Systems For Sealing and Venting a Manhole

Abstract

A manhole cover system (10) for sealing manholes to minimize water infiltration includes a manhole cover (12) re-movably inserted into a manhole cover frame (14) having a compressible gasket (28) attached thereto. Manhole cover (12) includes a base (16) and a peripheral rim (18). Peripheral rim (18) includes a cover outer peripheral surface (20) and a horizontal cover seat (22). Manhole cover frame (14) includes a frame cover restraint wall (24) and a frame seat (26). During assembly, peripheral rim (18) is removably seated on frame seat (26) of manhole cover frame (14). Compressible gasket (28) forms a seal within a vertical clearance space (32) between cover outer peripheral surface (20) and frame cover restraint wall (24).

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A manhole cover system comprising:
 a manhole cover having:
 a cover seat, 
 and an outer peripheral surface; 
   a manhole cover frame having:
 a frame seat, 
 a frame cover restraint wall, 
 a compressible gasket having an outer surface and an inner surface that is attached to either the frame cover restraint wall of the manhole cover frame, or the outer peripheral surface of the manhole cover; 
   wherein the outer surface of the compressible gasket has a tapered portion disposed proximate a top end of the of the gasket;   wherein the manhole cover is removably seated on the frame seat of the manhole cover frame such that the compressible gasket forms a seal between the outer peripheral surface of the manhole cover and the frame cover restraint wall;   wherein the outer surface of the compressible gasket is covered by silicone or other coating to reduce friction;   wherein the compressible gasket includes a triangularly shaped void area disposed generally centrally inside the interior of the compressible gasket;   wherein the compressible gasket includes a horizontal portion disposed below the triangularly shaped void area.   
     
     
         3 . The manhole cover system of  claim 2  further comprising:
 the compressible gasket includes a dimpled portion disposed in a bottom surface of the compressible gasket, for allowing the horizontal portion to flex upwardly when the gasket is compressed.