AU2008202375A8

AU2008202375A8 - Drainage channel apparatus and channel section

Info

Publication number: AU2008202375A8
Application number: AU2008202375A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kevin Finn
Original assignee: KREBAR Pty Ltd T AS PAIGE STAINLESS FABRICATIONS
Current assignee: Paige Stainless Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-06-01
Filing date: 2008-05-29
Publication date: 2014-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2028-05-29
Also published as: AU2008202375B2; AU2008202375A1; AU2008202375B8

Abstract

A drainage channel apparatus comprising a plurality of elongate drainage channel sections and at least one connection element. At least one drainage channel section 5 can be completed to a connection element, preferably by relative movement in a direction which does not correspond to the axial direction of the drainage channel section. N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\750O0-75999\P75714.AU.1\Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05/08

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Krebar Pty Ltd t/as Paige Stainless Fabrications Invention Title: DRAINAGE CHANNEL APPARATUS AND CHANNEL SECTION The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P75714.AU.1 Pat_Set_FiIng Applcation 2008-5-29.l.doc (B) - 2 DRAINAGE CHANNEL APPARATUS AND CHANNEL SECTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a drainage 5 channel apparatus, and especially, but not exclusively, to a drainage channel for providing drainage in a trench. Background to the Invention Drainage channels are often provided inside 10 trenches in order to help contain and direct water (typically storm water or other waste water) and reduce water transfer into the relatively porous walls of the trenches. Drainage channels for providing drainage in trenches typically comprise open channel sections formed 15 of concrete blocks for provision at the bottom of a trench in which the drainage channel is desired. The concrete blocks are adapted to abut, end to end, in order to provide a drainage channel of the desired length. A grate may be provided above the drainage channel to assist 20 passage of people and other traffic across the trench, and to reduce ingress of debris into the drainage channel. The present inventor has discerned that an improved or at least alternative drainage channel would be desirable. 25 Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a drainage channel apparatus comprising a plurality of elongate drainage channel 30 sections and at least one connection element for connecting together two drainage channel sections: wherein each drainage channel section has an axis of elongation, and a top and a bottom in use, and comprises: at least one channel bottom wall portion for 35 defining a length of a bottom portion of a drainage channel; first and second channel side wall portions extending upwardly from the at least one channel bottom H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08 - 3 wall portion; and at least one coupling portion for coupling to a connection element; wherein each connection element is adapted to connect together two drainage channel sections, and 5 comprises at least one coupling portion for coupling to a drainage channel section; and wherein at least one drainage channel section and at least one connection element are adapted to be coupled together in an arrangement in which at least a 10 portion of the axial length of the drainage channel section is nested with at least a portion of the axial length of the connection element, by relative movement of said drainage channel section and connection element to bring the coupling portion of the drainage channel section 15 into engagement with the coupling portion of said connection element. Preferably, said drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled together in a nested arrangement by relative movement of said drainage 20 channel section and connection element by snap fitting. Preferably, the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled by moving one of the drainage channel section and connection element relative to the other of the drainage channel section and 25 connection element in a direction which does not correspond to the axial direction of the drainage channel section. Preferably, the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled by forcing 30 one of the drainage channel section and connection element into the other of the drainage channel section and connection element in a direction which does not correspond to the axial direction of the drainage channel section. 35 Preferably, when said drainage channel section and connection element are coupled, the respective coupling portions interact to resist decoupling of the H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doC 27/05/08 - 4 drainage channel section and connection element. Preferably, when said drainage channel section and connection element are coupled, the respective coupling portions interlock to resist decoupling of the 5 drainage channel section and connection element. Preferably, the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled by forcing one of the drainage channel section and connection element into the other of the drainage channel section and 10 connection element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drainage channel section. Preferably, the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to snap fit together by forcing one of the drainage channel section and connection 15 element into the other of the drainage channel section and connection element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drainage channel section. Preferably the drainage channel section comprises a forcing portion for applying force with a component in a 20 lateral direction of the drainage channel section to the connection element as one of the drainage channel section and connection element is moved into the other of the drainage channel section and connection element. Preferably the connection element comprises a 25 forcing portion for applying force with a component in a lateral direction of the drainage channel section to the drainage channel section as one of the drainage channel section and connection element is moved into the other of the drainage channel section and connection element. 30 Preferably, the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled by forcing the drainage channel section into the connection element. Preferably, said drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled together in a 35 nested arrangement with said drainage channel section nested within said connection element. Preferably a forcing portion of the drainage H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 5 channel section is for applying a force with a component in a laterally outwards direction of the drainage channel section to the connection element as the drainage channel section is forced into connection element. 5 Preferably the forcing portion of the connection element is for applying a force with a component in a laterally inwards direction of the drainage channel section to the drainage channel section as the drainage channel section is forced into connection element. 10 At least one forcing portion of the drainage channel section may be provided as part of a coupling portion of the drainage channel section. In an alternative embodiment said drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be 15 coupled together in a nested arrangement with said connection element nested within said drainage channel section. In this case a forcing portion provided on the drainage channel section may be adapted to applying a 20 force with a component in a laterally inwards direction of the drainage channel section to the connection element as the connection element is forced into drainage channel section. A forcing portion provided on the connection 25 element may be adapted to applying a force with a component in a laterally outwards direction of the drainage channel section to the drainage channel section as the connection element is forced into drainage channel section. 30 Preferably, at least one coupling portion of the drainage channel section is provided on or by a channel section side wall. Preferably, at least one coupling portion of the drainage channel section comprises a shaped channel 35 section side wall portion. Preferably the or each shaped channel section side wall portion comprises a region where the entire H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 6 thickness of the channel section side wall is substantially uniform. Preferably the or each shaped channel section side wall portion comprises a region where the entire 5 thickness of the channel section side wall is shaped. In one alternative the or each shaped channel section side wall portion comprises a shaped element attached to the side wall. Preferably, at least one shaped channel section 10 side wall portion projects in a generally radial direction relative to the axis of the drainage channel section. Preferably, at least one shaped channel section side wall portion projects generally laterally relative to the drainage channel section. 15 Preferably, each of the first and second side walls of the drainage channel section comprises a shaped channel section side wall portion. Preferably, at least one shaped side wall portion extends substantially the entire length of the drainage 20 channel section. Preferably, each drainage channel section is substantially uniform in cross section along at least a substantial proportion of its length. Preferably, at least one shaped channel section 25 side wall portion comprises an axially extending ridge formed in the channel section side wall. Preferably, at least one shaped channel section side wall portion comprises a generally upwardly facing portion and a generally downwardly facing portion. 30 Preferably, at least one shaped channel section side wall portion comprises a generally upwardly facing portion and a generally downwardly facing portion. Preferably, the channel section is formed from a resilient material. 35 Preferably, the channel section is formed from metal. Preferably, the channel section is formed from H:\DanielR\apecis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 -7 steel. Preferably, the channel section is formed from stainless steel. Preferably, the channel section is formed by a 5 sheet metal folding process. Preferably least one coupling portion of the channel section is formed by said sheet metal folding process. Preferably, said connection element comprises a 10 connection element bottom portion and first and second connection element side portions extending upwardly from the connection element bottom portion. Preferably, the connection element bottom portion comprises at least one connection element bottom wall 15 portion. Preferably, the first and second connection element side portions comprise, respectively, first and second connection element side walls. Preferably a coupling portion of the connection 20 element is provided on or by a complementary shaped portion of one or each of the first and second connection element side portions which is shaped to complement the shape of a coupling portion of the channel section. Preferably the or each complementary shaped 25 portion comprises a region where the entire thickness of the connection element side portion is substantially uniform. Preferably the or each complementary shaped portion comprises a region where the entire thickness of 30 the connection element side portion is shaped. In one alternative the or each complementary shaped portion comprises a shaped element attached to the side portion of the connection element. Preferably, at least one complementary shaped 35 portion provides a recess in a side portion of the connection element which extends in a generally radial direction relative to an axis of the connection element. H:\DanielR\speciS\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 8 Preferably, each of the first and second side portions of the connection element comprises a complementary shaped portion. Preferably, at least one complementary shaped 5 portion extends substantially the entire length of the connection element. Preferably, each connection element is substantially uniform in cross section along at least a substantial proportion of its length. 10 Preferably, the connection element is formed from a resilient material. Preferably, the connection element is formed from metal. Preferably, the connection element is formed from 15 steel. Preferably, the connection element is formed from stainless steel. Preferably, the connection element is formed by folding sheet metal. 20 Preferably, at least one complementary shaped portion comprises an axially extending ridge formed in a connection element side wall. Preferably, the drainage channel section and connection element have complementary cross sectional 25 shapes. Preferably, the drainage channel section and connection element have generally similar cross sectional shapes. Preferably the drainage channel section and 30 connection element are adapted to be coupled by sliding one of the drainage channel section and connection element, substantially axially, into the other of the drainage channel section and connection element. Preferably, the drainage channel section is 35 adapted to slide axially relative to the connection element. This can allow a channel section to be coupled to a connection element by relative axial movement, as H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08 - 9 well as by relative radial (vertical) movement provided by at least preferred embodiments. In a preferred embodiment a drainage channel section and connection element can be coupled by forcing 5 the drainage channel section into the connection element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drainage channel section. In practice this direction will generally be substantially vertically downwards. In a preferred form of such an embodiment the 10 coupling portions comprise shaped side wall portions of the drainage channel section in the form of axially extending projections which project laterally outwardly from the side walls, and the coupling portions of the connection element comprise complementary shaped portions 15 of the connection element in the form of axially extending recesses in the connection element side walls which are adapted to receive at least part of the laterally projecting shaped sidewall portions. The lateral spacing of the side walls of the connection element, in 20 equilibrium, is preferably smaller than the lateral width of the drainage channel section including the shaped side wall portions, but slightly greater than, or substantially equal to, the lateral width of the drainage channel section excluding the shaped side wall portions. 25 In such an embodiment the drainage channel section and/or the connection element are sufficiently flexible that the first and second side walls can be moved slightly towards or away from each other by manual application of a suitable force, and sufficiently 30 resilient that they can return to substantially their equilibrium shapes. The side walls of the connection element can be moved slightly away from each other (and/or the side walls of the channel section can be moved slightly towards each other). The shaped side wall 35 portions of the channel section are shaped so that, as the drainage channel section is forced into the connection element, they apply a lateral force to the side walls of H:\DanielR\epecie\P75714.AU.I.doc 27/05/08 - 10 the connection element. This forces apart the side walls of the connection element and/or forces together the side walls of the channel section, so that the shaped side wall portions of the drainage channel section can fit between 5 the side walls of the connection element. When the drainage channel section is inserted sufficiently far into the connection element that the outwardly projecting shaped sidewall portions of the drainage channel section reach the recessed complementary shaped portions of the 10 connection element, the connection element (and/or drainage channel section) can resiliently return substantially to equilibrium shape, so that the outwardly projecting shaped sidewall portions of the drainage channel section are effectively trapped in the 15 complementary shaped portions of the connection element, thus coupling the drainage channel section to the connection element. Thus the drainage channel section can be connected to the connection element in a "snap-fit" type manner. 20 Because, at least in preferred embodiments, the force that must be applied in order to effect this is not insubstantial substantial, and because, at least in preferred embodiments, the drainage channel section comes to an abrupt halt when the shaped sidewall portions of the 25 drainage channel section reach the recessed complementary shaped portions of the connection element (at least in part because this corresponds to the bottom wall of the drainage channel section reaching the bottom wall of the connection element) this snap-fit engagement is extremely 30 positive. Preferably, at least one of said side walls of the channel section comprises a coupling portion in the form of a projection, each of the one or more connection elements comprises a coupling portion comprising at least 35 one complementary shaped portion for engagement with the projection. In this case the complementary shaped portion preferably comprises a recess portion adapted to receive H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08 - 11 at least part of said projection. The projection may comprise a shaped side wall portion of the drainage channel section. In one alternative embodiment, at least one of 5 said side walls of the channel section comprises a coupling portion in the form of a recess, each of the one or more connection elements comprises at least one coupling portion in the form of a complementary shaped portion for engagement with the recess. In this case the 10 complementary shaped portion preferably comprises a projecting portion, formed in a side portion of the connection element, and adapted to be at least partially received in said recess. The projecting portion may comprise a shaped side wall portion of the drainage 15 channel section, and may be integrally formed by folding or otherwise shaping the side portion. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate drainage channel section, comprising: 20 at least one bottom wall portion for defining a length of a bottom portion of a drainage channel; first and second side wall portions; and at least one coupling portion for coupling the drainage channel section to a complementary connection 25 element. Preferably, the drainage channel section is adapted to be coupled to the connection element by effecting movement of said drainage channel section in a direction which does not correspond to the axial direction 30 of the drainage channel section. Preferably said at least one first coupling portion comprises a shaped side wall portion of the drainage channel section. Preferably, the drainage channel section 35 comprises at least first and second coupling portions. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection element for H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 12 connecting a first elongate drainage channel sections to a second elongate drainage channel section, the connection element comprising: at least one bottom wall portion; 5 first and second connection element side portions; and at least one connection element coupling portion for coupling the connection element to a drainage channel section. 10 Preferably, the connection element is adapted to be coupled to the drainage channel section by effecting relative movement of said connection element and drainage channel section in a direction which does not correspond to the axial direction of the drainage channel section. 15 Preferably said at least one connection element coupling portion comprises a shaped side portion of the connection element. Preferably, the connection element comprises at least first and second coupling portions. 20 It will be appreciated that at least some of the features set out above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention may be applicable to the second and/or third aspects. According to a fourth aspect of the present 25 invention there is provided a drainage channel apparatus comprising a plurality of elongate drainage channel sections and at least one connection element for connecting together two channel sections: wherein each channel section has at least one 30 coupling portion for coupling to a connection element; wherein each connection element is adapted to connect together two channel sections, and comprises at least one coupling portion for coupling to a channel section; and 35 wherein at least one drainage channel section and at least one connection element are adapted to be coupled together by at inserting at least a part of one of H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08 - 13 said drainage channel section and connection element into a cavity defined by the other of said drainage channel section and connection element. Preferably, said at least one drainage channel 5 section and at least one connection element are adapted to be coupled together by at inserting at least a part of one of said drainage channel section and connection element into the cavity defined by the other of said drainage channel section and connection element via a substantially 10 open top of said other of said drainage channel section and connection element. Preferably, said at least one drainage.channel section and at least one connection element are adapted to be coupled together by at inserting at least a part of one 15 of said drainage channel section and connection element into the cavity defined by the other of said drainage channel section and connection element by relative movement of the drainage channel section and connection element in a direction which does not correspond to the 20 axial direction of the drainage channel section. Preferably, said at least one drainage channel section and at least one connection element are adapted to be coupled together by at inserting at least a part of one of said drainage channel section and connection element 25 into the cavity defined by the other of said drainage channel section and connection element by relative movement of the drainage channel section and connection element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drainage channel section. 30 It will be appreciated that at least some of the features set out above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention may be applicable to the fourth aspect. 35 Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the H:\DanielR\apecis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 14 accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of drainage channel apparatus in accordance with the present invention, in the form of two drainage channel sections 5 connected by a connection element; Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the shape of the drainage channel sections of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an isometric view illustrating 10 schematically the shape of the drainage channel sections of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a detailed end view of a preferred embodiment of drainage channel section, corresponding generally to the drainage channel sections of Fig. 1; 15 Fig. 5(a) is a schematic perspective view of a connection element of Fig. 1 in isolation; Fig. 5(b) is a schematic cross sectional view of the connection element of Fig. 5(a) Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the drainage 20 channel section of Fig.s 2 to 4, with an end view of the connection element of Fig.s 5(a) and 5(b) coupled to the drainage channel section; Figs. 7 to 10 are schematic cross sectional views of a drainage channel element and a connection element, 25 sequentially illustrating the mutual coupling thereof; Fig. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view of a drainage channel element and a connection element coupled together with a grate provided in the drainage channel element; 30 Figs. 12 to 24 are is schematic cross sectional illustrations of alternative embodiments; Fig. 25 is perspective view of an embodiment of a drainage channel section which is provided with a vertical drain pipe; and 35 Fig. 26 is a schematic cross sectional view of the drainage channel section of Fig. 25 in use. H:\DanielR\specia\P7S714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 15 Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring to the drawings, and especially Figs. 1 to 6, an embodiment of a drainage channel apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a 5 plurality of elongate drainage channel sections, which in this embodiment are in the form of an elongate trough section generally designated 1 and an addition elongate trough section generally designated 2. The apparatus further comprises at least one connection element which in 10 this embodiment is in the form of a connector 101 which couples to each of the trough sections and thus couples together trough section 1 and additional trough section 2. Each trough section 1,2 is substantially uniform in radial cross-section along its length and may be 15 regarded as having an axis in its direction of elongation. The additional trough section 2 corresponds in form to the trough section 1, and therefore only the trough section 1 which will be described in detail herein. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, an axial end region of 20 each trough section 1,2 is nested within an appropriate axial region of the connector 101, so that the adjacent ends of the trough sections 1,2 abut, thus forming a substantially continuous channel. As will be described hereafter, the connector 101 is adapted to underlie the 25 trough sections in use, and the cross sectional shape of each trough section 1,2 is such that trough sections (or more specifically, in practice, the end regions of the trough sections) can be nested into and coupled to the connector 101 by forcing them directly downwards into the 30 substantially horizontally oriented connector. With particular reference to Figs. 2 to 4 the trough section 1 is, in this embodiment, formed by folding a sheet of steel and comprises first and second bottom wall portions 10,11 which together form a shallow V-shaped 35 bottom wall of the trough section 1. Each of the bottom wall portions 10,11 may be regarded as being in the form of an elongate generally planar sheet, which in this H:\DanielR\apecia\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/OS/08 - 16 embodiment is generally rectangular, with one of its long sides being coincident with a corresponding long side of the other bottom wall portion at an obtuse angle to form a bottom fold line 13 between the first and second bottom 5 wall portions 10,11 of the trough section 1. The first bottom wall portion 10 of the trough section 1 is inclined in its lateral direction (which is also the lateral, or width, direction of the trough section 1) and extends, substantially half the width of the trough section 1, 10 between the bottom fold line 13 and a first side wall 20 of the trough section 1. The first side wall 20 of the trough section 1 extends from the higher, outer, lateral side of the first bottom wall portion 10 of the trough section 1. 15 The first side wall 20 of the trough section 1 comprises a coupling portion for coupling the trough section 1 to the connector 101, and in this embodiment the coupling portion is in the form of an interlocking part 26 of the side wall 20 which is adapted to interlock with a 20 coupling portion of the connector 101. The interlocking part 26 of the first side wall 20 of the trough section 1 comprises a lower interlocking part 27, which extends upwardly and laterally outwardly from the top of a substantially vertical lower side wall part 29. The 25 interlocking part 26 of the trough section 1 further comprises an upper interlocking part 28, which extends upwardly and laterally inwardly from the top of the lower interlocking part 27. An upper side wall part 30 extends vertically upwardly from the top of the upper interlocking 30 part 28, and terminates in an axially extending folded back wall part 31, which in this embodiment is provided by turning back the upper side wall part 30 to create a 180 degree turn at the top thereof. The upwardly facing outside surface of the 180 degree turn thus provides a top 35 edge 32 of the first side wall 20 of the trough section 1, and also a top part of the entire trough section 1. The lower side wall part 29 is generally planar, H:\DanielR\Bpecie\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 17 and extends generally vertically from the higher, outer, lateral side of the first bottom wall portion 10 of the trough section 1. The lower and upper side wall parts 29, 30 are generally coplanar, so that the interlocking part 5 26 is provided therebetween and extends laterally outwardly further than the lower and upper side wall parts 29, 30 of the first side wall of the trough section. The interlocking part, in this embodiment, may be regarded as being in the form of an axially and outwardly extending 10 ridge, provided in an otherwise generally planar side wall. The trough section 1 is generally symmetrical about a central vertical axially extending plane and it will therefore be appreciated that the second bottom wall 15 portion 11 of the trough section 1 is essentially a mirror image of the first bottom wall portion 10 of the trough section 1, and that a second side wall 40 of the trough section 1 extends generally upwardly from the higher outer long edge of the second bottom wall portion 11 of the 20 trough section 1. The second side wall 40 is effectively a mirror image of the first side wall 20 (at least in this embodiment, although this is not necessarily the case) and will therefore not be described in detail as full knowledge of its form in this embodiment can be 25 ascertained readily from the description of the first side wall 20 of the trough section 1. However, it should be appreciated that the second side wall 40 comprises a coupling portion which in this embodiment is in the form of a second side wall interlocking part 146. 30 The cross sectional shape of the connector 101 corresponds generally to the cross sectional shape of the trough section 1, but is dimensioned slightly larger in order to allow a length of the trough section 1 to nest within an appropriate axial length of the connector 101. 35 That is, with particular reference to Figs. 5(a) and 5(b), the connector 101 is, in this embodiment, formed by folding a sheet of steel and comprises first and second H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08 - 18 bottom wall portions 110,111 which together form a shallow V-shaped bottom wall of the connector 101. Each of the bottom wall portions 110,111 may be regarded as being in the form of an elongate generally planar sheet, which in 5 this embodiment is generally rectangular, with one of its long sides being coincident with a corresponding long side of the other bottom wall portion at an obtuse angle to form a bottom fold line 113 between the first and second bottom wall portions 110,111 of the connector 101. The 10 first bottom wall portion 110 is inclined in its lateral direction (which is also the lateral, or width, direction of the connector 101) and extends substantially half the width of the connector 101, between the bottom fold line 113 and a first side wall 120 which extends from the 15 higher, outer, lateral side of the first bottom wall portion 110. The first side wall 120 comprises a coupling portion for coupling the connector 101 to the trough section 1. In this embodiment the coupling portion is in 20 the form of an interlocking part 126 of the side wall 120 which is adapted to interlock with a coupling portion, and more specifically the interlocking part 26, of the trough section 1. The interlocking part 126 comprises a lower interlocking part 127, which extends upwardly and 25 laterally outwardly from the top of a lower side wall part 129. The interlocking part 126 further comprises an upper interlocking part 128, which extends upwardly and laterally inwardly from the top of the lower interlocking part 127. An upper side wall part 130 extends vertically 30 upwardly from the top of the upper interlocking part 128, and terminates in a top edge 132 of the first side wall 120. (Unlike the corresponding upper side wall part 30 of the trough section 1, in this embodiment the top of the upper side wall part 130 of the connector 101 is not 35 provided with a folded back wall part.) The lower side wall part 129 of the connector 101 is generally planar, and extends generally vertically from H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 19 the higher, outer, lateral side of the first bottom wall portion 110. The lower and upper side wall parts 129, 130 are generally coplanar, so that the interlocking part 126 is provided therebetween and extends laterally outwardly 5 further than the lower and upper side wall parts 129, 130. Like the trough section 1, the connector 101 is generally symmetrical about a central vertical axially extending plane, and it will be appreciated that the second bottom wall portion 111 is essentially a mirror 10 image of the first bottom wall portion 110, and that a second side wall 140 extends generally upwardly from the higher outer long edge of the second bottom wall portion 111. The second side wall is effectively a mirror image of the first side wall (at least in this embodiment, 15 although this is not necessarily the case) and will therefore not be described in detail as this form can be appreciated readily from the description of the first side wall 120. Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the trough 20 section 1 of Fig.s 2 to 4, with an end view of the connector 101 of Fig.s 5(a) and 5(b) coupled to the drainage channel section, and corresponds generally to a section on the line VI-VI of Fig. 1. The trough section 1 nests snugly within the connector 101, and is effectively 25 coupled to the connector by the interlocking parts 26, 126, 46, 146. Further, the tops of the side walls 120, 140 of the connector 101 abutt the bottoms of the turned back portions 31 of the side walls 20, 40 of the trough section 1 reinforcing the snug fit and providing a 30 generally smooth, continuous outer surface of the apparatus in the region of the connector 101. The snug fit is a feature of preferred embodiments, but it will be appreciated that it is not essential that the entire profiles of the trough section and connector contact each 35 other in a snug manner: if desired the trough section and connector could be shaped so that, in use, spaces or cavities would be provided therebetween. H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 20 Fig.s 4 and 6 provide measurements, for the trough section 1 and connector 101 respectively, of a currently preferred embodiment, in millimetres. It will be appreciated that the measurements are by way of 5 illustration only and should not be considered limiting. Furthermore, the shapes of the interlocking parts 26, 126, 46, 146 may also be varied in other embodiments. For example, in the illustrated embodiment each of the lower interlocking part 27 and upper interlocking part 28, of 10 the first side wall 20 of the trough section 1 extend away from the rest of the (substantially vertical) side wall 20 at an angle of about 30 degrees, and each of the lower interlocking part 127 and upper interlocking part 128 of the side wall 120 of the connector 101, extend away from 15 the rest of the (substantially vertical) side wall 120 at a similar angle. If less resistance to coupling (or decoupling) were desired, the appropriate angle could be decreased; if more resistance to coupling (or decoupling) were desired the appropriate angle could be increased; and 20 if it were desired to lock the coupled parts of the apparatus together particularly securely, the angle at which the upper interlocking part 28 extends from the side wall could be increased, for example to 90 degrees. Of course, these are only illustrative examples of variations 25 that could be made (others will be illustrated and described in due course) and many other variables, such as the thickness and stiffness of the material used will also have effect on the coupling operation. Fig.s 7 to 10 illustrate sequentially the process 30 of coupling of the trough 1 to the connector 101. It will be appreciated that the trough 1 and connector 101, as illustrated in Fig.s 7 to 10 (and Fig. 11) are proportioned slightly differently to the trough 1 and connector 101, as illustrated in Fig.s 1 to 6, being wider 35 in relation to their heights, but because they share substantially all the features, the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding parts. H:\DanielR\BpeciB\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 21 As illustrated in Fig.s 7 to 10, in the illustrated preferred embodiment the trough section 1 and connector 101 can be coupled by forcing the trough section 1 into the connector 101 by relative movement in a 5 direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the trough section 1. In practice this direction will generally be substantially vertically downwards, as indicated by the arrow A in Fig.s 7 to 9. Fig 7 shows the trough section 1 being moved 10 towards, but not yet contacting, the connector 101. Fig. 8 shows the trough section 1 being moved into contact with the connector 101. As illustrated, the connector is dimensioned, relative to the trough section, so that the lateral spacing of the tops 132, 152 of the 15 side walls 120, 140 of the connector 101, in equilibrium, is slightly greater than the lateral width of the bottom of the trough section 1, but smaller than the lateral width of the trough section 1 including the interlocking parts 26, 46. Thus the bottom of the trough section 1 20 (that is, in this embodiment, the part of the trough section below the interlocking parts 26,46) can be easily inserted between the tops 132,152 of the side walls 120, 140 of the connector 101, as illustrated in Fig. 8. However, because the side walls 120, 140 of the connector 25 101 are laterally spaced apart by a distance smaller than the lateral width of the trough section 1 including the interlocking parts 26, 46, the tops 132,152 of the side walls 120, 140 engage on the downwardly facing lower wall parts 29, 49 of the interlocking parts 26, 46, and offer 30 some resistance to further movement of the trough section 1 into the connector 101. Forcing the trough section 1 towards the bottom of the connector thus results in the downwardly facing lower wall parts 29, 49 of the interlocking parts 26, 46, forcing the tops 132,152 of the 35 side walls 120, 140 laterally outwardly, as indicated by the arrows designated B in Fig. 8. As a reactive force, the tops 132,152 of the side walls 120, 140 force the H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08 - 22 downwardly facing lower wall parts 29, 49 of the interlocking parts 26, 46 laterally inwardly, as indicated by the arrows designated C in Fig. 8. The downwardly facing lower wall parts 29, 49 of the interlocking parts 5 26, 46, may thus be regarded as forcing portions of the trough section 1. The tops 132,152 (and/or the upper side wall parts 130, 150) of the side walls 120, 140 of the connector 101 may thus be regarded as forcing portions of the connector 101. 10 The tops 132,152 and upper side wall parts 130, 150 of the side walls 120,140 of the connector 101 can thus effectively be forced to "ride over" the laterally projecting interlocking parts 126, 146 of the trough section, as illustrated schematically in Fig. 9. In Fig. 15 9, for illustrative purposes and simplicity, the interlocking parts 26, 46 are shown in their normal positions and the tops 132,152 and upper side wall parts 130, 150 of the side walls 120,140 of the connector 101 are shown displaced laterally outwardly. In practice, the 20 extent to which the interlocking parts 26, 46 are forced laterally inwardly, and to which the tops 132,152 and upper side wall parts 130, 150 of the side walls 120,140 of the connector 101 are forced laterally outwardly will depend on the structural details of the trough section 1 25 and connector 101. It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, at least one of the trough section 1 and connector 101 should be sufficiently flexible that the first and second side walls can be moved slightly towards or away from each other by manual application of a 30 suitable force, and sufficiently resilient that they can return to substantially their equilibrium shapes: manufacture from stainless steel sheet of a suitable thickness can provide these desired qualities, as well as being durable and corrosion resistant. (In alternative 35 embodiments one or both of the coupling portions may be deformable or otherwise arranged so that the remainder of the trough and/or connector can be substantially rigid.) H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08 - 23 As illustrated in Fig.s 7 to 10, the interlocking parts 26,46 of the trough section 1 extend laterally outwardly and may be regarded as projecting shaped wall portions of the side walls 20, 40, and the interlocking 5 parts 126,146 of the connector comprise complementary shaped wall portions of the connector 101 which effectively provide axially extending recesses (in the connector side walls 120, 140) which are adapted to receive at least part of the laterally projecting shaped 10 sidewall portions. When the trough section 1 is inserted sufficiently far into the connector 101 that the outwardly projecting interlocking parts 26,46 of the trough section 1 reach the complementary shaped recessed interlocking 15 parts 126,146 of the connector 101, the connector 101 (and/or trough section 1) can resiliently return substantially to equilibrium shape, so that the outwardly projecting interlocking parts 26,46 of the trough section 1 are effectively trapped in the complementary shaped 20 interlocking parts 126, 46 of the connector 101, thus coupling the trough section 1 to the connector 101. Thus the trough section 1 can be coupled to the connector 101 in a "snap-fit" type manner. At least in preferred embodiments, the force that 25 must be applied in order to effect this is not insubstantial. In preferred embodiments, the trough section 1 comes to an abrupt halt when the interlocking parts 26,46 of the trough section reach the complementary interlocking parts 126,146 of the connector (both because 30 of the positive engagement of the interlocking parts 26,126,46,146 and because this corresponds to the bottom wall of the trough section 1 reaching the bottom wall of the connector 101) and this helps to make the snap-fit coupling of the trough section 1 to the connector 101 35 extremely positive. It will be appreciated that the trough section 1 and the connector 101, when coupled, are able to slide axially relative to each other. This provides a H:\DanielR\epecis\P75714.AU. .doc 27/05/08 - 24 user with an easy way of decoupling, and/or mutually repositioning, the trough section 1 and the connector 101, if required. Fig. 11 schematically illustrates the apparatus 5 of Fig.10 with a grate 60 covering the top of the trough section to provide a tread surface (for example to allow people to safely walk over the apparatus) and to prevent ingress of debris which might block the drainage channel. The grate 60 is elongate, being dimensioned to 10 fit snugly within a trough section 1, and comprises first and second side frame members 62,64 which extend along the axial sides of the grate 60, a plurality of wedge-wire (or other) tread members 66 which extend in an axial direction of the grate 60, and a plurality of tread member supports, 15 of which one, designated 68, is shown. Each tread member support 68 extends laterally across the grate 60 between the first and second side frame members 62,64 and is attached to both side frame members 62,64. The tread members 66 may be welded to the tread member supports 68. 20 The tread member supports 68 may be formed from rectangular cross section stainless steel bar, and have a height which is substantially the same as the height of the side walls 20, 40 of the trough section. The tread member supports 68 can thus rest on the laterally 25 outermost parts of the bottom wall portions 10,11 while having their tops at the level of the tops of the side walls 20,40, and also supporting the tread members 66 at this height. Although a preferred embodiment has been 30 described in detail it will be appreciated that many alternatives are possible. For example, in the above described embodiment an end of the trough section 1 is adapted to nest within the connector 101, but in an alternative (although not 35 currently preferred) embodiment a connector could be dimensioned to nest within one or more trough sections (that is, in a typical form of such an alternative, so H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 25 that respective first and second end parts of the connector would nest within respective first and second trough sections in order to connect them together). The process of coupling such a connector to one or more trough 5 sections could be analogous to the process described above in relation to coupling the trough section 1 to the connector 101, except that the axially shorter connector would fit within end parts of the axially longer trough sections. A disadvantage of such an alternative is that 10 providing connectors within the trough sections might adversely affect the flow of fluid through the trough sections in use. Fig. 12 is a schematic cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a drainage channel section, in 15 the form of a trough section 200 in which the coupling portions are in the form of interlocking portions 226,246 of the side walls 220,240 which project inwardly rather than outwardly. This trough section 200 could be adapted for 20 nesting in an appropriately correspondingly shaped connector (not shown, but which could also have a coupling portion provided by complementary inwardly projecting interlocking portions), providing a trough 200 in which each interlocking portion 226, 246 comprises a shaped wall 25 portion which provides an axially extending recess 235, 255, into which an interlocking portion of a connector in the form of a projection would extend, in use. In one such embodiment, as the trough section 200 is pushed into the connector the lateral sides of the bottom of the 30 trough section will act as forcing portions of the trough section and engage respective inclined upper interlocking parts of the connector (which act as forcing portions of the connector), thus forcing the connector side walls outwards and/or the trough section side walls inwards. As 35 the trough section 200 is pushed further into the connector the laterally innermost parts of the interlocking parts of the connector will ride over lower H:\DanielR\specia\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 26 side wall parts 229, 259, until the trough section 200 is pushed sufficiently far into the connector that the interlocking parts of the connector enter the recesses 235,255. 5 In one alternative, the trough section 200 could be adapted to have an appropriately correspondingly shaped connector (not shown) nested therein. In this case the coupling portions of the trough section, in the form of interlocking parts 226,246 provided by complementary 10 inwardly projecting wall portions, comprise shaped wall portions which provide axially extending laterally inwardly extending projections, and the connector (not shown) would provide interlocking portions in the form complementary recesses. In one such embodiment, as the 15 connector is pushed into the trough section 200 the lateral sides of the bottom of the connector will act as forcing portions of the connector and engage respective inclined upper interlocking parts 227,247 of the trough section 200 (which act as forcing portions of the trough 20 section), thus forcing the trough section side walls outwards and/or the connector side walls inwards. As the connector is pushed further into the trough section 200 the laterally innermost parts of the interlocking parts 226,246 of the trough section 200 will ride over lower 25 side wall parts of the connector, until the connector is pushed sufficiently far into the trough section 200 that the projecting interlocking parts 226,246 of the trough section enter the complementary recesses of the connector. Fig. 13 is schematic cross sectional view of an 30 alternative embodiment of a drainage channel section, in the form of a trough section 300 in which the coupling portions are in the form of interlocking parts 326,346 of the side walls 320,340 which are curved in form, rather than angular, and which project laterally outwardly. The 35 trough section 300 could be used with a connector (not shown) with similarly shaped interlocking parts, or any other complementary shaped coupling portions. H:\DanielR\pecis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 27 Fig. 14 is schematic cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a drainage channel section, in the form of a trough section 400 in which the coupling portions are in the form of interlocking parts 426,446 of 5 the side walls 420,440 are curved in form which are curved in form, rather than angular, and which project laterally outwardly rather than outwardly. Fig. 15 is schematic cross sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of a trough section 500, in 10 which only one coupling portion in the form of an interlocking part 526 as previously described, is provided. The interlocking part 526 is provided as a shaped part of a first side wall 520. A complementary connector 580 is indicated schematically by a broken line, 15 and has a first side wall 582 with a complementary shaped wall portion which comprises an interlocking part 585 complementary to the interlocking part 526 of the trough section 500. The trough section 500 and connector 580 can be coupled using just this single pair of 20 complimentary coupling portions. As an option, a second side wall 540 of the trough section 500 may include, at its top, a turned over portion 546 which provides a retaining part 548 which is biased towards the outside surface of the main part of the second side wall 540, and 25 a receiving part 550 which projects from the retaining part 548 and is angled downwardly and laterally outwardly. This effectively provides a clip which can receive and retain the top 594 of a second side wall 592 of the connector 580. The top 594 of the second side wall 592 of 30 the connector 580 may comprise an angled, widened or beaded portion (not shown) and these described structures of the a second side wall 540 of the trough section 500 and the second side wall 592 of the connector 580 can be regarded as alternative coupling, interlocking or snap 35 fitting portions, to those described in other embodiments. An apparatus in which such a structure is provided at each side (and which does not include any other interlocking H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 28 coupling portion) is considered a feasible alternative embodiment. Fig. 16(a) is a schematic cross sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of a trough section 600, 5 in which the coupling portions comprise shaped side wall portions 620,640 which are formed by substantially the entire vertical heights of trough section side walls. A complementary connector 680 is indicated by a broken line and comprises coupling portions in the form of 10 complementary shaped side wall portions 682,684 which are formed by substantially the entire vertical heights of the connector side walls. In a further alternative, illustrated schematically in Fig. 16(b) the cross sections of the trough section 690 and connector 691 can be part 15 circular, so that the side walls and bottom walls are essentially continuous. It will be appreciated from Fig. 16(b) that the connector 691 can be forced into the trough section 690 in order to effect coupling. It will also be appreciated that in an alternative (not shown) an 20 appropriately dimensioned trough section with part circular cross section could be adapted to be forced into an appropriately dimensioned connector with part-circular cross section. Fig. 17 is schematic cross sectional view of a 25 further alternative embodiment of a trough section 700, in which the side walls 720,740 of the trough section diverge rather than being parallel. Although not illustrated in Fig.s 12 to 17, it is preferred that at least one of the trough section and 30 connector be provided with folded back wall parts (analogous to the folded back wall part 31 of the trough section 1) at the tops of the side walls. These provide a safer and more aesthetically pleasing top edge than a mere cut top edge of a side wall, and may also assist in the 35 coupling and provide a smoother interior or exterior surface of the apparatus, as illustrated best in Fig. 6. Fig. 18 is schematic cross sectional view of a H:\DanielR\gpecie\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/0 - 29 further alternative embodiment of a trough section 800, in which the coupling portions comprise projections provided by projection elements 826,846 attached to respective side walls 820,840 of the trough section, rather than being 5 provided solely by the shaping of side walls with substantially uniform thickness (as is the case in other illustrated embodiments). In one such embodiment the projection elements 826,846 are steel bars of triangular cross section which are welded to the side walls. Such 10 projection elements 826,846 could be provided intermittently along the axial length of the trough section or only at selected axial positions (rather than along the entire axial length of the trough section as is preferred in the other illustrated and described 15 embodiments). However, the structure illustrated in, and described with reference to, Fig.s 1 to 11, in which the entire thickness of the wall is shaped to provide a coupling portion, is currently preferred. Fig.s 19 to 21 are schematic radial cross 20 sections of further alternative embodiments in which the trough sections are indicated by solid lines and the connectors by broken curves, and in which, in use, the trough sections nest within the respective connectors. In each embodiment it can be seen that the tops of the side 25 walls of the connectors are laterally spaced by a distance, WCO1MtOP, which is greater than the lateral spacing, Wtroughbase, of the outermost parts of the trough section base, so that the trough section can be forced into the connector. (This is a feature of currently 30 preferred embodiments in which the trough sections nest within connectors. However, this feature might not be necessary in the case that the trough section includes one or more forcing parts as part of the base, such might be possible with a V-shaped base wherein the angled walls of 35 the base can apply a suitable lateral force to the tops of the side walls of the connector.) Fig.s 22 to 24 are schematic radial cross H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 30 sections of further alternative embodiments in which the trough sections are indicated by solid lines and the connectors by broken curves, and in which, in use, the connectors nest within the respective trough sections. In 5 each embodiment it can be seen that the tops of the side walls of the trough section are laterally spaced by a distance, Wtroughtop, which is greater than the lateral spacing, Wconnbase, of the outermost parts of the connector base, so that the connector can be forced into the trough 10 section. (If the connector includes one or more forcing parts as part of the base, such might be possible with a V-shaped base wherein the angled walls of the base can apply a suitable lateral force to the tops of the side walls of the trough, this might not be necessary.) 15 In each of the embodiments of Fig.s 19 to 24 it can be seen that the narrowest part of a coupling art of the connector is laterally further inwards, see eg distance Wainconncoup in Fig. 21, than the widest or outermost part of the coupling part of the trough section, see eg 20 distance Wmaxtroughcoup in Fig.s 19 and 20, and that the widest part of a coupling art of the connector is laterally further outwards than the narrowest or innermost part of the coupling part of the trough section. It should be appreciated that although the 25 embodiments of Fig.s 19 to 24 are each illustrated as being generally symmetrical about a centre line through the radial cross section, this need not be a feature of all embodiments and the widths referred to above are thus indicated on the drawings by a distance from a 30 schematically presented centre line. Of course many other variations and alternatives are possible, including, but not limited to, the following. The trough sections and connectors could be higher and narrower than the illustrated embodiments, or 35 of any other suitable proportions. Other forms of coupling portion may be used, although a snap fitting arrangement is preferred, and the arrangement illustrated in, and H:\DanielR\specia\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08 - 31 described with reference to, Fig.s 1 to 11 is currently preferred. The trough sections could have differently shaped bottom walls (rather than flat or v-shaped) bottoms (although the v-shaped bottom is currently considered 5 preferable, since it is convenient to manufacture and helps prevent pooling of fluid, especially if the trough section is not exactly horizontally oriented in its lateral direction. The trough sections and/or connectors could be made from materials other than stainless steel, 10 such as other metals or suitable plastics. The trough sections and/or connectors could be made by processes other than folding, for example plastic trough sections and/or connectors could be made by extrusion. Many other alternative embodiments are possible. 15 For example, each trough section could be provided with a connector permanently attached at one axial end thereof. Each connector could then connect the trough section to which it is permanently connected to another trough section by coupling (eg in a manner already described 20 above) to the end of the other trough section that does not have a connector permanently attached thereto. The connectors could be formed separately from their respective trough sections and attached thereto during manufacture or at some other time prior to installation, 25 or could be integrally formed as part of a rolling or pressing process used to manufacture the trough portions. Such an embodiment could be particularly convenient for installing long runs of drainage channel since each combined trough section and connector could connect easily 30 to the next. It should be appreciated that many of the preferred and alternative structures or features which are described as being applicable to one of a trough section or a connector are applicable to alternative embodiments 35 of the other of a trough section or a connector, and the skilled addressee will appreciate the variations required to the apparatus as a whole required to implement the H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.1.doc 27/05/08 - 32 variations in a practicable manner. Fig. 25 is perspective view of an embodiment of a drainage trough section 901 which is provided with a drainage pipe 990 depending perpendicularly from an 5 axially central thereof. In use the drainage trough section 901 could be used as part of a drainage channel apparatus, for example, for stormwater line drainage or drainage of a shower area, and the drain pipe 990 allows water to exit the drainage channel and to be collected or 10 disposed of, as desired. Fig. 26 is a schematic cross sectional view of the drainage trough section 901 in use in a floor of a shower area. The trough section 901 is set into the floor 910 as part of a drainage apparatus which comprises a 15 number of trough sections connected by a number of connectors, for example, as generally illustrated in Fig.s 1 to 10. The trough section 901 is set into the floor 910 in a manner that corresponds generally to that of some conventional single-point shower drainage apparatus, 20 except that being part of a line drainage system the fall of the floor need be only towards the line drainage provided by the drainage apparatus, rather than towards a single point at which a small, typically circular, drain is provided. The trough section 901 is set into the 25 mortar base 920 of the floor 910 which is tiled so that the tops of the tiles 930, which form the floor surface just adjacent the trough section 901, are at substantially the same height as the side walls of the trough section 901. The drainage pipe 990 is connected to a puddle flange 30 940, or alternative leak control arrangement, which is connected to a floor outlet pipe 950. One or more grates 960 are preferably fitted into the entire length of drainage channel, including the trough section 901, to provide a safe tread surface through which water may drain 35 effectively. A flexible sealant may be used around the periphery of the channel to prevent or reduce seepage of water from the tiles 930 down the outside of the channel. H:\DanielR\specis\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08 - 33 The drainage system in accordance with preferred embodiments thus allows a drainage channel of any desired length to be formed from a plurality of trough sections connected by connectors, and the fact that each trough 5 section can be moved vertically into place in order to couple it to the rest of the apparatus facilitates installation and represents a significant enhancement over an apparatus in which the parts must be axially slid together in order to be coupled. 10 The close fitting of each trough section (eg trough section 1) to each connector (eg connector 101) to which it is fitted will provide an ample seal against leakage for most applications, but if desired a sealing material (for example mastic or silicone based sealing 15 compound) may be provided between the nested trough sections and connectors. In the embodiment of Fig.s 1 to 10, for example, a mastic or silicone based sealing compound could be applied to the interior of the connector 101 prior to coupling of the trough section thereto. 20 However, no welding or similarly cumbersome attachment or sealing process is required, which provides an enormous benefit over apparatus that merely provides trough sections with abutting ends which require welding together. 25 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, 30 ie. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. H:\DanielR\epecis\P75714.AU.l.doc 27/05/08

Claims

1. A drainage channel apparatus comprising a plurality of elongate drainage channel sections and at 5 least one connection element for connecting together two drainage channel sections: wherein each drainage channel section has an axis of elongation, and a top and a bottom in use, and comprises: at least one channel bottom wall portion for 10 defining a length of a bottom portion of a drainage channel; first and second channel side wall portions extending upwardly from the at least one channel bottom wall portion; and at least one coupling portion for coupling to a connection element; is wherein each connection element is adapted to connect together two drainage channel sections, and comprises at least one coupling portion for coupling to a drainage channel section; and wherein at least one drainage channel section 20 and at least one connection element are adapted to be coupled together in an arrangement in which at least a portion of the axial length of the drainage channel section is nested with at least a portion of the axial length of the connection element, by relative movement of 25 said drainage channel section and connection element to bring the coupling portion of the drainage channel section into engagement with the coupling portion of said connection element.

2. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in 30 claim 1 wherein said drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled together in a nested arrangement by relative movement of said drainage channel section and connection element by snap fitting.

3. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in 35 either preceding claim wherein the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled by moving one of the drainage channel section and N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\75000-75999P75714.AU.1Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05/08 - 35 connection element relative to the other of the drainage channel section and connection element in a direction which does not correspond to the axial direction of the drainage channel section. 5

4. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled by forcing one of the drainage channel section and connection element into the other of the drainage channel section and 10 connection element in a direction which does not correspond to the axial direction of the drainage channel section.

5. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said drainage channel section 15 and connection element are coupled, the respective coupling portions interact to resist decoupling of the drainage channel section and connection element.

6. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein when said drainage channel section and 20 connection element are coupled, the respective coupling portions interlock to resist decoupling of the drainage channel section and connection element.

7. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the drainage channel section and 25 connection element are adapted to be coupled by forcing one of the drainage channel section and connection element into the other of the drainage channel section and connection element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drainage channel section. 30

8. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to snap fit together by forcing one of the drainage channel section and connection element into the other of the drainage channel section and 35 connection element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drainage channel section.

9. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75714.AU.1\Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05/08 - 36 any of claims 4, 7 or 8 wherein the drainage channel section comprises a forcing portion for applying force with a component in a lateral direction of the drainage channel section to the connection element as one of the s drainage channel section and connection element is moved into the other of the drainage channel section and connection element.

10. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the connection element comprises a forcing 10 portion for applying force with a component in a lateral direction of the drainage channel section to the drainage channel section as one of the drainage channel section and connection element is moved into the other of the drainage channel section and connection element. 15

11. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled by forcing the drainage channel section into the connection element. 20

12. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled together in a nested arrangement with said drainage channel section nested within said connection element. 25

13. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in either of claims 11 or 12 when dependent upon claim 9 or claim 10 wherein a forcing portion of the drainage channel section is for applying a force with a component in a laterally outwards direction of the drainage channel 30 section to the connection element as the drainage channel section is forced into connection element.

14. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in either of claims 11 or 12 when dependent upon claim 10 wherein the forcing portion of the connection element is 35 for applying a force with a component in a laterally inwards direction of the drainage channel section to the drainage channel section as the drainage channel section N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75714.AU.1\Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05/08 - 37 is forced into connection element.

15. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14 wherein at least one forcing portion of the drainage channel section is provided as part of a s coupling portion of the drainage channel section.

16. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 wherein said drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled together in a nested arrangement with said connection 10 element nested within said drainage channel section.

17. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein a forcing portion provided on the drainage channel section is adapted to apply a force with a component in a laterally inwards direction of the 15 drainage channel section to the connection element as the connection element is forced into drainage channel section.

18. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein a forcing portion provided on the 20 connection element is adapted to apply a force with a component in a laterally outwards direction of the drainage channel section to the drainage channel section as the connection element is forced into drainage channel section. 25

19. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one coupling portion of the drainage channel section is provided on or by a channel section side wall.

20. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in 30 claim 19 wherein at least one coupling portion of the drainage channel section comprises a shaped channel section side wall portion.

21. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the or each shaped channel section side 35 wall portion comprises a region where the entire channel section side wall is of substantially uniform thickness.

22. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\750O0-75999tP75714.AU.1\Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 2910508 - 38 either of claims 19 or 20 wherein the or each shaped channel section side wall portion comprises a region where the entire thickness of the channel section side wall is shaped. s

23. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the or each shaped channel section side wall portion comprises a shaped element attached to the side wall.

24. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in 10 any of claims 20 to 22 wherein at least one shaped channel section side wall portion projects in a generally radial direction relative to the axis of the drainage channel section.

25. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in 15 any of claims 20 to 24 wherein at least one shaped channel section side wall portion projects generally laterally relative to the drainage channel section.

26. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 20 to 25 wherein each of the first and 20 second side walls of the drainage channel section comprises a shaped channel section side wall portion.

27. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 20 to 26 wherein at least one shaped side wall portion extends substantially the entire length of 25 the drainage channel section.

28. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein each drainage channel section is substantially uniform in cross section along at least a substantial proportion of its length. 30

29. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 20 to 28 wherein at least one shaped channel section side wall portion comprises an axially extending ridge formed in the channel section side wall.

30. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in 35 any of claims 20 to 29 wherein at least one shaped channel section side wall portion comprises a generally upwardly facing portion and a generally downwardly facing portion. N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\750-75999\P75714.AU.I\Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05108 - 39

31. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the channel section is formed from a resilient material.

32. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in 5 any preceding claim wherein the channel section is formed from steel by a sheet metal folding process.

33. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said connection element comprises a connection element bottom portion and first 10 and second connection element side portions extending upwardly from the connection element bottom portion, the connection element bottom portion comprising at least one connection element bottom wall portion.

34. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in is claim 33 wherein the first and second connection element side portions comprise, respectively, first and second connection element side walls.

35. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in either or claims 33 or 34 wherein a coupling portion of 20 the connection element is provided on or by a complementary shaped portion of one or each of the first and second connection element side portions which is shaped to complement the shape of a coupling portion of the channel section. 25

36. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 35 wherein the or each complementary shaped portion comprises a region where the thickness of the connection element side portion is of substantially uniform thickness. 30

37. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in either of claims 35 or 36 wherein the or each complementary shaped portion comprises a region where the entire thickness of the connection element side portion is shaped. 35

38. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 35 wherein the or each complementary shaped portion comprises a shaped element attached to the side portion of N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75714.AU.1Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05/08 - 40 the connection element.

39. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 35 to 38 wherein at least one complementary shaped portion provides a recess in a side portion of the 5 connection element which extends in a generally radial direction relative to an axis of the connection element.

40. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 35 to 39 wherein each of the first and second side portions of the connection element comprises a 10 complementary shaped portion.

41. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 35 to 40 wherein at least one complementary shaped portion extends substantially the entire length of the connection element. 15

42. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 35 to 41 wherein each connection element is substantially uniform in cross section along at least a substantial proportion of its length.

43. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in 20 any preceding claims wherein the connection element is formed from a resilient material.

44. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the connection element is formed from steel by a sheet metal folding process. 25

45. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 35 to 42 wherein at least one complementary shaped portion comprises an axially extending ridge formed in a connection element side wall.

46. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in 30 any preceding claim wherein the drainage channel section and connection element have complementary cross sectional shapes.

47. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 46 wherein the drainage channel section and 35 connection element have generally similar cross sectional shapes.

48. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75714.AU. 1Specis\P75714AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05/08 - 41 any preceding claim wherein the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled by sliding one of the drainage channel section and connection element, substantially axially, into the other of the 5 drainage channel section and connection element.

49. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drainage channel section and connection element are adapted to be coupled by forcing the drainage channel section into the connection element 10 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drainage channel section; wherein the coupling portions comprise shaped side wall portions of the drainage channel section in the form of axially extending projections which project 15 laterally outwardly from the side walls, and the coupling portions of the connection element comprise complementary shaped portions of the connection element in the form of axially extending recesses in the connection element side walls which are adapted to receive at least part of the 20 laterally projecting shaped sidewall portions; wherein the lateral spacing of the side walls of the connection element, in equilibrium, is smaller than the lateral width of the drainage channel section including the shaped side wall portions, but slightly 25 greater than, or substantially equal to, the lateral width of the drainage channel section excluding the shaped side wall portions; wherein the drainage channel section and/or the connection element are sufficiently flexible that the 30 first and second side walls can be moved slightly towards or away from each other by manual application of a suitable force, and sufficiently resilient that they can return to substantially their equilibrium shapes, such that the side walls of the connection element can be moved 35 slightly away from each other and/or the side walls of the channel section can be moved slightly towards each other; wherein the shaped side wall portions of the N:\Brsbane\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75714.AU. 1\Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specfication 2008-5-28.doc 29/05108 - 42 channel section are shaped so that, as the drainage channel section is forced into the connection element, they apply a lateral force to the side walls of the connection element which forces apart the side walls of 5 the connection element and/or forces together the side walls of the channel section, so that the shaped side wall portions of the drainage channel section can fit between the side walls of the connection element and wherein when the drainage channel section is inserted sufficiently far 10 into the connection element that the outwardly projecting shaped sidewall portions of the drainage channel section reach the recessed complementary shaped portions of the connection element, the connection element and/or drainage channel section resiliently return substantially to 15 equilibrium shape, so that the outwardly projecting shaped sidewall portions of the drainage channel section are effectively trapped in the complementary shaped portions of the connection element, thus coupling the drainage channel section to the connection element. 20

50. An elongate drainage channel section, comprising: at least one bottom wall portion for defining a length of a bottom portion of a drainage channel; first and second side wall portions; and 25 at least one coupling portion for coupling the drainage channel section to a complementary connection element.

51. An elongate drainage channel section as claimed in claim 50 wherein the drainage channel section 30 is adapted to be coupled to the connection element by effecting movement of said drainage channel section in a direction which does not correspond to the axial direction of the drainage channel section.

52. An elongate drainage channel section as 35 claimed in either of claims 50 or 51 wherein said at least one first coupling portion comprises a shaped side wall portion of the drainage channel section. N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\75000-75999P75714.AU. 1\Specis\P75714.AU. 1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05108 - 43

53. An elongate drainage channel section as claimed in any of claims 50 to 52 wherein the drainage channel section comprises at least first and second coupling portions. 5

54. A connection element for connecting a first elongate drainage channel sections to a second elongate drainage channel section, the connection element comprising: at least one bottom wall portion; 10 first and second connection element side portions; and at least one connection element coupling portion for coupling the connection element to a drainage channel section. 15

55. A connection element as claimed in claim 54, wherein the connection element is adapted to be coupled to the drainage channel section by effecting relative movement of said connection element and drainage channel section in a direction which does not correspond 20 to the axial direction of the drainage channel section.

56. A connection element as claimed in either of claims 54 or 55 wherein at least one connection element coupling portion comprises a shaped side portion of the connection element. 25

57. A connection element as claimed in any of claims 54 to 56 wherein the connection element comprises at least first and second coupling portions.

58. A drainage channel apparatus comprising a plurality of elongate drainage channel sections and at 30 least one connection element for connecting together two channel sections: wherein each channel section has at least one coupling portion for coupling to a connection element; wherein each connection element is adapted to 35 connect together two channel sections, and comprises at least one coupling portion for coupling to a channel section; and N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75714.AU.1\Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29105/08 - 44 wherein at least one drainage channel section and at least one connection element are adapted to be coupled together by at inserting at least a part of one of said drainage channel section and connection element into 5 a cavity defined by the other of said drainage channel section and connection element.

59. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 58 wherein said at least one drainage channel section and at least one connection element are adapted to 10 be coupled together by at inserting at least a part of one of said drainage channel section and connection element into the cavity defined by the other of said drainage channel section and connection element via a substantially open top of said other of said drainage channel section is and connection element.

60. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in either of claims 58 or 59 wherein said at least one drainage channel section and at least one connection element are adapted to be coupled together by at inserting 20 at least a part of one of said drainage channel section and connection element into the cavity defined by the other of said drainage channel section and connection element by relative movement of the drainage channel section and connection element in a direction which does 25 not correspond to the axial direction of the drainage channel section.

61. A drainage channel apparatus as claimed in claim 60 wherein said at least one drainage channel section and at least one connection element are adapted to 30 be coupled together by at inserting at least a part of one of said drainage channel section and connection element into the cavity defined by the other of said drainage channel section and connection element by relative movement of the drainage channel section and connection 35 element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drainage channel section.

62. A drainage apparatus substantially as N:\Brisbane\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75714AU.1\Specis\P75714AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05/08 - 45 hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figs. 1 to 11, or any of Figs. 12 to 24.

63. An elongate drainage channel section substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to 5 and as shown in Figs. 1 to 11 or any of Figs. 12 to 25.

64. A connection element, for connecting a first elongate drainage channel section to a second elongate drainage channel section, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in 10 Figs. 1 to 11 or any of Figs. 15, 16(a), 16(b) or 19 to 24. N:\Brisbane\Cases\Ptent\75OO-75999\P75714.AU.1\Specis\P75714.AU.1 Specification 2008-5-28.doc 29/05108