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 may be 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 dig up 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 and expensive. Thus, there exists a need for adjustable fixtures for buried tubulars, for forming tools for defining a hole in the adjustable fixtures, for adjustment tools for adjusting the adjustable fixtures, and/or for methods of manufacturing the adjustable fixtures.

<CIT> discloses a large concrete block for crane lifting. <CIT> discloses a method for producing an injection molded part with a fastening insert embedded therein. <CIT> discloses a structure disclosing fixing holes to receive fasteners that screw into furniture.

Adjustable fixtures for buried tubulars, forming tools for defining a hole in the adjustable fixtures, and methods of manufacturing the adjustable fixtures are disclosed herein. The adjustable fixtures include a fixture body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The adjustable fixture also may include a central opening that may extend between the upper surface and the lower surface and/or may be sized to provide access to a buried tubular conduit that may be defined by the buried tubular. The adjustable fixtures also include a plurality of spaced-apart holes that may extend between the upper surface and the lower surface. The adjustable fixtures also include a plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions, and each hole of the plurality of holes may be at least partially defined by a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region of the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions. Each hole also may define a tapered hole region that may extend at least partially between the upper surface and the corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region.

The forming tools include a forming tool engagement structure and a threaded tool end region that may extend away from the forming tool engagement structure. The forming tools also include a hole-defining body. The hole-defining body may extend at least partially between the forming tool engagement structure and the threaded tool end region and/or may define a tapered body region that extends at least partially between the forming tool engagement structure and the threaded tool end region.

The methods include positioning a plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions within a mold for the adjustable fixture and positioning a plurality of forming tools within the mold. The plurality of forming tools may be positioned such that a corresponding forming tool of the plurality of forming tools extends from each jack-screw-accepting threaded region of the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions. The methods also include filling a fixture-defining cavity of the mold with a composite material. The filling may include partially encapsulating a hole-defining body of each forming tool of the plurality of forming tools with the composite material. The methods further include curing the composite material, such as to define a fixture body of the adjustable fixture. The methods also include disengaging the plurality of forming tools from the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions and removing the fixture body from the mold.

<FIG> provide examples of adjustable fixtures <NUM> for buried tubulars <NUM>, of forming tools <NUM> for defining a hole in the adjustable fixtures, of adjustment tools <NUM> for adjusting the adjustable fixtures, and/or to methods <NUM> of manufacturing the adjustable fixtures, 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.

Adjustable fixtures <NUM>, or fixtures <NUM>, may include and/or be any top, terminal, terminating, and/or ground-level end of any suitable buried tubular <NUM>. Examples of buried tubulars <NUM> include buried tubulars that may be utilized in stormwater systems, in sewer systems, and/or in buried utility systems. Examples of adjustable fixtures <NUM> include a cover, top, upper termination, roadway appurtenance, greenway appurtenance, drainage structure, catch basin cover frame, catch basin frame, curb inlet catch basin frame, access structure, manhole cover, manhole cover frame, riser ring, combination inlet, access cover, utility vault lid, vent grate, grating, and/or construction casting.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of examples of adjustable fixtures <NUM> for a buried tubular <NUM>, according to the present disclosure. <FIG> are less schematic illustrations of examples of a region of adjustable fixtures <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated collectively by <FIG>, adjustable fixtures <NUM> include a fixture body <NUM>, a plurality of spaced-apart holes <NUM>, and a plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM>. Fixture body <NUM> includes, defines, and/or has an upper surface <NUM>, a lower surface <NUM>, and, as illustrated in <FIG>, an opening, or a central opening, <NUM>. Central opening <NUM> extends between upper surface <NUM> and lower surface <NUM> and is sized to provide access to buried tubular <NUM> and/or to a buried tubular conduit <NUM> that is defined by the buried tubular. As examples, central opening <NUM> may be sized to permit and/or facilitate a flow of water into buried tubular conduit <NUM> and/or human access to and/or into buried tubular conduit <NUM>.

Holes <NUM> extend between upper surface <NUM> and lower surface <NUM>, and each hole <NUM> is at least partially defined by a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. Upper surface <NUM> may include any surface(s) of fixture body <NUM> that generally face upward, away from lower surface <NUM>, and/or away from buried tubular <NUM> when the adjustable fixture is utilized in conjunction with the buried tubular. Similarly, lower surface <NUM> may include any surface(s) of fixture body <NUM> that generally face downward, away from upper surface <NUM>, and/or toward the buried tubular.

Jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> may include and/or be defined by any suitable structure that may be configured to receive, or to threadingly receive, jack screws <NUM> and/or that at least partially defines holes <NUM>. As an example, fixture <NUM> may include a plurality of threaded inserts <NUM>, and each threaded insert <NUM> may define a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. Examples of jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> include a female threaded region, a female thread, a female acme thread, and/or a female coil thread. Illustrations of examples of threaded inserts <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. Threaded insert <NUM> of <FIG> also may be referred to herein as a flange nut. Threaded insert <NUM> of <FIG> also may be referred to herein as a hex nut with one or more square washers operatively attached, integrated, or otherwise secured thereto.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that threaded inserts <NUM>, when present, may include and/or define an anti-rotation feature <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Anti-rotation feature <NUM> may be shaped to resist rotation of threaded inserts <NUM> relative to fixture body <NUM>, such as during adjustment of fixture <NUM> and/or during rotation of jack screws <NUM> within jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM>, as discussed in more detail herein.

Anti-rotation feature <NUM> may be include and/or be any suitable structure. As an example, anti-rotation feature <NUM> may include any suitable structure that is rotationally asymmetric about a thread axis <NUM> of jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> and/or that is rotationally asymmetric about an elongate axis of a given hole <NUM> that is at least partially defined by a threaded insert <NUM> that includes the anti-rotation feature. As another example, anti-rotation feature <NUM> may define a non-circular cross-sectional shape within a plane that is perpendicular to the thread axis of the jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>.

As more specific examples, anti-rotation feature <NUM> may include and/or may be defined by a hex nut and/or a hex-shaped structure, as illustrated in <FIG>. As additional examples, anti-rotation feature <NUM> may include and/or may be defined by a square washer, a square flange and/or a square-shaped feature, as illustrated in <FIG>. As additional examples, anti-rotation feature <NUM> may include and/or may be defined by an anti-rotation projection that projects from the threaded insert, as illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> and in solid lines in <FIG>, threaded inserts <NUM> may include and/or may be operatively attached to a projecting flange <NUM>, which may be shaped and/or orientated to resist separation of the threaded inserts from fixture body <NUM>. In one example, each threaded insert <NUM> may be associated with a single projecting flange <NUM>. The single projecting flange may be embedded within fixture body <NUM>. Stated another way, and as illustrated in <FIG>, threaded inserts <NUM> may define an upper surface <NUM> and an opposed lower surface <NUM> of the threaded inserts, and projecting flange <NUM> may define, or at least partially define, upper surface <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, projecting flange <NUM> may be exposed on lower surface <NUM> of fixture body <NUM>. Stated another way, projecting flange <NUM> may define, or at least partially define, lower surface <NUM> of threaded inserts <NUM>.

In some examples, threaded inserts <NUM> may include and/or define a first, or an upper, projecting flange <NUM> that at least partially defines upper surface <NUM> of threaded insert <NUM> and a second, or lower, projecting flange <NUM> that at least partially defines lower surface <NUM> of threaded insert <NUM>. Such a configuration may provide additional retention for threaded inserts <NUM> within fixture body <NUM> and/or may decrease a potential for incorrect orientation of the threaded inserts during formation of the fixture <NUM>.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that projecting flange <NUM> may include and/or define anti-rotation feature <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. However, this is not required of all embodiments, and it is within the scope of the present disclosure that anti-rotation feature <NUM> and projecting flange <NUM> may be separate, distinct, and/or spaced-apart structures, as illustrated in <FIG>. Projecting flange <NUM> also may be referred to herein as a collar <NUM>.

As yet another example, fixture <NUM> may include a frame <NUM>, which may be a metallic frame, that may include, form, and/or define jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM>. As an example, jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> may be formed, cast, and/or machined within frame <NUM>. As another example, threaded inserts <NUM> may be operatively attached to frame <NUM>, such as via welding, brazing, and/or an interference fit. In yet another example, fixture body <NUM> may be formed and/or molded around at least a portion, or region, of frame <NUM>. Stated another way, frame <NUM> may be operatively attached, or adhered, to fixture body <NUM>. Stated yet another way, fixture body <NUM> may at least partially, or even completely, encapsulate frame <NUM>.

Examples of frames <NUM> include a reversible rectangular storm grate frame, a circle frame that may utilize a cover in the form of a manhole cover, a combination inlet frame that may utilize a cover in the form of a grate, and/or a dual frame that may utilize covers in the form of dual-vaned grates.

Fixture body <NUM> may include any suitable structure that may include and/or define upper surface <NUM>, lower surface <NUM>, holes <NUM>, and/or central opening <NUM>. In addition, fixture body <NUM> may have and/or define any suitable shape. As examples, a perimeter, or an outer perimeter, of fixture body <NUM>, such as may be measured within a plane that is parallel to upper surface <NUM>, may be circular, at least substantially circular, square, at least substantially square, rectangular, and/or at least substantially rectangular. Additionally or alternatively, a perimeter, or an outer perimeter, of central opening <NUM>, such as may be measured within the plane that is parallel to upper surface <NUM>, may be circular, at least substantially circular, square, at least substantially square, rectangular, and/or at least substantially rectangular.

As illustrated in <FIG>, fixture body <NUM> may have and/or define a body thickness <NUM>, or an average body thickness, <NUM>, which may be measured between upper surface <NUM> and lower surface <NUM>. Examples of body thickness <NUM> include thicknesses of at least <NUM> centimeters (cm), 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>, and/or at most <NUM>.

Fixture body <NUM> additionally or alternatively may have and/or define a maximum extent <NUM>. Maximum extent <NUM> may be greater than body thickness <NUM>. As examples, a ratio of maximum extent <NUM> of the fixture body to the body thickness <NUM> include ratios of at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, 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>, at most <NUM>, at most <NUM>, at most <NUM>, and/or at most <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, central opening <NUM> may have and/or may define a maximum extent <NUM>. Examples of ratios of maximum extent <NUM> of fixture body <NUM> to the maximum extent <NUM> of central opening <NUM> include ratios of 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>, at most <NUM>, at most <NUM>, at most <NUM>, at most <NUM>, and/or at most <NUM>.

Fixture body <NUM> may be formed and/or defined by any suitable material, or body material. As examples, fixture body <NUM> may include and/or be one or more of a composite material, concrete, and/or reinforced concrete.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> and in solid lines in <FIG>, fixture <NUM> may include at least one jack screw <NUM>. Jack screw <NUM>, when present, may be threaded within a selected jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a plurality of jack screws <NUM> disengaged from corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM>, while <FIG> illustrate a single jack screw <NUM> threaded within a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that any of the examples of adjustable fixtures <NUM> may include any suitable number of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> and/or corresponding jack screws <NUM>. As an example, adjustable fixtures <NUM> may include at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, and/or at least <NUM> jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> and/or corresponding jack screws <NUM>. Increasing the number of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> (and corresponding jack screws <NUM>) may enable a greater degree of adjustment and/or support of the fixture <NUM>.

Jack screws <NUM>, when present, may include a jack screw drive end <NUM>, a jack screw load-bearing end <NUM>, and/or a threaded jack screw shaft <NUM>. Jack screw drive end <NUM> may be shaped to operatively interlock with a drive tool, such as an adjustment tool <NUM> that is illustrated in <FIG> and discussed in more detail herein with reference thereto. As examples, jack screw drive end <NUM> may include a square head and/or a hex head. As a more specific example, jack screw drive end <NUM> may include a ½-inch (<NUM> or <NUM>) square head.

Jack screw load-bearing end <NUM> may be shaped to contact an underlying structure, such as buried tubular <NUM>, that supports fixture <NUM>. As examples, jack screw load-bearing end <NUM> may include a conic shape, an at least partially conic shape, blunted conic shape, a spherically blunted conic shape, and/or a pointed shape. Such a shape for jack screw load-bearing end <NUM> also may be referred to herein as an anti-walk tip and may be configured to decrease a potential for relative motion between the jack screw and the buried tubular upon rotation of the jack screw while the jack screw is operatively engaged with the buried tubular. Additionally or alternatively, such a shape for the jack screw load-bearing end may decrease friction between the jack screw and the buried tubular, thereby decreasing a torque that needs to be applied to the jack screw by a user to rotate the jack screw.

Threaded jack screw shaft <NUM> may extend between the jack screw drive end and the jack screw load-bearing end and may be shaped to thread into and/or within jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. Stated another way, a thread and/or a thread pitch of threaded jack screw shaft <NUM> may match, or compliment, a thread and/or a thread pitch of jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. In addition, and as illustrated in <FIG>, a length <NUM> of the threaded jack screw shaft may be greater than a length <NUM> of the selected jack-screw-accepting threaded region into which the jack screw is threaded. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate adjustment of an orientation of fixture <NUM> relative to buried tubular <NUM> via rotation of jack screws <NUM> and/or via extension of one or more jack screws <NUM> below lower surface <NUM> of fixture body <NUM> and/or against buried tubular <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> and in solid lines in <FIG>, adjustable fixture <NUM> may define an annular space <NUM> that may extend between jack screw <NUM> and a selected hole <NUM> within which the jack screw is positioned. Under these conditions, fixture <NUM> further may include a resilient material <NUM>. Resilient material <NUM>, when present, may extend within annular space <NUM>, may partially fill annular space <NUM>, may completely fill annular space <NUM>, and/or may restrict entry of particulate material into annular space <NUM> via an opening into the annular space that is defined on upper surface <NUM> of fixture body <NUM>. Stated another way, resilient material <NUM> may fill, or at least partially fill, a void space within hole <NUM>, thereby preventing and/or restricting accumulation of the particulate material within the hole. However, resilient material <NUM> may be soft enough to permit and/or facilitate adjustment of jack screw <NUM>, such as via adjustment tool <NUM> of <FIG>, while the resilient material is positioned within the hole. Stated another way, adjustment tool <NUM> may extend through and/or deform the resilient material to permit and/or facilitate adjustment of the jack screw. Examples of resilient material <NUM> include a foam, a compressible foam, and/or a closed-cell foam.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG>, fixture <NUM> may include a threaded plug <NUM>. Threaded plug <NUM>, when present, may be threaded, or selectively threaded, within a selected jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, a corresponding threaded plug <NUM> may be threaded into each jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> of fixture <NUM>. Threaded plugs <NUM> may be shaped, sized, and/or configured to protect jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> and/or to restrict entry of particulate material into the jack-screw-accepting threaded regions, such as during initial siting of adjustable fixtures <NUM> and/or when the grade is being changed proximate adjustable fixtures <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, threaded plugs <NUM> may include a plug drive end <NUM> and a threaded plug shaft <NUM>. Plug drive end <NUM> may be shaped to operatively interlock with a drive tool, such as adjustment tool <NUM> of <FIG>. As an example, plug drive end <NUM> may be slotted and/or may be shaped to operatively interlock with a slotted drive tool or a screwdriver. Other examples include plug drive end <NUM> having a socket, a hex, or other recession or protrusion that is operatively interlocked by a corresponding drive tool. Threaded plug shaft <NUM> may be shaped to thread into and/or within jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. Stated another way, a thread and/or a thread pitch of threaded plug shaft <NUM> may match, or compliment, a thread and/or a thread pitch of jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. In addition, a length <NUM> of the threaded plug shaft may be less than, or at most equal to, the length <NUM> of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM>. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate complete insertion of threaded plugs <NUM> into jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> even when lower surface <NUM> of fixture body <NUM> rests against buried tubular <NUM>.

As also illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG>, fixture <NUM> may include a cap <NUM>, and <FIG> is a less schematic illustration of examples of cap <NUM>. Cap <NUM>, when present, may be positioned within a selected hole <NUM> and may be configured to prevent and/or restrict entry of foreign material and/or particulate matter into the selected hole via a region of the selected hole that is defined by and/or proximal upper surface <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, fixture <NUM> may include a plurality of caps <NUM>, with each cap being positioned within each hole <NUM>. Cap <NUM> also may be referred to herein as a plug <NUM>, as a debris plug <NUM>, and/or as a debris cap <NUM>.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that caps <NUM> may be shaped and/or sized for a friction fit within holes <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that holes <NUM> may include a cap-accepting threaded region <NUM> that is spaced-apart from jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> and that at least partially defines the hole. Under these conditions, caps <NUM> may include a cap threaded region <NUM> that may be threaded into cap-accepting threaded region <NUM>. When fixtures <NUM> include cap-accepting threaded region <NUM>, a cap thread pitch of cap-accepting threaded region <NUM> that at least partially defines a given hole <NUM> may be equal, or at least substantially equal, to the jack screw thread pitch of jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> that at least partially defines the given hole <NUM>. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate formation of holes <NUM> utilizing forming tools <NUM>, as discussed in more detail herein.

Caps <NUM> may be configured to be removed from holes <NUM> to permit and/or facilitate insertion and/or rotation of jack screws <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, caps <NUM> may be configured to permit and/or facilitate insertion and/or adjustment of jack screws <NUM> while caps <NUM> are positioned within holes <NUM>. As an example, and as illustrated in <FIG>, caps <NUM> may include a resilient central region <NUM> that may be configured to deform to permit jack screws <NUM> and/or adjustment tools <NUM> of <FIG> to pass therethrough. Examples of resilient central region <NUM> include a resilient foam central region and/or a resilient bristle-lined central region.

As also illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> and in solid lines in <FIG>, cap <NUM> may include a cap drive end <NUM>. Cap drive end <NUM> may be configured to interface with an insertion and/or removal tool, such as adjustment tools <NUM> of <FIG>, to permit and/or facilitate insertion and/or removal of cap <NUM> from fixture body <NUM> and/or from holes <NUM> thereof. Examples of cap drive end <NUM> include a slotted drive end, as illustrated in solid lines in <FIG>, a Philips drive end, as illustrated by the combination of solid and dashed lines in <FIG>, and/or a square drive end, as illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG> also illustrates that cap drive end <NUM> may include two slotted drive ends. In such an example, and should one of the slots become damaged, the other still may be utilized.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG>, fixture <NUM> may include and/or fixture body <NUM> may define, or at least partially define, a support structure <NUM> that may be shaped, sized, and/or configured to support a cover <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may extend across central opening <NUM> and/or may at least partially restrict entry into the buried tubular conduit via central opening <NUM>. An example of support structure <NUM> includes a restricted, or an at least partially restricted region, within central opening <NUM>. Examples of cover <NUM> include a storm grate cover, a water-permeable cover, a manhole cover, an access cover, and/or a water-impermeable cover.

Turning now to the example of adjustable fixture <NUM> that is less schematically illustrated in <FIG>, and with continued general reference to <FIG>, each hole <NUM> may define a tapered hole region <NUM>, which also may be referred to herein as a female tapered hole region <NUM> and/or as a hole draft region <NUM>. Tapered hole region <NUM>, when present, may extend at least partially between upper surface <NUM> and a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> in each hole <NUM>. Tapered hole region <NUM> may taper away from upper surface <NUM> and/or may taper, or decrease in cross-sectional area, toward jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. Tapered hole region may have and/or define any suitable shape. As an example, tapered hole region may be conic, or at least partially conic.

As illustrated in <FIG>, each hole <NUM> additionally or alternatively may include and/or define a cylindrical hole region <NUM>. Cylindrical hole region <NUM>, when present, may extend from upper surface <NUM> and/or may extend to and/or toward tapered hole region <NUM>. When holes <NUM> include both cylindrical hole region <NUM> and tapered hole region <NUM>, the holes also may include a transition hole region <NUM> that transitions between tapered hole region <NUM> and cylindrical hole region <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, and when holes <NUM> include tapered hole region <NUM>, transition hole region <NUM> may extend between upper surface <NUM> and the tapered hole region, as illustrated in <FIG>. Examples of transition hole region include a rounded hole region and/or a chamfered hole region. Cap-accepting threaded region <NUM>, when present, may be defined within tapered hole region <NUM> and/or within cylindrical hole region <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that fixture <NUM> may include and/or may be utilized with a plurality of eye bolts <NUM>. Eye bolts <NUM>, when present, may include an eye region <NUM> and a threaded bolt shaft <NUM>. Threaded bolt shaft <NUM> may extend from eye region <NUM> and may be threaded into a corresponding jack-screw-accepting region of fixture <NUM> such that eye region <NUM> extends above upper surface <NUM> of fixture body <NUM>. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate initial placement of fixture <NUM>, such as by lifting the fixture via eye bolts <NUM>.

As schematically illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG>, adjustable fixture <NUM> may include and/or utilize an expanding shield <NUM>. Expanding shield <NUM>, when present, may be incorporated into, may be stored within, and/or may at least partially define projecting flange <NUM> and/or anti-rotation feature <NUM>, which are discussed in more detail herein. Additionally or alternatively, fixture body <NUM>, projecting flange <NUM>, anti-rotation feature <NUM>, and/or threaded insert <NUM> may have and/or define a recess <NUM> that may be shaped and/or sized to receive and/or to store expanding shield <NUM>.

Expanding shield <NUM>, when present, may be configured to surround jack screw <NUM> and/or to surround a portion of jack screw <NUM> that extends below lower surface <NUM> of fixture body <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Such a configuration may decrease a potential for damage to jack screw <NUM> and/or may decrease a potential for the threads of jack screw <NUM> to become clogged with debris, concrete, and/or grout. Stated another way, the presence of expanding shield <NUM> may permit, may facilitate, and/or may increase an ease of adjustment of adjustable fixture <NUM> via rotation of jack screws <NUM>. This may be especially true for adjustments that may occur a significant period of time after installation of adjustable fixture <NUM> and/or subsequent to grout being applied to a gap between adjustable fixture <NUM> and a buried tubular.

Expanding shield <NUM> may include any suitable structure that may stretch, bellows out, telescope out, and/or expand as jack screw <NUM> extends below lower surface <NUM> of fixture body <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, expanding shield <NUM> may include any suitable structure that may contract, telescope in, and/or bellows in as jack screw <NUM> is retracted into fixture body <NUM>. Examples of expanding shield <NUM> include a telescopic steel cover and/or a resilient bellows.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of examples of forming tools <NUM> for defining a hole in an adjustable fixture, according to the present disclosure. As illustrated in <FIG>, forming tools <NUM> include a forming tool engagement structure <NUM>, a threaded tool end region <NUM>, and a hole-defining body <NUM>.

Forming tool engagement structure <NUM> may include any suitable structure that may permit and/or facilitate utilization of forming tools <NUM>. In some examples, and as illustrated in dash-dot lines in <FIG>, forming tool engagement structure <NUM> may extend past hole-defining body <NUM> and/or may be configured to be gripped by a user of forming tools <NUM>. An example of such a forming tool engagement structure includes a T-handle. In some examples, and as illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG>, forming tool engagement structure <NUM> may not extend past hole-defining body <NUM> and/or may be configured to operatively engage with a wrench, a ratchet wrench, an impact wrench, a pneumatic drive tool, and/or an electric drive tool. Examples of such a forming tool engagement structure include a hex head and/or a socket head.

In some examples, forming tool engagement structure <NUM> may be operatively attached to hole-defining body <NUM>. As an example, forming tool <NUM> may include a tool shaft <NUM> that extends from forming tool engagement structure <NUM>. In this example, hole-defining body <NUM> may be operatively attached to tool shaft <NUM>. As a more specific example, hole-defining body <NUM> may include and/or define a central hole <NUM>, and tool shaft <NUM> may extend through the central hole. In such an example, and as illustrated in <FIG>, hole-defining body <NUM> may include a body retention structure <NUM>, which may retain the hole-defining body on tool shaft <NUM>. An example of body retention structure <NUM> includes a set screw. As another example, forming tool engagement structure <NUM> may be configured to separably engage with a remainder of forming tool <NUM>.

In some examples, forming tool <NUM> may include a unitary, or a monolithic, forming tool body <NUM> that may form and/or define two or more components of the forming tool. As examples, forming tool body <NUM> may form and/or define forming tool engagement structure <NUM>, threaded tool end region <NUM>, and/or hole-defining body <NUM>. Forming tool body <NUM> may include any suitable material, examples of which include a polymer, a metal, steel, and/or stainless steel.

Threaded tool end region <NUM> may extend away from forming tool engagement structure <NUM>. As an example, threaded tool end region <NUM> may be defined by, or on an end of, tool shaft <NUM> and/or may be defined by, or on an end of forming tool body <NUM>. Threaded tool end region <NUM> may define a male thread, examples of which include an acme thread and/or a coil thread. Threaded tool end region <NUM> may be configured to thread into jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> of fixtures <NUM>, as discussed in more detail herein.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that threaded tool end region <NUM> may extend from hole-defining body <NUM> to an end region thread length <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. End region thread length <NUM> may be less than jack-screw-accepting thread length <NUM> of jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>, which is illustrated in <FIG>. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate utilization of forming tool <NUM> to form and/or define adjustable fixtures <NUM>, such as via and/or utilizing methods <NUM>, which are discussed in more detail herein.

Hole-defining body <NUM> may extend at least partially, or even completely, between forming tool engagement structure <NUM> and threaded tool end region <NUM>. Threaded tool end region <NUM> may define a thread axis <NUM>, and hole-defining body <NUM> may be symmetric, or rotationally symmetric, about thread axis <NUM>. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate removal of forming tool <NUM> from fixtures <NUM> subsequent to forming fixtures <NUM>, as is discussed in more detail herein. Thread axis <NUM> may extend through forming tool engagement structure110, and/or the T-handle, when present, may extend perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the thread axis.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG>, hole-defining body <NUM> may include and/or define a tapered body region <NUM>, which also may be referred to herein as a male tapered body region <NUM> and/or as a body draft region <NUM>. Tapered body region <NUM> may extend at least partially between forming tool engagement structure <NUM> and threaded tool end region <NUM> and/or may taper, or decrease in a cross-sectional area, toward threaded tool end region <NUM>. Tapered body region <NUM> may be at least partially conic. Such a shape may permit and/or facilitate removal of forming tool <NUM> from fixtures <NUM> subsequent to forming the fixtures, as discussed in more detail herein.

Hole-defining body <NUM> additionally or alternatively may include and/or define a cylindrical body region <NUM>, which also may be referred to herein as a male cylindrical body region <NUM>. Cylindrical body region <NUM>, when present, may extend from a forming-tool-engagement-structure-proximal end of the hole-defining body, may extend toward threaded tool end region <NUM>, and/or may extend toward and/or to tapered body region <NUM>.

Hole-defining body <NUM> may include and/or define a transition body region <NUM>, which may extend between cylindrical body region <NUM> and tapered body region <NUM> and/or between tapered body region <NUM> and forming tool engagement structure <NUM>. Examples of transition body region <NUM> include a rounded body edge and/or a chamfered body edge that may be shaped to define transition hole region <NUM> of <FIG>.

Tapered body region <NUM> and/or cylindrical body region <NUM>, when present, may include and/or define a cap-accepting thread defining region <NUM>. Cap-accepting thread defining region <NUM> may be configured to form, define, and/or shape cap-accepting threaded region <NUM> of adjustable fixture <NUM>, which is discussed in more detail herein. A cap thread pitch of cap-accepting threaded defining region <NUM> may be equal, or at least substantially equal, to a jack screw thread pitch of jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> of fixtures <NUM> and/or a threaded tool end region thread pitch of threaded tool end region <NUM>. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate removal of forming tool <NUM> from fixtures <NUM> subsequent to formation of the fixtures, as discussed in more detail herein.

Hole-defining body <NUM> may include and/or may be defined by any suitable material and/or materials. As examples, hole-defining body <NUM> may include and/or be a resilient body, a polymeric body, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene body, a metallic body, a steel body, and/or a stainless steel body. As another example, hole-defining body <NUM> may include and/or be an inflatable hole-defining body.

Hole-defining body <NUM> may define a hole-defining body length <NUM>, which may be measured along a longitudinal axis of the hole-defining body. Examples of hole-defining body length <NUM> include lengths of at least <NUM>, 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>, and/or at most <NUM>.

In some examples, forming tool <NUM> may be configured to seal against, or to form a fluid seal with, a structure that defines jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> of adjustable fixture <NUM> upon threading engagement therewith, as illustrated in <FIG>. As an example, and as illustrated in <FIG>, forming tool <NUM> may include a sealing structure <NUM>. Sealing structure <NUM>, when present, may be formed and/or positioned on a threaded-tool-end-region-proximal end of hole-defining body <NUM>.

Sealing structure <NUM> may include any suitable structure that may form and/or define a seal, or a fluid seal, with the structure that defines the jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM>. As an example, sealing structure <NUM> may be defined by hole-defining body <NUM>, such as when hole-defining body <NUM> is a resilient and/or flexible hole-defining body. As another example, sealing structure <NUM> may be operatively attached to hole-defining body <NUM> and/or to threaded tool end region <NUM>. Examples of such a sealing structure include a resilient material, an elastomeric material, an O-ring, and/or a gasket.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of an example of an adjustment tool <NUM> according to the present disclosure. Adjustment tool <NUM> may be utilized to adjust an orientation of an adjustable fixture, such as adjustable fixture <NUM>, relative to a buried tubular, such as buried tubular <NUM>. Adjustment tool <NUM> also may be referred to herein as a drive tool <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, adjustment tool <NUM> includes a socket drive end <NUM> that defines a socket drive axis <NUM> and a slotted drive end <NUM> that defines a slotted drive axis <NUM>. Adjustment tool <NUM> also includes an adjustment tool handle region <NUM> that extends at least partially between and/or operatively interconnects socket drive end <NUM> and slotted drive end <NUM>. Adjustment tool handle region <NUM> may be shaped to facilitate rotation of socket drive end <NUM> about socket drive axis <NUM> and/or to facilitate rotation of slotted drive end <NUM> about slotted drive axis <NUM>.

As illustrated in dashed lines in <FIG>, socket drive end <NUM> may be a first socket drive end <NUM> that defines a first socket drive axis <NUM>, and adjustment tool <NUM> also may include a second socket drive end <NUM> that defines a second socket drive axis <NUM>. In such a configuration, adjustment tool handle region <NUM> also may be shaped to facilitate rotation of second socket drive end <NUM> about second socket drive axis <NUM>.

In some examples, adjustment tool <NUM> may be T-shaped and/or first socket drive axis <NUM> may be parallel to and/or coextensive with second socket drive axis <NUM>, when present. In such a configuration, slotted drive axis <NUM> may be perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to first socket drive axis <NUM> and/or to second socket drive axis <NUM>.

Adjustment tool <NUM> may be configured to engage with jack screws <NUM> of adjustable fixtures <NUM>, which are illustrated in <FIG>, and/or to rotate the jack screws relative to a remainder of the adjustable fixtures. With this in mind, socket drive ends <NUM>, including first socket drive end <NUM> and/or second socket drive end <NUM>, may have and/or define any suitable shape that may engage and/or interlock with jack screw drive ends <NUM> of jack screws <NUM>. As examples, first socket drive end <NUM> and/or second socket drive end <NUM> may be square, may be hex-shaped, and/or may correspond to the shape of jack screw drive ends <NUM>. In some examples, first socket drive end <NUM> may be a square first socket drive end that has a first size, such as one-half of an inch (<NUM> or <NUM>), and second socket drive end <NUM> may be a square second socket drive end that has a second size, such as three-eighths of an inch (<NUM>), that differs from the first size. In such a configuration, the first socket drive end may be utilized for certain fixtures <NUM>, and the second socket drive end may be utilized for other fixtures <NUM>.

As discussed, adjustment tools <NUM> may be utilized to adjust the orientation of fixtures <NUM> that are disclosed herein. More specifically, socket drive end <NUM> of adjustment tools <NUM> may be operatively engaged with jack screw drive end <NUM> of jack screws <NUM>, such as to facilitate rotation of the jack screw with, via, and/or utilizing the adjustment tool. This may, for example, permit and/or facilitate rotation of jack screws <NUM> between the orientation illustrated in <FIG> and the orientation illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart depicting examples of methods <NUM> of manufacturing an adjustable fixture for a buried tubular, according to the present disclosure. Methods <NUM> also may be referred to herein as methods of manufacturing a precast adjustable fixture. Methods <NUM> include positioning a plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions at <NUM> and positioning a plurality of forming tools at <NUM>. Methods <NUM> may include threading the plurality of forming tools into the plurality of jack screw-accepting threaded regions at <NUM>, and methods <NUM> may further include filling a mold for the adjustable fixture with a composite material at <NUM> and curing the composite material at <NUM>. Methods <NUM> further include disengaging the forming tools from the jack-screw-accepting threaded regions at <NUM> and removing the fixture body from the mold at <NUM>. Methods <NUM> further may include threading jack screws into the jack-screw-accepting threaded regions at <NUM>.

Positioning the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions at <NUM> may include positioning the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions within the mold for the adjustable fixture and/or within a fixture-defining cavity of the mold. Similarly, positioning the plurality of forming tools at <NUM> may include positioning the plurality of forming tools within the mold for the adjustable fixture and/or within a fixture-defining cavity of the mold. Examples of the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions are disclosed herein with reference to jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> of <FIG>. An example of the plurality of forming tools are disclosed herein with reference to forming tool <NUM> of <FIG>. An example of the positioning at <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, with a plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> being positioned within a mold <NUM> and/or within a fixture-defining cavity <NUM> thereof.

In some examples, the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions may be defined by a plurality of threaded inserts, examples of which are disclosed herein with reference to threaded inserts <NUM> of <FIG>. In these examples, the positioning at <NUM> may include positioning the plurality of threaded inserts within the mold. This may include sequentially, or at least partially sequentially, positioning the plurality of threaded inserts, or the corresponding plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions, within the mold. Also in these examples, the positioning at <NUM> may include positioning such that a corresponding forming tool extends from each of the threaded inserts. Examples of positioning threaded inserts <NUM> and/or forming tools <NUM> within mold <NUM> and/or within fixture-defining cavity <NUM> thereof are illustrated in <FIG>.

In some such examples, methods <NUM> may include simultaneously, or at least substantially simultaneously, performing the positioning at <NUM> and the positioning at <NUM>. As an example, forming tool <NUM> may include a threaded tool end region, examples of which are disclosed herein with reference to threaded tool end region <NUM> of <FIG> and also are illustrated in <FIG>. In these examples, methods <NUM> may include performing the threading at <NUM> to thread a corresponding threaded tool end region into each jack-screw-accepting threaded region prior to positioning the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions within the mold during the positioning at <NUM> and also prior to positioning the plurality of forming tools within the mold during the positioning at <NUM>.

In some such examples, the mold for the adjustable fixture may include a plurality of retention threaded regions. In these examples, the positioning at <NUM> and/or the positioning at <NUM> may include threading a corresponding threaded tool end region of the corresponding forming tool into a corresponding retention threaded region and may be performed subsequent to the threading at <NUM>. In these methods <NUM>, the positioning at <NUM>, the positioning at <NUM>, and/or the threading at <NUM> may be performed such that a corresponding threaded insert extends between, or at least partially between, a corresponding hole-defining body of the corresponding forming tool and the mold. This is illustrated on the right side of <FIG>, with threaded tool end region <NUM> being threaded into both jack-screw-accepting threaded region <NUM> of threaded insert <NUM> and also into a retention threaded region <NUM> of mold <NUM>.

In some such examples, the mold may include a plurality of locator studs. In such a configuration, the positioning at <NUM> may include positioning a corresponding threaded insert on each locator stud. As an example, the positioning at <NUM> may include extending each locator stud at least partially within a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region of each threaded insert. The locator studs and/or the threaded inserts may be magnetic and/or may be formed from a magnetic material. Under these conditions, the positioning at <NUM> may include magnetically retaining a corresponding threaded insert on each locator stud. This is illustrated on the right side of <FIG>, with threaded insert <NUM> being positioned on locator stud <NUM>.

In some examples, the positioning at <NUM> may include positioning a frame within the mold and/or within the fixture-defining cavity of the mold. In this example, the frame may include and/or define the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions. As such, the positioning at <NUM> may include simultaneously, or at least substantially simultaneously, positioning the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions within the mold. The frame may include and/or be a metallic, or a ferromagnetic, frame, and the positioning at <NUM> may include magnetically retaining the frame at a predetermined location within the mold. Examples of the frame are disclosed herein with reference to frames <NUM> of <FIG>. Positioning the frame within the mold is illustrated in <FIG>, with a frame <NUM> being positioned within mold <NUM> and/or within fixture-defining cavity <NUM> thereof.

The positioning at <NUM> may be performed with any suitable timing and/or sequence during methods <NUM>. As examples, the positioning at <NUM> may be performed prior to the positioning at <NUM>, at least partially concurrently with the positioning at <NUM>, concurrently with the positioning at <NUM>, prior to the threading at <NUM>, subsequent to the threading at <NUM>, and/or prior to the filling at <NUM>. Similarly, the positioning at <NUM> may be performed with any suitable timing and/or sequence during methods <NUM>. As an example, the positioning at <NUM> may be performed prior to the filling at <NUM>.

Threading the plurality of forming tools into the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions at <NUM> may include threading the threaded tool end region of a corresponding forming tool into each jack-screw-accepting threaded region of the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions. In one example, this may include threading the corresponding forming tool into each threaded insert of the plurality of threaded inserts. In another example, this may include threading the corresponding forming tool into the frame. The threading at <NUM> is illustrated by the transition from the left side of <FIG>, in which jack-screw-accepting threaded regions <NUM> are spaced apart from corresponding threaded tool end regions <NUM>, to the right side of <FIG>, in which the corresponding threaded tool end regions are threaded into the jack-screw-accepting threaded regions.

The threading at <NUM> may include rotating the threaded tool end region of the corresponding forming tool relative to each j ack-screw-accepting threaded region, rotating each jack-screw-accepting threaded region relative to the threaded tool end region of the corresponding forming tool, rotating the threaded tool end region of the corresponding forming tool relative to each threaded insert, rotating each threaded insert relative to the threaded tool end region, rotating the threaded tool end region of the corresponding forming tool relative to the frame, and/or rotating the frame relative to the threaded tool end region. Additionally or alternatively, the threading at <NUM> may include operatively interlocking the corresponding forming tool with each jack-screw-accepting threaded region, with each threaded insert, and/or with the frame.

In some examples, the threading at <NUM> may include establishing an at least partial fluid seal between the corresponding forming tool and a thread-defining body that defines the corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region. As discussed, examples of the thread-defining body include the threaded insert <NUM> for the frame <NUM>. The threading at <NUM> may include establishing the fluid seal to resist flow of the composite material into the corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region of each threaded insert and/or of the frame. The fluid seal may be established between the hole-defining body of the corresponding forming tool and the thread-defining body and/or the fluid seal may be established with a sealing structure that extends at least partially between the hole-defining body of the corresponding forming tool and the thread-defining body.

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

Filling the mold for the adjustable fixture with the composite material at <NUM> may include filling a fixture-defining cavity of the mold with the composite material and/or with an uncured composite material. This may include encapsulating, or at least partially encapsulating, the hole-defining body of each forming tool with and/or within the composite material. The filling at <NUM> may include flowing the composite material into the fixture-defining cavity. Additionally or alternatively, the filling at <NUM> may include establishing an exposed surface of the composite material; and, subsequent to the filling at <NUM>, methods <NUM> further may include finishing the exposed surface of the composite material. As discussed herein, the composite material may include and/or be uncured concrete. An example of the filling at <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, where an uncured composite material <NUM> at least partially fills fixture-defining cavity <NUM> of mold <NUM> and/or at least partially encapsulates hole-defining bodies <NUM> of forming tools <NUM>.

Curing the composite material at <NUM> may include curing to harden, to form, and/or to define the fixture body of the adjustable fixture. This may include waiting at least a threshold cure time prior to performing the disengaging at <NUM>, the removing at <NUM>, and/or the threading at <NUM>. Examples of the threshold cure time include threshold cure times of at least <NUM> minutes, at least <NUM> minutes, at least <NUM> minutes, at least <NUM> minutes, at least <NUM> minutes, at least <NUM> hour, at least <NUM> hours, at least <NUM> hours, at least <NUM> hours, and/or at least <NUM> hours. The curing at <NUM> is illustrated by the transition from <FIG>, in which the composite material includes uncured composite material <NUM>, to <FIG>, in which the composite material includes cured composite material <NUM> and defines fixture body <NUM>.

Disengaging the forming tools from the jack-screw-accepting threaded regions at <NUM> may include disengaging each forming tool of the plurality of forming tools from the corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region. The disengaging at <NUM> may be accomplished in any suitable manner. In some examples, the disengaging at <NUM> may include rotating the forming tools to disengage the forming tools from the jack-screw-accepting threaded regions. This may include rotating each forming tool, such as about a longitudinal axis thereof, to disengage each forming tool from a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region, from a corresponding threaded insert, and/or from the frame. The disengaging at <NUM> may include rotating both the threaded tool end region and the hole-defining body of each forming tool relative to the fixture body and/or rotating the hole-defining body of each forming tool within a corresponding hole that is defined in the fixture body by the hole-defining body during, or as a result of, the filling at <NUM> and the curing at <NUM>. The rotating may include engaging a tool, such as adjustment tool <NUM>, a wrench, an impact wrench, a pneumatic wrench, and/or an electric wrench, with a forming tool engagement structure of the forming tool, examples of which are disclosed herein with reference to forming tool engagement structure <NUM> of <FIG>.

In some examples, the disengaging at <NUM> further may include separating each forming tool from the fixture body. This may include establishing a spaced-apart relationship between each forming tool and the fixture body. The separating additionally or alternatively may include completely removing the forming tools from holes that are defined within the fixture body by the hole-defining body of the forming tools, such as during the filling at <NUM> and the curing at <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the separating may include operatively translating each forming tool along the longitudinal axis thereof and/or away from the fixture body.

When the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions is defined by the plurality of threaded inserts, the disengaging at <NUM> may include retaining the plurality of threaded inserts within, or operatively attached to, the fixture body. Similarly, when the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions is defined by the frame, the disengaging at <NUM> may include retaining the frame within, or operatively attached to, the fixture body.

An example of the disengaging at <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated therein, the disengaging at <NUM> may include at least partially separating forming tools <NUM> from fixture body <NUM> and/or at least partially removing the forming tools from a corresponding plurality of spaced-apart holes <NUM> that are defined within the fixture body.

Removing the fixture body from the mold at <NUM> may include establishing a spaced-apart relationship between the fixture body and the mold. As examples, the removing at <NUM> may include disassembling the mold and/or operatively translating the fixture body relative to the mold and in a direction that is normal to the exposed surface of the fixture body. The removing at <NUM> is illustrated by the transition from <FIG>, in which fixture body <NUM> is contained within mold <NUM> and/or within fixture-defining cavity <NUM> thereof, to <FIG>, in which adjustable fixture <NUM> is spaced-apart from the mold and/or is not contained within the mold. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of adjustable fixture <NUM> formed utilizing methods <NUM>, while <FIG> is a schematic top view of adjustable fixture <NUM>.

Threading jack screws into the jack-screw-accepting threaded regions at <NUM> may include threading a corresponding jack screw into each jack-screw-accepting threaded region. This may include threading the jack screws into the plurality of threaded inserts and/or into the frame. The threading at <NUM> may be performed with, via, and/or utilizing an adjustment tool, such as adjustment tool <NUM> of <FIG>, which is disclosed herein.

In the present disclosure, several of the illustrative, non-exclusive examples have been discussed and/or presented in the context of flow diagrams, or flow charts, in which the methods are shown and described as a series of blocks, or steps. Unless specifically set forth in the accompanying description, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the order of the blocks may vary from the illustrated order in the flow diagram, including with two or more of the blocks (or steps) occurring in a different order and/or concurrently.

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.

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.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) of manufacturing an adjustable fixture (<NUM>) for a buried tubular (<NUM>), the method (<NUM>) comprising:
Positioning (<NUM>), within a mold (<NUM>) for the adjustable fixture (<NUM>), a plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions (<NUM>);
Positioning (<NUM>), within the mold (<NUM>) for the adjustable fixture (<NUM>), a plurality of forming tools (<NUM>) such that a corresponding forming tool (<NUM>) of the plurality of forming tools (<NUM>) extends from each jack-screw-accepting threaded region (<NUM>) of the plurality of jack-screw-accepting threaded regions (<NUM>);
Filling (<NUM>) a fixture-defining cavity (<NUM>) of the mold (<NUM>) with a composite material (<NUM>), wherein the filling (<NUM>) includes partially encapsulating a hole-defining body (<NUM>) of each forming tool (<NUM>) of the plurality of forming tools (<NUM>) with the composite material (<NUM>);
curing (<NUM>) the composite material (<NUM>) to define a fixture body (<NUM>) of the adjustable fixture (<NUM>) having an upper surface (<NUM>) and a lower surface (<NUM>);
disengaging (<NUM>) each forming tool (<NUM>) of the plurality of forming tools (<NUM>) from a corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region (<NUM>); and removing each forming tool (<NUM>) from a corresponding hole (<NUM>) produced by its corresponding hole-defining body (<NUM>), the hole (<NUM>) defined within the fixture body (<NUM>) and being at least partially defined by its corresponding jack-screw-accepting threaded region (<NUM>), and wherein, subsequent to the disengaging (<NUM>), the corresponding hole (<NUM>) extends between the upper surface (<NUM>) and the lower surface (<NUM>); and
removing (<NUM>) the fixture body (<NUM>) from the mold (<NUM>).