CA2098770C - Adaptor tools and method to expose valve - Google Patents
Adaptor tools and method to expose valveInfo
- Publication number
- CA2098770C CA2098770C CA 2098770 CA2098770A CA2098770C CA 2098770 C CA2098770 C CA 2098770C CA 2098770 CA2098770 CA 2098770 CA 2098770 A CA2098770 A CA 2098770A CA 2098770 C CA2098770 C CA 2098770C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- adaptor
- socket
- rod
- hole
- 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 - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B9/00—Methods or installations for drawing-off water
- E03B9/02—Hydrants; Arrangements of valves therein; Keys for hydrants
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
- F16K31/46—Mechanical actuating means for remote operation
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanically-Actuated Valves (AREA)
- Details Of Valves (AREA)
Abstract
This invention relates to an adaptor for activating a valve, the adaptor includes a socket at one end thereof to register with the valve, the socket including at least one displaceable engageable ball plunger for gripping the valve when the socket is urged against the valve for operating the valve. The invention also relates to a service box assembly for a water valve disposed in the ground which utilizes the adaptor as well as the method of exposing a water valve to reinstall an inoperable service box rod in a service box assembly having a water valve below ground level. The invention also teaches installation tools to locate and maintain a service box rod within a service box assembly.
Description
20~g77~
-FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to an adaptor for activating a valve, which activator ineludes a soeket having at least one displaceable engageable ball plunger for gripping the valve and partieularly relates to a service box assembly for a valve disposed in the ground whieh utilizes said adaptor. A method of exposing a valve to reinstall an inoperable serviee box rod in a serviee box assembly having a valve below ground level is also taught ineluding an inct~ tion tool to loeate and m~int~in a service box rod within a service box assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Service boxes eomplete with rods are widely used in the publie utility field to provide aeeess or operation to the valve and other control components of conduits and pipelines buried in the ground. For example, United States Patent No. 3,548,864 teaches a curb box and a method for making the same, which is formed of mouldable synthetie material, others are made of iron/steel.
Another arrangement is shown in United States Patent No. 3,746,034 whieh 20 relates to a eurb box whieh is installed in the ground in valve proteeting position and is positioned vertieally so that if an upper portion of the box is sheared off or otherwise aeeidentally removed, the rem~ining box portion will be detectable because of the presence of a portion of the deteetable metallie means.
Yet another arrangement is shown in United States Patent No. 4,643,218 whieh relates to a eleaner and aetuator deviee for remote aeeess valve controls.
Finally, United States Patent No. 43,056 and 380,308 teaeh a stop coek and ease for pipes leading from street mains and a stop cock box respectively.
A common problem which utilities encounter relates to the operation of the control valve, stop cock, curb stop, when the service box rod and/or key becomesdiseonneeted from the valve or shut-off. Traditionally, the method of connecting the service box rod and/or key to the curb stop or valve curb stop or control valve has been by means of a fork or prong that is welded or moulded to the rod and a cotter pin or other similar pin produced from non-corrosive material, such as brass, is used to secure the rod or key to the valve. Very often, the non-corrosive cotter pin or pins is not used or is replaced with a cotter pin or pins that is corrosive. Therefore, the cotter pin or pins corrodes the rod or key, becomes disconnected from the valve, which results in the valve becoming inoperable.
Moreover, the cotter pin may also become disconnected or broken through time. Moreover, sometimes the pins are not used to attach the rod and once operated the rod becomes 10 detached from the valve. It is an object of this invention to provide an improved adaptor which can be utilized to quickly and efficiently repair an inoperable connection between the rod or key and valve. It is another object of this invention to provide an alternative to the pin connecting method by lltili7ing a displaceable engageable member.
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved method for removal of the valve box and rod in order to reconnect the service box rod or key to the valve by Iltili7illg a high pressure water washout and vacuum method.
It is an aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for connecting a rod and a valve 20 disposed below ground level, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket for gripping said valve when said socket and said displaceable engageable member is urged against said valveso as to secure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve and for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod, so as to reconnect said rod to said valve.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for connecting a rod and a valve disposed below ground level, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member having a spherical member moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against the valve; and move radially away from said socket and valve and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod.
It is another aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for activating a valve, said adaptor including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said socket including at least one displaceable engageable member gripping said valve when said socket is urged against said valve so as to secure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve and for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve.
It is another aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for activating a valve, said adaptor including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said socket including at least one ball and a spring means for urging said ball against said valve to grip said valve when said socket is urged against said valve so as to secure said adaptor to said valve for 20 operating said valve and for pe~"~illing said ball to move relative said spring and said valve when said socket is removed from said valve for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to a rod, wherein said connecting means includes a hole and said rod includes aperture means at one end of the said rod for alignment with said hole, and a locking pin traversing said hole and said aperture means for locking said rod to said adaptor.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide a service box assembly for a valve with a lug having a transverse through hole, said valve disposed in the ground, said box assembly comprising: upper and lower tubular telescopic portions for presenting an access 30 passage from said valve to ground level; a removable cover plate to cover said access passage; an adaptor for activating said valve, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof defining an axis of rotation, a socket presented at one end of said body member to register with said valve, said body member including two ~, - 3a -opposite radially disposed threaded holes opening into said socket, each said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member; a first spherical member carried by one of said displaceable engageable members, said first spherical member projecting radially inwardly into said socket; a second spherical member carried by said other displaceable engageable member, said second spherical member disposed radially opposite said first spherical member and projecting radially inwardly into said socket; said first spherical member and said second spherical member moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded holes so as to move radially into said socket and grip oppose ends of said 10 through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve, and to move radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve; opposite ends of said through hole when said socket and said first and second spherical members are urged against said valve and for disengagement with said valve when said adaptor is removed from said valve; and a service box rod disposed within said access passage and connected to another end of said body member for rotating said body section and said valve about said axis of rotation to open said valve in a first position and to close said valve in a second posltlon.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide a method of repairing an inoperable connection between a service box rod and a valve located in the ground, having a lug with a transverse through hole comprising the steps of interposing an adaptor between said rod and said valve said adaptor having a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation connecting one end of said rod to one axial end of said body member of said adaptor where said body member of said adaptor has a socket at an axial end opposite said end connected to said rod, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket; moving at least one spherical member carried by said displaceable engageable member radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve and to move said spherical member f ~
.~,, .
, ~ - 3b -radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide a method of repairing an inoperable service box rod in a service box assembly having a valve below the ground by l1tili7:ing an adaptor said method comprising the steps of creating a ground hole in the ground exteriorally of said service box assembly by using a high-pressure water wash so as to break up said ground and produce ground debris and vac~ ming said debris until said debris has been 10 removed around said service box assembly to said water valve; removing said service box assembly from said hole; removing said inoperable service box rod from said valve, said inoperable service box rod having a fork with aperture means at one end thereof; repairing said inoperable service box rod by connecting said adaptor having a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member having an extension with a hole at one axial end thereof for ~lignment with said apertures of said fork, and forcing a locking pin through said hole and said apertures, said body member of said adaptor including a socket at another axial end thereof, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member; placing said repaired service box rod into said ground hole 20 and urging said adaptor over said valve so as to move said spherical member radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip and lock said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve and to move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve, and reintroducing said service box assembly into said ground hole over said rod and water valve; filling said ground hole.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for activating a valve having a lug with a transverse through hole, said adaptor having a body member extending 30 along the length thereof to define an axis of rotation; a socket presented at one axial end of said body member to register with said valve said body member including two opposite radially disposed threaded holes opening into said socket, each said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member; a first spherical member carried by ,d~
-- 3c --one said displaceable engageable member, said first spherical member projecting radially inwardly into said socket; a second spherical member carried said other displaceable engageable member, said second spherical member disposed radially opposite said first spherical member; said first spherical member and said second spherical moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip appropriate ends of said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve by solely urging said socket against said valve and to move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from 10 said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for connecting a rod to a valve disposed below ground level, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member including socket means at one end thereof to register with said valve, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket means, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket means for gripping said valve when said socket means and said displaceable engageable member is urged against said valve so as to secure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve 20 and for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod, so as to connect said rod to said valve.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor having one end for activating a valve, and another end for connection to a rod, said adaptor including socket means at said one end to register with said valve for operating said valve; said socket means comprising gripping means for grasping said valve when said adaptor is urged against said valve by said rod, and for disengagement with said valve by solely pulling said rod.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide a method of connecting a rod to a valve located in the ground, said adaptor having a body member; by connecting one end of said rod to one end of said body member of said adaptor where said body member of said adaptor has socket means at another end opposite said end connected to said rod, said body member including gripping means for grasping said valve when said adaptor is urged against said valve by said rod, and for disengagement with said valve by solely pulling said rod.
~ ~i DESCRIPrION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features of the invention shall now be described in relation to the following drawings:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the prior art service box assembly.
Figure 2 is a cross section perspective view of the adaptor.
10 Figure 3 is a bottom view of the adaptor.
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the adaptor.
Figure S is a top view of the adaptor.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adaptor.
Figure 7 is a full cross-sectional perspective view of a second embodiment of the adaptor.
20 Figure 8 is a bottom view of the adaptor shown in figure 7.
Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the adaptor shown in figure 7.
Figure 10 is a top view of the adaptor shown in figure 7.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the adaptor shown in figure 7.
Figure 12 illustrates a truck having a high-pressure water line and vacuum hose.
30 Figure 13 shows an alternative truck having a high-pressure water line and more powerful vacuum mechamsm.
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Figure 14 illustrates an in~t~ tion tool for inct~lling the rod/key complete with adaptor attached.
Figure 15 illustrates a tool to cut and/or remove a cotter pin, clip or wire from the stop cock, control valve, curb stop or valve.
Figure 16 is a side view of a fixed ball.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Like parts have been given like numbers throughout the figures.
Figure 1 is a drawing of the prior art which shows the utilization of a service box assembly 2 which includes an upper telescoping portion 4 and lower telescoping or dog house 6 which are adapted to slide relative to one another so as to adjust the height of the service box assembly 2 between ground level 8 and the depth of the valve 10. The valve can be anywhere between 8 and 9 feet below ground level or any other depth which is suitable to the particular pipe or conduit. For example, depth of conductor pipe could be between 3 to 12 feet deep.
The common service box assembly 2 also includes a service box rod/key 12 which has a fork/connector 14 at one end 16 thereof and a bent or zig-zag portion 18 at the other end 20 thereof. The zig-zag portion 18 is adapted to generally centre the service box rod/key 12 within the telescoping portion 4.
The service box assembly 2 presents an access passageway between ground level 8 and the valve 10. The top of the service box assembly 2 includes a cover plate 22 which is attached to the service box assembly 2 in a manner well-known to those persons skilled in the art.
30 A service box rod 12 is generally comprised of stainless steel or other material and is adapted to turn the valve 10 in a manner well-known to those persons skilled in the art. In particular the service box rod 12 includes a fork or prong 14 which is connected to one end 16 of the rod by means of welding or the like. The fork 14 includes two aligned apertures 24 which are adapted to receive a cotter pin or other locking pin 26. In particular, the valve 10 includes an extension or lug 28 having a hole, depression or indent 30 therethrough for ~ligning with the apertures 24 of the fork 14 so as to receive the cotter pin 26.
Typically the subject supplier incorporates the practice to use a non-corrosive material such as brass/stainless steel to manufacture the cotter pin or other similar pin 26 to connect the rod 12 to the valve 10. During in~t~ tion of the rod 12, it is not unusual that the currently used brass cotter pin or other similar pin 26 or other non-corrosive material pin is lost or replaced 10 with a pin of material that corrodes such as the common nail/wire. Accordingly, when it becomes necess~ry to operate the valve 10, the rod 12 becomes inoperable as the pin 26 has corroded or the rod 12 is "off" the valve 10. Accordingly the valve 10 now needs to be excavated to allow it to be exposed and to have the rod 12 reconnected to the valve 10. The valve 10 can be located in the lawn area or a paved driveway and in either situation expensive and extensive digging procedures have heretofore been implemented to fix the inoperable valve 10. Normally a hole large enough to allow a person to make the repair is required in the prior art. Such method is both time consuming and expensive as the excavation is done by hand or by a back hoe which requires appropriate reinforcement to prevent the ground from caving in while it is being repaired.
Furthermore, the property owner typically experiences unwanted property damage which requires clean-up and repair as well as the possibility of extensive re-asphalting of a portion of the driveway in order to clean-up the repair/or l~n~l~c~ping, sod, trees, flowers, etc.
Accordingly, the figures 2-6 illustrate one embodiment of the invention which illustrates an adaptor or coupler 40 which has a socket 42 at one end thereof adapted to register with the lug 28 of a valve 10. Moreover the adaptor includes at the other end thereof, an extension 44 having a hole 46 therethrough.
30 In particular the adaptor 40 presents a generally cylindrical body member 48 which extends along the axial length thereof so as to define an axis of rotation 50. The hole 46 and extension 44 is disposed radially relative said cylindrical portion 48.
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~_ -- 7 The sockets 42 include at least one displaceable engageable member 52 and in an embodiment shown in figure 2 comprises two displaceable engageable members 52. The displaceable engageable members are adapted to grip the valve 10 and particularly the lug 28 when the socket 42 is urged against the valve lO in a manner to be more fully described herein.
In the embodiment shown in figures 2-6 inclusive, the two displaceable engageable members 52 are displaced opposite one another radially of the axis of rotation 50.
In particular the displaceable engageable members 52 comprise a spherical member or ball 54 and a housing 56 which has a hole or bore 58 therethrough for housing a spring . .. .
mechanism 60. The spring 60 is inserted into the bore 58 and the ball member 54 pushed into the bore 58 and the open ends 62 are ball-pinned over in a manner well-known to those persons skilled in the art so as to capture the ball member 54. Accordingly, the displaceable engageable member 52 comprises a ball plunger whereby the ball 54 is adapted to be displaced or moveable within the bore 58. The spring 60 urges the ball 54 in a biased position as shown in figure 6. The housing 56 includes a threaded exterior 64 for threading the displaceable engageable member 52 in suitable threadable hole 66 by engagement with the slot 68 by means of a screwdriver or the like. Therefore the displaceable engageable members 52 may be threaded into the housing 66 as best seen in figure 6.
Although the figures illustrate the use of two displaceable engageable members 52, it should be noted that only one displaceable engageable member 52 is necessary for the operation of the invention as described herein. In other words one displaceable engageable member 52 or ball plunger 52 may be utilized. Alternatively, the second ball 54 may be fixed as shown in figure 16.
Accordingly, when it is discovered that a rod 12 is inoperable to operate the valve 10 the rod 12 is required to be removed from the service box assembly 2. Thereafter the extension 44 is designed to fit between the forks 14 of the rod 12 and the apertures 24 of the fork 14 is 30 aligned with the hole 46 of extension 44. Thereafter a suitable non-corrosive cotter pin or other locking pin may be driven through the apertures 24 and hole 46 of the adaptor 48.
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Accordingly an adaptor 48 is connected at the other end to the service box rod 12 so as to retrofit an inoperable service box rod. Thereafter any dirt or debris around the valve is removed and the retrofitted service box rod with adaptor 48 placed down over the valve 10 in the manner whereby the socket 42 is urged against the lug 28 whereby the ball(s) 54 of the displaceable engageable members 52 are pushed and forced over the lug so as to register with the hole, depression or indent 30 of the lug 28. In particular, the socket 42 is dimensioned so as to receive the lug 28. Moreover, as the socket 42 is urged over the lug 28, the ball(s) 54 of displaceable engageable members 52 contact the outside edges of lug 28 and upon further urging the ball(s) 54 push against the springs 60 so as to cause the ball(s) 54 to move within the bores 58 and thereby ride over the lug 28 until the ball(s) 54 register with the hole 30. Once the ball(s) 54 register with the hole, depression or indent 30, the ball(s) 54 are pushed by the springs 60 so as to register with the hole 30 and grip the lug 28 as best seen in figure 6.
Accordingly, if for some reason the rod 12 must be removed, it may be simply pulled away from the valve 10 for disengagement whereby, again, the ball(s) 54 would move within their respective bores 58 so as to clear the lug 28 and then spring back once the socket cleared the lug 28. By urging the socket against the valve 10 the adaptor is firmly secured to the valve 10 by means of the displaceable engageable members 52 so as to repair the inoperable valve.
20 Moreover it has been found that good positive securement of the adaptor 40 is capable even if the valve 10 is not at a horizontal angle and instead is disposed at an incline from the vertical or horizontal plane.
An alternate embodiment is shown in figures 7-11 inclusive, which include parts which are essentially the same as shown in figures 2-6 except that the adaptor 40 is connected to the rod 12 by means of 11tili7ing a connection with the hole 70 so as to fit within the hole 70 and be secured by the pin. Other methods of connection could include welding, threaded engagement, or other suitable means, for an engagement with a service box rod/key 12 which does not include the fork 14 but rather includes an end which is engageable with the hole 70.
30 In the arrangement shown in figure 7 the hole 70 is orientated and disposed along the axis.
A locking pin 72 is utilized in extension 74 as shown in figure 7. In one arrangement the g diameter of one end of the rod is dimensioned so as to fit within the hole 70 and be secured by the pin.
The adaptor 40 shown in figure 7 may be utilized as a new part to be included in a service box assembly whereby the rod 12 is connected to the adaptor 40 so as to be placed in new in~t~ tion or alternatively, the embodiment shown in figure 7 may be utilized to retrofit or repair inoperable valves. However, it should be noted that the adaptor 40 shown in figures 2-6 has been designed so as to enable a person to retrofit a service box rod while the adaptor shown in figure 7 may be utilized during the manufacture of new rods connected to the 10 adaptor 40.
Figure 12 illustrates a method of exposing a valve to reinstall an inoperable service box rod in a service box assembly having a valve below ground level.
Under the old method it was nPces~ry to excavate around the service box which required ~igging of a huge hole. In the embodiment shown in figure 12, it is only necessary to dig a round hole sufficiently large enough to clear the service box. typically, a hole of approximately 12 inches in diameter would be sufficient. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in figure 12 a pick (not shown) may be utilized to cut through the top layer of asphalt 20 in a driveway or the like and thereafter a high pressure water wash-out tool 80 may be utilized which has sufficient force to "cut" or push gravel, dirt or the like from around the service box assembly 2. Thereafter a vacuum hose 82 may be utilized to vacuum up the loose debris which has been loosened by the high pressure water wash-out 80. This operation is continued until the dirt around the service box assembly 2 has been removed down to the valve 10. Thereafter the service box assembly 2 can be removed so as expose the valve 10.
The rod 12 is also removed in the manner well-known to those persons skilled in the art. If the cotter pin 26 has been corroded or not used, the rod 12 may be easily removed. If however a portion of the cotter pin 26 is still intact or if the rod 12 is still partially or fully connected to the valve 10, a suitable tool (as shown in figure 15) to remove the pin 26 may 30 be utilized so as to disengage or dislodge the rod 12 from the valve 10. Thereafter the rod 12 as shown in figure 2 having the fork 14 may be utilized to connect to the adaptor shown in figure 1 as described above. The rod 12 may then be lowered into the service box assembly 2 such that the adaptor 40 registered as over the valve 10 and rod/key and in particular the socket 42 is urged against the lug 28 in a manner described above whereby the displaceable engageable means 52 register with the valve 10 as described above. The service box assembly 2 may then be lowered over the rod 12 and over the valve 10 in a manner well known to those persons skilled in the art.
Alternatively, the inct~ tion tool as shown in figure 14 may be utilized should the valve 10 be too deep to connect the rod/key 12 to the valve 10.
10 The in~t~ tion tool as shown in figure 14 includes a clamping mechanism 90 which is connected to a first pulley assembly 92 adapted to activate the clamping mechanism 90 so as to clamp the end 20 of the rod 12 to fixedly secure same. A second pulley assembly 94 may be utilized which is connected to the first pulley assembly 92 by means of a pulley chain or the like 96. In particular the second pulley assembly 94 is activated so as to turn first pulley assembly 92 by means of the chain 96 so as to clamp the end 20 of the rod 12. The insertion tool is then inserted into the access passage defined by the service box assembly 2 so that the adaptor 40 can engage in the valve 10 as described above. Once the engagement has taken place, the second pulley assembly 94 is deactivated so as to cause the first pulley assembly 92 to move and unclamp the clamping mechanism 90 from the end of the rod 12. Thereafter 20 the insertion tool may be removed from the ground and the curb box/valve box 4 placed over the rod/key 12. Thereafter the hole around the service box assembly 2 may be filled in. If the small twelve inch diameter hole is located in the driveway only a small portion of asphalt will be neces~ry to repair the excavation, likewise if in a lawn area, only a small portion of sod will be necessary to repair the excavation.
Figure 15 illustrates a tool 100 which includes a wire cutter portion 102 and wire cutter pivot point 104, and second pivot point 106, with handles 108. The handles include adjustable extending sleeves 110 which may be utilized to extend the length of the handles 108 by moving handle portions 112 within the extending sleeve 110.
By utili7ing the invention described herein an inoperable service box rod may be quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively repaired with minim~l damage to the property or the owner.
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Furthermore by utilizing the high pressure water and vacuum method, repair or excavating may take place by means of a "no dig"/"trenchless" excavating method.
Although the preferred embodiments as well as the operations and use have been specifically described in relation to the drawings it should be understood that variations to the preferred embodiments could easily be achieved by a person skilled in the arts without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly the invention should not be understood to be limited to the exact form revealed by the drawings. For example the drawings refer to a water valve, although the invention extends to other valves such as gas, oil, or any other valve for 10 fluid, gas or liquids.
-FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to an adaptor for activating a valve, which activator ineludes a soeket having at least one displaceable engageable ball plunger for gripping the valve and partieularly relates to a service box assembly for a valve disposed in the ground whieh utilizes said adaptor. A method of exposing a valve to reinstall an inoperable serviee box rod in a serviee box assembly having a valve below ground level is also taught ineluding an inct~ tion tool to loeate and m~int~in a service box rod within a service box assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Service boxes eomplete with rods are widely used in the publie utility field to provide aeeess or operation to the valve and other control components of conduits and pipelines buried in the ground. For example, United States Patent No. 3,548,864 teaches a curb box and a method for making the same, which is formed of mouldable synthetie material, others are made of iron/steel.
Another arrangement is shown in United States Patent No. 3,746,034 whieh 20 relates to a eurb box whieh is installed in the ground in valve proteeting position and is positioned vertieally so that if an upper portion of the box is sheared off or otherwise aeeidentally removed, the rem~ining box portion will be detectable because of the presence of a portion of the deteetable metallie means.
Yet another arrangement is shown in United States Patent No. 4,643,218 whieh relates to a eleaner and aetuator deviee for remote aeeess valve controls.
Finally, United States Patent No. 43,056 and 380,308 teaeh a stop coek and ease for pipes leading from street mains and a stop cock box respectively.
A common problem which utilities encounter relates to the operation of the control valve, stop cock, curb stop, when the service box rod and/or key becomesdiseonneeted from the valve or shut-off. Traditionally, the method of connecting the service box rod and/or key to the curb stop or valve curb stop or control valve has been by means of a fork or prong that is welded or moulded to the rod and a cotter pin or other similar pin produced from non-corrosive material, such as brass, is used to secure the rod or key to the valve. Very often, the non-corrosive cotter pin or pins is not used or is replaced with a cotter pin or pins that is corrosive. Therefore, the cotter pin or pins corrodes the rod or key, becomes disconnected from the valve, which results in the valve becoming inoperable.
Moreover, the cotter pin may also become disconnected or broken through time. Moreover, sometimes the pins are not used to attach the rod and once operated the rod becomes 10 detached from the valve. It is an object of this invention to provide an improved adaptor which can be utilized to quickly and efficiently repair an inoperable connection between the rod or key and valve. It is another object of this invention to provide an alternative to the pin connecting method by lltili7ing a displaceable engageable member.
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved method for removal of the valve box and rod in order to reconnect the service box rod or key to the valve by Iltili7illg a high pressure water washout and vacuum method.
It is an aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for connecting a rod and a valve 20 disposed below ground level, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket for gripping said valve when said socket and said displaceable engageable member is urged against said valveso as to secure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve and for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod, so as to reconnect said rod to said valve.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for connecting a rod and a valve disposed below ground level, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member having a spherical member moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against the valve; and move radially away from said socket and valve and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod.
It is another aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for activating a valve, said adaptor including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said socket including at least one displaceable engageable member gripping said valve when said socket is urged against said valve so as to secure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve and for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve.
It is another aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for activating a valve, said adaptor including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said socket including at least one ball and a spring means for urging said ball against said valve to grip said valve when said socket is urged against said valve so as to secure said adaptor to said valve for 20 operating said valve and for pe~"~illing said ball to move relative said spring and said valve when said socket is removed from said valve for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to a rod, wherein said connecting means includes a hole and said rod includes aperture means at one end of the said rod for alignment with said hole, and a locking pin traversing said hole and said aperture means for locking said rod to said adaptor.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide a service box assembly for a valve with a lug having a transverse through hole, said valve disposed in the ground, said box assembly comprising: upper and lower tubular telescopic portions for presenting an access 30 passage from said valve to ground level; a removable cover plate to cover said access passage; an adaptor for activating said valve, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof defining an axis of rotation, a socket presented at one end of said body member to register with said valve, said body member including two ~, - 3a -opposite radially disposed threaded holes opening into said socket, each said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member; a first spherical member carried by one of said displaceable engageable members, said first spherical member projecting radially inwardly into said socket; a second spherical member carried by said other displaceable engageable member, said second spherical member disposed radially opposite said first spherical member and projecting radially inwardly into said socket; said first spherical member and said second spherical member moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded holes so as to move radially into said socket and grip oppose ends of said 10 through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve, and to move radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve; opposite ends of said through hole when said socket and said first and second spherical members are urged against said valve and for disengagement with said valve when said adaptor is removed from said valve; and a service box rod disposed within said access passage and connected to another end of said body member for rotating said body section and said valve about said axis of rotation to open said valve in a first position and to close said valve in a second posltlon.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide a method of repairing an inoperable connection between a service box rod and a valve located in the ground, having a lug with a transverse through hole comprising the steps of interposing an adaptor between said rod and said valve said adaptor having a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation connecting one end of said rod to one axial end of said body member of said adaptor where said body member of said adaptor has a socket at an axial end opposite said end connected to said rod, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket; moving at least one spherical member carried by said displaceable engageable member radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve and to move said spherical member f ~
.~,, .
, ~ - 3b -radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide a method of repairing an inoperable service box rod in a service box assembly having a valve below the ground by l1tili7:ing an adaptor said method comprising the steps of creating a ground hole in the ground exteriorally of said service box assembly by using a high-pressure water wash so as to break up said ground and produce ground debris and vac~ ming said debris until said debris has been 10 removed around said service box assembly to said water valve; removing said service box assembly from said hole; removing said inoperable service box rod from said valve, said inoperable service box rod having a fork with aperture means at one end thereof; repairing said inoperable service box rod by connecting said adaptor having a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member having an extension with a hole at one axial end thereof for ~lignment with said apertures of said fork, and forcing a locking pin through said hole and said apertures, said body member of said adaptor including a socket at another axial end thereof, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member; placing said repaired service box rod into said ground hole 20 and urging said adaptor over said valve so as to move said spherical member radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip and lock said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve and to move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve, and reintroducing said service box assembly into said ground hole over said rod and water valve; filling said ground hole.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for activating a valve having a lug with a transverse through hole, said adaptor having a body member extending 30 along the length thereof to define an axis of rotation; a socket presented at one axial end of said body member to register with said valve said body member including two opposite radially disposed threaded holes opening into said socket, each said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member; a first spherical member carried by ,d~
-- 3c --one said displaceable engageable member, said first spherical member projecting radially inwardly into said socket; a second spherical member carried said other displaceable engageable member, said second spherical member disposed radially opposite said first spherical member; said first spherical member and said second spherical moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip appropriate ends of said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve by solely urging said socket against said valve and to move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from 10 said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor for connecting a rod to a valve disposed below ground level, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member including socket means at one end thereof to register with said valve, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket means, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket means for gripping said valve when said socket means and said displaceable engageable member is urged against said valve so as to secure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve 20 and for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod, so as to connect said rod to said valve.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide an adaptor having one end for activating a valve, and another end for connection to a rod, said adaptor including socket means at said one end to register with said valve for operating said valve; said socket means comprising gripping means for grasping said valve when said adaptor is urged against said valve by said rod, and for disengagement with said valve by solely pulling said rod.
It is a further aspect of this invention to provide a method of connecting a rod to a valve located in the ground, said adaptor having a body member; by connecting one end of said rod to one end of said body member of said adaptor where said body member of said adaptor has socket means at another end opposite said end connected to said rod, said body member including gripping means for grasping said valve when said adaptor is urged against said valve by said rod, and for disengagement with said valve by solely pulling said rod.
~ ~i DESCRIPrION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features of the invention shall now be described in relation to the following drawings:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the prior art service box assembly.
Figure 2 is a cross section perspective view of the adaptor.
10 Figure 3 is a bottom view of the adaptor.
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the adaptor.
Figure S is a top view of the adaptor.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adaptor.
Figure 7 is a full cross-sectional perspective view of a second embodiment of the adaptor.
20 Figure 8 is a bottom view of the adaptor shown in figure 7.
Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the adaptor shown in figure 7.
Figure 10 is a top view of the adaptor shown in figure 7.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the adaptor shown in figure 7.
Figure 12 illustrates a truck having a high-pressure water line and vacuum hose.
30 Figure 13 shows an alternative truck having a high-pressure water line and more powerful vacuum mechamsm.
209877t~
Figure 14 illustrates an in~t~ tion tool for inct~lling the rod/key complete with adaptor attached.
Figure 15 illustrates a tool to cut and/or remove a cotter pin, clip or wire from the stop cock, control valve, curb stop or valve.
Figure 16 is a side view of a fixed ball.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Like parts have been given like numbers throughout the figures.
Figure 1 is a drawing of the prior art which shows the utilization of a service box assembly 2 which includes an upper telescoping portion 4 and lower telescoping or dog house 6 which are adapted to slide relative to one another so as to adjust the height of the service box assembly 2 between ground level 8 and the depth of the valve 10. The valve can be anywhere between 8 and 9 feet below ground level or any other depth which is suitable to the particular pipe or conduit. For example, depth of conductor pipe could be between 3 to 12 feet deep.
The common service box assembly 2 also includes a service box rod/key 12 which has a fork/connector 14 at one end 16 thereof and a bent or zig-zag portion 18 at the other end 20 thereof. The zig-zag portion 18 is adapted to generally centre the service box rod/key 12 within the telescoping portion 4.
The service box assembly 2 presents an access passageway between ground level 8 and the valve 10. The top of the service box assembly 2 includes a cover plate 22 which is attached to the service box assembly 2 in a manner well-known to those persons skilled in the art.
30 A service box rod 12 is generally comprised of stainless steel or other material and is adapted to turn the valve 10 in a manner well-known to those persons skilled in the art. In particular the service box rod 12 includes a fork or prong 14 which is connected to one end 16 of the rod by means of welding or the like. The fork 14 includes two aligned apertures 24 which are adapted to receive a cotter pin or other locking pin 26. In particular, the valve 10 includes an extension or lug 28 having a hole, depression or indent 30 therethrough for ~ligning with the apertures 24 of the fork 14 so as to receive the cotter pin 26.
Typically the subject supplier incorporates the practice to use a non-corrosive material such as brass/stainless steel to manufacture the cotter pin or other similar pin 26 to connect the rod 12 to the valve 10. During in~t~ tion of the rod 12, it is not unusual that the currently used brass cotter pin or other similar pin 26 or other non-corrosive material pin is lost or replaced 10 with a pin of material that corrodes such as the common nail/wire. Accordingly, when it becomes necess~ry to operate the valve 10, the rod 12 becomes inoperable as the pin 26 has corroded or the rod 12 is "off" the valve 10. Accordingly the valve 10 now needs to be excavated to allow it to be exposed and to have the rod 12 reconnected to the valve 10. The valve 10 can be located in the lawn area or a paved driveway and in either situation expensive and extensive digging procedures have heretofore been implemented to fix the inoperable valve 10. Normally a hole large enough to allow a person to make the repair is required in the prior art. Such method is both time consuming and expensive as the excavation is done by hand or by a back hoe which requires appropriate reinforcement to prevent the ground from caving in while it is being repaired.
Furthermore, the property owner typically experiences unwanted property damage which requires clean-up and repair as well as the possibility of extensive re-asphalting of a portion of the driveway in order to clean-up the repair/or l~n~l~c~ping, sod, trees, flowers, etc.
Accordingly, the figures 2-6 illustrate one embodiment of the invention which illustrates an adaptor or coupler 40 which has a socket 42 at one end thereof adapted to register with the lug 28 of a valve 10. Moreover the adaptor includes at the other end thereof, an extension 44 having a hole 46 therethrough.
30 In particular the adaptor 40 presents a generally cylindrical body member 48 which extends along the axial length thereof so as to define an axis of rotation 50. The hole 46 and extension 44 is disposed radially relative said cylindrical portion 48.
209877~
~_ -- 7 The sockets 42 include at least one displaceable engageable member 52 and in an embodiment shown in figure 2 comprises two displaceable engageable members 52. The displaceable engageable members are adapted to grip the valve 10 and particularly the lug 28 when the socket 42 is urged against the valve lO in a manner to be more fully described herein.
In the embodiment shown in figures 2-6 inclusive, the two displaceable engageable members 52 are displaced opposite one another radially of the axis of rotation 50.
In particular the displaceable engageable members 52 comprise a spherical member or ball 54 and a housing 56 which has a hole or bore 58 therethrough for housing a spring . .. .
mechanism 60. The spring 60 is inserted into the bore 58 and the ball member 54 pushed into the bore 58 and the open ends 62 are ball-pinned over in a manner well-known to those persons skilled in the art so as to capture the ball member 54. Accordingly, the displaceable engageable member 52 comprises a ball plunger whereby the ball 54 is adapted to be displaced or moveable within the bore 58. The spring 60 urges the ball 54 in a biased position as shown in figure 6. The housing 56 includes a threaded exterior 64 for threading the displaceable engageable member 52 in suitable threadable hole 66 by engagement with the slot 68 by means of a screwdriver or the like. Therefore the displaceable engageable members 52 may be threaded into the housing 66 as best seen in figure 6.
Although the figures illustrate the use of two displaceable engageable members 52, it should be noted that only one displaceable engageable member 52 is necessary for the operation of the invention as described herein. In other words one displaceable engageable member 52 or ball plunger 52 may be utilized. Alternatively, the second ball 54 may be fixed as shown in figure 16.
Accordingly, when it is discovered that a rod 12 is inoperable to operate the valve 10 the rod 12 is required to be removed from the service box assembly 2. Thereafter the extension 44 is designed to fit between the forks 14 of the rod 12 and the apertures 24 of the fork 14 is 30 aligned with the hole 46 of extension 44. Thereafter a suitable non-corrosive cotter pin or other locking pin may be driven through the apertures 24 and hole 46 of the adaptor 48.
209877~
Accordingly an adaptor 48 is connected at the other end to the service box rod 12 so as to retrofit an inoperable service box rod. Thereafter any dirt or debris around the valve is removed and the retrofitted service box rod with adaptor 48 placed down over the valve 10 in the manner whereby the socket 42 is urged against the lug 28 whereby the ball(s) 54 of the displaceable engageable members 52 are pushed and forced over the lug so as to register with the hole, depression or indent 30 of the lug 28. In particular, the socket 42 is dimensioned so as to receive the lug 28. Moreover, as the socket 42 is urged over the lug 28, the ball(s) 54 of displaceable engageable members 52 contact the outside edges of lug 28 and upon further urging the ball(s) 54 push against the springs 60 so as to cause the ball(s) 54 to move within the bores 58 and thereby ride over the lug 28 until the ball(s) 54 register with the hole 30. Once the ball(s) 54 register with the hole, depression or indent 30, the ball(s) 54 are pushed by the springs 60 so as to register with the hole 30 and grip the lug 28 as best seen in figure 6.
Accordingly, if for some reason the rod 12 must be removed, it may be simply pulled away from the valve 10 for disengagement whereby, again, the ball(s) 54 would move within their respective bores 58 so as to clear the lug 28 and then spring back once the socket cleared the lug 28. By urging the socket against the valve 10 the adaptor is firmly secured to the valve 10 by means of the displaceable engageable members 52 so as to repair the inoperable valve.
20 Moreover it has been found that good positive securement of the adaptor 40 is capable even if the valve 10 is not at a horizontal angle and instead is disposed at an incline from the vertical or horizontal plane.
An alternate embodiment is shown in figures 7-11 inclusive, which include parts which are essentially the same as shown in figures 2-6 except that the adaptor 40 is connected to the rod 12 by means of 11tili7ing a connection with the hole 70 so as to fit within the hole 70 and be secured by the pin. Other methods of connection could include welding, threaded engagement, or other suitable means, for an engagement with a service box rod/key 12 which does not include the fork 14 but rather includes an end which is engageable with the hole 70.
30 In the arrangement shown in figure 7 the hole 70 is orientated and disposed along the axis.
A locking pin 72 is utilized in extension 74 as shown in figure 7. In one arrangement the g diameter of one end of the rod is dimensioned so as to fit within the hole 70 and be secured by the pin.
The adaptor 40 shown in figure 7 may be utilized as a new part to be included in a service box assembly whereby the rod 12 is connected to the adaptor 40 so as to be placed in new in~t~ tion or alternatively, the embodiment shown in figure 7 may be utilized to retrofit or repair inoperable valves. However, it should be noted that the adaptor 40 shown in figures 2-6 has been designed so as to enable a person to retrofit a service box rod while the adaptor shown in figure 7 may be utilized during the manufacture of new rods connected to the 10 adaptor 40.
Figure 12 illustrates a method of exposing a valve to reinstall an inoperable service box rod in a service box assembly having a valve below ground level.
Under the old method it was nPces~ry to excavate around the service box which required ~igging of a huge hole. In the embodiment shown in figure 12, it is only necessary to dig a round hole sufficiently large enough to clear the service box. typically, a hole of approximately 12 inches in diameter would be sufficient. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in figure 12 a pick (not shown) may be utilized to cut through the top layer of asphalt 20 in a driveway or the like and thereafter a high pressure water wash-out tool 80 may be utilized which has sufficient force to "cut" or push gravel, dirt or the like from around the service box assembly 2. Thereafter a vacuum hose 82 may be utilized to vacuum up the loose debris which has been loosened by the high pressure water wash-out 80. This operation is continued until the dirt around the service box assembly 2 has been removed down to the valve 10. Thereafter the service box assembly 2 can be removed so as expose the valve 10.
The rod 12 is also removed in the manner well-known to those persons skilled in the art. If the cotter pin 26 has been corroded or not used, the rod 12 may be easily removed. If however a portion of the cotter pin 26 is still intact or if the rod 12 is still partially or fully connected to the valve 10, a suitable tool (as shown in figure 15) to remove the pin 26 may 30 be utilized so as to disengage or dislodge the rod 12 from the valve 10. Thereafter the rod 12 as shown in figure 2 having the fork 14 may be utilized to connect to the adaptor shown in figure 1 as described above. The rod 12 may then be lowered into the service box assembly 2 such that the adaptor 40 registered as over the valve 10 and rod/key and in particular the socket 42 is urged against the lug 28 in a manner described above whereby the displaceable engageable means 52 register with the valve 10 as described above. The service box assembly 2 may then be lowered over the rod 12 and over the valve 10 in a manner well known to those persons skilled in the art.
Alternatively, the inct~ tion tool as shown in figure 14 may be utilized should the valve 10 be too deep to connect the rod/key 12 to the valve 10.
10 The in~t~ tion tool as shown in figure 14 includes a clamping mechanism 90 which is connected to a first pulley assembly 92 adapted to activate the clamping mechanism 90 so as to clamp the end 20 of the rod 12 to fixedly secure same. A second pulley assembly 94 may be utilized which is connected to the first pulley assembly 92 by means of a pulley chain or the like 96. In particular the second pulley assembly 94 is activated so as to turn first pulley assembly 92 by means of the chain 96 so as to clamp the end 20 of the rod 12. The insertion tool is then inserted into the access passage defined by the service box assembly 2 so that the adaptor 40 can engage in the valve 10 as described above. Once the engagement has taken place, the second pulley assembly 94 is deactivated so as to cause the first pulley assembly 92 to move and unclamp the clamping mechanism 90 from the end of the rod 12. Thereafter 20 the insertion tool may be removed from the ground and the curb box/valve box 4 placed over the rod/key 12. Thereafter the hole around the service box assembly 2 may be filled in. If the small twelve inch diameter hole is located in the driveway only a small portion of asphalt will be neces~ry to repair the excavation, likewise if in a lawn area, only a small portion of sod will be necessary to repair the excavation.
Figure 15 illustrates a tool 100 which includes a wire cutter portion 102 and wire cutter pivot point 104, and second pivot point 106, with handles 108. The handles include adjustable extending sleeves 110 which may be utilized to extend the length of the handles 108 by moving handle portions 112 within the extending sleeve 110.
By utili7ing the invention described herein an inoperable service box rod may be quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively repaired with minim~l damage to the property or the owner.
2098~7 1~
Furthermore by utilizing the high pressure water and vacuum method, repair or excavating may take place by means of a "no dig"/"trenchless" excavating method.
Although the preferred embodiments as well as the operations and use have been specifically described in relation to the drawings it should be understood that variations to the preferred embodiments could easily be achieved by a person skilled in the arts without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly the invention should not be understood to be limited to the exact form revealed by the drawings. For example the drawings refer to a water valve, although the invention extends to other valves such as gas, oil, or any other valve for 10 fluid, gas or liquids.
Claims (26)
1. An adaptor for connecting a rod and a valve disposed below ground level, saidadaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket for gripping said valve when said socket and said displaceable engageable member is urged against said valve so as to secure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve and for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve andmeans at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod, so as to reconnect said rod to said valve.
2. An adaptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said displaceable engageable member includes a displaceable spherical member.
3. An adaptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said displaceable engageable member comprises a ball and a spring means for urging said ball against said valve to grip said valve when said socket is urged against said valve and for permitting said ball to move relative said spring and said valve when said socket is removed from said valve.
4. An adaptor for connecting a rod and a valve disposed below ground level, saidadaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member having a spherical member moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded hole as to:
(i) move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against the valve;
(ii) move radially away from said socket and valve and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod.
(i) move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against the valve;
(ii) move radially away from said socket and valve and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod.
5. An adaptor as claimed in claim 3 wherein said connecting means includes a press fit hole and said rod includes an end for connection to said hole.
6. An adaptor as claimed in claim 5 further including a locking pin for locking said rod to said press fit hole of said adaptor.
7. An adaptor for activating a valve, said adaptor including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said socket including at least one displaceable engageable member gripping said valve when said socket is urged against said valve so as tosecure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve and for disengagementfrom said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve.
8. An adaptor for activating a valve, said adaptor including a socket at one end thereof to register with said valve, said socket including at least one ball and a spring means for urging said ball against said valve to grip said valve when said socket is urged against said valve so as to secure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve and for permitting said ball to move relative said spring and said valve when said socket is removed from said valve for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to a rod, wherein said connecting means includes a hole and said rod includes aperture means at one end of the said rod for alignment with said hole, and a locking pin traversing said hole and said aperture means for locking said rod to said adaptor.
9. An adaptor as claimed in claim 8 wherein said aperture means is presented by a fork at said one end of said rod.
10. An adaptor as claimed in claim 3 wherein said adaptor presents a generally cylindrical body section extending along an axial length thereof and defining an axis of rotation, said socket presented at one axial end thereof, and said connecting means presented at another opposite axial end thereof.
11. An adaptor as claimed in claim 10 wherein said ball and spring means are disposed radially relative said body section.
12. A service box assembly for a valve with a lug having a transverse through hole, said valve disposed in the ground, said box assembly comprising:
(a) upper and lower tubular telescopic portions for presenting an access passage from said valve to ground level;
(b) a removable cover plate to cover said access passage;
(c) an adaptor for activating said valve, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof defining an axis of rotation, a socket presented at one end of said body member to register with said valve, said body member including two opposite radially disposed threaded holes opening into said socket, each said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member;
(d) a first spherical member carried by one of said displaceable engageable members, said first spherical member projecting radially inwardly into said socket;
(e) a second spherical member carried by said other displaceable engageable member, said second spherical member disposed radially opposite said first spherical member and projecting radially inwardly into said socket;
(f) said first spherical member and said second spherical member moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded holes so as to (i) move radiallyinto said socket and grip oppose ends of said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve, (ii) and to move radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve; opposite ends of said through hole when said socket and said first and second spherical members are urged against said valve and for disengagement with said valve when said adaptor is removed from said valve;
and (g) a service box rod disposed within said access passage and connected to another end of said body member for rotating said body section and said valve about said axis of rotation to open said valve in a first position and to close said valve in a second position.
(a) upper and lower tubular telescopic portions for presenting an access passage from said valve to ground level;
(b) a removable cover plate to cover said access passage;
(c) an adaptor for activating said valve, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof defining an axis of rotation, a socket presented at one end of said body member to register with said valve, said body member including two opposite radially disposed threaded holes opening into said socket, each said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member;
(d) a first spherical member carried by one of said displaceable engageable members, said first spherical member projecting radially inwardly into said socket;
(e) a second spherical member carried by said other displaceable engageable member, said second spherical member disposed radially opposite said first spherical member and projecting radially inwardly into said socket;
(f) said first spherical member and said second spherical member moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded holes so as to (i) move radiallyinto said socket and grip oppose ends of said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve, (ii) and to move radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve; opposite ends of said through hole when said socket and said first and second spherical members are urged against said valve and for disengagement with said valve when said adaptor is removed from said valve;
and (g) a service box rod disposed within said access passage and connected to another end of said body member for rotating said body section and said valve about said axis of rotation to open said valve in a first position and to close said valve in a second position.
13. A service box assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein said rod includes a fork at one end thereof presenting apertures therethrough and said cylindrical body section includes an extension at said other end thereof presenting a hole disposed radially relative said body section, for alignment with said apertures presented by said fork.
14. A service box as claimed in box 13 wherein said rod includes an end and said cylindrical body includes a hole at said other end for connection with said end of said rod.
15. A method of repairing an inoperable connection between a service box rod and a valve located in the ground, having a lug with a transverse through hole comprising the steps of:
(a) interposing an adaptor between said rod and said valve said adaptor having abody member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation (i) connecting one end of said rod to one axial end of said body member of said adaptor where said body member of said adaptor has a socket at an axial end opposite said end connected to said rod, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket;
(ii) moving at least one spherical member carried by said displaceable engageable member radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to:
(a) move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve and to (b) move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve.
(a) interposing an adaptor between said rod and said valve said adaptor having abody member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation (i) connecting one end of said rod to one axial end of said body member of said adaptor where said body member of said adaptor has a socket at an axial end opposite said end connected to said rod, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket;
(ii) moving at least one spherical member carried by said displaceable engageable member radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to:
(a) move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve and to (b) move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve.
16. A method of repairing an inoperable service box rod in a service box assembly having a valve below the ground by utilizing an adaptor said method comprising the steps of:
(a) creating a ground hole in the ground exteriorally of said service box assembly by using a high-pressure water wash so as to break up said ground and produce ground debris and vacuuming said debris until said debris has been removed around said service box assembly to said water valve;
(b) removing said service box assembly from said hole;
(c) removing said inoperable service box rod from said valve, said inoperable service box rod having a fork with aperture means at one end thereof;
(d) repairing said inoperable service box rod by connecting said adaptor having a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member having an extension with a hole at one axial end thereof for alignment with said apertures of said fork, and forcing a locking pin through said hole and said apertures, said body member of said adaptor including a socket at another axial end thereof, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member;
(e) placing said repaired service box rod into said ground hole and urging said adaptor over said valve so as to move said spherical member radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to:
(i) move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip and lock said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve and to (ii) move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve, and (f) reintroducing said service box assembly into said ground hole over said rod and water valve;
(g) filling said ground hole.
(a) creating a ground hole in the ground exteriorally of said service box assembly by using a high-pressure water wash so as to break up said ground and produce ground debris and vacuuming said debris until said debris has been removed around said service box assembly to said water valve;
(b) removing said service box assembly from said hole;
(c) removing said inoperable service box rod from said valve, said inoperable service box rod having a fork with aperture means at one end thereof;
(d) repairing said inoperable service box rod by connecting said adaptor having a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member having an extension with a hole at one axial end thereof for alignment with said apertures of said fork, and forcing a locking pin through said hole and said apertures, said body member of said adaptor including a socket at another axial end thereof, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member;
(e) placing said repaired service box rod into said ground hole and urging said adaptor over said valve so as to move said spherical member radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to:
(i) move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip and lock said valve for axial rotation of said valve solely by urging said socket against said valve and to (ii) move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve, and (f) reintroducing said service box assembly into said ground hole over said rod and water valve;
(g) filling said ground hole.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16 further includes the steps of:
(a) placing the service rod within said service box assembly prior to reintroducing said service box assembly over said water valve; and (b) maintaining said service rod in a fixed position with said service rod by utilizing an installation tool.
(a) placing the service rod within said service box assembly prior to reintroducing said service box assembly over said water valve; and (b) maintaining said service rod in a fixed position with said service rod by utilizing an installation tool.
18. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein said valve is disposed in the ground, including the step.of creating a hole in the said ground to said valve, followed by said connecting step and then placing said connector rod and adaptor into said hole for releasably securing said adaptor to said lug.
19. A method as claimed in claim 17 further including the step of utilizing an installation tool to locate said service box rod within said service box assembly.
20. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein said method of connecting one end of said rod to said one end of said adaptor comprises the step of press fitting one end of said rod into a hole presented at said one end of said adaptor.
21. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein said one end of said rod includes a fork presenting aperture means therethrough and said adaptor includes an extension at one end thereof including a hole therethrough, and said method of connecting said rod to said adaptor comprises the steps of:
(a) placing said extension between said fork and aligning said hole of said extension with said aperture means of said fork;
(b) placing a locking pin through said hole and said aperture means to lock said roll to said adaptor.
(a) placing said extension between said fork and aligning said hole of said extension with said aperture means of said fork;
(b) placing a locking pin through said hole and said aperture means to lock said roll to said adaptor.
22. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein said hole is created by utilizing a high pressure excavating means.
23. An adaptor for activating a valve having a lug with a transverse through hole, said adaptor having a body member extending along the length thereof to define an axis of rotation;
a socket presented at one axial end of said body member to register with said valve said body member including two opposite radially disposed threaded holes openinginto said socket, each said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member;
a first spherical member carried by one said displaceable engageable member, said first spherical member projecting radially inwardly into said socket;
a second spherical member carried said other displaceable engageable member, said second spherical member disposed radially opposite said first spherical member;
said first spherical member and said second spherical moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to:
(i) move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip appropriate ends of said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve by solely urging said socket against said valve and to (ii) move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve.
a socket presented at one axial end of said body member to register with said valve said body member including two opposite radially disposed threaded holes openinginto said socket, each said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member;
a first spherical member carried by one said displaceable engageable member, said first spherical member projecting radially inwardly into said socket;
a second spherical member carried said other displaceable engageable member, said second spherical member disposed radially opposite said first spherical member;
said first spherical member and said second spherical moveable radially within said radially disposed threaded hole so as to:
(i) move said spherical member radially into said socket and grip appropriate ends of said through hole and lock said adaptor to said valve for axial rotation of said valve by solely urging said socket against said valve and to (ii) move said spherical member radially away from said socket and release said adaptor from said valve by solely pulling said socket away from said valve.
24. An adaptor for connecting a rod to a valve disposed below ground level, said adaptor including a body member extending along an axial length thereof for defining an axis of rotation, said body member including socket means at one end thereof to register with said valve, said body member including at least one radially disposed threaded hole opening into said socket means, said threaded hole for threadably receiving a displaceable engageable member extending into said socket means for gripping said valve when said socket means and said displaceable engageable member is urged against said valve so as to secure said adaptor to said valve for operating said valve and for disengagement from said valve by solely pulling said adaptor from said valve and means at another end of said adaptor for connection to said rod, so as to connect said rod to said valve.
25. An adaptor having one end for activating a valve, and another end for connection to a rod, said adaptor including socket means at said one end to register with said valve for operating said valve; said socket means comprising gripping means for grasping said valve when said adaptor is urged against said valve by said rod, and for disengagement with said valve by solely pulling said rod.
26. A method of connecting a rod to a valve located in the ground, said adaptor having a body member; by connecting one end of said rod to one end of said body member of said adaptor where said body member of said adaptor has socket means at another end opposite said end connected to said rod, said body member including gripping means for grasping said valve when said adaptor is urged against said valve by said rod, and for disengagement with said valve by solely pulling said rod.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2098770 CA2098770C (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1993-06-18 | Adaptor tools and method to expose valve |
| AU49375/93A AU4937593A (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1993-08-20 | Adaptor for remote actuation of an underground valve |
| PCT/CA1993/000343 WO1995000788A1 (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1993-08-20 | Adaptor for remote actuation of an underground valve |
| US08/855,257 US5950654A (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1997-05-13 | Adaptor tools and method to expose valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2098770 CA2098770C (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1993-06-18 | Adaptor tools and method to expose valve |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2098770A1 CA2098770A1 (en) | 1994-10-09 |
| CA2098770C true CA2098770C (en) | 1998-02-17 |
Family
ID=4151814
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2098770 Expired - Fee Related CA2098770C (en) | 1993-06-18 | 1993-06-18 | Adaptor tools and method to expose valve |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU4937593A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2098770C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995000788A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US380308A (en) * | 1888-04-03 | Stop-cock box | ||
| DE1205787B (en) * | 1963-05-28 | 1965-11-25 | Eisenwerke Fried Wilhelm Dueke | Installation set for operating fittings installed in the floor |
| US3548864A (en) * | 1969-03-26 | 1970-12-22 | Handley Ind Inc | Curb box member and method of making the same |
| US3746034A (en) * | 1971-06-09 | 1973-07-17 | Ametek Inc | Installation of curb boxes |
| US3768775A (en) * | 1972-02-24 | 1973-10-30 | Ver Vaecke C | Portable valve actuator |
| US4643218A (en) * | 1986-04-24 | 1987-02-17 | Reed Jr Robert L | Cleaner and actuator device for remote access valve controls |
-
1993
- 1993-06-18 CA CA 2098770 patent/CA2098770C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-08-20 AU AU49375/93A patent/AU4937593A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-08-20 WO PCT/CA1993/000343 patent/WO1995000788A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2098770A1 (en) | 1994-10-09 |
| WO1995000788A1 (en) | 1995-01-05 |
| AU4937593A (en) | 1995-01-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |