US2682211A - Manhole cover - Google Patents

Manhole cover Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US2682211A
US2682211A US193993A US19399350A US2682211A US 2682211 A US2682211 A US 2682211A US 193993 A US193993 A US 193993A US 19399350 A US19399350 A US 19399350A US 2682211 A US2682211 A US 2682211A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
cover
manhole
block
crank
frame
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
Application number
US193993A
Inventor
Charles F Avila
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US193993A priority Critical patent/US2682211A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US2682211A publication Critical patent/US2682211A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02DFOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D29/00Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
    • E02D29/12Manhole shafts; Other inspection or access chambers; Accessories therefor
    • E02D29/14Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers
    • E02D29/1427Locking devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to manhole covers and particularly to means for locking manhole covers in place.
  • the cover of the present invention is of simple form adaptable to manholes of existing constructions.
  • Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of the manhole and manhole frame taken along line I-l of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 2 is a top view of the manhole;
  • Fig. 3 is a top View of the manhole cover;
  • Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the manhole cover;
  • Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of the manhole with the cover in locked position;
  • Fig. 6 is a face view of one of the holding blocks showing the locking shaft in locking position;
  • Fig. 7 is an isometric View of the operating arm and shaft in the locked position.
  • the manhole I0 is provided with the usual manhole frame I2, which is flush with the road surface as indicated in Fig. 1.
  • the frame is provided with an annular seat I4to receive the cover.
  • the walls of the frame I2 taper toward the top.
  • two locking blocks I6 and I8 are secured on diammetrically opposite p-arts of the frame and partway down the walls.
  • the block I6 is of simple overhung construc- 1 Claim. (Cl. 94-35) tion as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the block I8, as shown in Fig. 6, has one part of the bottom surface formed on the arc of a circle 2t to conform to the movement of a locking shaft as Will be presently described.
  • the manhole cover 22 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is of circular form to rest on the seat I4 and is preferably provided with positioning notches 24 to register with pins 26- in the seat I4.
  • the cover is formed with a large number of slots 21 for ventilation to reduce gas accumulation and to relieve the gas pressure in the event of an explosion in the manhole.
  • Secured to the under side of the cover are two blocks 28 and 3D.
  • the block 28 is of a contour to conform to the shape of the cover and is provided with a lip to underlie the overhanging part of the stationary block I6. The construction is such that the cover may be put in place by tipping it slightly so that the lip of the block 28 slides under the overhang of the block I6.
  • the block 30 is arranged to lie immediately adjacent to the crank engaging block I8 on the frame.
  • the block 3D has a yoke 3I in which is journaled a crank 32, the free endof which is adapted to ride under the curved portion 20 of the block I8.
  • Fig. 6 shows the free end or locking portion of the crank 32 in the locked position. In this position, it rests against an abutment I 8a formed in the block I8 adjacent the horizontal lower portion of the arcuate bottom surface 20. The locking portion of the crank engages the horizontal portion of the surface 20 while bearing against the abutment Illa.
  • the under side of the cover may be provided with vertical strengthening ribs, two of Which are shown at 33 in Fig. 4 and in broken-away form in Fig. 5.
  • These ribs are of any suitable shape, according to usual cover design practices.
  • the blocks 28 and 30, as indicated in Fig. 5, are of such shapes as to conform to the contours of the ribs.
  • the blocks are secured to the cover by any suitable means, preferably by bolting.
  • An operating arm 34 is secured to the inner end of the crank 32 and is received in one of the slots 2l of the cover.
  • the arrangement of the arm is such that when it is seated in its slot the crank 32 is in locking position under the end of the curved portion 20 of the block I8. To unlock the cover it is only necessary to pry up the arm 34 to vertical position thereby swinging the end of the crank 32 out from under the block I8, whereupon the cover may be lifted.
  • the arm 34 In replacing the cover, the arm 34 is in raised position, the cover is tilted into position as above described with the positioning notches 24 in their proper places, and aiter the cover is seated, the handle or arm 34 is simply pressed down into the slot, thereby rmly locking the cover in place.
  • the parts are so arranged that the arm 34 rotates in direction of traiiic. If by error the arm 34 is left in its vertical position or if it becomes dislodged for any reason, the force of a wheel riding over it will press it down into locking position.
  • the rm holding of the cover to frame is essential, since even with slotted cover, any yielding, as by the use of springs, will allow the cover to acquire suflicient kinetic energy to result in excessive damage to the frame.
  • the present invention provides for such holding action, while still permitting ready removal of the cover for access to the manhole.
  • a manhole frame having securing blocks extending inwardly at substantially opposing points thereof, said blocks including a crank engaging block having an arcuate bottom surface with a horizontal lower portion and an abutment adjacent to said portion, and a cover for the frame, said cover having a supporting block underlying a securing block when the cover is seated by lowering it upon the frame from a tilted position, a journal block lying adjacent to the crank engaging block when he cover is fully seated, a crank supported in t e journal block for rotation about a horizontal axis disposed beneath the surface of the cover, said crank having a locking portion passing under said arcuate surface and locking the cover by engaging said horizontal portion of the surface while bearing against said abutment, and an operating arm secured to the crank in position to be rotated upwardly through an elongated opening in the cover, said arm and the locking portion of the crank being in such relative positions that said locking portion is against said abutment when the arm is depressed below the surface of the cover and free of said arcu

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Underground Structures, Protecting, Testing And Restoring Foundations (AREA)

Description

C. F. AVILA MANHOLE COVER June 29, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 3, 1950 C. F. AVILA MANHOLE COVER June 29, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 3, 1950 Patented June 29, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE MANHOLE COVER Charles F. Avila, Milton, Mass.
Application November 3, 1950, Serial No. 193,993
The present invention relates to manhole covers and particularly to means for locking manhole covers in place.
Heretofore in the covering of manholes, it has been the practice simply to place the manhole cover1 on top of the manhole frame and to rely on the weight of the cover itself to prevent its being dislodged. However, explosions from underground sources Occasionally occur with such force as to project the cover to considerable heights with hazard of damage to life and property. These explosions result mainly from accumulations of gas from any of several sources. The gas may form an explosive mixture with the air in the manhole and the mixture is subject to detonation on the presence of a spark or flame.
Various expedients have been suggested for preventing accidents of this nature and many have followed the theory of providing a spring mounting for the covers. These are usually either excessively massive and costly or ineffective and I have discovered that the reason therefor is that the cover under the initial impact of the explosion acquires such a considerable kinetic energy before compressing the spring that it tends to tear away the supporting structure.
According to the present invention I provide a manhole cover which will be firmly secured and capable of withstanding the high explosion pressures without movement and also to permit the release of gas pressure therethrough. The cover of the present invention is of simple form adaptable to manholes of existing constructions.
In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of the manhole and manhole frame taken along line I-l of Fig. 2; Fig. 2 is a top view of the manhole; Fig. 3 is a top View of the manhole cover; Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the manhole cover; Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of the manhole with the cover in locked position; Fig. 6 is a face view of one of the holding blocks showing the locking shaft in locking position; and Fig. 7 is an isometric View of the operating arm and shaft in the locked position.
In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the manhole I0 is provided with the usual manhole frame I2, which is flush with the road surface as indicated in Fig. 1. The frame is provided with an annular seat I4to receive the cover. As shown in Fig. 1 the walls of the frame I2 taper toward the top. On diammetrically opposite p-arts of the frame and partway down the walls are secured two locking blocks I6 and I8.
The block I6 is of simple overhung construc- 1 Claim. (Cl. 94-35) tion as shown in Fig. 1. The block I8, as shown in Fig. 6, has one part of the bottom surface formed on the arc of a circle 2t to conform to the movement of a locking shaft as Will be presently described.
The manhole cover 22 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is of circular form to rest on the seat I4 and is preferably provided with positioning notches 24 to register with pins 26- in the seat I4. The cover is formed with a large number of slots 21 for ventilation to reduce gas accumulation and to relieve the gas pressure in the event of an explosion in the manhole. Secured to the under side of the cover are two blocks 28 and 3D. The block 28 is of a contour to conform to the shape of the cover and is provided with a lip to underlie the overhanging part of the stationary block I6. The construction is such that the cover may be put in place by tipping it slightly so that the lip of the block 28 slides under the overhang of the block I6.
The block 30 is arranged to lie immediately adjacent to the crank engaging block I8 on the frame. The block 3D has a yoke 3I in which is journaled a crank 32, the free endof which is adapted to ride under the curved portion 20 of the block I8. Fig. 6 shows the free end or locking portion of the crank 32 in the locked position. In this position, it rests against an abutment I 8a formed in the block I8 adjacent the horizontal lower portion of the arcuate bottom surface 20. The locking portion of the crank engages the horizontal portion of the surface 20 while bearing against the abutment Illa.
It will be understood that the under side of the cover may be provided with vertical strengthening ribs, two of Which are shown at 33 in Fig. 4 and in broken-away form in Fig. 5. These ribs are of any suitable shape, according to usual cover design practices. The blocks 28 and 30, as indicated in Fig. 5, are of such shapes as to conform to the contours of the ribs. The blocks are secured to the cover by any suitable means, preferably by bolting.
An operating arm 34 is secured to the inner end of the crank 32 and is received in one of the slots 2l of the cover. The arrangement of the arm is such that when it is seated in its slot the crank 32 is in locking position under the end of the curved portion 20 of the block I8. To unlock the cover it is only necessary to pry up the arm 34 to vertical position thereby swinging the end of the crank 32 out from under the block I8, whereupon the cover may be lifted. In replacing the cover, the arm 34 is in raised position, the cover is tilted into position as above described with the positioning notches 24 in their proper places, and aiter the cover is seated, the handle or arm 34 is simply pressed down into the slot, thereby rmly locking the cover in place. The parts are so arranged that the arm 34 rotates in direction of traiiic. If by error the arm 34 is left in its vertical position or if it becomes dislodged for any reason, the force of a wheel riding over it will press it down into locking position.
The lock effected by the blocks I6 and 28 in one side and the block I3 and crank 32 on the other side resists movement of the cover even under the most severe explosions. I have discovered that even with a solid cover the parts are not dislodged by the most serious explosions and the worst result is simply to lift or dislodge the frame I2 so that the gas pressure dissipates under the road surface. However, by provision of the slots 2l by which about three-fourths of the area of the cover may be open, the force of the blast is largely dissipated without any damage even to the manhole frame. It has also been found that smoke may issue from the openings for some time prior to the blast and thus` give a visual warning of danger so that pedestrians may keep away. In any event, the rm holding of the cover to frame is essential, since even with slotted cover, any yielding, as by the use of springs, will allow the cover to acquire suflicient kinetic energy to result in excessive damage to the frame. The present invention provides for such holding action, while still permitting ready removal of the cover for access to the manhole.
Having thus described the invention, I claim:
The combination of a manhole frame having securing blocks extending inwardly at substantially opposing points thereof, said blocks including a crank engaging block having an arcuate bottom surface with a horizontal lower portion and an abutment adjacent to said portion, and a cover for the frame, said cover having a supporting block underlying a securing block when the cover is seated by lowering it upon the frame from a tilted position, a journal block lying adjacent to the crank engaging block when he cover is fully seated, a crank supported in t e journal block for rotation about a horizontal axis disposed beneath the surface of the cover, said crank having a locking portion passing under said arcuate surface and locking the cover by engaging said horizontal portion of the surface while bearing against said abutment, and an operating arm secured to the crank in position to be rotated upwardly through an elongated opening in the cover, said arm and the locking portion of the crank being in such relative positions that said locking portion is against said abutment when the arm is depressed below the surface of the cover and free of said arcuate surface when the arm is raised through said opening.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 670,506 Dent Mar. 26, 1901 1,127,116 Thorne Feb. 2, 1915 1,694,133 McHugh Dec. 4, 1928 1,712,267 Gsohwind May 7, 1929 1,988,360 Moore Jan. 15, 1935 2,511,425 Beauchamp June 13, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 380,160 Great Britain Sept- 15, 1932
US193993A 1950-11-03 1950-11-03 Manhole cover Expired - Lifetime US2682211A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US193993A US2682211A (en) 1950-11-03 1950-11-03 Manhole cover

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US193993A US2682211A (en) 1950-11-03 1950-11-03 Manhole cover

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US2682211A true US2682211A (en) 1954-06-29

Family

ID=22715895

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US193993A Expired - Lifetime US2682211A (en) 1950-11-03 1950-11-03 Manhole cover

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US2682211A (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4848034A (en) * 1988-05-24 1989-07-18 The Boeing Company Quick-release latch and access door
US5611640A (en) * 1994-05-27 1997-03-18 Bowman; Harold M. Method and apparatus for anchoring a utility grate cover
US5628152A (en) * 1995-08-16 1997-05-13 Bowman; Harold M. Adjustable manhole cover support with shield
US5697729A (en) * 1993-07-02 1997-12-16 Bowman; Harold M. Anchor for utility access hole support insert
US6007270A (en) * 1993-07-02 1999-12-28 Bowman; Harold M. Manhole frame assembly
US20070034577A1 (en) * 2005-08-10 2007-02-15 Bestweld Inc. Self-locking grate for deck drain fitting
US9919853B2 (en) 2010-11-10 2018-03-20 Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Locking subgrade vault
US10197088B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2019-02-05 Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Tamper resistant closure mechanism for a utility vault
US10240316B2 (en) 2012-11-16 2019-03-26 Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Locking subgrade vault
US11066803B2 (en) 2012-11-16 2021-07-20 Oldcastle Infrastructure, Inc. Locking subgrade vault

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US670506A (en) * 1900-11-28 1901-03-26 Dent Hardware Company Latch.
US1127116A (en) * 1911-02-23 1915-02-02 William H Miner Latch for car-doors.
US1694133A (en) * 1922-04-15 1928-12-04 Agnes J Mchugh Manhold cover
US1712267A (en) * 1924-10-09 1929-05-07 Gschwind Leon Manhole, valve box, and the like
GB380160A (en) * 1931-06-18 1932-09-15 Frederick George Laws Improvements in or connected with street or road manhole covers and frames and gulley grates and frames
US1988360A (en) * 1932-10-28 1935-01-15 Lenape Hydraulic Pressing & Fo Manhole frame cover
US2511425A (en) * 1946-08-02 1950-06-13 Youngstown Steel Door Co Car door fastener

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US670506A (en) * 1900-11-28 1901-03-26 Dent Hardware Company Latch.
US1127116A (en) * 1911-02-23 1915-02-02 William H Miner Latch for car-doors.
US1694133A (en) * 1922-04-15 1928-12-04 Agnes J Mchugh Manhold cover
US1712267A (en) * 1924-10-09 1929-05-07 Gschwind Leon Manhole, valve box, and the like
GB380160A (en) * 1931-06-18 1932-09-15 Frederick George Laws Improvements in or connected with street or road manhole covers and frames and gulley grates and frames
US1988360A (en) * 1932-10-28 1935-01-15 Lenape Hydraulic Pressing & Fo Manhole frame cover
US2511425A (en) * 1946-08-02 1950-06-13 Youngstown Steel Door Co Car door fastener

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4848034A (en) * 1988-05-24 1989-07-18 The Boeing Company Quick-release latch and access door
US5697729A (en) * 1993-07-02 1997-12-16 Bowman; Harold M. Anchor for utility access hole support insert
US6007270A (en) * 1993-07-02 1999-12-28 Bowman; Harold M. Manhole frame assembly
US5611640A (en) * 1994-05-27 1997-03-18 Bowman; Harold M. Method and apparatus for anchoring a utility grate cover
US5628152A (en) * 1995-08-16 1997-05-13 Bowman; Harold M. Adjustable manhole cover support with shield
US20070034577A1 (en) * 2005-08-10 2007-02-15 Bestweld Inc. Self-locking grate for deck drain fitting
US9919853B2 (en) 2010-11-10 2018-03-20 Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Locking subgrade vault
US9932157B2 (en) 2010-11-10 2018-04-03 Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Locking subgrade vault
USD841279S1 (en) 2010-11-10 2019-02-19 Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Subgrade vault
US10197088B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2019-02-05 Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Tamper resistant closure mechanism for a utility vault
US10240316B2 (en) 2012-11-16 2019-03-26 Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Locking subgrade vault
US11066803B2 (en) 2012-11-16 2021-07-20 Oldcastle Infrastructure, Inc. Locking subgrade vault

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US2682211A (en) Manhole cover
US2009132A (en) Manhole construction
US7484908B2 (en) Manhole cover security lock with controlled pressure release
US2697389A (en) Lock type manhole cover
US1944535A (en) Cap locking device
JP4815393B2 (en) Manhole cover device
US4377243A (en) Lock for fuel tank cover
US2869576A (en) Key-operated fire hydrant
KR101580960B1 (en) A Locking type Manhole assembly
US1970178A (en) Safety anchor
US4544076A (en) Locking cap for oil storage tank
US1992354A (en) Safety hinge for manhole covers
US2154118A (en) Closure cap
US2796192A (en) Locking closure
KR20210043333A (en) A locking apparatus for manhole and water valve cover
US3994520A (en) Locking device for roadway manhole cover
US1747201A (en) Locking means for receptacle closures
US3041099A (en) Locking means for car roof hatch covers
US2553934A (en) Manhole cover construction
US2294922A (en) Closure cap
US1599509A (en) Manhole cover
US3978618A (en) Box car anti-pilferage device for plug doors
US2163042A (en) Container closure
US2277488A (en) Automobile wheel cover
US1650579A (en) Tank-car-dome closure