GB2343375A

GB2343375A - Outdoor service point

Info

Publication number: GB2343375A
Application number: GB9824143A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Andrew Healey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-11-05
Filing date: 1998-11-05
Publication date: 2000-05-10
Also published as: GB9824143D0

Abstract

An outdoor service point has means for the provision of fire fighting equipment and provides at least one other service. Also disclosed is a method of providing a site with a desired number of pitches for use by caravans and campers comprising the steps of digging a trench, laying supply lines within the trench, providing service points at intervals generally along the line of the trench, connecting the service points to the supply lines and substantially covering in the trench, and providing hedging or fencing substantially along the line of the trench. The other service provided is e.g. water, electricity, TV. Fire fighting equipment may be an extinguisher, blanket or hose.

Description

Title: Outdoor Service Point Description of Invention The present invention relates to an outdoor service point, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an outdoor service point for use in outdoor pursuits such as caravaning and camping as well as for use in marinas.

Caravan sites and campsites provide pitches at which people may camp in tents or caravans. Such sites are required to provide a plurality of services, such as water, electricity and in particular fire fighting equipment, which are provided by service points.

Conventionally, it is necessary to have a separate service point to provide fire fighting equipment and at least one further service point to provide the other services. Therefore, in order to provide the required services, even to a single pitch, a plurality of service points are needed.

Similar problems are present in marinas, particularly where the service points are provided on pontoons or the like, which have limited surface areas upon which to provide the service points.

Furthermore, most service points require service lines. If the service lines are provided above ground, they run the risk of being damaged and causing accidents, due to people tripping over them for example.

This problem is overcome by providing the service lines below ground.

However, if the service lines are not buried deep enough, they run the risk of cars being driven over the ground above, which if soft may give way and damage the service lines.

These problems are increased when there is a plurality of service points, each having a separate service line which is provided independently from service lines for other service points, whereby each of these separate service lines is prone to the problems described above.

Furthermore, as a site expands, more service points are required, each service point requiring a service line. Such expansions generally tend not to be structured, resulting in a disorderly arrangement of service lines. It is consequently difficult to know exactly where the service lines are, and so difficult to locate them.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an outdoor service point comprising means for the provision of fire fighting equipment and being capable of providing at least one further service.

An advantage provided by such a service point is that all required services may be provided by a single service point. Furthermore, service lines for the services provided by the service point can be laid together, providing a more orderly arrangement.

The service point preferably comprises water supply means. The water supply means preferably comprises at least one water tap to provide a general water supply, and/or at least one outlet capable of receiving a plug-in connector provided, for example, at an end of a conduit, a second end of which can be connected to a caravan so that water may be supplied directly to the caravan.

The service point preferably also comprises electricity supply means, which preferably comprises at least one electrical socket capable of receiving a plug-in connector, which may be connected to the electrical input circuitry of a caravan for example.

The service point may comprise a compartment which is capable of accommodating fire fighting equipment therein, protecting the fire fighting equipment from, for example, rain and the like. The fire fighting equipment may comprise equipment such as a fire extinguisher, a fire hose and/or a fire blanket.

The service point may further comprise an alarm which is activated upon removal of the fire fighting equipment to inform people nearby of the risk of fire, and to deter people from tampering with the fire fighting equipment unnecessarily.

The service point preferably comprises drainage means so that any waste water or the like may easily be disposed of, and which is capable of being connected to an external drainage system. The drainage means is preferably at least partly located generally beneath the water supply means to reduce the amount of excess water from the water supply means accumulating on the ground causing the ground to become muddy.

The service point may also comprise television outlet means capable of being provided with a television broadcast signal, such as a television aerial/cable socket to which a television can be connected.

The service point may have a generally triangular vertical cross-sectional configuration such that it comprises two opposed sloping sides. The services are preferably provided on at least one of the sloping sides, which makes use of the services easier.

Access to each of the services may be provided on a first side of the service point as well as on a second, opposite side of the service point, so that the service point may provide services to pitches located on either side.

The service point is preferably manufactured as a substantially hollow integral unit, and the access cover for the opening to the compartment is provided by a part of the service point cut out to provide the opening.

The service point is preferably made from glass fibre, or similar material suitable for manufacturing such an integral unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a site for a desired number of pitches for use by caravans and campers, the method comprising the steps of digging a trench, laying service lines within the trench, providing service points at intervals generally along the line of the trench, connecting the service points to the service lines and substantially covering in the trench, and providing hedging or fencing substantially along the line of the trench.

This aspect of the present invention has the advantage that all service lines can be provided in a single trench, providing a more orderly arrangement, and so making the location of the service lines easier.

Furthermore, the hedging or fencing deters cars and the like from being driven over the trench, which may cause damage to the service lines therein.

The hedging or fencing preferably also defines the pitches, improving overall aesthetics of the site.

The hedging or fencing may already be present on the site prior to digging the trench, or alternatively the hedging or fencing may be provided after the trench has been dug. In this way the present invention may make use of existing hedging or fencing, or alternatively hedging or fencing may be provided as part of the invention.

Preferably the service points provided are service points according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an illustration of a service point according to a first aspect of the present invention, with an access cover of a compartment in which fire fighting equipment is stored being illustrated removed in order to provide a view of the interior of the compartment ; and Figures 2 and 3 are illustrations of a site according to a second aspect of the present invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a service point 10 for use outdoors, which is capable of providing a plurality of services. One such service comprises means for the provision of fire fighting equipment, which for the embodiment illustrated comprises a compartment 24, which is capable of accommodating a fire extinguisher 26 therein. The compartment 24 is preferably capable of accommodating at least one fire extinguisher having a capacity of nine litres.

The present invention is not limited to the compartment 24 for accommodating a fire extinguisher 26, but may comprise any additional or alternative means suitable for the provision of additional or alternative fire fighting equipment such as a fire hose, a fire blanket or any other apparatus or equipment suitable for fighting fire.

For the embodiment illustrated, access to the compartment 24 is provided by an opening 28. An access cover 30 is provided to enclose the compartment 28. Preferably a seal is provided between edges of the access cover 30 and surfaces of the service point 10 which engage with the edges of the access cover 30, to prevent ingress of, for example, water into the compartment.

A catch 32 is shown to illustrate a means for retaining the top of the access cover 30 in position, the bottom of the access cover 30 being retained in position by engaging elements or the like, provided on the bottom of the access cover 30, which engage with the edge of the opening. It will however be appreciated that any suitable means for retaining the access cover 30 in position may alternatively be used. The access cover 30 is not limited to being completely removable, but may be, for example, hinged on one edge so that it remains attached to the service point 10 when opened.

The service point 10 preferably further comprises an audible and/or visual alarm (not shown) which is activated upon removal of the fire fighting equipment. However, the alarm may alternatively be activated upon removal or opening of the access cover 30.

If the fire fighting equipment comprises a fire hose, one end of which is connected to a water supply or the like, it will be appreciated that a reference in this document to the removal of the fire fighting equipment includes the removal of a substantial part of the fire hose, even though the end connected to the water supply or the like may not be removed from the service point 10.

The alarm alerts people to the possible danger of a fire, as well as alerting people to the possibility of theft of the fire fighting equipment, or that the fire fighting equipment is being unnecessarily tampered with.

Water supply means is also provided, which comprises a water tap 12 to provide a general water supply. The water tap 12 is located substantially above a drainage means, which comprises a drainage tray 14. More than one water tap 12 may be provided if desired.

Excess water from the water tap 12 is caught in the drainage tray 14 and is able to drain from the drainage tray 14 via a drainage hole 16. As the excess water is caught and drained away, the problem of excess water accumulating on the ground and causing the ground around the water tap 12 to become muddy is reduced.

The drainage means may also be used for disposing of, for example, dirty water which has been used for washing crockery and the like. The drainage hole 16 is preferably connected to a service drainage system.

The water supply means further comprises a plurality of water outlets 18 capable of receiving plug-in connectors, located for the embodiment illustrated above the water tap 12. The outlets 18 allow a conduit or the like, having a plug-in connector, corresponding to at least one of the outlets 18 at one end thereof, to be connected to the at least one outlet 18, and to convey water from the service point 10 to, for example, a caravan.

In Figure 1 there are illustrated four outlets 18. However any required number of outlets 18 may be provided. Furthermore, the outlets 18 illustrated are provided above the drainage tray 14, although they may be provided at any other suitable location on the service point 10.

The outlets 18 may all be of the same size and configuration, or alternatively may be of various different sizes and/or configurations in order to provide connections with conduits and the like having plug-in connectors of various different sizes and/or configurations.

Both the water tap 12 and the water outlets 18 are connected to an external water supply, such as a service water supply.

The service point 10 also provides an electricity supply means, which comprises electrical sockets 20. The electricity supply means is preferably connected to a service power supply. The electrical sockets 20 allow electricity cables to be connected between the service point 10 and, for example, the electrical input circuitry of a caravan, providing the caravan with electrical power.

Once again, although two electrical sockets 20 are illustrated, any other required number may alternatively be provided, and they may be of any type known in the art. All of the electrical sockets 20 may be of the same type, or alternatively they may be of varying types. Preferably the electrical sockets 20 are suitably protected against outdoor conditions, such as rain.

Preferably the service point 10 comprises electrical safety means, such as means automatically to disconnect the electrical supply from the electrical sockets 20 in the event of earth leakage or the like. It will also be noticed that in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical sockets 20 are positioned distant from the water supply in order to minimise the risk of water causing a short circuit, and also positioned at a safe distance from the ground, although this may not be necessary if adequate safety precautions are taken.

Positioned generally below the electrical sockets 20, there is provided television outlet means in the form of television aerial/cable sockets 22, capable of being provided with a television broadcast signal from a service cable.

Televisions may therefore be connected to the aerial/cable sockets.

An illumination means 34 is provided to supply illumination to the service point 10, and so making it easy for a person camping to locate the service point 10, as well as providing illumination to the surrounding area.

Preferably the illumination means 34 comprises an electric light source, which is supplied with electricity from the service power supply.

The illumination means 34 is preferably operated by a light sensor, such as a photo-diode, so that the illumination means 34 is automatically switched on when the surrounding light drops below a certain level, and is automatically switched off when the surrounding light rises above that, or a different, level.

Thereby, the illumination means 34 is generally on during the night, and off during the day.

The illumination means 34 may also provide a visual alarm, for example a flashing light, which is activated at the time as, or instead of, the audible alarm.

One advantage of the service point 10 is that it is capable of providing all the required services, eliminating the need for separate service points for each of the services. Therefore, due to the fact that less service points are required, less space is taken up by service points, allowing more space for camping, and the overall cost to provide the services is reduced.

Furthermore, all the required supply lines may be laid together, reducing the number of trenches required, and so providing a more orderly arrangement.

The service point is preferably made as a single hollow integral unit, from a material such as fibre glass, although any other suitable material may alternatively be used, and the access cover 30 may be provided by the part cut out to form the opening 24.

Figure 1 only provides an illustration of one side of the service point 10, on which access to the services is provided. However, access to the services may also be provided on the opposite side of the service point 10 to that illustrated, such that access to the services is available on either side of the service point 10. The substantially triangular vertical cross-sectional configuration of the service point provides sloping sides which make use of the services easier.

The service point 10 has been described above for use in conjunction with a caravan or the like. It will be appreciated that the service point 10 may alternatively be provided in a marina for use in conjunction with boats.

Referring know to Figures 2 and 3, there is illustrated a site comprising a plurality of service points 10, of the kind illustrated in Figure 1. For the illustrated embodiment, the service points 10 are free standing, and may have means for securing them to the ground, for example by being bolted to concrete foundations or the like. However the service points may alternatively be mounted on posts or the like.

In Figure 2 there is shown a trench 36 within which there are provided service lines 37. The service points 10 are provided at intervals generally along the line of the trench 36, and are connected to the service lines 37 by connections 38.

A hedge 42 is provided generally along the line of the trench 36, in order to deter cars and the like from being driven over the trench 36, which may cause damage to the service lines 37. In the embodiment illustrated gaps 40 are provided in the hedge 42, within which the service points 10 are provided.

Alternatively, if no such gaps 40 are provided in the hedge 42, the service points 10 may be provided on either side of the hedge 42. Where there is not hedge 42 at points along the line of the trench 36, for example at the gaps 40, it may be necessary to strengthen the ground, for example with paving stones or the like, to provide alternative protection to the service lines 37.

Figure 3 shows an aerial illustration of a site comprising the hedge 42 and service points 10 provided within a gap 40 of the hedge 42. The hedge 42 comprises cross-members 44 which generally define pitches, either individually or in groups.

The site is preferably provided by digging the trench 36, laying the service lines 37 therein, providing the service points 10 at intervals generally along the line of the trench 36, connecting the service points 10 to the service lines 37 and substantially covering in the trench 36.

The hedge 42 may already be present on the area of land prior to developing the site, and so the trench 36 is dug generally along the line of the existing hedge 42. Alternatively, if no hedge is present at the time of digging the trench 36, it may be provided afterwards.

The present invention is not limited to a hedge 42, but may alternatively comprise a fence or similar partition.

The advantages of this aspect of the present invention are that all of the required service lines 37 may be provided together, within a single trench 36, providing an orderly arrangement, facilitating location of the service lines 37.

Furthermore, the hedge 42 or similar partition may improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the site.

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.

Claims

1. An outdoor service point comprising means for the provision of fire fighting equipment and is capable of providing at least one other service.

2. An outdoor service point according to claim 1 wherein the service point comprises water supply means.

3. An outdoor service point according to claim 2 wherein the water supply means comprises at least one water tap.

4. An outdoor service point according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the water supply means comprises at least one outlet capable of receiving a plug-in connector.

5. An outdoor service point according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the service point comprises electricity supply means.

6. An outdoor service point according to claim 5 wherein the electricity supply means comprises at least one electrical socket.

7. An outdoor service point according to claim any one of the preceding claims wherein the service point comprises a compartment, within which fire fighting equipment may be provided.

8. An outdoor service point according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fire fighting equipment comprises at least one fire extinguisher.

9. An outdoor service point according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fire fighting equipment comprises a fire hose.

10. An outdoor service point according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fire fighting equipment comprises a fire blanket.

11. An outdoor service point according to any one the preceding claims wherein the service point further comprises an alarm which is activated upon removal of the fire fighting equipment.

12. An outdoor service point according to any one of claims 2 to 11 wherein the service point comprises drainage means, capable of being connected to an external drainage system.

13. An outdoor service point according to claim 12 wherein the drainage means is at least partly located generally beneath the water supply means.

14. An outdoor service point according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the service point comprises television outlet means capable of being provided with a television broadcast signal.

15. An outdoor service point according to claim 14 wherein the television outlet means comprises a television aerial/cable socket.

16. An outdoor service point according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the service point has a generally triangular vertical cross-sectional configuration, such that it comprises two opposed sloping sides, on at least one of which the services are provided.

17. An outdoor service point according to any one of the preceding claims wherein access to each of the services is provided on a first side of the service point as well as on a second side of the service point generally opposite the first side.

18. An outdoor service point according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the service point is manufactured as a substantially hollow integral unit.

19. An outdoor service point according to claim 18, where dependent on claim 7, wherein an access cover for an opening to the compartment is provided by part of the service point cut out to provide the opening.

20. An outdoor service point according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outdoor service point is made from glass fibre.

21. An outdoor service point substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

22. A method of providing a site with a desired number of pitches for use by caravans and campers, the method comprising the steps of digging a trench, laying supply lines within the trench, providing service points at intervals generally along the line of the trench, connecting the service points to the supply lines and substantially covering in the trench, and providing hedging or fencing substantially along the line of the trench.

23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the hedging or fencing generally defines the pitches.

24. A method according to claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the hedging or fencing is present on the site prior to digging the trench.

25. A method according to claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the hedging or fencing is provided after the trench has been dug.

26. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 25 wherein the service points provided are service points according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

27. A method according as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

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