GB2155526A

GB2155526A - Foundations for cattle grids

Info

Publication number: GB2155526A
Application number: GB08511309A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alfred Roy Henry Wilson
Original assignee: Hopkins Ltd P & J
Current assignee: Hopkins Ltd P & J
Priority date: 1984-05-10
Filing date: 1985-05-03
Publication date: 1985-09-25
Also published as: GB8511309D0; GB8411978D0; GB2155526B

Abstract

A foundation for a cattle grid 2 comprises a framework 3 of I-section members 10, 11, 12 that has a lower flange 14 which engages the ground, and an upper flange 15 which supports the periphery of the grid 2. Accessories, such as rails, may also be mounted from the framework 3. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Foundations for cattle grids This invention relates to foundations for cattle grids.

Cattle grids, of course, are metal grids laid in roads to prevent cattle and other livestock from straying. To install a grid into an existing road, a hole of the required size is dug, then a foundation is laid on which the grid itself is put, level with the road surface. The foundation is normally of brick or concrete blocks, with the grid then grouted in. The construction of such foundations requires a considerable amount of labour, and takes a relatively long time, as the foundations have to "go off" before the grid can be laid. This means that installation of a grid is expensive, and inconvenient, as it disrupts traffic flow along the road.

According to my invention, a foundation for a cattle grid comprises a prefabricated framework having ground-engaging means, and means for supporting and locating a cattle grid.

A prefabricated framework can be laid easily and quickly, with little or no foundation work needed, and the grid can be laid on the foundation immediately. The invention therefore enables installation to be speeded up, reducing the expense and associated inconvenience in comparison with the known methods.

Preferably, the framework has a portion of rectangular outline having lower and upper parts, of which the upper part supports the peripheral edge of the grid. The lower part of the rectangular portion may engage the ground directly. Alternativeiy, the ground-engaging means may comprise a base plate to which the lower part of the rectangular portion is attached. The framework may also include at least one cross-member having upper and lower parts. The upper part of at least one cross-member preferably supports the central portion of the grid. The lower parts of the cross-members may engage the ground directly, or may be attached to the base plate.

The cross-members are conveniently laid transversely of the grid.

The rectangular portion of the framework is preferably formed from I-section members, such that the lower part comprises a lower flange, and the upper part comprises an upper flange. The upper flange may be provided with an upstanding projection to locate the grid in a horizontal plane. The cross-members may similarly be I-section members, whose lower and upper flanges form the lower and upper parts respectively.

The framework may also include means for mounting accessories, such as hand rails, guide rails or gate posts which may be required to complete the cattle grid installation.

However, these could also be mounted from the grid, or from the ground.

The framework is preferably of metal, and may be assembled during manufacture, or at the installation site.

An embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, of which Figure 1 is a perspective view of a foundation for a cattle grid; Figure 2 is a plan view of part of a grid; and Figure 3 is a longitudinal section through the foundation, showing the grid before it is laid, and in a position of use.

The drawings show a foundation 1 for a cattle grid 2. The foundation 1 comprises a prefabricated framework 3 adapted to engage with the ground 4, and to support and locate the grid 2 level with a road surface. The grid 2 is in two portions, only one of which is shown. Each portion comprises separate rails 5, which are aligned by spacer bars 6, the rails 5 then being welded onto end plates 7 and transverse support members 8.

The framework 3 is of metal, for example steel and comprises a portion 9 of rectangular outline and cross-members 1 0. Both the portion 9 and the cross-members 10 are of Isection, comprising upper and lower flanges joined by an integral web. The rectangular portion 9 is of any suitable size, and is made up by a pair of I-section members 10, and another pair of I-section members 12, the members 11, 1 2 having angled ends which are welded together to form the rectangular portion. The cross-members 10, which are smaller than the members 11, 1 2 are welded to the rectangular portion 9 such that the lower flanges 1 3 of the cross-members 10 are at the same level as the lower flange 14 of the rectangular portion 9.The lower flanges 13, 14 engage the ground, while the upper flanges 15, 1 6 of the portion 9 and crossmembers 10 respectively support the grid 2.

The periphery of the grid 2 rests on the upper flange 1 5 of rectangular portion 9; and the transverse support members 8 rest on the upper flanges 1 6 of the cross-members 10, which are lower than the flange 1 5 of the portion 9, in order to support the central portion of the grid. The upper flange 1 5 of the rectangular portion 9 has welded onto it an upstanding projection 1 7 which locates the grid 2 in a horizontal plane. The height of the projection 1 7 is substantially equal to the depth of the grid 2.

The foundation 1 described above simplifies the installation of the cattle grid 2. If a grid is to be installed in an existing road, a hole of suitable size is dug, and its base made substantially level. The framework 3 is then put in the hole, and the two portions of the grid 2 are placed on top. More than one framework 3 may be laid if necessary, the frameworks being placed side by side, and a corresponding number of grid portions being laid on top.

Each framework 3 may be assembled completely during its manufacture, or it may be assembled on the site. In either case, it is clear that the grid 2 is simple and quick to install, and requires a minimum of labour.

Further, any inconvenience caused by disruption of traffic flow is minimised.

The foundation 1 also includes means for mounting accessories, such as rails, and enables these to be installed easily. As shown in Fig. 1, these mounting means comprise rectangular sockets 18 welded to the outer edge of the projection 1 7 near the corners of the rectangular portion 9. Fig. 3 shows a hand rail 1 9 attached to the framework 3 by uprights 20 located in the sockets 1 8. Guide rails and gate posts may also be attached in this way.

In a modification (not shown), a base plate may be included. The base plate is attached to the lower flanges 13, 14 of the crossmembers 10 and the rectangular portion 9 so that it forms the ground engaging means.

Drainage holes are also provided in the base plate.

As shown in the drawings, the foundation 1 is situated in the hole so that the surface of the grid 2 is substantially level with the road surface. Alternatively, the foundation 1 could be laid directly on a road surface, so that the grid stands proud of the road. In this case, ramps would be provided on each side of the grid. Furthermore, the foundation 1 may also be used without modification where the grid spans a ditch, as it has sufficient strength to provide support in this situation.

The foundation 1 has the advantage that it can be removed easily, and re-used in a different location if desired. Furthermore, different grids can easily be accommodated, and grid replacement is facilitated.

Claims

1. A foundation for a cattle grid comprising a prefabricated framework having groundengaging means, and means for supporting and locating a cattle grid.

2. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in Claim 1, in which the framework includes a portion of rectangular outline having lower and upper parts, of which the upper part supports the periphery of the grid.

3. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in Claim 2, in which the lower part of the rectangular portion engages the ground directly.

4. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in Claim 2, in which the groundengaging means comprises a base plate to which the lower part of the rectangular portion is attached.

5. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the framework includes at least one cross-member having upper and lower parts.

6. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in Claim 5, in which the upper part of at least one cross-member supports the central portion of the grid.

7. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, in which the lower part of at least one cross-member engages the ground directly.

8. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in Claim 4 and Claim 5 or Claim 6, in which the lower part of at least one crossmember is attached to the base plate.

9. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 8, in which the rectangular portion is formed from I-section members, such that the lower part comprises a lower flange, and the upper part comprises an upper flange.

10. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in Claim 9, in which the upper flange is provided with an upstanding projection to locate the grid in a horizontal plane.

11. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8, in which the cross-members are I-section members, whose lower and upper flanges form the lower and upper parts respectively.

1 2. A foundation for a cattle grid as claimed in any preceding claim, including means for mounting accessories such as rails.

1 3. A foundation for a cattle grid substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.