Adjustable valve box
US5671772A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7021
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vertically adjustable valve box for providing access to underground valves includes a first member having a tubular section with a bell and a peripheral flange disposed at a distal end, wherein the central longitudinal axis of the first member is oriented vertically. The invention further includes a second member having a tubular section with a bell and a flange disposed at a distal end. The tubular section of the second member is telescoped over the tubular section of the first member, wherein the respective bells and flanges are disposed on opposite ends of the assembly and the central longitudinal axis of each is vertical and substantially in alignment. An O-ring gasket is positioned circumferentially around the exterior of the tubular section of the first member. The lower end of the tubular section of the second member contacts the O-ring gasket. The O-ring is stretch-fit over the first member and prevents the second member from telescoping downward on first member past a desired insertion position. The bell of the first member is sized to receive a bonnet and a valve stem of an underground valve, positioned in an underground pipeline. The bell of the second member is adapte…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.