Manhole cover cap

Abstract

A manhole cover cap, for an access cover of an opening into an underground utility structure, can be used to raise the level of an access, or manhole, cover, and to prevent water inflow. The cover cap includes upper and lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge having dimensions substantially conforming to dimensions of the opening, adapted for attachment to the access cover, and comprises a rubber material.

1 . A cap for an access cover for an opening into an underground utility structure, the cap comprising upper and lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge having dimensions substantially conforming to dimensions of the opening, adapted for attachment to the access cover, and comprising a rubber material.  
     
     
         2 . A cap according to  claim 1 , wherein the access cover is seatable in a frame in the opening into the underground utility structure and the cap is adapted for disposition over at least a part of the frame, whereby a juncture between the access cover and the frame is shielded.  
     
     
         3 . A cap according to  claim 1 , wherein the rubber material comprises rubber particles.  
     
     
         4 . A cap according to  claim 3 , wherein the rubber material additionally comprises a polyurethane binder.  
     
     
         5 . A cap according to  claim 3 , wherein the rubber particles are derived from used vehicle tires.  
     
     
         6 . A cap according to  claim 1 , having a circular cross-section.  
     
     
         7 . A cap according to  claim 1 , having a thickness of at least 0.5 inches.  
     
     
         8 . A cap according to  claim 1 , additionally comprising drainage holes.  
     
     
         9 . A cap according to  claim 1 , adapted for attachment to an upper surface of the access cover.  
     
     
         10 . A cap according to  claim 1 , additionally comprising means for attaching the cap to the access cover.  
     
     
         11 . A cap according to  claim 10 , wherein the cap is attached to the access cover by an adhesive.  
     
     
         12 . A cap according to  claim 12 , wherein the cap is attached to the access cover by at least one bolt.  
     
     
         13 . A cap according to  claim 12 , wherein the cap is attached to the access cover by at least one clamp.  
     
     
         14 . A method for raising the level of an access cover of an underground structure by a predetermined amount, said method comprising: 
 fitting to the access cover a cap comprising upper and lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge having dimensions substantially conforming to dimensions of the opening, adapted for attachment to the access cover, having a thickness generally corresponding to the predetermined amount, and comprising a rubber material; and    attaching the cap to the access cover; whereby the level of the access cover is raised.    
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein the cap is attached to the access cover using an adhesive.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein the cap is attached to the cover using at least one mechanical fastener.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16 , wherein the mechanical fastener is a bolt.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 16 , wherein the mechanical fastener is a clamp.  
     
     
         19 . A method for repaving a roadway having at least one access cover for an opening into an underground utility structure set therein with a layer of pavement having a predetermined thickness, said method comprising: 
 fitting to the access cover a cap comprising upper and lower opposed surfaces and an outer edge having dimensions substantially conforming to dimensions of the opening, adapted for attachment to the access cover, having a thickness generally corresponding to the predetermined thickness and comprising a rubber material;    attaching the cap to the access cover to form a cover cap combination; and    applying the layer of pavement to the roadway such that an upper surface of the cover cap combination is substantially flush with the upper surface of the layer of pavement.    
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19 , additionally comprising contacting the outer edge of the cover-cap combination with the layer of pavement.  
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 19 , wherein the rubber material comprises rubber particles derived from used vehicle tires.  
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 19 , wherein the rubber material additionally comprises a polyurethane binder.