GB2299601A

GB2299601A - Cover and frame assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2299601A
Application number: GB9505297A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Mark Gwilliam
Original assignee: GLYNWED FOUNDRY PROD Ltd
Current assignee: GLYNWED FOUNDRY PROD Ltd
Priority date: 1995-03-16
Filing date: 1995-03-16
Publication date: 1996-10-09
Also published as: GB2298883A; GB2298884A; GB2298883B; GB9600745D0; GB9522383D0; GB9505297D0; SG45414A1

Description

2299601 A.

TITLE: Cover and Frame Assembly This invention relates to a cover and frame assembly and more particularly but not exclusively to a cover and frame assembly which is adapted to close an access opening in a pavement, roadway or other ground surface such as in an airfield or dockyard, such as a manhole or pit in the ground.

The cover may comprise a solid cover or may be a grating being a cover with openings provided therein for the drainage of water.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a cover, of a cover and frame assembly comprising a hole with a lock provided therein.

Preferably the cover further comprises a recess within which the hole is located such that the lock does not protrude above the surface of the cover.

Preferably a shield element is provide within the recess to cover the lock. The shield element may substantially fill the recess. The shield element may comprise a lower portion retained in the recess with a lid which when opened, allows access to the lock, the lid being hinged to the lower portion. Alternatively the shield element may comprise a bung located over the lock.

Preferably the lock is of the kind having an annular recess to receive a key and operation of the lock by the key causes movement of a locking element. The locking element may he orientated substantially perpendicular to the axis of the lock and may be rotatable about the axis of the lock and movable axially with respect to the lock.

The locking element may be engageable with the frame to retain the cover within the frame.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a cover, of a cover and frame assembly, the cover comprising a hole with a removable closure member provided therein.

Preferably the removable closure member is removable only by destruction. The removable closure member may comprise a bung and the bung may have a recess to facilitate its removal.

2 Preferably the cover further comprises a recess within which the hole is located, the removable closure member being shaped such that when in place in the hole it substantially fills the recess.

Preferably a cover according to either the first or second aspect of the invention is made by casting and the hole is cast in the cover. Preferably a recess within which the hole is located is also cast in the cover.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide an assembly comprising a cover according to the first or second aspect of the invention and a frame.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a method of making a cover, of a cover and frame assembly, the method including the steps of providing in the cover, a hole, and providing within the hole a removable closure member and subsequently removing the removable closure member and providing within the hole one of a lock and a mounting element of a member to be secured to the cover.

Preferably the step of providing in the cover a hole is performed by casting the cover with a hole.

The steps of removing the removable closure member and providing within the hole one of a lock and a mounting element of a member to be secured to the cover, may be performed just prior to installation of the cover.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a frame of a cover and frame assembly in accordance with the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a cover part for use with the frame of Figure 1.

Figure 1.

FIGURE 2a is a side view of the cover part of Figure 2. FIGURE 2b is an end view of the cover part of Figure 2. FIGURE 3 is a front view of a side frame element of the frame of 3 3.

Figure 1.

4a.

Figure 4a.

Figure 1.

5a.

FIGURE 3b is cross sectional view taken on the lines B-B of Figure FIGURE 3d is a plan view of the side frame element of Figure 3. FIGURE 4 is a side view of an end frame member of the frame of FIGURE 4a is a plan view of the end frame member of Figure 4. FIGURE 4b is a cross sectional view taken on the lines F-F of Figure FIGURE 4c is a cross sectional view taken on the lines of G-G of FIGURE 5 is a side view of a dividing member of the frame of FIGURE 5a is a plan view of the member of Figure 5.

FIGURE 5b is a cross sectional view taken on the lines H-H of figure FIGURE 5c is a cross sectional view taken on the lines C-C of Figure FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a portion of a cover in accordance with the invention, FIGURE 6a is a partial cross sectional view taken on the lines PI of Figure 6 with a closure member in position, FIGURE 6b is a partial cross sectional view taken on the lines I-I of Figure 6 with a lock in position.

Referring to the drawings a cover and frame assembly comprises a frame 11 which includes a pair of end frame members 12 and 13 and a pair of side frame members 14 and 15 which members 12 to 15 together provide, in this example a substantially rectangular, access opening 16 which is divided into three areas 16a., 16b and 16c each of substantially identical dimension and size, by means of a pair of dividing members 17a and 17.b.

4 The side frame members 14 and 15 each comprise three side frame elements 18, 19 and 20 which are connected together as hereinafter described so as to provide a side frame member 14, 15 of requisite length. The side frame elements 18,19,20, are each of substantially identical configuration and dimension.

In Figures 2, 2a and 2b there is shown a cover part 21 adapted to close one of the three areas 16,a16b and 16c of the access opening 16. Cover part 21 thus provides one cover part of a three part cover which completely closes the access opening 16.

Referring to Figures 3 to 3d. side frame element 19 is shown in isolation. Side frame element 19 comprises a pair of end flanges 25 at each end of a side wall 26. At the base of the side wall 26, interconnecting the flanges 25, there is provided a base flange 27 which is substantially perpendicular to the side wall 26.

Each of the end flanges 25 has provided therein a pair of openings 29 by means of which fasteners can be used to connect together side frame element 19 with each of side frame elements 18 and 20 to form a side frame member 14,15.

Extending inwardly of the access opening 16, from the side wall 26 of the side frame elements 19, is a seating formation 30 which comprises in this example, a pair of seatings 32 each comprising a pair of converging walls 32a 32b, which receive seating formations 75 provided on the cover parts 21, as hereinafter described.

The seating formation 30 also provides a pair of part recesses 35 one at each end of the side frame element 19.

When side frame element 19 is connected to side frame elements 18 and 20 by means of bolts passing through the openings 29, complete recesses will be formed by the recess parts 35 of adjacent side frame elements as indicated at 35.g in figure 1. The recesses 35a formed by the recess parts 35 also each comprise a pair of converging walls 36 and 37 which are adapted to provide seatings for dividing members 17:d,17b. The dividing members 17,a17,b each have seatings 40 (see figures 5 to 5!0 of corresponding configuration to the complete recesses 35.4 formed by the recess parts 35 of adjacent side frame elements 18-20. Thus the dividing members 17a and Ob can removably be connected in the frame 11 as shown in figure 1 to divide the access opening 16 into the three areas 16,a16b,16c.

Each dividing member 17a,17b, comprises a pair of seating surfaces 41,42, either side of an upstanding rib 43, which seating surfaces 41 and 42 extend for substantially the full length of the dividing member 17a.17.b between the side frame elements 18 to 20. Extending sideways from beneath the seating surfaces 41 and 42, are ramp surfaces 44 which include, as seen in figure 5, a curved ramp surface part 46 for a purposes hereinafter explained.

The end frame members 12 and 13 are shown in figures 4a to 4d and comprise an end wall 50 having at a base thereof, a flange 51 to give the end member 12,13, rigidity. The end member 12,13, comprises a pair of openings 52 corresponding in position to the openings 29 provided in the end flanges 25 of the side frame elements 18-20. Thus the end side frame elements 18-20 can be connected to their corresponding end frame members 12 and 13 by means of further bolts. The openings 52 are provided in a flange 53 which is a continuation of the end wall 50.

Extending inwardly of the access opening 16 from the end walls 50 of the end frame members 12 and 13, are seating formations 55 which are adapted to receive the edges of the cover parts 21 of the assembly.

Extending inwardly from the seating surfaces 55, are further ramp surfaces 56 which each include a curved ramp surface part 57 substantially identical in configuration to the curved ramp surface parts 46 provided on the dividing members 17a and 17h.

The end frame members 12 and 13 include triangular fillet strengthening ribs 60 towards either end of the end frame member 12,13, again for rigidity.

Referring now to figures 2,2a and 2b. there is shown a cover part 21 comprising a generally solid cover part top surface 70 from which depend a pair 6 of parallel cover part walls 71. The walls 71 extend for substantially the full length of the cover part 21 between the side frame members 14 and 15 and add significant rigidity to the top cover part surface 70.

Extending outwardly from each of the walls 71, there are provided a pair of seatings 72 which each have curved surfaces corresponding to the configurations of the curved surfaces 46 and 57 of the dividing members 17,a17b and the end frame members 12 and 13 respectively.

At each end of the cover part 21, there is provided a pair of seatings 75 which each comprise a pair of converging walls 75a,75b which are adapted to seat in the seatings 32 of the respective side frame member elements 18,19 or 20.

It can be seen that the cover part surface 70 extends both outwardly sideways beyond the curved surface seatings 72, and beyond the seatings 75 at the end of the cover part 21 and that the thickness t of the top cover surface part 70, corresponds generally to the height of the step between seating surface 55 and the top surface of the end frame members 12 and 13, which is also substantially the distance between the top surface of rib 43 and the seating surfaces 41 of the dividing ribs 17a. 17b and the step between the top of the side frame element 18 to 20 and seating surfaces 38 provided thereon.

Hence the cover part 21 may be lowered into any of the areas 16,a16b,16c of the access opening 16 substantially to close the respective area, with the curved seatings 72 of the cover part 21 received in the curved ramp surfaces 46 and 57 as appropriate, and the seatings 75 received in recesses 32 of the respective side frame elements 18-20.

Thus a completely rock free seating of the cover part 21 is obtained although the cover part 21 may easily be removed from the frame 11 by lifting. Preferably however, the cover part 21 can be removed from the access opening by sliding the seatings 72 Out of the curved recessed ramp surfaces 46 and 57, and along the ramps 44 and 56.

It can be seen that in the underside of the lip of the cover part top surface 70 which extends outwardly beyond the respective seatings 72 and 75, 7 there is provided a groove 80 which thus extends around substantially the entire periphery of the underside of the cover part 21. The groove 80 may be provided with a suitable sealing member such as a neoprene seal or alternatively sealing between the cover part 21 and the frame 11 may be achieved by some other means.

If desired, the cover part 21 may be bolted down relative to the frame 11 by means of inter-engaging fastening means (not shown), or by means of a lock as described below. However, particularly where the cover part 21 is heavy, the weight of the cover part 21 will be sufficient to maintain it in position, and sufficiently to compress a sealing member in groove 80 when provided.

It will be appreciated that in the present example, three cover parts 21 are required completely to close the access opening 16, but in another example where the frame 11 is longer than that shown, and comprising more than three modular side frame elements 18-20, more than three cover parts 21 may be provided completely to close the access opening 16.

Although in the present example, the fasteners which interconnect the side frame elements 18-20 and the end members 12,13, to the respective side frame elements 18,20, are bolts, other kinds of fasteners which interconnect the side frame elements 18-20 together and with respective end frame members 12-13, may be provided. If desired, at least the end frame members 12-13 may have integral threaded studs adapted to cooperate with the first 18 or 20 in the line of the side frame elements 1820.

The dividing members 17a and 17b need not be of the configuration described, although preferably seatings 40 such as those described are provided to enable the dividing elements 17 and 17b removably to be attached to the remainder of the frame 11 and to provide a substantially rock free seating, both of the dividing members 17a and 17b in the frame 11, but also of the cover parts 21 when seated on the dividing members 17a,17b.

8 Although it is preferred for two adjacent side frame elements 18 and 19 for example each to provide part of a recess 35-a to receive a seating formation of the dividing member 17a.17b,,, other configurations are no doubt possible.

Referring now to Figures 6, 6a and 6b. there is shown an alternative construction for a portion of a cover part 21. A recess 80 is formed in the top cover part surface 70, the recess 80 being substantially square. In order to create the recess 80 without loss of strength to the cover part 21, a protrusion 81 is formed on the underside of the cover part 21. A circular hole 82 is formed in the centre of the indentation 80 through the protrusion 81. In general during manufacture, a closure member 83, for example in the form of an oil resistant neoprene rubber bung, will be inserted into the hole 82. The bung 83 comprises an upper wider portion 83a which fills the recess 80, a lower narrower portion 83b which fills the hole 82, and a retaining formation 83c which is wider than the hole 82 and retains the bung 83 in the hole 82. Preferably, the bung 83 further comprises a recess 83d in its centre to facilitate its removal from the hole 82.

As an alternative to the insertion of the bung 83 during manufacture, or subsequently after removal of the bung 83, a lock 84 may be located in the hole 82. A shield element in the form of a plastic or rubber cover 85 is first inserted in the recess 80, the cover 85 comprising a lower portion 85a and a hingeable lid 85b. The lock 84 is then inserted into the cover 85, whilst the lid 85b is open, and through the hole 82. A bezel 84a is located around an upper portion of the lock 84, the bezel 84a being wider than the hole 82 enables the lock 84 to be appropriately located in the hole 82. The lock 84 further comprises a barrel 84b located in and protruding through the hole 82. The lock 84 is retained in the hole 82 by means of a washer 86 and a locking nut 87 which has a female thread which locates on a male thread located on the outer surface of the barrel 84b. A rod 88 protrudes from the base of the barrel 84b and on its lower end has a locking element 89. Operation of the lock 84 by means of a key (not shown) rotates the rod 88 and therefore the locking element 89 about the axis of the lock, and also moves the rod 88 axially with respect to the lock. The 9 lock 84 does not move relative to the cover part 21 when operated by the key as it is retained in the hole 82 as described above.

Other forms of shield element may be used in place of the cover 85 described above. For example the lock 84 may be inserted directly into the hole 82 and a bung, with a recess in its lower face to accommodate the lock bezel 84a., may be inserted into the recess 80 to cover the lock 84.

In use, the lock 84 is used to secure the cover part 21 within one of the three areas 16a. 16h and 16p to prevent unauthorised removal of the cover part 21. Preferably the lock 84 is of the sort having an annular recess for receipt of an annular key, operation of the lock 84 by the rotation of the key in the annular recess actuating the locking element. The locking element 89 may simply locate under part of the frame 11, or alternatively a keeper may be provided on the frame 11. The axial movement of the rod 88 and therefore the locking element 89 enables the rotational movement of the rod 88 and the element 89 to be carried out without any contact between the locking element 89 and the frame 11 with the subsequent axial movement bringing the locking element 89 into contact with or at least closely adjacent to the frame 11.

A further alternative for insertion in the hole 82, either during manufacture or subsequently, is for a mounting element of a member to be secured to the cover. For example, such a member may be a plate giving details of the services to he found under the cover and/or the company which is in control of those services.

Any number of recesses 80 and holes 81 may he provided in a cover part 21. For example, four such recesses 80 and holes 82 may be provided for locks, whilst an additional recess 80 and hole 82 may be provided for receipt of a member in the form of a plate.

The provision of such holes which may simply contain a closure member in the form of a bung or may contain a lock or other member described above, enables a wide variety of covers for a wide variety of uses to be provided from a small number of stock items. Covers may be installed with bungs 83 still retained in the holes 82 or may simply be supplied with bungs 83 retained in the holes 82 with the installers fitting other items into the holes 82 as appropriate for the application to which the cover part 21 is put.

It will be appreciated that other forms of lock and locking elements may be used in embodiments of covers according to the invention, appropriate for the application.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

11

Claims

1. A cover, of a cover and frame assembly comprising a hole with a lock provided therein.

2. A cover according to claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises a recess within which the hole is located such that the lock does not protrude above the surface of the cover.

3. A cover according to claim 2 wherein a shield element is provided with the recess to cover the lock.

4. A cover according to claim 3 wherein the shield element substantially fills the recess.

5. A cover according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the shield element comprises a lower portion retained in the recess and a lid which when opened allows access to the lock.

6. A cover according to claim 5 wherein the lid is hinged to the lower portion.

7. A cover according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the shield element comprises a bung located over the lock.

8. A cover according to any preceding claim wherein the lock is of the kind having an annular recess to receive a key and operation of the lock by the key causes movement of a locking element.

12

9. A cover according to any preceding claim wherein the locking element is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the lock, is rotatable about the axis of the lock and is moveable axially with respect to the lock.

10. A cover according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the locking element is engageable with the frame to retain the cover within the frame.

11. A cover, of a cover and frame assembly being so called roadway furniture, the cover comprising a hole with a removable closure member provided therein.

12. is only removable by destruction.

A cover according to claim 11 wherein the removable closure member

13. A cover according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the removable closure member comprises a bung having a recess to facilitate its removal.

14. A cover according to any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the cover further comprises a recess within which the hole is located, the removable closure member being shaped such that when in place in the hole it substantially fills the recess.

15. A cover according to any preceding claim wherein the hole is cast in the cover.

16. A cover according to claim 15 as appendent directly or indirectly from claim 2 or claim 14 wherein the recess is also cast in the cover.

iT A cover substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 6, 6a and 6b.

13 i& An assembly comprising a cover according to any preceding claim and a frame.

19. A method of making a cover, of a cover and frame assembly, the method including the steps of providing in the cover a hole, and providing within the hole a removable closure member, and subsequently removing the removable closure member and providing within the hole one of a lock and a mounting element of a member to be secured to the cover.

20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the step of providing in the cover a hole is performed by casting the cover with a hole.

21. A method according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the steps of removing the removable closure member and providing within the hole one of a lock and a mounting element of a member to be secured to the cover, are performed just prior to installation of the cover.

22. A method of making a cover, of a cover and frame assembly being so called roadway furniture, substantially as described herein.

23. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.