| |
| United States Patent
|
6,613,228 |
| Petersen , et al. |
September 2, 2003 |
Manhole debris-catching system
Abstract
A debris-catching system for preventing debris from falling into
the pipe opening at the bottom of a manhole catch basin. The
debris-catcher comprises two semi-circular halves hinged together
such that the two halves may be folded and inserted into a manhole
opening. The debris-catcher comprises aligned apertures that allow
it to be hooked and lowered into a manhole. The two halves are
opened up to form a circular blocker which sets on the manhole
bottom flat base. The debris-catcher allows normal effluent flow
through the manhole while in place. The debris-catcher floats and
will do so during an overflow condition. Further, the debris-catcher
will resume its protective function after an overflow condition has
subsided.
| Inventors: |
Petersen; John G.
(Phoenix, AZ), Holmes; William C. (Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/921,768 |
| Filed: |
August 3, 2001 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
210/541 ;
264/152; 264/156; 405/36; 52/124.2; 52/20; 52/21 |
| Current
International Class: |
E03F
5/00 (20060101); E03F 5/02 (20060101); E02D 029/12 (); E02D
029/14 () |
| Field of
Search: |
210/541
52/20,21,124.2 405/36 264/152,156 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Lithgow; Thomas M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is related to applicant's prior provisional
application Ser. No. 60/228,355, filed Aug. 28, 2000, entitled
"DYNAMIC DEBRIS SHIELD", the contents of which are hereby herein
incorporated by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. 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: a) 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 b) fold means for
folding said blocker means so as to permit entry of said blocker
means, when folded, into the manhole catch basin through the round
top.
2. The debris-catching system according to claim 1 wherein said
blocker means comprises attachment means for attaching at least one
lifting device to said blocker means.
3. The debris-catching system according to claim 2 wherein said
attachment means comprises at least one aperture.
4. The debris-catching system according to claim 1 wherein said
blocker means is floatable.
5. The debris-catching system according to claim 1 wherein said fold
means comprises at least one hinge.
6. The debris-catching system according to claim 5 wherein said
blocker means, when not folded and when supported by the flat bottom
portions, is capable of substantially covering the pipe trench
portions.
7. The debris-catching system according to claim 1 wherein said
blocker means, when not folded and when supported by the flat bottom
portions, is capable of substantially covering the pipe trench
portions.
8. The debris-catching system according to claim 1 wherein said
blocker means, when not folded and when supported by the flat bottom
portions, is capable of supporting at least about one-hundred
pounds.
9. 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: a) 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 b) at least one hinge structured and arranged to permit folding
of said blocker so as to permit entry of said blocker, when folded,
through the round top.
10. The debris-catching system according to claim 9 wherein said
blocker is substantially round.
11. The debris-catching system according to claim 10 wherein said
blocker comprises at least one hinge connection having at least one
hinge axis through a center of said blocker.
12. The debris-catching system according to claim 9 wherein said
blocker is floatable.
13. The debris-catching system according to claim 11 wherein said at
least one hinge connection comprises three corrosion-resistant strap
hinges.
14. The debris-catching system according to claim 13 wherein said at
least one hinge connection comprises: a) three stainless steel strap
hinges; and b) a plurality of stainless steel bolts, corrosion
resistant washers, and stainless steel nuts; c) wherein said
plurality of stainless steel bolts, corrosion resistant washers and
stainless steel nuts connects said three stainless steel strap
hinges with said blocker.
15. The debris-catching system according to claim 9 wherein said
blocker comprises at least one attachment structured and arranged to
permit removable attaching of at least one lifting device to said
blocker.
16. The debris-catching system according to claim 15 wherein said
attachment comprises at least one aperture.
17. The debris-catching system according to claim 9 wherein said
blocker, when not folded and when supported by the flat bottom
portions, substantially covers the pipe trench portions.
18. The debris-catching system according to claim 9 wherein said
blocker is capable of supporting at least one-hundred pounds of
debris.
19. The debris-catching system according to claim 9 wherein said
blocker is capable of supporting at least one normal-sized worker.
20. 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: a) a substantially round blocker, wherein said blocker
comprises, i) a substantially-rigid structural material, ii) two
half-portions, iii) at least one hinge connection connecting said
two half-portions; iv) wherein said blocker may be placed in a
substantially folded position and in an open substantially-flat
position, v) wherein each said half-portion comprises an aperture,
each said aperture being structured and arranged to align with each
other said aperture when said blocker is placed in said
substantially folded position, vi) whereby said apertures may be
used as attachments in lifting and lowering said blocker when said
blocker is in said substantially folded position; b) wherein said
substantially round blocker, when in said open substantially-flat
position, is structured and arranged to be able to substantially
cover the pipe trench portions.
21. The debris-catching system according to claim 20 wherein said
substantially round blocker has a diameter selected from the group
consisting of: a) diameters of about forty-four inches to about
forty-eight inches; b) diameters of about fifty-four inches to about
sixty inches.
22. The debris-catching system according to claim 20 wherein said
structural material comprises High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
23. The debris-catching system according to claim 20 wherein said at
least one hinge connection comprises: a) three corrosion-resistant
strap hinges; and b) a plurality of corrosion-resistant bolts,
corrosion-resistant washers, and corrosion-resistant nuts; c)
wherein said plurality of corrosion-resistant bolts,
corrosion-resistant washers and corrosion-resistant nuts connects
said corrosion-resistant strap hinges to said substantially round
blocker.
24. A method of making a debris-catcher, 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 the steps of: a) providing a structural material having
an area capable of being cut to a diameter of the required end size;
b) cutting such structural material into two equal halves; c)
cutting each such half in a semi-circle shape having a radius half
that of such desired end diameter of such debris-catcher so that
each such respective half is substantially equal to each other such
half; d) drilling a lifting aperture in each such half wherein: i)
each such lifting aperture is structured and arranged to align with
each other respective such lifting aperture when each respective
such half is aligned; and ii) whereby each respective aligned
lifting aperture can be used together to lift such halves when
aligned; e) drilling a plurality of hinge-installation apertures in
each such half in such manner as to enable insertion of a
corrosion-resistant bolt through each respective such
hinge-installation aperture; f) attaching at least one hinge to each
such half using such corrosion-resistant bolts, at least one washer,
and at least one corrosion-resistant nut, along a hinge axis
corresponding to a flat edge of each such half so that such halves
can be folded together in a folded position for entry through the
top and opened to a substantially-flat position to provide a round
such debris catcher having such desired diameter of such required
end size.
25. The method of making a debris-catcher according to claim 24
wherein said structural material comprises High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE).
26. The method of making a debris-catcher according to claim 24
wherein said at least one hinge comprises three corrosion-resistant
strap hinges.
27. A method of using a debris-catcher 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
wherein the debris catcher comprises a substantially round blocker
comprising a substantially-rigid structural material, two
half-portions, at least one hinge connection having a hinge axis and
connecting the two half-portions, and wherein the blocker may be
placed in a substantially folded position or in an open
substantially-flat position, and wherein each such half-portion
comprises an aperture, each such aperture being structured and
arranged to align with each other such aperture when such blocker is
placed in such substantially folded position, comprising the steps
of: a) selecting a debris-catcher having such desired diameter of
such required end size structured and arranged to substantially
cover the pipe trench portions below the flat bottom portions when
opened to a substantially-flat position; b) folding the
debris-catcher in a folded position along a hinge axis corresponding
to a flat edge of each such half so that such halves can be folded
together in a folded position for entry through the round top of the
manhole; c) attaching a lifting device through each aligned aperture
and lifting and lowering the debris-catcher through the top of the
manhole and down through the manhole catch basin to the flat bottom
portions; d) un-attaching the lifting device from the
debris-catcher; e) unfolding the debris-catcher such that the
debris-catcher is opened to a substantially-flat position with the
hinges facing upward toward the top of the manhole; f) aligning the
hinge axis such that most of the hinge axis is supported by the flat
bottom portions.
Description
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 which 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 which is easily installed and removed.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system which provides for the continued system
operation in the event the manhole is flooded.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system which 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: a substantially round blocker, wherein
such blocker comprises, a substantially-rigid structural material,
two half-portions, at least one hinge connection connecting such two
half-portions; wherein such blocker may be placed in a substantially
folded position and in an open substantially-flat position, wherein
each such half-portion comprises an aperture, each such aperture
being structured and arranged to align with each other such aperture
when such blocker is placed in such substantially folded position,
whereby such apertures may be used as attachments in lifting and
lowering such blocker when such blocker is in such substantially
folded position; wherein such substantially round blocker, when in
such open substantially-flat position, is structured and arranged to
be able to substantially cover the pipe trench portions.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such substantially
round blocker has a diameter selected from the group consisting of:
diameters of about forty-four inches to about forty-eight inches;
diameters of about fifty-four inches to about sixty inches. And, it
provides such a system wherein such structural material comprises
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Further, it provides such a system
wherein such at least one hinge connection comprises: three
corrosion-resistant strap hinges; and a plurality of
corrosion-resistant bolts, corrosion-resistant washers, and
corrosion-resistant nuts; wherein such plurality of
corrosion-resistant bolts, corrosion-resistant washers and
corrosion-resistant nuts connects such corrosion-resistant strap
hinges to such substantially round blocker.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
also provides a method of making a debris-catcher, 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 the steps of: providing a structural material
having an area capable of being cut to a diameter of the required
end size; cutting such structural material into two equal halves;
cutting each such half in a semi-circle shape having a radius half
that of such desired end diameter of such debris-catcher so that
each such respective half is substantially equal to each other such
half; drilling a lifting aperture in each such half wherein: each
such lifting aperture is structured and arranged to align with each
other respective such lifting aperture when each respective such
half is aligned; and whereby each respective aligned lifting
aperture can be used together to lift such halves when aligned;
drilling a plurality of hinge-installation apertures in each such
half in such manner as to enable insertion of a corrosion-resistant
bolt through each respective such hinge-installation aperture;
attaching at least one hinge to each such half using such
corrosion-resistant bolts, at least one washer, and at least one
corrosion-resistant nut, along a hinge axis corresponding to a flat
edge of each such half so that such halves can be folded together in
a folded position for entry through the top and opened to a
substantially-flat position to provided a round such debris catcher
having such desired diameter of such required end size.
It also provides such a system wherein such structural material
comprises High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). And, it provides such a
system wherein such at least one hinge comprises three
corrosion-resistant strap hinges.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention also provides a method of using a debris-catcher 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 wherein the debris catcher comprises a substantially
round blocker comprising a substantially-rigid structural material,
two half-portions, at least one hinge connection having a hinge axis
and connecting the two half-portions, and wherein the blocker may be
placed in a substantially folded position or in an open
substantially-flat position, and wherein each such half-portion
comprises an aperture, each such aperture being structured and
arranged to align with each other such aperture when such blocker is
placed in such substantially folded position, comprising the steps
of: selecting a debris-catcher having such desired diameter of such
required end size structured and arranged to substantially cover the
pipe trench portions below the flat bottom portions when opened to a
substantially-flat position; folding the debris-catcher in a folded
position along a hinge axis corresponding to a flat edge of each
such half so that such halves can be folded together in a folded
position for entry through the round top of the manhole; attaching a
lifting device through each aligned aperture and lifting and
lowering the debris-catcher through the top of the manhole and down
through the manhole catch basin to the flat bottom portions;
un-attaching the lifting device from the debris-catcher; unfolding
the debris-catcher such that the debris-catcher is opened to a
substantially-flat position with the hinges facing upward toward the
top of the manhole; aligning the hinge axis such that most of the
hinge axis is supported by the flat bottom portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a typical
manhole structure illustrating the debris-catching system and
insertion of a debris-catcher, according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a typical
manhole structure and an installed debris-catcher, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a debris-catcher in the open
position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a debris-catcher in a partially
folded position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the lower
section of a typical manhole structure illustrating the
debris-catcher blocking debris, according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view through the section 6--6 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is a top view, partially in section, illustrating the
preferred joint placement of the debris-catcher in a single pipeline
manhole installation, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 8 is a top view, partially in section, illustrating the
preferred joint placement of the debris-catcher in a three-way
Y-pipeline manhole installation, according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a top view, partially in section, illustrating the
preferred joint placement of the debris-catcher in a two-way
Y-pipeline manhole installation, according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a top view of a debris-catcher, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view through the section 11--11 of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a side view of the debris-catcher, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a side view of the debris-catcher in a partially folded
position, illustrating the folding range of motion, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a top view of the debris-catcher in the folded position,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic top view of the first step in a method of
making a debris-catcher, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic top view of another step in a method of
making a debris-catcher, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic top view of yet another step in a method
of making a debris-catcher, according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a further
step in a method of making a debris-catcher, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view,
partially in section, of a typical manhole structure 30 illustrating
the debris-catching system 28 and insertion of a debris-catcher 32
(embodying herein 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 also embodying
herein a 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), according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. A typical manhole
structure 30 comprises a lower portion 34, a top portion 36, and may
comprise one or more center portions 38. The center portions 38
assist in adjusting the manhole structure 30 to the approximate
desired height. In addition, the top portion 36 may also comprise
additional height adjusting rings 40 and a manhole cover mounting
frame 42 to more closely adjust the height required to reach the
surface 31 (shown best on FIG. 6). Preferably, the lower portion 34
comprises one or more depressions identified as trench 44.
Preferably, trench 44 is in line with the inflow pipe 50 or outflow
pipe 52 (no particular order is intended, as either pipe may be
inflow or outflow; such inflow pipe 50 or such outflow pipe 52 may
comprise more than one pipe) and allows access to the pipe interior
46 for maintenance purposes. Preferably, the manhole structure 30
also comprises a plurality of ladder rungs 48 for entry into the
manhole structure 30. The manhole opening 54 is a standard size,
preferably round in shape, as shown. Such manhole openings 54 are
typically twenty-four inches in diameter, or thirty inches in
diameter. Preferably, a cover 56 of the appropriate size sets in the
manhole cover mounting frame 42 and covers the manhole opening 54.
Preferably, debris-catcher 32 comprises two apertures 58 and 60
(embodying herein wherein such blocker means comprises attachment
means for attaching at least one lifting device to such blocker
means; and embodying herein wherein such attachment means comprises
at least one aperture; and also embodying herein wherein such
blocker comprises at least one attachment structured and arranged to
permit removable attaching of at least one lifting device to such
blocker; and further embodying herein wherein such attachment
comprises at least one aperture), which align when the
debris-catcher 32 is folded, as shown (the above arrangement
embodying herein wherein each such half-portion comprises an
aperture, each such aperture being structured and arranged to align
with each other such aperture when such blocker is placed in such
substantially folded position). Preferably, an attacher, such as a
hook 64, is attached through the aligned apertures 58 and 60.
Preferably, in combination with a lowering mechanism, such as a rope
66 (this arrangement embodying herein at least one lifting device),
the debris-catcher 32 may be lowered or raised through the manhole
opening 54 (this arrangement embodying herein whereby such apertures
may be used as attachments in lifting and lowering such blocker when
such blocker is in such substantially folded position), while in a
substantially folded position 55, to the flat base 62 portion of the
lower portion 34. Under appropriate circumstances, other suitable
arrangements may suffice. The debris-catcher 32 may be carried down
the ladder rungs 48; however, due to the weight and size of the
debris-catcher 32, such a method may be undesirable and is not
preferred.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a typical
manhole structure 30 and an installed debris-catcher 32, according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the
debris-catcher 32 is opened up and placed in a substantially open
position 68 on the flat base 62 portion of the lower portion 34 of
the manhole structure 30, as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the
debris-catcher 32 rests directly on the flat base 62 and
substantially covers trench 44 (the above described arrangement
embodying herein wherein such blocker means, when not folded and
when supported by the flat bottom portions, is capable of
substantially covering the pipe trench). Typically, the flat base 62
is round, and either forty-eight inches in diameter, or sixty inches
in diameter. Preferably, the debris-catcher 32 is also round
(embodying herein wherein such blocker is substantially round), and
at least forty-four inches in diameter for a forty-eight inch flat
base 62, and at least fifty-six inches in diameter for a sixty inch
flat base 62 (this arrangement embodying herein wherein such
substantially round blocker has a diameter selected from the group
consisting of: diameters of about forty-four inches to about
forty-eight inches; diameters of about fifty-four inches to about
sixty inches). Preferably, the debris-catcher 32 is slightly less
than the full diameter of the flat base, as such manhole structures
30 are not usually a perfect diameter and may have a ladder rung 48
that will interfere with opening a folded debris-catcher 32 that is
too large a diameter.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a debris-catcher 32 in the open
position 68, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a debris-catcher 32 in a partially
folded position 70, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Preferably, the debris-catcher 32 comprises two
halves 72 and 74 (embodying herein two half-portions). Preferably,
each half 72 and 74 is substantially a semi-circle, as shown.
Preferably, each half 72 and 74 is connected together by hinges 76
(embodying herein at least one hinge connection connecting such two
half-portions; and also embodying herein wherein such fold means
comprises at least one hinge; and, embodying herein wherein such
blocker comprises at least one hinge connection having at least one
hinge axis through a center of such blocker). Preferably, hinges 76
comprise three strap hinges, as shown. Preferably, the hinges 76 are
type 304 stainless steel (the above arrangement embodying herein
wherein such at least one hinge connection comprises three
corrosion-resistant strap hinges; and, embodying herein three
stainless steel strap hinges). Each hinge is preferably six-knuckle
construction with one-half inch ends, three-quarter inch centers
being pin spun on both ends. Preferably, the hinges 76 are about
four inches wide and sixteen inches long (each half-hinge being
eight inches long). Preferably, the hinges 76 are 0.0800-0.125
inches thick. Under appropriate circumstances, other connection
arrangements and material specifications may be suitable.
Preferably, the hinges 76 are attached to the debris-catcher 32 such
that when the debris-catcher 32 is in the open position 68, the
debris-catcher 32 lays in about a flat plane, as shown. Preferably,
the hinges 76 are attached to the debris-catcher 32 such that when
the debris-catcher 32 is in the folded position 55, the two halves
72 and 74 may be folded in a semi-circle (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14)
configuration allowing entry into the manhole opening 54, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, (the above arrangement embodying herein
wherein such blocker may be placed in a substantially folded
position and in an open substantially-flat position; and, embodying
herein 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; and, also embodying herein 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).
FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the lower
section 34 of a typical manhole structure 30 illustrating the
debris-catcher 32 blocking debris 78, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the debris-catcher
32, in the open position 68, rests on the flat base 62, as shown,
such that the debris-catcher 32 covers the trench 44 (this
arrangement embodying herein wherein such substantially round
blocker, when in such open substantially-flat position, is
structured and arranged to be able to substantially cover the pipe
trench portions). Under appropriate circumstances, other suitable
arrangements may suffice. Preferably, as debris falls into the
manhole structure 30, it lands on the debris-catcher 32. Preferably,
the debris-catcher 32 maintains its integrity and holds the debris
80 until such time as the debris 80 is removed. The present method
and composition described herein provides for the debris-catcher 32
to hold well over a hundred pounds of debris 80 (embodying herein
wherein such blocker is capable of supporting at least one-hundred
pounds of debris; and embodying herein 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).
Preferably, the debris-catcher 32 will hold the weight of a
normal-sized person in addition to the weight of the debris 80
(embodying herein wherein such blocker is capable of supporting at
least one normal-sized worker), as a person normally will descend
the manhole structure 30 to remove the debris 80. This total weight
may be as much as about four hundred pounds using the described
preferred embodiments.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view through section 6--6 of FIG. 2. In one
preferred embodiment, the debris-catcher 32 is preferably made from
a substantially rigid material (embodying herein a
substantially-rigid structural material). The preferred material is
High Density Polyethylene, referred to herein as HDPE (embodying
herein wherein such structural material comprises High Density
Polyethylene). HDPE has excellent chemical resistant properties,
weathering capabilities, and stress absorption properties, which
make it an excellent choice for use as a debris-catcher 32. Further,
HDPE floats. The preferred thickness is one-half inch HDPE sheeting.
Preferably, when the debris-catcher 32 is made from HDPE and
installed in the manhole structure 30, the debris-catcher 32 allows
the uninterrupted function of the flow of effluent or matter through
the manhole structure 30. In addition, the debris-catcher 32 will
float, as indicated by line 90 in FIG. 6, should an overflow 88
occur (this is what is meant by "floatable", including buoyancy and
lifting by overflow pressure) and will resume its position, as
indicated by line 92, on the flat base 62 when the overflow 88 has
subsided (this arrangement embodying herein wherein such blocker
means and blocker is floatable). Preferably, the hinge axis (joint
80) of the debris-catcher 32 is located perpendicular to the trench
44. However, in situations where more than one trench 44 is used,
the joint is preferably located such that it is not in-line with the
trench 44. Examples of other trench arrangements are illustrated in
FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.
FIG. 7 is a top view, partially in section, illustrating the
preferred joint 80 placement of the debris-catcher 32 in a single
pipeline manhole 82 installation application, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a top view, partially in section, illustrating the
preferred joint 80 placement of the debris-catcher 32 in a three-way
Y-pipeline manhole 84 installation application, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a top view, partially in section, illustrating the
preferred joint 80 placement of the debris-catcher 32 in a two-way
Y-pipeline 86 manhole installation application, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a top view
of a debris-catcher 32, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the hinges
76 comprise three hinges 94, 96 and 98. Preferably, hinge 94 is
attached to the debris-catcher 32 such that it is located transverse
to the joint 80, approximately midway between the two ends 100 and
102, as shown. Preferably, hinge 96 is located transverse to joint
80, approximately midway between hinge 94 and the end 102, as shown.
Preferably, hinge 98 is located transverse to joint 80 approximately
midway between hinge 94 and the end 100, as shown. Under appropriate
circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view through section 11--11 of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a side view of the debris-catcher 32, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, as
illustrated in FIG. 11 and more specifically shown in FIG. 18, the
hinges 76 are attached to each half 72 and 74 using a bolt 104,
washer 106, and nut 108 arrangement. Preferably, each hinge 76 is
attached using a plurality of corrosion-resistant bolts 104, washers
106, and nuts 108 (embodying herein a plurality of stainless steel
bolts, corrosion resistant washers, and stainless steel nuts; and
also embodying herein wherein such plurality of stainless steel
bolts, corrosion resistant washers and stainless steel nuts connects
such three stainless steel strap hinges with such blocker). In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 18, twelve such bolt 104, washer 106
and nut 108 arrangements are preferably utilized. Preferably, bolt
104 is placed through the top 110 of hinges 76 through pre-drilled
holes 112 (see FIG. 18), passing through matching aligned
pre-drilled holes 114 in the debris-catcher 32, as shown.
Preferably, washer 106 is placed onto bolt 104, followed by nut 108,
which is then preferably threaded onto bolt 104, in well-known ways,
such that the nut 108 is tight against the washer 106 and
debris-catcher 32. In addition, the bolt 104 is preferably about
flush with the bottom 105 of the nut 108 when the nut 108 has been
fully tightened. Preferably, in the above described manner, the
hinges 76 are firmly attached to the debris-catcher 32.
Preferably, bolts 104 are military standard MS35307 hexagon head,
steel, corrosion resisting bolts. In the preferred embodiment using
one-half inch HDPE and 0.0800-0.125 inch thick hinges, a one-inch
long bolt 104 is preferred. Preferably, bolt 104 has a diameter of
three-eights of an inch. Under appropriate circumstances, other
arrangements may suffice. Preferably, washers 106 are military
standard MS15795 flat-metal round washers sized to fit bolts 104.
Preferably, nuts 108 are military standard MS51971 steel, hexagon,
corrosion resisting bolts sized to fit bolts 104.
FIGS. 15 through 18 illustrate a preferred method of making the
debris-catcher 32. FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic top view of the first
step in a method of making a debris-catcher 32, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a
diagrammatic top view of another step in a method of making a
debris-catcher 32, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic top view of yet another
step in a method of making a debris-catcher 32, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a
perspective view, partially in section, of a further step in a
method of making a debris-catcher 32, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, the debris-catcher 32 is made from one-half inch thick
HDPE sheeting. Such sheeting is typically supplied in forty-eight
inch and sixty inch square sheets (this arrangement embodying herein
the step of providing a structural material having an area capable
of being cut to a diameter of the required end size). Preferably, as
stated above, the debris-catcher 32 is round and at least forty-four
inches in diameter for a forty-eight inch flat base 62, and at least
fifty-six inches in diameter for a sixty inch flat base 62.
Preferably, a debris-catcher for a forty-eight inch flat base 62 is
cut from a forty-eight inch HDPE sheeting. Preferably, a
debris-catcher for a sixty inch flat base 62 is cut from a sixty
inch HDPE sheeting.
In the first preferred step of making a debris-catcher 32, the
selected HDPE sheeting 116 is cut in halves 120 and 121, as
illustrated in FIG. 15 (this arrangement embodying herein the step
of cutting such structural material into two equal halves). The
sheeting is very heavy, and cutting it in half allows for a more
easily workable size. Under appropriate circumstances, other
suitable arrangements may suffice. Preferably, a semi-circle 118
having a radius of one-half of the selected final diameter is then
cut from the halves 120 and 121, as shown in FIG. 16 (this
arrangement embodying herein the step of cutting each such half in a
semi-circle shape having a radius half that of such desired end
diameter of such debris-catcher so that each such respective half is
substantially equal to each other such half). Several methods and
tools may be used by those knowledgeable in such art, however, the
inventor prefers a Rebel.RTM. Roto-zip.RTM. tool with a
Saber-Cut.RTM. Zip.RTM. bit cutting bit (available from Roto-zip
Tool Company).
Preferably, after the semi-circle 118 is cut, the pre-drilled holes
112 and apertures 58 and 60 are drilled, as illustrated in FIG. 17,
using a standard drill press. Preferably, the two apertures 58 and
60 will align with each other when each respective halves 120 and
121 is aligned as when they are in a folded position as described
above in FIG. 14 and FIG. 1 (embodying herein wherein each such
lifting aperture is structured and arranged to align with each other
respective such lifting aperture when each respective such half is
aligned). Preferably, the aligned two apertures 58 and 60 are to be
used for raising and lowering the debris-catcher 32 (this
arrangement embodying herein whereby each respective aligned lifting
aperture can be used together to lift such halves when aligned).
Preferably, the pre-drilled holes 114 are drilled next, arranged to
align with the hinge pre-drilled holes 112 such that the hinges may
be installed connecting each respective halves 120 and 121 (this
arrangement embodying herein the step of drilling a plurality of
hinge-installation apertures in each such half in such manner as to
enable insertion of a corrosion-resistant bolt through each
respective such hinge-installation aperture). Under appropriate
circumstances, other suitable arrangements may suffice. Similar
procedures of drilling are generally well-known by those
knowledgeable in the art. Preferably, in the final step of making a
debris-catcher 32, the hinges 76 are attached using the bolt 104,
washer 106, and nut 108 arrangement, and the two halves 120 and 121
are joined such that the debris-catcher may be placed in a
substantially folded position 55 or open position 68 (the above
arrangement embodying herein the step of attaching at least one
hinge to each such half using such corrosion-resistant bolts, at
least one washer, and at least one corrosion-resistant nut, along a
hinge axis corresponding to a flat edge of each such half so that
such halves can be folded together in a folded position for entry
through the top and opened to a substantially-flat position to
provided a round such debris catcher having such desired diameter of
such required end size). Under appropriate circumstances, other
suitable arrangements may suffice.
Applicant's preferred method of using a debris-catcher for impeding
debris from entering pipe trench portions of a manhole catch basin
will now be described. The manhole catch basin as described herein,
will normally have 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. Also, as described herein, the preferred debris
catcher comprises a substantially round blocker comprising a
substantially-rigid structural material, two half-portions, at least
one hinge connection having a hinge axis and connecting the two
half-portions. As described, the blocker may be placed in a
substantially folded position or in an open substantially-flat
position; and each such half-portion comprises an aperture, each
such aperture being structured and arranged to align with each other
such aperture when such blocker is placed in such substantially
folded position.
Preferably, to use this described debris-catcher, the following
steps are preferred. First, there is selected a debris-catcher
having such desired diameter of such required end size structured
and arranged to substantially cover the pipe trench portions (see
FIG. 2) below the flat bottom portions when opened to a
substantially-flat position. Next, the user preferably folds the
debris-catcher in a folded position (see FIG. 1) along a hinge axis
corresponding to a flat edge of each such half so that such halves
can be folded together in a folded position for entry through the
round top of the manhole (see FIG. 1). Next, the user preferably
attaches a lifting device (see FIG. 1) through each aligned aperture
and lifting and lowering the debris-catcher through the top of the
manhole and down through the manhole catch basin to the flat bottom
portions. Next, the user preferably un-attaches the lifting device
from the debris-catcher. Next, the user preferably unfolds the
debris-catcher such that the debris-catcher is opened to a
substantially-flat position with the hinges facing upward toward the
top of the manhole (see FIG. 2). And next, the user preferably
aligns the hinge axis such that most of the hinge axis is supported
by the flat bottom portions (see FIGS. 2, 7, 8 and 9).
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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