Inclined manhole cover riser assembly

Abstract

A riser assembly and method for engaging the same to raise a manhole cover to be flush with an inclined paved surface after the application of an additional layer of paving material thereto. The riser assembly includes a first and second riser frame with a plurality of specially manufactured spacer blocks fixedly secured between them. The spacer blocks have progressively different height dimensions and sloped upper surfaces so as to create an angle between the first and second riser frames. The angle is complementary to the slope of the paved surface. The riser assembly includes an expansion device for adjusting the diameter of the second riser frame so that it frictionally engages the existing manhole frame. The fixed securement of the spacer blocks prevents relative movement between the first and second riser frames even when the diameter of the second riser frame is changed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This invention relates generally to manhole cover supports. More particularly, this invention relates to a separate riser assembly that is placed within an existing manhole frame to raise the height of the manhole cover to compensate for added roadway pavement. Specifically, this invention is directed to a riser assembly for use with a manhole frame positioned on an incline. The riser assembly comprises a first riser frame and second riser frame having spacer blocks fixedly engaged between them in a manner that retains the first riser frame at an angle relative to the second riser frame. The inclined first riser frame supports the full circumference of the manhole cover at an angle complementary to the sloped road surface.[0003]2. Background Information[0004]Most underground facilities such as sanitary and storm sewers, utility conduits, and the like have manhole openings to provide access thereto. These manholes usually are l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]A riser assembly and method for engaging the same to raise a manhole cover to be flush with an inclined paved surface after the application of an additional layer of paving material thereto. The riser assembly includes a first and second riser frame with a plurality of specially manufactured spacer blocks fixedly secured between them. The spacer blocks have progressively different height dimensions and sloped upper surfaces so as to creat

Problems solved by technology

Problems arise in the resurfacing of the roadways when a layer of pavement is placed on top of the existing pavement.

This results in the manhole cover being positioned a distance below the top surface of the new pavement, causing a depression in the roadway.

It is quite difficult and expensive to raise the existing manhole frame sufficiently to compensate for the added pavement.

However, when the pavement surface is inclined, as would be the case if the manhole were located on a hill or in a valley, for example, then the riser assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,911 is not entirely adequate for the job.

Either of this situations leads to early degradation of the new pavement surface and simultaneously tends to be hazardous for vehicles traveling over the road.

One of the issues with this device is that it requires the road crew installing it to make a series of calculations and adjustments to the device while they are busy installing the same.

This need for doing calculations in the field tends to slow the installation process down.

The device is therefore limited to riser heights that are greater than the thickness of the manhole cover plus the thickness of the top ring.

This arrangement is impractical in many instances because t

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