AU2020102484A4

AU2020102484A4 - A cover assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2020102484A4
Application number: AU2020102484A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Bryan Taylor
Original assignee: Mascot Eng Co Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Mascot Engineering Co Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-29
Filing date: 2020-09-29
Publication date: 2020-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-29

Abstract

ACOVERASSEMBLY ABSTRACT A cover assembly (1) having a frame (2) including longitudinal extending sides (3) located between ends (4). The frame (2) is to be located in a surface over a hollow. The frame (2) has an opening (6) which when installed is located above the hollow to provide access therethrough. A level member (15) is provided to adjust a distance of the frame (2) and thereby the grate (10) away from the surface. 1/5 10 25 2 15 203 6 Figl 4 15 - 2 25 Fig2

Description

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ACOVERASSEMBLY FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover assembly and in particular to an adjustable levelling cover (grate) assembly for drainage, sewer, electrical, communications, services and the like.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Drainage grates, access covers and similar products (cover assemblies) are used to provide access to hollows, shafts, pipes, man holes and other enclosures typically located below a surface level, such as a ground surface. As a ground surface is fragile, a frame is used and often cast into the ground surface and typically made from concrete. The frame must be fully supported to meet the intended load rating, and this can prove difficult on some sites.

[0003] In a rebate installation, an installer pours the surrounding area (usually concrete) and forms a "rebate" (a step shaped recess cut into a surface) leaving this for the grate or cover frame to be installed separately. This rebate is generally deeper than the frame. The installer must then use a packer or similar material under the frame so that the top of the frame will be finished at the same height as the finished ground surface level.

[0004] Alternatively, in a single pour operation, an installer props the grate/cover frame in position taking considerable time to ensure all levels are correct and pours the surrounding area (usually concrete) with the grate/frame in place.

[0005] The above installation techniques take considerable time and rely on many variables. Every building project has its limitations and an incorrect installation can result in reduced efficiency of the grate/frame and could cause a trip hazard for pedestrians resulting in injury.

[0006] In addition to the above, grates and access covers can be particularly heavy (over 100kg in some cases) and often require manual lifting during installation causing considerable OH&S risks. Using packers under the frame requires someone to be placing their hand under the frame which causes an unnecessary risk to workers.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a cover assembly having safe and easy adjustability to provide correct levelling of the cover / grate with respect to the ground surface or an associated structure.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] There is disclosed herein a cover assembly having a frame including longitudinal extending sides located between ends; the frame to be located in a ground surface over a hollow; the frame having an opening which when installed is located above said hollow; a cover (in one form a grate or the like) operatively associated with the said frame and adapted to cover said opening; a level member to adjust a distance of the frame and thereby said cover away from the surface.

[0011] Preferably, the frame includes a said level member adjacent the intersection of the sides and ends.

[0012] Preferably, each said level member includes an adjustable fastener which in use can be moved to adjust a distance between said frame and said ground surface to provide a leveling of said assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the cover includes at least one fastener to fix said cover to said frame.

[0014] Preferably, at least one said level member is located at said side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a grate assembly with adjustable leveling bolts in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 is a top view of Figure 1;

[0017] Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of Figure 2;

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an infill cover assembly with adjustable leveling bolts of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 is a top view of Figure 4;

[0020] Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of Figure 5;

[0021] Figure 7 is a top view of a solid top cover assembly with adjustable leveling bolts of the present invention; and

[0022] Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of Figure 7.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] There is disclosed in the accompanying drawings, a cover assembly 1 having a frame 2 including longitudinal extending sides 3 located between ends 4. The cover could be a grate or similar. In this case a grate is discussed as a nonlimiting example of a cover assembly. The frame 2 is to be located in a surface over a hollow (not shown). The hollow could lead to a pipe, man hole, sewer drain, electrical/communications tunnel or the like. The frame 2 has an opening 6 which when installed is located above the hollow to provide access therethrough. A grate, cover or the like 10 is operatively associated with the frame 2 and adapted to cover the opening 6. A level member 15 is provided to adjust a distance of the frame 2 and thereby the grate 10 away from the surface. The surface could be any surface such as a ground surface, floor surface, wall surface or the like. In respect of the ground surface this distance will be a height.

[0024] In a preferred form, the frame 2 includes a plurality of level members 15 located adjacent the intersection of the sides 3 and ends 4 at various spacings. Each level member 15 includes an adjustable fastener, such as a bolt or screw or the like which in use can be moved to adjust a distance between the frame 2 and the surface to provide a leveling of the assembly 1. The frame 2 could include outwardly extending flanges 16 (best seen in Figure 4) having holes 17 to receive the leveling members 15. The flanges 16 could extend from any of the sides 3 or ends 4. By having level members 15 at different locations about the frame 2, parts of the frame 2 can be adjusted and set at different levels with respect to the surface quickly and easily by use of a tool such as a spanner of the like in a very safe manner.

[0025] In alternate embodiments, the grate 10 can also include fastening members 20 which can secure the grate 10 to the frame 2 but also provide additional leveling if required. The grate 10 can also include holes, slots or the like 25 to provide access for liquids, air or the like to the hollow.

[0026] Advantageously, there is provided a levelling bolt 15 into the seat of the frame 2 used with access covers and grating 10. This levelling bolt 15 can raise the height (at four or more points) away from the ground surface reducing the OH&S risks whilst saving time and making installation easier. Utilizing the levelling bolts 15 also makes it simpler to ensure the grate 10 will be finished flush with the surrounding finished surface level.

[0027] In one embodiment, the frames 2 are modified prior to casting to allow for a hole which is tapped with a fully threaded bolt 15.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cover assembly having: a frame including longitudinal extending sides located between ends; the frame to be located in a ground surface over a hollow; the frame having an opening which when installed is located above said hollow; a cover operatively associated with the said frame and adapted to cover said opening; a level member to adjust a distance of the frame and thereby said cover away from said surface.

2. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a said level member adjacent the intersection of the sides and ends.

3. The cover assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each said level member includes an adjustable fastener which in use can be moved to adjust a distance between said frame and said ground surface to provide a leveling of said assembly.

4. The cover assembly of anyone of claims I to 3, wherein the cover includes at least one fastener to fix said cover to said frame.

5. The cover assembly of anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one said level member is located at said side.

Mascot Engineering Co Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON&FERGUSON