Liquid purification or separation – Adjuncts
Reexamination Certificate
2003-07-07
2004-06-01
Lithgow, Thomas M. (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Adjuncts
C052S020000, C052S021000, C052S124200, C405S036000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06743360
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a debris-catching system for preventing debris from falling or being thrown, etc., into the pipe opening (sometimes herein called “pipe trench”) at the bottom of a manhole catch basin.
Typically, manholes are placed for the purpose of servicing storm or sewer systems. Such manholes typically consist of a bottom catch basin constructed of brick, pre-cast concrete or poured-on-site concrete set at the level of the fluid transferring pipe. One end of at least one pipe typically is set into the manhole such that the effluent flows into one or more trenches in the manhole bottom and flows through the manhole into one or more pipes entering other portions of the manhole. Such other pipes are generally within the same vertical elevation, but sometimes may be at slightly varied elevations. Such pipe may be only a few feet below ground, to many feet below ground, in a general range of about four to twenty feet. Catch basins are usually provided in pre-selected diameters. Typically, pre-cast sections of the manhole may be added to the lower portion to adjust the manhole in height to account for the depth required to reach the surface height. The manhole typically comprises a ladder (made up of ladder rungs spaced apart) within it in which a person may use to descend to the manhole bottom. The manhole is typically removably sealed by a cover, which is usually flush with the surface. The surface usually consists of landscape, an alleyway, parking area or roadway, as the storm and sewer lines are generally placed within an easement in such an area.
In new construction, the manhole is placed and the piping is attached to the manhole. However, because the surface is usually the last area to be finished, the manhole is only temporarily covered. Such covers are usually made of metal and cover only the top of the manhole. Debris often enters the manhole as vehicles and other construction activity occurs. Such debris may easily amount to hundreds of pounds of dirt, asphalt or rain-washed debris from the construction site. The piping may or may not be in use during this construction activity. If the piping is new and not in use, it is usually inspected prior to being buried. After such inspection, it is a costly endeavor to expose the pipe, or have it vacuumed out if it becomes blocked due to debris. If the piping is in use, an expensive and messy blockage may occur.
A need exists to adequately protect such piping in a manhole from debris blockage while still permitting the piping to be utilized.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system for blocking debris from entering the piping system of a manhole.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that assists in preventing debris from entering the piping system within the manhole.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that is easily installed and removed.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides for the continued system operation in the event the manhole is flooded.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides a lifting and setting device for assisting in the placement and removal of the system from a manhole.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a debris-catching system for impeding debris from entering pipe trench portions of a manhole catch basin, having a round top with a first diameter, flat bottom portions extending over a first area having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and pipe trench portions below the flat bottom portions, comprising, in combination: substantially-rigid blocker means, supportable by the flat bottom portions and larger than the round top, for blocking debris from entering the pipe trench portions; and fold means for folding such blocker means so as to permit entry of such blocker means, when folded, into the manhole catch basin through the round top.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such blocker means comprises attachment means for attaching at least one lifting device to such blocker means. It also provides such a system wherein such attachment means comprises at least one aperture; and it provides such a system wherein such blocker means is floatable. Further, it provides such a system wherein such fold means comprises at least one hinge. And, it provides such a system wherein such blocker means, when not folded and when supported by the flat bottom portions, is capable of substantially covering the pipe trench portions. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such blocker means, when not folded and when supported by the flat bottom portions, is capable of substantially covering the pipe trench portions. It provides such a system wherein such blocker means, when not folded and when supported by the flat bottom portions, is capable of supporting at least about one-hundred pounds.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a debris-catching system for impeding debris from entering pipe trench portions of a manhole catch basin, having a round top with a first diameter, flat bottom portions extending over a first area having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and pipe trench portions below the flat bottom portions, comprising, in combination: substantially-rigid blocker, supportable by the flat bottom portions and larger than the round top, structured and arranged, when not folded and when supported by the flat bottom portions, to block debris from entering the pipe trench portions; and at least one hinge structured and arranged to permit folding of such blocker so as to permit entry of such blocker, when folded, through the round top.
It also provides such a system wherein such blocker is substantially round. And, it provides such a system wherein such blocker comprises at least one hinge connection having at least one hinge axis through a center of such blocker. It even provides such a system wherein such blocker is floatable. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one hinge connection comprises three corrosion-resistant strap hinges. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one hinge connection comprises: three stainless steel strap hinges; and a plurality of stainless steel bolts, corrosion resistant washers, and stainless steel nuts; wherein such plurality of stainless steel bolts, corrosion resistant washers and stainless steel nuts connects such three stainless steel strap hinges with such blocker.
Even further, it provides such a system wherein such blocker comprises at least one attachment structured and arranged to permit removable attaching of at least one lifting device to such blocker. It also provides such a system wherein such attachment comprises at least one aperture. Still further, it provides such a system wherein such blocker, when not folded and when supported by the flat bottom portions, substantially covers the pipe trench portions. And, it provides such a system wherein such blocker is capable of supporting at least one-hundred pounds of debris. Still further, it provides such a system wherein such blocker is capable of supporting at least one normal-sized worker.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a debris-catching system for impeding debris from entering pipe trench portions of a manhole catch basin, having a round top with a first diameter, flat bottom portions extending over a first area having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and pipe trench portions below the flat bottom portions, comprising, in combination:
Holmes William C.
Petersen John G.
Lithgow Thomas M.
Stoneman Martin L.
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