EP3394347B1

EP3394347B1 - Access hatch

Info

Publication number: EP3394347B1
Application number: EP16876994.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nathan Charles CRUICKSHANK
Original assignee: Parkwood Investments Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Parkwood Investments Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-22
Filing date: 2016-11-22
Publication date: 2023-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-22
Also published as: NZ744504A; EP3394347A4; AU2016374649B2; AU2016374649A1; EP3394347C0; WO2017106905A1; EP3394347A1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an access hatch for an opening such as that of a sub- surface facility. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an access hatch for an opening of a pump station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sub-surface facilities such as pump stations require occasional access for inspection and or servicing of equipment. When not in use, it is important that an opening for the facility be securely covered to prevent accidental or unauthorised access to the facility and/or equipment housed therein.
US 6644342 B1 discloses a modular well for a wastewater lift station that includes multiple well sections. Each of the well sections has at least one mating feature allowing it to be joined to at least one other well section and to form a liquid tight seal. The well is formed by vertically mating the well sections together. One of the well sections has an inlet opening, and the same or a different well section has at least one outlet opening.
US 4266380 A discloses a high strength cover for an underground utility box of the type that is normally installed on streets and driveways and is subjected to substantial vehicle loads. The cover structure includes a fixed rectangular frame the upper edge of which is installed substantially flush with the ground level. Below the ground level the frame defines bearing surfaces throughout the periphery of the frame, the inner edge of the bearing members defining the access opening. Two structural frameworks, dimensioned to be, in combination, substantially coextensive with the access opening are provided to span the bearing surfaces. The frameworks have sufficient vertical dimensions to afford the necessary strength. The frameworks are hinged for pivotal movement about axes along two opposite ends of the frame so that they can be moved to an upright position to afford access to the box. Hingedly mounted on a side edge which extends between the end edges of the frame are two cover plates which in combined outlinear form cover the access opening. The cover plates are impervious so as to close the access opening and when closed are supported by the subjacent frameworks. The cover plates are also provided with brackets which engage the frameworks in the upstanding position so as to form a barrier around three sides of the opening when access to the box is desired.
US 6640495 B1 discloses an access hatch comprising a frame, a grate, and a pull member pivotally coupled to the grate. The frame contains an access opening. The grate has a near side and a far side. The near side is coupled to the frame for pivotal movement of the grate between a closed and an open position. In the closed position, the grate lies substantially in the access opening of the frame and blocks at least a portion of the opening. In the open position, the grate is oriented away from the opening of the frame to allow access through the opening. The pull member has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is pivotally coupled to the grate near the far side of the grate, such that the proximal end is moveable away from the grate from a rest position. The proximal end extends substantially to the near side of the grate when the proximal end is in the rest position. The proximal end is normally in the rest position when the grate is in the closed position. A worker, intending to open the grate, is prompted to stand at the near side of the grate and grasp the proximal end of the pull member, to pull the grate to the open position.
FR 2639383 A1 discloses an inspection hatch for underground pipe work of the type comprising a frame of rectangular overall shape intended to be sealed to the edge of the opening of the inspection port with two leaves mounted so that they can tilt on two opposite sides of the frame, characterised in that it comprises two grids mounted so that they are articulated on the frame on two opposite sides adjacent to the ones on which the leaves are articulated, the said grids being mounted so that they are capable of occupying a closed position in which they rest on one another and an open position in which they extend substantially vertically, means being provided for connecting the leaves and the grids in the open position.
US 5941024 A discloses a floor hatch with a built-in security fence, where access to the understructure can only be provided wherein a pair of doors are pivoted outwardly to an open position and secured, forming two opposite sides of the security fence; a first gate is pivoted outwardly to an open position and secured to each of the doors, forming the rear of the security fence and a second gate, leaving a pivoting door, is pivoted outwardly and secured to each of the doors forming the front of the security fence. The pivoting door of the second gate pivots outwardly to permit access to the opening in the floor. The floor hatch may also include a security grate and telescoping extension on each of the doors. The floor hatch can be locked in the closed position and can be opened, automatically forming a security fence, to permit access to an understructure of a floor.
During times when access is required, it is important that workers can safely access the facility as required without difficulty or being unnecessarily restricted or presented with new hazards, such as tripping hazards for example. Furthermore, use of the hatch should be as simple as possible, and it is desirable that the hatch be configured so that accidental access to the facility is avoided during servicing and/or inspection of the facility.
Examples of the invention seek to solve, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of previous access hatches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined in the appended claims. According to the present invention, there is provided according to appended claim 1, an access hatch for an opening such as that of a sub-surface facility, the access hatch having a frame for fitting to the perimeter of the opening, a cover lid pivotally coupled to the frame, and grate segments in pivotable relationship with the frame, wherein the grate segments form two separate sub assemblies, each sub assembly including two collapsible grate segments pivotally connected together, such that the access hatch is manoeuvrable between: a first configuration in which the grate segments extend across the opening and the cover lid is pivoted into a closed position in which it at least substantially covers the grate segments and denies access to the opening;

a second configuration in which the cover lid is pivoted to uncover the grate segments to allow inspection of the facility; and
a third configuration in which the grate segments and cover lid are moved into substantially upright positions so as to form a barrier around the opening,
wherein from the second configuration, a sub assembly of the two separate sub assemblies is individually movable into a substantially upright position such that one side of the opening can be accessed,
wherein the grate segments are substantially parallel with each other when the access hatch is in the first and second configurations and pivotable from the frame in the third configuration in which the grate segments define sides of the barrier,
wherein the barrier includes a substantially upright gated portion for selectively opening and closing the barrier to allow and restrict access to the opening respectively, and
wherein the gated portion is formed in one of the grate segments.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the second configuration, the lid is preferably pivotable to a substantially upright position.
Preferably, the grate segments are pivotally coupled to the frame. Preferably, in the second configuration the grate segments are secured within the frame to support the weight of a person.
Preferably, apertures formed in the grate segments are sized to allow visual inspection through the grate segments. Preferably, structural members of the grate segments are aligned when in the second configuration.
The access hatch can further comprise a roller on a free end of the or each grate segment for supporting the weight thereof in the third configuration.
The access hatch may further include a plurality of extension members extending from the grate segments to increase the height of the barrier. Preferably, the lid is lockable to the frame. The lid may be formed in two parts lockable together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be further described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an access hatch of one embodiment of the invention in an open configuration;
Figure 2 is another perspective view of the access hatch in a partially open configuration;
Figure 3 is another perspective view of the access hatch in a partially open configuration;
Figure 4 is another perspective view of the access hatch in a closed configuration;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the access hatch in the partially open configuration;
Figure 6 is a close perspective view of a locking latch for use with the access hatch;
Figure 7 is a plan view of the access hatch in the open condition;
Figure 8 is a close sectional view of a frame of the access hatch;
Figure 9 is another close sectional view of a frame of the access hatch;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of another access hatch in an open configuration;
Figure 11 is a side view of the hatch of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is an end view of the hatch of Figure 10;
Figure 13 is a close sectional view showing detail B-B indicated in Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a close sectional view showing detail C-C indicated in Figure 12; and
Figure 15 is a close sectional view of a stay sliding mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to Figure 1, there is shown an access hatch 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The access hatch 10 is configured for covering an opening such as that of a sub-surface facility. An example of such a facility is a pump station.
The hatch 10 has a frame 12 for fitting to the perimeter of the opening, a cover lid 14 pivotally coupled to the frame 12, and grating 16 in pivotable relationship with the frame 12. The hatch 10 is manoeuvrable between multiple configurations for varying the level of access to the opening.
In the illustrated embodiments, lid 14 is formed in two components 14a, 14b and grating 16 is formed in segments 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d. The lid 14 and grating 16 cooperate to, in use, form a barrier around the opening and restrict access thereto. The hatch 10 is provided with an upright gated portion 20 for selectively opening and closing the barrier to allow and restrict access to the opening respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, a gated portion 20 is formed in each of grating segments 16b, 16c, though it may be formed in only other of the grating segments. In other forms, the gated portion 20 may be formed in the lid 14.
In use, the hatch 10 is movable through open to closed configurations, as will be described further below in relation to Figures 1 to 3.
Figure 3 illustrates a closed or first configuration in which the grating 16 extends across the opening and the cover lid 14 is pivoted into a closed position in which it at least substantially covers the grating 16 and denies access to the opening. In this configuration, the lid 14 is locked to the frame or grating 16 via lock 22 so as to prevent unauthorised access to the opening. For ease of use, the lid 14 is formed in two parts so as to reduce the weight of components a user has to handle. In this embodiment, lock 22 is configured to lock the lid 14 to grating 16.
Figure 2 illustrates a second or intermediate configuration in which the lid 14 is pivoted to uncover the grating to allow inspection of and/or limited access to the facility. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 14 is pivotable to a substantially upright position. To support the lid 14 is a substantially upright position, lid parts 14a, 14b are each provided with a stay 24. Stays 24 may be pivotably coupled to the frame and provided with a boss for sliding engagement with a slot formed in the lid parts 14a, 14b. The slot preferably has a catch or notch formed therein to retain the lid 14 in the open configuration.
In the second configuration the grating 16 is secured within the frame 12 to support the weight of a person. In this regard, the frame 12 may be formed with a flange or shoulder upon which the grating 16 rests to support it in a substantially horizontal position. In this condition, a user has limited access to equipment within the facility, as will be explained further below.
Figure 1 illustrates the hatch 10 in a third configuration in which the grating 16 and lid 14 are moved into substantially upright positions so as to form a barrier around the opening. In this regard, lid parts 14a and 14b and grating segments 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d cooperate to form the barrier. Although illustrated with a gap between grating segments 16b and 16c, the barrier is generally continuous so as to restrict access to the facility. As illustrated in Figure 2, the hatch 10 also enables a gate like access whereby one side of the opening can be accessed at a time whilst still protecting the opposite side.
Gated portion 20 formed in grating portion 16c is provided with a locking bolt 26 that cooperates with the frame to lock the gated portion 20 in position. A support block 28 may also be provided for supporting the gated portion 20 and/or locking the gated portion 20 in a closed position. A locking bolt 26 and support block 28 may be provided for each gated portion 20. In other examples, particularly examples having only a single gated portion 20, the gated portion may be configured to be releasably securable with other grate segments. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide more that one gated portion 20 and grating segment 16b may also be used as a gated portion 20.
In the illustrated embodiment, the grating 16 includes a plurality of grate segments 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d which are substantially parallel with each other when the hatch 10 is in the first and second configurations in which the grating is horizontally inclined and received against the frame 12. The grate segments 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are pivotable from the frame 12 in the third configuration in which the segments 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d define sides of the barrier.
In the illustrated embodiment, the grating 16 is formed in two separate sub assemblies 30a, 30b, each assembly including two collapsible grate segments 16 pivotally connected together. In this regard, sub assembly 30a includes grate segments 16a and 16b and sub assembly 30b includes grate segments 16c and 16d. Each subassembly 30a, 30b is pivotally coupled to the frame so that, in use, an operator will grasp and lift an uppermost portion of the sub assembly, which will swing upwards. When in a substantially upright condition, the grating members of the subassembly can be pivoted apart and arranged at approximately 90 degrees to each other to form a part of the barrier. Each sub assembly may be provided with a lifting handle or marked location to show a best lifting position. In use, grate segments 16b and 16c are lifted first by a user.
Although the illustrated embodiments according to the present invention, include four grate portions, in other forms not forming part of the present invention as claimed, the hatch may include only 3 or more than 4 portions. In an example having only three grate portions, the grating may include one grating subassembly and a further grate segment. In examples having more than 4 portions, the additional portions may be formed into the grating subassemblies as further segments collapsible with a respective subassembly or they may simply pivot upwardly from the lid 12.
The grate segments 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are formed of substantially perpendicular strip members, that may be formed of aluminium. Between the strip members, apertures are formed. The grate segments 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are configured so that the apertures, which are sized to allow visual inspection through the grating, are aligned when in the second configuration so as to minimise visual obstruction. The strip members may be configured so that the size of the apertures is sufficient for an operator to reach through to withdraw float switches and access instruments without having to raise the grating.
The grating 16 may further include a plurality of extension members (not shown) extending from the grating 16 to increase the height of the barrier. In this regard, the extension members may be telescopic and retractable for moving the grating between the first and third configurations.
Figure 5 illustrates a close view of self locking feature 40 illustrated in Figure 1. In this regard, lid parts 14a, 14b are each formed with catch 42 extending therefrom and configured for cooperation with lever 44 formed on grating parts 16a, 16d. When moved into the third or open condition, lever 44 is brought into contact with catch 42 to secure a respective lid part 14a, 14b with a corresponding grating part 16a, 16b. Lever 44 may be resiliently biased upwardly or downwardly, using a spring for example, so as to be releasably operable as required. It will be appreciated that other releasable locking means may be provided.
The frame 12 is preferably formed of aluminium extrusions and configured to be generally flush mounting with a ground surface. Frame 12 includes a surround 13 configured to cover an edge of the opening. The frame 12 and surround 13 may be integrally formed of an aluminium extrusion. Preferably, the frame 12 and surround 13 are configured so that the lid extends less than 18mm above the surface in which the opening is formed, thereby reducing tripping hazards when the hatch 10 is not in use. A cushion gasket 48 is provided between the lid 14 and the frame 12. The cushion gasket 48 may be provided to cushion against slamming and may also have the purpose of preventing odour escaping from the subsurface chamber, as well as preventing stormwater ingress due to flooding or excessive stormwater runoff.
Preferably, the hatch 10 is formed of non-corrosive materials such as aluminium. Surround 13 is preferably formed of extruded aluminium sections joined together at the corners of the hatch 10. The extruded sections are preferably formed from heavy duty aluminium. The frame 12/surround 13 is configured to form a continuous hinge with lid 14, as illustrated in Figure 9. Advantageously, the hatch 10 can sit generally flush with a ground surface to reduce tripping hazards. To reduce the chances of slipping or falling, the lid 14 is preferably formed of chequer plate aluminium.
The hatch 10 may be provided with an apparatus to enable monitoring or testing of equipment in the environment in the facility, such as a gas sampling box 50, that may be externally accessible.
With reference to Figure 10, there is shown an access hatch 110 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The access hatch 110 is also configured for covering an opening such as that of a sub-surface facility.
Access hatch 110 has many features in common with previously described access hatch 10. For convenience, like features have been indicated in the Figures with like reference numerals incremented by 100 and the preceding description is intended to apply, except as indicated below.
As can be seen in Figure 10, access hatch 110 is formed with telescopic extension members forming liftable upper rail segments 117a, 117b, 177c, 177d extending from respective grating segments 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d. Spring loaded buttons 119 are provided to retain the upper rail segments in a lifted condition once raised. Telescopic extension members may be provided for applications having small grating sections that, when erected, do not form a barrier of sufficient height to provide adequate safety.
As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, access hatch 110 is also provided with an alternatively configured self locking feature 140 on either side thereof. Each self locking feature 140 includes a member 142 extending from the lid and having a hole formed therein, through which a drop lock pin 145 can be received. Once the drop lock pin 145 has been received through the hole in member 142, it can be rotated to lock the grating 116a or 116d to a respective lid part 114a, 114b. The drop lock pin 145 may be mounted on a threaded insert that can be screwed into a corresponding aperture formed in the grating segment and two stainless steel spacers 147 can be provided as required.
Figure 14 illustrates a roller 152 provided on a free end of the or each section of grating 116 for supporting the weight of the grating when the access hatch 110 is in the third configuration. The roller 152 is mounted to a lower surface of the grating 116 via a stainless steel pin bolt set and configured to roll over an upper surface of surround 113 to support the weight of the grating 116 when opening and closing the grating segment.
Figure 15 illustrates further detail of a slide mounting for stay 124, which is mounted to support gusset 125 extending from surround 113, via sliding shoulder bolt 127, sliding washer 129 and sliding washer 131. Such a configuration allows the lid be retained in an open condition, and also to open and close smoothly.

Claims

An access hatch (10; 110) for an opening such as that of a sub-surface facility, the access hatch (10; 110) having a frame (12) for fitting to the perimeter of the opening, a cover lid (14) pivotally coupled to the frame (12), and grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) in pivotable relationship with the frame (12), wherein the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) form two separate sub assemblies (30a, 30b), each sub assembly (30a, 30b) including two collapsible grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) pivotally connected together, such that the access hatch (10; 110) is manoeuvrable between:
a first configuration in which the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) extend across the opening and the cover lid (14) is pivoted into a closed position in which it at least substantially covers the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) and denies access to the opening;

a second configuration in which the cover lid (14) is pivoted to uncover the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) to allow inspection of the facility; and

a third configuration in which the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) and cover lid (14) are moved into substantially upright positions so as to form a barrier around the opening,

wherein from the second configuration, a sub assembly (30a, 30b) of the two separate sub assemblies (30a, 30b) is individually movable into a substantially upright position such that one side of the opening can be accessed,

wherein the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) are substantially parallel with each other when the access hatch (10) is in the first and second configurations and pivotable from the frame (12) in the third configuration in which the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) define sides of the barrier,

wherein the barrier includes a substantially upright gated portion (20) for selectively opening and closing the barrier to allow and restrict access to the opening respectively, and

wherein the gated portion (20) is formed in one of the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d).
An access hatch (10; 110) according to claim 1, wherein in the second configuration, the cover lid (14) is pivotable to a substantially upright position.
An access hatch (10; 110) according to any preceding claim, wherein the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) are pivotally coupled to the frame (12).
An access hatch (10; 110) according to any preceding claim, wherein in the second configuration the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) are secured within the frame (12) to support the weight of a person.
An access hatch (10; 110) according to any preceding claim, wherein apertures formed in the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) are sized to allow visual inspection through the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d).
An access hatch (10; 110) according to any preceding claim, wherein structural members of the grate segments (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d; 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) are aligned when in the second configuration.
An access hatch (10; 110) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a roller (152) on a free end of the or each grate segment (116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) for supporting the weight thereof in the third configuration.
An access hatch (10; 110) according to any preceding claim, further including a plurality of extension members (117a, 117b, 117c, 117d) extending from the grate segments (116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) to increase the height of the barrier.
An access hatch (10; 110) according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (12) is formed with a surround (13) configured to cover an edge of the opening.
An access hatch (10; 110) according to claim 9, wherein the frame (12) and surround (13) are integrally formed from aluminium extrusions.
An access hatch (10; 110) according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (12) is configured to form a continuous hinge with the cover lid (14).