Patent ID: 6682257
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: E02D

Abstract:
A cover apparatus to releasably secure an exposed access opening on a pipe or a manhole opening, which comprises:a) a top portion which extends beyond the outer circumference of the access opening and which has a central axis; b) a depending side wall portion which depends from the top portion, the side wall portion sized to be less than the inner diameter of the access opening; c) an outwardly flared lower side wall extending from the lower portion of the depending side wall, the outwardly flared side wall sized to be less than the inner diameter of the access opening, and greater than the depending side wall; d) a central ring depending from the top portion, the central ring centered on the central axis of the top portion; e) a plurality of ribs extending between the central ring and the depending side wall; f) an expandable bladder positioned on the depending side wall between the top portion and the outwardly flared lower side wall; g) a pump means secured within the central ring of the cover apparatus, the pump means in fluid communication with the expandable bladder; h) and an actuating means to selectively actuate the pump means to selectively expand and contract the expandable bladder.