Lift system for utility covers
AssigneeConsolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
InventorsRichard J. Trieste, Jr., Stephen Fereance, Steve Labudzinski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A lifting device, a method, and a system for lifting for utility cover is provided. The lifting device includes a body having a curved portion, the curved portion defining an interior area. A flange extends about the periphery of the body, the flange made from a compliant material that forms a seal with a top surface of an irregular or smooth surface utility cover. A lifting element is coupled and centrally positioned to the body.
Claims18
A lifting device for utility cover, the lifting device comprising:
- a body having a curved portion, the curved portion defining an interior area;
- a flange extending about a periphery of the body, the flange made from a compliant material that forms a seal with a top surface of an irregular or smooth surface utility cover;
- and
- a lifting element coupled and centrally positioned to the body,
- wherein the body deforms responsive to being lifted directly by the lifting element in a direction away from the utility cover, and
- wherein a pressure in an interior portion is reduced in response to the body deforming.
A method of moving a utility cover, the method comprising:
- placing a lifting device on the utility cover, the lifting device having a body and a flange disposed about a periphery of the body, the lifting device further having a lifting element coupled to the body;
- sealing the flange to the utility cover;
- moving the lifting element in a direction away from the utility cover to deform the body, wherein the body deforms responsive to being lifted directly by the lifting element in a direction away from the utility cover;
- reducing the pressure in an interior portion defined by the body in response to deforming the body;
- and
- moving the utility cover with the lifting device based at least in part on the sealing of the flange to the utility cover and the reducing of pressure.
A system for removing a utility cover comprising:
- a body having a curved portion, the curved portion defining an interior area;
- a flange extending about a periphery of the body, the flange made from a sealing material that is configured to define a pressure seal when placed in contact with a top surface of an irregular or smooth surface utility cover;
- a lifting element coupled and centrally positioned to the body, wherein the curved portion deforms responsive to being lifted directly by the lifting element in a direction away from the utility cover;
- and
- wherein a pressure in the interior area is reduced in response to the curved portion deforming.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.