AU2016100305B4

AU2016100305B4 - A grate

Info

Publication number: AU2016100305B4
Application number: AU2016100305A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Thomas Oliver Mcmanus
Original assignee: EJ AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: EJ AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-21
Filing date: 2016-03-21
Publication date: 2018-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-21
Also published as: AU2016100305A4

Abstract

A grate comprising a frame defining a plane and a plurality of spaced, grate bars arranged between a first side of the frame and a second side of the frame, wherein each of the grate bars has a plurality of cleats embossed on an upper surface thereof relative to an upper surface of the plane defined by the frame. 2620066v1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to a grate. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a grate for covering underground infrastructure services such as utility pits or drains.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Storm water drains are typically provided at spaced locations to allow storm water to be drained from roadways and areas subject to foot traffic. Similarly, utility pits are provided to allow access to underground infrastructure. Grates are typically used to cover such drains or utility pits. A problem with grates made of metal is that fluids such as water could cause the top surface of the grates to become slippery.

[0003] One prior art solution to slippery surfaces of grates is to apply an anti slip surface coating to the grate. However, such a solution involves an additional expensive step in the manufacturing of a grate. Additionally, the anti slip surface coating can wear away with excess use, requiring the replacement of the grate or a reapplication of the anti slip coating.

[0004] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0005] It is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide consumers with improvements and advantages over the above described prior art, and/or overcome and alleviate one or more of the above described disadvantages of the prior art, and/or provide a useful commercial choice.

2620066vl

2016100305 21 Mar 2016

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a grate comprising:

a frame defining a plane; and a plurality of spaced, grate bars arranged between a first side of the frame and a second side of the frame, wherein each of the grate bars has a plurality of cleats embossed on an upper surface thereof relative to an upper surface of the plane defined by the frame.

[0007] The frame may be of any suitable shape. A skilled addressee will understand that any suitable shaped frame may be used such that the frame fits a corresponding drain. Preferably, the frame is a rectangular frame. More preferably, the frame is a square frame. Preferably the frame has a lip. Preferably the frame is formed from one or more ‘L’ shaped members. Preferably a portion of the ‘L’ shaped member(s) define(s) the lip. Preferably the lip extends towards an internal area defined by the frame. If the frame is formed from one ‘L’ shaped member, the ‘L’ shaped member may be bent to form the desired shape of the frame. If the frame is formed from more than one ‘L’ shaped member, the ‘L’ shaped members may be attached to one another to form the desired shape of the frame.

[0008] Preferably, at least one handle is attached to an external side of the frame. More preferably four handles are attached to the frame. Preferably each of the four handles is attached to an external side of the frame. Preferably each of the at least one handle is welded to an external side of the frame. Alternatively, each of the at least one handle may be removably attached to an external side of the frame. For example, each of the at least one handle may be removably attached to an external side of the frame using a nut and bolt type of attachment.

[0009] Preferably the grate further comprises a plurality of spaced cross bars extending between a third side of the frame and a fourth side of the frame.

2620066vl

2016100305 21 Mar 2016

Preferably, each of the plurality of spaced cross bars is attached to the frame. More preferably, each of the plurality of spaced cross bars is attached to the frame towards each end of the cross bar. Preferably each of the plurality of spaced cross bars is welded to the frame. Preferably each of the plurality of spaced cross bars is supported by the lip of the frame. Preferably each of the plurality of spaced cross bars is attached to the lip of the frame. Preferably each of the plurality of spaced cross bars is arranged relative to the frame such that the height of each cross bar is greater than the width of each cross bar. Preferably each of the plurality of spaced cross bars is made from metal flat bar.

[0010] Preferably each of the plurality of grate bars are parallel to each other. Preferably the plurality of grate bars are arranged on an upper surface of the cross bars. Preferably, each of the plurality of grate bars is attached to the upper surface of the cross bars. Preferably, each of the plurality of grate bars is welded to the upper surface of the cross bars. Preferably each of the plurality of grate bars is arranged perpendicular to the plurality of spaced cross bars. Preferably each of the plurality of grate bars is arranged relative to the frame such that the width of each grate bar is greater than the height of each grate bar. Preferably each of the plurality of grate bars is made from metal flat bar.

[0011] Preferably, the plurality of cleats on each of the grate bars are formed by stamping each of the grate bars. Alternatively, the plurality of cleats on each of the grate bars are moulded into the grate bars. Preferably the cleats are diamond shaped. Preferably the cleats of a grate bar are offset relative to the cleats of an adjacent grate bar in a longitudinal direction relative to the grate bars. Preferably the cleats are between 5 and 10mm in length. Preferably the cleats are between 5 and 10mm in width.

[0012] Preferably, the grate further comprises a support brace. Preferably the support brace is attached to a lower surface of at least a majority of the cross bars. Preferably the support brace provides extra rigidity to the grate. Preferably the support brace has two parallel ‘L’ shaped members. Preferably the two parallel ‘L’ shaped members of the support brace are arranged perpendicular to the plurality of

2620066vl cross bars. Preferably the two parallel ‘L’ shaped members are connected by a cross member. Preferably the support brace is substantially Ή’ shaped.

2016100305 21 Mar 2016 [0013] Preferably, the grate is made of metal. More preferably the grate is made of steel, preferably the grate is galvanised [0014] Preferably, each of the plurality of grate bars is spaced 9mm or less from an adjacent grate bar. Preferably each grate bar is spaced 8mm or less from an adjacent grate bar. Preferably each grate bar is spaced 7mm or less from an adjacent grate bar. Preferably each grate bar is spaced 6mm or less from an adjacent grate bar. Preferably each grate bar is spaced 5mm or less from an adjacent grate bar. Preferably each grate bar is spaced between 5mm and 3mm from an adjacent grate bar. More preferably each grate bar is spaced between 5mm and 4mm from an adjacent grate bar.

[0015] Preferably at least one of the plurality of grate bars has an aperture that allows access to a fastener securing the grate to a drain. For example the aperture may allow access to a bolt which secures the grate to a drain or opening to a utility pit.

[0016] Further forms and/or aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric top view of a grate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric bottom view of the grate;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the grate;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the grate; and FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the grate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

2620066vl

2016100305 21 Mar 2016 [0018] Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[0019] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, front and back, top and bottom, etc., are used solely to define one element from another element without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the invention may be implemented in a variety of ways, and that this description is given by way of example only.

[0020] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, there is shown a grate 10. The grate has a frame 12. The frame 12 is rectangular and in particular the frame 12 is square. The frame 12 is formed from ‘L’ shaped members that are welded together. A lower portion of the ‘L’ shaped members define a lower lip 14. The lip 14 extends inwardly. The frame 12 is made of steel and is galvanised to provide protection from the elements.

[0021] A plurality of cross bars 16 (best seen in FIG. 2, only some of the cross bars 16 have been numbered for clarity) are welded to the frame 12. The cross bars 16 are parallel and spaced from each other. Each cross bar 16 is welded to the frame 12 in a manner that the height of each cross bar 16 is greater than its width, in this manner the strength of each cross bar 16 is increased in the vertical direction (compared to a cross bar with a width greater than its height). The cross bars 16 are made of flat bar steel and are galvanised to provide protection from the elements.

[0022] Grate bars 18 (only some of the grate bars 18 have been numbered for clarity) are welded to the upper surfaces of the cross bars 16. The grate bars 18 are parallel

2620066vl

2016100305 21 Mar 2016 and spaced from each other and are perpendicular relative to the cross bars 16. Each grate bar 18 is welded to the cross bars 16 in a manner that the width of each grate bar 18 is greater than its height. Each of the grate bars 18 is spaced 5mm from an adjacent grate bar. Each grate bar 18 has a plurality of cleats 20 (only some of the cleats 20 have been numbered for clarity) stamped into it such that the cleats 20 are embossed on an upper surface of each respective grate bar 18. The cleats 20 are diamond shaped and are offset relative to cleats 20 on an adjacent grate bar 18, in a longitudinal direction relative to the grate bars 18. The grate bars 18 are made of flat bar steel and are galvanised to provide protection from the elements.

[0023] A support brace 22 is attached to a lower surface of a majority of the cross bars 16. The support brace 22 is formed from two parallel ‘L’ shaped members 24 connected by a cross member 26. The two parallel ‘L’ shaped members 24 of the support brace 22 are arranged perpendicular to the plurality of cross bars 16. The support brace 22 provides extra rigidity and strength to the grate 10. The support brace 22 is made of steel and is galvanised to provide protection from the elements.

[0024] Handles 28 are welded to external sides of the frame 12. The handles 28 are made of steel and are galvanised to provide protection from the elements.

[0025] Apertures 30 are provided in two of the grate bars 18. The apertures 30 allow access to bolts (not shown) which attach the frame 12 to a drain or opening to a utility pit (not shown).

[0026] A benefit of having cleats 20 embossed on an upper surface of the grate bars 18 is that the cleats 20 provide additional grip. Embossing cleats 20 on an upper surface of the grate bars 18 is typically less expensive and requires less maintenance than applying an anti-slip coating to an upper surface of the grate bars. A benefit of having a support brace 22 attached to a lower surface of a majority of the cross bars 16 is that the support brace 22 provides extra rigidity and strength to the grate 10 , this can be beneficial if vehicular traffic passes over the grate 10, as the grate 10 will be more resistant to deformation.

2620066vl

2016100305 21 Mar 2016 [0027] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention. For example, individual features from one embodiment may be combined with another embodiment.

2620066vl

2016100305 12 Apr 2018

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A grate comprising:

a frame defining a plane;

a plurality of spaced, grate bars arranged between a first side of the frame and a second side of the frame;

a plurality of spaced cross bars extending between a third side of the frame and a fourth side of the frame; and a support brace attached to a lower surface of at least a majority of the cross bars, wherein each of the grate bars has a plurality of cleats embossed on an upper surface thereof relative to an upper surface of the plane defined by the frame.
2. A grate as claimed in claim 1 wherein the grate bars are arranged on upper surfaces of the cross bars relative to an upper surface of the plane defined by the frame.
3. A grate as claimed in claim 2 wherein the frame has a lip that extends towards an internal area defined by the frame, and wherein the cross bars are supported by the lip.
4. A grate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame is a rectangular frame.
5. A grate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a height of at least one of the cross bars is greater than a width of that cross bar.

1 /4

2016100305 21 Mar 2016

FIG. 1

2620075v1

2/4

2016100305 21 Mar 2016

FIG. 2

2620075v1

3/4

2016100305 21 Mar 2016

M IP » Ο Ο M g j? ¢¢$)0000000 §£$$L

0000000000

0000000000 0 0 00 0

0 i> 0 0 £ j? 0 & $ 0 0 j? 0 j? 0 0 0 0 £ j? 0 ii $ 0 0 0 j?

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 / 0 0 0-^T0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0000

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 χπχιχχ_;ο,/^4χ......

ί M 0 # ? ί ί» Μ Μ M if ί # ί Ο Μ M, · $$¢¢$¢$$¢¢¢$¢¢$$¢¢$$$$¢¢^

0000000000000000000000 0 00000

TT'TTTT'F^VTT^

000

Ox

0000000000

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0> 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

J £ &$,$$$ j> £ χ {Γ00 0 0 X 00 0 0 T F0_tJ J 0₍ 0 0 ^TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT’⁵ y···??

C£SS£3XS££C33X£33XS^KS58C£S3£SSKSSEC^^

JS--0-0 0 0 X X0 0 0 0 0 Oj? _t? ? g. XQ .? ?. ?. #?.$

X ^g<<^g X /1. ¾ X / t X /

000 0 0000000000000000 0 000000^

ESXj»SSXSiSS3iSS3£SStSs£s£SXiXlESSiSSS3SSXiBs£3ESSaSS3J™33™2EXS32™3J£S3ESSiXS2a™2a£SSXii£3

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

000 0 00000000000000000000000 ττττττττγτττ?

:^CS33XS3KSS53^

0 0 0 0 < 0 00 0\0

FIG. 3

2620075v1

4/4

2016100305 21 Mar 2016

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

2620075v1