AU2019250122A1 - Modular valve and hydrant covers - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A modular valve cover comprising: a base adapted to receive a valve shroud, the base comprising: a top defining a hole for access to a valve; and a sidewall, defining a bottom opening through which the valve shroud is received; a lid arranged on the top, the lid operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid covers the hole when in the closed position; and a cover plate removably attached to the top, the cover plate defining a cover plate hole corresponding with the hole, allowing unaffected operation of the lid. Figure 1

Description

MODULAR VALVE AND HYDRANT COVERS

Field [0001] The present invention relates to modular valve and hydrant covers.

Background [0002] Valves and hydrants are covered by valve covers to conceal the valve or hydrant, and to reduce exposure of the valve or hydrant to the elements. Valve covers further prevent subsurface access holes from backfilling, ensuring continued access to the valve or hydrant. Valve covers may be marked to indicate the type of valve or hydrant housed within the valve cover.

[0003] Conventional valve covers suffer from several drawbacks. Depending on application and rating, valve covers are typically formed from recycled plastic, cast iron, or poured from concrete as a solid unit. When such conventional valve covers are damaged, the entire unit has to be replaced. Replacing these valve covers can be wasteful, as generally damage is on surface level only, such as scratches, dints, and colour fading. Further, concrete and cast iron covers are usually painted, which fades overtime, requiring repainting, that can become costly overtime.

[0004] In this context, there is a need for improved valve covers.

Summary [0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a modular valve cover comprising:

a base adapted to receive a valve shroud, the base comprising:

a top defining a hole for access to a valve; and a sidewall, defining a bottom opening through which the valve shroud is received;

a lid arranged on the top, the lid operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid covers the hole when in the closed position; and a cover plate removably attached to the top, the cover plate defining a cover plate hole corresponding with the hole, allowing unaffected operation of the lid.

2019250122 15 Oct 2019 [0006] The top may define a recess about a rim of the hole, and wherein the lid may be seated within the recess when in the closed position.

[0007] The top may define a receiving formation and the cover plate comprises a reciprocal locating formation, wherein the locating formation is located within the receiving formation when the cover plate is attached to the top.

[0008] The receiving formation may be a step defined about an outer edge of the top, and the complementary engaging formation is a lip extending from an outer rim of the cover plate.

[0009] The base may comprise a side wall, wherein the sidewall and the top may define a chamber, for receiving the valve.

[0010] The side wall may define a slot for a pipe connected to the valve.

[0011] The modular valve cover may further comprise a hinge, hingeably attaching the lid to the base. The hinge may be seated within the recess.

[0012] The lid may further comprise a seal, sealing against a rim of the hole, when closing the hole.

[0013] The cover plate may comprise a ridged surface.

[0014] The modular valve cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover plate is removably fixed to the base by screws.

[0015] The base may be formed as a moulding of plastics or composite material. The lid may be formed as a moulding of plastics or composite material. The cover plate may be formed as a moulding of plastics or composite material.

[0016] According to the present invention there is further provided a modular valve cover kit comprising:

a base adapted to receive a valve shroud, the base comprising a top, the top defining a hole for access to the valve;

2019250122 15 Oct 2019 a lid arranged on the top, the lid operable to selectively open and close the hole; and a plurality of cover plates each removably attachable to the top, each cover plate defining a cover plate hole corresponding with the hole in the top, allowing unaffected operation of the lid, and wherein each cover plate has a different identifying characteristic.

[0017] According to the present invention there is further provided a modular valve cover kit comprising:

the modular valve cover as described above;

a plurality of additional cover plates, each removably attachable to the top, each additional cover plate defining a cover hole corresponding with the hole in the top, allowing unaffected operation of the lid, and wherein each additional cover plate has a different identifying characteristic.

[0018] According to the present invention there is further provided a modular valve cover comprising:

a base adapted to receive a valve shroud, the base defining a hole for accessing the valve, and an opening through which the valve shroud is received;

a lid arranged on the body, the lid operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid covers the hole when in the closed position; and a cover plate removably attached to the body, the cover plate defining a cover plate hole corresponding with the hole, allowing operation of the lid through the cover plate hole.

Brief Description of Drawings [0019] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a modular valve cover according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the modular valve cover in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross section view of a modular valve cover according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the modular valve cover in Figure 3; and

2019250122 15 Oct 2019

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modular valve cover kit according to another embodiment of the invention.

Description of Embodiments [0020] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, a modular valve cover 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention generally comprises a base 12 adapted to cover a valve (not shown), in use. The base 12 comprises a top 14, the top 14 defining a hole 16 providing access to the valve through the base 12. The modular valve cover 10 further comprises a lid 18 arranged on the top 14, the lid 18 selectively operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid 18 covers the hole16 when in the closed position. The modular valve cover 10 comprises a cover plate 20 removably arranged on the base 12 to cover the top 14. The cover plate 20 defines a cover plate hole 22 corresponding with the hole 16 in the top 14, allowing the lid 18 to open and close without being affected by the cover plate 20. Advantageously, the cover plate 20 can be removed and replaced by a different or replacement cover plate comprising, for instance, a different colour or marking.

[0021] In some embodiments, the top 14 of base 12 may define a recess 24 wherein the lid 18 can be seated when in the closed position. The recess 24 may be defined around a rim of the hole 16. The recess 24 may comprise a slot 25 allowing access for opening the lid, by means of, for instance, a finger of a user, or a tool such as a screw driver. The top 14 may define a receiving formation, and the cover plate 20 may comprise a complementary locating formation, located within the receiving formation when the cover plate 20 is attached to the top 14. The receiving formation may be a step 26 and the complementary locating formation may be a lip 28 extending downward from the cover plate 20, as, for example, shown in Figure 1. The lip 28 may extend from an outer edge of the cover plate 20.

[0022] The base 12 may comprise a sidewall 30, and the base 12 may define a chamber 32 enclosed by the sidewall 30 and the top 14. When the modular valve cover 10 is in use, a valve may be located within or below the chamber 32, accessible by means of the hole 16 when the lid 18 is open. The step 26 may be between the sidewall 30 and the top 14. The sidewall 30 may define a slot 34 for handling the valve cover during installation and removal.

2019250122 15 Oct 2019 [0023] In some embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 3, the valve may be housed within a valve shroud 46. The valve cover 10 may be arranged to cover the valve shroud 46, while allowing access to the valve, through the lid 18. The valve shroud 46 may be a pipe. An inner surface of the top 14 may be adapted to receive the valve shroud 46. The inner surface of the top 14 may define a groove 48 for receiving the valve shroud 46. Other connecting formations such as a ring, a channel or a locator may also be defined on the inner surface of the top 14 to receive the valve shroud. In some embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 3, the inner surface of the top 14 may define multiple pipe sockets for engaging various sizes of valve shroud 46 using the same base 12. Although the example embodiments shown in Figure 3 shows the base 12 connected to two valve shrouds 46 in the form of pipes, in use, the valve cover 10 will typically only be connected to one valve shroud 46 at a time.

[0024] As shown, for example, in the Figures, the base 12 may be substantially circular in shape, but may, for instance be square or rectangular. The top 14 may primarily be a flat surface, but may, alternatively be raised or curved. The base 12 may be formed of a suitable plastics material such as high density poly ethylene, polypropylene or a suitable recycled plastic. The base 12 may be formed from a composite material such as fiber glass, fiber reinforced plastics, sheet moulding compound, or bulk moulding compound. The base 12 may be formed as a moulding of plastics material, for example, the base may be formed through injection or compression moulding.

[0025] In some embodiments, the lid 18 may comprise a seal 36, for sealingly engaging the top 14 to seal the hole 16 when the lid 18 is in the closed position. The seal 36 may engage with the rim of hole 16. The seal may seal against the face of the hole or alternatively extend into the hole 16, for instance. The lid 18 may be removably attached to the body 12, allowing easy replacement of the lid 18. In some embodiments, the lid 18 may be hingeably attached to the base 12 by a hinge 38. The hinge 38 may be integrally formed with the lid 18. The recess 24 may be shaped to receive both the lid 18 and the hinge 38 when the lid 18 is in the closed position. The lid 18 may be formed of a suitable plastics material such as high density poly ethylene, polypropylene or a suitable recycled plastic. The lid 18 may be formed from a composite material such as fiber glass, fiber reinforced plastics, sheet moulding compound, or bulk moulding compound. The lid 18 may be formed as a moulding of plastics material, for example,

2019250122 15 Oct 2019 the lid 18 may be formed through injection or compression moulding. The lid may be formed from metal, such as cast iron, for example.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cover plate 20 may comprise a ridged outer surface 40. The ridged surface 40 may comprise a raised pattern, for example, as shown in the Figures, the raised pattern may comprise radially spaced bumps 42. The ridged surface 40 may be provided to form a non-slip surface. The cover plate 20 may be shaped substantially similar to the base 12, for example as seen in the Figures, the top 14 of a circular base 12 may be covered by a circular cover plate 20. An inner surface of the cover plate 20 may be flush with the top 14, when the cover plate 20 is attached to the base 12. The cover plate 20 may be formed of a suitable plastics material such as high density poly ethylene, polypropylene or a suitable recycled plastic. The cover plate 20 may be formed from a composite material such as fiber glass, fiber reinforced plastics, sheet moulding compound, or bulk moulding compound. The cover plate 20 may be formed as a moulding of plastics material, for example, the cover plate 20 may be formed through injection or compression moulding. The cover plate 20 may be removably fastened to the base 12 by means of screws 44 or another appropriate semipermanent fastener. As, for example, shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments, the cover plate may be removably-fastened from the top down, by means of fasteners 45 The screws 44, fasteners 45 or other appropriate semi-permanent fastener, may be corrosion resistant.

[0027] The modular valve cover 10 may comprise a securing mechanism (not shown) for securing the lid 18 to the top 14 to prevent theft or loss of the lid 18.

[0028] Referring now to Figure 5, a modular valve cover kit 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, comprises a base 12 and a lid 18 as described with reference to Figures 1 to 2 above. The modular valve cover kit 110 further comprises a plurality of cover plates 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f for removably covering the top of base 12. Each cover plate 120a-f has a unique identifying characteristic, for instance, each of the cover plates 120a-f shown for example in Figure 3 has a unique distinguishing colour. The unique identifying characteristic may also be in relation to the shape, configuration or pattern on the outer surface of each cover plate, and/or the material from which the cover plate 120 is formed.

2019250122 15 Oct 2019 [0029] In use, when a modular valve cover 10 is installed on a valve, the top 14, may be protected from wear and tear by having the cover plate 20 arranged on the top 14. Advantageously, for modular valve cover 10, in the event that cover plate 20 suffers wear and tear or other damage, the entire valve cover 10 does not need to be replaced, as the cover plate can be detached from the base 12 and replaced with a new cover plate.

[0030] Further, different unique identifying characteristics for each cover plate may also coincide with the status, shape or type of utility of the valve which is covered. For instance, a red cover plate may be used to indicate a valve that is normally closed. A fully white cover may be used to indicate a normally open valve controlling the flow of drinking water. A violet cover plate may be used to indicate a normally open valve controlling the flow of non-drinking water. The colours of the valve cover plates may vary depending on the application and use on the valve, and the colour scheme may also vary depending on the location of the installation. Advantageously, the valve covers as described herein can be easily modified by changing a single modular part, which may allow for quick retrofitting and better stock handling, which in turn may decrease lead times.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention provide modular valve covers that are useful for inspecting and maintaining valves and hydrants, allowing a user to change modules of a valve cover, without replacing the entire valve cover.

[0032] For the purpose of this specification, the word “comprising” means “including but not limited to”, and the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning.

[0033] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims (17)

1. A modular valve cover comprising:

a base adapted to receive a valve shroud, the base comprising:

a top defining a hole for access to a valve; and a sidewall, defining a bottom opening through which the valve shroud is received;

a lid arranged on the top, the lid operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid covers the hole when in the closed position; and a cover plate removably attached to the top, the cover plate defining a cover plate hole corresponding with the hole, allowing unaffected operation of the lid.

2. The modular valve cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top defines a recess about a rim of the hole, and wherein the lid is seated within the recess when in the closed position.

3. The modular valve cover as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the top defines a receiving formation and the cover plate comprises a reciprocal locating formation, wherein the locating formation is located within the receiving formation when the cover plate is attached to the top.

4. The modular valve cover as claimed in claim 3 wherein the receiving formation is a step defined about an outer edge of the top, and the complementary engaging formation is a lip extending from an outer rim of the cover plate.

5. The modular valve cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base comprises a side wall, and wherein the sidewall and the top define a chamber, for receiving the valve.

6. The modular valve cover as claimed in claim 5, wherein the side wall defines a slot for a pipe connected to the valve.

7. The modular valve cover as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a hinge, hingeably attaching the lid to the base.

2019250122 15 Oct 2019

8. The modular valve cover as claimed in claim 7 wherein the hinge is seated within the recess.

9. The modular valve cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lid comprises a seal, sealing against a rim of the hole, when closing the hole.

10. The modular valve cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover plate comprises a ridged surface.

11. The modular valve cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover plate is removably fixed to the base by screws.

12. The modular valve cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base is formed as a moulding of plastics or composite material.

13. The modular valve cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lid is formed as a moulding of plastics or composite material.

14. The modular valve cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover plate is formed as a moulding of plastics or composite material.

15. A modular valve cover kit comprising:

a base adapted to receive a valve shroud, the base comprising a top, the top defining a hole for access to a valve;

a lid arranged on the top, the lid operable to selectively open and close the hole; and a plurality of cover plates each removably attachable to the top, each cover plate defining a cover plate hole corresponding with the hole in the top, allowing unaffected operation of the lid, and wherein each cover plate has a different identifying characteristic.

16. A modular valve cover kit comprising:

the modular valve cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14;

a plurality of additional cover plates, each removably attachable to the top, each additional cover plate defining a cover hole corresponding with the hole in the top,

2019250122 15 Oct 2019 allowing unaffected operation of the lid, and wherein each additional cover plate has a different identifying characteristic.

17. A modular valve cover comprising:

a base adapted to receive a valve shroud, the base defining a hole for accessing a valve, and an opening through which the valve shroud is received;

a lid arranged on the body, the lid operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid covers the hole when in the closed position; and a cover plate removably attached to the body, the cover plate defining a cover plate hole corresponding with the hole, allowing operation of the lid through the cover plate hole.