GB2318625A

GB2318625A - Support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2318625A
Application number: GB9722569A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rodney George Eyles
Original assignee: Thames Water Utilities Ltd
Current assignee: Thames Water Utilities Ltd
Priority date: 1996-10-25
Filing date: 1997-10-24
Publication date: 1998-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-24
Also published as: AU4288897A; GB9622215D0; NZ329027A; GB9722569D0; GB2318625B

Abstract

The apparatus 1 e.g. for a water meter, assembled from a kit of parts, comprises a base part 3 and a support means 4, projections of the support means being received in recesses in the base part so that a substantially perpendicular support is provided, or the support means 4 being integral with a membrane hinge. The support means 4 has a semi-circular recess or cut out for receiving a body of the water meter, which can then be mounted, without mechanical strain on supply lines, in say a part for ease of installation and maintenance. Further supports 11, locatable in the base part 3, are for associated piping.

Description

SUPPORT APPARATUS The invention relates to support apparatus and in particular apparatus for supporting a fluid flow measuring device such as for example, a water flow meter and housing. The invention further relates to a kit of parts for providing such apparatus.

There is a need for support structures for the stable siting of liquid flow metering equipment for example where meter boxes are installed having a meter fitted, and it is required that the meter is resited or replaced in a pit or chamber instead of a box. In these situations it is a requirement that the housing and meter is prevented from excessive movement which may put strains on connections with pipework. It is an object of the invention to mitigate problems such as these.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for assembly to provide a support apparatus for supporting in use a fluid flow measurement device, comprising a base part and support means, each having complementary engagement means which when engaged together provide an assembled support apparatus for supporting a flow measuring device.

There may be a plurality of base parts and support means. This provides for adaptability in use.

The or each base part may comprise a plurality of individual parts joined by connection means. This provides the ability to provide a series of base parts, particularly where the connection means may comprise frangible webs or members.

The complementary engagement means may comprise a projection of the or each support and a recess of the base part. This is a relatively simple construction.

The recess may be blind. This prevents the projection from passing through the base part.

The projection may comprise a snap-engageable prqjection. This provides a positive connection.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for supporting a fluid flow measurement device, comprising a base part for location on a substrate, and support means for supporting said device.

The support means may comprise a plurality of structures extending from the surface of the base part. This provides for positive support for a meter, in use.

The or each structure may extend substantially perpendicularly to the base part. This provides for a level support for the meter, particularly where the or each support structure may comprise a recess or seat adapted to receive a part of a said device.

The recess may comprise a semicircular cut-away in an upper, in use, edge of the structure or structures. This is complementary to the configuration of a body part of the meter comprising releasable gripping means to grip a said device. This provides for positive location of a meter body or support, particularly where the gripping means may comprise a spring clip.

The gripping means may comprise the recess or seat which is adapted to provide a snap-fit.

The support means may comprise a plate having a recess in an edge thereof, for locating a part of a said device.

The plate and base part may be separate, and the plate may be located by means of projections or lugs receivable in corresponding apertures in the base.

In another embodiment, the plate may be located by means of a channel or groove in the surface of the base part, or the plate and base may be integrally formed; and the plate may be connected to the base by a web or membrane to allow the plate to be folded flat against the base for storage.

The web may be frangible.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly of a water meter and apparatus assembled from a kit of parts as hereinbefore defined or apparatus as hereinbefore defined.

It is preferred that the apparatus comprises a plastics material, such as for example ABS. It is further preferred that the apparatus is formed by extrusion.

Thus, in use, using the invention a correct number of base parts can be selected as a connected unit to fit into a given size of pit or meter box, which aids the stability of the installation. Further, single additional base parts, separated from the strip by breaking the web or membrane can be sited in a staggered configuration to maximise the number of meters in an existing area, thus obviating the need to prepare larger or additional pits.

The support parts of the apparatus may be provided with snap-engaging connections to engage the base parts, so that the apparatus can be easily assembled on site.

A kit of parts and apparatus embodying the invention are hereinafter described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water meter housing next to support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 with the housing in place on the support; Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c are perspective schematic views of apparatus according to two alternative embodiments of the invention; Fig. 3d is a schematic view of a form of retaining part; Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of Figs 3b and 3c; Fig. 5 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 4; Figs. 6 and 7 are end elevational views of parts of the apparatus of Figs. 4; Fig. 8 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 4; and Fig. 9 is a side view of a series of connected base parts.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated apparatus 1 for supporting in use, a fluid flow measurement device 2 comprising a base part 3 for locating on a substrate, and support means 4 for supporting the device 2.

Figs. 1 and 2 demonstrate how the fluid flow measurement device 2, which in the illustrated embodiment is a water meter housing, fits into the apparatus 1.

The housing is usually formed from a light, durable plastics material, with a valve part 5, an inlet 6, an outlet 7, and part 8 adapted to receive a water meter (not shown). The housing is fitted via the inlet and outlet into a supply pipe running from a mains supply. When a meter is fitted into the part 8, there is a tendency for the housing to become top heavy and unstable, notwithstanding the support provided by the supply pipe to which it is connected. This can put strain on that supply pipe. The apparatus 1 supports the housing at the correct height for the pipe run, and in the illustrated embodiment, holds it securely against unwanted movement, as illustrated in Fig. 2.

Fig. 3a shows the support apparatus 1 including a base part 3 and support means 4 in the form of a plate. The plate 4 is designed to be fitted to the base 3 via lugs 5, extending substantially perpendicularly thereto. As illustrated, in its upper, in use, edge, the plate 4 has a semi-circular recess or cut away 9 adapted to receive a part of a meter housing. It will be appreciated that the shape of the recess can be varied as desired. In the embodiment, the apparatus 1 is conveniently supplied in two parts which can be flat packed for easy use and storage. The recesses and lugs form complementary engagement means.

Figs. 3b and 3c show an alternative embodiment in which the plate 4 and base 3 are integrally formed, and are joined by a membrane or web (not shown) in order for the plate to lie flat (Fig. 3c) when in storage, and can be erected (Fig. 3b) when in use.

Referring to Figs 3c,3d, to 8, the support apparatus 1 shown includes retaining parts 11. The retaining parts 11 in addition to providing support for the housing, releasably secure it in place to avoid unwanted movement as may happen when work is carried out on the supply pipe. The retaining parts 11 can be secured to the base 3 by any suitable means such as screws or by a snap-fit connections of spigots 11' in recesses 11". Suitable retaining parts 11 are for example spring clips, made of metal or a resilient plastics material.

Fig. 9 illustrates eight base parts 3, joined together by frangible webs 12.

When the bases 3 are formed in this way by for example, extrusion, they can be stowed conveniently flat packed, or even in a roll ready for use, and can be used individually by separating them at the webs 12, or joined together. As a further alternative, two base parts 3 can be used to provide a single support, by inserting a plate 4 into the web gap without breaking the web.

The parts 3, 4, 11 can be supplied in kit form, ready for assembly on site, where for example it may not be clear in advance of arrival how many supports will be needed.

In use, when a meter is required to be installed or replaced, apparatus 1 is assembled as described above, and is placed in position in a pit or trench into which the supply pipes run. It is usual for a number of meters to be situated in one pit for ease of access. In order to be able to accommodate the required number, the supports can be arranged as desired, for example by being placed side by side, in line, and/or in a staggered configuration. A meter housing and meter can then be placed onto each support, and be releasably engaged by the retaining parts 11 by a simple push in action.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus as herein described provides for a steady and solid base for water flow measurement equipment, whilst allowing the equipment to be removed easily for inspection and maintenance. The apparatus is also simple to use on site, and cheap to supply and fit.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A kit of parts for assembly to provide a support apparatus for supporting in use a fluid flow measurement device, comprising a base part and support means, each having complementary engagement means which when engaged together provide an assembled support apparatus for supporting a flow measuring device.

2. A kit according to claim 1, there being a plurality of base parts and support means.

3. A kit according to claim 1 or 2, the or each base part comprising a plurality of individual parts joined by connection means.

4. A kit according to claim 3, the connection means comprising frangible webs or members.

5. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, the complementary engagement means comprising a projection of the or each support and a recess of the base part.

6. A kit of parts according to claim 5, the recess being blind.

7. A kit of parts according to claim 6, the projection comprising a snapengageable projection.

8. A kit of parts, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. Apparatus for supporting a fluid flow measurement device, comprising a base part for location on a substrate, and support means for supporting said device.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, the support means comprising a plurality of structures extending from the surface of the base part.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, the or each structure extending substantially perpendicularly to the base part.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, the or each support structure comprising a recess or seat adapted to receive a part of a said device.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, the recess comprising a semicircular cut-away in an upper, in use, edge of the structure or structures.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising releasable gripping means to grip a said device.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, the gripping means comprising a spring clip.

16. Apparatus according to claim 14, the gripping means comprising the recess or seat which is adapted to provide a snap-fit.

17. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 16, the support means comprising a plate having a recess in an edge thereof, for locating a part of a said device.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17, the plate and base part being separate, the plate being located by means of projections or lugs receivable in corresponding apertures in the base.

19. Apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 17, the plate being located by means of a channel or groove in the surface of the base part.

20 Apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 17, the plate and base being integrally formed, the plate being connected to the base by a web or membrane to allow the plate to be folded flat against the base for storage.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, the web being frangible.

22. Apparatus for supporting a fluid flow measuring device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. An assembly of a water meter and apparatus assembled from a kit of parts according to any of claims 1 to 8 or apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 22.