Road structure – process – or apparatus – Pavement – Vault cover-closure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-13
2001-03-27
Will, Thomas B. (Department: 3673)
Road structure, process, or apparatus
Pavement
Vault cover-closure
C405S154100, C052S020000, C052S245000, C052S247000, C137S363000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206609
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the components of a manhole structure and more particularly relates to components utilized in the base of a manhole system including an invert liner formed or positioned within the base thereof. The replaceable extension collar of the present invention is adapted for sealable engagement with the invert liner and is suitable for use in either new construction or rehabilitation of the manhole structure.
II. Discussion of the Prior Art
Sanitary and storm systems generally comprise a plurality of networked pipelines. These pipelines typically pass through or join together at a manhole or catch basin structure. The manhole or catch basin structure serves as a node for the sewer or drainage system and also provides access for inspection. A manhole or catch basin structure typically includes a base having concentric inner and outer side walls extending upward, a cone which rests on top of the base, adjusting rings which rest on top of the cone, a support frame, and a cover or grate that is placed on top of the support frame. The base and cone of the manhole structure is typically constructed of a mortared block or casted concrete and is susceptible to erosion over time.
Fluids passing through the manhole structure tend to deteriorate the portion of the manhole system that is in direct or causal contact with the fluids. These fluids may include sewage and putrid water, which are very acidic and may comprise hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid. Over time, exposure to sewage, putrid water, or the gases emitted therefrom may damage the concrete of the canal bed, base, and cone. Also, in catch basins, road salt may also deteriorate the concrete base of the catch basin. This is due to the eventual breakdown of the concrete by the road salt, especially if the concrete is of poor quality. When repair or replacement of these manhole or catch basin structures is required, due to a deteriorated canal bed, base or cone, the procedure is extremely expensive, time consuming, difficult, and may even require excavation and removal of some or all of the manhole structure.
Although manhole base polymer liners have been provided for lining the canal bed of the base, these liners typically terminate in the bottom portion of the base and at least a portion of which is embedded in the base itself. Although a majority of the fluid passing through the manhole or catch basin is in direct contact with the liner, a small amount of the fluid may contact the sidewalls of the base. Over time this minimal contact with the sidewalls may cause damage to the sidewalls of the base. Hence, there is a need for a replaceable device suitable for protecting the base side walls from the corrosive nature of the fluids passing there through, which may be utilized in either new construction or rehabilitation of the manhole or catch basin structure. The present invention meets these and other needs that will become apparent from a review of the description of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a replaceable extension collar for use in a manhole structure that is adaptable for sealable engagement to an upper edge of an invert liner positioned within the base of a manhole structure. The extension collar of the present invention includes an annular center section, an upper ledge, and a lower ledge. The center section is annular and is shaped to fit within the manhole structure and includes inner and outer concentric sidewalls having an opening extending between an upper portion and a lower portion of the center section. The upper ledge extends outwardly from the upper portion of the center section and is suitable for stacking another similarly shaped collar thereon. The opening extending through the collar is sized for user access there through. The lower ledge extends outwardly from the lower portion of the center section and may further include a flange extending upward from an outer portion of the lower ledge.
In use, one or more replaceable extension collars are stacked and sealingly engaged to an upper edge of an invert liner positioned within the base of a manhole structure. An invert liner of known suitable construction is described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/039,053 filed on Mar. 13, 1998 and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for any purpose. The extension collar acts as a shield to the concrete base sidewalls and may be replaced as required. A sealing material such as sponge rubber, silicone rubber, butyl rubber or other material of known suitable construction capable of providing a sealing joint between two polymers and resistant to deterioration in a caustic environment may be positioned between the lower ledge of the ring and the upper edge of the invert liner. Alternatively, an adhesive may be utilized to adhere the bottom surface of the lower portion of the extension collar to the upper edge of the invert liner.
OBJECTS
It is accordingly a principal object of the present invention to provide a replaceable extension collar for use in a manhole structure adaptable for engagement to an upper edge of an invert liner positioned within the base of a manhole structure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an extension collar suitable for use in either new construction or rehabilitation of a manhole structure, thereby extending the sidewalls of an invert liner upward towards the top of the base of the manhole.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable extension collar that is quickly removed and replaced without affecting the remaining portion of the manhole base continuity.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment especially when considered in conjunction with the claims and accompanying drawings in which like numerals in the several views refer to corresponding parts.
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Hartmann Gary S.
Nikolai Mersereau & Dietz, P.A.
Royal Environmental Systems, Inc.
Will Thomas B.
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