Ventilated precipitation protection manhole cover assembly

Abstract

A valve assembly is provided for use with a ventilated manhole cover assembly, extending from its underside. The valve assembly is operable between an open position, which allows gas to flow out of the manhole, and a closed position, which prevents fluid from flowing into the manhole. The valve assembly comprises a valve body having a first opening and a second opening, as well as a fluid passage extending between the first and second openings. The valve assembly further comprises a drain hole extending through the valve body, which can drain fluid. The valve assembly also includes a valve member movable between an open position and a closed position, which moves from the open position to the closed position in response to fluid flowing in from the first opening to prevent fluid from flowing into the manhole, and moves from the closed position to the open position in response to the drainage of fluid through the drain hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 497,690, filed October 8, 2021, titled "Ventilated Rainwater Protection Manhole Cover Assembly", which is a partial continuation application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 091,772, filed October 14, 2020, titled "Ventilated Rainwater Protection Manhole Cover Assembly", and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 18 / 141,840, filed May 1, 2023, titled "Ventilated Rainwater Protection Manhole Cover Assembly", each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all and any purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a manhole cover for a manhole opening above a sewer system. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a ventilated rainwater protection manhole cover assembly that closes a manhole opening in a manhole structure above a sanitary sewer while allowing sewer gas to ventilate and preventing or restricting the flow of rainwater into the sewer and the overflow of rainwater from the sewer.

Background Art

[0003] The description of the background art provided herein is for the sole purpose of generally presenting the content of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Aspects related to the description of the background art are not admitted, either explicitly or implicitly, as prior art to the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Sanitary sewers are underground tunnels that transport raw sewage from homes and commercial buildings to treatment or disposal facilities. Sewers may include pipelines that connect homes and buildings to one or more larger underground trunk lines. Manholes are vertical openings formed at regular intervals that connect trunk lines to the ground for ventilation of sewer gases and other purposes. Manhole covers are plates that sit on the manhole opening in the ground to close the manhole. Manhole covers are selectively removable from the manhole opening to provide access to the underground sewer structure below for cleaning, maintenance, or repair.

[0005] A ventilated precipitation-protective manhole cover assembly is desirable for several applications, as it closes the manhole opening in a manhole structure above a sanitary sewer, exhausts sewer gases from the sewer, and prevents or limits the flow of precipitation into the sewer and rainwater overflow from the sewer. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the first embodiment, a ventilated precipitation protection manhole cover assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a manhole cover having an outer top surface and an inner bottom surface, and a vent extending through the manhole cover between the top and bottom surfaces. A valve assembly is provided, which allows fluid to flow through the vent. The valve assembly extends from the inner bottom surface; and also extends at least partially into the manhole from the inner bottom surface. The valve assembly is operable between an open position, which allows gas to flow out of the manhole, and a closed position, which prevents fluid flow from the outer top surface into the manhole.

[0007] 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, where, when the valve assembly is in the open position, gas in the manhole flows in through the second opening and out through the first opening, and when it is in the closed position, fluid is prevented from flowing into the manhole through the first opening.

[0008] In other embodiments, the valve assembly comprises a first flow path extending from a first opening, and a second flow path extending from a second opening and intersecting the first flow path at an angle. In response to fluid at least partially filling the first flow path, the valve member moves to a closed position to prevent the fluid that has passed through the second flow path from flowing through.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the valve member is a ball.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the valve assembly is a check valve.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the first flow path is screwed into the manhole cover so that the valve body is screwed in place.

[0012] In another embodiment, the outer upper surface is further provided with projections extending from the outer upper surface, and vents extend through these projections.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the protrusion is detachably attached to the manhole cover.

[0014] According to a second embodiment, a valve assembly is provided that is used with a ventilated manhole cover assembly and extends from its lower side. The valve assembly is operable between an open position, which allows gas to flow out of the manhole, and a closed position, which prevents fluid from flowing into the manhole. The valve assembly comprises a valve body having a first opening and a second opening, and a fluid passage extending between the first opening and the second opening. A valve member is provided, which is movable between an open position and a closed position, in response to fluid flowing in from the first opening, so that the valve member moves from an open position to a closed position to prevent fluid from flowing into the manhole.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the valve body has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. A first opening is formed on the top surface, and a second opening is formed on the side surface. The fluid passage is formed with 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 manhole flows in through the second opening and out through the first opening, and when it is in the closed position, fluid is prevented from flowing into the manhole through the first opening.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the valve body is screwed to the manhole cover.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the valve body is welded to the manhole cover.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the valve member is a check valve.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the valve assembly further comprises a manhole cover projection and a stem extending from the manhole cover projection and sized to fit through and into the vent of the manhole cover. The stem is attached to the valve body such that when the stem is placed in the vent, the valve body is positioned in the vent and secured to the manhole cover.

[0020] According to a third embodiment, a method is provided for forming a ventilated precipitation-protective manhole cover assembly. This 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 that is operable between an open position, which allows gas to flow out of the manhole through the manhole cover, and a closed position, which prevents fluid flow from the top surface through the manhole cover into the manhole. The method further includes fixing the valve assembly to the manhole cover such that the valve assembly extends from the bottom surface into the manhole when the manhole cover is positioned to close the manhole.

[0021] According to some embodiments, providing a valve assembly includes a valve body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; a first opening formed in the top surface and a second opening formed in the side surface; and a fluid passage extending between the first opening and the second opening such that when the valve assembly is in the open position, gas in the manhole flows in through the first opening and flows out through the second opening, and when it is in the closed position, fluid is prevented from flowing into the manhole through the first opening.

[0022] According to some embodiments, securing the valve assembly to the manhole cover includes positioning the first opening with the vent.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, securing the valve assembly to the manhole cover includes screwing the valve assembly to the manhole cover.

[0024] In still other embodiments, the method further includes providing a projecting member and fixing the projecting member to the manhole cover so as to extend from the upper surface, and the vent hole in the projecting member is positioned with the vent hole of the manhole cover.

[0025] In other embodiments, providing the projecting member includes providing a stem sized to extend from the projecting member to fit within and extend through the vent hole of the manhole cover, and the method further includes fixing a valve assembly to the stem.

[0026] The accompanying drawings facilitate understanding of the various embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a vented precipitation protection manhole cover assembly in which a valve assembly is fixed to a manhole cover. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the vented precipitation protection manhole cover assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 excluding the manhole cover. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 to 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the valve between the open position and the closed position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the valve assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the valve assembly having a secondary drain hole.

[0028] Similar elements are denoted by similar reference numerals.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] (Detailed Description) Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of a ventilated precipitation-protective manhole cover assembly 10 is illustrated, in which the manhole cover assembly 12 is employed to exhaust sewer gases from the sewer 14 and to prevent or limit the flow of precipitation into the sewer 14 and the overflow of rainwater from the sewer 14. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the manhole cover assembly 12 is configured to be installed on and / or otherwise fixed to a manhole 16 having a manhole shoulder 18 formed in the 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 described in more detail below, the manhole cover assembly 12 exhausts sewer gases from the sewer 14, such as hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, into the atmosphere or otherwise discharges them. In addition, the manhole cover assembly 12 prevents or substantially limits the large-scale inflow of precipitation from the atmosphere and / or accumulated precipitation from the ground or road surface 22 into the sewer 14 through the manhole opening 20. The manhole cover assembly 12 can further prevent rainwater from rising from the sewer 14, overflowing through the manhole opening 20, and flooding or contamination of the ground or road surface, especially under heavy rainfall conditions.

[0030] Specifically referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the manhole cover assembly 12 comprises a manhole cover 24. The manhole cover 24 may include steel, aluminum, carbon fiber composite, inert plastic, or other suitable material, or any combination thereof. As shown in Figure 1, the manhole cover 24 has an inner manhole cover surface 26 facing the sewer 14, an entirely flat outer manhole cover surface 28 facing the atmosphere, and an annular manhole cover edge 30 that is in contact with the inner manhole cover surface 26 and the outer manhole cover surface 28 and faces the manhole structure 16 when the manhole cover 24 is seated on the manhole shoulder 18.

[0031] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, as detailed below, the valve assembly 50 is fixed to and / or otherwise in contact with the inner manhole surface 26 so as to extend at least partially into the manhole 16. In Figures 1 and 2, the valve assembly 50 is fixed via a ventilation assembly 52 which comprises a threaded bolt 54 having a stem 55 and an internal ventilation passage 56 through it, and optionally at least one washer 58 positioned between the manhole cover 24 and the valve assembly 50. When installed on the manhole cover 24, the valve assembly 50 extends at least partially into the manhole 16 from the inner manhole surface 26, exhausting gases accumulated in the sewer 14 and preventing fluids such as rainwater collected on the road surface 22 from flowing into the manhole 16.

[0032] Referring here to Figures 3-5, the valve assembly 50 comprises a valve body 60 having a first face or top face 62, an opposite second face or bottom face 64, and a side face 65 extending between the first face 62 and the second face 64. As illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 3-5, the valve body 60 comprises an internal flow path 66 formed with a fluid passage extending between the first opening 68 and the second opening 70, so that when the valve assembly 50 is in the open position, gas in the sewer 14 enters the second opening 70 and flows out of the valve assembly 50 through the top or the first opening 68, as will be described in more detail below. When the valve assembly 50 is in the closed position, precipitation or other fluids accumulated on the ground or road surface 22 are prevented from flowing into the manhole 16 from the manhole opening 20.

[0033] Referring specifically to Figure 4, the valve assembly 50, in particular the flow path 66, comprises a first flow path 72 extending from a first opening / upper opening 68 and a second flow path 74 extending from a second opening / lower opening 70. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, as described in more detail below, the first flow path 72 and the second flow path 74 intersect at a predetermined angle θ such that, in response to precipitation or other fluid at least partially filling the first flow path 72, the valve member 76 moves upward from the first flow path 72 in the direction of arrows 78, 80 (still in the open position), reaches the second flow path 74 and stops in the closed position, thereby preventing, or otherwise substantially reducing, the flow of fluid through the second flow path 74 to the sewer 14. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-3, for example, a diverter member 75 is capable of acting to cause the valve member 76 to move toward the second flow path 74 when the valve member 76 moves in the direction of arrow 78. Referring specifically to Figure 4, the diverter 75 includes a pair of spaced guide pins that prevent the valve member 76 from moving excessively upward in the first flow path 72, while simultaneously directing the valve member 76 toward the second flow path 74. It should be understood that the diverter 75 may exist in different configurations. For example, it is possible to use only a single guide pin. Alternatively, the diverter 75 may be molded integrally with the valve body 60.

[0034] Referring specifically to Figures 3 and 4, the first flow path 72 extends from the top surface 62 toward the second surface or bottom surface 64 and is formed having side walls 82 and a bottom wall 85. According to some embodiments, the side wall 82 near the top surface 62 and / or otherwise adjacent is provided with a threaded portion 102 for screwing a threaded bolt 54 to secure the valve body 60 to the inner manhole surface 26. In Figures 3 and 4, the second flow path 74 extends from the side wall 65 toward the first flow path 72 and is formed having a side wall 86 and a valve seat 96 that receives the valve member 76 in response to the increase in fluid in the first flow path 72. According to embodiments disclosed herein, the second flow path 74 extends from the first flow path 72 at an angle θ of about 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the first flow path 72. For example, in some embodiments, this angle θ is approximately 45 degrees, however, the angle θ can be greater than 45 degrees, and in other cases, it can be less than 45 degrees.

[0035] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-5, the valve member 76 is a ball 92, and when there is no fluid in the first channel 72, the ball 92 rests on and is supported on the bottom wall 85 (referred to as position A throughout), as best shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4, for example, the ball 92 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first channel 72, so that when rainwater or other fluid flows from the ventilation passage 56 into the first channel 72, the rainwater flows around and below the ball 92, thereby lifting the ball 92 in the direction of arrow 78 until the ball 92 contacts the diverter 94, and thus guides the ball 92 in the direction of arrow 90 so that it enters the second channel 74 at least partially (referred to as position B in Figure 4). In particular, the ball 92 is formed from, and / or otherwise designed to, move in the direction of arrows 78, 80 until the water pressure acting on the ball 92 causes the ball 92 to seat on a valve seat 96 formed on the side wall 86 of the second passage, thereby forming a seal between the ball 92 and the valve seat 96, which prevents and / or substantially reduces the flow of fluid through the second passage 74. Under normal operation, the pressure generated in the first passage 72 by rainwater and acting on the ball 92 is greater than the pressure acting on the ball 92 in the sewer 14, and therefore prevents the ball 92 from separating from the valve seat 96 and, otherwise, from returning from the closed position (i.e., position B) to the open position (i.e., position A).

[0036] Referring specifically to Figures 4-6, the first channel 72 includes a drain hole 100 that extends through the bottom wall 85. During operation, the drain hole 100 forms a channel for rainwater to flow out of the internal channel 66, for example, when rainwater is drained from the ground or road surface 22, so that any fluid remaining in the internal channel 66 slowly flows out of the drain hole 100. As the fluid level in the internal channel 66 decreases, the ball 92 moves in the opposite direction to arrows 78 and 80 until it is placed on the bottom wall 85 and returns to the open position (position A). In the open position, gases accumulating in the sewer 14 will flow out into the atmosphere through the internal channel 66 and the ventilation passage 56.

[0037] According to some embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 6, the first flow path 72 may optionally include a second drain hole 200 that extends through the side wall 65 of the valve body 60. Similar to the drain hole 100, when in operation, the drain hole 200 forms a channel for rainwater to flow out of the internal flow path 66, for example, when rainwater is drained from the ground or road surface 22, so that any fluid remaining in the internal flow path 66 slowly flows out of the drain hole 200. The drain hole 200 acts as a secondary drain in addition to and / or in place of the drain hole 100 in situations where mud, rocks and other debris block the drain 100 and prevent the flow of fluid that has passed through it. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the opening 200 is positioned in the valve body 60, particularly penetrating the side wall 65, at a height that allows the internal passage 66 to be drained and the ball 92 to move toward the bottom wall 85 and reach the open position when fluid is drained through the opening 200, including when the opening 100 is closed.

[0038] It should be understood that any number of drain holes 100 and / or drain holes 200 may be incorporated. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of drain holes 200 may be spaced apart around or in part around the side wall 65. In other embodiments, a plurality of drain openings 100 may be formed extending along the bottom wall 85 through the valve body 60.

[0039] Referring specifically to Figures 1 and 2, the valve assembly 50 is fixed to the inner manhole surface 26 via a screw bolt 54 that firmly engages with a corresponding threaded portion 102 in the first flow path 72, and otherwise abuts against it. 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 manhole surface 26, fixed with adhesive, or fixed with one or more bolts and / or brackets (not shown). In other embodiments, the valve assembly 50 may be formed integrally with the manhole cover 24. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a plurality of internal flow paths 66 and valve members 76 may extend to the valve body 60. In yet another embodiment, instead of the valve member 76 responding to a variable fluid level in the internal flow path 66, the valve member 76 may be actuated in response to a signal received from a rain sensor (not shown). For example, the valve assembly 50 may include a control device (not shown) that is communicably connected to a sensor such as, for example, a rain sensor, or another sensor that detects precipitation or other fluids on the road 22. In response to receiving a signal, the control device is operable to transmit a signal to move the valve member 76 from the open position (position A) to the closed position (position B). Similarly, if the sensor no longer detects rain or liquid on the road 22, the control device is operable to transmit a signal to move the valve member 76 from the closed position (position B) to the open position (position A).

[0040] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the screw bolt 54 has a round or dome-shaped head portion 104 that has a vertex 106 and is formed to extend outward from the outer manhole cover surface 28. When rainfall causes puddles to form on the ground or road surface 22 and the outer manhole cover surface 28, the height of the vertex 106 above the plane of the outer manhole cover surface 28 on the ground or road surface 22 prevents the accumulated water from flowing into the valve assembly 50 until the depth of the accumulated water exceeds the height of the vertex 106, thereby limiting the amount of accumulated water that can flow into the sewer 14. Otherwise, the accumulated water tends to flow around the vertex 106 rather than overflowing it.

[0041] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a method for forming a ventilated precipitation-protective manhole cover assembly 10 is provided. The method includes the step of forming a vent 25 through a manhole cover 24 that extends between an inner / lower manhole surface 26 and an outer / upper manhole surface 28. The method further includes providing a valve assembly 50 which is operable between an open position (position A in Figure 4) that allows gas to flow out from the manhole 16 through the manhole cover 24 and a closed position (position B in Figure 4) that prevents fluid flow from the outer or upper surface 28 through the manhole cover 24 to the manhole 16. The method also includes fixing the valve assembly 50 to the manhole cover 24 such that the valve assembly 50 extends from the lower or inner surface 26 to the manhole 16 when the manhole cover 24 is positioned to close the manhole 16.

[0042] In the above-mentioned descriptions of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been used for clarity. However, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms thus selected, and each of these terms should be understood to include other technical equivalents that operate similarly and achieve similar technical purposes.

[0043] In this specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” should be understood in its “open” form, i.e., “including,” and therefore not limited to its “closed” form, i.e., “consisting only of.” Where the corresponding terms “comprise,” “comprised,” and “comprises” appear, the corresponding meanings shall belong to these terms.

[0044] In addition, only some embodiments of the present invention are described above, and modifications, alterations, additions, and / or changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments of this disclosure, and the embodiments are illustrative and not limiting.

[0045] Furthermore, the present invention is described in relation to what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, and it should be understood that the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but rather is intended to encompass various modifications and equivalent configurations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined solely by the appended claims. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in combination with other embodiments, for example, an aspect of one embodiment may be combined with an aspect of another embodiment to realize yet another embodiment. Furthermore, each of the independent features or components of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Claims

1. A valve assembly used in conjunction with a ventilated manhole cover assembly, extending from its lower side, wherein the valve assembly is operable between an open position that allows gas to flow out of the manhole and a closed position that prevents fluid flow into the manhole, and the valve assembly is: A valve body having a first opening and a second opening, and a fluid passage extending between the first opening and the second opening; A drain hole extending through the valve body and capable of draining fluid; and A valve member that is movable between the open position and the closed position, the valve member that moves from the open position to the closed position in response to the fluid flowing in from the first opening to prevent the fluid from flowing into the manhole. A valve assembly comprising the valve member moving from the closed position to the open position in response to the drainage of fluid through the drain hole.

2. The valve body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface; The first opening formed on the upper surface and the second opening formed on the side surface; It is formed comprising a first fluid passage extending from the first opening and a second fluid passage extending from the second opening, wherein the second fluid passage intersects the first fluid passage at an angle. The valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising the following: when the valve assembly is in the open position, gas in the manhole flows in through the second opening and out through the first opening; and when it is in the closed position, the fluid is prevented from flowing into the manhole through the first opening.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve body is screwed to the manhole cover.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve body is welded to the manhole cover.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve member is a check valve.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a manhole cover projection and a stem extending from the manhole cover projection and sized to fit through the vent of the manhole cover, wherein the stem is attached to the valve body such that when the stem is placed inside the vent, the valve body is positioned with the vent and fixed to the manhole cover.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein the drain hole extends through the bottom surface and is capable of draining fluid from the fluid passage.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein the drain hole extends through the side surface and is capable of draining fluid from the fluid passage.

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