Manhole cover extractor

• US 8,439,331 B2
• Filed: 03/22/2010
• Issued: 05/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alan Byron Shepherd
• Original Assignee: Alan Byron Shepherd
• Inventors: Shepherd, Alan Byron
• Primary Examiner(s): Wilson, Lee D
• Assistant Examiner(s): GRANT, ALVIN J
• Application Number:
  US12/659,833
• Publication Number:
  US 20110133140A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,149 Days
• Field of Search: 254/131, 254/1, 414/449, 414/25, 414/607, 414/684.3
• US Class Current: 254/131
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 1/06 involving means for grappling or securing in place objects to be carried; Loading or unloading equipment
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 5/0089 Lifting lever on wheels or rollers
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 19/005 Lifting devices for manhole covers

Abstract

A manhole cover extractor that pulls and lifts weighty horizontal items such as manhole covers and handhold enclosure covers that are lifted perpendicular from one side and pulled from the original position, removed and on same plane able to lift and move cover back to the original setting or simply move cover as to not create a tripping hazard; the tool consists of a T-bar which gives the necessary fulcrum for effortless removal and management of cumbersome manhole covers, the T-bar is comprised with handles to control the load. A polypropylene strap which is doubled back with reinforced cross stitching and J-hook which engages the object(s) listed and the aforementioned polypropylene strap is docked to the T-bar handle. Pneumatic all-terrain tires that are attached to an axle that is secured to the T-bar handle through the A-frame of the dolly.

Claims

1. A portable manhole cover and handhold enclosure cover extractor comprising:

a T-bar handle;

a strap-dock through-bolted to said T-bar handle, a stand, and a first end of a strap;

said strap doubled back and reinforced to said strap-dock;

said strap disposed over an A-frame;

a J-hook disposed on a second end of said strap; and

said A-frame comprising two members meeting at a top point and forming an apex and a cross-member between said two members, both of said two members disposed about an axle and positioned inside two wheels on said axle.

2. The portable manhole cover and handhold enclosure cover extractor of claim 1 further comprising a strap guide attached to said A-frame.

3. The portable manhole cover and handhold enclosure cover extractor of claim 1 further comprising a gusset disposed on said T-bar handle for added rigidity.

4. The portable manhole cover and handhold enclosure cover extractor of claim 1 wherein said strap comprises cross stitching.

5. The portable manhole cover and handhold enclosure cover extractor of claim 1 wherein said wheels comprise all terrain tires.

6. The portable manhole cover and handhold enclosure cover extractor of claim 1 wherein said strap comprises elasticity.

7. The portable manhole cover and handhold enclosure cover extractor of claim 1 wherein said J-hook is attached to said strap via double-backed with reinforce cross stitching.

8. A method of repositioning a manhole cover or a handhold enclosure cover using the portable manhole cover and handhold enclosure cover extractor of claim 6 comprising:

attaching the J-hook to an opening in the manhole cover or the handhold enclosure cover;

applying a downward pressure to the T-bar handle thereby engaging the J-hook with the manhole cover or the handhold enclosure cover and perpendicularly lifting the manhole cover or the handhold enclosure cover; and

the portable manhole cover and handhold enclosure cover extractor repositioning the manhole cover or handhold enclosure cover.