Ventilated rainproof well lid assembly

Abstract

A vented rainproof manhole cover assembly comprising: a manhole cover having a top outer surface and a bottom inner surface; a vent through the manhole cover between the top surface and the bottom surface; a valve assembly in fluid communication with the vent and extending from the bottom inner surface, the valve assembly configured to extend at least partially into a manhole from the bottom inner surface, the valve assembly operable between an open position enabling gas to vent from the manhole and a closed position preventing fluid from flowing into the manhole from the top outer surface.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 091,772, entitled “Ventilated and Rainproof Manhole Cover Assembly,” filed on October 14, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to manhole covers that conceal access openings in a sewer system. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly that seals access openings in a manhole structure located above a sewer, while simultaneously venting sewer gases and preventing or limiting rainfall inflow into the sewer and rainwater overflow from the sewer. Background Technology

[0004] The background description provided herein is merely to present the general context of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Various aspects of this background description should not be construed, explicitly or implicitly, as prior art concerning the claimed subject matter.

[0005] Sanitary sewers are underground tunnels that transport raw wastewater from residential and commercial buildings to treatment or disposal facilities. Sewers may include connecting houses and buildings to a single or more larger underground main pipe. A manhole is a periodically shaped, vertical opening that connects the main pipe to the surface for purposes such as sewer venting and other purposes. A manhole cover is a plate placed on the ground inside the manhole opening to seal it. Manhole covers can be selectively removed from the manhole opening to provide access to the underlying underground sewer structure for cleaning, maintenance, or repair.

[0006] For some applications, a ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly may be required. This assembly seals the manhole opening in the manhole structure above the sewer, vents sewer gas from the sewer, and prevents or limits rainfall from flowing into the sewer and rainwater from overflowing from the sewer. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first embodiment, a ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly is provided. The assembly includes a manhole cover having a top outer surface and a bottom inner surface, and a vent extending through the manhole cover between the top and bottom surfaces. A valve assembly is provided and is in fluid communication with the vent. The valve assembly extends from the bottom inner surface; furthermore, the valve assembly is configured to extend at least partially from the bottom inner surface into a maintenance manhole. The valve assembly is operable between an open position allowing gas to escape from the maintenance manhole, and a closed position preventing fluid from flowing into the maintenance manhole from the top outer surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the valve assembly is formed having a valve body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces. A first opening is formed on the top surface, and a second opening is formed on the side surface. A fluid passage extends between the first and second openings, and wherein, when the valve assembly is in the open position, gas in the access shaft enters through the second opening and exits through the first opening, while when the valve is in the closed position, fluid is prevented from entering the access shaft through the first opening.

[0009] In other embodiments, the valve assembly includes a first channel extending from a first opening and a second channel extending from a second opening and intersecting the first channel at an angle. In response to fluid at least partially filling the first channel, the valve assembly moves to a closed position to prevent fluid from flowing through the second channel.

[0010] In other embodiments, the valve component is a ball.

[0011] In other embodiments, the valve assembly is a check valve.

[0012] In another embodiment, the first channel is threaded to secure the valve body to the well cover via the threads.

[0013] In other embodiments, the top outer surface further includes a protrusion extending from the top outer surface, through which the vent penetrates.

[0014] In another embodiment, the protrusion can be removably attached to the manhole cover.

[0015] According to a second aspect, a valve assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a ventilation manhole cover assembly and extends from the underside of the ventilation manhole cover assembly. The valve assembly is operable between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing gas to exit from a manhole and the closed position preventing fluid from flowing into the manhole. The valve assembly includes a valve body having a first opening and a second opening, and a fluid passage extending between the first and second openings. A valve member is also included, movable between an open position and a closed position, such that the valve member moves from the open position to the closed position in response to fluid entering through the first opening to prevent fluid from flowing into the manhole.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the valve body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces. A first opening is formed on the top surface, and a second opening is formed on the side surface. The formed fluid passage includes a first fluid passage extending from the first opening and a second fluid passage extending from the second opening, the second fluid passage intersecting the first fluid passage at an angle. When the valve assembly is in the open position, gas in the access shaft enters through the second opening and exits through the first opening, while when the valve assembly is in the closed position, fluid is prevented from entering the access shaft through the first opening.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the valve body is fixed to the well cover by threads.

[0018] In another embodiment, the valve body is welded to the manhole cover.

[0019] In another embodiment, the valve component is a check valve.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the valve assembly further includes a manhole cover protrusion and a rod extending from the manhole cover protrusion, the rod being sized to be installed within and through a vent in the manhole cover. The rod is configured to attach to a valve body such that, when the rod is within the vent, the valve body is aligned with the vent and secured to the manhole cover.

[0021] According to a third aspect, a method for forming a ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly is provided. The method includes forming a vent through the manhole cover between the top and bottom surfaces of the manhole cover. The method also includes providing a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing gas to exit from the manhole through the manhole cover, and the closed position preventing fluid from flowing into the manhole from the top surface through the manhole cover. The method further includes securing the valve assembly to the manhole cover such that, when the manhole cover is arranged to close the manhole, the valve assembly extends from the bottom surface into the manhole.

[0022] According to some embodiments, providing a valve assembly includes providing a valve body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a first opening formed on the top surface and a second opening formed on the side surface, and a fluid passage extending between the first and second openings, such that when the valve assembly is in the open position, gas in the access well enters through the first opening and exits through the second opening, while when the valve assembly is in the closed position, fluid is prevented from entering the access well through the first opening.

[0023] According to some embodiments, securing the valve assembly to the manhole cover includes aligning a first opening with a vent.

[0024] In other embodiments, securing the valve assembly to the manhole cover includes securing the valve assembly to the manhole cover by threads.

[0025] In other embodiments, the method further includes providing a protruding member and securing the protruding member to the manhole cover such that the protruding member extends from the top surface and the vent in the protruding member is aligned with the vent in the manhole cover.

[0026] In other embodiments, providing the protruding member includes providing a rod extending from the protruding member, the rod being sized to be installed within and through the vent of the manhole cover, the method further including securing a valve assembly to the rod. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings help to understand the various embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the ventilation and rainproof manhole cover assembly, in which the valve assembly is fixed to the manhole cover.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ventilation and rainproof manhole cover assembly.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and 2 A top view of the valve assembly without the manhole cover.

[0031] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The line 4-4 was cut Figure 1-3 A cross-sectional view of the valve assembly, showing the valve between the open and closed positions.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a side view of the valve assembly.

[0033] Similar components are labeled with similar numbers. Detailed Implementation

[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustration shows one embodiment of a ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly 10, wherein the manhole cover assembly 12 is used to discharge sewer gas from the sewer 14 and to prevent or limit rainfall from flowing into the sewer 14 and rainwater from overflowing from the sewer 14. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the manhole cover assembly 12 is configured to be installed and / or secured in a manhole 16 having a manhole shoulder 18 formed in a manhole opening 20. In some applications, the manhole 16 may extend into the ground or road surface 22 and communicate with a sanitary sewer 14 beneath the ground or road surface 22. In operation, as discussed in more detail below, the manhole cover assembly 12 allows sewer gases (e.g., hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans) to be released from the sewer 14 into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the manhole cover assembly 12 prevents or substantially limits rainfall from the atmosphere and / or collected rainfall from the ground or road surface 22 from entering the sewer 14 through the manhole opening 20. The manhole cover assembly 12 also prevents rainwater from rising from the sewer 14, overflowing through the manhole opening 20, and flooding or contaminating the ground or road surface 22, especially under conditions of heavy rainfall.

[0035] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the manhole cover assembly 12 includes a manhole cover 24. The manhole cover 24 may comprise steel, aluminum, carbon fiber composite material, inert plastic, or other suitable materials, or any combination thereof. Figure 1 As shown, the manhole cover 24 has an inner surface 26 facing the sewer 14, a generally flat outer surface 28 facing the atmosphere, and an annular edge 30 that surrounds the inner surface 26 and the outer surface 28 and faces the manhole structure 16 when the manhole cover 24 is placed on the manhole shoulder 18.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described in more detail below, valve assembly 50 is secured to and / or abuts against the inner surface 26 of the access well 16 to extend at least partially within the access well 16. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this configuration, the valve assembly 50 is secured via a ventilation assembly 52, which includes bolts 54 having a rod 55 and an internal ventilation passage 56 extending therethrough, and optionally includes at least one washer 58 disposed between the manhole cover 24 and the valve assembly 50. When installed on the manhole cover 24, the valve assembly 50 extends from the inner surface 26 of the manhole and at least partially enters the manhole 16 to expel gas accumulated in the sewer 14 while also preventing fluids (e.g., rainwater) collected on the road surface 22 from entering the manhole 16.

[0037] Now for reference Figure 3-5 The valve assembly 50 includes a valve body 60 having a first surface or top surface 62, an opposing second surface or bottom surface 64, and a side surface 65 extending between the first surface 62 and the second surface 64. Figure 3-5As shown in the embodiment, the valve body 60 includes an internal channel 66 forming a fluid passage extending between a first opening 68 and a second opening 70, such that, as described in more detail below, when the valve assembly 50 is in the open position, gas in the sewer 14 enters the second opening 70 and exits the valve assembly 50 through the top opening or the first opening 68. When the valve assembly 50 is in the closed position, it prevents rainwater or other fluids collected on the ground or road surface 22 from entering the manhole 16 through the manhole opening 20.

[0038] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 4 The valve assembly 50 (particularly the channel 66) includes a first channel 72 extending from a first opening / top opening 68 and a second channel 74 extending from a second opening / bottom opening 70. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first channel 72 and the second channel 74 intersect at a predetermined angle θ, such that, as explained in more detail below, in response to rainfall or other fluids at least partially filling the first channel 72, the valve member 76, which is in the open position, moves upward from the first channel 72 in the directions of arrows 78 and 80 and enters the second channel 74 to be in the closed position, thereby preventing or significantly reducing fluid flow through the second channel 74 and into the sewer 14. For example, in Figure 1-3 In the illustrated embodiment, as the valve member 76 moves toward the second channel 74 in the direction of arrow 78, the steering member 75 can be operated to guide the valve member 76. See details. Figure 4 The steering member 75 includes a pair of spaced-apart guide pins to prevent the valve member 76 from moving too far upward in the first channel 72, while guiding the valve member 76 to the second channel 74. It should be understood that the steering member 75 can have different configurations. For example, a single guide pin may be used. Alternatively, the steering member 75 may be integrally molded into the valve body 60.

[0039] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 A first channel 72 extends from a top surface 62 toward a second surface or bottom surface 64 and forms a sidewall 82 and a bottom wall 85. According to some embodiments, the sidewall 82 near and / or adjacent to the top surface 62 includes a threaded portion 102 for threaded engagement with a bolt 54, thereby securing the valve body 60 to the inner surface 26 of the access well. Figure 3 and Figure 4In this configuration, a second channel 74 extends from a sidewall 65 toward a first channel 72 and is formed with a sidewall 86 and a valve seat 96 to receive a valve member 76 in response to flow accumulation in the first channel 72. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the second channel 74 extends angularly from the first channel 72 at an angle θ relative to the longitudinal central axis of the first channel 72 at an angle between approximately 0 and 90 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the angle θ is approximately 45 degrees; however, the angle θ may be greater than 45 degrees, and in other cases, it may be less than 45 degrees.

[0040] exist Figure 1-5 In the illustrated embodiment, the valve component 76 is a ball 92, such that when there is no fluid in the first channel 72, the ball 92 remains on and is supported by the bottom wall 85, as shown. Figure 4 The location best shown in the diagram is usually referred to as location A. For example, in Figure 4 In this arrangement, the diameter of ball 92 is smaller than the diameter of the first channel 72, so that when rainwater or other fluids enter the first channel 72 through the discharge channel 56, the rainwater flows around and below ball 92, thereby lifting ball 92 in the direction of arrow 78 until ball 92 contacts the deflecting member 94, which guides ball 92 in the direction of arrow 90 and causes ball 92 to at least partially enter the second channel 74, as... Figure 4 As shown, this position is referred to as position B. Specifically, ball 92 is formed of a suitable material and / or designed such that water pressure acting on ball 92 causes it to move in the directions of arrows 78 and 80 until ball 92 abuts against valve seat 96 formed in the sidewall 86 of the second channel, thereby forming a seal between ball 92 and valve seat 96, thus preventing and / or significantly reducing fluid flow through the second channel 74. During normal operation, the pressure acting on ball 92 due to rainwater in the first channel 72 is greater than the pressure acting on ball 92 in the sewer 14, thus preventing ball 92 from separating from valve seat 96 or returning from the closed position (i.e., position B) to the open position (i.e., position A).

[0041] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first channel 72 includes a drain hole 100 penetrating the bottom wall 85. In operation, the drain hole 100 provides a pathway for rainwater to exit the internal channel 66, allowing any remaining fluid within the internal channel 66 to slowly drain out, for example, as rainwater drains from the ground or pavement 22. As the liquid level within the internal channel 66 decreases, the ball 92 moves in the opposite directions of arrows 78 and 80 until it rests against the bottom wall 85, thus returning to the open position (position A). When in the open position, any accumulated gas within the sewer 14 is discharged through the internal channel 66 and enters the ambient air through the vent 56.

[0042] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The valve assembly 50 is secured to or abuts against the inner surface 26 of the manhole by bolts 54, which securely engage with a corresponding threaded portion 102 within the first channel 72. However, it should be understood that other configurations may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the valve assembly 50 may be welded to the inner surface 26 of the manhole, secured by adhesive, or secured using one or more bolts and / or brackets (not shown). In other embodiments, the valve assembly 50 may be integrally formed with the manhole cover 24. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a plurality of internal channels 66 and the valve member 76 may extend through the valve body 60. In other embodiments, the valve member 76 may not respond to changing liquid levels within the internal channels 66, but may be actuated in response to a signal received from a rain sensor (not shown). For example, the valve assembly 50 may include a controller (not shown) communicatively coupled to a sensor (e.g., a rain sensor or other sensor) to detect rainfall or other fluids on the road 22. In response to receiving a signal, the controller can operate to send a signal to move valve component 76 from the open position (position A) to the closed position (position B). Similarly, when the sensor no longer detects rainwater or liquid on road 22, the controller can operate to send a signal to move valve component 76 from the closed position (position B) to the open position (position A).

[0043] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the bolt 54 includes a circular or dome-shaped head 104 with a apex 106, sized to extend outward from the outer surface 28 of the manhole cover. In the event of rainfall causing water to accumulate or pool on the ground or road surface 22 and the outer surface 28 of the manhole cover, the height above the apex 106 on the ground or road surface 22 above the plane of the outer surface 28 of the manhole cover limits the amount of water that can enter the sewer 14 by preventing water from flowing into the valve assembly 50, until the depth of the water exceeds the height of the apex 106. Otherwise, the water tends to flow around the apex 106 rather than over it.

[0044] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a method for forming a ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly 10 is provided. The method includes the step of forming a vent 25 through a manhole cover 24 extending between an inner surface / bottom surface 26 and an outer surface / top surface 28 of the manhole. The method also includes providing a valve assembly 50, which is capable of being in an open position (… Figure 4 Position A in the middle and closed position ( Figure 4The method operates between positions B and C, wherein the open position allows gas to exit from the manhole 16 and through the manhole cover 24, and the closed position prevents fluid from flowing into the manhole 16 from the outer or top surface 28 through the manhole cover 24. The method also includes securing a valve assembly 50 to the manhole cover 24 such that, when the manhole cover 24 is arranged to close the manhole 16, the valve assembly 50 extends from the bottom or inner surface 26 into the manhole 16.

[0045] In the description of some embodiments above, specific terms have been used for clarity. However, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so chosen, and it should be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar technical purposes.

[0046] In this specification and claims, the term "comprising" should be understood in its "open" meaning, that is, as meaning "including...", and not limited to its "closed" meaning, that is, "consisting of only...". Corresponding variations of this term also have corresponding meanings.

[0047] Furthermore, the above description only illustrates some embodiments of the present invention, and various changes, modifications, additions and / or variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments. These embodiments are merely exemplary and not restrictive.

[0048] Furthermore, while the present invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments currently considered to be the most practical and preferred, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments; rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained within the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, the various embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with other embodiments; for example, aspects of one embodiment can be combined with aspects of another embodiment to implement other embodiments. Furthermore, each individual feature or component of any given component can constitute other embodiments.

Claims

1. A ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly, comprising: A manhole cover having a top outer surface and a bottom inner surface; A ventilation opening runs through the top and bottom of the manhole cover; as well as A valve assembly, in fluid communication with a vent and extending from its bottom inner surface, is configured to extend at least partially from its bottom inner surface into the access shaft. The valve assembly is operable between an open position allowing gas to escape from the access shaft, and a closed position preventing fluid from flowing into the access shaft from its top outer surface. The valve assembly is formed with a valve body, the valve body comprising: Top surface, bottom surface, and the side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces; A first opening is formed on the top surface and a second opening is formed on the side surface; A fluid channel extending between the first opening and the second opening; and When the valve assembly is in the open position, gas in the maintenance well enters through the first opening and exits through the second opening, while when the valve is in the closed position, fluid is prevented from entering the maintenance well through the first opening.

2. The ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly includes a first channel extending from a first opening and a second channel extending from a second opening and intersecting the first channel at an angle, wherein, In response to fluid at least partially filling the first channel, the valve component moves to the closed position to prevent fluid from flowing through the second channel.

3. The ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the valve component is a ball.

4. The ventilation and rainproof manhole cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve assembly is a check valve.

5. The ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first channel is threaded to secure the valve body to the manhole cover via the threads.

6. The ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the top outer surface further includes a protrusion extending from the top outer surface, and the vent penetrates the protrusion.

7. The ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly of claim 6, wherein the protrusion is removably attached to the manhole cover.

8. A valve assembly for use with and extending beneath a ventilation manhole cover assembly, the valve assembly being operable between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing gas to escape from a manhole, and the closed position preventing fluid from flowing into the manhole, the valve assembly comprising: A valve body having a first opening and a second opening, and a fluid passage extending between the first opening and the second opening; as well as A valve component movable between an open position and a closed position, thereby moving from the open position to the closed position in response to fluid entering through a first opening to prevent fluid from flowing into the maintenance well. The valve assembly also includes: The valve body has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces; A first opening is formed on the top surface and a second opening is formed on the side surface; The formed fluid channel includes a first fluid channel extending from a first opening and a second fluid channel extending from a second opening, the second fluid channel intersecting the first fluid channel at a certain angle; and When the valve assembly is in the open position, gas in the maintenance well enters through the second opening and exits through the first opening, while when the valve is in the closed position, fluid is prevented from entering the maintenance well through the first opening.

9. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the valve body is threaded to the manhole cover.

10. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the valve body is welded to the manhole cover.

11. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the valve component is a check valve.

12. The valve assembly of claim 8, further comprising a manhole cover protrusion and a rod extending from the manhole cover protrusion, the rod being sized to be mounted within and through a vent in the manhole cover, and wherein the rod is configured to attach to a valve body such that, when the rod is within the vent, the valve body is aligned with the vent and secured to the manhole cover.

13. A method for forming a ventilated and rainproof manhole cover assembly, the method comprising: A ventilation opening is formed between the top and bottom surfaces of the manhole cover, penetrating the entire manhole cover; Provides a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing gas to drain from the manhole through the manhole cover, and the closed position preventing fluid from flowing into the manhole from the top surface through the manhole cover; and The valve assembly is secured to the manhole cover so that, when the manhole cover is arranged to close the access manhole, the valve assembly extends from the bottom surface into the access manhole. The valve assembly includes a valve body comprising: Top surface, bottom surface, and the side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces; A first opening is formed on the top surface and a second opening is formed on the side surface; A fluid channel extending between the first opening and the second opening; and When the valve assembly is in the open position, gas in the maintenance well enters through the first opening and exits through the second opening, while when the valve is in the closed position, fluid is prevented from entering the maintenance well through the first opening.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein securing the valve assembly to the manhole cover includes aligning the first opening with a vent.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein securing the valve assembly to the manhole cover comprises securing the valve assembly to the manhole cover by threads.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing a protruding member and securing the protruding member to the manhole cover such that the protruding member extends from the top surface and a vent in the protruding member is aligned with a vent in the manhole cover.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the protruding member includes providing a rod extending from the protruding member, the rod being sized to be installed within and through the vent of the manhole cover, the method further comprising securing a valve assembly to the rod.

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