CA3123261C - Guiding frame for manhole or catch basin - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame for an inlet of one of a catch basin or a manhole, the frame comprising: an elongated hollow body extending longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end, the hollow body comprising a lateral wall defining an opening and extending between the top end and the bottom end; and a guiding hollow structure projecting inwardly from an inner face of the lateral wall, the hollow guiding structure defining a frame passageway, the frame passageway haying a cross-sectional dimension decreasing from the bottom end of the elongated hollow body towards the top end of the elongated hollow body.

Description

GUIDING FRAME FOR MANHOLE OR CATCH BASIN
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to the field of frames for the inlet of a catch basin or manhole, and more particularly to guiding frames.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0002] A manhole or catch basin is a structure which provides passage underground to allow access by qualified personnel to utility service distribution lines or to any other underground systems (e.g., sewage). Qualified personnel may thereby be able to perform maintenance, servicing, inspection or the like. Manholes or catch basins are often secured by use of a frame assembly and cover, the frame assembly providing access to the manhole or catch basin and also allowing the cover to be locked thereto in order to prevent access to unauthorized persons.

[0003] Personnel accessing the passages provided by manholes or catch basins must be able to exit said passages quickly in view of safety requirements. For example, there may be gas buildup which may pose a hazard to the safety of personnel working inside a manhole. It is known that users may encounter difficulties during exit from the manhole or catch basin, for example while attempting to quickly exit.

[0004] Therefore there is a need for an improved frame for the inlet of a manhole or catch basin.
SUMMARY

[0005] According to a broad aspect, there is provided a frame for an inlet of one of a catch basin or a manhole, the frame comprising: an elongated hollow body extending longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end, the hollow body comprising a lateral wall defining an opening and extending between the top end and the bottom end; and a guiding hollow structure ¨ 1 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25 projecting inwardly from an inner face of the lateral wall, the hollow guiding structure defining a frame passageway, the frame passageway having a cross-sectional dimension decreasing from the bottom end of the elongated hollow body towards the top end of the elongated hollow body.

[0006] In one embodiment, the guiding hollow structure comprises a plurality of ribs each inwardly and longitudinally projecting from the inner face of the lateral wall, the ribs being each positioned at a respective location along a perimeter of the inner face of the lateral wall, each one of the ribs longitudinally extending between a first end facing the bottom end of the elongated hollow body and a second end facing the top end of the elongated hollow body, a width of each one of the ribs increasing from the first end to the second end.

[0007] In one embodiment, a minimal distance between two adjacent ones of the ribs is chosen so as to prevent an insertion of at least one of a human head and a helmet to be worn on the human head between the two adjacent ones of the ribs.

[0008] In one embodiment, the frame further comprising a cover-receiving plate mounted at the top end of the elongated hollow body for receiving a cover, the cover-receiving plate being hollow and extending laterally between an internal face and an external face, the internal face being mounted to the lateral wall.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cover-receiving plate is provided with an inner rim on the internal face thereof, the rim being adjacent a top face thereof for receiving a cover thereon.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cover-receiving plate is provided with an outer rim projecting outwardly from the external face of the cover-receiving plate adjacent a top face thereof.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second end of each of the ribs is mounted to the cover-receiving plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the ribs extends from the bottom end of the elongated hollow body to the top end of the elongated hollow body.
- 2 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0013] In one embodiment, the ribs are evenly positioned about a perimeter of the inner face of the lateral wall.

[0014] In one embodiment, the elongated hollow body is a tubular body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the elongated hollow body and the guiding hollow body are integral.

[0016] In one embodiment, the elongated hollow body is a tubular body and the guiding hollow structure comprises a frustoconical wall defining a frustoconical aperture, the frustoconical wall being mounted to the inner face of the lateral wall, the frustoconical wall extending between a first wall end facing the top end of the elongated hollow body and a second wall end facing the bottom end of the elongated hollow body, a perimeter of the frustoconical aperture at the first end being greater than a perimeter of the frustoconical aperture at the second end.

[0017] In one embodiment, the elongated hollow body and the guiding hollow body are integral.

[0018] According to another broad aspect, there is provided a frame assembly for an inlet of one of a catch basin or a manhole, the frame system comprising: a hollow base mountable to the one of a catch basin or a manhole; a frame mountable relative to the hollow base, the frame comprising: an elongated hollow body extending longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end, the hollow body comprising a lateral wall defining an opening and extending between the top end and the bottom end; and a guiding hollow structure projecting inwardly from an inner face of the lateral wall, the hollow guiding structure defining a frame passageway, the frame passageway having a cross-sectional dimension decreasing from the bottom end of the elongated hollow body towards the top end of the elongated hollow body.

[0019] In one embodiment, the guiding hollow structure comprises a plurality of ribs each inwardly and longitudinally projecting from the inner face of the lateral wall, the ribs being each positioned at a respective location along a perimeter of the inner face of the lateral wall, each one of the ribs longitudinally extending between a first end facing the bottom end of the - 3 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25 elongated hollow body and a second end facing the top end of the elongated hollow body, a width of each one of the ribs increasing from the first end to the second end.

[0020] In one embodiment, a minimal distance between two adjacent ones of the ribs is chosen so as to prevent an insertion of at least one of a human head and a helmet to be worn on the human head between the two adjacent ones of the ribs.

[0021] In one embodiment, the frame further comprises a cover-receiving plate mounted at the top end of the elongated hollow body for receiving a cover, the cover-receiving plate being hollow and extending laterally between an internal face and an external face, the internal face being mounted to the lateral wall.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cover-receiving plate is provided with an inner rim on the internal face thereof, the rim being adjacent a top face thereof for receiving a cover thereon.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cover-receiving plate is provided with an outer rim projecting outwardly from the external face of the cover-receiving plate adjacent a top face thereof.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second end of each of the ribs is mounted to the cover-receiving plate.

[0025] In one embodiment, each of the ribs extends from the bottom end of the elongated hollow body to the top end of the elongated hollow body.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ribs are evenly positioned about a perimeter of the inner face of the lateral wall.

[0027] In one embodiment, the elongated hollow body is a tubular body.

[0028] In one embodiment, the elongated hollow body and the guiding hollow body are integral.
- 4 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0029] In one embodiment, the elongated hollow body is a tubular body and the guiding hollow structure comprises a frustoconical wall defining a frustoconical aperture, the frustoconical wall being mounted to the inner face of the lateral wall, the frustoconical wall extending between a first wall end facing the top end of the elongated hollow body and a second wall end facing the bottom end of the elongated hollow body, a perimeter of the frustoconical aperture at the first end being greater than a perimeter of the frustoconical aperture at the second end.

[0030] In one embodiment, the elongated hollow body and the guiding hollow body are integral.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Having thus generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration example embodiments thereof and in which:

[0032] FIG. lA is a top perspective view of a frame, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 1B is a top view of the frame of FIG. 1A;

[0034] FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the frame of FIG. 1A;

[0035] FIG. 1D is a side view of the frame of FIG. 1A;

[0036] FIG. lE is a cross-sectional view of the frame of FIG. 1A;

[0037] FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of a cover that may be used with the frame of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 2B is a top view of the cover of FIG. 2A;

[0039] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 2A;
¨ 5 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0040] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a base to be used with the frame of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 3B is a top view of the base shown in FIG. 4;

[0042] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 3A;

[0043] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a frame, cover and base assembly mounted on a manhole, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0044] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 4.

[0045] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] In the following, there is described a frame for the inlet of one of a catch basin or a manhole. The frame comprises a hollow body that defines a passageway therethrough. The hollow body extends longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end, and comprises a lateral wall that extends between the top and bottom ends and defines the passageway.

[0047] The frame further comprises a plurality of ribs inwardly projecting from the inner face of the lateral wall. Each rib is positioned at a respective location along the perimeter of the inner face, and extends between a first end facing the bottom end of the hollow body and a second end facing the top end of the hollow body. The width of each rib increases from its first end towards its second end.

[0048] In one embodiment, the frame may be positioned directly on top of the inlet of the catch basin or a manhole. Additionally, access to the catch basin or manhole may be prevented by addition of a cover on the top of the frame. The cover may be removably and/or lockably secured to the frame to prevent access to the inlet of a catch basin or manhole.
¨ 6 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0049] In another embodiment, the frame is to be used with a base. The base is mountable at the inlet of the catch basin or the manhole and comprises a hollow body configured to receive the bottom portion of the frame, the frame being movably mountable to the base.

[0050] In another embodiment, there is also provided an assembly comprising the frame, the cover and the base. The frame has a top surface and a bottom surface, the top and bottom surfaces each containing an opening therein, and the top and bottom surfaces are connected together by a lateral wall comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. A
plurality of ribs is secured to the inner surface of the lateral wall and the ribs each extend inwardly from the inner surface for guiding a user towards the opening of the top surface. The cover is receivable on the top surface of the frame. The base receives the bottom portion of the frame so that the frame is movably mounted to the base.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, the frame is advantageous with respect to at least some of the prior art devices in that it makes it simpler and/or safer to exit a manhole or catch basin.
For example, many users of manholes or catch basins need to be able to exit the manhole or catch basin due to safety requirements, for example during a gas leak.
However, the manhole or catch basin shaft may often be larger than the opening on the ground surface, so that a user exiting therefrom may inadvertently hit their head on the periphery of the opening. The present frame incorporates variable width ribs inside the frame to guide the user to the opening to facilitate and allow for rapid exit of a manhole or catch basin.

[0052] Referring now to Figures 1 to 5, there is described an embodiment of a frame and an embodiment of a frame assembly.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a frame, base and cover assembly are described herein.
With reference to FIGS. 1A-1E, the frame 100 will be described. The frame 100 comprises a tubular body 102, a cover receiving plate 104 and a plurality of ribs 106. The tubular body 102 extends between a top end 108 and a bottom end 109 along a longitudinal axis L1. The cover-receiving plate 104 is mounted at the top end 108 of the tubular body 102 while the ribs 106 are mounted into the tubular body 102, as described in greater detail below.
¨ 7 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0054] The tubular body 102 comprises a tubular wall 110 extending longitudinally between the top end 108 and the bottom end 109 and provided with an external face 113 having a first diameter and an inner face 114 having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, so as to define an opening 116 which extends from the top end 108 of the tubular body 102 to the bottom end 109 of the tubular body 102. The first diameter of the inner face 114 of the wall 110 is chosen as a function of the manhole or catch basin size and to ensure that a user may be able to fit therein for gaining access to the manhole or catch basin. The difference between the first and second diameters corresponds to the thickness of the tubular wall 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 110 is inwardly angled from top to bottom relative to the longitudinal axis L1 while the thickness of the wall 110 remains constant along the length of the wall 110, i.e. the outer diameter of the wall 110 decreases from top to bottom and the inner diameter of the wall 110 also decreases from top to bottom so that the thickness of the wall 110 remains constant. However, it should be understood that other configurations may be possible.
For example, the outer diameter and/or the inner diameter of the wall 110 may remain constant along the length of the wall 110.

[0055] It will be understood that the length of the tubular body 102 is chosen as a function of the distance between the top end of the manhole or catch basin and the ground surface (e.g.
road or sidewalk).

[0056] The cover-receiving plate 104 longitudinally extends between a top face 124 and a bottom face 125 and is provided with an annular shape so as to define an opening 122 extending between the top face 124 and the bottom face 125. As a result, the cover-receiving plate 104 extends radially between an inner face 130 and an outer face 132. The outer face 132 of the cover-receiving plate 104 is inwardly angled from top to bottom and flush with the outer face of the wall 110 so that the outer faces of the wall 110 and the cover-receiving plate 104 form a single continuous surface. The bottom face 125 of the cover-receiving plate 104 is mounted to the top end 108 of the tubular body 102. The inner diameter of the cover-receiving plate 104 is less than that of the tubular body 102 so that part of the cover-receiving plate 104 projects inwardly from the tubular body 102. The opening 122 defined by the cover-receiving plate 104 ¨ 8 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25 communicates with the opening 116 defined by the tubular body so as to form a passageway through which a person or objects may pass.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover-receiving plate 104 is provided with an annular-shaped recess 128 extending around the inner circumference of the cover-receiving plate 104, outwardly and radially from the inner face 130 towards the outer end 132 of the cover-receiving plate 104 along a given section of the width of the cover-receiving plate 104, and longitudinally from the top face 124 towards the bottom face 125 of the cover-receiving plate 104 along a given section of the thickness of the cover-receiving plate 104, so as to create a cover-receiving rim 134 which projects radially and inwardly for receiving a cover 10 thereon.

[0058] The outer diameter or width of the annular-shaped recess 128 is chosen so as to allow for the cover 10 to be placed on the cover-receiving rim 134. It should be understood that the inner diameter, the outer diameter and the width of the annular-shaped recess 128 are identical to the inner diameter, the outer diameter and the width of the cover-receiving rim 134, respectively. The diameter of the cover 10 is greater than the inner diameter of the cover-receiving rim 134 and equal to or less than the outer diameter of the annular-shaped recess 128 so that the cover 10 may be supported/held by a top face 135 of the cover-receiving rim 134.
Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment the thickness of the annular-shaped recess 128 is chosen to equal the thickness of the cover 10 so that when the cover 10 is mounted onto the cover-receiving rim 134, the top face 135 of the cover 10 is flush with the top face 124 of the cover-receiving plate 104.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover-receiving plate 104 is further provided with a support rim 136 that projects outwardly and radially from the outer face 132 of the cover-receiving plate 104 adducent to the top face 124 thereof. As a result, the support rim 136 extends continuously along the circumference of the outer face 132 of the cover-receiving plate 104.
The support rim 136 is configured to be received in or on the ground and to maintain the position of the frame relative to the ground surface. For example, thawing and freezing of a road in which the frame 100 is installed causes said road to shift and to cause movement in the surrounding ¨ 9 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25 structure. The support rim 136 being installed in a ground surface may help to maintain the position of the frame 100 relative to the ground surface when the ground surface shifts.

[0060] The frame 100 is further provided with a hollow guiding structure for guiding a user towards the opening 122 of the cover receiving plate 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the hollow guiding structure comprises twelve ribs 106. The ribs 106 each extend longitudinally between a bottom end 140 and a top face 142 and radially between a first angled lateral face 144 and a second lateral face 146 secured to the inner face 114 of the wall 110.
The bottom end 140 of each rib 106 is adjacent the bottom end 109 of the tubular body 102. The top face 142 of each rib 106 is secured to the bottom face 125 of the cover-receiving plate 104 and the bottom face of the cover-receiving rim 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end of the top face of a rib 106, which corresponds to the top end of the angled lateral face 144, is flush with the inner face 130 of the cover-receiving rim 134. The ribs 106 have the same length along the longitudinal direction L1 and the same width extending radially along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L1. The width of the ribs 106 increases from the bottom end 140 thereof until reaching a maximum value at the top face 142 thereof so as to each be provided with a triangular shape. The increase in width from bottom to top for the ribs 106 ensures that a user exiting the manhole or catch basin would, in climbing out of the frame 100, be guided towards the opening 122 of the cover receiving plate. Accordingly, the minimal distance between two adjacent ribs 106 is selected such that the head of a user and/or the safety helmet of said user could not fit between the ribs 106, ensuring that the user is led towards the opening 122. In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent ribs 106 is less than 150 mm.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 106 are identical and each provided with a triangular shape. Additionally, the ribs 106 are evenly distributed about the circumference of the inner face 114 of the tubular body 102 and the top face 142 of each rib 106 is mounted to the portion of the bottom face 125 of the cover-receiving plate 104 that projects inwardly towards the opening 116 of the tubular body 102. While the ribs 106 are secured to the bottom face 125 of the cover-receiving plate 104, it should be understood that the top face 142 of the ribs 106 may be spaced apart from the bottom face 125 of the cover-receiving plate 104 while still being adjacent thereto.
¨ 10 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0062] In one embodiment, the tubular body 102, the cover-receiving plate 104 and the ribs 106 are integral so that the frame 100 is made of a single piece. In this case, the frame 100 may be moulded for example.

[0063] In another embodiment, the tubular body 102, the cover-receiving plate 104 and the ribs 106 are independent pieces and the frame is assembled by fixedly securing together the tubular body 102, the cover-receiving plate 104 and the ribs 106. For example, the tubular body 102, the cover-receiving plate 104 and the ribs 106 may be welded together.

[0064] While in the illustrated embodiment, the elongated body 102 of the frame 100 is provided with a tubular shape, it will be understood that the body 102 may have any other adequate cross-sectional shape. For example, the elongated body 102 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. While in the illustrated embodiment the thickness of the wall 110 of the tubular body 102 is constant along the longitudinal axis L1, it will be understood that the wall 110 may instead be of a variable thickness.

[0065] While the frame 100 is provided with the cover-receiving plate 104, it should be understood that the cover-receiving plate 104 may be omitted. In this case, the cover 10 is adapted to be mounted directly to the tubular body 102.

[0066] While the cover-receiving plate 104 is provided with an annular shape, it should be understood that the cover-receiving plate 104 may be provided with any other adequate shape.
For example, the cover-receiving plate 104 may have a rectangular profile (although could still comprise a circular recess for receiving a cover 10 thereon) or any other profile as deemed suitable by the skilled addressee. Additionally, it is noted that although as previously described the cover receiving plate 104 has the annular-shaped recess 128 in the illustrated embodiment, it may also be provided with no recess. The cover 10 may then be received, for example, flush with the cover receiving plate 104. Additionally, while in the illustrated embodiment, the rim 134 projects perpendicularly from the tubular body 102, it will be understood that other configurations may be possible.
¨ 11 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0067] Similarly, while the opening 116 present in the cover-receiving plate 104 has a circular shape, it will be understood that the opening 106 may have any other adequate shape such as a rectangular shape. It should be understood that the cover 10 is shaped and sized for abutting the rim 134 defined around the of the opening 116.

[0068] Although in the illustrated embodiment the ribs 106 are substantially identical, it will be understood that the ribs 106 may be different from each other, for example through greater length of a particular rib or ribs or a different shape of a rib 106.
Any other configuration may be suitable so long as the ribs have an increasing width from their bottom end 140 to their top face 142. For example, one rib may be longer from the others in order to help orientate the user of the frame 100. When the user touches this long rib for example, they would know that they may be facing a particular direction as they exit the manhole or catch basin. In another example, while in the illustrated embodiment it is planar, the inner face 144 of the ribs 106 may be outwardly curved.

[0069] While in the illustrated embodiment, the frame 100 is provided with twelve identical triangular shaped ribs 106 evenly spaced apart about the circumference of the inner face 114 of the wall 110, the person skilled in the art will understand that other configurations are possible.
For example the number of ribs 106 may be varied. For example, in a larger manhole or catch basin there may be a need for a larger number of ribs 106 to maintain a spacing between said ribs 106 that would be smaller than the head of the user of the catch basin or manhole. The characteristics of the ribs 106 such as their dimension such as their length and/or width, or their shape may also vary, as described above. The angular position of the ribs 106 along the circumference of the wall 110 may also vary.

[0070] In one embodiment, there may be a gap between the top end 108 of the tubular body 102 and the top face 142 of the ribs 106. Similarly, there may also be a gap between the bottom end 109 of the tubular body 102 and the bottom end 140 of the ribs 106.
Additionally, it is envisaged that instead of a cover receiving rim 134, the cover 10 may be received directly onto the top face 142 of the ribs 106. This may be the case if, for example, as mentioned previously the plate portion 104 is removed partially or entirely.
¨ 12 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0071] Alternatively, instead of the ribs being formed of a single piece, each rib may be formed of a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart plates extending out from the inner face 114 of the wall 110, with short plates near the bottom end 109 and increasing in width as they go towards the top end 108 and thus guiding a user towards the ground surface.

[0072] In one embodiment, a truncated conical shaped plate may be secured to the inner face 144 of the ribs 106 so as to provide a continuous and inclined surface leading to the ground surface.

[0073] Similarly, instead of a plurality of ribs 106, the frame 100 may be provided with any adequate hollow guiding structure defining a passageway and mounted to the inner face 114 of the tubular body 102 as long as the structure is designed to guide a user towards the exit such as by having the cross-sectional dimension of the thus defined passageway decreasing from bottom to top. For example, the plurality of ribs 106 may be replaced by a single helical rib extending from the bottom end 109 and reaching the top end 108, the single rib increasing in width as it reaches the top end 108 of the tubular body 102 so as to guide the user towards the ground surface.

[0074] In a further embodiment, the ribs 106 may be omitted and the guiding structure may comprise a further wall defining a truncated conical aperture and mounted to the inner face 114 of the wall 110. The inner face of the further wall then corresponds to an inclined surface leading to the ground surface. In one embodiment, the further wall and the wall 110 may be integral to form a single wall being part of the tubular body 102.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover-receiving plate 104 comprises three recesses 150 each located at a respective angular position and in which a support bar 158 extends. The support bars 158 may be used for manipulating the frame 100 such as by securing fasteners or straps thereto. The center of the recesses 150 are vertically aligned with the inner face 114 of the wall 110 and are extending from the top face 124 towards the bottom face 125 of the cover-receiving plate 104 on the longitudinal axis L1 through a portion of the thickness of the cover-receiving body 104. Each recess 150 also extends radially between an inner face 152 and an outer face 154. As best illustrated in FIG 1E, the inner face 152 faces the annular-- 13 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25 shape recess 128 and the outer face 154 faces the outer edge of the cover receiving plate 104.
In one or more embodiment, protrusions 156 vertically aligned with the recesses 152 are formed on a surface shared between the bottom surface 125 and the inner surface 110 of the wall 114.

[0076] Within each recess 150 a cylindrical support bar 158 radially extends between the inner face 152 and the outer face 154. While in the illustrated embodiment the recesses 150 are evenly spaced apart about the circumference of the cover-receiving plate 104, it should be understood that other configurations may be possible. The number, position, shape and/or size of the recesses 150 may vary. For example, the recesses 150 may extend entirely through the cover-receiving plate 104 from the top surface 124 to the bottom surface 125, thereby creating an aperture for allowing water or other liquid to evacuate from the top surface 124 of the cover-receiving plate 104 to the manhole or catch basin underneath. In another example, the cover-receiving plate 104 may comprise no recess 150 and no support bar 158.
Similarly the characteristics of the support bars 158 such as their cross-sectional dimensions and/or their shape may vary.

[0077] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, the cover 10 is now described.
Although covers to be used with manholes or catch basins are well known in the art, the cover 10 will be briefly described as it may be used with the frame 100 described previously. However, it should be understood that any adequate cover may be used with the frame 100.

[0078] The cover 10 has a generally disc-shaped body 12. The disc-shaped body 12 is provided with a top face 14, a bottom face 16 and an edge or lateral face 18 extending between the bottom face 16 and the top face 14. The cover 10 further comprises a reinforcement structure 20 which projects from the bottom face 16 of the disc-shaped body 12 and consists of eight ribs 22, a circular wall 24 and two walls 26', 26". The circular wall 24 is centered with respect to the disc-shaped body 12, i.e., the circular wall 24 and the disc-shaped body 12 share the same center, and the radius of the circular wall 24 is less than that of the disc-shaped body 12. The two walls 26', 26" each extend along a section of a respective diameter of the disc-shaped body 12 and are included within the circular wall 24, i.e. each wall 26', 26" extends between two ends which are secured to opposite sides of the internal face of the circular wall 24.
¨ 14 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25 Furthermore, the two walls 26', 26" each pass through the center of the disc-shaped body 12 and are orthogonal with each other, creating a cross-shape in the center of circular wall 24. The ribs 22 each extend radially along a given section of the radius of the disc-shaped body 12 and are evenly distributed about the circumference of the disc-shaped body 12.
Each rib 22 is provided with a triangular shape and increases in width from the edge of the disc-shaped body 12 towards the center of the center of the disc-shaped body 12 up to the circular wall 24.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 22 are paired, i.e., each rib 22 faces another respective rib 22, thereby forming a pair 28 of ribs 22, and the two ribs 22 of each pair 28 are aligned along a respective axis that passes by the center of the disc-shaped body 12.
Furthermore, the ribs 22 of a first pair 28' are aligned with a first one of the two walls 26' while the ribs 22 of another pair 28" are aligned with the other one of the two walls 26".

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 10 further comprises four slots 11 that each extend through the thickness of the disc-shaped body 12 to facilitate handling of the cover 10.
The cover 10 is also provided with two recesses 13 facing each other, having a semi-circular profile and projecting inwardly from the edge of the disc-shaped body 12 while extending through the thickness of the disc-shaped body 12.

[0081] Although in the illustrated embodiment the cover 10 includes a reinforcement structure, it will be understood that the reinforcement structure may be omitted. In this case, the cover 10 may be provided with top and bottom planar surfaces. In other embodiments, the reinforcing structure may be different from the illustrated one.

[0082] While in the illustrated embodiment, the disc-shaped body 12 is provided with four slots 11 and two recesses 13, it will be understood that the number, position, shape and size of the recesses 13 and/or slots 11 may vary. For example, the cover may comprise no slot 11. In another embodiment, the cover 10 may comprise no recess 13. While in the illustrated embodiment, the disc-shaped body 12 is provided with four slots 11 positioned at 90 degree angle from one another around the disc-shaped body 12, it will be understood that the four slots 11 may have a different position.
¨ 15 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0083] While the slots 11 may be used for facilitate handling of the cover 10, it will be understood that the slots 11 may correspond to evacuation apertures for allowing water to evacuate from the top surface of the cover 10 to the manhole or catch basin underneath. This may be particularly beneficial in the case of a catch basin which are generally configured for drainage. The evacuation apertures may be configured so as to allow for water drainage while being small enough that a person walking on the cover 10 would not fall into the manhole or catch basin.

[0084] It should be understood that the illustrated cover 10 is exemplary only and that any adequate cover adapted to cover the central aperture of the frame 100 may be used.

[0085] With reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, there is illustrated one embodiment of a base 200 configured to receive the frame 100 therein. The base 200 comprises a tubular portion or body 202 and a plate portion or body 204. The tubular body 202 defines an opening 224 and extends longitudinally between a bottom face 206 and a top face 208 and radially between an outer face 207 and an inner face 209 which faces the opening 224. The plate body 204 is provided with an annular shape and secured to the outer face 207 of the tubular body 202 adjacent to the bottom end 206 thereof. The plate body 204 corresponds to a rim that projects radially about the circumference of the outer face 207 of the tubular body 202. The plate body 204 extends radially between a circular inner face 209 which is secured to the outer face 207 of the tubular body 202 and a circular outer face or edge 215, and longitudinally between a bottom face 214 and a top face 212.

[0086] The tubular body 202 is outwardly angled, i.e. the inner diameter of the tubular body 202 increases from top to bottom so that opening 224 is provided with a truncated conical shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter of the tubular body 202 also increases from top to bottom so that the thickness of the tubular body 202, i.e., the distance between the inner face and the outer face of the tubular body 202 remains constant along the length of the tubular body 202. However, it should be understood that the inner diameter and/or the outer diameter of the tubular body 202 may remain constant along the length thereon.
¨ 16 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0087] It should also be understood that the smallest inner diameter of the tubular body 202 must be at least equal to the bottom outer diameter 113 of the wall 110 of the frame 100 so that the frame 100 may be at least partially inserted into the tubular body 202 and the tubular body 202 may support the frame 100.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the rim is substantially annular, though there are four straight portions 222 positioned in 90 degree intervals around the circumference of the plate portion 204. It should be understood that the straight portions 22 may be omitted.

[0089] The base 200 further comprises four support members 230. Each support member 230 extends upwardly out of the top face 212 of the plate body 204 and then bends to connect to the outer face 207 of the tubular portion 202. The support members 230 can be used for securing cables thereto in order to manipulate and move the base 200.
While the base 200 comprises four support members 230 which are evenly distributed about the circumference of the plate body 204, it should be understood that the number and the position of the support members 230 may vary. Similarly, the shape and size of the support members 230 may also vary. It should also be understood that the support members 230 may be omitted.

[0090] In one embodiment, the plate portion 204 of the base 200 may be omitted entirely so that the base 200 only comprises a tubular body. In another embodiment, the tube wall 210 may be substantially parallel to the vertical axis so that the diameter of the wall 210 remains substantially the same. Alternatively, the wall 210 may have a variable thickness as it extends from the bottom face 206 to the top face 208.

[0091] The plate portion 204 is configured to be received on the periphery of the manhole, for example on a top surface of the shaft 400, to provide support while the frame 100 is received inside the tubular portion 202 of the base 200.

[0092] In one embodiment, the plate portion 204 can be provided with holes at different angular positions for securing the base 200 to the top face 404 of the manhole 400 using screws or bolts for example.
¨ 17 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0093] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrates one embodiment of an assembly comprising the frame 100 and the base 200 mounted to s structure 400, i.e. a manhole or catch basin 400. The structure 400, i.e., the manhole or catch basing 400, comprises a tubular wall 402 provided with a top circular face 404 on which the base 200 is mounted. When the base 200 is mounted on top of the structure 400, the bottom face 206 of the tubular body 202 and the bottom face 214 of the plate body 204 abuts the top face 404 of the tubular wall 402 of the structure 400.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion of the frame 100 is inserted into the opening of the base 200 but the frame 100 does not abut against the base 200, i.e. the lateral face of the wall 110 and/or the bottom face 125 of the cover-receiving plate 104 is not in physical contact with the base 200. In this case, the frame 100 is to be supported by the surface level ground on which it is to be installed. As a result, if the level of the ground changes, the frame 100 would be lifted or lowered accordingly to maintain its position relative to the ground (e.g. flush with the ground) while the base 200 remains in position. In this way, the frame 100 will remain generally aligned with the base 200 even when the ground (such as a road or a walkway) on which the frame 100 is installed moves, for example during freezing and thawing throughout the year. This allows a user to access the manhole or catch basin even with movement of the frame 100 relative to the base 200. In one embodiment, a geotextile membrane (not shown) is installed at the junction between the frame 100 and the base 200 to seal the connection between the base 200 and the frame 100. The geotextile membrane is elastic and even if the frame 100 moves relative to the base 200, the membrane maintains a seal between the base 200 and the frame 100 to avoid debris (e.g. mud or concrete) from falling into the manhole. The base 200 therefore allows the frame 100 to be adjustable or flexible with respect to the ground level while helping to maintain the manhole free of debris.

[0095] In another embodiment, the frame 100 is inserted into the opening of the base 200 so that the frame 100 abuts against the base 200, i.e. the lateral face 114 of the wall 110 and/or the bottom face 125 of the cover-receiving plate 104 is in physical contact with the base 200. In this case, the frame 100 and the base 200 may have a fixed relative position.
¨ 18 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

[0096] It should be understood that the dimensions of the frame 100 are chosen at least partially based on the dimensions of the manhole or catch basin 300, or at least partially based on the dimensions of the base 200, if any.

[0097] The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only.
The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.
¨ 19 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-25

Claims (22)

1. A frame for an inlet of one of a catch basin or a manhole, the frame comprising:
an elongated hollow body extending longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end, the hollow body comprising a lateral wall defining an opening and extending between the top end and the bottom end; and a guiding hollow structure projecting inwardly from an inner face of the lateral wall, the hollow guiding structure defining a frame passageway, the frame passageway having a cross-sectional dimension decreasing from the bottom end of the elongated hollow body towards the top end of the elongated hollow body, wherein the guiding hollow structure comprises a plurality of ribs each inwardly and longitudinally projecting from the inner face of the lateral wall, the ribs being each positioned at a respective location along a perimeter of the inner face of the lateral wall, each one of the ribs longitudinally extending between a first rib end facing the bottom end of the elongated hollow body and a second rib end facing the top end of the elongated hollow body, a width of each one of the ribs increasing from the first rib end to the second rib end, and wherein a minimal distance between two adjacent ones of the ribs is chosen so as to prevent an insertion of at least one of a human head and a helmet to be worn on the human head between the two adjacent ones of the ribs.

2. The frame of claim 1, further comprising a cover-receiving plate mounted at the top end of the elongated hollow body for receiving a cover, the cover-receiving plate being hollow and extending laterally between an internal face and an external face, the internal face being mounted to the lateral wall.

3. The frame of claim 2, wherein the cover-receiving plate is provided with an inner rim on the internal face thereof, the rim being adjacent a top face thereof for receiving a cover thereon.
- 20 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-20

4. The frame of claim 2 or 3, wherein the cover-receiving plate is provided with an outer rim projecting outwardly from the external face of the cover-receiving plate adjacent a top face thereof.

5. The frame of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second rib end of each of the ribs is mounted to the cover-receiving plate.

6. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the ribs extends from the bottom end of the elongated hollow body to the top end of the elongated hollow body.

7. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ribs are evenly positioned about a perimeter of the inner face of the lateral wall.

8. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elongated hollow body is a tubular body.

9. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elongated hollow body and the guiding hollow body are integral.

10. The frame of claim 1, wherein the elongated hollow body is a tubular body and the guiding hollow structure comprises a frustoconical wall defining a frustoconical aperture, the frustoconical wall being mounted to the inner face of the lateral wall, the frustoconical wall extending between a first wall end facing the top end of the elongated hollow body and a second wall end facing the bottom end of the elongated hollow body, a perimeter of the frustoconical aperture at the first wall end being greater than a perimeter of the frustoconical aperture at the second wall end.

11. The frame of claim 10, wherein the elongated hollow body and the guiding hollow body are integral.
¨ 21 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-20

12. A frame assembly for an inlet of one of a catch basin or a manhole, the frame assembly comprising:
a hollow base mountable to the one of a catch basin or a manhole;
a frame mountable relative to the hollow base, the frame comprising:
an elongated hollow body extending longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end, the hollow body comprising a lateral wall defining an opening and extending between the top end and the bottom end; and a guiding hollow structure projecting inwardly from an inner face of the lateral wall, the hollow guiding structure defining a frame passageway, the frame passageway having a cross-sectional dimension decreasing from the bottom end of the elongated hollow body towards the top end of the elongated hollow body wherein the guiding hollow structure comprises a plurality of ribs each inwardly and longitudinally projecting from the inner face of the lateral wall, the ribs being each positioned at a respective location along a perimeter of the inner face of the lateral wall, each one of the ribs longitudinally extending between a first rib end facing the bottom end of the elongated hollow body and a second rib end facing the top end of the elongated hollow body, a width of each one of the ribs increasing from the first rib end to the second rib end, and wherein a minimal distance between two adjacent ones of the ribs is chosen so as to prevent an insertion of at least one of a human head and a helmet to be worn on the human head between the two adjacent ones of the ribs.

13. The frame assembly of claim 12, wherein the frame further comprises a cover-receiving plate mounted at the top end of the elongated hollow body for receiving a cover, the cover-receiving plate being hollow and extending laterally between an internal face and an external face, the internal face being mounted to the lateral wall.

14. The frame assembly of claim 13, wherein the cover-receiving plate is provided with an inner rim on the internal face thereof, the rim being adjacent a top face thereof for receiving a cover thereon.
¨ 22 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-20

15. The frame assembly of claim 13 or 14, wherein the cover-receiving plate is provided with an outer rim projecting outwardly from the external face of the cover-receiving plate adjacent a top face thereof.

16. The frame assembly of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second rib end of each of the ribs is mounted to the cover-receiving plate.

17. The frame assembly of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein each of the ribs extends from the bottom end of the elongated hollow body to the top end of the elongated hollow body.

18. The frame assembly of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the ribs are evenly positioned about a perimeter of the inner face of the lateral wall.

19. The frame assembly of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the elongated hollow body is a tubular body.

20. The frame assembly of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the elongated hollow body and the guiding hollow body are integral.

21. The frame assembly of claim 12, wherein the elongated hollow body is a tubular body and the guiding hollow structure comprises a frustoconical wall defining a frustoconical aperture, the frustoconical wall being mounted to the inner face of the lateral wall, the frustoconical wall extending between a first wall end facing the top end of the elongated hollow body and a second wall end facing the bottom end of the elongated hollow body, a perimeter of the frustoconical aperture at the first wall end being greater than a perimeter of the frustoconical aperture at the second wall end.

22. The frame assembly of claim 21, wherein the elongated hollow body and the guiding hollow body are integral.
¨ 23 ¨
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-20