US4350177A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Utility box support
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-05-12
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Granted: 1982-09-21
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Expires: 2000-05-12
Abstract
Abstract A support for a utility box such as a valve box or the like which includes an annular member having a central opening with an upstanding flange on the upper surface of the annular member adjacent the central opening. The annular member is buried in the ground in underlying supporting engagement with a box so as to prevent sinking of the box into the ground under heavy traffic load, said box provides access to the buried utility the upper end of the box opening into the street.
Inventors
- 👤 John C. Firchau
- 👤 Morris L. Donaldson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:47
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03F; E03F5/00; E03F5/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/6851; Y10T137/6966; Y10T137/6991; Y10T137/6995; Y10T137/7017; Y10T137/7021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A utility box and support comprising in combination: an annular member, substantially circular in shape having planar parallel upper and lower surfaces and a central opening, an upstanding annular flange formed integrally with said annular member having a circular central opening flush with said member opening and dimensioned to leave a peripheral portion of said planar upper surface exposed which supports the utility box formed as a tubular housing having a bottom edge surface disposed atop said planar top surface whereby an interior of said tubular housing is in registry with said central opening and constrained from radial displacement by a snug fit over said flange, said housing including a grade ring on a top edge surface thereof coplanar with a traffic bearing surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
A utility box and support comprising in combination: an annular member, substantially circular in shape having planar parallel upper and lower surfaces and a central opening, an upstanding annular flange formed integrally with said annular member having a circular central opening flush with said member opening and dimensioned to leave a peripheral portion of said planar upper surface exposed which supports the utility box formed as a tubular housing having a bottom edge surface disposed atop said planar top surface whereby an interior of said tubular housing is in registry with said central opening and constrained from radial displacement by a snug fit over said flange, said housing including a grade ring on a top edge surface thereof coplanar with a traffic bearing surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the utility box includes a tubular member disposed within the interior of said housing in telescoping relationship therewith, said tubular member having an outer diameter corresponding substantially to an inner diameter of said annular flange opening whereby said annular flange is sandwiched between said tubular member and said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A support in accordance with claim 2 wherein said annular member and said annular flange are formed of plastic in a one-piece construction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-09-20 | 1986-03-22 | 1986-09-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-09-20 | 1990-03-22 | 1990-09-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-09-20 | 1994-03-22 | 1994-09-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |