Replaceable, reusable insert that protects vehicular traffic from recessed roadway structures

Abstract

A resilient, replaceable insert made from an elastomeric material that protects vehicular traffic from damaged caused by a roadway structure, such as manholes, catch basins and utility access conduits, when the roadway structure is recessed below the roadway pavement. The insert has a shape sized to accommodate the roadway structure it protects and provides a smooth transition for vehicular traffic traveling along the roadway and over the roadway structure. The resilient, replaceable insert further provides a low cost means for protecting vehicular traffic from the recessed roadway structure that may be easily installed with limited manpower and without the need for additional equipment.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A resilient, replaceable insert for protecting vehicular traffic from a roadway structure recessed below a roadway pavement, the insert comprising: 
 a body having upper and lower surfaces, the lower body surface engaging a top surface of the roadway structure, and the upper body surface being flush with a surface of the roadway pavement.    
     
     
         2 . The resilient, replaceable insert as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the resilient, replaceable insert comprises a material selected from the group consisting of rubber scrap from tires, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, and plastic.  
     
     
         3 . The resilient, replaceable insert as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the roadway structure comprises one of a manhole, a catch basin, or a utility access conduit.  
     
     
         4 . The resilient, replaceable insert as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the roadway pavement comprises one of asphalt, gravel or concrete.  
     
     
         5 . The resilient, replaceable insert as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the resilient, replaceable insert is circular and has a diameter substantial equal to a diameter of a cylindrical element of the roadway structure.  
     
     
         6 . The resilient, replaceable insert as recited  claim 1 , wherein the resilient, replaceable insert is one of square, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal to cover one of a circular, square or rectangular element, respectively, of the roadway structure.  
     
     
         7 . The resilient, replaceable insert as recited  claim 1 , wherein the insert body has a height substantially equal to the distance the roadway structure is recessed below the surface of the roadway pavement.