Patent Description:
Buried tubulars may be utilized to define storm drain systems, sewer systems, utility passageways, and/or other underground infrastructure within a subsurface region. Generally, the buried tubulars are installed via excavation and/or trenching and subsequent backfill. However, in some examples, the buried tubulars may be installed via subsurface drilling and/or boring. A fixture, such as a catch basin frame and/or a manhole cover frame, may be installed at an interface between the buried tubulars and a surface region. Such fixtures may be utilized to limit access to the buried tubulars and/or to permit stormwater to enter the buried tubulars. As an example, a storm grate may be installed within the catch basin frame to permit and/or facilitate the flow of storm water into a stormwater system while, at the same time, restricting the flow of debris and/or entry of unauthorized personnel into the stormwater system. As another example, a manhole cover may be installed within a manhole cover frame to limit access to the buried tubular.

During construction of the underground infrastructure, fixtures may be positioned, or set, and connected to the buried tubulars. The ground level then may be brought up to an initial grade, and a portion of the fixtures may extend above the initial grade. Subsequently, often many months later, the ground level may be brought up to a final grade, and the original positioning of the fixtures is such that a top surface of the fixtures is level with the final grade.

In practice, a variety of factors may influence the accuracy with which the top surface of the fixtures matches the final grade. As an example, the initial positioning of the fixtures may be incorrect. As another example, the fixtures may be impacted and/or otherwise shifted via contact with surface equipment, such as construction machinery, prior to the ground level being brought up to final grade. As yet another example, soil compaction or displacement may cause the fixtures to settle, thus moving them from their original position.

Because of these, and other, factors, it is common to adjust the position of the fixtures prior to establishing the final grade. Historically, this adjustment has been accomplished by lifting, lowering, and/or rotating the entire fixture. If the adjustments are significant, it may be necessary to excavate an entirety of the fixture and/or to reposition the buried tubular that is connected to the fixture. While this approach is effective, it also is extremely time-consuming, it is expensive, and there is a risk of injury to personnel who perform the adjustments. Thus, there exists a need for improved height-adjustable fixtures for buried tubulars and/or for methods of adjusting the height-adjustable fixtures.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose height-adjustable fixtures for a buried tubular, the fixture comprising a frame that provides access to the buried tubular.

Height-adjustable fixtures for buried tubulars and methods of adjusting the height-adjustable fixtures. The height-adjustable fixtures include a frame and a plurality of slot nuts. The frame has an upper frame surface and a lower frame surface. The frame also includes a flange that defines a plurality of slots and a central opening that extends between the upper frame surface and the lower frame surface. The central opening is sized to provide access to a buried tubular conduit that is defined by the buried tubular. Each slot nut of the plurality of slot nuts is shaped to be received within a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots.

In some examples, each slot nut defines a lower nut surface, an upper nut surface, and a neck region positioned between the lower nut surface and the upper nut surface. In some such examples, and when each slot nut is received within the corresponding slot, a region of the frame that defines the corresponding slot extends into the neck region. In some examples, when each slot nut is received within the corresponding slot, the lower nut surface is recessed within the corresponding slot relative to the lower frame surface of the frame.

The methods include positioning at least one slot nut of the plurality of slot nuts within the corresponding slot of the plurality of slots while the lower frame surface is physically supported by an upper tubular surface of the buried tubular. The methods also include rotating a corresponding jack screw, which is received within a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region of the at least one slot nut of the plurality of slot nuts, such that the corresponding jack screw engages the buried tubular and adjusts an orientation of the height-adjustable fixture relative to the buried tubular.

<FIG> provide examples of height-adjustable fixtures <NUM> and/or illustrate steps of methods according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of <FIG>, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of <FIG>. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of <FIG>, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more of <FIG> may be included in and/or utilized with any of <FIG> without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In general, elements that are likely to be included in a particular embodiment are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines may not be essential and, in some embodiments, may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of examples of height-adjustable fixtures <NUM> according to the present disclosure. <FIG> are less schematic views illustrating an example of a frame <NUM> of height-adjustable fixtures <NUM>, according to the present disclosure. <FIG> are less schematic views illustrating an example of a slot nut <NUM> of height-adjustable fixtures <NUM>, according to the present disclosure. <FIG> are less schematic views illustrating an example of height-adjustable fixtures <NUM>, according to the present disclosure. <FIG> are less schematic cross-sectional views illustrating additional examples of frame <NUM> of height-adjustable fixture <NUM> supported by an upper tubular surface <NUM> of a buried tubular <NUM>, according to the present disclosure. Height-adjustable fixtures <NUM> also may be referred to herein as fixtures <NUM>.

As illustrated schematically in <FIG> and less schematically in <FIG>, height-adjustable fixtures <NUM> may be configured to be supported by upper tubular surface <NUM> of buried tubular <NUM>. As also illustrated, buried tubular <NUM> may define a buried tubular conduit <NUM>.

As illustrated collectively by <FIG>, height-adjustable fixtures <NUM> include frame <NUM> and a plurality of slot nuts <NUM>. Frame <NUM> has and/or defines an upper frame surface <NUM>, a lower frame surface <NUM>, and a central opening <NUM> that extends between the upper frame surface and the lower frame surface. Central opening <NUM> may be sized to permit, to facilitate, and/or to provide access to buried tubular conduit <NUM>. Frame <NUM> also includes a flange <NUM> that defines a plurality of slots <NUM>. Each slot nut <NUM> is shaped to be received within a corresponding slot <NUM>.

During utilization and/or adjustment of height-adjustable fixtures <NUM>, and as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> and discussed in more detail herein with reference to methods <NUM> of <FIG>, frame <NUM> may be positioned on upper tubular surface <NUM> of buried tubular <NUM>. This may include positioning frame <NUM> such that lower frame surface <NUM> faces toward upper tubular surface <NUM> and/or such that frame <NUM> and/or lower frame surface <NUM> thereof is directly supported, indirectly supported, physically supported, and/or operatively supported by upper tubular surface <NUM>.

One or more slot nuts <NUM> may, or subsequently may, be inserted within corresponding slots <NUM>, such as by operatively translating slot nuts <NUM> along corresponding insertion trajectories <NUM>, as illustrated by the transition from the configuration illustrated in <FIG> to the configuration illustrated in <FIG>. As discussed in more detail herein, slot nuts <NUM> may be configured to permit and/or to facilitate insertion of each slot nut <NUM> into a corresponding slot while frame <NUM> is supported by buried tubular <NUM>. As an example, and as also discussed in more detail herein, a gap <NUM> may separate a lower nut surface <NUM> of slot nuts <NUM> from upper tubular surface <NUM> of buried tubular <NUM>, thereby permitting and/or facilitating the insertion of each slot nut <NUM> into corresponding slot <NUM>. Stated another way, gap <NUM> may be established and/or defined when and/or as slot nut <NUM> is inserted within corresponding slot <NUM>. Stated yet another way, lower nut surface <NUM> of slot nut <NUM> may be recessed and/or elevated within corresponding slot <NUM> relative to lower frame surface <NUM> of frame <NUM>. The presence of gap <NUM> and/or the relative orientation between lower nut surface <NUM> and lower frame surface <NUM> may permit the slot nut to be inserted (and repositioned) within the corresponding slot while frame <NUM> is positioned on buried tubular <NUM>. Such a configuration may decrease a potential for loss of, damage to, and/or fouling of slot nuts <NUM> during positioning of frame <NUM> on and/or relative to buried tubular <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a corresponding jack screw <NUM>, which may be received within a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region of at least one slot nut <NUM>, may be rotated. This rotation may cause the jack screw to engage, or to engage with, upper tubular surface <NUM>, thereby urging a region of frame <NUM> away from a corresponding region of buried tubular <NUM> and/or adjusting an orientation of height-adjustable fixture <NUM> relative to buried tubular <NUM>.

In some examples, and as illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG>, a base plate <NUM> may define a portion of buried tubular <NUM> and/or may extend between height-adjustable fixture <NUM> and a remainder of buried tubular <NUM>. Base plate <NUM>, when present, may be formed from a metal, such as steel and/or cast iron, while the remainder of buried tubular <NUM> may be formed from concrete. As such, inclusion of base plate <NUM> may decrease a potential for damage to the buried tubular when jack screw <NUM> engages the buried tubular. Base plate <NUM> also may be referred to herein as a jack plate <NUM> and/or as a spalling plate <NUM>.

Height-adjustable fixtures <NUM> according to the present disclosure may provide several distinct benefits over conventional fixtures for buried tubulars. As an example, adjustment of the height of fixtures <NUM> via rotation of jack screws <NUM> may be much faster, and easier to perform, when compared to adjustment of the height of conventional fixtures, thereby decreasing overall time and cost needed to perform an adjustment. As another example, adjustment of the height of fixtures <NUM> via rotation of jack screws <NUM> may be significantly more precise when compared to prior art methods that rely upon digging up the fixture, repositioning the fixture, potentially shimming the fixture, etc. As yet another example, adjustment of the height of fixtures <NUM> via rotation of jack screws <NUM> may be significantly safer for workers when compared to adjustment of conventional fixtures.

Frame <NUM> may include and/or be any suitable structure that may have and/or define upper frame surface <NUM>, lower frame surface <NUM>, central opening <NUM>, flange <NUM>, and/or slots <NUM>. In addition, frame <NUM> may be formed and/or defined from any suitable material and/or materials. As an example, frame <NUM> may include and/or be a metallic frame, a cast iron frame, a plastic frame, and an aluminum frame. As another example, frame <NUM> may be formed and/or defined by a monolithic frame body and/or by a unitary frame body.

Flange <NUM> may include and/or be any suitable structure that may form and/or define slots <NUM>. As examples, flange <NUM> may extend parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to lower frame surface <NUM>, flange <NUM> may define, or at least partially define, lower frame surface <NUM>, and/or flange <NUM> may define, or at least partially define, central opening <NUM>. In some examples, flange <NUM> may extend away from central opening <NUM>, as illustrated on the left side of <FIG> and in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In some examples, flange <NUM> may extend into central opening <NUM> and/or may at least partially define central opening <NUM>, as illustrated on the right side of <FIG>.

In some examples, and as illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> and in solid lines in <FIG> <FIG> and <FIG>, frame <NUM> may include a rim <NUM>. Rim <NUM>, when present, may extend away from flange <NUM>. As an example, rim <NUM> may extend perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to flange <NUM> and/or to lower frame surface <NUM>. In some examples, rim <NUM> may define, or at least partially define, upper frame surface <NUM>.

In some examples, and as illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> and in solid lines in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, frame <NUM> includes a support lip <NUM>. Support lip <NUM>, when present, may be configured to support a cover <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Cover <NUM>, when present, may be configured to restrict, or to selectively restrict, access to central opening <NUM> and/or access to buried tubular conduit <NUM> via central opening <NUM>. This may include restriction of access to the central opening from above and/or from an upper frame surface-facing side of height-adjustable fixture <NUM>.

Slots <NUM> may be defined by flange <NUM> in any suitable manner and/or may have and/or define any suitable shape that receives, or that is configured to receive, slot nuts <NUM>. As an example, and as discussed in more detail herein, slots <NUM> may have a shape that corresponds to, or that corresponds to an external surface contour of, slot nuts <NUM>. As a specific example, and as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, slots <NUM> may taper away from lower frame surface <NUM> and/or may become smaller, or may define a smaller transverse cross-sectional area, as the slots progress away from lower frame surface <NUM>. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate retention of slot nuts <NUM> within slot <NUM>, as discussed in more detail herein.

In addition, slots <NUM> may extend in any suitable direction. As an example, slots <NUM> may extend radially from a central point <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. As another example, slots <NUM> may extend away from central opening <NUM> and/or may open away from the central opening, as illustrated on the left side of <FIG> and in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. As yet another example, slots <NUM> may extend toward, may extend into, and/or may open into central opening <NUM>, as illustrated on the right side of <FIG>. As illustrated on the left side of <FIG>, when slots <NUM> extend away from central opening <NUM>, insertion trajectory <NUM> may be directed toward central opening <NUM> and/or toward central point <NUM>. Alternatively, as illustrated on the right side of <FIG>, when slots <NUM> extend into central opening <NUM>, insertion trajectory <NUM> may be directed away from central opening <NUM> and/or away from central point <NUM>.

Central opening <NUM> may have and/or define any suitable shape that may extend between upper frame surface <NUM> and lower frame surface <NUM> and/or that may be bounded, or circumferentially bounded, by frame <NUM>. As an example, central opening <NUM> may have a circular transverse cross-sectional shape, an at least substantially circular transverse cross-sectional shape, and/or an at least partially circular transverse cross-sectional shape. As another example, central opening <NUM> may be cylindrical, at least substantially cylindrical, and/or at least partially cylindrical. As yet another example, central opening <NUM> may have a rectangular transverse cross-sectional shape, an at least substantially rectangular transverse cross-sectional shape, and/or an at least partially rectangular transverse cross-sectional shape. As another example, central opening <NUM> may have a squircular transverse cross-sectional shape, an at least substantially squircular transverse cross-sectional shape, and/or an at least partially squircular transverse cross-sectional shape. As yet another example, central opening <NUM> may have a square transverse cross-sectional shape, an at least substantially square transverse cross-sectional shape, and/or an at least partially square transverse cross-sectional shape.

Central opening <NUM> may have and/or define any suitable transverse cross-sectional area. As examples, the transverse cross-sectional area of central opening <NUM> may be at least <NUM> square meters, at least <NUM> square meters; at least <NUM> square meters, at least <NUM> square meters, at least <NUM> square meters, at least <NUM> square meters, at least <NUM> square meters, at most <NUM> square meters, at most <NUM> square meters, at most <NUM> square meters, at most <NUM> square meter, and/or at most <NUM> square meters.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> and in solid lines in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, frame <NUM> may have and/or define a shield <NUM>. Shield <NUM>, when present, may be shaped, sized, adapted, and/or configured to be received within buried tubular conduit <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Shield <NUM> may center frame <NUM> within buried tubular conduit <NUM> and/or may restrict entry of debris into a frame-tubular gap between buried tubular <NUM> and frame <NUM>, such as resulting from adjustment of the relative orientation between the buried tubular and height-adjustable fixture <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> at <NUM> and discussed herein. Shield <NUM> also may be referred to herein as a grout ring <NUM> and/or as a mud ring <NUM>.

As also illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG>, fixtures <NUM> may include and/or may be associated with a clamp <NUM>. Clamp <NUM>, when present, may be configured to be retained on jack screw <NUM> via a corresponding nut <NUM> and/or to operatively interlock frame <NUM> with buried tubular <NUM>. As an example, an included angle <NUM> of clamp <NUM> may be less than <NUM> degrees. As such, and upon tightening of nut <NUM>, a free end <NUM> of clamp <NUM> may press against an inner surface of buried tubular <NUM>, thereby operatively interlocking fixture <NUM> with the buried tubular. Examples of included angle <NUM> include angles at most <NUM> degrees, at most <NUM> degrees, at most <NUM> degrees, at most <NUM> degrees, at most <NUM> degrees, at most <NUM> degrees, at most <NUM> degrees, at most <NUM> degrees, at most <NUM> degrees, at most <NUM> degrees, at least <NUM> degrees, at least <NUM> degrees, at least <NUM> degrees, at least <NUM> degrees, and/or at least <NUM> degrees. Clamp <NUM> also may be referred to herein as a wedge clamp <NUM>, a compression clamp <NUM>, and/or an anti-lift clamp <NUM>.

Slot nuts <NUM> may include and/or be any suitable structure that is shaped and/or sized to be received within slots <NUM> of frame <NUM>, that is shaped and/or sized to be positioned within slots <NUM> while frame <NUM> is supported by buried tubular <NUM>, and/or that is adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed to receive jack screws <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, slot nuts <NUM> may include any suitable structure that is adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed to permit and/or facilitate adjustment of the relative orientation between buried tubular <NUM> and height-adjustable fixture <NUM>.

As discussed, each slot nut <NUM> may be configured to be inserted into corresponding slot <NUM> along insertion trajectory <NUM>. Insertion trajectory <NUM> may be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to lower frame surface <NUM> and/or may be perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to an opening axis <NUM> of central opening <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

When received within slots <NUM>, slot nuts <NUM> are adapted, configured, and/or shaped to interlock with flange <NUM> and/or to resist separation from flange <NUM> along any separation trajectory (i.e., direction) that is not parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to insertion trajectory <NUM>. Stated another way, slots <NUM> and slot nuts <NUM> together are configured such that slot nuts <NUM> only can be positioned within slots <NUM> and/or removed from slots <NUM> by sliding slot nuts <NUM>, relative to frame <NUM>, along insertion trajectory <NUM> of each slot <NUM>.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> and in solid lines in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, each slot nut <NUM> may have and/or define a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. Jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> is configured to threadingly engage with a corresponding jack screw <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Height-adjustable fixtures <NUM> may include a plurality of jack screws <NUM>. In such a configuration, each jack screw <NUM> may be threadingly engaged with the corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> of the corresponding slot nut <NUM>.

Jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> may threadingly engage with jack screws <NUM> in any suitable manner. As an example, jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> may define a female thread, while jacks screws <NUM> may define a corresponding male thread. Examples of the female thread and/or of the male thread include an Acme thread, a trapezoidal thread, a coil thread, a round thread, a <NUM>/<NUM>"-8TPI Acme thread, a <NUM>/<NUM>"-8TPI trapezoidal thread, a <NUM>/<NUM>"-8TPI coil thread, and/or a <NUM>/<NUM>"-8TPI round thread.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> and in solid lines in <FIG> and <FIG>, and as discussed, fixtures <NUM> may include and/or may be utilized with jack screw <NUM>. As also discussed, jack screws <NUM>, when present, may be shaped and/or sized to threadingly engage with slot nuts <NUM> and/or with jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> thereof. In some examples, jack screws <NUM> may include and/or be metallic jack screws <NUM>.

In some examples, jack screws <NUM>, or a region of jack screws <NUM> that projects from an upper nut surface <NUM> of slot nuts <NUM>, may be configured to selectively fracture and/or break, such as responsive to being hit by a hammer. Such jack screws, which may be referred to herein as fracturing jack screws, may be formed from a brittle material, from a polymeric material, from a plastic, and/or from aluminum. Utilization of fracturing jack screws may decrease, or eliminate, a need to separate the jack screws from a remainder of the fixture subsequent to adjustment of the height and/or level of the fixture.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, which illustrate frames <NUM> in combination with slot nuts <NUM>, frame <NUM> and/or slot nuts <NUM> may be configured such that lower nut surface <NUM> of slot nuts <NUM> is not coplanar with lower frame surface <NUM> of frame <NUM>. Stated another way, and as perhaps best illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, gap <NUM> may separate lower nut surface <NUM> from lower frame surface <NUM>. Stated yet another way, lower nut surface <NUM> may be recessed and/or elevated within and/or may extend within corresponding slot <NUM>. Stated another way, lower nut surface <NUM> may be positioned between upper frame surface <NUM> and lower frame surface <NUM> and/or may be proximate the upper frame surface relative to the lower frame surface. Stated yet another way, a plane that is defined by lower nut surface <NUM> may be spaced-apart from a plane that is defined by lower frame surface <NUM> by at least a threshold clearance spacing, such as may be defined by gap <NUM>. Examples of the threshold clearance spacing include spacings of at least <NUM> millimeters (mm), at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at most <NUM>, at most <NUM>, at most <NUM>, at most <NUM>, and/or at most <NUM>.

As discussed, the gap and/or the threshold clearance spacing may permit and/or facilitate insertion of slot nuts <NUM> into corresponding slots <NUM> while frame <NUM> is supported by and/or positioned on upper tubular surface <NUM> of buried tubular <NUM>. Stated another way, slot nuts <NUM> may be free to be received within corresponding slot <NUM> and/or to translate along corresponding insertion trajectory <NUM> without operative engagement between the slot nuts, or lower nut surface <NUM> of the slot nuts, and the buried tubular and/or the upper tubular surface thereof.

In some examples, slots nuts <NUM> may have and/or define lower nut surface <NUM>, upper nut surface <NUM>, and a neck region <NUM>, as perhaps best illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Neck region <NUM> may be positioned between lower nut surface <NUM> and upper nut surface <NUM>, and slot nuts <NUM> may taper, or become smaller in transverse cross-sectional area, from lower nut surface <NUM> toward neck region <NUM> and/or may taper, or become smaller in transverse cross-sectional area, from upper nut surface <NUM> toward neck region <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, neck region <NUM> may define a neck region transverse cross-sectional area that is less than a surface area of lower nut surface <NUM> and/or that is less than a surface area of upper nut surface <NUM>. As such, and as perhaps best illustrated in <FIG>, a region of frame <NUM> that defines slot <NUM> may extend into and/or toward neck region <NUM> when slot nut <NUM> is received within slot <NUM>.

Neck region <NUM> may have and/or define any suitable transverse cross-sectional shape. As examples, the neck region may have and/or define a noncircular, a square, an at least partially square, a rectangular, an at least partially rectangular, a squircular, and/or an at least partially squircular transverse cross-sectional shape. Such a configuration may facilitate insertion of slot nuts <NUM> into slots <NUM>, and, at the same time, cause slot nuts <NUM> to resist rotation relative to slots <NUM> once received therein.

As discussed, a shape of slots <NUM> may correspond to a shape of slot nuts <NUM>, such as to permit and/or facilitate receipt of slot nuts <NUM> into slots <NUM> and/or to cause slot nuts <NUM> to resist motion relative to frame <NUM> along any direction and/or trajectory that is not parallel to insertion trajectory <NUM> once the slot nuts are inserted within corresponding slots <NUM>. As an example, and as illustrated in <FIG>, slot nuts <NUM> may taper from lower nut surface <NUM> toward neck region <NUM>. As also illustrated in <FIG>, slots <NUM> may taper from lower frame surface <NUM>. A shape, or an angle, of the taper of slots <NUM> may correspond to, or match, a shape, or an angle, of the taper of slot nuts <NUM>. Such a configuration may cause slot nuts <NUM> to resist motion, relative to frame <NUM>, in a vertically upward direction and/or toward upper frame surface <NUM> once the slot nuts are received within corresponding slots <NUM>.

As another example, and as shown in <FIG>, upper nut surface <NUM> may project away, or radially away, from neck region <NUM>. Such a configuration may cause slot nuts <NUM> to resist motion, relative to frame <NUM>, in a vertically downward direction and/or away from upper frame surface <NUM> once the slot nuts are received within slots <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, slot nuts <NUM> may be shaped such that, when slot nuts <NUM> are received within slots <NUM>, neck region <NUM> is vertically above an upper flange surface <NUM> of flange <NUM> and/or such that a lower tapered region <NUM> of each of the slot nuts, which tapers from lower nut surface <NUM> toward neck region <NUM>, is operatively engaged with flange <NUM>. Such a configuration may provide additional clearance between slot nuts <NUM> and flange <NUM> during insertion of slot nuts <NUM> into slots <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating examples of methods <NUM> of adjusting height-adjustable fixtures, according to the present disclosure. Examples of the height-adjustable fixtures are disclosed herein with reference to height-adjustable fixtures <NUM>. Methods <NUM> include inserting a slot nut at <NUM> and rotating a jack screw at <NUM>. Methods <NUM> also may include placing a clamp at <NUM>, breaking off a region of the jack screw at <NUM>, and/or repeating at least a subset of the methods at <NUM>. Methods <NUM> further may include filling a space at <NUM>.

Inserting the slot nut at <NUM> may include inserting at least one slot nut of a plurality of slot nuts into and/or within a corresponding slot of a plurality of slots of a frame of the height-adjustable fixture. Examples of the frame are disclosed herein with reference to frame <NUM>. Examples of the corresponding slot are disclosed herein with reference to slot <NUM>. Examples of the at least one slot nut are disclosed herein with reference to slot nuts <NUM>.

In some examples, the inserting at <NUM> may be performed while a lower frame surface of the frame is physically supported by an upper tubular surface of a buried tubular. Examples of the lower frame surface are disclosed herein with reference to lower frame surface <NUM>. Examples of the buried tubular are disclosed herein with reference to buried tubular <NUM>. Examples of the upper tubular surface are disclosed herein with reference to upper tubular surface <NUM>.

The inserting at <NUM> may be performed in any suitable manner. As an example, the inserting at <NUM> may include inserting such that the frame is captured between a lower nut surface of the at least one slot nut and an upper nut surface of the at least one slot nut. Examples of the lower nut surface are disclosed herein with reference to lower nut surface <NUM>. Examples of the upper nut surface are disclosed herein with reference to upper nut surface <NUM>.

As another example, the inserting at <NUM> may include inserting such that the lower nut surface of the at least one slot nut is recessed within the corresponding slot relative to the lower frame surface of the frame. As yet another example, the inserting at <NUM> may include establishing, forming, and/or defining a gap between the lower nut surface of the at least one slot nut and the upper tubular surface of the buried tubular. Examples of the gap are disclosed herein with reference to gap <NUM>. As another example, the inserting at <NUM> may include moving, translating, and/or sliding the at least one slot nut along, or only along, an insertion trajectory, which may be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to a longitudinal axis of the corresponding slot. Examples of the insertion trajectory are disclosed herein with reference to insertion trajectory <NUM>.

The inserting at <NUM> may be performed with any suitable timing and/or sequence during methods <NUM>. As examples, the inserting at <NUM> may be performed prior to the rotating at <NUM>, prior to the placing at <NUM>, prior to the breaking at <NUM>, at least partially concurrently with and/or during the repeating at <NUM>, and/or prior to the filling at <NUM>.

Rotating the jack screw at <NUM> may include rotating a corresponding jack screw, which is received within a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region of the at least one slot nut. Additionally or alternatively, the rotating at <NUM> may include rotating such that the corresponding jack screw engages with the buried tubular and/or such that the corresponding jack screw adjusts, or provides a motive force for adjustment of, an orientation of the height-adjustable fixture relative to the buried tubular. Examples of the corresponding jack screw are disclosed herein with reference to jack screws <NUM>.

The rotating at <NUM> may be performed with any suitable timing and/or sequence during methods <NUM>. As examples, the rotating at <NUM> may be performed subsequent to the inserting at <NUM>, prior to and/or at least partially concurrently with the placing at <NUM>, prior to the breaking at <NUM>, at least partially concurrently with and/or during the repeating at <NUM>, and/or prior to the filling at <NUM>.

Placing the clamp at <NUM> may include placing the clamp at least partially within a central opening of the frame. Examples of the clamp are disclosed herein with reference to clamp <NUM>. Examples of the central opening are disclosed herein with reference to central opening <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the placing at <NUM> may include placing such that the clamp operatively interlocks the frame with the buried tubular. In some examples, the placing at <NUM> may include threading a nut onto the corresponding jack screw to urge the clamp against both the frame and the buried tubular. Examples of the nut are disclosed herein with reference to nut <NUM>.

The placing at <NUM> may be performed with any suitable timing and/or sequence during methods <NUM>. As examples, the placing at <NUM> may be performed subsequent to the inserting at <NUM>, subsequent to the rotating at <NUM>, prior to the breaking at <NUM>, at least partially concurrently with and/or during the repeating at <NUM>, and/or prior to the filling at <NUM>.

Breaking off the region of the jack screw at <NUM> may include breaking off a region of the jack screw that projects from the upper nut surface of the at least one slot nut. The breaking at <NUM> may permit and/or facilitate utilization of the adjustable fixture without a need to remove the jack screw subsequent to adjustment. Additionally or alternatively, the breaking at <NUM> may decrease a potential for inadvertent and/or undesired adjustment of the adjustable fixture. The breaking at <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and indicated at <NUM>.

The breaking at <NUM> may be performed with any suitable timing and/or sequence during methods <NUM>. As examples, the breaking at <NUM> may be performed subsequent to the inserting at <NUM>, subsequent to the rotating at <NUM>, subsequent to the placing at <NUM>, at least partially concurrently with and/or during the repeating at <NUM>, and/or prior to, subsequent to, and/or during the filling at <NUM>.

Repeating at least the subset of the methods at <NUM> may include repeating any suitable step and/or steps of methods <NUM> in any suitable order and/or in any suitable manner. As an example, the at least one slot nut may include and/or be a first slot nut. Similarly, the corresponding jack screw may include and/or be a first corresponding jack screw. In some such examples, the repeating at <NUM> may include repeating at least the inserting at <NUM> with a second slot nut and repeating the rotating at <NUM> with a second corresponding jack screw, such as to perform an additional adjustment of the adjustable fixture.

In some examples of methods <NUM>, and subsequent to the rotating at <NUM> and/or to the repeating at <NUM>, a space may extend between the lower frame surface and the upper tubular surface. In some such examples, methods <NUM> further may include filling the space at <NUM>. The filling at <NUM> may include filling the space with a material, such as cement and/or grout. The filling at <NUM> may provide further support for the adjustable fixture, may be utilized to "lock in" a desired adjustment of the adjustable fixture, and/or may be utilized to decrease a potential for entry of debris into a tubular conduit of the adjustable fixture via the space.

The filling at <NUM> may be performed with any suitable timing and/or sequence during methods <NUM>. As examples, the filling at <NUM> may be performed subsequent to the inserting at <NUM>, subsequent to the rotating at <NUM>, subsequent to the placing at <NUM>, subsequent to the breaking at <NUM>, and/or subsequent to the repeating at <NUM>.

As used herein, the term "and/or" placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (<NUM>) the first entity, (<NUM>) the second entity, and (<NUM>) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with "and/or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A and/or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and/or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and/or C" may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other references are incorporated by reference herein and (<NUM>) define a term in a manner that is inconsistent with and/or (<NUM>) are otherwise inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was present originally.

As used herein the terms "adapted" and "configured" mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function.

As used herein, the phrase, "for example," the phrase, "as an example," and/or simply the term "example," when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, "at least substantially," when modifying a degree or relationship, may include not only the recited "substantial" degree or relationship, but also the full extent of the recited degree or relationship. A substantial amount of a recited degree or relationship may include at least <NUM>% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, an object that is at least substantially formed from a material includes objects for which at least <NUM>% of the objects are formed from the material and also includes objects that are completely formed from the material. As another example, a first length that is at least substantially as long as a second length includes first lengths that are within <NUM>% of the second length and also includes first lengths that are as long as the second length.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of height-adjustable fixtures and methods according to the present disclosure are presented in the following enumerated paragraphs. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that an individual step of a method recited herein, including in the following enumerated paragraphs, may additionally or alternatively be referred to as a "step for" performing the recited action.

Embodiments according to the invention are set out in the independent claims with further specific embodiments as set out in the dependent claims.

The fixtures and methods disclosed herein are applicable to the construction and roadway/greenway appurtenances industries.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Claim 1:
A height-adjustable fixture (<NUM>) for a buried tubular (<NUM>), the fixture (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>) having an upper frame surface (<NUM>), a lower frame surface (<NUM>), a flange (<NUM>) that defines a plurality of slots (<NUM>), and a central opening (<NUM>) that extends between the upper frame surface (<NUM>) and the lower frame surface (<NUM>) and is sized to provide access to a buried tubular conduit (<NUM>) that is defined by the buried tubular (<NUM>); and
a plurality of slot nuts (<NUM>), wherein each slot nut (<NUM>) of the plurality of slot nuts (<NUM>) is shaped to be received within a corresponding slot (<NUM>) of the plurality of slots (<NUM>), wherein each slot nut (<NUM>) defines a lower nut surface (<NUM>), an upper nut surface (<NUM>), and a neck region (<NUM>) positioned between the lower nut surface (<NUM>) and the upper nut surface (<NUM>), wherein, when each slot nut (<NUM>) is received within the corresponding slot (<NUM>), a region of the flange (<NUM>) that defines the corresponding slot (<NUM>) extends into the neck region (<NUM>), and further wherein each slot nut (<NUM>) tapers from the lower nut surface (<NUM>) to the neck region (<NUM>) and also from the upper nut surface (<NUM>) to the neck region (<NUM>);
wherein when each slot nut (<NUM>) is received within the corresponding slot (<NUM>), at least one of:
(i) the lower nut surface (<NUM>) is recessed within the corresponding slot (<NUM>) relative to the lower frame surface (<NUM>) of the frame (<NUM>);
(ii) the lower nut surface (<NUM>) is proximate the upper frame surface (<NUM>) relative to the lower frame surface (<NUM>);
(iii) the lower nut surface (<NUM>) extends within the corresponding slot (<NUM>).