a clamp or hook, such as L-hook 8, is secured under the internal flange 6. The L-hook 8 is attached by an eyelet 9 to a chain 10 which is drawn away from the support structure S and the ground 2 by a device such as a back-hoe or tractor (not shown). When souffle-client tensile force is exerted on the chain 10, and there-fore sufficient lifting force is exerted on the support structure So the support structure S is removed from or raised in the hole, as shown in Fig. 3.
For most raising operations the desired change in height is less than the length Or the cylindrical support structure. Under these circumstances, the extend-Ed cylindrical sleeve 7 retains the support structure S
lL23;2483 centered within the supporting hole during the raising and resurfacing operations without the need to resort to come placated repositioning methods and apparatus.
When lifting force is exerted on the support structure S, frictional force exerted on the support structure S by the flexible material 3 tends So oppose the upward movement of the support structure S. The flexible material is designed to provide less frictional resistance to movement than would be obtained by a support structure-ground or support structure-ground covering material interface. The different frictional resistance can be obtained by using the flexible material 3 in differing constructions or by using different types of flexible materials. A preferred method of construction includes the use of two or more sheets Or plastic material, such as polyurethane, that have a minimal coefficient of friction between them. Therefore, when the support structure S is raised, the plastic sheets provide minimal resistance to the lifting force. Another example that is contemplated includes the use of bitumen impregnated materials, such as ., _. = .___ , . _._. , ._ _ . .. ... ..
~3Z~8~
paper, which include bitumen coated materials that have a friction coefficient higher than the shear strength of the matrix material (paper or cloth) and a shear strength less than the support structure-ground friction coefficient.
With this condition, the center portion of the material will shear when the support structure S is raised, while both surfaces of the material continue to engage their respective portions of the ground 2 or the support struck lure S, (Fig. 3, for example).
When the support structure S is raised, one or more support blocks 14, Fig. 4, are inserted into a gap 12 prior to the release of tension on the chain 10 and the removal of the L-hook 8. With the support blocks 14 inserted into the gap 12, the support structure S is rig-duly held at the desired height. New ground covering material 13, such as concrete, asphalt, brick, soil or other similar materials, is now inserted into the gap 11, with sufficient flexible material 3 remaining in contact with the support structure S at all points to preclude the ground 2 or new ground covering material 13 from directly 'I I
contacting the support structure S, as seen in jig. 4.
After the new ground covering material 13 hasobtalned sufficient structural strength, the support blocks 14 may be removed, allowing the ground covering material to support the support structure S. Alterna-lively, the chain 10 could be held in tension to support the support structure S until the new ground covering material can function as a support and the support blocks 14 need not be used. After the support structure S is properly supported, a new surface of ground covering material 15, such as concrete, asphalt> brick, soil or other similar materials, is then placed over the ground 2 such that the upper surface 17 of the ground covering material 15 it essentially flush with the upper surface of the upper Lange 4 of the support structure S, as shown in jig. 5-Where the separating material 3 is of proper resilience and the lifting distance is not excessive, the friction alone may hold the range or frame in proper post-lion without the help of blocks or chain or other means.
~L~32~3 Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6, the ground covering material 15 may be placed around the support structure S, prior to height readjustment, leaving a space 16 between the ground covering material 15 and the support structure S. The support structure S is then raised and supported in a manner as discussed previously, and shown in Fig. 7 (support not shown). New ground covering material 13 is then placed into the gap 11 and space 16 such that the upper surfaces 17 and 18 of the ground covering materials 15 and 13, respectively, are effect lively flush with the upper surface of the upper flange 4, Asian in Fig. 8. After the ground covering material 13 has obtained sufficient structural strength to support the support structure S, any other supporting means, such as L-hook 8 and chain 10 or blocks 14 may be removed as explained previously.
With support structure S and manhole cover M
installed in accordance with the present invention, a greater resistance to structural degradation and damage is achieved in comparison with normal manhole cover struck ,. ... ____~ . .,.. ,, . ._ _,. . ..... .
~3Z~83 ~16-lures. Since the thermal expansion Or the manhole cover support structure S and the surrounding ground 2 is rarely similar, changes in surrounding temperatures, as expert fenced by seasonal changes, cause different amounts of ox-pension and contraction in the support structure S and the ground 2. Without the flexible material 3, expansion of the ground 2 and support structure S would tend to cause the support structure S to buckle or pop out of the ground 2, and the ground 2 to buckle and heave. Additionally without the flexible material 3, contraction Or the ground 2 and the support structure S would create a gap between the walls of the hole in the ground 2 and the outer wall portion of the support structure, reducing the structural integrity and support of the arrangement and allowing for tipping or collapsing of the manhole cover M-supporting structures. The present invention provides a flexible material 3 as a buffer between the support structure S and the ground 2 and ground coverings 13 and 15. The flexible material can be non-destructively compressed and expanded to fill small cavities as necessary. Therefore, with pro-per installation, the present invention can compensate for the thermal expansion and contraction normally encountered in the year-round continuous use of the manhole cover.
Additionally, since the flexible material 3 is a water impermeable or resistant material, the support structure S, which is normally made of metal> is protected from contact with the surrounding ground and round water. The protection afforded by the flexible material 3 decreases the corrosion and material degradation of the support structure S and, therefore, increases its effective life. further modifications will also occur to those skilled in this art and such are considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (2)
1. Apparatus for providing adjustable leveling of man-hole covers, grates and the like within ground and similar structures, which comprises an annular-walled ring for supporting a cover, grate and the like near its upper edge, mechanically compressible resilient layer means shaped to conform to the wall of the annular ring, and means for disposing the layer means in the space between the outer wall of the annular ring and the ground or similar structure and abutting the said wall to reduce sliding fric tion between the annular ring and the ground or similar structure when the annular ring is verti-cally displaced within the ground or similar struc-ture in order to adjust the level of the manhole cover, grate and the like.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which the said compressible resilient layer means has a shear or tensile force small compared with the force that would be needed to overcome the friction between the annular ring and the ground or similar structure, Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which said compressible resilient layer means has a low coefficient of sliding friction compared to that or the ring if embedded directly in the ground or similar structure.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which said compressible resilient layer means is formed from two or more abutting sheets.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 and in which the forced needed to overcome the friction between the sheets is less than the force needed to overcome the friction between the annular ring and the ground or similar structure.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which the layer means is of resilient plastic material.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which the layer means is of bitumen-impregnated paper.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which the layer means is of water-impermeable material.
A method of installing adjustable leveling manhole covers, grates and the like within ground and similar structures, which comprises, creating a hole in the ground or similar structure that is somewhat larger than the outer dimensions of a manhole cover-receiving annular ring, inserting the ring within the hole, and positioning a compressible resilient material between the interior wall of the hole and the outer wall of the annular ring, to compress the flexible material between the annular ring and the interior wall of the hole.
A method of adjustably leveling manhole covers, grates and the like within ground and similar structures, which comprises, raising a manhole cover receiving annular ring from the ground or similar structure, adjusting the surface level of the ground around the annular ring to a desired height, positioning a compressible material between the manhole cover receiving annular ring and the ground, and re-inserting the manhole cover-receiving-annular ring into the ground in such a manner as to support the resilient material between the annular ring and the ground.
A method as claimed in claim 10 and in which the further steps are performed of raising the said manhole cover or grate receiving annular ring from the ground without developing appreciable lateral clearance between the ground and the ring, and inserting new support material between the flange of the ring and the ground.
A method of adjustably leveling manhole covers, grates, and the like within ground and similar structures which comprises raising a manhole cover or grate receiving annular ring without developing appreciable lateral clearance between the ground and the ring, and inserting new sup-port material between the flange of the ring and the ground.
A method as claimed in claim 12 and in which the steps are performed of newly paving an area leaving working clearance around the manhole cover or grate supporting frame prior to said raising, and applying new support mateiral in the space defined by the new paving, the ground, and the said ring.
A method as claimed in claim 13 and in which the ring is overlifted and forced down to finished grade, thereby compacting or extruding the said new support material.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which said compressible resilient layer means is formed from two or more abutting sheets.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 and in which the forced needed to overcome the friction between the sheets is less than the force needed to overcome the friction between the annular ring and the ground or similar structure.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which the layer means is of resilient plastic material.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which the layer means is of bitumen-impregnated paper.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and in which the layer means is of water-impermeable material.
A method of installing adjustable leveling manhole covers, grates and the like within ground and similar structures, which comprises, creating a hole in the ground or similar structure that is somewhat larger than the outer dimensions of a manhole cover-receiving annular ring, inserting the ring within the hole, and positioning a compressible resilient material between the interior wall of the hole and the outer wall of the annular ring, to compress the flexible material between the annular ring and the interior wall of the hole.
A method of adjustably leveling manhole covers, grates and the like within ground and similar structures, which comprises, raising a manhole cover receiving annular ring from the ground or similar structure, adjusting the surface level of the ground around the annular ring to a desired height, positioning a compressible material between the manhole cover receiving annular ring and the ground, and re-inserting the manhole cover-receiving-annular ring into the ground in such a manner as to support the resilient material between the annular ring and the ground.
A method as claimed in claim 10 and in which the further steps are performed of raising the said manhole cover or grate receiving annular ring from the ground without developing appreciable lateral clearance between the ground and the ring, and inserting new support material between the flange of the ring and the ground.
A method of adjustably leveling manhole covers, grates, and the like within ground and similar structures which comprises raising a manhole cover or grate receiving annular ring without developing appreciable lateral clearance between the ground and the ring, and inserting new sup-port material between the flange of the ring and the ground.
A method as claimed in claim 12 and in which the steps are performed of newly paving an area leaving working clearance around the manhole cover or grate supporting frame prior to said raising, and applying new support mateiral in the space defined by the new paving, the ground, and the said ring.
A method as claimed in claim 13 and in which the ring is overlifted and forced down to finished grade, thereby compacting or extruding the said new support material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US55158383A | 1983-11-14 | 1983-11-14 | |
| US551,583 | 1983-11-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1232483A true CA1232483A (en) | 1988-02-09 |
Family
ID=24201851
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000467142A Expired CA1232483A (en) | 1983-11-14 | 1984-11-06 | Method of and apparatus for adjustably leveling manhole covers, grates and the like |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1232483A (en) |
| GB (3) | GB2150176B (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DK176838B1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-11-30 | Bjarne Henning Poulsen | Method for renovating surface coatings around fire frames, and a compressible device for use in the method |
| US8182171B2 (en) | 2009-09-29 | 2012-05-22 | Bjarne Henning Poulsen | Method for renovation of surface dressings around well curbs, and a compressible device for use in the method |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB877912A (en) * | 1956-12-28 | 1961-09-20 | Frans Harry Karlsson | Drains |
| US3240618A (en) * | 1961-08-22 | 1966-03-15 | Us Plywood Corp | Concrete form panels |
| GB1014814A (en) * | 1962-07-20 | 1965-12-31 | Josam Products Ltd | Floor drainage structures |
| GB1200493A (en) * | 1967-07-13 | 1970-07-29 | Thomas Raymond Barry | Method of casting concrete structures having voids therein |
| DE1900552A1 (en) * | 1969-01-07 | 1970-11-26 | Wachenfeld Teschner Fritz | Device for stepless height adjustment of built-in parts consisting of lids and frames in road surfaces, e.g. manhole covers |
| DE6936258U (en) * | 1969-07-15 | 1969-12-11 | Flaminio Dr Monari | DEVICE FOR SEALING ROOF GULLYS FOR FLAT ROOFS, BALCONIES, TERRACES AND THE LIKE. |
| IE34947B1 (en) * | 1970-06-13 | 1975-10-01 | Elcona Plastics Ltd | Improvements in or relating to building constructions including damp-proof courses |
| DE2437191C3 (en) * | 1974-08-01 | 1980-11-06 | Goebel, Klaus, 5500 Trier | Drain, especially for flat roofs |
| IN149552B (en) * | 1977-07-28 | 1982-01-23 | Helms W R |
-
1984
- 1984-11-06 CA CA000467142A patent/CA1232483A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-11-12 GB GB08428583A patent/GB2150176B/en not_active Expired
- 1984-11-12 GB GB08508953A patent/GB2155086B/en not_active Expired
-
1985
- 1985-03-19 GB GB858507044A patent/GB8507044D0/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8507044D0 (en) | 1985-04-24 |
| GB2150176B (en) | 1988-02-17 |
| GB2150176A (en) | 1985-06-26 |
| GB2155086B (en) | 1988-02-17 |
| GB8428583D0 (en) | 1984-12-19 |
| GB2155086A (en) | 1985-09-18 |
| GB8508953D0 (en) | 1985-05-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |