GB2368606A

GB2368606A - Fire hydrant cover

Info

Publication number: GB2368606A
Application number: GB0126321A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Mcauley
Original assignee: GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL
Current assignee: GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL
Priority date: 2000-11-02
Filing date: 2001-11-02
Publication date: 2002-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-02
Also published as: GB2368606B; GB0026765D0; GB0126321D0

Abstract

A cover for a fire hydrant below the surface of a roadway comprises a frame fig. 3 and a lid fig. 7 made of a plastics material such as a polypropylene which is lockable in the frame. Opposite edges of the lid engage a seat 19 and recess 24 in the frame and a lock mechanism under opening 30 in the lid engages through an aperture 36 into a recess 22 to secure the lid. Both the lid and frame may be of coloured polypropylene.

Description

IEEY-ER

The present invention relates to a cover for concealing an opening in a roadway or similar surface. In particular, but not exclusively, the cover is intended for use in concealing fire hydrants and the like from public access.

In many countries, fire hydrants are provided by local authorities for the use of emergency services to obtain water when necessary. Such hydrants are sited at frequent locations throughout an authority area, and require that emergency services be able to access the hydrants.

Certain areas commonly provide hydrants above-ground, for ease of access by emergency crews. However, such hydrants also are readily accessible by unauthorised individuals, such as vandals, and are also at risk of sustaining damage through, for example, vehicle accidents.

Therefore it is preferred in many areas to locate fire hydrants below ground; for example, holes may be dug in a roadway, a hydrant located on a mains water supply therein, and the hole protected by a cover. This avoids the risk that vehicles may accidentally damage the hydrant, and the cover is intended to prevent unauthorised access to the interior of the hole.

However, conventionally used hydrant covers suffer from a number of disadvantages, which reduce or limit their effectiveness in preventing unauthorised access. Firstly, conventional hydrant covers are typically formed from cast iron. while durable, cast iron has a scrap value, and so there is a temptation for vandals to attempt to remove the cover, which may possibly be sold. Further, cast iron is relatively brittle, and can be shattered by the application of a strong enough blow. Thus, the cover may be attacked and shattered. Conventional covers are also merely rested on Lop of a cast iron frame ; this may thus he removed by an unauthorised individual who is able to apply sufficient leverage to the cover. Further, conventional covers often include a gap between the edge of the cover and the cast iron frame ; foreign objects may find their way through this gap and into the hydrant hole, particularly if the objects are deliberately inserted therein. Finally, in the United Kingdom at least, it is a requirement that all hydrant covers be coloured yellow, to enable emergency crews to locate the hydrant rapidly. Cast iron covers must therefore be painted regularly, with the paint being subject to wear and flaking over a period of time.

It is among the objects of embodiments of the present

invention to obviate or alleviate these and other disadvantages of known hydrant covers. It is further among the objects of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a more secure hydrant cover which is less susceptible to vandalism than conventional hydrant covers.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover for an opening, the cover comprising a base frame portion and a lid portion, wherein the frame portion comprises a plurality of side walls surrounding a central aperture, and securing means for fastening the frame to an edge of an opening; and the lid portion comprises a lock mechanism for engaging with the frame portion; and wherein at least the lid portion is of plastics material.

In use, therefore, the frame may be fitted to the mouth of an opening containing a fire hydrant or the like, while the lid portion may be placed thereon, and secured in position by means of the lock mechanism. This will restrict the ability of third parties to open and lift the lid portion, so providing greater security to the hydrant cover. In addition, a plastics lid portion will be resistant to corrosion; will be less prone to shattering than a cast iron lid; will be less expensive to produce and

replace ; and will have relatively little scrap value, so reducing the impetus for third parties to remove the lid portion.

Preferably, both the frame portion and the lid portion are of plastics material. This further reduces the cost of manufacture and shipping of the cover.

Preferably, either or both of the lid portion and the frame portion are of polypropylene. Polypropylene is particularly preferred as it has been found to have desirable properties for use in covers according to the present invention, in terms of durability, strength, cost, and the like. Alternative polymeric materials may of course be used, dependent on suitability.

Preferably the plastics material incorporates a colouring agent The process of production of coloured plastics is known; this eliminates the need to paint the cover and maintain the colouring. A coloured plastic will by contrast remain coloured for a far longer period, typically until it becomes necessary to replace the cover for reasons of wear and tear. Conveniently the colouring agent yields a yellow colour in use; although other colours may be used if desired.

Preferably the frame portion comprises a recess on an

inner surface of one of the walls for receiving a section of the lid portion. Such a recess will ensure a secure engagement of the lid and the frame, and so make it more difficult for unauthorised parties to lift the lid.

Preferably also the recess is arranged such that a part of the frame portion overhangs a part of the lid portion; this ensures that no gap is left between these parts of the lid and the frame through which foreign bodies may be inserted.

The frame portion may further comprise a protrusion on an inner surface of another of the walls, on which a portion of the lid may rest. Preferably also the lid portion is dimensioned so as to substantially fill the aperture of the frame portion; thus, no substantial gaps are provided between the frame and the lid.

Preferably the frame comprises a portion for engaging a part of the lock mechanism when in the locked position. Conveniently, this is in the form of a protrusion under which a part of the lock mechanism will fit. This will prevent the lid being lifted directly from the frame, without first placing the lock mechanism in the unlocked position.

Preferably an upper surface of the lid is arranged to lie flush with an upper surface of the frame, when in use.

The securing means may comprise bolts, screws, adhesive or the like, by which the frame may be fixed to a portion of an opening. Preferably the frame comprises flanges which may in use be located beneath a part of the walls of the opening ; in this way it will be relatively difficult to lift the frame directly upward out of the opening-Conveniently, a concrete'shoe'may be provided in combination with the frame and the lid, to rest on the flanges and so retain the frame in position.

Certain embodiments of the invention may further comprise one or more buttressing means, for buttressing the walls of the frame portion. It has been found that certain sizes and shapes of frame may have walls which may be bent out of shape by the application of a force to the walls ; the provision of these buttressing means strengthens the walls in these embodiments.

Preferably the lid portion further comprises strengthening means located around the lock mechanism.

Conveniently the strengthening means may comprise a metal plate ; for example a galvanised steel plate. This reinforces the lid around the lock mechanism, and reduces the risk of unauthorised persons drilling out the lock mechanism to open the cover.

Preferably the lid portion further comprises a plurality of walls depending from at least one of the edges thereof. Conveniently these walls may in use rest on one or more ledges or protrusions formed on the walls of the frame portion. This helps to support the lid, and reduces the risk of the lid being forced inside the frame.

Preferably the upper surface of the lid portion is textured; for example, with a raised pattern of squares or other shapes, to provide increased traction to vehicles or pedestrians passing over the cover.

Preferably the cover is substantially rectangular in shape; although square, circular, or other shapes of cover may of course be used if desired.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a base frame portion of a fire hydrant cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of the base frame portion of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of the base frame portion of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an end sectional view of the base frame portion of Figure 1 ; Figure 5 shows a plan view of a lid portion of d fire hydrant cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention ; Figure 6 shows a side elevationa view of the lid portion of Figure S ; Figure 7 shows a side sectional view of the lid

portion of Figure b ; and Figure 8 shows an end elevational view of the lid portion of Figure 5.

Referring first of all to Figures 1 to 4, these show respectively plan, side elevational, side sectional, and end sectional views of a base frame portion of a Eire hydrant cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The base frame 10 comprises four vertical walls 12 defining a central aperture 14. Extending outwardly from the walls 12 is a flange skirt 16, which also extends somewhat inwardly into the central aperture 14, to define a ledge 18. Around the upper edge of the walls 12 is formed a lip 19 on which a cover lid may rest, in use. On the inner surface of one of the walls 12 is provided a protrusion 20, which defines a recess 22 between

the lower edge of the protrusion 20 and the upper surface of the ledge 18. In use, this recess 22 serves to receive a portion of a lock mechanism provided on the lid portion of the cover, thereby serving to lock the lid in position.

On the inner surface of the wall 12 opposite the protrusion 20 is provided a second recess 24, for receiving an edge of the lid portion, as will be described.

Figures 5 to 8 show, respectively, plan, side elevational, side sectional, and end elevational views of a lid portion of a fire hydrant cover, as may be used with the base frame portion of Figures 1 to 4. The lid portion 26 is dimensioned to fit snugly into the upper aperture of the base frame portion 10.

The lid 26 includes a lip 28 along one edge thereof, which in use fits into the recess 24 provided on the base frame portion 10 ; this arrangement ensures that the lid cannot be lifted directly upwardly from the base frame, so aiding security. In addition, the lid 26 is arranged such that the upper surface of the lid 26 lies flush with the upper edge of the base frame 10, so avoiding creating an opening between the lid 26 and the base frame 10 through which foreign bodies may be introduced.

The lid 26 also is provided with a circular aperture

30, in which a lock mechanism (not shown) can be located.

Beneath the aperture 30 is a galvanised steel plate 32, which provides a strengthening surface below and surrounding the lock aperture 30, to prevent drilling out or otherwise removing of the lock mechanism.

A number of vertically extending walls 34 depend from the lid 26; these serve the dual function of reinforcing and strengthening the lid 26, and of resting on the inner ledge 18 of the base frame 10, to provide further support to the iid 26, and to prevent the lid being forced into the base frame 10 The wall 34 nearest the lock mechanism is provided with a rectangular aperture 36 therein, to fit around the protrusion 20 of the base frame 10 and to allow the lock mechanism to engage in the recess 22.

The upper surface of the lid 26 bears a series of raised portions 38; these serve to provide a textured surface to the lid 26 and to increase friction experienced by vehicles or pedestrians passing over the lid 26.

Both the lid 26 and the base frame 10 are made from polypropylene; the lid 26 is coloured yellow, while the base frame 10 is coloured black.

To install the cover, the procedure is as follows.

Firstly a hole is dug out around the fire hydrant to be

covered. The base frame 10 is then placed in the hole, with the upper edge thereof flush with the ground surface, and the flange skirt 16 resting on the walls of the hole. Concrete is then poured around the base frame 10 and onto the flange skirt 16 to form a shoe around the frame 10; when set, this will weigh down the frame and prevent vandals from digging out the frame and removing it from the hole.

Once the frame 10 is secured in position, the lid 26 is put on. The lip 28 of the lid 26 is inserted into the recess 24 of the base frame 10, and the lid lowered into position. The lower edges of the lid walls 34 then rest on the inner lip 18 of the base frame 10, while the edge of the lid 26 also rests on the upper lip 19 formed around the base frame 10. The aperture 36 of the lid wall 34 provides access for the lock mechanism to the recess 22 formed beneath the protrusion 20 of the base frame 10. To secure the lid 26 in place, the lock mechanism is closed, such that a portion of the lock mechanism engages with the recess 22, and prevents lifting of the lid 26.

When an authorised person requires access to the fire hydrant, they use a key to open the lock mechanism, disengaging it from the recess 22. The key may also then be

used to lift the end of the lid 26, which enables the lip 28 to be slid out of the second recess 24. The lid may then be removed, and the hydrant beneath accessed.

It can be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides a cover which is strong, resilient, and resistant to vandalism. The lack of gaps between the lid 26 and the base frame 10 prevents the introduction of foreign bodies into the hydrant enclosure, while the locking arrangement and materials from whLch the cover is made ensure that there will be little incentive for theft or other unauthorised removal of the lid-

Claims

1. A cover for an opening, the cover comprising a base frame portion and a lid portion, wherein the frame portion comprises a plurality of side walls surrounding a central aperture, and securing means for fastening the frame to an edge of an opening; and the lid portion comprises a lock mechanism for engaging with the frame portion; and wherein at least the lid portion is of plastics material.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein both the frame portion and the lid portion are of plastics material.

3. The cover of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein either or both of the lid portion and the frame portion are of polypropylene.

4. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the plastics material incorporates a colouring agent.

5. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the frame portion comprises a recess on an inner surface of one of the walls for receiving a section of the lid portion.

6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the recess is arranged such that a part of the frame portion overhangs a part of the lid portion.

7. The cover of claim CJ or claim 6, wherein the frame portion further comprises a protrusion on an inner surface of another of the walls, on which a portion of the lid may rest.

8. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the lid portion is dimensioned so as to substantially fill the aperture of the frame portion.

9. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a portion for engaging a part of the lock mechanism when in the locked position.

10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the lock-engaging portion of the frame is in the form of a protrusion under which a part of the lock mechanism will fit11. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein an upper surface of the lid is arranged to lie flush with an upper

surface of the frame, when in use.

12. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises flanges which may in use be located beneath a part of the walls of the opening.

13. The cover of claim 12, wherein a concrete shoe is provided in combination with the frame and the lid, to rest on the flanges and so retain the frame in position.

14. The cover of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more buttressing means, for buttressing the walls of the frame portion.

15. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the lid portion further comprises strengthening means located around the lock mechanism.

16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the strengthening means comprises a metal plate.

17. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the lid portion further comprises a plurality of walls depending

trom at least one of the edges thereof.

18. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface of the lid portion is textured.

19. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the cover is substantially rectangular in shape.

20. A cover for an opening substantially as described herein, and as illustrated in the Figures.