Sewer Grate Removal Apparatus and Methods of Using the Same

Description

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 62/638,822, title “Rectangular Storm Sewer Grate Lifter,” filed Mar. 5, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sewer grate removal apparatus. Specifically, the sewer grate removal apparatus comprises first and second extended rods, each having handles on first terminal ends thereof, and J-shaped elements on second terminal ends thereof, respectively. A bridging member extends from the first extended rod to the second extended rod proximal the first terminal ends thereof, and configured to allow rotation of the first and second extended rods. In use, the J-shaped portions at the second terminal ends of the first and second extended rods are fit into grate holes and the handles on the first terminal ends thereof are turned to engage the J-shaped portions with the grate, and the apparatus is pulled upwardly to remove the grate.

BACKGROUND

Sewer grates are notoriously difficult to remove and move when necessary to access a storm sewer. Typically made from steel, grate covers come in many different shapes and sizes, are very heavy and cannot routinely be remove and/or moved by an individual unaided. Moreover, sewer grates typically fit on grate seats sized and shaped to allow the grate to rest flush on the ground so that they do not interfere with vehicles or foot traffic. This may make it additionally difficult to lift, remove and/or move the grates when intending to access the sewer therebeneath.

Oftentimes, removal of sewer grates requires wedging a tool, such as a crowbar, pry bar or other like extended rods, around a periphery of the sewer grate, and levering the grate open, either on one or a plurality of sides. To be effective, it oftentimes requires several people to accomplish the task of removing the grate. One or more people attempt to pry the grate up off its seat, while others attempt to pull or otherwise move the grate away from the opening. To effectively pry the grate, the crowbar or other removal tool must be fit around the periphery of the grate where there may be limited room or space to wedge the bar. Moreover, the users must typically bend, not only to pry the grate, but also to move or remove the grate from the opening. Bending and attempting to move a heavy object such as the grate can lead to back injuries. Moreover, users may injure their fingers if attempts to move the grate are done via user's hands.

One solution, known as the Flexstorm Grate Removal Tool, comprises an extended handle having extended rods attached thereto downwardly on carabiner clips. Engagement prongs on the ends of the extended rods engage the grate and the handle is utilized to move the grate cover by lifting the same. However, because the extended rods appear to hang freely on the carabiners, there is little control of the extended rods. A user would typically need to position the rods within the grate, but then attempt to lift the grate using the handle while also maintaining the proper connection of the rods with the grate. This may be difficult to accomplish unless multiple people utilize the tool.

A need, therefore, exists for an improved sewer grate removal apparatus. Specifically, a need exists for a sewer grate removal apparatus that is easy for a single person to use. More specifically, a need exists for a sewer grate removal apparatus that may be manipulated and lifted by a single user.

Moreover, a need exists for a sewer grate removal apparatus that may be used on a variety of different types of grates. Specifically, a need exists for a sewer grate removal apparatus that is adjustable so that the engaging elements may be easily manipulated to fit different configurations of grate cover shapes and sizes.

In addition, a need exists for a sewer grate removal apparatus that is strong and robust to engage and move a heavy sewer grate. Further, a need exists for a sewer grate removal apparatus that may be easily compacted and stored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sewer grate removal apparatus. Specifically, the sewer grate removal apparatus comprises first and second extended rods, each having handles on first terminal ends thereof, and J-shaped elements on second terminal ends thereof, respectively. A bridging member extends from the first extended rod to the second extended rod proximal the first terminal ends thereof, and configured to allow rotation of the first and second extended rods. In use, the J-shaped portions at the second terminal ends of the first and second extended rods are fit into grate holes and the handles on the first terminal ends thereof are turned to engage the J-shaped portions with the grate, and the apparatus is pulled upwardly to remove the grate.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a sewer grate removal apparatus is provided. The sewer grate removal apparatus comprises: a first extended rod and a second extended rod disposed in parallel relationship to each other; and a bridging member extending between the first and second extended rods, the first and second extended rods disposed through the bridging member and rotatable within the bridging member, wherein the first extended rod comprises a first hook element and the second extended rod comprises a second hook element, the first and second hook elements configured to engage a sewer grate.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod extends through a first space within the bridging member, wherein the first space provides lateral movement of the first extended rod therein.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod extends through a first space within the bridging member and the second extended rod extends through a second space within the bridging member, wherein the first and second spaces provide lateral movement of the first and second extended rods therein, respectively.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod comprises a first stop positioned on the first extended rod above the bridging element and a second stop positioned on the extended rod below the bridging element.

In an embodiment, the bridging element provides vertical movement of the first extended rod between the first and second stops.

In an embodiment, the bridging element comprises first and second parallel bars.

In an embodiment, the sewer grate removal apparatus further comprises: at least one spacer connecting the first parallel bar to the second parallel bar, the spacer maintaining the first and second parallel bars in parallel relationship with each other.

In an embodiment, the first and second hook elements are J-hooks.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod comprises a first elbow joint therein, wherein the first extended rod is foldable via the first elbow joint.

In an embodiment, the sewer grate removal apparatus further comprises: a collar configured to move vertically on the first extended rods, the collar movable between a first position covering the first elbow joint and a second position above the first elbow joint such that when positioned covering the first elbow joint, the first elbow joint is locked and when positioned above the first elbow joint, the elbow joint is foldable.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod comprises a first elbow joint therein and the second extended rod comprises a second elbow joint therein, wherein the first and second extended rods are foldable via the first and second elbow joints, respectively.

In an embodiment, the sewer grate removal apparatus further comprises: a first collar configured to move vertically on the first extended rod, the first collar movable between a first position covering the first elbow joint and a second position above the first elbow joint such that when positioned covering the first elbow joint, the first elbow joint is locked and when positioned above the first elbow joint, the elbow joint is foldable; and a second collar configured to move vertically on the second extended rod, the second collar movable between a first position covering the second elbow joint and a second position above the second elbow joint such that when positioned covering the second elbow joint, the second elbow joint is locked and when positioned above the second elbow joint, the elbow joint is foldable.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a sewer grate removal apparatus is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a sewer grate removal apparatus comprising a first extended rod and a second extended rod disposed in parallel relationship to each other, and a bridging member extending between the first and second extended rods, the first and second extended rods disposed through the bridging member and rotatable within the bridging member, wherein the first extended rod comprises a first hook element and the second extended rod comprises a second hook element, the first and second hook elements configured to engage a sewer grate; disposing the first hook element within an aperture of a sewer grate; engaging the first hook element with the sewer grate; and moving the sewer grate with the sewer grate removal apparatus.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of: rotating the first hook element to engage the same to the sewer grate.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod extends through a first space within the bridging member, wherein the space provides lateral movement of the first extended rod therein, and further comprises the step of: moving the first extended rod laterally through the first space within the bridging member when engaging the hook element with the sewer grate.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod comprises a first stop positioned on the first extended rod above the bridging element and a second stop positioned on the extended rod below the bridging element, wherein the bridging element provides vertical movement of the first extended rod between the first and second stops and further comprises the step of: moving the first extended rod vertically through the bridging member when engaging the hook element with the sewer grate.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod comprises a first elbow joint therein, wherein the first extended rod is foldable via the first elbow joint, and further comprises the step of: folding the first extended rod at the first elbow joint.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod comprises a collar configured to move vertically on the first extended rod, the collar movable between a first position covering the first elbow joint and a second position above the first elbow joint such that when positioned covering the first elbow joint, the first elbow joint is locked and when positioned above the first elbow joint, the elbow joint is foldable, and further comprises the steps of: moving the collar from the first position covering the first elbow joint to the second position above the first elbow joint; and bending the first elbow joint to fold the first extended rod.

In an embodiment, the first extended rod comprises a collar configured to move vertically on the first extended rod, the collar movable between a first position covering the first elbow joint and a second position above the first elbow joint such that when positioned covering the first elbow joint, the first elbow joint is locked and when positioned above the first elbow joint, the elbow joint is foldable, and further comprises the steps of: straightening the first elbow joint; and covering the first elbow joint with the collar.

In an embodiment, the second extended rod comprises a second elbow joint therein, wherein the second extended rod is foldable via the second elbow joint, and further comprises the step of: folding the second extended rod at the second elbow joint.

It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved sewer grate removal apparatus.

Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a sewer grate removal apparatus that is easy for a single person to use.

More specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a sewer grate removal apparatus that may be manipulated and lifted by a single user.

Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a sewer grate removal apparatus that may be used on a variety of different types of grates.

Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a sewer grate removal apparatus that is adjustable so that the engaging elements are easily manipulated to fit different configurations of grate cover shapes and sizes.

In addition, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a sewer grate removal apparatus that is strong and robust to engage and move a heavy sewer grate.

Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a sewer grate removal apparatus that may be easily compacted and stored.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates plan view of a sewer grate removal apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a stop view of a sewer grate removal apparatus engaged with a sewer grate in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up plan view of a handle, extended rod, and bridging member in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a sewer grate removal apparatus engaged with a sewer grate in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a sewer grate apparatus in a folded configuration for storage in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of a folded rod element of a sewer grate apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of a straightened rod element having a collar thereover in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a sewer grate removal apparatus. Specifically, the sewer grate removal apparatus comprises first and second extended rods, each having handles on first terminal ends thereof, and J-shaped elements on second terminal ends thereof, respectively. A bridging member extends from the first extended rod to the second extended rod proximal the first terminal ends thereof, and configured to allow rotation of the first and second extended rods. In use, the J-shaped portions at the second terminal ends of the first and second extended rods are fit into grate holes and the handles on the first terminal ends thereof are turned to engage the J-shaped portions with the grate, and the apparatus is pulled upwardly to remove the grate.

Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a sewer grate removal apparatus 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. The sewer grate removal apparatus 10 comprises first extended rod 12 and second extended rod 14 disposed roughly in parallel relationship, and disposed a distance apart from each other via a bridging member 16.

First and second extended rods 12, 14 each comprise first and second handle elements 18, 20, respectively on first terminal ends 22, 24, thereof. The first and second handle elements 18, 20 allow for holding of the apparatus by a user thereof, and provide for the axial rotation of each of the extended rods 12, 14 when engaging each with a sewer grate, as described in more detail below.

First and second extended rods 12, 14 further comprise first and second J-hook elements 26, 28 disposed on second terminal ends 30, 32 thereof, respectively. The first and second J-hook elements 26, 28 may be hooked or otherwise engaged with apertures within a sewer grate, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. More specifically, a user may grip handles 18, 20 and manipulate first and second extended rods 12, 14 to engage the J-hook elements 26, 28 within apertures of a grate for lifting of the same.

The bridging member 16 may comprise a housing through which the first and second extended rods 12, 14 may extend. In a preferred embodiment, the bridging member 16 may comprise first and second parallel bars 34, 36, as illustrated in FIG. 2, that may be positioned and held in place via spacers 38, 40, 42, 44, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The spacers may be, as illustrated in FIG. 1, spacer bolts 38, 40, 42, 44 that may maintain the parallel positioning of the first and second parallel bars 34, 36, which may further provide a space through which the first and second extended rods 12, 14 may extend therethrough. The spacers 38, 40, 42, 44 may also be welded elements, or other like elements that may hold the first and second parallel bars a distance from each other to provide a space therein.

The first and second extended rods 12, 14 may each have first and second limit stops 46, 48 so that the first and second extended rods 12, 14 may maintain their relative positions within the bridging member 16. The first and second limit stops 46, 48 may be disposed apart from each other a length that is longer than the corresponding vertical length of the bridging member 16. Thus, the first and second extended rods 12, 14 may move vertically through the bridging member until stopped by the first and second limit stops 46, 48.

A close-up view of the handle 18 of first extended rod 12 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Between spacer bolts 38 and 40 within bridging member 16 may be a space 50 through which the first extended rod 12 may move. Although not shown in close-up, a similar space may be provided within the bridging member 16 through which the second extended rod 14 may move. Thus, the first and second extended rods 12, 14 may be moved laterally within the bridging members to widen the relative positions thereof, change the angles of which the first and second extended rods 12, 14 extend, and for making relatively positioning adjustments as each of the J-hook elements 26, 28 are positioned within apertures of a sewer grate. Both the vertical and lateral movement of the first and second extending rods 12, 14 may allow for manipulation of the same for engaging many different sizes and types of sewer grates.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a user may grip the handles 18, 20 and/or the bridging member 16 and position the J-hook elements 26, 28 in apertures of a sewer grate 60 (as in FIG. 2) or sewer grate 62 (as in FIG. 4). Preferably, the J-hook elements 26, 28 engage apertures, slots or holes in the sewer grate at opposite corners of the grate, allowing for the best engagement of the grate. The handles 18, 20 may be turned so that the J-hook elements 26, 28 engage hooking elements within the sewer grate. Once hooked, the sewer grate may be pulled upwardly for moving and/or removing the same, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In an alternate embodiment, the bridging member itself may have a handle extending from a top thereof, which may allow a user to pull on the handle for removing the grate when engaged. The handle may also be connected to a mechanical lifter, as necessary, if an individual user is unable to move the grate on his or her own. When placed back over the sewer opening, the grate may be lifted and set back onto its frame, and the J-hook elements 26, 28 may be removed therefrom.

FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing how the sewer grate apparatus may be folded in locations along first and second extended rods 12, 14 for easy storage and/or transport of the same. Specifically, first and second extended rods 12, 14 may have first and second elbow joints 70, 72 so that the first and second extended rods 12, 14 may be folded to provide a more compact arrangement thereof. Although the elbow joints 70, 72 may be in any position along the lengths of the first and second extended rods 12, 14, the elbow joints 70, 71 are preferably placed proximal the bridging member so as to provide a more compact arrangement when folded.

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of first elbow joint 70 on first extended rod 12. First and second collars 74, 76 may be positioned above the first and second elbow joints 70, 72 that may be movable vertically to cover the first and second elbow joints 70, 72, respectively. Thus, when the first and second extended rods 12, 14 are disposed in a fully extended and unfolded position, the first and second collars 74, 76 may be moved vertically downwardly to cover the first and second elbow joints 70, 72, respectively, thereby locking the first and second elbow joints 70, 72 into the extended and unfolded positions, as illustrated in FIG. 6. When folding of the first and second extended rods 12, 14 is desired, the first and second collars 74, 76 may be moved vertically upward to provide the freedom for the first and second elbow joints 70, 72 to fold, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are non-limiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.