US5230583A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of sealing openings in manhole covers using a pick hole plug
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-04-15
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Granted: 1993-07-27
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Expires: 2011-04-15
Abstract
Abstract A pick hole plug for sealing an opening in a manhole cover and the process for using such plug. The plug is formed from a soft uncured rubber polymer which has a larger diameter than the hole which it is to seal. The plug is compressed by hand and inserted into the pick hole. The plug deforms to conform to the shape of the sides of the pick hole and cures over a period of time as the heat and sunlight contact it.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy E. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 16:04
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02D; E02D29/00; E02D29/12; E02D29/14; B; B65; B65D; B65D39/00; B65D39/0005; B65D39/0011; E02D29/1436; H; H02; H02G; H02G9/00; H02G9/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
209 words
A method for removably sealing a pick hole in a manhole cover in a frame, without removing the manhole cover from its frame, which pick hole is a generally cylindrical opening with an irregular shape and an open bottom, said pick hole having a pick hole inside diameter, said method including the steps of: forming a generally cylindrical plug from a solid, but soft rubber which is uncured or partially uncured, said plug having a plug outside diameter which is larger than the pick hole inside diameter; squeezing the generally cylindrical plug to reduce its outside diameter temporarily to form a squeezed plug; placing the squeezed plug partially into the pick hole; pressing down on the top of the squeeze plug; allowing the squeezed plug to relax and expand outwardly until it is retained by the pick hole along the sides of the pick hole but not retained at the top or the bottom after it has been placed partially into the pick hole; and allowing the plug to be exposed to the heat of the sun to cure the plug into a cured plug having the sides thereof in the unique shape of the pick hole, which cured plug may be removed by driving it through the hole.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
209 words
A method for removably sealing a pick hole in a manhole cover in a frame, without removing the manhole cover from its frame, which pick hole is a generally cylindrical opening with an irregular shape and an open bottom, said pick hole having a pick hole inside diameter, said method including the steps of: forming a generally cylindrical plug from a solid, but soft rubber which is uncured or partially uncured, said plug having a plug outside diameter which is larger than the pick hole inside diameter; squeezing the generally cylindrical plug to reduce its outside diameter temporarily to form a squeezed plug; placing the squeezed plug partially into the pick hole; pressing down on the top of the squeeze plug; allowing the squeezed plug to relax and expand outwardly until it is retained by the pick hole along the sides of the pick hole but not retained at the top or the bottom after it has been placed partially into the pick hole; and allowing the plug to be exposed to the heat of the sun to cure the plug into a cured plug having the sides thereof in the unique shape of the pick hole, which cured plug may be removed by driving it through the hole.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US781182A
Cited
US1014450A
Cited
US3447533A
Cited
US4188457A
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US4597692A
Cited
US4726469A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-07-26 | 1997-01-25 | 1997-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-07-26 | 2001-01-25 | 2001-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-07-26 | 2005-01-25 | 2005-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |