GB2216579A

GB2216579A - Grid assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2216579A
Application number: GB8905317A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henry Michael Kusznierski; Trevor Dennis Sales
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-03-09
Filing date: 1989-03-08
Publication date: 1989-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2009-03-08
Also published as: GB8805560D0; GB8905317D0; GB2216579B

Abstract

A grid assembly, suitable for use as a cattle grid, comprises a ground engaging frame (10) and a plurality of circular section tube (14) mounted in a parallel substantially equispaced relation. Rotatably mounted on each tube (14) is a plate member (16). The members (16) are movable between a first substantially vertical position presenting a grid and a second substantially horizontal position presenting a substantially continuous surface. <IMAGE>

Description

Improved Grid Assembly This invention relates to improvements in or relating to grid assemblies and particularly but not exclusively cattle grids.

Conventional cattle grids are permanent structures and require considerable groundwork to be undertaken before installation to construct a trough upon which the grid can stand. Also a gated entrance is normally required adjacent the cattle grid to permit the passage of livestock when required. Furthermore cattle grids can prove hazardous for single wheel axled vehicles such as bicycles, the single wheel sometimes lodging in the grid.

According to the present invention there is provided a grid assembly comprising a ground engageable frame and a plurality of elongate plate means mounted on the frame in a substantially parallel relation, the plate means being mounted to be movable between a first position wherein side faces thereof are substantially coplanar to define a substantially continuous surface and a second position wherein the sides faces define a grid-like surface.

Preferably in the second position the side faces of the plate means lie in spaced, substantially parallel planes.

Preferably the plate means are biassed into the second position. Means may be provided for locking the plate means in the first position. The locking means may comprise a pin engageable with an aperture in the plate means.

The plate means preferably comprise members which are linked together, and which may overlap one another in the first position.

Each of the plate members may be pivotally mounted on the frame along a side edge. In use, the plate members preferably extend substantially vertically from their pivot mountings in the first position, and lie substantially horizontally in the second position.

From the second position the plate members may move in either direction about the pivot mounting.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional end view of a grid assembly according to the invention in a first condition; Fig. 2 is a sectional view along the line X-X in Fig. 1 ; and Fig. 3 shows a similar view to Fig. 2 but with the assembly in a second condition.

The drawings show a grid assembly suitable for use as a cattle grid. The assembly includes a ground engaging frame 10 comprising 5 lengths of rectangular section tube 12 arranged parallel to each other. Eight lengths of circular section tube 14 are mounted laterally across the top of the tubes 12 in a parallel, substantially equispaced relation.

Rotatably mounted on each tube 14 is a plate member 16 which comprises an elongate rectangular strip 18 with a plurality of lengths of circular section tube 20 coaxially provided along one side edge thereof. The strips 18 are of a greater width than the distance between adjacent tubes 14. The tubes 20 are of a size to provide a sliding fit around the tube 14, and each tube 14 is located in the tubes 20 of a respective one of the plate members 16. Linking bars 22 pivotally interconnect respective ends of the strips 18 at locations adjacent the side edges thereof remote from the tubes 20.

For each plate member 16, a tab 24 is provided on the end ones of the tubes 20, each of the tabs 24 being mounted diametrically opposite the strip 18 and retaining one end of a spring 26. The other end of each of the springs 26 is retained by a tab 28 provided on a respective outermost one of the tubes 12 adjacent the bottom edge thereof. The springs 26 are tensioned to bias the tabs 24 and 28 together and thus the plate members 16 into an orientation with the strips 18 pointing substantially vertically upwards.

Apertures (not shown) are provided in each of the outermost tubes 20 and in the associated tubes 14. The apertures in the tubes 20 are positioned to be aligned with the apertures in the tubes 14 when the strips 18 are moved into as near a horizontal position as is possible, (see Fig 3) in either direction, and, when aligned, pins 30 may be inserted into the apertures.

Adjacent each of the outermost tubes 14, on the side thereof remote from the other tubes 14, is a rest plate 32 supported on a block 34 on the tubes 12. A ramp 36 leads from each of the plates 32 substantially to ground level and is supported by inclined ends of the tubes 12.

In use, the assembly may be located in any required position such as a gateway or other opening, with the tubes 12 aligned substantially parallel to the intended direction of travel. The assembly will normally be in the orientation shown in Figs. 1 and 2 with the springs 26 biassing the plate members 16 such that the strips 18 are substantially vertical. The assembly in this orientation will act like a conventional cattle grid as a barrier to livestock.

When a vehicle passes over the assembly, the plate members will be pushed down by the vehicle wheels into the orientation shown in Fig. 3 with the plate members pointing substantially in the direction of movement of the vehicle. The plate members will return to the upright orientation after the vehicle has passed.

If it is required for the assembly to not present an obstruction to livestock, the plate members 16 may be pushed into the orientation shown in Fig. 3, and the pins 30 inserted into the aligned apertures to hold the plate members in this position.

The above example thus describes an assembly suitable for use as a cattle grid. This assembly can be situated where required without the construction of an underlying pit, and could be moved to other locations when required. The assembly alleviates the need to have a gate next to the grid, as the assembly may be locked in the condition shown in Fig. 3 to permit livestock to pass. The assembly is of relatively simple construction and can thus be inexpensively and robustly constructed. The construction of this assembly permits a smoother passage thereover for vehicles than is experienced with conventional cattle grids.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example different means may be used to bias the plate members into a vertical orientation, such as hanging weights, or a hydraulic circuit. The plate members could be mounted on the frame by different means. A handle could be provided to lower the plate means into the second condition, and this handle could be permanently fixed to, or removable from, the assembly. The pins for locking the plate means in a lowered position could be permanently attached to the assembly by chain or other line means. Other means could be used for locking the plate means in this orientation. Handles or other lifting means could be provided to assist with moving the assembly.

Claims

1. A grid assembly comprising a ground engageable frame and a plurality of elongate plate means mounted on the frame in a substantially parallel relation, the plate means being mounted to be movable between a first position wherein side faces thereof are substantially coplanar to define a substantially continuous surface and a second position wherein the sides faces define a grid-like surface.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, in which in the second position the side faces of the plate means lie in spaced, substantially parallel planes.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the plate means are biassed into the second position.

4. An assembly according to any of the claims 1 to 3, in which means are provided for locking the plate means in the first position.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, in which the locking means comprises a pin engageable with an aperture in the plate means.

6. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the plate means comprises members which are linked together.

7. An assembly according to claim 6, in which the plate members overlap one another in the first position.

8. An assembly according to claim 6 or claim 7, in which each of the plate members is pivotally mounted on the frame along a side edge.

9. An assembly according to any of claims 6 to 8, in which in use, the plate members extend substantially vertically from their pivot mountings in the first position, and lie substantially horizontally in the second position.

10. An assembly according to claim 9, in which from the second position the plate members can move in either direction about the pivot mounting.

11. A grid assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

12. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter herein disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.