Dual-interface sewer cap removal device

Abstract

A dual-interface sewer cap removal device is provided. The device includes a base plate with a first side provided opposite a second side. A first interface is defined on the first side of the base plate. The first interface is designed to engage a slotted sewer cap. A second interface is defined on the second side of the base plate. The second interface is designed to engage a sewer cap. The second interface is structurally distinct from the first interface. An aperture is centrally disposed on the base plate.

Claims

1. A dual-interface sewer cap removal device, comprising: a base plate having a first side and a second side; a first interface defined on the first side of the base plate; the first interface configured to engage a slotted sewer cap; a second interface defined on the second side of the base plate; wherein the second interface is configured to engage a sewer cap; wherein the second interface is structurally distinct from the first interface; an aperture centrally disposed on the base plate.

2. The dual-interface sewer cap removal device of claim 1, wherein the aperture comprises a socket interface dimensioned to receive a socket wrench.

3. The dual-interface sewer cap removal device of claim 1, wherein the aperture comprises an interface dimensioned to receive a breaker bar.

4. The dual-interface sewer cap removal device of claim 1, wherein the first interface comprises a pair of protrusions linearly parallel on opposing sides of the aperture.

5. The dual-interface sewer cap removal device of claim 1, wherein the second interface comprises four protrusions, wherein a first pair of protrusions are linearly parallel on opposing sides of the aperture and the second pair of protrusions are linearly parallel on opposing sides of the aperture, wherein the second pair of protrusions are linearly perpendicular to the first pair of protrusions.

6. The dual-interface sewer cap removal device of claim 1, wherein the second interface comprises a lower wall extending from the second side of the base plate.

7. The dual-interface sewer cap removal device of claim 6, wherein the lower wall is of a square shape having rounded corners.

8. The dual-interface sewer cap removal device of claim 1, wherein the aperture is disposed entirely through the base plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

(2) FIG. 1A shows a first perspective view of an embodiment of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device.

(3) FIG. 1B shows a second perspective view of an embodiment of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device.

(4) FIG. 2A shows a first perspective view of an embodiment of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device.

(5) FIG. 2B shows a second perspective view of an embodiment of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(6) Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

(7) Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown a first perspective view of an embodiment of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device. The dual-interface sewer cap removal device 10 comprises a base plate 11. The base plate 11 provides a structural foundation for the dual-interface removal device 10. As such, the base plate 11 is made of a durable, rigid material, so that it will not be deformed or damaged when pressure or torque is applied to the base plate 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 11 is circular.

(8) The base plate 11 comprises a first side 12 disposed opposite a second side 13. The base plate 11 comprises an aperture 16. The aperture 16 is configured to be engaged by a socket, or other implement, capable of enacting rotational movement of the base plate 11. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 16 consists of four sides of equal length. The aperture, in the demonstrated embodiment comprises beveled edges, such as to enable smooth insertion of a socket into the aperture 16.

(9) The first side 12 comprises a first interface 14. The first interface 14 is configured to engage a slotted sewer cap. In the illustrated embodiment, the first interface 14 comprises a pair of protrusions 14a, 14b. The pair of protrusions 14a,14b consists of a first protrusion 14a and a second protrusion 14b. The first protrusion 14a and the second protrusion 14b are linearly parallel and disposed on opposing sides of the aperture 16. The first protrusion 14a and the second protrusion 14b are structurally identical. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of protrusions 14a, 14b are of a rectangular cross section and comprise beveled edges. The beveled edges reduce the risk of damage to the sewer cap or to other objects in the vicinity of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device 10.

(10) Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown a second perspective view of an embodiment of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device. A second interface 15 is disposed on the second side 13 of the base plate 11. The second interface 15 is configured to engage a sewer cap. The second interface 15 is structurally distinct from the first interface 14. As such, the dual-interface sewer cap removal device 10 may be utilized to remove two different types of sewer caps.

(11) In the illustrated embodiment, the second interface 15 comprises four protrusions 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, wherein a first pair of protrusions 15a,15b are linearly parallel on opposing sides of the aperture 16 and the second pair of protrusions 15c,15d are linearly parallel on opposing sides of the aperture 16, wherein the second pair of protrusions 15c,15d are linearly perpendicular to the first pair of protrusions 15a,15b. As such, the second interface 15 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to engage a cross-shaped sewer cap.

(12) Each protrusion of the first pair of protrusions 15a,15b and the second pair of protrusions 15c,15d are structurally identical. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pair of protrusions 15a, 15b and the second pair of protrusions 15c,15d are of a rectangular cross section and comprise beveled edges. The beveled edges reduce the risk of damage to the sewer cap.

(13) Referring now to FIG. 2A, there is shown a first perspective view of an embodiment of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 11 of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device 10 is octagonal. An aperture 16 is centrally disposed within the base plate 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 16 is beveled to provide smooth engagement of a socket with the aperture 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 16 extends entirely through the base plate 11 (shown in FIG. 2B). As such, the aperture 16 may be engaged by a socket from each side of the base plate 11.

(14) In the illustrated embodiment, first side 12 comprises a first interface 14. The first interface 14 is configured to engage a slotted sewer cap. In the illustrated embodiment, the first interface 14 comprises a pair of protrusions 14a, 14b. The pair of protrusions 14a,14b consists of a first protrusion 14a and a second protrusion 14b. The first protrusion 14a and the second protrusion 14b are linearly parallel and disposed on opposing sides of the aperture 16. The first protrusion 14a and the second protrusion 14b are structurally identical. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of protrusions 14a, 14b are of a rectangular cross section and comprise beveled edges. The beveled edges reduce the risk of damage to the sewer cap or to other objects in the vicinity of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device 10. Alternatively, the first side 12 of the base plate 11 may comprise four protrusions as shown and described in FIG. 1B to provide an interface for engaging a cross-shaped sewer cap.

(15) Referring now to FIG. 2B, there is shown a second perspective view of an embodiment of the dual-interface sewer cap removal device. The second interface 15 is disposed on the second side 13 of the base plate 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the second interface 15 comprises a lower wall extending from the second side of the base plate. The lower wall forms a square shape, wherein the square shape is configured to engage a traditional sewer cap. The square shape comprises rounded corners, such as to reduce the strain on the sewer cap.

(16) It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

(17) Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.