Entryway protective collar
First Claim
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.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A device comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of using a protective cover comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification