AU2020103678A4

AU2020103678A4 - Lintel support

Info

Publication number: AU2020103678A4
Application number: AU2020103678A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul Breen
Original assignee: Nondrill Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Nondrill Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-25
Filing date: 2020-11-25
Publication date: 2021-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-25

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of installing a kerb inlet lintel (12) above a stormwater pit (16), between two kerbstones (14). The method includes providing a support apparatus (10) having spaced apart posts (52) and a gantry (54) supported by the posts. The gantry has a first part which is stationary relative to the posts and a part which is movable relative to the first part. Attachment components (62, 80) are fixed to the movable gantry part, and connectors (90) are connectable to the attachment components and to lifting anchors of the lintel. The method includes supporting the lintel on the support apparatus by connecting the connectors to the lifting anchors for the lintel to be supported when connectors are connected to the attachment components. The method incudes adjusting the position of the lintel by moving the movable gantry part relative to the first gantry part and/or raising and/or lowering the lintel by raising and/or lowering the connectors. The invention also extends to the support apparatus. 1/4 0i c61 G G 4 IL. 4 NCC") N I N N G C*-V cocl N NDC N IC0) N- - - - - NGN N N I I C 4O Na N1 N Y C

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (For an Innovation Patent)

Invention Title: Lintel support

The invention is described in the following statement:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of installing a kerb inlet lintel, and to a kerb inlet lintel support apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] It is common for roadway stormwater systems to include stormwater pipes that run along the roadways near to footpaths, and also for such systems to include stormwater pits that are adapted to collect rain water running from the roadways and footpaths, and to direct the water into the stormwater pipes.

[0003] The footpaths are typically raised relative to the roadways adjacent to which they run, and there are usually kerbs at the edges of the footpaths where they meet the roadways. Gutters are typically provided immediately adjacent to the kerbs to assist in collecting rainwater from the roadways and footpaths, and in channelling the water. The gutters are usually integrally formed monolithically with the kerbstones.

[0004] The stormwater pipes and stormwater pits are usually disposed below the gutters and kerbs. In order to enable rainwater to pass from the gutters to the stormwater pits and then to the stormwater pipes, special types of kerbstones known as kerb inlet lintels are provided. Such lintels are often made from pre-cast concrete. The lintels typically incorporate drainage grates and include openings for allowing the water to pass through them. They are typically also pre-cast with lifting anchors which are adapted for the attachment of chains or other suitable connectors, enabling the lintels to be lifted and moved into position by cranes or the like.

[0005] The lintels are usually located at spaced-apart positions along the roadways, above respective stormwater pits, so that water flowing along the gutters can pass from the lintels into the stormwater pipes via the pits.

[0006] A typical manner of installing the lintels includes first installing regular kerbstones, leaving spaces between respective pairs of successive kerbstones at the positions where the lintels are to be placed, and then installing the lintels in those spaces. The lintels typically have cross-sectional shapes that are substantially the same as, or at least similar to, those of the kerbstones, or kerbstone-and-gutter combinations, especially when the kerbstones are formed integrally with the gutters.

[0007] After the lintels are put in position, there are usually gaps or spaces remaining, between the lintels and adjacent kerbstones. These spaces are typically closed by concrete which is poured into the spaces.

[0008] One of the requirements in such installations is to align the lintels with the adjacent kerbstones, so as to create smooth, consistent and aesthetically pleasing kerbs once the filling concrete is poured. The concrete poured into the spaces is therefore typically formed into shapes to match those of the lintels and kerbstones.

[0009] In order to lay stormwater pipes and install stormwater pits, excavations need to be carried out to provide the required space for these items. Following such excavations, the remaining ground at the bottom of the excavated spaces is often uneven. For this reason, and also due to human error, the stormwater pits, when installed, are often inaccurately positioned, and are often too low, relative to their desired positions, which are for corresponding to the proposed positions of the lintels that are to be installed.

[0010] This can give rise to difficulties when installing the lintels, as they cannot simply be placed on top of the stormwater pits given the mispositioning of the pits. It is therefore often necessary for tradespeople to attempt to correctly position the lintels, especially in terms of their vertical positioning, by supporting the lintels on the usually uneven ground surfaces using suitable packing materials, so that the lintels are aligned with the adjacent kerbstones.

[0011] Once this is done, suitable formwork can be installed to bridge the vertical gaps between the upper extremities of the stormwater pits and lower extremities of the lintels.

[0012] The building of such formwork on the stormwater pits is typically carried out while the lintels are held in their desired positions by means of cranes or the like, which are attached to the lifting anchors that have been pre-cast with the lintels. As a result of using such cranes and chains, the positioning of the lintels is often not accurate or stable. The correct positioning of the lintels in this manner is usually time-consuming, labour-intensive, costly and awkward, and carries risk of injuries to tradespeople, such as squashed hands and fingers.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a useful alternative thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a kerb inlet lintel in an installation position above a stormwater pit, the method including: providing a kerb inlet lintel which has a front side and a rear side and which has been preformed with at least one lifting anchor adapted for lifting of the kerb inlet lintel by lifting apparatus when the lifting apparatus is attached to the at least one lifting anchor; providing a lintel support apparatus, the support apparatus including: a plurality of support posts spaced apart from one another; a gantry supported by the plurality of support posts, the gantry having at least one first gantry part adapted to be stationary relative to the support posts, and at least one second gantry part which is movable, relative to the at least one first gantry part, in a first direction, and a second direction opposite to the first direction; at least one attachment component fixed to at least one of the at least one second gantry part; and at least one connector which is connectable to at least one attachment component of the at least one attachment component, the or each connector being adapted for detachable connection to a respective lifting anchor of the at least one lifting anchor of the lintel; supporting the lintel on the support apparatus by connecting the at least one connector to a respective lifting anchor of the at least one lifting anchor of the lintel so that the lintel is supported on the support apparatus when the at least one connector is connected to an attachment component of the at least one attachment component; and when the lintel is supported on the support apparatus, adjusting the position of the lintel into the installation position such that the lintel is above and aligned with the stormwater pit, by at least one of moving the lintel by moving the at least one second gantry part relative to the at least one first gantry part in said first direction being a direction from the rear side of the lintel to the front side of the lintel, moving the lintel by moving the at least one second gantry part relative to the at least one first gantry part in said second direction, raising the lintel by raising the connectors, and lowering the lintel by lowering the connectors.

[0014] Ina preferred embodiment of the invention, the installation position is a position adjacent to at least one kerbstone, wherein the step of adjusting the position of the lintel includes adjusting the position until the lintel is aligned with the at least one adjacent kerbstone.

[0015] Then, preferably, the at least one adjacent kerbstone includes a pair of spaced apart kerbstones aligned with each other, and the step of adjusting the position of the lintel into an installation position includes aligning the lintel with both ofthe kerbstones.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes, after the step of adjusting the position of the lintel, fixing the position of the lintel by position fixing means other than the lintel support apparatus, and removing the lintel support apparatus from the lintel.

[0017] Then, preferably, the step of fixing the position of the lintel by position fixing means other than the lintel support apparatus includes pouring filling material beneath the lintel and allowing the filling material to set.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of adjusting the position of the lintel into an installation position includes adjusting said position such that the lintel is spaced apart from the stormwater pit, the method further including inserting a pit extending formation that extends from the stormwater pit to the lintel.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of adjusting the position of the lintel into an installation position includes adjusting said position such that the lintel is spaced apart from the at least one kerbstone, the method further including pouring filling material such that the filling material spans the space from the lintel to the at least one kerbstone, and allowing the filling material to set.

[0020] Then, preferably, the step of pouring filling material includes pouring the filling material beneath the lintel.

[0021] Preferably, the filling material includes concrete.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kerb inlet lintel support apparatus for supporting a kerb inlet lintel in an operational orientation in which the lintel has a front side and a rear side and has been preformed with at least one lifting anchor adapted for lifting of the lintel by lifting apparatus when the lifting apparatus is attached to the at least one anchor, the support apparatus including: a plurality of support posts spaced apart from one another; a gantry supported by the plurality of support posts, the gantry having at least one first gantry part adapted to be stationary relative to the support posts, and at least one second gantry part which is movable, relative to the at least one first gantry part, in a first direction, and a second direction opposite to the first direction; at least one attachment component fixed to at least one of the at least one second gantry part; and at least one connector, the or each connector being connectable to an attachment component of the at least one attachment component, the or each connector being adapted for detachable connection to a respective lifting anchor of the at least one lifting anchor of the lintel;

[0022]wherein the apparatus is adapted, when the at least one connector is connected to at least one lifting anchor and the at least one connector is connected to an attachment component of the at least one attachment component so that the lintel is supported on the support apparatus, to move the lintel by movement of the at least one second gantry part relative to the at least one first gantry part in the first direction and by movement of the at least one second gantry part relative to the at least one first gantry part in said second direction, and to raise and lower the lintel by raising and lowering the at least one connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a kerbside layout showing a kerb inlet lintel, parts of adjacent kerbstone formations, parts of stormwater pipes and a stormwater pit, where the lintel is supported by support means according to the prior art;

[0025] Figure 2 is a side view of a kerb inlet lintel support apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, in use in relation to a kerbside layout as shown in Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 2a is an enlarged view of the area A indicated in dashed lines in Figure 2;

[0027] Figure 3 is a plan view of two kerb inlet lintel support apparatuses according to Figure 2 and the kerb layout of Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 4 is a side view of a formwork retention jig for use with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a connector as shown in Figures 2 and 3;

[0030] Figure 5a is a view of the connector as shown in Figure 5, the connector being rotated through 90 degrees about a horizontal axis relative to what is shown in Figure 5; and

[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a kerb inlet lintel support apparatus according to a different embodiment to that of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring to the drawings, the present invention relates to a kerb inlet lintel support apparatus 10 which is used for supporting a kerb inlet lintel 12 in a suitable position adjacent to kerbstones 14, and above stormwater pits 16. The stormwater pits 16, in turn, are used for directing rainwater that passes through the lintels 12, into stormwater pipes 18.

[0033] The kerbstones 14 are integrally formed with gutters 20 to form unitary kerbstone formations 22.

[0034] The lintel 12 is formed with a cross sectional shape that is similar to that of the kerbstone formations 22, so that each lintel has a raised portion 12.1, and lower portion 12.2 which correspond to the kerbstones 14 and gutters 20, respectively.

[0035] The lintel 12 is provided for running alongside a roadway (not shown) with the raised part 12.1 of the lintel having a forwardly directed face 24 facing towards the side at which the roadway is disposed relative to the lintel, with an opening 26 in that face.

[0036] The lower part 12.2 of the lintel 12 also has an opening, over which extends a rainwater grate 28.

[0037] Each lintel 12 is of concrete, and is preformed (precast) together with lifting anchors 30. The anchors 30 are partly embedded and anchored in the concrete of the lintels, with parts of the anchors protruding into recesses 32 which are formed in a forward face 34 of the lower part 12.2 of the lintel 12. According to a preferred embodiment, the part of each anchor 30 that protrudes into a respective recess includes an anchor stem 30.1 and an anchor head 30.2 (see especially Figure 5). The embedded parts of the anchors 30 are not shown.

[0038] The portions of the anchors 30 that protrude into the recesses 32 at the roadway side (front) of the lintel 12 are accessible from that side.

[0039] Similar recesses 32 are provided in the rear faces 36 of the lintel 12, with corresponding lifting anchors 30, with the portions of the anchors 30 that protrude into those recesses accessible from that side.

[0040] Each stormwater pit 16 is essentially in the form of a cuboid or similarly shaped box (although other shapes can be used instead), with the stormwater pipes 18 opening into the stormwater pit 16 via stormwater pit apertures 16.1. The stormwater pit 16 also has an opening 38 at its top. The lintel 12 is for enabling rainwater that is running along the gutters 20 to pass through the grate 28 and opening 26 of the lintel, downwards as indicated by the arrow 40 in Figure 1, into the stormwater pit 16, so that the rainwater can then be directed into the stormwater pipes 18 and be channelled away along the pipes.

[0041] Reference is now made to the apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 2 and 3 (with two such apparatuses being shown in Figure 3). The apparatus 10 includes two-spaced apart posts 52, and a gantry 54 connected to the posts and extending across the space between the posts.

[0042] Each of the posts 52 includes an outer sleeve portion 52.1, an inner post portion 52.2 and a foot 52.3 which is attached to the lower extremity of the inner post portion. The inner post portion 52.2 of each post 52 is adapted to slide telescopically into and out of the outer sleeve portion 52.1. The position of the inner post portion 52.2 is adjustable in relation to the position of the outer sleeve portion 52.1, but lockable relative thereto, by means of a suitable adjustment mechanism (not shown but which may involve screw-threaded parts, hydraulically operable parts, and so on, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art).

[0043] In the embodiment as shown in Figure 2, in each post 52, the adjustability of the inner post portion 52.2 relative to the outer sleeve portion 52.1 is controlled by a mechanism which includes two inter-engaging parts (not shown) with complementary screw threads, which are actuated by means of an actuation lever 56.

[0044] By means of the lever 56 and mechanism (not shown), the positions of the inner post portion 52.2 relative to the outer sleeve portion 52.1 can be controlled so as to adjust the overall length of the respective post 52.

[0045] The gantry 54 includes an outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1 and two inner gantry portions 54.2, which are telescopically slidable relative to the outer gantry sleeve portion. Each of the inner gantry portions 54.2 protrudes from a respective end of the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1.

[0046] Also as can be seen, the posts 52 are attached to the inner gantry portions 54.2 adjacent to the ends of those portions that are remote from the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1.

[0047] Gantry set screws 58 (only the heads of which are shown) are provided for interlocking the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1 with each of the inner gantry portions 54.2. The set screws 58 prevent the inner gantry portions 54.2 from being telescopically slid inwards or outwards relative to the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1 when the set screws are in their respective tightened positions, but allow such movement when the set screws are in their loosened positions.

[0048] Lifting eye formations 60 are also provided and are fixed to the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1, for the attachment of a crane or other suitable hoist (not shown), for lifting and movement of the apparatus 10.

[0049] A forward positioning brace 62 is provided for attachment to an underside of the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1. As can be seen in Figure 3, the forward positioning brace 62 extends beyond the lateral extremity of the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1. As best seen in Figure 2a, a pair of gantry tabs 63 are fixed to the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1, and define a space between them in which an upper end of the brace 62 can be accommodated. Each of the tabs 63 has an aperture 63.1, and there is also an aperture 62.1 extending through the upper end of the brace 62. When the upper end of the brace 62 is positioned between the tabs 63 so that the apertures 63.2. 62.1 are aligned, an attachment pin 63.2 can extend through the apertures to secure the brace 62 to the gantry sleeve portion 54.1 so that the brace extends downwards therefrom.

[0050] Attached to the forward positioning brace 62 is a forward retention bracket 64 which is substantially L-shaped in cross-section, and which has a base portion 64.1 having one edge fixed to the forward positioning brace 62, and a flange portion 64.2 joined to the opposite edge of the base portion. As can be seen in Figure 3, the flange portion 64.2 extends beyond the lateral extremity of the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1.

[0051] Connected to the flange portion 64.2 are forward tightening clamps 66, each of which has a clamp pad 66.1, a clamp shaft 66.2 and clamp actuation lever 66.3.

[0052] The clamp shaft 66.2 of each of the forward tightening clamps 66 extends through a respective aperture in the flange portion 64.2 of the forward retention bracket 64, and has an outer screw thread which engages with a complementary screw thread on that aperture, to allow positional adjustment of the forward tightening clamp relative to the flange portion by rotation of the clamp actuation lever 66.3 (the aperture and screw threads not being shown).

[0053] Also provided is an intermediate retention bracket 68 with intermediate tightening clamps 70. The intermediate tightening clamps 70 include clamp pads 70.1, clamp shafts 70.2, and clamp actuation levers 70.3, corresponding to the clamp pads 66.1, clamp shafts 66.2 and clamp actuation levers 66.3, of the forward tightening clamps 66.

[0054] The clamp shaft 70.2 of each intermediate tightening clamp 70 passes through a respective aperture in the intermediate retention bracket 68, and has screw threads which engage with complementary screw threads on the aperture, in a similar configuration to that of the forward tightening clamps 66 and forward positioning brace 62 as described above, to allow positional adjustment of the intermediate tightening clamp relative to the intermediate retention bracket by rotation of the clamp actuation lever 70.3 (with the apertures and screw threads of the intermediate retention bracket 68 and clamp shaft 70.2 not being shown).

[0055] The intermediate retention bracket 68 is fixed to a movable sleeve 72, which extends around the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1, and which is thus adapted to slide along gantry 54.

[0056] A sleeve set screw 74, of which only a head is shown, is provided for interlocking the slidable sleeve 72 and hence the intermediate retention bracket 68 with the gantry 54. In particular, the set screw 74, when in a tightened position, can prevent movement of the slidable sleeve 72 and intermediate retention bracket 68 relative to the gantry 54, and can allow such movement when the set screw is in a loosened position.

[0057] A top bracket 76 is provided, having an L-shaped cross-section, with a first top bracket portion 76.1 fixed to the gantry 54, and a second top bracket portion 76.2 which extends at right angles to the first top bracket portion.

[0058] An upper tightening clamp 78 is provided, the clamp having a clamp pad (not shown), clamp shaft (also not shown) and clamp actuation lever 78.3. In a similar fashion and arrangement to that of the clamps 70 and 66, the clamp shaft of the upper tightening clamp 78 passes through an aperture (not shown) in the second top bracket portion 76.2, and has screw threads for engaging complementary screw threads on the aperture.

[0059] A rear positioning brace 80 is fixed to the underside of the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1. As can be seen in Figure 3, the rear positioning brace 80 extends beyond the lateral extremity of the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1. Attached to the rear positioning brace 80 is a rear retention bracket 81 which is substantially L-shaped in cross-section, and which has a base portion 81.1 having one edge fixed to the rear positioning brace 80, and a flange portion 81.2 joined to the opposite edge of the base portion. As can be seen in Figure 3, the flange portion 81.2 extends beyond the lateral extremity of the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1.

[0060] Connected to the flange portion 81.2 are rear tightening clamps 82, each having a clamp pad 82.1, a clamp shaft 82.2 and clamp actuation lever 82.3. The clamp shaft 82.2 of each of the rear tightening clamps 82 extends through an aperture in the flange portion 81.2 of the rear retention bracket 81, and has an outer screw thread which engages with a complementary screw thread on that aperture, to allow positional adjustment of the rear tightening clamp 82 relative to the flange portion by rotation of the clamp actuation lever 82.3 (the aperture and screw threads not being shown).

[0061] Referring to Figure 1, a prior art method for positioning the lintel 12 is indicated. That method involves the use of chains 86 (shown in dashed lines) which are attached to the lifting anchors 30 (the means of attachment not being shown), and a crane or hoist 88 (only parts of which are shown). The crane/hoist 88 is used to lift the lintel 12 and move it into a desired position.

[0062] According to the present invention, two apparatuses 10 can be used to support, and locate the position of, the lintel 12 during installation of the lintel as shown in Figure 3, and as described further, below.

[0063] In order to position the lintel 12 in a desired location relative to the two kerbstone formations 22, the lintel is secured to the two apparatuses 10. This can be achieved by first supporting the lintel 12 on a stable base (not shown) of suitable height. This in turn may be accomplished by using the prior art method of lifting and moving the lintel 12 as described above with reference to Figure 1, using the chains 86 attached to the lifting anchors 30 and the crane or hoist 88 attached to the chains.

[0064] Each of the two apparatuses 10 can then be positioned adjacent to a respective group of recesses 32 (such as the left-hand or right-hand recesses, as the case may be, on the front and rear faces 34, 36 of the lintel 12, with reference to Figure 3), so that its posts 52 are adjacent to the lintel with the gantry 54 extending over the lintel (such relative positioning being shown in Figure 2).

[0065] For connecting each of the apparatuses 10 to the lintel 12, suitable connectors 90 can then be attached to the particular lifting anchors 30 of the lintel that are adjacent to the respective apparatus. (In Figure 3, the forward and rear retention brackets 64, 81 are shown partly cut away to facilitate viewing of the connectors 90.) As best seen in Figure 5, each connector 90 includes a unitary component 92 which includes a threaded connector shaft 92.1 and a domed head 92.2 at one end of the connector shaft. The domed head 92.2 is hollow, and defines a dome slot 92.3 extending in a curved path along part of the domed head, and a dome aperture 92.4 which is broader than the dome slot, the dome slot and dome aperture opening into each other. Each connector also includes a securing ring 94 and a threaded securing nut 96.

[0066] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, especially with reference to Figure 2, when the forward positioning brace 62 is attached to the gantry 54 by means of the pin 63.2, the space between the forward positioning brace and rear positioning brace 80 is fixed. Therefore, to enable the lintel 12 to be secured to the apparatus 10, firstly, the forward positioning brace 62 can be removed from the gantry 54 by removing the pin 63.2 from the apertures 63.1 and 62.1 in the tabs 63 and forward positioning brace, respectively.

[0067] The connectors 90 of each apparatus 10 can be attached to the lintel 12 by connecting each connector to a respective one of the anchors 30. With each of the connectors 90, this can be achieved by inserting the domed head 92.2 of the connector into a respective recess 32 in the lintel 12. The respective unitary component 92 of which that domed head 92.2 forms a part can be moved and manipulated so that the respective anchor head 30.2 passes through the dome aperture 92.4 into the hollow of the domed head 92.2. The unitary component 92 can then be moved further so that the anchor stem 30.1 slides along the dome slot 92.3. In this manner, the unitary component 92 can effectively be hooked onto the anchor 30.

[0068] The forward positioning brace 62 and rear positioning brace 80 have apertures (not shown) through which the connector shafts 92 of the respective connectors 90 are adapted to pass.

[0069] In order to connect all of the connectors 90 of the two apparatuses 10 to the lintel 12, for each apparatus two of the connectors 90 can first be attached to the anchors 30 at the rear of the lintel by hooking the unitary components 92 to those two anchors in the manner described above. After those connectors have been connected to those anchors, the connector shafts 92.1 of those two connectors can be passed through the apertures in the rear positioning brace 80. Keeping in mind that the respective apparatus 10 is positioned over the lintel 12 as shown in Figure 2, it will be understood that passing the connector shafts 92.1 through the aperture in the positioning brace 80 can be achieved by moving the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1, and hence the rear positioning brace 80, relative to the lintel 12.

[0070] The front positioning brace 62 of each apparatus 10 (now removed from the gantry 54 as discussed above) can then be positioned so that the connector shafts 92.1 of the front connectors 90 pass though the apertures in that brace.

[0071] The front positioning brace 62 can then be positioned relative to the lintel 12 by attaching that brace to the gantry 54 using the gantry tabs 63 and pin 63.2 in the reverse process to that described above for removing that brace from the gantry.

[0072] The securing nuts 96 of the connectors 90 can then be screwed onto the connector shafts 92 and tightened in place, thus tightening the front and rear of the lintel 12 to the forward and rear positioning braces 62, 80, respectively, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0073] In will be noted that, for each apparatus 10, as the forward positioning brace 62 and rear positioning brace 80 are both attached to the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1 which is unitary, the distance between the two braces cannot be changed. Accordingly, the braces 62, 80 are positioned with respect to the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1 so as to be suitable to accommodate, between them, a lintel of a standard size.

[0074] In another embodiment (not shown), one or both of the positioning braces 62, 80 may have its position adjustable relative to the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1, in order to accommodate, between the braces, lintels having different dimensions between their front and rear surfaces.

[0075] The two entire apparatuses 10 together with the lintel 12 attached to the apparatuses in the manner described above, and thus supported by them, can be moved from a remote location into the proximity of a desired position at which the lintel is to be installed. This may be achieved by the use of a suitable lifting apparatus (not shown) such as the crane/hoist 88, using the chains 86 with components (not shown) that can hook on to the lifting eye formations 60 of the two apparatuses 10. Such a desired position of the lintel 12 is typically over an excavated space, having an uneven ground surface 98 as best seen in Figure 2.

[0076] Referring to Figure 1, it will be seen that when the chains 86 are attached to the lintel 12 according to the prior art method, the chains converge on each other in an upward direction towards the parts of the crane/hoist 88 that are shown. Therefore, as the crane/hoist 88 applies an upward force to keep the lintel 12 aloft or to raise it, the lifting force is transmitted via each of the chains 86, with a component of the force being experienced as a longitudinal force along each of the chains.

[0077] The same will apply when the crane/hoist 88 and chains 86 are used by connection to the lifting eyes 60, to lift the two apparatuses 10 for lifting the lintel 12 which is supported on those apparatuses.

[0078] Indeed, because of the spaced-apart positioning of the lifting eyes 60 with respect to one another, the chains 86 will be in a similar converging orientation as in Figure 1. The two chains 86 attached to one of the apparatuses and the chains attached to the other apparatus will tend to pull the lifting eyes 60 of the respective apparatuses to which they are attached, towards each other. This will in turn have the effect of pulling the upper extremities of the two apparatuses 10 towards each other, urging the apparatuses into tilted positions.

[0079] However, the engagement of the second top bracket portions 76.2 of the top brackets 76 with the upper surface of the raised portion 12.1 of the lintel 12 can provide a resistance force against the top brackets to resist such urging force so as to assist to keeping the apparatuses 10 from tilting.

[0080] The posts 52 can be adjusted, by moving the inner post portions 52.2 inwards or outwards relative to the respective outer sleeve portions 52.1 of the respective posts, in order to achieve desirable lengths of the posts, so that when these are seated on the ground surface 98 by means of the feet 52.3 of the posts, the gantry 54 is level. The positions of the apertures of the forward and rear positioning braces 62, 80 through which the connector shafts 92.1 pass is such that when the gantry 54 is level, the lintel 12, secured to those braces, is also level.

[0081] Once the posts 52 of the apparatus 10 have been suitably positioned, the forward/rearward positioning of the lintel 12 can be adjusted, by sliding the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1 relative to the inner gantry portions 54.2.

[0082] By adjustment of the position of the gantry sleeve portion 54.1 relative to the inner gantry portions 54.2, and telescopic adjustment of the lengths of the posts 54 as described above, the position of the lintel 12 in the forward/rearward direction and in the vertical (upward or downward) direction, can be achieved as desired.

[0083] Such positioning will typically take place approximately in the space between two kerbstone formations 22 as shown in Figure 1. According to the preferred embodiment, the adjustment can align the lintel 12 with the kerbstone formations 22.

[0084] As will be seen in Figures 1 and 3, once the lintel 12 is positioned as described, there will be open spaces 100 on either side of the lintel, between the lintel and the two respective kerbstone formations 22. The spaces 100 are to be filled with concrete, in the manner described below.

[0085] It will also be noted that the lintel 12 is positioned immediately above the stormwater pit 16, and in particular, over the opening 38.

[0086] A stormwater pit extender 130 can be built on top of the stormwater pit 16 to cover the vertical distance between the top of the stormwater pit and bottom of the lintel 12 as shown in Figure 2. The stormwater pit extender 130 has upper and lower openings (not shown) and is hollow, to define a passage (not shown) from the lintel 12 to the opening 38 of the stormwater pit 16. Thus, rainwater passing through the opening 26 and grate 28 and thus through the lintel 12 can pass through the stormwater pit extender 130 into the stormwater pit 16, to be channelled to the stormwater pipes 18.

[0087] Turning again to the spaces 100 between the lintel 12 and kerbstone formations 22, in order to pour concrete into those spaces, it is desired to erect suitable formwork to form, at least, the desired front and rear surfaces of the concrete so that when set and hardened, that concrete will match, and be continuous with, the front and rear surfaces of the lintel 12 and kerbstone formations 22.

[0088] Suitable steel planks (sheets), generally designated 106, may be used for such formwork, and these may be partly supported by the apparatus 10, as described below.

[0089] Such steel planks 106 maybe positioned on the apparatus 10 as shown in dashed lines in Figure 2 (see the particular plank 106.2) and in solid lines in Figure 3.

[0090] One such plank, specifically referenced 106.1 may be positioned in the space between the flange portion 64.2 of the forward retention bracket 64 and the front face 34 of the lintel 12. Such plank 106.1 may be tightened in place against the lintel 12 by the forward tightening clamps 66. In particular the clamp pads 66.1 may engage the plank 106.1 and be tightened onto the plank by rotation of the clamp actuation lever 66.3 to urge the plank into engagement with the lintel 12.

[0091] In Figure 2, the upper forward tightening clamp 66 is shown to be above the uppermost extremity of the lower portion 12.2 of the lintel 12. However, in another, preferred embodiment, the upper forward tightening clamp 66 is positioned lower relative to the forward positioning brace 62, so as to be aligned with a portion of the forward face 34 of the lower part 12.2 of the lintel 12.

[0092] Another plank, specifically referenced 106.2 (as referred to above) may be supported on the lintel 12 between the intermediate retention brace 68 and the forwardly directed face 24 of the lintel 12 and be clamped onto the lintel by the clamp pads 70.1 of the clamps 70, which are tightened onto the plank by rotation of the clamp actuation levers 66.3 to urge the plank into engagement with lintel.

[0093] To facilitate placing of the plank 106.2 between the intermediate retention brace 68 and the lintel 12, the brace can be moved away from the lintel. This can be achieved by moving the movable sleeve 72, and hence the intermediate retention brace 68, which is fixed to the sleeve, in a forward direction, i.e. in a direction from the rear face 36 of the lintel 12 towards its front face 34. Once the plank 106.2 has been put in place on the lintel 12 as shown in dashed lines in Figure 2, the movable sleeve 72 and intermediate retention brace 68, can be moved in a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction, until the clamp pads 70.1 of the clamps 70 bear against the plank. The clamps 70 can then be tightened against the plank 106.2 to tighten it against the lintel 12.

[0094] A further such plank, specifically referenced 106.3, may be positioned in the space between the flange portion 81.2 of the rear retention bracket 81 and the rear face 36 of the lintel 12. Such plank 106.3 may be tightened in place by the rear tightening clamps 82. In particular the clamp pads 82.1 may engage the plank 106.3 and be tightened onto the plank by rotation of the clamp actuation lever 82.3 to urge the plank into engagement with the lintel 12.

[0095] In order to serve as formwork, the planks 106 will have to span the spaces 100 between the lintel 12 and the adjacent kerbstone formations 22. As described above, each of the kerbstone formations 22 has a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to that of the lintel 12. Thus, each of the kerbstone formations 22 has a front surface 22.1, a lower top face 22.2, an intermediate face 22.3, an upper top face 22.4 and a rear face 22.5.

[0096] Thus, as shown in Figure 3, the frontmost plank 106.1 can be positioned to extend immediately adjacent to the front surface 22.1 of one of the adjacent kerbstone formations 22; the intermediately positioned plank 106.2 can be positioned to extend immediately adjacent to the intermediate face 22.3; and the rearmost plank 106.3 can be positioned to extend immediately adjacent to the rear face 22.5. The same arrangement can be applied in mirror image to the two apparatuses 10, with the respective adjacent kerbstone formations 22 and sets of steel planks 106 as shown in Figure 3.

[0097] To assist in securing a set of planks 106 to such an adjacent kerbstone formation 22, a retention jig 110 is provided as shown in Figure 4. The retention jig 110 has a front post 112 and a rear post 114. The posts 112, 114 are hollow and within each of the posts extends a respective elongate securing member 116. Each securing member 116 protrudes from an opening (not shown) at the top of the respective post 112, 114 and includes an actuation head 116.1 at the top of the securing member. Each securing member 116 also protrudes from an opening (not shown) at the bottom of the respective post 112, 114 and includes a spike 116.2 at its lower end. Each of the securing members 116 is adapted to slide upwardly and downwardly relative to the respective post 112, 114.

[0098] An interconnecting member 118 is integrally joined to, and extends between, the posts 112, 114. The interconnecting member 118 includes a horizontal portion 118.1 and a sloped portion 118.2. Aslidablejig sleeve 120 is provided on, and is adapted to slide along, the horizontal portion 118.1. A jig brace 122 is fixed to, and extends downwards from, the jig sleeve 120.

[0099] A jig set screw 124 is provided (only the head of the set screw being shown), for interlocking the jig sleeve 120 and interconnecting member 118. The jig set screw 124, when in its loosened position, allows the jig sleeve 120 to slide along the horizontal portion 118.1, and when in its tightened position prevents the jig sleeve from sliding along the horizontal portion.

[0100] The retention jig 110 can be secured to the ground surface 98 by placing it on that surface and then applying hammering force to the actuation heads 116.1 of the securing members 116 to drive the spikes 116.2 into that surface.

[0101] Once a jig 110 has been secured to the ground surface, as shown in Figure 4, the free end of the frontmost plank 106.1 extending from one side of the lintel 12 can be accommodated between the front surface 22.1 of the particular kerbstone formation 22 and the front post 112 of the jig 110; the free end of the intermediately positioned plank 106.2 can be accommodated between the intermediate face 22.3 of the particular kerbstone formation 22 and the jig brace 122; and the free end of the rearmost plank 106.3 can be accommodated between the rear face 22.5 of the particular kerbstone formation and the rear post 114.

[0102] Jig clamps 126 are provided, each of which has a jig clamp pad 126.1, a jig clamp shaft 126.2 and jig clamp actuation lever 126.3.

[0103] The jig clamp shafts 126.2 pass through respective apertures in the jig brace 122, and have screw threads which engage with complementary screw threads on the apertures, in a similar configuration to that of the forward tightening clamps 66 and forward positioning brace 62 as described above, to allow positional adjustment of the jig clamps 126 relative to the jig brace by rotation of the clamp actuation lever 126.3 (with the apertures and screw threads of the jig brace and clamp shaft 126.2 not being shown). The jig clamps 126 can be used to clamp the intermediately positioned plank 106.2 to the intermediate face 22.3 of the respective kerbstone formation 22 with the jig clamp pads 126.1 engaging that plank.

[0104] Two respective jigs 110 maybe used in relation to the two apparatuses and two sets of planks 106.1, 106.2 and 106.3 in the arrangement shown in Figure 3.

[0105] The planks 106, once installed, can serve as formwork for the open spaces 100, so that these, together with the side faces of the lintel 12 and kerbstone formations 22, can enclose the sides and front and rear of those spaces to allow for the pouring of concrete into the spaces.

[0106] When the concrete is poured, sufficient concrete can be poured not only to be accommodated in the spaces 100, but also to flow underneath the lintel 12 and above the ground surface 98. When the concrete under the lintel 12 has set and hardened, the lintel can be released from the support apparatus as it will be supported on the concrete beneath it.

[0107] Referring to Figure 6, there is shown part of a kerb inlet lintel support apparatus 210 according to a different embodiment to the apparatus 10 described with reference to the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5a. Features in

Figure 6 that have functionally corresponding features in Figures 2 to 5a are referenced by the same reference numerals as in those figures but with the prefix "2". In Figure 6, only those features that are necessary to describe differences between the embodiments of Figures 2 to 5a and that of Figure 6, are shown.

[0108] In the embodiment of Figure 6, instead of there being a movable sleeve 72 which extends around the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1, and which is thus adapted to slide along gantry 54 (as is the case in the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5a), there is provided an extension component, generally designated 300.

[0109] The extension component 300 includes a joining element 302 having one end which is fixed to the outer gantry sleeve portion 254.1 of the gantry 254.

[0110] The other end of the joining element 302 is fixed to a hollow sleeve 304 having an internal passage 306.

[0111] A movable extension element 308 extends from one end of the hollow sleeve 304, and is adapted to slide inwards and outwards relative to the internal passage 306 as indicated by the double ended arrow 310.

[0112] Fixed to, and extending from, the opposite end of the hollow sleeve 304 is a fixed extension element 312.

[0113] Fixed to, and extending downwards from, the movable extension element 308 is a bracket 268 corresponding in function to the intermediate retention bracket 68 of the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5a.

[0114] The bracket 268 is provided with a tightening clamp 270 which includes a clamp shaft 270.2, and a clamp actuation handle 270.3. The clamp shaft 270.2 extends through an aperture in the bracket 268, and has an outer screw thread which engages with a complementary screw thread on that aperture, to allow positional adjustment of the shaft relative to the bracket rotation of the clamp actuation handle 270.3 (the aperture and screw threads not being shown).

[0115] Fixed to, and extending downwards from, the fixed extension element 312 is a rear positioning brace 280 corresponding in function to the rear positioning brace 80 of the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5a.

[0116] The rear positioning brace 280, the fixed extension element 312, the hollow sleeve 304, the joining element 302, and the outer gantry sleeve portion 254.1 are all fixed in relation to one another and therefore together all effectively constitute a single integral component.

[0117] The bracket 268 is movable relative to the outer gantry sleeve portion 254.1 by virtue of the movable extension element 308 being movable relative to the hollow sleeve 304. Because of the effectively singular nature of the group of components constituted by rear positioning brace 280, the fixed extension element 312, the hollow sleeve 304, the joining element 302, and the outer gantry sleeve portion 254.1, the movable extension element 308 is movable relative to the outer gantry sleeve portion just as the intermediate retention bracket 68 of the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5a is movable relative to the outer gantry sleeve portion 54.1 of that embodiment.

[0118] Thus, the bracket 268 is adapted to perform the same function as the intermediate retention bracket 68 as described above. Similarly, the tightening clamp 270 is adapted to perform the same function as the intermediate tightening clamps 70 as described above.

[0119] Similarly, because the rear positioning brace 280 is fixed in relation to the outer gantry sleeve portion 254.1, it is adapted to perform the same function as the rear positioning brace 80 as described above.

[0120] While only one extension component 300 is shown in Figure 6 on one side of the gantry 254, apparatus 210 embodiment may include another extension component 300 which is formed substantially as a mirror image of the extension component that is shown, on the opposite side of the gantry.

[0121] Although the invention is described with reference to specific embodiments above, it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A method of installing a kerb inlet lintel in an installation position above a stormwater pit, the method including: providing a kerb inlet lintel which has a front side and a rear side and which has been preformed with at least one lifting anchor adapted for lifting of the kerb inlet lintel by lifting apparatus when the lifting apparatus is attached to the at least one lifting anchor; providing a lintel support apparatus, the support apparatus including: a plurality of support posts spaced apart from one another; a gantry supported by the plurality of support posts, the gantry having at least one first gantry part adapted to be stationary relative to the support posts, and at least one second gantry part which is movable, relative to the at least one first gantry part, in a first direction, and a second direction opposite to the first direction; at least one attachment component fixed to at least one of the at least one second gantry part; and at least one connector which is connectable to at least one attachment component of the at least one attachment component, the or each connector being adapted for detachable connection to a respective lifting anchor of the at least one lifting anchor of the lintel; supporting the lintel on the support apparatus by connecting the at least one connector to a respective lifting anchor of the at least one lifting anchor of the lintel so that the lintel is supported on the support apparatus when the at least one connector is connected to an attachment component of the at least one attachment component; and when the lintel is supported on the support apparatus, adjusting the position of the lintel into the installation position such that the lintel is above and aligned with the stormwater pit, by at least one of moving the lintel by moving the at least one second gantry part relative to the at least one first gantry part in said first direction being a direction from the rear side of the lintel to the front side of the lintel, moving the lintel by moving the at least one second gantry part relative to the at least one first gantry part in said second direction, raising the lintel by raising the connectors, and lowering the lintel by lowering the connectors.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the installation position is a position adjacent to at least one kerbstone, wherein the step of adjusting the position of the lintel includes adjusting the position until the lintel is aligned with the at least one adjacent kerbstone.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, including, after the step of adjusting the position of the lintel, fixing the position of the lintel by position fixing means other than the lintel support apparatus, and removing the lintel support apparatus from the lintel.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of adjusting the position of the lintel into an installation position includes adjusting said position such that the lintel is spaced apart from the stormwater pit, the method further including inserting a pit extending formation that extends from the stormwater pit to the lintel.

5. A kerb inlet lintel support apparatus for supporting a kerb inlet lintel in an operational orientation in which the lintel has a front side and a rear side and has been preformed with at least one lifting anchor adapted for lifting of the lintel by lifting apparatus when the lifting apparatus is attached to the at least one anchor, the support apparatus including: a plurality of support posts spaced apart from one another; a gantry supported by the plurality of support posts, the gantry having at least one first gantry part adapted to be stationary relative to the support posts, and at least one second gantry part which is movable, relative to the at least one first gantry part, in a first direction, and a second direction opposite to the first direction; at least one attachment component fixed to at least one of the at least one second gantry part; and at least one connector, the or each connector being connectable to an attachment component of the at least one attachment component, the or each connector being adapted for detachable connection to a respective lifting anchor of the at least one lifting anchor of the lintel; wherein the apparatus is adapted, when the at least one connector is connected to at least one lifting anchor and the at least one connector is connected to an attachment component of the at least one attachment component so that the lintel is supported on the support apparatus, to move the lintel by movement of the at least one second gantry part relative to the at least one first gantry part in the first direction and by movement of the at least one second gantry part relative to the at least one first gantry part in said second direction, and to raise and lower the lintel by raising and lowering the at least one connector.

Fig. 1 86 22.4 12 22.5 28 12.1 22.3 14 100 26 100 14 36 22.2 20 22 24 12.2 32 34 32 30 38 30 20 22.1 40 16 1/4

110 18 16.1 18 118 118.1 124 116.1 120 118.2 126 116.1 114 126.3 126.1 126.2 122 106.2 126.3 116 112 126.1 126 22.3 126.2 22.5 14 106.1 116 98 Fig. 4 106.3 22.1

116.2 116.2

52.3 Fig. 3 56

54.2 22 58 12 36 22 22.5 116.1 82 90 12.1 116.1 81.2 80 118.1 118.1 76 32 22.4 106.3 76.2 76.2 60 106.3 100 60 78 100 14 78 14 124 72 124

22.3 106.2 70 106.2 20 54.1 74 22.2 120 10 120 110 100 100 110 12.2 20 116.1 10 116.1 118.2 60 60 3/4

22.1 32 118.2 64.2 106.1 62 24 106.1 66 28 54.2 58 34 24 90 52.3 56 32 94 32 94 30.2 90 30.2 90 92.2 96 92.2 96 92 92 30 30 92.1 92.1 12 12 Fig. 5 Fig. 5a 30.1 30.1

92.3 92 92.3 92 92.4 92.4

254.2

300 254.1 210

254

312 302 254.2 4/4

304 310

280 308 306 270.2

270 268 270.2 Fig. 6