Patent Publication Number: US-9851039-B2

Title: Valve access conduit assembly and method of installing the assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to underground valves, such as utility valves and, more particularly, to a conduit assembly through which above ground access can be gained to a valve. 
     Background Art 
     Underground valves are used to selectively control utility supply, such as water, to individual residences and businesses. Each valve is typically situated several feet underground and is accessed through a vertical conduit assembly. In one known form, the upper end of the conduit assembly is closed by a cap with a separable plug that is threaded into place. The plug is separated to produce an entry opening to a passage extending downwardly to the valve. The plug is provided with a fitting to be engaged by a special tool, which thereby allows a level of control of access to the valve. 
     Existing conduit assemblies take a number of different forms. In one form, a cast housing, with an inverted cup shape, is placed over the valve and straddles the supply line and valve. The housing continues upwardly into a conduit, with a length selected so that the cap on the conduit is flush with grade. 
     In an alternative design, a conduit assembly has a fitting that is threaded directly to the underground valve. The conduit assembly defines a passage that extends continuously from the valve to an upper access opening. 
     With both of the above designs, elongate tools are directed from above ground through the conduit assembly passages to engage actuators on the valves. The tools control turning of the actuators in opposite directions to selectively open and close the valves. 
     Existing designs have some inherent problems, some of which are aggravated as the parts thereof corrode and/or are otherwise affected by environmental conditions. 
     One problem is a result of the manner in which the upper cap and plug, that is a part thereof, are constructed. Typically, the plug is made from brass so that it is not prone to rusting. The threads on the brass plug mate with threads on another part of the cap, typically made from a dissimilar metal. That other metal is generally prone to rusting or corroding, which could cause the threads to bind, thereby inhibiting turning of the plug for separation. It may become necessary to exert a substantial torque upon the plug to effect separation thereof. This torque may cause another part of the conduit assembly to turn. Depending upon the particular construction, this turning may inflict damage upon the conduit assembly, the housing at the bottom thereof, the valve, and/or the supply line. 
     When this condition exists, the individual seeking to operate the valve has the option of either taking exceptional steps to avoid turning of any other part of the conduit assembly associated with the plug, or gambling that the plug will break free before the failure of any other part of the system under a large turning torque. 
     The former option represents a significant inconvenience, particularly when utilities budget very little time for their workers to effect access. The latter can have significant consequences, and in a worst case may necessitate a time-consuming repair that could involve replacement of one or more system parts. In an extreme case, the valve itself may have to be accessed, which involves digging around the conduit assembly to create an access opening wide enough to allow a worker to repair, or remove and replace, the damaged structure, potentially including the valve. 
     In the event the valve itself must be replaced, the utility may have to utilize an upstream shutoff that could inconvenience not only the immediately affected entity, but any entity supplied through an interconnected conduit network downstream of the shutoff. 
     The above problems may be aggravated by temperature and other weather conditions. For example, rain followed by freezing temperatures may further lock the system components and make separation of the access plug even more difficult. 
     Another problem that has been persistent is damage inflicted by ground expansion due to frost. The frost causes the material in which the conduit assembly is embedded to expand and produce an increasing wedging action between the cap and underground structure, including lower portions of the conduit assembly and the supply line. This may eventually lead to the failure of one or more parts, thereby requiring access to the underground region in the vicinity of the compromised structure so that necessary repairs can be effected. 
     Another problem that exists involves damage to the upper region of the conduit assembly. Cast iron parts are used to define the upper passage region and a receptacle for a cap that is bolted in place. Breaking off of any part of this upper region may make it impossible to secure a conventional cap and may also permit ingress of moisture and other foreign matter into the passage that may migrate to the valve region and impair above ground access to the valve. An accumulation of foreign matter may also cause a failure of the valve. 
     The upper region of the conduit is susceptible to being compromised, particularly when a significant portion of the upper region of the conduit assembly becomes exposed, as when the conduit assembly heaves due to frost. The upper region, and potentially the entire conduit assembly, is subject to being damaged by above ground impacts imparted by lawn mowers, plows, etc. 
     Replacement caps have been devised to accommodate the above conditions. However, these replacement caps are not usable for many repairs necessitated by a compromise of the structure of the upper region of the conduit assembly. Thus, the options available are to: a) use the system without an effectively secured cap; b) use the system in a condition wherein foreign matter can migrate into and through the passage; or c) access underground structure to effect repairs through a potentially expensive and time consuming process. 
     In spite of these inherent deficiencies with existing systems, the industry has continued to use conventional designs. The industry continues to seek out alternative designs that are economically feasible, while being reliable in terms of their operation, regardless of environmental conditions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one form, the invention is directed to the combination of an underground valve, for a supply line and having an underground actuator through which a state of the valve can be changed to control flow within the supply line, and a conduit assembly defining an access passage through which above ground access can be gained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly has a cap that can be selectively changed between: a) a first state wherein the cap blocks an entry opening to the access passage; and b) a second state wherein above ground access can be gained to the valve actuator through the entry opening and access passage. A part of the cap and another part of the conduit assembly interact and are relatively moved as the cap is changed between the first and second states. At least one of: a) the part of the cap; and b) the another part of the conduit assembly is made from a non-metal material. 
     In one form, the part of the cap and the another part of the conduit assembly are in the form of cooperating threads. 
     In one form, the cooperating threads on the part of the cap and the another part of the conduit assembly are both made from a non-metal material. 
     In one form, the conduit assembly has a first conduit part and a second conduit part each with a vertical length. With the conduit assembly in an operative state the first and second conduit parts are slidable guidingly in a lengthwise direction, one against the other, to change an effective combined length of the first and second conduit parts. The first conduit part defines the another part of the conduit assembly. 
     In one form, the conduit assembly has a vertical axis and the first conduit part has a peripheral outer surface extending around the vertical axis that has a non-circular shape so as not to be readily turnable around the vertical axis within a compacted material surrounding the conduit assembly. 
     In one form, the first conduit part has a first discrete radial projection at the peripheral outer surface which defines a first circumferentially facing surface that inhibits turning of the first conduit part within the surrounding compacted material. 
     In one form, the first conduit part has a second discrete radial projection at the peripheral outer surface, spaced fully from the first discrete radial projection, and defining a second circumferentially facing surface that inhibits turning of the first conduit part within the surrounding compacted material. 
     In one form, the first discrete radial projection is in the form of an elongate fin. 
     In one form, the conduit assembly has a third conduit part that is joined to the second conduit part. 
     In one form, the second and third conduit parts are telescopingly engaged, one within the other, to change an effective combined length of the second and third conduit parts. 
     In one form, there are cooperating locking parts on the second and third conduit parts that are engageable to fix a selected effective combined length of the second and third conduit parts while maintaining the first and second conduit parts in a relationship wherein the effective combined length of the first and second conduit parts is changeable. 
     In one form, the first conduit part is a molded part made from urethane. 
     In one form, the part of the cap and the another part of the conduit assembly are both made from a non-metal material. There are discrete components, one each on the cap and first conduit part, that interact to inhibit turning of the cap relative to the first conduit part. 
     In one form, the first conduit part has a through opening within which the second conduit part is directed. The through opening is bounded by a radially inwardly facing surface. There are a plurality of discrete, elongate ribs projecting radially inwardly from the radially inwardly facing surface to engage the second conduit part and guide relative sliding movement between the first and second conduit parts. 
     In one form, the first conduit part has a through opening within which the second conduit part is directed. The through opening is bounded by a radially inwardly facing surface. There is an annular bead projecting radially inwardly from the radially inwardly facing surface to engage the second conduit part and establish a seal between the first and second conduit parts to block passage of debris. 
     In one form, the first conduit part is made from a non-metal material and the second conduit part is made from metal. 
     In one form, the cap and first conduit part are made from urethane. 
     In one form, the invention is directed to a method of installing a conduit assembly to facilitate controlled access to an actuator on an underground valve. The method includes the steps of: providing the combination described above; placing the second and third conduit parts in operative relationship with the underground valve; selecting a desired effective combined length of the second and third conduit parts; fixing the selected effective combined length of the second and third conduit parts; operatively connecting the cap to the first conduit part; moving the first conduit part relative to the second conduit part so that the cap is at a desired length; and compacting material around the conduit assembly with the first and second conduit parts remaining slidable guidingly against each other to allow the effective combined length of the first and second conduit parts to change after the material is compacted around the conduit assembly. 
     In one form, the method further includes the steps of making the part of the cap and the another part of the conduit assembly from a urethane material and threadably engaging the part of the cap and the another part of the conduit assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a conduit assembly, according to the present invention, in an operative state in relationship to a valve associated with a supply line; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a prior art conduit assembly in an operative state relative to a valve on a supply line; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of the conduit assembly taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged, fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of cooperating conduit parts on the conduit assembly in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of a cap at an upper end of a conduit part on the conduit assembly in  FIGS. 2-4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a view as in  FIG. 2  of a modified form of prior art conduit assembly in an operative state relative to a valve on a supply line; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of cooperating parts on a cap and another part of an inventive form of the conduit assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a view as in  FIG. 6  showing a specific form of the inventive conduit assembly, according to the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged, side elevation view of a first conduit part on the inventive conduit assembly and showing a portion of a cooperating second conduit part; 
         FIG. 10  is a view as in  FIG. 9  wherein the first conduit part is turned through 90°; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the conduit parts taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the first conduit part taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of a portion of the conduit part within the circle in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded, perspective view of the components in  FIGS. 9-13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a flow diagram representation of a method of installing a conduit assembly, according to the invention, to facilitate controlled access to an actuator on an underground valve; 
         FIG. 16  is a view as in  FIG. 6  of another form of prior art conduit assembly in an operative state relative to a valve on a supply line; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the components shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged, perspective view of an upper conduit part on the conduit assembly in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; 
         FIGS. 19-21  show the conduit part of  FIG. 18  with different defects for which repair is required; 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged, perspective view of a conventional replacement cap used on the conduit part in  FIG. 18  once damage is inflicted; 
         FIG. 23  is a plan view of the replacement cap in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the replacement cap in  FIGS. 22 and 23  operatively connected to the upper region of the conduit part in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the replacement cap in  FIG. 22  operatively connected with the conduit part in the condition shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a view as in  FIG. 25  with the conduit part having the  FIG. 20  condition; 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged, elevation view of the conduit part having the condition in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a view as in  FIG. 27  wherein part of the damaged portion of the conduit part is removed preparatory to repair; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded perspective view corresponding to that in  FIG. 17  wherein a repair assembly is used after the conduit part is prepared as in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a view as in  FIG. 29  with the parts assembled; 
         FIG. 31  is an enlarged, perspective view of the cap used on the repair assembly in  FIGS. 29 and 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a side elevation view of the cap in  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a bottom view of the cap in  FIGS. 31 and 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the cap taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a modified form of repair assembly, according to the invention; 
         FIG. 36  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the repair assembly taken along lines  36 - 36  of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a bottom view of a cap on the repair assembly in  FIGS. 35 and 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a further modified form of repair assembly according to the invention; 
         FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view of the repair assembly taken along line  39 - 39  of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is an enlarged, perspective view of a cap that is part of the repair assembly in  FIGS. 38 and 39 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a side elevation view of the cap in  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a bottom view of the cap in  FIGS. 40 and 41 ; 
         FIG. 43  is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a conventional upper conduit part, as shown in  FIG. 2 , that is broken off at an upper threaded portion; 
         FIG. 44  is a view as in  FIG. 43  wherein a conventional repair cap assembly has been placed over the fractured conduit part; 
         FIG. 45  is an exploded perspective view of the components shown in  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view of the conduit part with the repair cap assembly taken along line  46 - 46  of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of a conventional tool that is used to turn access caps and cooperate with actuators underground to operate valves; 
         FIG. 48  is an enlarged, side elevation view of the actuating tool in  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 49  is an enlarged, end elevation view of the actuating tool in  FIG. 47 ; and 
         FIG. 50  is an enlarged, top view of the actuating tool in  FIG. 47 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In  FIG. 1 , an exemplary form of the invention is shown in schematic form. A conduit assembly at  10  defines an access passage  12  through which above ground access can be gained to an actuator  14  on an underground valve  16 . The valve  16  is associated with a supply line  18  for any flowable commodity, such as gas, water, etc. It is conceivable that the supply line  18  could even be capable of electrical conductivity whereby the actuator  14  acts as a switch. The supply line  18  may be any supply line, such as one that branches off as part of a network that supplies individual residences and/or businesses from a main supply. Through the actuator  14 , the state of the valve  16  can be changed to control flow within the supply line  18 . As examples, the actuator may be a simple on/off type arrangement or one that varies flow volume. As used herein, “valve actuator” is intended to encompass any underground component that has different states that might be accessed and changed through a conduit passage, regardless of the nature of the supply. 
     The conduit assembly  10  defines an entry opening  20  to the access passage  12 . The conduit assembly  10  further has a cap  22  that can be selectively changed between: a) a first state wherein the cap  22  blocks the entry opening  20 ; and b) a second state wherein access can be gained to the valve actuator  14  through the entry opening  20  and access passage  12 . The cap  20  may be fully separated in its second state, though this is not required. 
     The components shown in  FIG. 1  are represented in schematic form to encompass specific forms, hereinbelow described, as well as variations thereof that would be apparent to one skilled in the art with the inventive teachings in hand. To understand the significance of the present invention, some further details of the prior art, as described generally above, will be explained herein, with the associated shortcomings. 
     Existing conduit assemblies are most commonly made with one of two different designs. A first prior art design is shown at  10 ′ in  FIGS. 2-5 . The conduit assembly  10 ′ consists of a lower conduit part  24  that is typically made from cast metal. The conduit part  24  has a stepped diameter with a smaller diameter portion  26  and a larger diameter portion  28 . The larger diameter portion  28  has internal threads  30  that mate with cooperating threads  32  on a valve  16 ′. 
     A separate, upper conduit part  34  is telescopingly engaged with the conduit part  24 . The lower end  36  of the conduit part  34  is formed to define diametrically oppositely projecting locking tabs  38 , alignable one each with cutouts  40  in a flange  41  at the upper end  42  of the conduit part  24 . With the locking tabs  38  and cutouts  40  angularly aligned, the conduit parts  24 ,  34  can be telescopingly engaged to be movable guidingly relative to each other along a lengthwise axis  44  of the conduit assembly  10 ′. A friction ring  46  is placed within a radially inwardly opening undercut  48  on the conduit part  24 , acts against an outer surface  50  of the conduit part  34  to frictionally grip the conduit part  24 , and functions to inhibit free sliding movement of the conduit part  34  relative to the conduit part  24 . 
     The conduit part  24  has diametrically oppositely located ribs  52  each projecting radially inwardly at a location circumferentially midway between the cutouts  40  in a circumferential direction. The ribs  52  extend over potentially the full axial extent of the conduit part  24 . 
     The upper end  54  of the conduit part  34  has external threads  56  thereon. The threads  56  cooperate with internal threads  58  on a cap  60  that is designed to be situated at approximately ground level GL. More specifically, the conduit parts  24 ,  34  are relatively repositioned so that the combined length L of the conduit parts  24 ,  34  and cap  60  situates the upper surface  62  of the cap  60  at approximately ground level GL. The conduit parts  24 ,  34  can be fixed with a selected combined length by turning the conduit part  34  relative to the conduit part  24  around the axis  44 . As this occurs, the locking tabs  38  wedge forcibly against the ribs  52  so as to thereby maintain the conduit parts  24 ,  34  locked against relative axial and angular movement. 
     With this arrangement, the overall length L of the conduit assembly  10 ′ in the vertical direction is substantially fixed. As a consequence, frost tends to expand compacted material M around the conduit assembly  10 ′ so that it exerts a wedging force between the underside of the cap  60  and the supply line  18 , or potentially between the underside of the cap  60  and other upwardly projecting surfaces, such as those produced by the different diameters of, and on, the conduit parts  24 ,  34 . As mentioned in the Background portion herein, these forces could compromise the structure of the conduit assembly  10 ′ and/or might inflict damage upon the valve  16 ′ and/or supply line  18 , necessitating underground access to the site at which the damage has occurred. 
     Typically, the conduit part  34  and cap  60  will both be made from metal. The threads  58  on the cap  60  bound an entry opening  64  and part of an axial access passage  66 , extending between the entry opening  64  and the valve  16 ′ and, more particularly, an actuator  70  therefor. A conventional tool  72  has an elongate construction and can be directed from above ground through the entry opening  64 , into and through the passage  66 , and into engagement with the actuator  70 , which can be manipulated from above ground using the tool  72 . 
     Access to the valve actuator  70  is controlled by a plug  74  that has external threads  76  to engage the internal threads  58  on the cap  60 . A boss  78  with a pentagonal peripheral surface  80  is integrated into the plug  74  to accommodate a special tool  81  that is engaged with the boss  78  to controllably turn the plug  74  to tighten and release the same. The shape of the boss  78  makes it difficult to turn the plug  74  without having the special tool  81  that cooperates therewith, thereby limiting unauthorized access to the valve actuator  70 . 
     Typically, the cap  60  will be made from metal that may be cast, or otherwise formed. The plug  74  is commonly made from a brass material. As noted in the Background portion herein, the cap  60  and plug  74  are both prone to corroding and/or accumulating moisture that may migrate between the threads  58 ,  76  thereon and freeze at low temperatures. These conditions each may cause the plug  74  to lock to the cap  60 , whereupon torque applied to the boss  78  and the plug  74  may produce sufficient forces on other parts of the conduit assembly  10 ′ and/or valve  16 ′ to inflict damage thereupon. 
     Damage may also be inflicted by impact forces applied to the upper region of the conduit assembly  10 ′ that is exposed above grade. For example, equipment employed to cut grass, plow snow, etc., may encounter the upper region of the conduit assembly  10 ′ and damage the cap  60  and/or bend or fracture one of the conduit parts  24 ,  34 . An exemplary fracture line that might be created under these circumstances is shown at FL in dotted lines in  FIG. 2 . Generally, the compacted material M will rigidify the conduit assembly  10 ′ adequately that it is not prone to failing, when impacted, significantly below grade. This problem is aggravated when frost heaves the conduit assembly  10 ′ to expose an additional length of the conduit assembly  10 ′ above ground level GL. Since the upper region of the conduit assembly  10 ′ is conventionally made with metal components, there is little flexibility to absorb impacts, which commonly leads to part failure/fracture. 
     The other most common configuration of prior art conduit assembly, mentioned above, is shown in  FIG. 6  at  10 ″. The conduit assembly  10 ″ differs from the conduit assembly  10 ′ primarily in the configuration of the conduit part  24 ″, corresponding to the conduit part  24 , and cooperating with the part  34 ″, corresponding to the part  34 . Whereas the conduit part  24  is directly connected to the valve  16 ′, the conduit part  24 ″ is integrated into a cast housing  82  that fits over a valve  16 ″ in a relationship whereby it straddles the valve  16 ″ and the supply line  18 . To accomplish this, the cast housing  82  is made with an inverted cup shape with diametrically opposite cutouts  84  (one shown) to accommodate the supply line  18 . With this configuration, the conduit assembly  10 ″ does not fixedly connect to the valve  16 ″. However, frost heaving may nonetheless damage the conduit assembly  10 ″ and/or effect misalignment thereof with the valve  16 ″ that may necessitate digging to access the site of failure, that may be a significant distance below ground, and potentially near or at valve level. 
     The conduit assembly  10 ″ also includes the aforementioned cap  60  and plug  74 . In the event that the cap  60  and plug  74  lock, torquing the plug  74  may inflict damage upon parts of the conduit assembly  10 ″ therebelow, including potentially turning the cast housing  82  so that it is forced against the supply  18  and/or valve  16 ″ upon which it might inflict damage. 
     Details of one exemplary form of the conduit assembly, according to the present invention, as shown schematically in  FIG. 1 , are shown in  FIGS. 7-14 . 
     One aspect of the present invention is the specific manner in which the cap  22  and another part  86  of the conduit assembly  10  interact, as shown schematically in  FIG. 7 . More specifically, a part  88  of the cap  22  interacts with the part  86  in a manner whereby the parts  86 ,  88  are relatively moved against each other as the cap  22  is changed between the aforementioned first and second states. According to the invention, at least one of the parts  86 ,  88  is made from a non-metal material. As explained below, in the specific embodiment, the exemplary parts  86 ,  88  are in the form of cooperating threads and both made from a non-metal material. However, this is not a requirement as another relatively movable parts arrangement might be utilized to selectively block and expose the entry opening  20  to the access passage  12 . 
     In the specific exemplary form of the conduit assembly  10 , the conduit assembly  10  is made up of three separate conduit parts—a first upper conduit part  90 , a second conduit part  92 , and a third conduit part  94 . In its simplest form, the conduit part  90  can be utilized in conjunction with a single, separate, lower conduit part to define the access passage  12  between the entry opening  20  and the valve  16 . However, in the depicted embodiment, the conduit part  90  is shown in association with the separate, existing, lower, conduit parts  92 ,  94 , that correspond respectively to the conduit parts  34 ″,  24 ″ shown on the prior art conduit assembly  10 ″ in  FIG. 6 . 
     The first conduit part  90  and second conduit part  92  each has a vertical length along the central axis  96  of the conduit parts  90 ,  92 ,  94 , and the access passage  12  is defined cooperatively thereby. The conduit parts  90 ,  92  are slidable guidingly in a lengthwise direction, one against the other, to change the effective combined length L1 of the conduit parts  90 ,  92 . The conduit part  90  defines the part/threads  86  that cooperate with the part/threads  88  on the cap  22 . For purposes of this disclosure, the cap  22  may be considered to be either separate from, or a part of, the conduit part  90 . 
     While different cooperating mechanical components may be provided on the conduit parts  90 ,  92  to allow relative lengthwise movement therebetween, in the depicted form, the conduit part  92  fits within the conduit part  90  to produce a telescoping-type arrangement. The conduit part  92  has a generally cylindrical outer surface  97  centered on the lengthwise axis  96 . 
     The first conduit part  90  has a through opening  98  within which the second conduit part  92  is directed. The opening  98  is bounded by a radially inwardly facing surface  100 . A plurality, and in this case three, discrete, elongate, axially extending components/ribs  102  project radially inwardly from the radially inwardly facing surface  100  to engage the outer surface  97  of the second conduit part  92  and guide relative sliding movement between the first and second conduit parts  90 ,  92 . The interaction of the ribs  102  and surface  100  causes the conduit parts  90 ,  92  to be frictionally held against relative angular and axial movement. 
     Additionally, an annular component/bead  104  projects radially inwardly from the surface  98  adjacent the lower region of the conduit part  90  to engage the outer surface  97  of the second conduit part  92  to establish a seal between the first and second conduit parts  90 ,  92  to block passage of debris therebetween. The bead  104  preferably extends fully and continuously around the axis  96  and also produces frictional holding forces between the conduit parts  90 ,  92 . 
     In a preferred form, the first conduit part  90  is designed to translate in a vertical path relative to the conduit part  92 , while being guided therealong. Once the material M is compacted around the full vertical extent of the conduit assembly  10 , the conduit parts  90 ,  92  are held together additionally by forces from the compacted material M. Under normal conditions, the embedded conduit part  90  will be held with sufficient force by the compacted material M and the cooperating ribs  102  and surface  100  that it will not tend to shift vertically relative to the conduit part  92 . However, under higher forces produced, as by expanded soil under frozen conditions, a threshold releasing force may be developed that causes vertical guided shifting of the conduit part  90  relative to the conduit part  92 , thereby avoiding imparting of potentially damaging axial wedging forces upon other parts of the conduit assembly  10 . 
     At the same time, the conduit part  90  is configured so that it will not turn within the compacted material M relative to the conduit part  92  as might allow separation of the conduit part  90  from the conduit part  92 , which in turn might give unauthorized access to the valve  16  from above ground. 
     In the broadest sense, this resistance to turning may be produced by virtually any construction wherein the outer surface  106  of the conduit part  90  has a non-circular shape, as viewed in cross-section along the length of the axis  96 . In the depicted embodiment, this non-circular outer peripheral surface  106  is produced by including at least one, and as shown at least two, discrete radial projections  108  at/from the surface  106 . The projections  108  are shown in the form of elongate fins at diametrically opposite locations. Each fin  108  has circumferentially oppositely facing surfaces  110 ,  112  that inhibit turning of the first conduit part  90  within the surrounding compacted material M in which they are embedded. 
     The cap  22  is made integral with a boss  114  to be engaged by a special tool  116  that may be provided to only authorized personnel. The cap  22  may incorporate any type of turning system, of which there are currently many in this industry and in other industries, wherein the ability to turn a component is restricted to certain authorized personnel. 
     By turning the cap  22  in one direction around the axis  96 , the cap  22  can be tightened through the cooperating threads  86 ,  88 . Opposite turning allows the cap  22  to be separated from the main body  118  of the conduit part  90 . In this embodiment, the body  118  has a radially enlarged upper region at  120  that is radially undercut at the top thereof where the threads  86  are formed. A part of the cap  22  nests in the undercut region with the cap  22  tightened. With the cap  22  tightened, an axially facing surface  122  thereon abuts to an axially oppositely facing surface  124  on the body  118  to effect a seal that is redundant to that provided by the cooperating threads  86 ,  88 . 
     In the preferred form, the threads  86 ,  88  are both made from a non-metal material. However, advantages can be realized by making either one, and not the other, of the threads  86 ,  88  from a non-metal material. Preferably, the non-metal material produces an effective seal at the threads  86 ,  88 . 
     In the most preferred form, the entire cap  22 , and the entire body  118  are made from a non-metal material, such as molded urethane. However, the invention contemplates that only selected parts of the cap  22  and body  118  may be made from non-metal material, such as the preferred urethane composition. 
     By making the parts from urethane, they are not prone to rusting or corroding. Further, urethane provides the requisite structural strength and at the same time is sufficiently flexible that it will flex in response to, and absorb, many forces, imparted by torquing and impact that might cause a failure in metal parts. 
     To augment the thread holding forces, a plurality of cooperating, discrete components  126 ,  128  are provided respectively on the body  118  and cap  22 . In this embodiment, each component  126  is in the form of an axial projection/nub on the surface  124 , with the component  128  in the form of an accommodating, complementary receptacle on the surface  122 . A series of these cooperating components  126 ,  128  are provided in circumferentially spaced locations around the axis  96 . 
     These components  126 ,  128  serve multiple purposes. First of all, they give the user a feel that the cap  22  is fully tightened. Additionally, they perform a locking function, thereby augmenting the frictional holding force of the threads  86 ,  88 . Thus, they tend to inhibit turning of the cap  22  relative to the body  118  so as to avoid unintended, and unauthorized, loosening of the cap  22 . 
     By strategically using non-metal compositions for some, or all, of the main body  118 , and the cap  22 , unwanted locking of parts can be avoided. By making the ribs  102  from a non-metal material, they are not prone to locking to the outer surface  97  of the conduit part  92  that is typically made from metal. 
     In the depicted embodiment for the conduit assembly  10 , the conduit parts  92 ,  94  are telescopingly engaged, one within the other, to change their effective combined length. They may be selectively fixed at a set length using the locking arrangement described for the conduit parts  24 ,  34  on the conduit assembly  10 ′. While the effective combined length of the second and third conduit parts  92 ,  94  becomes fixed, the effective combined length of the embedded conduit parts  90 ,  92  is allowed to change, as under heaving forces produced by frost in the compacted material M. 
     The conduit part  90  is capable of cooperating with the conduit parts  24 ,  34  on the conduit assembly  10 ′ in the same manner as it cooperates with the corresponding components on the conduit assembly  10 ″. No specific description will be made herein of the structure and interaction of the components for that variation. 
     With the inventive structure, a conduit assembly can be installed by a method, as shown in schematic form in  FIG. 15 , to facilitate controlled access to an actuator on an underground valve. According to the method, as shown at block  140 , a conduit assembly is provided of the type described above. As shown at block  142 , second and third conduit parts are placed in operative relationship with an underground valve. As shown at block  144 , the combined effective length of the second and third components is set and fixed. A cap is operatively connected as shown at block  146 . As shown at block  148 , the first conduit part is moved relative to the second conduit part so that the cap is at the desired height, as with the top thereof at grade. As shown at block  150 , material is compacted around the conduit assembly with the conduit assembly in its operative state, with the first and second conduit parts remaining slidable guidingly against each other to allow the effective combined length of the first and second conduit parts to change after the material is compacted around the conduit assembly. Of course, it is possible according to the invention to fix the relationship of the first and second conduit parts. 
     Another form of prior art conduit assembly is shown at  10 ″′ in  FIGS. 16-26 . The conduit assembly  10 ′″ is associated with a cast housing  82 ″′; corresponding to that shown at  82  in  FIG. 6 . The housing  82 ″′ straddles a valve  16 ″′ associated with a supply  18 . 
     The depicted conduit assembly  10 ′″ and associated housing  82 ″′ make up what is referred to in the industry as a “buffalo style” system. For purposes of understanding the present invention, the focus needs only to be upon the basic construction of the conduit assembly  10 ″′, and not on how it specifically interacts with the valve  16 ″′. It suffices to say that the depicted version shows a straddling arrangement corresponding to that in  FIG. 6 . 
     As with the conduit assembly  10 ″, the conduit assembly  10 ″′ has upper and lower conduit parts  34 ″′,  24 ″′, respectively. The conduit parts  24 ′″,  34 ″′ define an access passage  12 ″′ with an entry opening  20 ″′. 
     Typically, the upper conduit part  34 ″′ is made from metal with an integral, enlarged flange  160  around the entry opening  20 ″′ in which a receptacle  162  is defined for a cast iron cap  164 . An undercut, annular seat  165  extends around the entry opening  20 ″′ and defines a support for the cap  164 . 
     An integrally formed tab  166  has an upwardly facing surface  168  that is generally co-planar with an upwardly facing surface  170  bounding the annular seat  162 . With this arrangement, the underside  172  of the cap  164  can be facially placed against the surfaces  168 ,  170  so that the top side  174  of the cap  164  is substantially flush with the top of the flange  160 . 
     The tab  166  has a receptacle  176  that is threaded to receive a threaded anchoring bolt  177  that is made from a brass material. 
     Typically, with the conduit assembly  10 ″′ operatively positioned and embedded in ground material, as seen in  FIG. 16 , the cap  164  can be selectively changed between a first state, as shown in  FIG. 16 , wherein the cap  164  blocks the entry opening  20 ′″, and a second state, as shown in  FIG. 17 , wherein above-ground access can be gained to the valve  16 ″′ and its associated actuator. 
     The cap  164  is maintained in its first state by the bolt  177 . The bolt  177  has a polygonally shaped head  178  to be engaged by a cooperating special access tool  179  to control access to the valve  16 ″′. 
     The conduit parts  24 ″′,  34 ″′ are telescopingly engaged to cause external threads  180  on the conduit part  24 ″′ to engage internal threads  182  on the conduit part  34 ″′ in a manner whereby turning of the upper conduit part  34 ″′ relative to the lower conduit part  24 ″′ around a vertical axis  184  changes the combined length CL of the conduit parts  24 ″′,  34 ″′ along the vertical axis  184 . The length is increased or decreased, depending upon the direction of relative turning. 
       FIG. 18  shows the upper conduit part  34 ″′ fully intact. In  FIGS. 19-21 , different types of damage are shown as typically inflicted upon the conduit part  34 ″′. 
     In  FIG. 19 , the tab  166  has been partially broken off, leaving a void at  186  in the tab  166  such that it is not usable to effect anchoring of the cap  164 . 
     In  FIG. 20 , the entire tab  166  is shown broken off, together with a portion of the flange  160  and a portion of a peripheral wall  188  of the conduit part  34 ″′. As depicted, a substantial void  190  is created which is contiguous with a crack  192  in the wall  188 . 
     In  FIG. 21 , an upper portion of the peripheral wall  188  is broken away such that the entire flange  160  and tab  166  have been removed. 
     Once one of the conditions shown in  FIGS. 19-21  occurs, any security afforded by the cap  164  is compromised. One option when any of these conditions occurs is to remove enough of the ground material M to access substantially the full axial length of the conduit part  34 ″′, to allow its separation from the conduit part  24 ′″. However, given the metal-to-metal threaded engagement between these parts, they are likely to be effectively fused and not practically separable in the field, particularly in below freezing conditions when water is frozen between these parts. 
     As a result, a secondary repair measure has been adopted utilizing a replacement cap  198 , as shown in  FIGS. 22-26 . The replacement cap  198  consists of a disk-shaped cover  200  that can be placed against the annular seat  165  with the damaged state as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , wherein at least part of the flange  160  and seat  165  remain intact. 
     The cap  198  has a pair of locking arms  202 ,  204  located at diametrically opposite locations at the underside of the cover  200 . Each locking arm  202 ,  204  is connected to the cover  200  in like fashion. Exemplary locking arm  202  is mounted by a pin  206  for pivoting movement about a horizontal axis  208 . The pin  206  extends through a pair of depending, flat tabs  210 ,  212 , integral with the cover  200 , and also through the locking arm  202  therebetween. The locking arm  202  has a radially inwardly facing cam edge  214 . 
     The locking bolt  216  is threadably engaged with a cam block  218  with an angled cam surface  220  that cooperates with the cam edge  214 . Turning of the locking bolt  216  in one direction causes the block  218  to move vertically upwardly relative to the cover  200 , thereby camming each of the locking arms  202 ,  204  radially outwardly to cause edges  222 ,  224 , respectively thereon, to bear against a radially inwardly facing surface  226  bounding the access passage  12 ″′. The locking bolt  216  has the aforementioned polygonally shaped head  228 , included for purposes of limiting access. 
     The replacement cap  198  is generally effective for dealing with the repair condition shown in  FIG. 19 . The replacement cap  198 , as used on the conduit part  34 ′″ with the condition shown in  FIG. 20 , leaves a significant part of the aforementioned void  190  exposed, as seen in  FIG. 26 . Consequently, moisture and solid foreign matter may migrate through the void  190  into the access passage  12 ″′ to eventually build up to the point that it may be difficult or impossible to control the valve  16 ″′ from above ground. 
     The replacement cap  198  is likewise less than fully effective when used on the conduit part  34 ″′ with the condition as shown in  FIG. 21 . As shown also in  FIGS. 21 and 25 , a jagged upper edge  230  causes a void/gap  232  to be maintained that again permits the ingress of foreign matter that may be solid or liquid in form. 
     According to the present invention, and as shown in  FIGS. 27-34 , the conduit part  34 ″′ on the conduit assembly  10 ″′ is modified and used in conjunction with a repair assembly  234  to effect field repair. 
     In the event that there is a flange  160  on the existing conduit part  34 ′″ remaining partially or fully intact, as shown in  FIG. 27 , a portion of the length of the conduit part  34 ″′ at its upper end is removed to eliminate that portion of the conduit part  34 ″′ having a diameter larger than the main portion  235  of the wall  188 . Typically the removal will be effected by a cutting step. This exposes an upper edge  236  defined by a remaining portion  238  of the conduit assembly  10 ″′. As explained below, the edge  236  does not have to be cleanly cut, nor does the entire defect have to be removed as part of the removed length, as seen in  FIG. 28 . 
     The repair assembly  234  consists of a conduit piece  240  that defines an upper entry opening  242  and slides over the top region of the conduit part  34 ″′. The conduit piece  240 , once engaged with the conduit part  34 ″′, is moved axially guidingly against the conduit part  34 ″′, making up part of the remaining portion  238  of the conduit assembly  10 ″′, to thereby situate the entry opening  242  at a desired axial location, preferably at or adjacent to ground level. 
     An inside, radially inwardly facing surface  244  bounding that portion of the access passage  12 ″′ defined by the conduit piece  240  may be closely conformed to the radially outwardly facing surface  246  on the conduit part  34 ″′. Alternatively, an arrangement as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  might be utilized. As seen in  FIG. 33 , radially inwardly projecting components  248 , spaced circumferentially around the inside surface  244 , may cooperatively engage the radially outwardly facing surface  246  to cause the radially projecting components  248  and radially inwardly facing surface  244  to engage so as to frictionally resist relative axial movement between the conduit piece  240  and conduit part  34 ″′. While three such components  248  are shown in  FIG. 33 , a single component  248  might be utilized, or a number in excess of three might be utilized. This interaction promotes guiding of the telescopingly engaged conduit piece  240  and conduit part  34 ″′. It should be noted that the components  248  might be provided on the conduit part  34 ′″ to engage the surface  242  to function in the same manner. 
     An upper flange  250 , within which the entry opening  242  is formed, has threads  252  thereon formed around the entry opening  242  to cooperate with threads  254  on a cap  255  that is utilized to selectively block and expose the entry opening  242 . 
     In a preferred form, both the cap  255  and the conduit piece  240  are made from a non-metal material. One preferred composition is urethane. 
     The cap  255  has a main body B that is configured to be directed through the entry opening  242  into the access passage  12 ″′. A radially enlarged flange F is formed at the top of the body B. 
     In this embodiment, the conduit piece  240  has a plurality of axially projecting components  256  that extend radially and are spaced circumferentially equidistantly around the flange  250 . While six such components  256  are shown, this number is not critical—one or more than six might be utilized. The cap  255  has a corresponding number of complementary receptacles  258  at an axially facing underside surface  260  of the flange F that faces axially oppositely to the flange surface  261  upon which the components  256  are located. As the cap  255  is tightened, the projecting components  256  are pressed one each into a receptacle  258  so as to resist turning of the cap  255 . 
     A polygonally-shaped turning head  262  is integrally formed with the cap  255  to facilitate turning by a matched tool. Again, this construction is designed for security purposes. 
     The cap  255  has a different construction than the cap  164 , and by reason of the molded construction described, makes possible a positive seal between the cap  255  and conduit piece  240  at the entry opening  242 . 
     With the above-described construction, ground material M can be removed from around the damaged conduit assembly  10 ″′ adequately to expose enough of the conduit part  34 ″′ to allow removal of the damaged flange region. The conduit piece  240  can then be slid in place and translated axially downwardly to a desired height. By firmly compacting ground material M around the conduit piece  240  after it is assembled, substantial resistance to turning of the conduit piece  240  relative to the conduit part  34 ″′ is created. 
     As an alternative to using a conduit piece that surrounds the upper region of the conduit part  34 ″′, as seen in  FIGS. 35-37 , a modified form of conduit piece  240 ′ can be used with radially outwardly projecting components  256 ′ that cooperatively engage the radially inwardly facing surface  264  ( FIG. 29 ) on the conduit part  34 ″′. The conduit piece  240 ′ and cap  255  cooperatively make up a modified form of repair assembly  234 ′. The cap  255  cooperates with the conduit piece  240 ′ in the same manner that the cap  255  cooperates with the conduit piece  240 . 
     With the repair assembly  234 ′, the conduit piece  240 ′ is simply translated into the conduit part  34 ″′ under pressure until a downwardly facing annular edge  266  thereon abuts to the edge  236  ( FIG. 28 ) formed by cutting away at least the damaged flange  160 . 
     A cylindrical body  267  on the conduit piece  240 ′ can be cut to an appropriate length in the field so that the cap  255  resides at a desired height. The body  267  and cap  255  are both preferably made from a non-metal/urethane material that lends itself to convenient field cutting. 
     A further modified form of repair assembly is shown at  234 ″ in  FIGS. 38-42 . The repair assembly  234 ″ utilizes a conduit piece  240 ″ that is configured generally as the conduit piece  240 , to surround the upper region of the conduit part  34 ′″. Friction/guide components  248 ″ are utilized for the same purpose as the aforementioned, corresponding components  248 ,  248 ′. 
     There are two primary distinctions between the repair assemblies  234  and  234 ″. First of all, a cap  255 ′ is snap connected to the conduit piece  240 ″ as opposed to being threaded thereto. To accomplish this, an annular bead  268  is provided around the cap  255 ′ with an angled edge  270 . As the cap  255 ′ is pressed downwardly, the bead  258  is deformed as the edge bears against a surface  272  surrounding an entry opening  274 . With the cap  255 ′ fully seated, the deformed bead  258  aligns with a complementarily-shaped receptacle  276  into which the bead  268  springs. The bead  258  blocks axial movement of the cap  255 ′ and thereby releasably maintains the connection between the cap  255 ′ and conduit piece  240 ″. The cap may be pried off when access to an associated underground valve is needed. 
     The second difference resides in the provision of an annular sealing component  278  on the cap  255 ′ that fits in a complementary receptacle  280  with the cap  255 ′ fully seated. With the cap  255 ′ placed operatively upon the conduit piece  240 ″, the sealing component  278  is pressed into the receptacle  280 . 
     It is contemplated that this sealing arrangement might be utilized in any of the other embodiments, such as on the repair assembly  234 ′. 
     Preferably, the conduit piece  240 ″′ and cap  255 ′ are made from a non-metal/urethane material. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 43-46 , another commonly recurring field condition is depicted, together with conventional structure utilized to effect on-site repairs. Frost heaving and/or impact may cause the threads  56  on the conduit part  34  to break off in or below the cap  60 , as shown in  FIG. 43 . 
     A repair cap assembly  300  has a cylindrical sleeve  302  with a cap  304  formed integrally therewith. The repair cap assembly  300  is typically made from cast metal. The upper region of the repair cap assembly  300  has the same general configuration as the cap  60 , including internal threads  305  to mate with the external threads  76  on the plug  74 . 
     The sleeve  302  has an inside surface  306  that can be slid guidingly downwardly against the outside surface of the conduit part  34  until an upper edge  308 , defined by the fractured conduit part  34 , abuts an edge  310  defined by a step between the inside surface  306  and a smaller diameter region at which the threads  305  are formed. 
     Set screws  312  are directed one each through vertically spaced, radial bores  314  which are threaded to engage external threads  316  on the set screws  312 . By tightening the set screws  312 , the repair cap assembly  300  can be fixed at a desired vertical height relative to the conduit part  34 . 
     Replacement of metal parts with metal parts, in the system shown in  FIGS. 44-46 , reintroduces the aforementioned problems, among which are the potential fusion between the plug  74  and repair cap assembly  300 . 
     With the conventional cap  60 , shown in  FIG. 5 , and the repair cap assembly  300 , a full diameter slot  318 ,  319  is formed to accommodate a turning tool. In each of the inventive embodiments in which a non-metal component is turned to access the passage  12 , alternative turning arrangements are contemplated. While the use of a slot  320  ( FIG. 8 ), corresponding to that shown at  318  and  319 , is contemplated, more preferably, the turning may be effected by using, in each inventive embodiment, a polygonally-shaped turning head, as shown at  262  in  FIG. 31 , and/or spaced openings  323 ,  324 , which cooperate with an actuating tool, as shown at AT in  FIGS. 47-50 . The tool AT is a multi-purpose tool with a conventional construction. 
     More particularly, the tool AT has an elongate handle  325  which connects to an operating head  326 . The operating head  326  is elongate and forms a “T” shape with the length of the handle  325 . The operating head  326  has at one of its lengthwise ends a fitting  328  with a polygonal receptacle  330  to make keyed connection to the turning head  262 . 
     At the opposite lengthwise end of the operating head  326 , a “Y”-shaped fitting at  332  is formed with spaced prongs  334 ,  336  that can be placed, one each, in one of the openings  323 ,  324 . With the prongs  334 ,  336  seated in the openings  323 ,  324 , the elongate handle  325  can be manipulated to produce the desired directional torque upon the cap  255 . Alternatively, the fitting  326  can be engaged and used to turn the head  262  in the same manner. 
     At the end of the elongate handle  325 , remote from the operating head  326 , a separate fitting  338  is provided to engage the actuator  14  on the valve  16  to effect turning thereof. The T-shaped arrangement of the actuating tool allows the operating head  326  to be grasped and manipulated to turn the elongate handle  325  about its lengthwise axis to operate the valve  16 . 
     The cap depicted in  FIG. 31  is exemplary only of the other caps shown herein, and others that could be devised by one skilled in the art with the present invention in hand, that could be operated through a like tool AT. 
     With all embodiments, the incorporation of non-metal components minimizes the likelihood of extensive damage to the conduit assemblies resulting from impacts and other forces imparted at the exposed, upper regions of the conduit assemblies. These forces may be imparted by lawn mowing equipment, plows, etc. Urethane components will tend to absorb these otherwise potentially damaging forces and may flex or fail without transmitting damaging forces to other parts of the conduit assemblies, and particularly those made from metal. Metal parts, and primarily those reinforced below grade, are thus less likely to be damaged. 
     The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.