RISER RING ASSEMBLY

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY, IDENTIFICATION OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/549,336 filed on Feb. 2, 2024, to common inventor William C. Nunnery.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a riser ring assembly.

Problem Statement and History

Interpretation Considerations

This section describes technical field in detail and discusses problems encountered in the technical field. Therefore, statements in the section are not to be construed as prior art.

Discussion of History of the Problem

Top riser rings for manhole covers are indeed components utilized in the construction and maintenance of manhole systems. Their primary function is to adjust the height of the manhole covers to align with a surrounding road or a pavement surface. The top riser rings prove especially beneficial in scenarios where a surface level has been modified due to repaving or other construction work, facilitating a precise fit without necessitating significant alterations to an existing manhole structure.

There are indeed various types of the top riser rings available, each with its own set of advantages in terms of strength, durability, and ease of installation. Some riser rings are adjustable, allowing for flexibility in height, while others are fixed in height and must be chosen according to the particular needs of the manhole installation. The selection of the appropriate top riser ring may be influenced by factors such as load-bearing requirements, environmental conditions, and budget constraints.

But there are also some common disadvantages and difficulties associated with the use of the top riser rings:

Installation Issues: Improper installation of the top riser rings can lead to several problems, including uneven surfaces that pose tripping hazards or risk vehicular damage. Ensuring a level and secure fit is crucial but can be challenging in certain environments. Factors such as uneven terrain, inadequate preparation of the manhole structure, or incorrect placement of the top riser rings can contribute to these issues. Additionally, variations in the materials used for the top riser rings and the surrounding surface may affect the stability and longevity of the installation. Therefore, meticulous attention to detail and adherence to proper installation procedures are essential to mitigate such risks and ensure the safety and functionality of the manhole system.

Compatibility Concerns: Compatibility issues can arise due to variations in the dimensions, materials, and design features of the manhole covers and frames. Different manufacturers may have their own proprietary specifications, making it challenging to find off-the-shelf riser rings that perfectly match every configuration. In such cases, custom fabrication or modification of the top riser rings may be required to ensure a proper fit. This process typically involves additional time, resources, and expertise, contributing to higher overall project expenses. Moreover, custom solutions may introduce complexities in procurement, logistics, and installation, potentially prolonging project timelines and increasing the risk of errors.

Noise and Vibration: In some cases, particularly when the top riser rings are not installed correctly, they can contribute to increased noise and vibration as vehicles traverse a manhole cover. This can be particularly troublesome in residential areas or locations where noise pollution is a significant concern. Improper installation, such as insufficient securing of the top riser rings or gaps between the rings and the surrounding structure, can create spaces where the manhole cover may rattle or shift under the weight of passing vehicles. This movement can generate unwanted noise and vibrations, which may disturb residents or affect the overall tranquillity of the environment.

Thermal Expansion: The materials utilized in the top riser rings are susceptible to expansion and contraction in response to temperature fluctuations. If this thermal expansion is not properly considered during installation, it can result in issues such as cracking, shifting, or other forms of damage that compromise the integrity of the installation. Different materials exhibit varying degrees of thermal expansion and contraction, with some being more prone to these effects than others. Failure to account for these changes can lead to stress build-up within the top riser rings and adjacent structures, eventually leading to structural issues or failure.

Wear and Tear: Despite their durability, the top riser rings are subject to wear and tear from constant exposure to traffic, environmental conditions, and other external factors. Over the period of time, this can diminish their effectiveness and appearance, necessitating maintenance or replacement.

Maintenance and Replacement: Although generally low maintenance, when issues do arise with the top riser rings, addressing them can require partial or complete replacement of the top riser ring, which can be disruptive and costly, especially in high-traffic areas.

Corrosion: Risks of corrosion over time, particularly in the environments with high levels of moisture, chemicals, or heavy traffic, can impact the durability and lifespan of the top riser rings.

Height Adjustment Limitations: Fixed-height top riser rings may not accommodate future changes in surface elevation, requiring additional modifications or replacements if the surrounding terrain is altered.

The present invention addresses these and other problems by providing a riser ring assembly.

SUMMARY

The above objective is solved by a riser ring assembly as shown and described throughout the specification.

The present invention relates to a riser ring assembly. The riser ring assembly includes a riser ring shim attached to an inner part of a frame, and a gasket placed in a channel formed in the riser ring shim, where the gasket maintains a watertight seal between the riser ring shim and the frame. The riser ring shim includes a plurality of paddle lock notches, a plurality of through holes, a plurality of counter sunk holes and a plurality of alignment marks, where dimension of the plurality of through holes is different from dimension of the plurality of counter sunk holes. Further, the riser ring assembly includes a top riser ring attached to an upper part of the frame, and a cover attached to an inner surface of the top riser ring.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the riser ring shim is attached to the inner part (or inner surface) of the frame using connecting assemblies, wherein the connecting assemblies includes a socket head cap screw (SHCS) and one or more lock washer(s).

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the top riser ring is attached to the upper part of the frame using one or more connecting assembly(ies), wherein the one or more connecting assembly(ies) includes the SHCS and the one or more lock washer(s).

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the frame comprises a plurality of supporting units.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of cells is formed over the cover.

Of course, the present is simply a Summary, and not a complete description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the invention and its embodiment are better understood by referring to the following detailed description. To understand the invention, the detailed description should be read in conjunction with the drawings. The term “FIGURE” will be abbreviated as “FIG.” henceforth.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional exploded view of a riser ring shim with a frame.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional front view of the riser ring shim attached to an inner part of the frame.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a gasket installation on the riser ring shim.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the riser ring shim attached to the inner part of the frame.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded front view of a top riser ring with the frame.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the top riser ring installed on the frame.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cutout sectional view of the top riser ring installed on the frame.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a cover attached with the top riser ring installed on the frame.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a riser ring assembly.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cutout sectional view of the riser ring assembly.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of the riser ring assembly.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of the riser ring assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT INTERPRETATION CONSIDERATIONS

While reading this section (Description of An Exemplary Preferred Embodiment, which describes the exemplary embodiment of the best mode of the invention, hereinafter referred to as “exemplary embodiment”), one should consider the exemplary embodiment as the best mode for practicing the invention during filing of the patent in accordance with the inventor's belief. As a person with ordinary skills in the art may recognize substantially equivalent structures or substantially equivalent acts to achieve the same results in the same manner, or in a dissimilar manner, the exemplary embodiment should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to one embodiment.

The discussion of a species (or a specific item) invokes the genus (the class of items) to which the species belongs as well as related species in this genus. Similarly, the recitation of a genus invokes the species known in the art. Furthermore, as technology develops, numerous additional alternatives to achieve an aspect of the invention may arise. Such advances are incorporated within their respective genus and should be recognized as being functionally equivalent or structurally equivalent to the aspect shown or described.

A function or an act should be interpreted as incorporating all modes of performing the function or act, unless otherwise explicitly stated. For instance, sheet drying may be performed through dry or wet heat application, or by using microwaves. Therefore, the use of the word “paper drying” invokes “dry heating” or “wet heating” and all other modes of this word and similar words such as “pressure heating”.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, conjunctive words (such as “or”, “and”, “including”, or “comprising”) should be interpreted in the inclusive and not the exclusive sense.

As will be understood by those of the ordinary skill in the art, various structures and devices are depicted in the block diagram to not obscure the invention. In the following discussion, acts with similar names are performed in similar manners, unless otherwise stated.

The foregoing discussions and definitions are provided for clarification purposes and are not limiting. Words and phrases are to be accorded their ordinary, plain meaning, unless indicated otherwise.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS, A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention generally relates to a riser ring assembly provided as a two piece system that is in one embodiment watertight with at least one gasket and has bolting holes and receiving nuts so that it can be clamped down onto a frame and then bolt down the cover onto the riser ring and maintain water-tightness, and has in one embodiment notches for receiving a turning latch to secure the top riser as discussed in further detail below. The riser ring assembly includes a riser ring shim attached to an inner part of a frame, and a gasket placed in a channel formed in the riser ring shim. The gasket maintains a watertight seal between the riser ring shim and the frame. The riser ring shim includes a plurality of paddle lock notches, a plurality of through holes, a plurality of counter sunk holes and a plurality of alignment marks, where dimension of the plurality of through holes is different from dimension of the plurality of counter sunk holes. Further, the riser ring assembly includes a top riser ring attached to an upper part of the frame, and a cover attached to an inner surface of the top riser ring.

The present invention offers several advantages over existing riser ring assembly made from materials like cast iron or steel. Here are some of the key benefits:

• • Corrosion Resistance: Composite materials exhibit high resistance to corrosion resulting from exposure to water, chemicals, and other corrosive elements. This characteristic makes composite riser ring assembly exceptionally suitable for use in harsh environments, thereby reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of the installation. The use of composite riser ring assembly helps mitigate the risk of corrosion-related damage, which can compromise the structural integrity of manhole systems over time. By minimizing the need for frequent maintenance and replacement, the composite riser ring assembly contribute to overall cost savings and enhance the reliability of infrastructure in challenging environments. Furthermore, composite materials often possess lightweight properties, facilitating easier handling and installation compared to heavier alternatives. This can further streamline construction processes and reduce labor costs associated with transportation and maneuvering of materials on-site.
  • Lightweight: The composite riser ring assembly indeed possess a significantly lighter weight compared to those constructed from metal, which renders them easier to transport, ship and install. This reduction in weight can result in lower installation costs and diminish the risk of injury for workers involved in the installation process.
  • Durability: Composites are renowned for their durability and capacity to withstand a diverse range of temperatures and physical impacts. This characteristic ensures that composite riser ring assembly maintains their structural integrity over time, even when subjected to heavy traffic loads and harsh weather conditions.
  • Non-Conductive: The composite materials do not conduct electricity, making composite riser ring assembly safer to use in environments where electrical hazards exist. This non-conductive property also reduces the risk of damage from electrical surges or lightning strikes.
  • Theft Deterrent: Unlike metal riser rings, which may have scrap value and consequently be susceptible to theft, the composite riser ring assembly generally has little to no scrap value, rendering them less attractive targets for theft. This attribute can be particularly advantageous in regions where metal theft is a prevalent concern.
  • Ease of Customization: The composite materials can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes, allowing for greater flexibility in design and customization to meet specific requirements or fit unique manhole configurations.
  • Environmental Considerations: The composite riser ring assembly is often made from recycled materials and are themselves recyclable, making them a more environmentally friendly option compared to some traditional materials.
  • Cost-Effectiveness Over Time: Although the initial cost of the composite riser ring assembly may be higher than some traditional materials, their longevity, reduced maintenance requirements, and resistance to environmental factors can make them more cost-effective over the lifespan of the installation.

These advantages make the composite top riser ring assembly an attractive option for many municipal and industrial applications, providing a modern solution to the challenges of maintaining and upgrading manhole covers and access points.

The riser ring assembly can be added to existing manhole cover assemblies to compensate for the increased thickness in asphalt (or concrete) so that the entire assembly does not have to be replaced. It's a much less expensive solution.

Additionally, the present invention is offered as a two-piece “package/kit” solution.

Below is the list of reference numerals used in the patent disclosure:

In opening, simultaneous reference is made to FIGS. 1 through 12, in which FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional exploded view 100 of a riser ring shim 105 with a frame 115. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional front view 200 of the riser ring shim 105 attached to an inner part of the frame 115. FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view 300 of a gasket 305 installation on the riser ring shim 105. FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view 400 of the riser ring shim 105 attached to the inner part of the frame 115. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded front view 500 of a top riser ring 505 with the frame 115. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view 600 of the top riser ring 505 installed on the frame 115. FIG. 7 illustrates a cutout sectional view 700 of the top riser ring 505 installed on the frame 115. FIG. 8 illustrates a front view 800 of a cover 805 attached with the top riser ring 505 installed on the frame 115. FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view 900 of a riser ring assembly 905. FIG. 10 illustrates a cutout sectional view 1000 of the riser ring assembly 905. FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view 1100 of the riser ring assembly 905. FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view 1200 of the riser ring assembly 905.

The riser ring assembly 905 is made of a composite material, so as to reduce a weight of the riser ring assembly 905, where the composite material is a resin transfer molded (RTM) composite material, for example. The composite material is highly resistant to corrosion caused by exposure to a corrosive element and has a non-conductive and a recyclable property. The composite material is able to withstand a wide range of temperature.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 12, the riser ring assembly 905 includes a riser ring shim 105, a frame 115, a gasket 305 (e.g., Neoprene gasket), a top riser ring 505 and a cover 805. A diameter, thickness and weight of the riser ring assembly 905, the riser ring shim 105, the frame 115, the gasket 305, the top riser ring 505 and the cover 805 are selected based on applications and requirement(s). The riser ring assembly 905, the riser ring shim 105, the frame 115, the gasket 305, the top riser ring 505 and the cover 805 have a circular profile. Alternatively, the riser ring assembly 905, the riser ring shim 105, the frame 115, the gasket 305, the top riser ring 505 and the cover 805 may have a rectangular profile, a square profile, a hexagon profile or other type of profile based on the requirements and the applications.

The riser ring shim 105 is attached to an inner part of the frame 115. The riser ring shim 105 includes a plurality of paddle lock notches 110, 112, a plurality of through holes 310, a plurality of counter sunk holes 315 and a plurality of alignment marks 320. Numbers, sizes, and dimensions of the plurality of paddle lock notches 110, 112, the plurality of through holes 310, the plurality of counter sunk holes 315 and the plurality of alignment marks 320 may vary based on the requirements and the applications. Dimension of the plurality of through holes 310 is different from dimension of the plurality of counter sunk holes 315.

The riser ring shim 105 is attached to the inner part of the frame 115 using connecting assemblies 205, 210, 215, 220 (i.e., third set of connecting assembly 205, fourth set of connecting assembly 210, fifth set of connecting assembly 215 and sixth set of connecting assembly 220) as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Each of the connecting assemblies 205, 210, 215, 220 includes a socket head cap screw (SHCS) and one or more washer(s). The SHCS may be coated with Xylan. The dimension of the SHCS may be 5/16″-18, for example. The one or more lock washer(s) can be, for example, Belleville lock washer(s), Mil.spec washer.

The riser ring shim 105 is attached to the frame 115 using the connecting assemblies 205, 210, 215, 220 that pass through the plurality of through holes 310. The connecting assemblies 205, 210, 215, 220 are combinations of bolt, screw, nut and washer, for example. It may be noted that there are four connecting assemblies shown in FIG. 4, however less or more than four connecting assemblies may be used in the riser ring assembly 905 based on the requirements.

The riser ring shim 105 comprises a channel 325, wherein the gasket 305 is placed in the channel 325 to maintain a watertight seal between the riser ring shim 105 and the frame 115 as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

As mentioned above, the riser ring shim 105 is attached to the inner part of the frame 115 using connecting assemblies 205, 210, 215, 220. As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 115 includes cavities 150, which accommodate connecting assemblies 120, 125 (i.e., first set of connecting assembly 120 and second set of connecting assembly 125) to secure the connecting assemblies 205, 210, 215, 220 of the riser ring shim 105. Hence, the connecting assemblies 205, 210, 215, 220 of the riser ring shim 105 and the connecting assemblies 120, 125 of the frame 115 are vertically aligned with each other. The first set of connecting assembly 120 may be formed by a thread adaptor 130, a nut 135, and a screw 140. Alternatively, the connecting assemblies 120, 125 are combinations of bolt, screw, nut and washer, for example. It may be noted that there are two connecting assemblies 120, 125 and corresponding two cavities 150 shown in FIG. 1, however less or more than two connecting assemblies 120, 125 and corresponding cavities 150 may be used in the riser ring assembly 905 based on the requirements. For e.g., there may be four connecting assemblies and four corresponding cavities 150 in the frame 115 for the four connecting assemblies used in the riser ring shim 105.

The frame 115 further includes a frame gasket 145 and a plurality of supporting units 405-425 as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. The frame gasket 145 maintain a watertight seal between the riser ring shim 105 and the frame 115. The plurality of supporting units 405-425 provides a rigid connection support for the frame 115. The frame 115 holds the manhole cover 805.

The frame 115 is attached to the top riser ring 505 as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. In other words, the top riser ring 505 is attached to an upper part (or surface) of the frame 115 using connecting assemblies 510, 515, 520, 525 (i.e., seventh set of connecting assembly 510, eight set of connecting assembly 515, ninth set of connecting assembly 520, and tenth set of connecting assembly 525). The connecting assemblies 510, 515, 520, 525 include one or more socket head cap screw(s) (SHCS) and one or more lock washer(s) as shown in FIG. 5. The SHCS may be coated with Xylan. The dimension of the SHCS may be 5/16″-18, for example. The one or more lock washer(s) can be, for example, Belleville lock washer(s), Mil.spec washer. In an embodiment, the top riser ring 505 is attached to the frame 115 using connecting assemblies 510, 515, 520, 525 that pass through a plurality of through holes 610 as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the top riser ring 505 includes a plurality of alignment marks 605.

The top riser ring 505 secures the cover 805, where the cover 805 is placed on the upper part of the riser ring shim 105 making a connection with an inner surface of the top riser ring 505 and being held by the frame 115 using connection units 810 and 815 as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 12. The cover (for example, manhole cover) 805 not only provides access to water and sewer systems, but it also covers openings to a wide variety of underground tunnels and vaults. The manhole cover 805 is in one embodiment an iron manhole cover but may also be made of other materials such as concrete, fiber-reinforced polymer composite or composite materials, for example based on user requirements and applications. Size and type of the manhole cover 805 is selected based on type of manhole as well as type of fluid and/or debris flowing inside a contained environment, such as a pipeline, waterline or the like. Further, the manhole cover 805 has a protrusion formed by a plurality of cells (e.g., plurality of waffle-style cells) 820.

It may be noted that although the present invention shows various elements of the riser ring assembly, but it is to be understood that other alternatives are not limited thereon. Further, the labels or names of the elements/components are used only for illustrative purpose and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The shape and size of the various elements in the riser ring assembly do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although systems, methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of equivalent systems and methods, suitable systems and methods and are described above.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with specific illustrative embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to those illustrative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is intended to include within the invention, all such variations and departures that fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.