Angled manhole sealing band and method for use

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for sealing a manhole structure. A band with a relatively rigid angled corner engages the upper margin of a manhole structure. Adhesives may also be used with the band to enhance the seal with the manhole structure.

1 . A band with an inner and outer dimension for sealing a manhole structure comprising:
 a first inner-directed band portion having a generally uniform thickness;   a second depending band portion having a generally uniform thickness, substantially the same as the thickness of the first band portion; and   an inner-directed corner operably coupling the first and second portions and having a thickness greater than the first and second band portions;   
     wherein the band is preformed in substantially the same shape as when attached to the manhole structure. 
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the inner-directed corner extends equal distances in the direction of the first and second band portions. 
   
   
       4 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the inner-directed corner extends unequal distances in the direction of the first and second band portions. 
   
   
       5 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the band is integrally molded. 
   
   
       6 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the inner-directed corner is not integrally molded with either or both of the first and second band portions. 
   
   
       7 - 9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . The band of  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the inner-directed corner is at least twice the thickness of the first and second band portions. 
   
   
       11 - 18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . The band of  claim 1  further comprising an adhesive material added to either of the inner surfaces of the first or second band portions. 
   
   
       20 . The band of  claim 1  further comprising an adhesive material added to the inner surfaces of the first and second band portions.