Manhole water seal-cap/diverter

• US 20030046877A1
• Filed: 09/05/2002
• Published: 03/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Strike Tool Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Strike Tool Incorporated
• Inventors: Banks, Robert S.
• Granted Patent: US 6,986,226 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 52/20
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 29/14 Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers gully gratings E03F5/06

Abstract

A device prevents water from leaking into a manhole. The device includes a body having first and second portions that are integrally formed. The first portion extends along and above a periphery of the opening of the manhole and the second portion extends upwardly from the first portion and provides access to the opening of the manhole. Preferably, the first portion includes a downwardly extending lip disposed along an outer vertical surface of the manhole. In addition, a cap is positionable on the second portion to prevent water entering the manhole from the manhole'"'"'s opening.

Claims

1. A device for preventing water from entering a manhole, the manhole having an upper opening, the device comprising a body having a first portion extending along and above a periphery of the opening of the manhole and a second portion integrally from with and extending upwardly from the first portion providing access to the opening.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first portion includes a downwardly extending lip disposed along an outer vertical surface of the manhole.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the downwardly extending lip extends below the opening of the manhole.

4. The device of claim 1 and further comprising a cap positionable on the second portion.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the body is formed from a plastic material.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein the cap is formed from a plastic material.

7. An apparatus for preventing water from entering a manhole, the manhole comprising a box having a through hole for ingress and egress in an upper surface thereof and at least one riser wherein the riser includes a cavity aligned with the through hole in the box, the device comprising:

a plate having an outer edge and an aperture within the interior of the plate wherein the plate is disposed on the upper surface of the box and below the riser wherein the aperture aligns with the through hole in the junction box and wherein the outer edge of the plate extends beyond the upper surface of the box;

a first lip disposed about the plate wherein a distal edge of the first lip extends downwardly from the plate such that the distal edge of the first lip extends below the upper surface and about an exterior surface of the box; and

a chimney attached to and extending upwardly from the plate wherein the chimney is disposed about the aperture in the plate and wherein the chimney extends within the cavity of the riser.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the plate, the lip and the chimney are of a unitary construction.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein the plate, the lip and the chimney are constructed from a plastic.

10. The device of claim 7 and further comprising a cap wherein the cap is disposed on an upper edge of the chimney.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the cap further comprises a second lip extending downwardly therefrom wherein a distal edge of the second lip is disposed below the upper edge and about an exterior surface of the chimney.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein the cap and the second lip are constructed from a plastic.

14. The device of claim 11 and further comprising a lifting structure attached to the cap.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein the lifting structure comprises an eye screw.

12. The device of claim 111 wherein the cap and the second lip are of a unitary construction.

16. A device for preventing water from entering a manhole, the manhole comprising a box having a through hole in an upper surface, at least one riser disposed on the upper surface of the box where the riser includes an internal cavity wherein the internal cavity is aligned with the through hole, a frame disposed on an upper surface of the riser and a manhole cover disposed within the frame, the device comprising:

a plate disposed between the upper surface of the box and the riser, the plate having an aperture aligned with both the through hole in the box and the internal cavity in the riser wherein a periphery of the plate extends beyond the upper surface of the box;

a first lip extending downwardly from the plate wherein a lower edge of the lip is disposed below the upper surface and about an exterior surface of the box;

a chimney attached to the plate about the aperture wherein the chimney is disposed within the internal cavity within the riser; and

a cap disposed on an upper edge of the chimney.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein the plate, the first lip and the chimney are of a unitary construction.

18. The device of claim 16 wherein the first lip is disposed about a peripheral edge of the plate.

19. The device of claim 16 wherein the cap further comprises a second lip extending downwardly wherein a distal end of the second lip is disposed below the upper edge and about an outer surface of the chimney.

20. The device of claim 19 wherein the cap and the second lip are of a unitary construction.

21. The device of claim 19 and further comprising a lifting structure attached to the cap.

22. The device of claim 21 wherein the lifting structure comprises an eye screw.

23. A method of constructing a manhole which prevents water seepage into the manhole, the method comprising:

disposing a box in a selected position below ground level, the box having an upper surface having a through hole wherein the through hole provides access to the box;

disposing an insert adjacent the top surface of the box, the insert having a plate having an internal aperture aligned with the through hole in the box and having a peripheral edge extending beyond the upper surface of the box wherein a first lip extends downwardly from the plate beyond an outer edge of the upper surface and about an external surface of the box such that a distal end of the first lip is disposed below the upper surface of the box and wherein the insert includes a chimney disposed about the aperture and extending upwardly from the plate;

disposing at least one riser about the chimney of the insert wherein the riser is adjacent a top surface of the plate;

positioning a manhole cover frame on an upper surface of the riser; and

positioning a manhole cover in the manhole frame.

24. The method of claim 23 and further comprising:

disposing a cap about an upper edge of the chimney wherein the cap includes a second lip wherein a distal end of the second lip extends below the top surface and about an outer surface of the chimney.

25. The method of claim 24 and further comprising:

attaching an lifting structure to the cap wherein the lifting structure aids in manipulating the position of the cap.