CA2202214E - Sewer inspection chamber with back-flow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber - Google Patents
Sewer inspection chamber with back-flow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamberInfo
- Publication number
- CA2202214E CA2202214E CA 2202214 CA2202214A CA2202214E CA 2202214 E CA2202214 E CA 2202214E CA 2202214 CA2202214 CA 2202214 CA 2202214 A CA2202214 A CA 2202214A CA 2202214 E CA2202214 E CA 2202214E
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve member
- inspection chamber
- handle
- valve
- tool
- 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 - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- F16K15/00—Check valves
- F16K15/02—Check valves with guided rigid valve members
- F16K15/03—Check valves with guided rigid valve members with a hinged closure member or with a pivoted closure member
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
- E03F7/00—Other installations or implements for operating sewer systems, e.g. for preventing or indicating stoppage; Emptying cesspools
- E03F7/02—Shut-off devices
- E03F7/04—Valves for preventing return flow
Abstract
An inspection chamber for use in sanitary sewer systems has an integral back-flow prevention valve. The valve can be installed through an access pipe with the inspection chamber in place underground. The valve does not interfere with the installation or removal of a plug in the inspection chamber during construction and inspection of the sewer system.
The inspection chamber comprises a clip oriented to receive a valve member from the direction of an access port. The valve member comprises a pin connected to a flap member by a narrow bridge member. The flap member has a projecting handle member. An installation tool holds the valve member by the handle member and provides a tab which can be hammered downwardly to snap the pin into the clip thereby securing the valve member in the inspection chamber. An inspection chamber according to the invention avoids the necessity of providing a separate buried back-how prevention valve.
The inspection chamber comprises a clip oriented to receive a valve member from the direction of an access port. The valve member comprises a pin connected to a flap member by a narrow bridge member. The flap member has a projecting handle member. An installation tool holds the valve member by the handle member and provides a tab which can be hammered downwardly to snap the pin into the clip thereby securing the valve member in the inspection chamber. An inspection chamber according to the invention avoids the necessity of providing a separate buried back-how prevention valve.
Description
SEWER INSPECTION CHAMBER WITH BACK-FLOW PREVENTION VALVE
AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSTALLING VALVE
IN SEWER INSPECTION CHAMBER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to inspection chambers for use in sewers, to an inspection chamber with an integral back-flow prevention valve, and to a tool for installing a back-flow-prevention valve in an installed inspection chamber.
l0 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Inspection chambers are required to be provided in sanitary sewer systems in many jurisdictions. An inspection chamber is typically installed where the sanitary sewer outlet from a building joins the sewer main of a municipal sewer system. Inspection chambers serve two main purposes. First, during construction of a new sewage system, an inspection chamber can be used as a location for a plug to seal the passage between the new sewage system and the sewer main until the new sewage system has been tested and approved. After testing and approval, the plug can be removed by hooking a handle on the plug and pulling the plug out of the inspection chamber. Second, an inspection chamber can be used as a point of access to remove blockages from a sewer system.
An inspection chamber is typically installed at least several feet underground. The inspection chamber typically has interior dimensions slightly larger than the diameter of the ?5 sewage pipe in which it is installed. Typical diameters of sewage pipes from residential or light industrial buildings are in the range of 4 inches to 6 inches. A generally vertical access pipe, which is typically somewhat larger in diameter than the sewage pipe, extends from the inspection ehainber to the surface where it is sealed with a cap. The access pipe is typically several feet long. Typical diameters of access pipes are in the range of about 6 inches to 10 inches. After an inspection chamber has been installed it is very difficult to gain access to the inside of the inspection chamber.
It is generally desirable to provide a back-flow valve in the sewage pipe. A
back-flow valve serves to prevent sewage from backing up from the municipal sewer into a building. The back-flow valve also serves to prevent vermin, such as rats, from entering a building from the municipal sewer lines through the building's sewage pipe. A problem with back-flow valves is that they are installed in the sewage line, which is several feet underground. If the back-flow valve malfunctions or if debris gets stuck in the back-flow valve then it is generally necessary to dig down to the back-flow valve to replace or repair it. This is both disruptive and expensive.
The inventor has recognized a need for an inspection chamber which can be plugged, as described above, during testing and approval of a sewage system and has an integral back-flow valve. It has not been previously practical to provide such an inspection chamber because any back-flow valve would interfere with insertion or removal of a plug. After the plug has been removed, the inspection chamber is several feet down the access pipe and is not easily accessible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides an inspection chamber with an integrated back-flow prevention valve. One aspect of the invention provides an inspection chamber for a sewer line. The inspection chamber comprises: a housing having inlet, outlet and access ports for connecting inlet, outlet and access pipes respectively, and a flapper valve in the housing. The access port is located in an upper portion of the housing and is oriented generally perpendicularly to each of the inlet and outlet ports. The flapper valve comprises: a valve member comprising a 2 5 transverse pin, a flap member attached to the pin and a handle member projecting from the flap member; a clip for receiving the pin of the valve member and detachably retaining the pin in pivotal relation to the housing, the clip located below the access port and above the inlet port and oriented to receive the pin from a direction of the access port; and a sealing surface inside the housing around the inlet port. When the pin of the valve member is received in the clip, the 10 flap member bears against the sealing surface and is capable of blocking a flow of sewage from the outlet port through the inspection chamber and the inlet port, and the valve member can pivot about the pin to permit sewage to flow from the inlet port, through the inspection chamber and out the outlet port.
A second aspect of the invention provides a sewer system comprising a sewage pipe extending from a building to a municipal sewer and an inspection chamber connected in the sewage pipe at an underground location between the building and the municipal sewer. The inspection cliamber comprises: a housing having an inlet port connected to a portion of the sewage pipe extending to the building, an outlet port connected to a portion of the sewage outlet pipe extending to the sewer, an access port connected to an access pipe extending generally vertically to an unburied location, the access port in an upper portion of the housing and oriented generally perpendicularly to each of the inlet and outlet ports; and a flapper valve in the housing. The flapper valve comprises: a valve member comprising a transverse pin, a flap inember attached to the pin and a handle member projecting from the flap member; a clip for receiving the pin of the valve member and detachably retaining the pin in pivotal relation to the housing, the clip located below the access port and above the inlet port and oriented to receive the pin from a direction of the access port; and a sealing surface inside the housing around the inlet port. When the pin of the valve member is received in the clip, the flap member bears against the sealing surface and is capable of blocking a flow of sewage from the outlet port through the inspection chamber and out the inlet port, and the valve member can pivot about the pin to pernlit sewage to flow from the inlet port, through the inspection chamber and out the outlet port. A sealing lid is provided at the top end of the access pipe.
The invention also provides a method for installing a flap valve member in an inspection chamber in a sewer system. The method comprises the steps of providing a valve member comprising a transverse pin, a flap member attached to the pin and a handle member projecting from the flap member; attaching the valve member to a holder on an installation tool comprising an elongated shaft, the holder comprising means for holding the handle member and a tab adjacent the pin; lowering the valve member through an access port on the inspection 10 chamber with the installation tool; aligning the pin with a clip in the inspection chamber;
AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSTALLING VALVE
IN SEWER INSPECTION CHAMBER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to inspection chambers for use in sewers, to an inspection chamber with an integral back-flow prevention valve, and to a tool for installing a back-flow-prevention valve in an installed inspection chamber.
l0 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Inspection chambers are required to be provided in sanitary sewer systems in many jurisdictions. An inspection chamber is typically installed where the sanitary sewer outlet from a building joins the sewer main of a municipal sewer system. Inspection chambers serve two main purposes. First, during construction of a new sewage system, an inspection chamber can be used as a location for a plug to seal the passage between the new sewage system and the sewer main until the new sewage system has been tested and approved. After testing and approval, the plug can be removed by hooking a handle on the plug and pulling the plug out of the inspection chamber. Second, an inspection chamber can be used as a point of access to remove blockages from a sewer system.
An inspection chamber is typically installed at least several feet underground. The inspection chamber typically has interior dimensions slightly larger than the diameter of the ?5 sewage pipe in which it is installed. Typical diameters of sewage pipes from residential or light industrial buildings are in the range of 4 inches to 6 inches. A generally vertical access pipe, which is typically somewhat larger in diameter than the sewage pipe, extends from the inspection ehainber to the surface where it is sealed with a cap. The access pipe is typically several feet long. Typical diameters of access pipes are in the range of about 6 inches to 10 inches. After an inspection chamber has been installed it is very difficult to gain access to the inside of the inspection chamber.
It is generally desirable to provide a back-flow valve in the sewage pipe. A
back-flow valve serves to prevent sewage from backing up from the municipal sewer into a building. The back-flow valve also serves to prevent vermin, such as rats, from entering a building from the municipal sewer lines through the building's sewage pipe. A problem with back-flow valves is that they are installed in the sewage line, which is several feet underground. If the back-flow valve malfunctions or if debris gets stuck in the back-flow valve then it is generally necessary to dig down to the back-flow valve to replace or repair it. This is both disruptive and expensive.
The inventor has recognized a need for an inspection chamber which can be plugged, as described above, during testing and approval of a sewage system and has an integral back-flow valve. It has not been previously practical to provide such an inspection chamber because any back-flow valve would interfere with insertion or removal of a plug. After the plug has been removed, the inspection chamber is several feet down the access pipe and is not easily accessible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides an inspection chamber with an integrated back-flow prevention valve. One aspect of the invention provides an inspection chamber for a sewer line. The inspection chamber comprises: a housing having inlet, outlet and access ports for connecting inlet, outlet and access pipes respectively, and a flapper valve in the housing. The access port is located in an upper portion of the housing and is oriented generally perpendicularly to each of the inlet and outlet ports. The flapper valve comprises: a valve member comprising a 2 5 transverse pin, a flap member attached to the pin and a handle member projecting from the flap member; a clip for receiving the pin of the valve member and detachably retaining the pin in pivotal relation to the housing, the clip located below the access port and above the inlet port and oriented to receive the pin from a direction of the access port; and a sealing surface inside the housing around the inlet port. When the pin of the valve member is received in the clip, the 10 flap member bears against the sealing surface and is capable of blocking a flow of sewage from the outlet port through the inspection chamber and the inlet port, and the valve member can pivot about the pin to permit sewage to flow from the inlet port, through the inspection chamber and out the outlet port.
A second aspect of the invention provides a sewer system comprising a sewage pipe extending from a building to a municipal sewer and an inspection chamber connected in the sewage pipe at an underground location between the building and the municipal sewer. The inspection cliamber comprises: a housing having an inlet port connected to a portion of the sewage pipe extending to the building, an outlet port connected to a portion of the sewage outlet pipe extending to the sewer, an access port connected to an access pipe extending generally vertically to an unburied location, the access port in an upper portion of the housing and oriented generally perpendicularly to each of the inlet and outlet ports; and a flapper valve in the housing. The flapper valve comprises: a valve member comprising a transverse pin, a flap inember attached to the pin and a handle member projecting from the flap member; a clip for receiving the pin of the valve member and detachably retaining the pin in pivotal relation to the housing, the clip located below the access port and above the inlet port and oriented to receive the pin from a direction of the access port; and a sealing surface inside the housing around the inlet port. When the pin of the valve member is received in the clip, the flap member bears against the sealing surface and is capable of blocking a flow of sewage from the outlet port through the inspection chamber and out the inlet port, and the valve member can pivot about the pin to pernlit sewage to flow from the inlet port, through the inspection chamber and out the outlet port. A sealing lid is provided at the top end of the access pipe.
The invention also provides a method for installing a flap valve member in an inspection chamber in a sewer system. The method comprises the steps of providing a valve member comprising a transverse pin, a flap member attached to the pin and a handle member projecting from the flap member; attaching the valve member to a holder on an installation tool comprising an elongated shaft, the holder comprising means for holding the handle member and a tab adjacent the pin; lowering the valve member through an access port on the inspection 10 chamber with the installation tool; aligning the pin with a clip in the inspection chamber;
hammering the installation tool downwardly to cause the tab to press the pin into engagement in the clip; and removing the installation tool.
In a preferred embodiment, the step of attaching the valve member to a holder on an installation tool comprises inserting the handle member between a pair of fingers biased toward each other. Preferably the step of hammering the installation tool downwardly comprises sliding a weight upwardly along the shaft of the installation tool and dropping the weight onto a stop on the shaft. The method may further include the step of removing the valve member from the inspection chamber by the steps of engaging a ring in the handle member with a hook and pulling the hook upwardly after the step of removing the installation tool.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a tool for use in practising the methods of the invention. The tool can be used to install a flap valve member in an inspection chamber in a sewer system. The tool comprises an elongated shaft extending from to a handle to a holder, a stop on the shaft between the handle and the holder and a weight slidably mounted to the shaft. The holder comprises: first and second generally parallel opposed fingers spaced apart by a distance sufficient to receive a handle member projecting from a flap valve member; bias means for resiliently displacing the first finger toward the second finger for releasably pinching a handle member projecting from the flap valve member between the first and second fingers;
and a tab projecting from the holder generally perpendicularly to the shaft at a base of the fingers between the handle and the stop.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a sealing lid for an access pipe of an inspection chamber in a sewer system. The sealing lid comprises a circular plastic body, a piece of a ferromagnetic tnaterial moulded into the plastic body, a sealing member extending peripherally around the plastic body, and a pair of opposed locking members each comprising a lug member pivotally mounted to the plastic body and a stop member projecting adjacent the lug member. The stop members allow rotation of the lug members between engaged and disengaged positions.
In a preferred embodiment, the step of attaching the valve member to a holder on an installation tool comprises inserting the handle member between a pair of fingers biased toward each other. Preferably the step of hammering the installation tool downwardly comprises sliding a weight upwardly along the shaft of the installation tool and dropping the weight onto a stop on the shaft. The method may further include the step of removing the valve member from the inspection chamber by the steps of engaging a ring in the handle member with a hook and pulling the hook upwardly after the step of removing the installation tool.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a tool for use in practising the methods of the invention. The tool can be used to install a flap valve member in an inspection chamber in a sewer system. The tool comprises an elongated shaft extending from to a handle to a holder, a stop on the shaft between the handle and the holder and a weight slidably mounted to the shaft. The holder comprises: first and second generally parallel opposed fingers spaced apart by a distance sufficient to receive a handle member projecting from a flap valve member; bias means for resiliently displacing the first finger toward the second finger for releasably pinching a handle member projecting from the flap valve member between the first and second fingers;
and a tab projecting from the holder generally perpendicularly to the shaft at a base of the fingers between the handle and the stop.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a sealing lid for an access pipe of an inspection chamber in a sewer system. The sealing lid comprises a circular plastic body, a piece of a ferromagnetic tnaterial moulded into the plastic body, a sealing member extending peripherally around the plastic body, and a pair of opposed locking members each comprising a lug member pivotally mounted to the plastic body and a stop member projecting adjacent the lug member. The stop members allow rotation of the lug members between engaged and disengaged positions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of an inspection chamber installed in a sewage system according to the invention;
Figure 2A is a longitudinal section through the inspection chamber of the sewage system of Figure 1;
Figure 2B is a detailed view of a portion thereof;
Figure 2C is a transverse section through the inspection chamber of the sewage system of Figure 1 looking toward the inlet port thereof;
Figures 3A through 3H are views illustrating a sequence of steps for installing a valve member according to the invention in the inspection chamber of the sewer system of Figure 1 with the tool of Figures 4A through 4D;
Figure 4A is an elevational view of a tool for use in the methods of the invention;
Figures 4B, 4C and 4D are respectively side elevational and top plan views of a head for installing a valve member in inspection chambers according to the invention for use with the tool of Figure 4A and a side elevational view of a lateral hook for use in the invention with the tool of Figure 4A; and Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are respectively a top plan view, a cross sectional view and a bottom plan view of a sealing lid for the access pipe of the sewer system of Figure 1.
;!1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows a sewage system 10 according to the invention. Sewage system 10 carries wastewater from a building 12 to a sewer main 15 through a sewage pipe 16. Sewage pipe 16 lies in ground 17 and is inclined slightly toward sewer main 15. An inspection chamber 20 is located in sewage pipe 16. A first portion 16A of sewage pipe 16 extends from building 12 to an inlet port 22 of inspection chamber 20. A second portion 16B of sewage pipe 16 extends from an outlet port 24 of inspection chamber 20 to sewer main 15. An access pipe 18 extends generally vertically from an access port 26 of inspection chamber 20 to the surface of ground 17. The upper end of access pipe 18 is closed by a sealing cap 19.
A back-flow prevention valve 30 is located in inspection chamber 20 adjacent inlet port 22. In use, sewage flows from building 12 through portion 16A of sewage pipe 16, through inspection chamber 20 and to sewer main 15 through portion 16B of sewage pipe 16. Valve 30 prevents vermin from entering building 12 from sewer main 15 and also prevents sewage from backing up from sewer main 15 and flowing into building 12 through portion 16A of sewage pipe 16. Valve 30 comprises a valve member 32 pivotally attached inside inspection chamber 20.
?O A distinguishing feature of the invention is that valve member 32 and inspection chamber 20 are constructed so that valve member 32 can be inserted into inspection chamber after inspection chamber 20 is in place under ground 17. This permits the use of inspection chamber 20 to receive a plug 21 (Figure 3) plugging inlet port 22 from inside inspection chamber 20 while building 12 is under construction (as is required by some municipalities).
As described below, the methods of the invention also permit valve member 32 to be removed and replaced through access pipe 18. As such, the invention provides significant advantages over the current state of the art which combines a conventional unvalved inspection chamber with a separate buried back-flow prevention valve.
The construction of inspection chamber 20 is shown in detail in Figure 2.
Inspection chatnber 20 comprises a housing 40 formed from any suitable material such as injection-moulded ABS plastic. Housing 40 supports suitable seals around ports 22, 24, and 26 for sealing connections to portions 16A and 16B of sewage pipe 16 and access pipe 18. Any suitable seals known to those skilled in the art may be used. Those skilled in the art will realize that the shapes and dimensions of ports 22, 24, and 26 may need to be adapted for the particular type of seals used.
A valve seating surface 42 is provided inside housing 40 around inlet port 22.
Valve seating surface 42 is preferably planar. Valve member 32 comprises a transversely mounted pin 34 attached to a flap member 36 by a short bridge member 37. Pin 34 is retained by a clip 44. Clip 44 permits pin 34 to pivot relative to housing 40 as indicated by arrow 46. Normally gravity holds valve member 32 with flap member 36 in contact with valve seating surface 42 so that valve 30 is closed. Wastewater or other sewage arriving at valve 30 pushes flap member 36 in tlae direction of arrow 46, thereby opening valve 30. A suitable resilient sealing material 38 is provided either on seating surface 42 or on flap member 36. Preferably the sealing material 38 is on flap member 36.
Clip 44 preferably comprises a pair of upwardly projecting resilient fingers 48 which grip either end of pin 34 with bridge member 37 extending between fingers 48.
Pin 34 is held in a recess 47 between fingers 48 and adjacent portions of the wall of housing 40. Fingers 48 are preferably moulded integrally with housing 40. Fingers 48 are oriented upwardly so that clip 44 detachably receives pin 34 when it is inserted from the direction of access port 26. A
notch 49 is preferably provided between fingers 48 below recess 47. Notch 49 can be used to remove a broken valve member 32 as described below.
A handle member 50 projects from a generally central portion of the downstream surface of the flap member 36; that is, the handle projects into the inspection chamber so that it may be gripped by a tool inserted into the housing 40 via the access pipe 18.
Handle member 50 is used in the installation of valve member 32 in housing 40 as described below.
In the currently preferred embodiment of the invention, handle member 50 comprises a ring 52 of approximately 1 inch in diameter projecting in a plane which bisects valve member 32. Ring 52 has a central aperture 54.
The method for installing valve member 32 in inspection chamber 20 begins with inspection chamber 20 buried in soil 17. Plug 21 plugs inlet port 22 from inside inspection chamber 20 as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Plug 21 is then removed by hooking the ring handle of plug 21 with a hook 63 lowered through access pipe 18, pulling upwardly until plug 21 is released, and removing plug 21 through access pipe 18 as shown in Figure 3C. Preferably hook 63 comprises a spring-loaded catch so that plug 21 cannot fall off from hook 63 after hook 63 has been fully engaged with the handle of plug 21.
Plug 21 may be removed with a tool 60 as shown in Figure 4A. Tool 60 comprises a hook 63 connected to a handle 68 by a shaft 64 which is long enough to reach down access pipe 18 into inspection chamber 20. Shaft 64 may comprise several sections 66 so that the length of shaft 64 can be adjusted for the depth of inspection chamber 20.
As shown in Figure 4A, tool 60 preferably has a weight 72 slidably mounted at the upper end of shaft 64 between handle 68 and a stop 70. Weight 72 preferably weighs about 1 kilogram. An upward pull on plug 21 may be achieved by sliding weight 72 upwardly against ?0 handle 48 to jolt hook 63 upwardly. In this case, handle 68 acts as a stop.
A separate upper stop may be provided below handle 68 and above stop 70.
After plug 21 has been removed, hook 63 on tool 60 is replaced with a head 62.
Preferably hook 63 and head 62 are each connected to the end of shaft 64 with a connector 65 so that they may be readily interchanged. Connector 65 may be a simple threaded fitting, as shown, which screws onto the end of shaft 64 or may be another suitable type of coupling.
A valve member 32 is then attached to the head 62 of tool 60. As shown in Figures 4B
and 4C, head 62 comprises a holder 74 for holding a valve member 32 by its handle member 50. In the currently preferred embodiment of the invention holder 74 comprises a pair of fingers 75,76. A bolt 77 extends from first finger 75 through a hole in second finger 76. A
cotnpression spring 78 on bolt 77 resiliently compresses fingers 75 and 76 together.
Valve member 32 is attached to head 62 by sliding handle member 50 between fingers 75 and 76 so that it is securely but releasably pinched between fingers 75,76 as shown in Figures 3D and 3E. When valve member 32 is attached to head 62 a tab 80 projecting from head 62 lies just above and adjacent pin 34. Holder 74 does not need to grasp handle member 50 extremely tightly. It is only necessary to hold handle member 50 tightly enough to reliably lower valve member 32 through access pipe 18 and align it in inspection chamber 20 as described below.
Next, head 62 of tool 60 is lowered through access pipe 18 into inspection chamber 20 and aligned so that the ends of pin 34 extend between fingers 48 above recess 47 with bridge member 37 between fingers 48 as shown in Figures 3F and 3G. This is possible because, as noted above, fingers 48 are oriented so that pin 34 can be inserted into recess 47 from the direction of access port 26.
Pin 34 is then inserted into recess 47 by lifting weight 72 and dropping it onto stop 70.
This causes portion 80 of head 62 to snap pin 34 downwardly into engagement in clip 44. If it is necessary, the step of lifting and dropping weight 72 to snap pin 34 into place can be repeated. At this point valve member 32 is installed in inspection chamber 20.
All that remains is to disengage head 62 of tool 70 from handle member 50. This can easily be done by simply lifting handle 68 to draw fingers 75 and 76 off from handle member 50.
The methods of the invention can also be used to remove a valve member 32 from an inspection chamber 20. This might be required, for example, if it becomes necessary to clean sewer pipe 16. If valve member 32 is intact then valve member 32 can be removed simply by hooking aperture 54 of handle member 50 with a suitable hook and pulling sharply upwardly.
Tool 60 is preferably constructed so that head 62 can be removed and replaced with a hook 63 for this purpose. Hook 63 can also be used to remove plugs 21 as described above. When tool 60 is used this way then weight 72 can be hammered upwardly against handle 68 to provide sharp upward force on hook 63 to dislodge a valve member 32 or a plug 21.
If valve member 32 has broken off, then it is still usually possible to replace valve member 32 without digging down to inspection chamber 20. Typically valve member 32 will break at bridge member 37 because bridge member 37 is generally the weakest part of valve member 32. If this happens then a small laterally extending hook 100 can be attached at the end of tool 60 in place of hook 63 or head 62 and inserted into notch 49. The laterally extending hook 100 can then be lifted upwardly to remove pin 34 from clip 44.
The portion of a broken off valve member 32 attached to pin 34 is generally small enough that it can safely be left to wash into sewer main 15. The rest of valve member 32 including flap member 36 can be fished out from inspection chamber 20 by hooking handle member 50. The laterally extending book 100 may be provided in a kit with a hook 63, a head 72 and other components of tool 60.
Sealing lid 19 is preferably made of a suitable plastic material. Sealing lid 19 preferably coinprises a piece 90 of a ferromagnetic metal, such as iron or steel so that a metal detector can be used to rapidly locate sealing lid 19 and access pipe 18. Most preferably, sealing lid 19 is moulded from a suitable plastic material and piece 90 is moulded into sealing lid 19. For exarnple, if sealing lid 19 is injection moulded then piece 90 can be placed into the mould before plastic is injected After the plastic has been injected then piece 90 is partially or entirely encased in plastic.
Sealing lid 19 preferably comprises one or more locking members 92 for locking sealing lid 19 in place at the top of access pipe 18. Locking members 92 may comprise, for example, lugs 94 which can be turned to project outwardly and engage an inwardly projecting step 95 at the upper end of access pipe 18 using cap screws 96. Preferably, a post 98 is provided adjacent each of lugs 94. Posts 98 provide positive stops at the extended (as shown in solid lines in Figure 5C) and retracted (as shown in dotted outline in Figure 5C) positions of lugs 94.
In drawings which illustrate preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of an inspection chamber installed in a sewage system according to the invention;
Figure 2A is a longitudinal section through the inspection chamber of the sewage system of Figure 1;
Figure 2B is a detailed view of a portion thereof;
Figure 2C is a transverse section through the inspection chamber of the sewage system of Figure 1 looking toward the inlet port thereof;
Figures 3A through 3H are views illustrating a sequence of steps for installing a valve member according to the invention in the inspection chamber of the sewer system of Figure 1 with the tool of Figures 4A through 4D;
Figure 4A is an elevational view of a tool for use in the methods of the invention;
Figures 4B, 4C and 4D are respectively side elevational and top plan views of a head for installing a valve member in inspection chambers according to the invention for use with the tool of Figure 4A and a side elevational view of a lateral hook for use in the invention with the tool of Figure 4A; and Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are respectively a top plan view, a cross sectional view and a bottom plan view of a sealing lid for the access pipe of the sewer system of Figure 1.
;!1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows a sewage system 10 according to the invention. Sewage system 10 carries wastewater from a building 12 to a sewer main 15 through a sewage pipe 16. Sewage pipe 16 lies in ground 17 and is inclined slightly toward sewer main 15. An inspection chamber 20 is located in sewage pipe 16. A first portion 16A of sewage pipe 16 extends from building 12 to an inlet port 22 of inspection chamber 20. A second portion 16B of sewage pipe 16 extends from an outlet port 24 of inspection chamber 20 to sewer main 15. An access pipe 18 extends generally vertically from an access port 26 of inspection chamber 20 to the surface of ground 17. The upper end of access pipe 18 is closed by a sealing cap 19.
A back-flow prevention valve 30 is located in inspection chamber 20 adjacent inlet port 22. In use, sewage flows from building 12 through portion 16A of sewage pipe 16, through inspection chamber 20 and to sewer main 15 through portion 16B of sewage pipe 16. Valve 30 prevents vermin from entering building 12 from sewer main 15 and also prevents sewage from backing up from sewer main 15 and flowing into building 12 through portion 16A of sewage pipe 16. Valve 30 comprises a valve member 32 pivotally attached inside inspection chamber 20.
?O A distinguishing feature of the invention is that valve member 32 and inspection chamber 20 are constructed so that valve member 32 can be inserted into inspection chamber after inspection chamber 20 is in place under ground 17. This permits the use of inspection chamber 20 to receive a plug 21 (Figure 3) plugging inlet port 22 from inside inspection chamber 20 while building 12 is under construction (as is required by some municipalities).
As described below, the methods of the invention also permit valve member 32 to be removed and replaced through access pipe 18. As such, the invention provides significant advantages over the current state of the art which combines a conventional unvalved inspection chamber with a separate buried back-flow prevention valve.
The construction of inspection chamber 20 is shown in detail in Figure 2.
Inspection chatnber 20 comprises a housing 40 formed from any suitable material such as injection-moulded ABS plastic. Housing 40 supports suitable seals around ports 22, 24, and 26 for sealing connections to portions 16A and 16B of sewage pipe 16 and access pipe 18. Any suitable seals known to those skilled in the art may be used. Those skilled in the art will realize that the shapes and dimensions of ports 22, 24, and 26 may need to be adapted for the particular type of seals used.
A valve seating surface 42 is provided inside housing 40 around inlet port 22.
Valve seating surface 42 is preferably planar. Valve member 32 comprises a transversely mounted pin 34 attached to a flap member 36 by a short bridge member 37. Pin 34 is retained by a clip 44. Clip 44 permits pin 34 to pivot relative to housing 40 as indicated by arrow 46. Normally gravity holds valve member 32 with flap member 36 in contact with valve seating surface 42 so that valve 30 is closed. Wastewater or other sewage arriving at valve 30 pushes flap member 36 in tlae direction of arrow 46, thereby opening valve 30. A suitable resilient sealing material 38 is provided either on seating surface 42 or on flap member 36. Preferably the sealing material 38 is on flap member 36.
Clip 44 preferably comprises a pair of upwardly projecting resilient fingers 48 which grip either end of pin 34 with bridge member 37 extending between fingers 48.
Pin 34 is held in a recess 47 between fingers 48 and adjacent portions of the wall of housing 40. Fingers 48 are preferably moulded integrally with housing 40. Fingers 48 are oriented upwardly so that clip 44 detachably receives pin 34 when it is inserted from the direction of access port 26. A
notch 49 is preferably provided between fingers 48 below recess 47. Notch 49 can be used to remove a broken valve member 32 as described below.
A handle member 50 projects from a generally central portion of the downstream surface of the flap member 36; that is, the handle projects into the inspection chamber so that it may be gripped by a tool inserted into the housing 40 via the access pipe 18.
Handle member 50 is used in the installation of valve member 32 in housing 40 as described below.
In the currently preferred embodiment of the invention, handle member 50 comprises a ring 52 of approximately 1 inch in diameter projecting in a plane which bisects valve member 32. Ring 52 has a central aperture 54.
The method for installing valve member 32 in inspection chamber 20 begins with inspection chamber 20 buried in soil 17. Plug 21 plugs inlet port 22 from inside inspection chamber 20 as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Plug 21 is then removed by hooking the ring handle of plug 21 with a hook 63 lowered through access pipe 18, pulling upwardly until plug 21 is released, and removing plug 21 through access pipe 18 as shown in Figure 3C. Preferably hook 63 comprises a spring-loaded catch so that plug 21 cannot fall off from hook 63 after hook 63 has been fully engaged with the handle of plug 21.
Plug 21 may be removed with a tool 60 as shown in Figure 4A. Tool 60 comprises a hook 63 connected to a handle 68 by a shaft 64 which is long enough to reach down access pipe 18 into inspection chamber 20. Shaft 64 may comprise several sections 66 so that the length of shaft 64 can be adjusted for the depth of inspection chamber 20.
As shown in Figure 4A, tool 60 preferably has a weight 72 slidably mounted at the upper end of shaft 64 between handle 68 and a stop 70. Weight 72 preferably weighs about 1 kilogram. An upward pull on plug 21 may be achieved by sliding weight 72 upwardly against ?0 handle 48 to jolt hook 63 upwardly. In this case, handle 68 acts as a stop.
A separate upper stop may be provided below handle 68 and above stop 70.
After plug 21 has been removed, hook 63 on tool 60 is replaced with a head 62.
Preferably hook 63 and head 62 are each connected to the end of shaft 64 with a connector 65 so that they may be readily interchanged. Connector 65 may be a simple threaded fitting, as shown, which screws onto the end of shaft 64 or may be another suitable type of coupling.
A valve member 32 is then attached to the head 62 of tool 60. As shown in Figures 4B
and 4C, head 62 comprises a holder 74 for holding a valve member 32 by its handle member 50. In the currently preferred embodiment of the invention holder 74 comprises a pair of fingers 75,76. A bolt 77 extends from first finger 75 through a hole in second finger 76. A
cotnpression spring 78 on bolt 77 resiliently compresses fingers 75 and 76 together.
Valve member 32 is attached to head 62 by sliding handle member 50 between fingers 75 and 76 so that it is securely but releasably pinched between fingers 75,76 as shown in Figures 3D and 3E. When valve member 32 is attached to head 62 a tab 80 projecting from head 62 lies just above and adjacent pin 34. Holder 74 does not need to grasp handle member 50 extremely tightly. It is only necessary to hold handle member 50 tightly enough to reliably lower valve member 32 through access pipe 18 and align it in inspection chamber 20 as described below.
Next, head 62 of tool 60 is lowered through access pipe 18 into inspection chamber 20 and aligned so that the ends of pin 34 extend between fingers 48 above recess 47 with bridge member 37 between fingers 48 as shown in Figures 3F and 3G. This is possible because, as noted above, fingers 48 are oriented so that pin 34 can be inserted into recess 47 from the direction of access port 26.
Pin 34 is then inserted into recess 47 by lifting weight 72 and dropping it onto stop 70.
This causes portion 80 of head 62 to snap pin 34 downwardly into engagement in clip 44. If it is necessary, the step of lifting and dropping weight 72 to snap pin 34 into place can be repeated. At this point valve member 32 is installed in inspection chamber 20.
All that remains is to disengage head 62 of tool 70 from handle member 50. This can easily be done by simply lifting handle 68 to draw fingers 75 and 76 off from handle member 50.
The methods of the invention can also be used to remove a valve member 32 from an inspection chamber 20. This might be required, for example, if it becomes necessary to clean sewer pipe 16. If valve member 32 is intact then valve member 32 can be removed simply by hooking aperture 54 of handle member 50 with a suitable hook and pulling sharply upwardly.
Tool 60 is preferably constructed so that head 62 can be removed and replaced with a hook 63 for this purpose. Hook 63 can also be used to remove plugs 21 as described above. When tool 60 is used this way then weight 72 can be hammered upwardly against handle 68 to provide sharp upward force on hook 63 to dislodge a valve member 32 or a plug 21.
If valve member 32 has broken off, then it is still usually possible to replace valve member 32 without digging down to inspection chamber 20. Typically valve member 32 will break at bridge member 37 because bridge member 37 is generally the weakest part of valve member 32. If this happens then a small laterally extending hook 100 can be attached at the end of tool 60 in place of hook 63 or head 62 and inserted into notch 49. The laterally extending hook 100 can then be lifted upwardly to remove pin 34 from clip 44.
The portion of a broken off valve member 32 attached to pin 34 is generally small enough that it can safely be left to wash into sewer main 15. The rest of valve member 32 including flap member 36 can be fished out from inspection chamber 20 by hooking handle member 50. The laterally extending book 100 may be provided in a kit with a hook 63, a head 72 and other components of tool 60.
Sealing lid 19 is preferably made of a suitable plastic material. Sealing lid 19 preferably coinprises a piece 90 of a ferromagnetic metal, such as iron or steel so that a metal detector can be used to rapidly locate sealing lid 19 and access pipe 18. Most preferably, sealing lid 19 is moulded from a suitable plastic material and piece 90 is moulded into sealing lid 19. For exarnple, if sealing lid 19 is injection moulded then piece 90 can be placed into the mould before plastic is injected After the plastic has been injected then piece 90 is partially or entirely encased in plastic.
Sealing lid 19 preferably comprises one or more locking members 92 for locking sealing lid 19 in place at the top of access pipe 18. Locking members 92 may comprise, for example, lugs 94 which can be turned to project outwardly and engage an inwardly projecting step 95 at the upper end of access pipe 18 using cap screws 96. Preferably, a post 98 is provided adjacent each of lugs 94. Posts 98 provide positive stops at the extended (as shown in solid lines in Figure 5C) and retracted (as shown in dotted outline in Figure 5C) positions of lugs 94.
While the currently preferred embodiment of the invention is described above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that there are many ways to vary the designs of the various components described above without departing from the broad scope of the invention. For example, clip 44 could be any suitable kind of clip capable of receiving and detachably and pivotally retaining a valve member comprising a flap member 36 and oriented to receive the valve member from the direction of access port 26. While it is preferred, handle member 50 need not comprise a ring, as described. It is only necessary that handle member 50 provide a nTeans for holding a valve member 32 to a tool 60 so that valve member 32 can be positioned in inspection chamber 20 and engaged with clip 44. It is preferable, however, that handle inember 50 comprise a ring because a ring can be grabbed with a hook to remove a valve metnber 32. Tool 60 need not be equipped with a sliding weight 72. Although it is not preferred, a separate hammer could be used to hammer on an end portion of tool 60 instead.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many further alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
Y:\MT008\3303 CA\Spec & Cls\reissue spec clean 090522.wpd
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many further alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
Y:\MT008\3303 CA\Spec & Cls\reissue spec clean 090522.wpd
Claims (14)
1. A tool for installing a flap valve member in an inspection chamber in a sewer system, the tool comprising:
(a) an elongated shaft extending from a handle to a holder, the holder comprising:
(i) first and second generally parallel opposed fingers spaced apart by a distance sufficient to receive a handle member projecting from the flap valve member;
(ii) bias means for resiliently displacing the first finger toward the second finger for releasably pinching a handle member projecting from the flap valve member between the first and second fingers;
(iii) a tab projecting from the holder generally perpendicularly to the shaft at a base of the fingers;
(b) a stop on the shaft between the handle and the holder; and, (c) a weight slidably mounted to the shaft between the handle and the stop.
(a) an elongated shaft extending from a handle to a holder, the holder comprising:
(i) first and second generally parallel opposed fingers spaced apart by a distance sufficient to receive a handle member projecting from the flap valve member;
(ii) bias means for resiliently displacing the first finger toward the second finger for releasably pinching a handle member projecting from the flap valve member between the first and second fingers;
(iii) a tab projecting from the holder generally perpendicularly to the shaft at a base of the fingers;
(b) a stop on the shaft between the handle and the holder; and, (c) a weight slidably mounted to the shaft between the handle and the stop.
2. The tool of claim 1 wherein the bias means comprises a member extending from the first finger through a hole in the second finger to a head and a compression spring on the member and bearing against the second finger.
3. The tool of claim 2 wherein the elongated shaft comprises a plurality of sections affixed together.
4. A method for installing a flap valve member in an inspection chamber in a sewer system, the flap valve member comprising a transverse pin, a flap member attached to the pin and a handle member projecting from a generally central location on the flap member in the transverse sense;
the method comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching the valve member to a holder on an installation tool comprising an elongated shaft, the holder comprising means for holding the handle member and a tab adjacent the pin;
(b) lowering the valve member through an access port on the inspection chamber with the installation tool;
(c) aligning the pin with a clip in the inspection chamber;
(d) hammering the installation tool downwardly to cause the tab to press the pin into engagement in the clip; and (e) removing the installation tool.
the method comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching the valve member to a holder on an installation tool comprising an elongated shaft, the holder comprising means for holding the handle member and a tab adjacent the pin;
(b) lowering the valve member through an access port on the inspection chamber with the installation tool;
(c) aligning the pin with a clip in the inspection chamber;
(d) hammering the installation tool downwardly to cause the tab to press the pin into engagement in the clip; and (e) removing the installation tool.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of attaching the valve member to a holder on an installation tool comprises inserting the handle member between a pair of fingers biased toward each other.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of hammering the installation tool downwardly comprises sliding a weight upwardly along the shaft of the installation tool and dropping the weight onto a stop on the shaft.
7. The method of claim 4 followed by removing the valve member from the inspection chamber by the steps of engaging a ring in the handle member with a hook and pulling the hook upwardly.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of pulling the hook upwardly comprises sliding a weight upwardly into impacting contact with a stop on the shaft attached to the hook.
9. A method for using an inspection chamber in a sewer system, the method comprising detachably affixing a valve member comprising a pivotable flap member to a tool comprising an elongated shaft;
lowering the valve member through an access port of an inspection chamber;
and, in a vertical motion, engaging the valve member between opposed vertically extending guide elements within the inspection chamber to provide a one-way valve within the inspection chamber; and, detaching the tool from the valve member.
lowering the valve member through an access port of an inspection chamber;
and, in a vertical motion, engaging the valve member between opposed vertically extending guide elements within the inspection chamber to provide a one-way valve within the inspection chamber; and, detaching the tool from the valve member.
10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the vertically extending guide elements comprise substantially vertical recesses and engaging the valve member in the inspection chamber comprises sliding the valve member into the recesses.
11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the recesses are each defined on one side thereof by a resilient finger.
12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the valve member comprises a transverse pin and engaging the valve member in the inspection chamber comprises engaging the transverse pin with the guide elements.
13. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the valve member comprises a handle projecting outwardly therefrom and detachably affixing the valve member to the tool comprises detachably affixing the tool to the handle.
14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the handle is apertured and the method comprises subsequently removing the valve member by engaging a hook with the apertured handle and pulling upwardly on the hook.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002419470A CA2419470C (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with back-flow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
| CA 2202214 CA2202214E (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with back-flow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
| CA2420444A CA2420444E (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with backflow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2202214 CA2202214E (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with back-flow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
Related Child Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002419470A Division CA2419470C (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with back-flow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
| CA2420444A Division CA2420444E (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with backflow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2202214A1 CA2202214A1 (en) | 1998-10-09 |
| CA2202214C CA2202214C (en) | 2004-01-06 |
| CA2202214E true CA2202214E (en) | 2010-05-25 |
Family
ID=4160377
Family Applications (3)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2202214 Expired - Lifetime CA2202214E (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with back-flow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
| CA002419470A Expired - Lifetime CA2419470C (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with back-flow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
| CA2420444A Expired - Lifetime CA2420444E (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with backflow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
Family Applications After (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002419470A Expired - Lifetime CA2419470C (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with back-flow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
| CA2420444A Expired - Lifetime CA2420444E (en) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-04-09 | Sewer inspection chamber with backflow prevention valve and method and apparatus for installing valve in sewer inspection chamber |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (3) | CA2202214E (en) |
-
1997
- 1997-04-09 CA CA 2202214 patent/CA2202214E/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-04-09 CA CA002419470A patent/CA2419470C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-04-09 CA CA2420444A patent/CA2420444E/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2420444E (en) | 2010-05-25 |
| CA2419470A1 (en) | 1998-10-09 |
| CA2420444A1 (en) | 1998-10-09 |
| CA2419470C (en) | 2005-12-20 |
| CA2420444C (en) | 2005-03-22 |
| CA2202214A1 (en) | 1998-10-09 |
| CA2202214C (en) | 2004-01-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| NARE | Reissued | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20170410 |