AU2017100603A4 - Grate locking arm - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A grate assembly provides a secure and safe way to keep grates, and the like, in an open position such that they are not prone to inadvertent closing. The assembly includes a frame; a grate hingedly attached to the frame; and a locking arm having a pivot point, and a slot extending away from the pivot point, wherein the pivot point is rotatably engaged with one of the grate or the frame, and a projection associated with the other of the grate or the frame is slidably engaged with the slot. 3207625v1 * 42 FIG. 1 a

Description

1 2017100603 24 May 2017

GRATE LOCKING ARM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to a locking arm. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a locking arm for a grate, such as a service access grate, hinged to a frame.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Storm-water drainage sumps are provided at spaced locations to allow storm-water to be drained from road ways into storm water collection sumps, which are connected to storm-water plumbing which drains to nearby creeks or local waterways.

[0003] Road gully grate assemblies are typically located over storm water collection sumps. These assemblies are typically designed to support any pedestrian or vehicular traffic that may pass over them which, in turn, makes the grates heavy and difficult to manoeuvre.

[0004] The grates are typically hinged on one side to allow access to services. Typically the grates are designed such that they hinge through more than 90° and stay in an open position under gravity. However, such grates can be knocked or bumped while in the open position and the grate can fall onto a worker under the grate, or onto nearby persons or equipment. As the grates are heavy serious injuries can occur as the result of such an inadvertent closing of the grate.

[0005] 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. 3207625V1 2 2017100603 24 May 2017

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a locking arm for a grate hinged to a frame, the locking arm comprising: a pivot point; and a slot extending away from the pivot point, wherein the pivot point is rotatably engaged with one of the grate or the frame, and a projection associated with the other of the grate or the frame is slidably engaged with the slot.

[0008] Preferably, the locking arm is elongate. Preferably the locking arm is made from metal plate material. More preferably the locking arm is made from two or more pieces of metal plate material. Preferably two pieces of metal plate material are attached together. More preferably two pieces of metal plate material are welded together.

[0009] Preferably, the pivot point is an aperture in the locking arm. Preferably the aperture engages with a pin associated with one of the grate or the frame. More preferably the aperture engages with a pin associated with the grate. Alternatively, the pivot point may be a pin which engages with an aperture in one of the grate or the frame. Preferably the aperture has a stepped profile and the pin has a stepped profile to captively engage with the aperture.

[0010] Preferably, the slot has a first portion along which the projection slides between a closed position in which the grate is in a closed position relative to the frame and an open position in which the grate is in an open position relative to the 3207625vl 3 2017100603 24 May 2017 frame. Preferably the slot has a second portion along which the projection slides from the open position to a locked position. Preferably the second portion of the slot is transverse to the first portion of the slot. Preferably the second portion has a rebated section which defines the locked position. Preferably the majority of the slot has a stepped profile and the projection has a stepped profile to captively engage with the stepped profile of the slot. Preferably the slot has an enlarged portion extending from a first side of the locking arm to a second side of the locking arm which is adapted to receive the projection into the slot. Preferably the enlarged portion coincides with the closed position of the first portion.

[0011] Preferably, the locking arm has a biasing portion extending away from the pivot point in a direction opposed to the slot. Preferably, when the projection is located in the second portion of the slot, applying a force to the biasing portion in a first direction causes the locking arm to rotate in the first direction about the pivot point, resulting in the relative movement of the projection in the slot to the open position.

[0012] In another form the invention resides in a grate assembly, including: a frame; a grate hingedly attached to the frame; and a locking arm having a pivot point, and a slot extending away from the pivot point, wherein the pivot point is rotatably engaged with one of the grate or the frame, and a projection associated with the other of the grate or the frame is slidably engaged with the slot.

[0013] Preferably the locking arm is a locking arm as hereinbefore described.

[0014] Preferably, the grate has two opposed side bars. Preferably the grate has a plurality of load bars disposed between the side bars. Preferably the load bars are transverse to the side bars. Preferably each of the load bars are attached at one end to one of the side bars and at the other end to the other one of the side bars. Preferably the load bars are welded to the side bars. Preferably a plurality of 3207625vl 4 2017100603 24 May 2017 transverse bars are attached to each of the load bars. Preferably the transverse bars are transverse to the load bars. Preferably each of the side bars is hingedly attached to the frame. Preferably the pivot point is rotatably engaged with one of the side bars of the grate. More preferably a pin is attached to one of the side bars of the grate and engages with the aperture in the locking arm.

[0015] Preferably, the frame has two opposed side rails. Preferably each of the side rails is hingedly attached to a corresponding side bar of the grate. Preferably a hinge hingedly attaches each of the side rails to a corresponding side bar of the grate. Preferably each hinge comprises a hinge pin extending from the grate into a hinge aperture in the frame. Preferably at least one end rail connects the two opposed side rails. More preferably two end rails connect the two opposed side rails. Preferably the projection is attached to the frame. More preferably the projection is attached to one of the two opposed side rails. Preferably the frame has at least one seat member to support the grate in the closed position. Preferably the grate is substantially enclosed by the two opposed side rails and the at least one end rail when the grate is in the closed position relative to the frame. Preferably the frame has at least one handle attached thereto. More preferably the frame has two handles attached thereto. Preferably each of the at least one handle is attached to a respective one of the two opposed side rails. Preferably the frame has hinge covers, preferably each hinge cover at least partially covers a corresponding hinge aperture.

[0016] Preferably, the grate assembly comprises a first locking arm and a second locking arm. Preferably the second locking arm is located on an opposed side of the grate relative to the locking arm. Preferably the second locking arm has a pivot point, and a slot extending away from the pivot point, the pivot point being rotatably engaged with one of the grate or the frame, and a further projection associated with the other of the grate or the frame being slidably engaged with the slot of the second locking arm.

[0017] Preferably, the frame of the grate assembly is a frame as described in this specification. Preferably, the grate of the grate assembly is a grate as described 3207625V1 5 2017100603 24 May 2017 in this specification. Preferably the locking arm and/or the second locking arm is a locking arm as described in this specification.

[0018] Further forms and/or aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a grate assembly having a grate locking arm; FIG. 1 b shows a detail view of the grate locking arm of FIG. 1 a; FIG. 1 c shows a further perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 a FIG. 1d shows a detail view of the grate locking arm as seen in FIG. 1c; FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of the grate assembly in a closed position; FIG. 2b shows a detail view of the hinge arrangement of the grate assembly; FIG. 2c shows a lower perspective view of the grate assembly in the closed position; FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the frame of the grate assembly; FIG. 4a shows a top view of the grate of the grate assembly; FIG. 4b shows a section view of the grate of FIG. 4a; FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of a grate locking arm; FIG. 5b shows a front view of the grate locking arm of FIG. 5a; FIG. 5c shows a rear view of the grate locking arm of FIG. 5a; FIG. 5d shows a top view of the grate locking arm of FIG. 5a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] 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. 3207625V1 6 2017100603 24 May 2017 [0021] 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.

[0022] With reference to FIGs. 1a - 1d there are shown perspective views of a grate assembly 10. The grate assembly 10 has a frame 12 and a grate 14. In FIG. 1a the grate assembly 10 is shown in an open position, with the grate 14 at an angle relative to the frame 12. The grate 14 is hingedly attached to the frame 12. The grate assembly 10 has a locking arm 16. The locking arm 16 is pivotably attached to the grate 14 and slidably attached to the frame 12.

[0023] The frame 12 has two opposed side rails 18,20, which are connected by end rails 22,24. The frame 12 has a seat members 26 which support the grate 14 in a closed position. The frame 12 has two handles 28,30, which enable the grate assembly 10 to be moved into position by a worker. The frame 12 has hinge covers 32,34 which protect the hinged connection between the frame 12 and the grate 14 from the elements.

[0024] The grate 14 has two opposed side bars 36,38. A plurality of load bars 40,42 are disposed between the side bars 36,38. Load bars 42 are extended load bars which provide extra strength to the grate 14. A plurality of transverse bars 44 are attached to each of the load bars 40,42.

[0025] The locking arm 16 has a pivot point in the form of an aperture 46 which attaches to a pin 48 which is attached to the side bar 36 of the grate 14. The aperture 46 has a stepped profile which engages with a stepped profile of the pin 48. The locking arm 16 has a slot 50 which slidably retains a projection 52 attached to 3207625vl 7 2017100603 24 May 2017 the side rail 18 of the frame 12. The majority of the slot 50 has a stepped profile and the projection 52 has a stepped profile to captively engage with the stepped profile of the slot 50. In an alternate embodiment (not shown) a second locking arm (not shown) is pivotably attached to the side bar 38 of the grate 14 and slidably attached to the side rail 20 of the frame 12.

[0026] With reference to FIGs. 2a - 2c there are shown perspective views of a grate assembly 10 in a closed position. FIG. 2a shows the grate 14 substantially enclosed by the two opposed side rails 18,20 and the two end rails 22,24. FIG. 2a also more clearly shows the plurality of transverse bars 44 that are attached to each of the load bars 40,42.

[0027] The locking arm 16 is located between the side rail 18 and the side bar 36. In the closed position, the top of the locking arm 16 is flush with the top of the side rail 18 and the top of the side bar 36. With reference to FIG. 2b there is shown a close up view of the grate assembly 10 as seen in FIG. 2a (with the end rail 24 and one of the load bars 40 hidden for clarity).

[0028] A hinge pin 48 is attached to the grate 14 via a piece of L section 54 attached to one of the load bars 40. This allows the hinge pin 48 to be attached to the grate 14 once the grate 14 has been positioned in the frame 12. FIG. 2c shows a bottom perspective view of the grate assembly 10 of FIG. 2a. The seat members 26 support the load bars 40 and the extended load bars 42 of the grate 14 when the grate assembly 10 is in a closed position.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the frame 12 of the grate assembly as seen in FIGs. 1a-2c. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the frame 12 has a hinge aperture 52 in the side rail 20, which is partially covered by hinge cover 34. A further hinge aperture (not shown) is located in side rail 18 and partially covered by hinge cover 32. Side rails 22,24 are connected to each other by end rails 22,24. Flandles 28,30 are attached to side rails 20,18 respectively.

[0030] FIG. 4a shows a top view of the grate 14 of the grate assembly as seen in FIGs. 1a-2c. As can be seen in this view, the extended load bars 42 are thicker 3207625V1 8 2017100603 24 May 2017 than the load bars 40. FIG. 4a also shows the plurality of transverse bars 44 attached to each of the load bars 40,42. As can be seen from the section view in FIG. 4b, the extended load bars 42 extend deeper than side bars 36,38.

[0031] With reference to FIGs. 5a-5d there are shown various views of a locking arm 16. The locking arm 16 is formed from two metal plate pieces 56,58. The two metal plate pieces 56,58 have slightly different shapes that collectively define various stepped profiles. Recesses 60 allow the plate pieces 56,58 to be welded together whilst ensuring that any welds do not extend beyond an outer periphery of the locking arm 16.

[0032] The locking arm 16 has a slot 50. The slot 50 has a first portion 62 (along which the projection 52 best seen in FIG. 1d slides between a closed position in which the grate 14 is in a closed position relative to the frame 12 and an open position in which the grate 14 is in an open position relative to the frame12).

[0033] The slot 50 has a second portion 64 (along which the projection 52 best seen in FIG. 1d slides from the open position to a locked position). The second portion 64 of the slot 50 is transverse to the first portion 62 of the slot 50. The second portion 64 has a rebated section 66 (which defines the locked position). The majority of the slot 50 has a stepped profile.

[0034] The stepped profile is defined by the majority of the slot 50 being narrower in plate 56 than the slot 50 in plate 58. The stepped profile of the slot 50 corresponds to the projection (not shown, 52 as best seen in FIG. 1d). The slot has an enlarged portion 66 extending through plates 56,58 to receive the projection (not shown, 52 as best seen in FIG. 1d) into the slot 50.

[0035] The aperture 46 engages with the pin (not shown, 48 best seen in FIG. 1b). As best seen in figure 5c the aperture 46 has a stepped profile, with the aperture having a larger diameter in plate piece 56 than plate piece 58, to captively engage with the pin (not shown, 48 best seen in FIG. 1b). 3207625V1 9 2017100603 24 May 2017 [0036] The locking arm 16 has a biasing portion 68 extending away from the aperture 46 in a direction opposed to the slot 50. With reference to FIG. 5b, when the projection (not shown, 52 as best seen in FIG. 1d) is located in the second portion 64 of the slot, applying a downward force to the biasing portion causes the locking arm to rotate about the pivot point, resulting in the relative movement of the projection (not shown, 52 as best seen in FIG. 1d) in the slot towards the first portion 62.

[0037] Advantageously, the locking arm 16 of the present invention provides a secure and safe way to keep grates, and the like, in an open position such that they are not prone to inadvertent closing by being knocked, or the like. Furthermore, the design of the locking arm 16 is such that it is durable and fastened securely in place. The rebated section also provides further security by ‘catching’ the projection in the locked position.

[0038] The locking arm also enables a grate, or the like, to be held open in a position that is at less of an angle than previous designs because there is less reliance on the force of gravity to hold the grate, or the like, in the open position. Workers can operate easier and more safely under and in the vicinity of any grate, or the like, using the locking arm as the chance for injury due to inadvertent closing of the grate, or the like, is reduced significantly.

[0039] 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. 3207625V1

Claims (5)

1. A locking arm for a grate hinged to a frame, the locking arm comprising: a pivot point; and a slot extending away from the pivot point, wherein the pivot point is rotatably engaged with one of the grate or the frame, and a projection associated with the other of the grate or the frame is slidably engaged with the slot.

2. The locking arm of claim 1, wherein the pivot point is an aperture in the locking arm and the aperture engages with a pin associated with one of the grate or the frame.

3. The locking arm of claim 1, wherein the slot has a first portion along which the projection slides between a closed position in which the grate is in a closed position relative to the frame and an open position in which the grate is in an open position relative to the frame.

4. The locking arm of claim 1, further comprising a biasing portion extending away from the pivot point in a direction opposed to the slot.

5. A grate assembly, including: a frame; a grate hingedly attached to the frame; and a locking arm having a pivot point, and a slot extending away from the pivot point, wherein the pivot point is rotatably engaged with one of the grate or the frame, and a projection associated with the other of the grate or the frame is slidably engaged with the slot.