Entryway protective collar

• US 10,214,345 B1
• Filed: 11/23/2012
• Issued: 02/26/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 12/12/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cameron Gordon Howie
• Original Assignee: Cameron Gordon Howie
• Inventors: Howie, Cameron Gordon
• Primary Examiner(s): Buechner, Patrick M
• Assistant Examiner(s): Melaragno, Michael J
• Application Number:
  US13/684,317
• Time in Patent Office: 2,286 Days
• Field of Search: 138 96 R, 138109, 138110, 174665, 174152 R, 242615, 2426154, 404 25, 404 26, 52 20, 2541343 R
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/105 for underground containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/20 Frames or nets, e.g. for flexible containers
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 29/12 Manhole shafts; Other inspection or access chambers; Accessories therefor for underground tanks B65D90/10; for sewerage E03F5/02 ; climbing irons or ladders E06C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 29/122 Steps or handrails for shafts

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a protective collar that covers the edges of a manhole or other personnel entryway. One device comprises at least two pieces and a hinge that connects the two pieces, which allows the device to be folded for storage. Another device includes a skirt portion that extends further into the manhole. A further device includes at least one light to provide light into the manhole. A still further device includes a surface port that provides a connecting point for a line, and a subsurface port that provides a connecting point for another line. A still further device includes another portion to cover any equipment that has been inserted into the manhole. A still further device includes at least one rung to assist in personnel in entering and exiting the manhole.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a first portion that has a diameter that is larger than that of a manhole and covers a surface that is adjacent to the manhole;

a second portion that has a diameter that is smaller than that of the manhole and extends into the opening of the manhole;

a third portion that connects the first portion and the second portion; and

an opening that is formed by the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion;

wherein in operation, the device is removably placed about a manhole with the first portion extending around the manhole, the third portion extending into the manhole, and the opening providing access to the manhole;

wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion form a continuous surface that lacks sharp edges and lacks discontinuities.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is comprised of one or more of plastic, ABS plastic, metal, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and wood.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the manhole and the device have a round shape.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the manhole and device have a rectangular shape.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the manhole is one of a round shape and a rectangular shape and the device is the other of the rectangular shape and the round shape.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is adjustable to accommodate different sized manholes.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the adjustable device has sliding portions that can adjust a size of the device to accommodate a size of the manhole.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the adjustable device is formed from pieces, and the pieces are selected from a plurality of pieces to accommodate a size of the manhole.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least two pieces.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising:

a hinge that connects the two pieces;

wherein the hinge allows the device to be folded for storage.

11. The device of claim 9, further comprising:

a connector that connects the two pieces;

wherein the connector allows the device to be disassembled for storages.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a skirt portion that abuts the second portion and extends further into the manhole.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a raised portion that is located on the first portion;

whereby the raised portion provides a barrier to undesired objects from falling into the manhole.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a seal that is located between the first portion and the surface;

whereby the seal reduces undesired liquids from falling into the manhole.

15. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a signal device to mark the manhole as being open.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the signal device comprises one or paint and reflective tape.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the signal device at least one light.

18. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one light that is located in second portion to provide light into the manhole.

19. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one surface port located in the first portion that provides a connecting point for a line; and

at least one subsurface port located in the second portion the provide a connecting point for another line;

wherein the surface port and the subsurface port are operably connected with each other through the third portion.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the surface port and the subsurface port allow for one of power, data, communication, air, oxygen, or other chemical to be provided into the manhole.

21. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a fan that blows air into or removes air from the manhole.

22. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a port located in the third portion that allows a line to be placed into the manhole along a surface of the manhole.

23. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a tracking system that tracks an entry and an exit of at least one item with the manhole.

24. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a fourth portion that inserted into the second portion and covers any equipment that has been inserted into the manhole.

25. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one handle to assist in moving the device.

26. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one rung to assist in personnel in entering and exiting the manhole.

27. A method of using a protective cover comprising:

removably inserting a protective cover over an abrupt edge of an entry interface between a surface and a subsurface compartment, wherein the protective cover completely extends about the perimeter of the entry interface, wherein the protective cover extends into the entry interface, and wherein the protective cover lacks sharp edges and lacks discontinuities; and

disposing at least one piece of equipment into the subsurface compartment over the protective collar via an opening in the protective cover.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the subsurface compartment is one of a manhole, a storage tank, a holding tank, a tank truck, a vehicle hatch, and a vertical access point.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the piece of equipment is one of a hose, a cable, a tool, a sensor, and a test device.

30. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

entering the subsurface compartment by a human over the protective cover.

31. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

removing the at least one piece of equipment from the subsurface compartment over the protective cover; and

removing the protective cover from the interface.