FRAME POSITIONING DEVICE FOR POSITIONING A FRAME OVER AN INLET OF A CATCH BASIN OR MANHOLE AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a positioning device and more particularly to a positioning device for installing a frame over an inlet of a catch basin or a manhole.

BACKGROUND

During road construction, catch basins and sewer inlets are disposed at various locations on concrete or paved roads to evacuate excess rain water and ground water or small debris, and to give access to the drainage system below.

There are two main types of water drainage systems: side inlets and covered inlets. Side inlets are usually located at the curb of a street or under the sidewalk, and the pavement of the street is often angled towards the curb to direct the flow of water and small debris by gravity towards the curb. Covered inlets are typically installed in a concrete or paved street or road and comprise a grate or cover which prevents large debris from accessing the inlet. Covered inlets are usually mounted onto a frame for covering an inlet of a manhole or catch basin. The manhole or catch basin often connects to a sewage system having a plurality of interconnected pipes.

Installing a frame and a covered inlet onto an inlet of a catch basin or manhole can be challenging and requires industrial equipment adapted to lift heavy loads. Furthermore, covered inlets may sometimes not be properly leveled with the concrete or paved road which can create problems for vehicles. For example, in cold countries where temperature can reach below freezing, snow removal vehicles are needed to remove snow and/or ice from the streets. During the removal of snow, a mechanical shovel is usually mounted in front of the snow removing vehicle and scrapes the snow and/or ice laterally to the side of the street. If the covered inlets are not well leveled with the concrete or paved road, the covered inlets may inadvertently be removed during a snow removal process. This situation may create significant circulation problems or could even create a danger for pedestrians or even vehicles circulating on the street.

In other situations, such as on busy traffic arteries of big cities or even on highways, vehicles such as long haul trucks and cars may repetitively travel on covered inlets. The repetitive pressure of vehicles on covered inlets may in certain situations lift the covered inlets from the frame, which may create significant traffic problems and may also endanger pedestrians.

Given the above drawbacks, there is therefore a need for a positioning device adapted to position a frame over an inlet of a catch or a manhole and/or a grate locking system which overcomes at least one of the previously identified drawbacks.

SUMMARY

According to a first broad aspect, there is provided a device for positioning a frame over a head of one of a catch basin and a manhole, the device comprising: an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end, the elongated body having an adjustable length, the first end second ends of the elongated body being adapted to abut opposite sections of a top face of the head; and a first leveling member and a second leveling member each secured to the elongated member such that a distance between the first and second leveling members varies when the length of the elongated body varies, the first and second leveling members each comprising: a guide member extending from the elongated member; and a frame receiving member slidably and rotatably secured to the elongated member, the frame receiving member being configured for receiving and supporting a lower end of the frame in order to position and orient the frame relative to the head.

In one embodiment, the elongated body comprises a tubular section and a male section slidably inserted into the tubular section, the first leveling member being secured to the tubular section and the second leveling member being secured to the male section.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a securing mechanism for securing the tubular section and the male section together.

In one embodiment, the guide member of the first and second leveling members is removably secured to the elongated body.

In one embodiment, the frame receiving member comprises a first plate provided with an aperture for receiving the guide member therein, and a second plate and a third plate each extending form the first plate to form a U-shaped space for receiving the lower end of the frame therein.

In one embodiment, the first leveling member and the second leveling member each further comprise a locking mechanism for securing the frame receiving member to the guide member.

In one embodiment, the first end and the second end of the elongated body each comprise a cantilevered section for abutting the opposite sections of the top face of the head.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a frame positioning device for positioning a frame in a desired position over an inlet of one of a catch basin and a manhole, the inlet including an opening and a rim surrounding the opening, the positioning device comprising: an elongated body having a first end portion adapted to be supported on the rim and a second end portion adapted to be supported on the rim opposite the first portion such that the body extends across the opening; first and second leveling members extending upwardly from the body, the first leveling assembly being located towards the first end portion and the second leveling assembly being located towards the second end portion, each leveling assembly including a guide member attached to the body and a receiving member movably connected to the guide member for receiving a lower end portion of the frame, the receiving member being movable generally vertically towards and away from the body to allow the frame to be positioned and angled in a desired position relative to the inlet.

In one embodiment, each one of the first and second abutment portions includes a cantilevered section which extends away from the other one of the first and second abutment portions.

In one embodiment, each receiving member includes a pair of vertical walls for receiving the lower edge of the frame therebetween.

In one embodiment, the body includes a first tube and a second tube telescopically mounted within the first tube, the first end portion being defined on the first tube and the second end portion being defined on the second tube, the first and second tube being movable relative to each other between a closed position in which the first end portion and the second end portion are spaced by a first distance and a deployed position in which the first end portion and the second end portion are spaced by a second distance greater than the first distance.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a locking handle for locking the first and second tubes together in the deployed position.

According to a further broad aspect, there is also provided a method for positioning a frame over an inlet of a catch basin or manhole, the method comprising: providing at least one frame positioning device as described above; positioning the first end portion of the at least one frame positioning device on a rim of a concrete head and the second end portion of the at least one frame positioning device on the rim opposite the first end portion such that the body extends across the opening; moving a lower edge of the frame and a corresponding receiving member towards each other until the lower edge is received in the receiving member; vertically moving the at least one supporting member along a displacement member to a desired vertical location.

In one embodiment, positioning the lower edge of the frame onto the supporting members comprises aligning each recess of the lower edge of the frame with each supporting members.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises positioning a covering layer around the frame and a guide.

In one embodiment, the covering layer is a geotextile membrane.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises installing a cover or grate on the frame.

In one embodiment, installing a cover or grate on the frame comprises deforming the cover or grate by elastic deformation to fit the cover or grate on a cover receiving shoulder of the frame.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises locking the cover or grate on the frame.

In one embodiment, locking the cover or grate on the frame comprises inserting a locking member in an opening for pressure fitting the cover or grate against the cover receiving contour of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cover or grate assembly disposed over a concrete head of a catch basin or a manhole and maintained in a desired position and orientation using a pair of positioning devices, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of a guide of the grate assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom front perspective view of the guide illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the positioning devices illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of area A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the positioning device illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a frame of the grate assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a grate of the grate assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view taken along cross-section line D of the grate of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the positioning of the guide illustrated FIG. 2 onto a concrete head;

FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating the positioning devices illustrated in FIG. 1 in their deployed position in the corresponding recesses of the guide and on the concrete head;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view illustrating the positioning of the leveling assemblies onto one of the positioning devices illustrated in FIG. 1, during the installation of the frame;

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view illustrating the positioning of the frame of FIG. 7 onto the positioning device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the positioning of the frame of FIG. 7 onto the positioning device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 15 is a schematic side view showing the grate assembly of FIG. 1 installed over the catch basin or manhole;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the grate assembly of FIG. 1, showing the grate being compressed and installed in the frame; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a further positioning device, in accordance with another embodiment.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a cover or grate assembly 100 disposed over a concrete head 104, such as a concrete head for a catch basin or a manhole, and maintained in a desired position and orientation using a pair of positioning devices 300a and 300b, in accordance with one embodiment. As known in the art, a head such as the head 104 is to be installed and secured within a hole such as a catch basin or a manhole. The concrete head 104 includes an opening or inlet 102 and a rim or upper edge surrounding the inlet 102 on its upper face, i.e. on the face of the head 104 to face the grate or cover.

The grate assembly 100 includes a frame 400 to be disposed above the concrete head 104. In one embodiment, the grate assembly 100 further comprises a guide 200 to be positioned on top of the head 104 for guiding the frame 400 with respect to the head 104 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and further described below.

A grate 500 is further to be positioned onto the frame 400 for allowing passage of excess water and small debris which can be found in streets into the catch basin or manhole while preventing the passage of larger debris. Alternatively, instead of a grate 500, the cover or grate assembly 100 could comprise a cover.

When the grate assembly 100 is properly installed, the frame 400 is positioned and angled in a desired position and angle such that a top surface of the frame 400 generally lies in a plane corresponding to the current or desired top surface of the road above the concrete head 104. For example, once installed, the top surface of the grate or cover may be substantially coplanar with the top surface of the road. In the illustrated embodiment, a concrete road layer, best shown in FIG. 15, is further poured around the frame 400 to define the road surface above the concrete head 104, as well as to maintain the frame 400 in its desired position and angle.

The cover or grate assembly 100 further comprises a positioning system or apparatus to be positioned on top of the head 104 and configured for supporting the frame 400. The positioning system is configured for adjusting an orientation of the frame 400 relative to the head 104 and a distance between the frame 400 and the head 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning system comprises two positioning devices 300a and 300b which are generally elongated and are received on top of the rim or upper edge of the head 104. The positioning devices 300a and 300b are used to help position the frame to its desired position and/or angle relative to the head 104 during the creation of the road surface around the frame 400, and can be removed once the road surface is set and the frame 400 is held into position.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one embodiment of the guide 200 which is designed and shaped to be positioned on the upper edge of head 104 and help to secure the frame 400 over the head 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide 200 has an asymmetrical truncated circular shape and comprises a bottom mounting end 210 for mounting to the head 104 and a top receiving end 218 adapted to receive the frame 400. The bottom mounting end 210 includes a base 202 which has an outer edge 206, an inner edge 208 and a bottom mounting surface 204 defined between the outer and inner edges 206, 208 and adapted to be placed against the head 104.

The guide 200 further comprises a first straight wall portion 212, a second straight wall portion 214 opposed to the first wall portion 212, and a pair of outwardly convex walls 216a and 216b extending between the first wall portion 212 and the second wall portion 214. The first wall portion 212, the second wall portion 214, and the pair of outwardly convex walls 216a and 216b extend upwardly from the inner edge 208 of the base 202 to the top receiving end 218 of the guide 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall portion 212 and the second wall portion 214 are parallel to each other and the first wall portion 212 is shorter than the second wall portion 214. Still in the illustrated embodiment, the first wall portion 212, the second wall portion 214 and the pair of outwardly convex walls 216a and 216b thereby define an opening 220 which may be sized and shaped generally similarly to the inlet 102 such that when the guide 200 is mounted on the catch basin or manhole 100, the opening 220 is in vertical alignment with the inlet 102. Alternatively, the wall portions could be configured differently.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall portion 212, the second wall portion 214 and the pair of outwardly convex walls 216a and 216b are slightly angled inwardly so as to center the frame 400 once received in the top receiving end 218 of the guide relative to the inlet 102. Alternatively, the wall portions could instead be vertical instead of being angled.

Still in the illustrated embodiment, the base 202 further comprises a plurality of recesses 222a, 222b, 222c and 222d defined in the bottom mounting surface 204 of the base 202. As best shown in FIG. 1, when the guide 200 is placed on the head 104, pockets or chambers are defined between the recesses 222a, 222b, 222c and 222d and the top face of the head 104. The chambers are sized and shaped so as to each receive a respective end of the one of the positioning devices 300a and 300b, which are supported by the concrete head 104. Specifically, recesses 222a and 222d are located on opposite sides of the opening 220 and are adapted to receive the first positioning device 300a, as will be further explained below. Similarly, recesses 222b and 222c are also located on opposite sides of the opening 220 and are adapted to receive the second positioning device 300b, as will also be explained further below.

In one embodiment, each outwardly convex wall 216a and 216b comprises opposed ribs 224 and 226 which extend away from the convex wall 216a and 216b towards the outer edge 206 of the base 202, and are secured to the base 202. The first wall portion 212 also comprises a central rib 228 which extends away from the first wall portion 212 towards the outer edge 206 of the base 202, and is secured to the base 202. It will be appreciated that the ribs 224, 226 and 228 may provide structural reinforcement to the guide 200, as well as provide stability when multiple guides are stacked on top of each other and further facilitate the packaging of multiple guides together.

In one embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the guide 200 also includes a circular hole 230 defined in the base 202, generally between the central rib 228 and the recess 222c. Alternatively, the guide 200 may not include the hole 230.

In one embodiment, the guide 200 is made of cast iron. Alternately, the guide 200 may be made of another robust material such as reinforced polymer or another metal.

FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate one embodiment of the positioning device 300a adapted for the installation of the frame 400 within the guide 200 over the inlet 102. The positioning devices 300a and 300b being generally identically construed, only positioning device 300a will be described. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that a similar description also applies to positioning device 300b.

In one embodiment, the positioning device 300a comprises an elongated body 302 which extends between a first end portion 304 and an opposed second end portion 306. As described below, the elongated body 302 is provided with an adjustable length.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 304 and the second end portion 306 are adapted to abut the upper edge of the head 104 so as to engage the head 104. Furthermore, the first end portion 304 and the second end portion 306 are sized and shaped to be received in the recesses 222a and 222d of the guide 200, respectively. Alternatively, the first end portion 304 and the second end portion 306 could be received in the recesses 222c and 222d of the guide 200.

Still in the illustrated embodiment, the body 302 comprises a first elongated tube 308 having a generally rectangular section. The first tube 308 extends between a first end 310 and a second end 312 located opposite to the first end 310. The first elongated tube 308 comprises a top wall 314, a bottom wall 316 and a pair of lateral walls 318a and 318b.

In one embodiment, the first end portion 304 of the elongated member 302 comprises a first abutment member 320 having a generally rectangular shape. The first abutment member 320 comprises a securing section 322 secured to the top wall 314 of the first elongated tube 308 and a cantilevered section 324 extending longitudinally away from the securing section 322. The cantilevered section 324 is sized and shaped so as to be received by in one of the chambers defined by one of the recesses 222a, 222b, 222c and 222d and the top surface of the head 104.

The securing section 322 may be secured to the top wall 314 of the first elongated tube 308 by welding, by using fasteners or by any other appropriate fastening technique. In one embodiment, the first abutment member 320 could even be integrally formed within the first elongated tube 308.

In one embodiment, the cantilevered section 324 of the first abutment member 320 is adapted to be received in recess 222a of the guide 200 and to be supported by the upper edge of the head 104. It should be understood that the cantilevered section 324 may also be sized and shaped so as to be received by in one of the chambers defined by one of the recesses 222b, 222c and 222d and the top surface of the head 104.

In one embodiment, the cantilevered section 324 extends two inches away from the first end 310 of the first elongate tube 308. Alternatively, the cantilevered section 324 could have a different size and/or configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first elongated tube 308 further comprises a first leveling assembly 326 adapted to receive a lower end of the frame 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the first leveling assembly 326 is secured to the securing section 322 of the first abutment member 320. In one embodiment, the first leveling assembly 326 may be removably secured to the securing section 322 by a bushing 328.

In one embodiment, the first leveling assembly 326 comprises a first guide or displacement member 330, extending vertically from the first abutment member 320. The first leveling assembly 326 further comprises a first receiving or supporting member 332 adapted to receive the lower end of the frame 400. The first supporting member 332 is movably connected to the displacement member 330 and is adapted to selectively move vertically along the displacement member 330. The first supporting member 332 may also be rotatably connected to the displacement member 330 so that the first supporting member 322 may rotate about the displacement member 330.

In one embodiment, the first supporting member 332 is sandwiched between an upper locking member 334a and a lower locking member 334b to maintain the first supporting member 332 at a desired vertical location along the first displacement member 330.

In one embodiment, the first displacement member 330 is an elongated bolt removably secured to the bushing 328. Alternatively, the first displacement member 330 could include another type of threaded rod.

In yet another embodiment, the first displacement member 330 could instead include a ball stud bolt comprising an O-ring (not shown) removably secured to the securing section 322 of the first abutment member 320.

In one embodiment, each locking member 334a and 334b includes a nut adapted to be screwed on the first displacement member 330. In use, the locking members 334a and 334b are configured for vertically positioning and locking the first supporting member 332 at a desired vertical height for receiving the lower end of the frame 400.

The first supporting member 332 comprises a mounting section 336 adapted to be positioned on the first displacement member 330 and a receiving section 338 adapted to receive the lower end of the frame 400.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving section 338 has a generally U-shaped cross-section and includes a pair of generally parallel vertical walls 340a and 340b which each extend from the mounting section 336 and are spaced apart by a distance adequate for receiving the lower end of the frame 400 between the walls 340a and 340b. It will therefore be understood that the distance between the walls 340a and 340b is substantially equal to or greater than the thickness of the lower end of the frame 400.

In one embodiment, the mounting section 336 has a generally rectangular shape and comprises a plate provided with an aperture therethrough sized and shaped so as to receive the first displacement member 330 therein. In one embodiment, the aperture may be threaded. As a result, the mounting section 336 is rotatable about the first displacement member 330 to position the vertical walls 340a and 340b of the receiving section 338 generally parallel with the sidewall of the frame 400, such that the lower end of the frame 400 may be received between the vertical walls 340a and 340b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated body 302 of the positioning device 300a further comprises a second elongated member 340 which may be a tube. Similarly to the first elongated tube 308, the second elongated tube 340 has a generally rectangular section and has a first end 342 and a second end 344 located opposite the first end 342. The second elongated tube 340 comprises a top wall 346, a bottom wall 348 and a pair of lateral walls 350a and 350b.

In one embodiment, the second elongated tube 340 has a smaller cross-section than that of the first elongated tube 308 and is adapted to be slidably received within the first elongated tube 308. The first and second elongated tubes 308, 340 are adapted to slide relative to each other to thereby increase or reduce the length of the body 302. Specifically, the first and second elongated tubes 308, 340 are adapted to slide relative to each other between a closed position in which the first end portion 304 and the second end portion 306 are spaced by a first distance and a deployed position in which the first end portion 304 and the second end portion 306 are spaced by a second distance greater than the first distance.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the positioning device 300a may comprise a pair of flat bars 352a and 352b which are positioned within the aperture defined by the first elongated tube 308 between the first and second elongated tubes 308 and 340 for providing a flush fit between the first and second elongated tubes 308 and 340. This configuration allows standard-sized tubes to be used. Alternatively, the second elongated tube 340 could be sized and shaped to form a flush fit with the first elongated tube 308 without requiring flat bars.

In one embodiment, the second end portion 306 of the elongated body 302 comprises a second abutment member 354 which is generally similar to the first abutment member 320. The second abutment member 354 comprises a securing section 356 secured to the top wall 346 of the second elongate tube 340. The second abutment member 354 further comprises a cantilevered section 358 extending longitudinally away from the securing section 356. The cantilevered section 356 of the second abutment member 354 is adapted to be received on the upper edge of the sleeve 104, within the recess the 222b of the guide 200 for example.

The second elongated tube 340 further comprises a second leveling assembly 360 adapted to receive a lower end of the frame 400 for leveling it relative a concrete or paved road. In this configuration, the second leveling assembly 360 is secured to the securing section 356 of the second abutment member 354. In one embodiment, the second leveling assembly 360 is removably secured to the securing section 356 by a bushing 362.

In one embodiment, the second leveling assembly 360 comprises a second guide or displacement member 364, extending vertically from the second abutment member 354. The second leveling assembly 360 further comprises a second receiving or supporting member 366 adapted to receive the lower end of the frame 400. The supporting member 366 is slidably and rotatably connected to the displacement member 364 and is adapted to selectively move vertically along the displacement member 364 and rotate about the displacement member 364.

In one embodiment, the second supporting member 366 is sandwiched between an upper locking member 368c and a lower locking member 368d to vertically maintain the second supporting member 366 at a desired vertical location on the second displacement member 364.

In one embodiment, the second displacement member 364 is an elongated bolt removably secured to the bushing 362.

Alternatively, the second displacement member 364 could instead include a ball stud bolt comprising an O-ring (not shown) removably secured to the securing section 356 of the second abutment member 354.

In one embodiment, each locking member 368c and 368d includes a pair of nuts adapted to be screwed on the second displacement member 364. In use, the locking members 368c and 368d are configured for vertically positioning and locking the second supporting member 366 at a desired vertical height for receiving the lower end of the frame 400.

The second supporting member 366 comprises a mounting section 370 adapted to be positioned on the second displacement member 364 and a receiving section 372 adapted to receive the lower end of the frame 400.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving section 372 has a generally U-shaped cross-section and includes a pair of spaced apart vertical walls 374c and 374d which are spaced apart to receive the lower end of the frame 400.

In one embodiment, the mounting section 370 has a generally rectangular shape and comprises a plate provided with an aperture therethrough sized and shaped so as to receive the second displacement member 364 therein. In one embodiment, the aperture may be threaded. As a result, the mounting section 370 is adapted to rotate around the second displacement member 364 to position the vertical walls 374c and 374d of the receiving section 372 generally parallel with the sidewall of the frame 400, such that the lower end of the frame 400 may be received between the vertical walls 374c and 374d.

In one embodiment, the positioning device 300a further includes a locking mechanism 376 for locking the first and second tubes 308, 340 relative to each other in the deployed position. Specifically, the locking mechanism 376 prevents the first and second tubes 308, 340 from longitudinally moving relative to each other.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 376 comprises a locking handle 378 including a rod extending through a bushing 380 secured to the top wall 314 of the first elongated tube 308 and through the top wall 314. The rod of the locking handle 378 is further adapted to extend through a corresponding hole defined in the second tube 340 near its first end 342. In this embodiment, when the positioning device 300a is in the deployed position, the rod of the handle 378 is aligned with the hole defined in the second tube 340.

In one embodiment, the positioning device 300a is made of steel. Alternatively, positioning device 300a could be made of another rigid material such as another metal or reinforced polymers.

Turning now to FIG. 7, the frame 400 comprises a hollow body 402 including a closed sidewall 410 defining a passageway 406 and a flange 428 extending generally perpendicularly to the sidewall 410.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 410 has a generally asymmetrical truncated circular shape, similar to the general shape of the opening 220 of the guide 200. The hollow body 402 is adapted to be received in the opening 220 of the guide 200 through the top receiving end 218 of the guide 200. The hollow body 402 is positioned onto the supporting members of the pair of positioning devices 300a and 300b.

In one embodiment, the hollow body 402 has a smaller section than the opening 220 of the guide 200 for enabling a tilt of the frame 400 relative the guide 200 during leveling with a concrete or paved road.

The hollow body 402 has an upper end 404 which defines an inlet of the passageway 406, and a lower end 408 which defines an outlet of the passageway 406. The sidewall 410 which includes first straight wall portion 412, a second straight wall portion 414 opposite the first straight wall portion 412, and a pair of opposed outwardly convex elongated wall portions 416a and 416b extending between the first and second straight wall portions 412 and 414.

Alternatively, if the guide 200 and/or the inlet 102 have a different shape or configuration, the hollow body 402 could be shaped differently so as to match the shape of the guide 200 and of the inlet 102. For example, the cross-section of the hollow body 402 may be circular, square, etc..

Still referring to FIG. 7, the sidewall 410 has an inner surface 418 and an outer surface 420. In one embodiment, the sidewall 410 may be slightly tapered. Specifically, the inner surface 418 may be generally perpendicular to the flange 428 and the outer surface 420 may be slightly angled relative to the inner surface 418. Alternatively, the inner and outer surfaces 418, 420 could be parallel to each other and both generally perpendicular to the flange 428.

In one embodiment, the upper end 404 of the hollow body 402 comprises opposed steps 422a and 422b located on the inner surface 418 of the pair of opposed outwardly convex elongate wall portions 416a and 416b. The opposed steps 422a and 422b define a grate receiving shoulder 424 for receiving the grate 500. Furthermore, the grate receiving shoulder 424 comprises a plurality of tabs 426a, 426b, 426c (not shown) and 426d (not shown) projecting radially inwardly into the passageway 406 for securing the grate 500 on the grate receiving shoulder 424, as it will be explained in more details further.

In one embodiment, the flange 428 extends laterally outwardly from the upper end 404 of the hollow body 402. The flange 428 comprises a first flange portion 430 adjacent the first elongate wall portion 412 at the upper end thereof and a pair of opposed side flange portions 432a and 432b adjacent the pair of opposed outwardly convex elongate wall portions 416a and 416b. In one embodiment, the flange 428 could further comprise an additional flange portion adjacent the second elongate wall portion 414.

In one embodiment, the flange 428 and the upper end of the second elongated wall portion 414 include a plurality of grooves 434. The grooves 434 are slightly sloped with respect to the horizontal toward the passageway 406 so as to facilitate water to flow from the concrete or paved road toward the passageway 406 of the frame 400.

In one embodiment, the flange 428 may only have one groove 434. Alternatively, the grooves 434 could have a different shape than the one shown in the FIG. 7. For instance, the grooves 434 may be larger.

In one embodiment, the lower end 408 of the hollow body 402 comprises a pair of opposed recesses 436a, 436b and 436c, 436d for positioning the frame 400 onto the supporting members of the positioning devices 300a and 300b. It will be appreciated that positioning the recesses 436a, 436b, 436c and 436d onto the supporting members of the positioning devices 300a and 300b prevents the frame 400 from laterally moving when the frame 400 is positioned in the guide 200.

In one embodiment, recess 436a is located at the lower end of the first elongate wall portion 412 proximate the outwardly convex elongate wall portion 416a while recess 436c is located at the lower end of the first elongate wall portion 412, proximate the outwardly convex elongate wall portions 416b. In a similar manner, recess 436b is located at the lower end of the second elongate wall portion 414 proximate the outwardly convex elongate wall portion 416a while recess 436d is located at the lower end of the second elongate wall portion 414, proximate the outwardly convex elongate wall portions 416b.

In one embodiment, the frame 400 is made of ductile iron. Alternatively, the frame 400 could be made of cast iron, or a polymer, or hard rubber, or any suitable material. It will also be understood that the configuration described above is merely provided as an example, and that multiple alternative configurations are possible. For example, instead of having an asymmetrical truncated circular shape, the inlet 102 of the concrete head 104, the guide 200 and the frame 400 could be circular, or have any other shape considered suitable by a skilled person.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate one embodiment of the grate 500 which includes a grate frame 502 which has a shape matching the shape of the grate receiving shoulder 424 of the frame 400. The grate frame 502 includes a first longitudinal side 504, a second longitudinal side 506, and two curved lateral sides 508a and 508b.

The grate 500 is made of ductile iron which allows some elastic deformation. As such, the grate frame 502 can be deformed to fit onto the grate receiving shoulder 424 of the frame 400, under the tabs 426a, 426b, 426c and 426d. For instance, if the grate receiving shoulder 424 has a perimeter slightly smaller than the perimeter of the grate frame 502, the grate 500 is deformed by compressing its sides for positioning onto the grate receiving shoulder 424. Alternatively, the grate receiving shoulder 424 could have a perimeter slightly larger than the perimeter of the grate frame 502. In this configuration, once the grate 500 is positioned onto the grate receiving shoulder 424, the grate frame 502 is expanded by elastic deformation to tighten the grate 500 against the frame 400. In these configurations, the tabs 426a, 426b, 426c and 426d of the frame 400 prevent vertical movement of the grate 500.

Alternatively, the grate frame 502 may have a different shape depending on the shape of the grate receiving shoulder 424 of the frame 400.

In one embodiment, the grate frame 502 comprises a plurality of bars 510 that together form a substantially crisscrossed arrangement. The grate frame 502 further comprises two openings 512a and 512b disposed on the curved lateral sides 508a and 508b of the grate frame 502. The openings 512a and 512b allow elastic deformation of the grate 500 for positioning onto the grate receiving shoulder 424 of the frame 400. It is contemplated that the grate frame 502 could have only one or more than two openings. It is also contemplated that some or all of the openings could be disposed on the first and second longitudinal sides 504 and 506 of the grate frame 502.

The openings 512a and 512b being identically construed, only opening 512b, shown in FIG. 9, will be described. A person skilled in the art will understand that a similar description applies to opening 512a.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the opening 512b has a funneled upper portion 514 and a slightly funneled lower portion 516. The opening 512b is adapted to receive a locking mechanism 518 for locking the grate 500, by elastic deformation, onto the frame 400.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 518 comprises a bolt 520 having a conical or tapered head 522 adapted to engage the funneled upper portion 514 of the opening 512b. The locking mechanism 518 further comprises a nut 524 for abutting the lower portion 516 of the opening 512b. By screwing the bolt 520 into the nut 524, the tapered head 522 engages with the funneled upper portion 514 of the opening 512b, thus outwardly expanding the grate frame 502 by elastic deformation.

In a similar way, by screwing a tapered bolt into a nut at the opening 512a, the grate frame 502 outwardly expands by elastic deformation to tighten against the frame 400.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 16, there is shown steps of one embodiment of a method for positioning the frame 400 relative a road such as a concrete or paved road.

At step 602 illustrated in FIG. 10, the guide 200 is positioned onto the upper edge of the head 104 by aligning the opening 220 with the inlet 102.

In one embodiment, the guide 220 and/or the head 104 may be provided with alignment elements for helping engaging the guide 200 with the head 104.

At step 604 illustrated in FIG. 11, the positioning devices 300a and 300b are positioned onto the upper edge of the sleeve 104 into the chambers defined by the recesses 222a, 222b and 222c, 222d of the guide 200 and the top surface of the head 104. In this step, the positioning devices 300a and 300b are extended from a closed position to a deployed position wherein each cantilevered section of each abutment member extends a given distance onto the upper edge of the concrete head 104 such as at least two inches onto the upper edge of the concrete head 104. In this configuration, each positioning devices 300a and 300b is locked into the deployed position by their respective locking handle of their respective locking mechanism.

At step 606 illustrated in FIG. 12, the leveling assemblies 326 and 360 of the positioning device 300a are secured to their respective abutment members and the supporting members 322 and 366 are positioned at a given longitudinal position along their respective abutment member 330, 364 and at a given angular position relative to their respective abutment member 330, 364. For example, the supporting members may be positioned at the same vertical level relative to each other for receiving the lower end 408 of the frame 400 with the frame 400 being generally horizontal. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the leveling assemblies of the positioning device 300b are also secured to their respective abutment members. The supporting members may then be positioned at the same vertical level relative to each other and relative to the supporting members of the positioning device 300a, for receiving the lower end 408 of the frame 400.

At step 608 illustrated in FIG. 13, the lower end 408 of the frame 400 is positioned onto the leveling assemblies of the positioning devices 300a and 300b. The lower end 408 of the frame 400 is positioned onto the supporting members 332 and 366 of the positioning device 300a by aligning the recesses 436a, 436b with the receiving sections 338, 372. Although not shown in FIG. 13, the lower end 408 of the frame 400 is similarly positioned onto the supporting members of the positioning device 300b by aligning the recesses 436c, 436d of the frame 400 with the receiving sections thereof.

At step 610 illustrated in FIG. 14, the frame 400 is leveled relative to the top surface of the road, such as the top surface of the concrete layer of the concrete paved road. The leveling assemblies of the positioning devices 300a and 300b are alternatively screwed/unscrewed for adjusting the distance and the angle of the flange 428 of the frame 400 relative the concrete paved road. For instance, in the case of an inclined road, the frame 400 may need to be sufficiently tilted to be leveled therewith. Once the appropriate position and/or angle of the frame 400 has been reached, the supporting members of the positioning devices 300a and 300b are locked using their respective locking members. For instance, the first supporting member 332 is vertically locked between the nuts 334a and 334b by screwing the lower nut 334b onto the first supporting member 332. In this configuration, the lower nut 334b is at least one inches away from the first abutment member 320 for enabling the removal of the first supporting member 320 from its respective recess of the frame 400. Similarly, the other supporting members of the positioning devices 300a and 300b are vertically locked and the lower nut thereof is at least one inches away from its respective supporting member.

Alternatively, the supporting members could be set to their desired vertical location before the frame 400 is received in the supporting members, such that no additional adjustment of the positioning devices 300a and 300b is necessary once the frame 400 has been received on the supporting members.

At step 612 illustrated in FIG. 15, a covering layer 700 is positioned around the guide 200 and the frame 400 for preventing gravel from being introduced in the gap located therebetween during the pouring and setting of the concrete.

In one embodiment, the covering layer 700 is a geotextile membrane. Alternatively, other types of covering layers may be used.

Once the concreting is done, the frame 400 is tightly secured and leveled relative the road. The positioning devices 300a and 300b may then be removed from the head 104. For example, the leveling assemblies may be removed from the positioning devices 300a and 300b, the locking mechanisms may be unlocked and the positioning devices 300a and 300b may be moved to the closed position. The positioning devices 300a and 300b are then removed from the guide 200.

At step 614 illustrated in FIG. 16, the grate 500 is positioned onto the grate receiving shoulder 424 of the frame 400. The grate frame 502 is compressed by elastic deformation for being positioned under the tabs 426a, 426b, 426c and 426d of the grate receiving shoulder 424. For instance, the curved lateral side 508b is compressed inwardly towards the opposed curved lateral side 508a by elastic deformation for installation on the grate receiving shoulder 424. Once positioned on the grate receiving shoulder 424, the grate frame 502 shifts back to an uncompressed state by elastic deformation. The grate frame 502 is then tightened against frame 400 using the locking mechanism 518 in the openings 512a and 512b. By screwing the bolt in the nut, the tapered head engages with the funneled upper portion of the opening, thus outwardly expanding the grate frame 502 by elastic deformation. The grate frame 502 is uniformly expanded and exerts a uniform pressure on the frame 400.

The person skilled in the art will understand that some components of the above system may vary. For example, some of the characteristics of the positioning device 300a, 300b may vary. For example, while the first and second elongated members 308 and 340 of the positioning device 300a, 300b each have a rectangular cross-section, FIG. 17 illustrates a positioning device 300c that comprises a first elongated tube 308′ and a second elongated tube 340′ which are each provided with a square cross-sectional shape. In comparison to the positioning device 300a, 300b, the positioning device 300c comprises no pair of flat bars 352a and 352b.

The positioning device 300c comprises a first leveling member 332′ and a second leveling member 360′ which are secured to the first elongated tube 308′ and the second elongated tube 340′, respectively, via an elastomer ring. The first leveling member 332′ comprises a first guide member 330 and a frame receiving or supporting member 332′. The frame receiving member 332′ is slidably and rotatably secured to the first guide member 330. The frame receiving member 332′ comprises a mounting section in the shape of a plate provided with an aperture therethrough sized and shaped so as to receive the first displacement member 330 therein. The frame receiving member 332′ further comprises two plates 341a and 341b which each project from the plate to define a substantially U-shape space for receiving the frame therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the plates 341a and 341b are slightly angled one towards the other.

The leveling member 332′ comprises a first guide member 330 and a frame receiving or supporting member 332′. The frame receiving member 332′ is slidably and rotatably secured to the first guide member 330. The frame receiving member 332′ comprises a mounting section 336 in the shape of a plate provided with an aperture therethrough sized and shaped so as to receive the first displacement member 330 therein. The frame receiving member 332′ further comprises two plates 341a and 341b which each project from the plate to define a substantially U-shape space for receiving the frame therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the plates 341a and 341b are slightly angled one towards the other.

Similarly, the second leveling member 360′ comprises a first guide member 364 and a frame receiving or supporting member 366′. The frame receiving member 366′ is slidably and rotatably secured to the first guide member 364. The frame receiving member 366′ comprises a mounting section in the shape of a plate provided with an aperture therethrough sized and shaped so as to receive the first displacement member 364 therein. The frame receiving member 366′ further comprises two plates 375a and 375b which each project from the plate to define a substantially U-shape space for receiving the frame therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the plates 375a and 375b are slightly angled one towards the other.

It should be understood that any adequate locking mechanism to removably secure the first elongated tube 308′ and the second elongated tube 340′ together may be used. For example, the positioning device 300c comprises a locking mechanism 376′ which comprises a locking handle 378′ (different from the locking handle 378) including a rod extending through a bushing 380′ secured to the top wall of the first elongated tube 308′ and through the top wall.

The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

FRAME POSITIONING DEVICE FOR POSITIONING A FRAME OVER AN INLET OF A CATCH BASIN OR MANHOLE AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING THE SAME

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