US 12,434,956 B2
Manhole cover tool and method
Kevin J. Schuettpelz, Kaukauna, WI (US)
Filed by Kevin J. Schuettpelz, Kaukauna, WI (US)
Filed on Jan. 23, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/100,295.
Application 18/100,295 is a continuation in part of application No. 17/824,443, filed on May 25, 2022, granted, now 11,565,925.
Prior Publication US 2023/0382705 A1, Nov. 30, 2023
Int. Cl. B66F 15/00 (2006.01); B25G 3/00 (2006.01); B66F 19/00 (2006.01); B25D 1/02 (2006.01)
CPC B66F 19/005 (2013.01) [B66F 15/00 (2013.01); B25D 1/02 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method to move a manhole cover relative to a manhole, comprising:
providing a tool including a body having a front end with a toe, a back end with a heal pad, and a middle area located between the toe and the heal pad, wherein the middle area includes (i) a fulcrum joined to the middle area and projecting away from a bottom edge of the body to create a fulcrum gap between a bottom surface of the fulcrum and an imaginary line formed by and extending parallel out from the bottom edge of the body and (i) an elongated handle joined at a handle proximal end to the middle area and extending away from the body to a distal end of the handle;
inserting the toe of the tool into a receiving side-hole of the manhole cover;
positioning the fulcrum of the tool on a surface surrounding the manhole cover; and,
pulling on the distal end of the handle while simultaneously stepping on the heal pad to pivotally lift the manhole cover via the fulcrum and unseating the manhole cover from the manhole, wherein the handle has a circumference where the handle is joined to the middle area and defines a handle vertical circumferential projection extending parallel to a length of the handle to and through the bottom edge of the body and at least a portion of the fulcrum is located outside of the handle vertical circumferential projection.