Apparatus and method for providing access to a buried pipe

摘要

The pipe access device is comprised of a curved plate adapted to engage an underground pipe along an arc of the outer surface of the pipe, and a boss extending upwardly from the curved plate about an aperture in the curved plate. The curved plate extends along an arc of the outer surface of the curved plate that corresponds to a central angle of the pipe less than or equal to 180°. The curved plate includes a concave surface with a radius of curvature less than a radius of curvature of the outer surface of the pipe so as to bias the curved plate against the outer surface of the pipe when the curved plate is flexed to engage the pipe. The pipe access device is for use in providing access to the buried pipe that requires minimal excavation and disruption of the soil.

主权项

1. A method of providing access to an interior bore of a lateral sewer pipe buried beneath a surface of the ground that provides for minimal excavation and disruption of soil, the lateral pipe having an outer surface and a substantially circular cross section, the method comprising:
excavating the ground to expose a portion of the lateral pipe at a lower end of an excavated hole without a person entering the excavated hole; taking an assembly comprising a curved plate adapted to engage a portion of the outer surface of the lateral pipe constituting less than or equal to 50% of the outer surface of the lateral pipe, and an extension pipe extending generally upward from the curved plate; wherein the curved plate and the extension pipe having apertures substantially aligned with one another; positioning a fluid resistant seal between the curved plate and the outer surface of the lateral pipe; attaching the assembly to the lateral pipe about the portion of the outer surface of the pipe; taking a cutting device; inserting the cutting device through the extension pipe to the lateral pipe; and making an access hole in the lateral pipe with the cutting device, the access hole being substantially aligned with the apertures of the curved plate and the extension pipe; wherein the extension pipe provides access to the lateral pipe and extends to near the surface of the ground.