GB2471580A

GB2471580A - A frame element and a frame for an access cover or grating

Info

Publication number: GB2471580A
Application number: GB1011281A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul J Smith
Original assignee: Peter Savage Ltd
Current assignee: Peter Savage Ltd
Priority date: 2009-07-03
Filing date: 2010-07-05
Publication date: 2011-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2030-07-05
Also published as: GB2471580B; GB201011281D0; GB0911632D0

Abstract

A frame element or module 10 is suitable for joining to other frame elements to create or assemble a frame 80 for an access cover, such as a manhole cover, or gully grating. The frame element 10 comprises a substantially straight portion 12, one end of which has first fixing means, for example, a protrusion 36 (fig 4), and the other end of which has second fixing means, for example, an aperture 56 (fig 1). The first fixing means is arranged to cooperate with a second fixing means 56 (fig 1) of a second frame element 10 so that the frame elements are arranged to be joined at a corner of the frame 80. The second fixing means 56 (fig 1) is arranged to cooperate with the first fixing means of a third frame element 10 so that the first and third frame elements 10 are arranged to be joined at another corner of the frame 80. The first and the second fixing means are such that the frame elements 10 can be fixed together without tools in a non-return fashion, for example a snap-fit.

Description

A Frame Element and a Frame for an Access Cover or Gully Grating.

The present invention relates to a frame element and a frame for an access cover or gully grating.

Access covers, such as manhole covers, and gully gratings over drains and the like require a frame to support them. The frames are bulky to store and transport.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame element, suitable for joining to other frame elements to create a frame for an access cover or gully grating, the frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, one end of the straight portion having first fixing means and the other end of the straight portion having second fixing means, the first fixing means being alTanged to cooperate with the second fixing means of a second frame element so that the frame elements are arranged to be joined at a corner of the frame, the second fixing means being ananged to cooperate with first fixing means of a third frame element so that the first and third frame elements are ananged to be joined at another corner of the frame, the first and second fixing means being such that the frame elements can be fixed together without tools in non-return fashion.

Therefore, a frame can be stored and transported in an unassembled state, as a collection of frame elements which is much more space-efficient. As the frame elements are straight, they can be ananged for storage and transport in a space-efficient manner. Furtheiniore, the fact that no tools are needed increases the convenience of assembly. Once the elements are assembled they will not come apart at the joints because they are secured in non-return fashion.

Preferably, the straight portion and the fixing means are formed as one piece. This simplifies manufacture, as only one step is needed, and also strengthens the element, as a join could be a source of weakness in the structure.

Preferably, the first and second fixing means are arranged such that the frame element can be joined to another frame element so that the straight portions are substantially perpendicular.

Therefore, a rectangular frame can be assembled. Preferably, at least one end of the straight portion is tapered across its width, preferably at about 45° to the longitudinal direction of the straight portion. Preferably, both ends of the straight portion are tapered across the width of the straight portion, preferably at about 45° to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, both ends of the straight portion are tapered towards the same edge of the straight portion, thus creating a long edge and a short edge of the straight portion. The 45° taper angle aids assembly of the frame, as when the tapered edges abut each other the straight portions of adjacent frame elements will be perpendicular to each other.

The first fixing means and second fixing means are preferably arranged to fit together in a snap-fit manner. The first fixing means may comprise at least one protrusion and the second fixing means may define at least one aperture dimensioned to receive an aforesaid protrusion.

The or each protrusion may be slotted in order to flex to enter the or each aperture. The or each protrusion may include a barb or shoulder to prevent return through the or each aperture.

The or each protrusion and aperture may be of any suitable shape and in one embodiment they are conveniently of substantially circular cross section. The or each protrusion may have protrusion locating means arranged to cooperate with aperture locating means of an aperture to locate the frame elements at an angle to one another. The protrusion locating means may be a channel which extends across the diameter of the protrusion. The aperture locating means may be a bar which extends across the diameter of the aperture. The location means aids in assembling the frame by ensuring correct alignment of the frame elements, and also helps to prevent two adjacent frame elements moving relative to each other once joined.

Preferably, the first fixing means is provided on a fixing means support which may extend from the element. The support may be arranged to be received in a rebate in an outwards flange of another frame element. Preferably the fixing means support is joined to an outwards flange of the frame element and may lie in substantially the same plane as the flange. The fixing means support provides an area of overlap at the corners of the frame, and helps to secure the frame in the ground when the flange and the fixing means support are covered by the road surface. The support may include a surface to engage the side of a cover or grating mounting wall of another frame element to resist movement longitudinally of the element by engagement of the surface with the wall. The support may also include a surface to engage a surface of the rebate to resist movement in the opposite longitudinal direction.

That surface may be substantially parallel to the said tapered edges, where provided.

In one embodiment, a third fixing means is provided on an end of the straight portion with the first fixing means, and a fourth fixing means is provided on the end of the straight portion with the second fixing means, the third fixing means of the frame element being arranged to co-operate with the fourth fixing means of another frame element. The third fixing means is preferably spaced from the first fixing means. The fourth fixing means is preferably spaced from the second fixing means. The third fixing means and fourth fixing means may be respectively one of a second protrusion and a second aperture dimensioned to accept an aforesaid second protrusion. The third and fourth fixing means may be arranged such that the frame elements can be fixed together thereby without tools and in one embodiment may be fixed together in non-return fashion.

Preferably the third fixing means is provided on a first additional fixing means support.

Preferably the fourth fixing means is provided on a second additional fixing means support.

Preferably each additional fixing means support is a planar element which protrudes from the straight portion, and may be substantially in the same plane as an outwards flange of the frame element. Preferably, the additional fixing means support protrudes from the straight portion on the opposite side of a cover or grating mounting wall of the frame element from the fixing means support. The third and fourth fixing means help prevent joined frame elements flexing apart.

Preferably, the fixing means support includes a positive or negative step at one edge, arranged to cooperate with a negative or positive step, respectively, of another frame element.

This aids correct location of the frame elements on assembly of the frame and continued colTect location once the frame is assembled.

The fixing means support may be tapered in the same manner as the straight portion.

Where at least one end of the straight portion is tapered, the additional fixing means support at the same end as the or each tapered end of the straight portion may be tapered in the same manner as the straight portion.

Preferably, each additional fixing means support is of uniform thickness. The second protrusion may extend out of the plane of the additional fixing means support, and bend over.

A fifth fixing means may be provided on the frame element, which may form an abutment to resist movement in the plane of the frame. The fifth fixing means may be at an outer edge of the frame element, such as the edge furthest from the straight portion. The fifth fixing means may comprise a projection such as a rib.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame comprising four frame elements according to the preceding aspect of the invention, joined together.

All the frame elements may be identical. However, two first opposing frame elements may be identical to each other, and two second opposing frame elements may be identical to each other but different in length from the first opposing frame elements.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for assembling a frame for an access cover or gully grating, the kit comprising at least three frame elements, each frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, each end of each straight portion having fixing means so that the frame elements are arranged to be joined at the corners of the frame, the fixing means being such that the frame elements can be fixed together without tools in non-return fashion.

The kit may comprise an even number of elements, such as four elements.

Each frame element of the kit may be a frame element according to the first aspect of the invention. Alternatively, for example, at least one element may have the same fixing means on both ends.

Preferably, the straight portion and the fixing means of each element are formed as one piece.

This simplifies manufacture, as only one step is needed, and also strengthens the element, as a join could be a source of weakness in the structure.

Preferably, the fixing means are ananged such that the frame element can be joined to another frame element so that the straight portions are substantially perpendicular. Therefore, a rectangular frame can be assembled. Preferably, at least one end of the straight portion is tapered across its width, preferably at about 45° to the longitudinal direction of the straight portion. Preferably, both ends of the straight portion are tapered across the width of the straight portion, preferably at about 45° to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, both ends of the straight portion are tapered towards the same edge of the straight portion, thus creating a long edge and a short edge. The 45° taper angle aids assembly of the frame, as when the tapered edges abut each other the straight portions of adjacent frame elements will be perpendicular to each other.

The fixing means are preferably arranged to fit together in a snap-fit manner. The fixing means on one frame element may comprise at least one protrusion and the fixing means on another frame element may define at least one aperture dimensioned to receive an aforesaid protrusion. The or at least one protrusion may be slotted in order to flex to enter the or at least one aperture. The or each protrusion may include a barb or shoulder to prevent return through the or each aperture.

The or each protrusion and aperture may be of any suitable shape and in one embodiment they are conveniently of substantially circular cross section. The or at least one protrusion may have protrusion locating means arranged to cooperate with aperture locating means of an aperture to locate the frame elements at an angle to one another. The protrusion locating means may be a channel which extends across the diameter of the protrusion. The aperture locating means may be a bar which extends across the diameter of the aperture. The location means aids in assembling the frame by ensuring correct alignment of the frame elements, and also helps to prevent two adjacent frame elements moving relative to each other once joined.

Preferably, one fixing means is provided on a fixing means support which may extend from the element. The support may be arranged to be received in a rebate in an outwards flange of another frame element. Preferably the fixing means support is joined to an outwards flange of the frame element and may lie in substantially the same plane as the flange. The fixing means support provides an area of overlap at the corners of the frame, and helps to secure the frame in the ground when the flange and the fixing means support are covered by the road surface. The support may include a surface to engage the side of a cover or grating mounting wall of another frame element to resist movement longitudinally of the element by engagement of the surface with the wall. The support may also include a surface to engage a surface of the rebate to resist movement in the opposite longitudinal direction. That surface may be substantially parallel to the said tapered edges, where provided.

In one embodiment, a third fixing means is provided on an end of the straight portion of a frame element and a fourth fixing means is provided on the end of the straight portion of another frame element, the third fixing means of the frame element being arranged to co-operate with the fourth fixing means of the other frame element. The third fixing means is preferably spaced from the first fixing means on that end of the frame element. The fourth fixing means is preferably spaced from the first fixing means on that end of the frame element. The third fixing means and fourth fixing means may be respectively one of a second protrusion and a second aperture dimensioned to accept an aforesaid second protrusion.

Preferably the third fixing means is provided on an additional fixing means support.

Preferably the fourth fixing means is provided on an additional fixing means support.

The additional fixing means support may be tapered in the same manner as the straight portion.

Preferably, the additional fixing means support is of uniform thickness. The second protrusion may extend out of the plane of the additional fixing means support, and bend over.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a frame assembled from a kit according to the preceding aspect of the invention.

According to a another aspect of the invention there is provided a frame assembled from at least three frame elements, each frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, each end of each straight portion having fixing means so that the frame elements are joined at the corners of the frame, the fixing means being such that the frame elements are fixed together without tools in non-return fashion.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame element, suitable for joining to other frame elements to create a frame for an access cover or gully grating, the frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, one end of the straight portion having first fixing means and the other end of the straight portion having second fixing means, the first fixing means being ananged to cooperate with the second fixing means of a second frame element so that the frame elements are arranged to be joined at a corner of the frame, the second fixing means being ananged to cooperate with first fixing means of a third frame element so that the first and third frame elements are arranged to be joined at another corner of the frame, the first and second fixing means being such that the frame elements can be fixed together without tools.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for assembling a frame for an access cover or gully grating, the kit comprising at least three frame elements, each frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, each end of each straight portion having fixing means so that the frame elements are arranged to be joined at the corners of the frame, the fixing means being such that the frame elements can be fixed together without tools.

Two embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a frame element according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from a position that would be outside the assembled frame; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the frame element of Fig. 1 viewed from a position that would be inside the frame when the frame is assembled; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one end of the frame element of Fig. 1, with the straight portion shown in cross section, showing the first fixing means and the fixing means support from above; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of one end of the frame element of Fig. 1 showing the first fixing means and the fixing means support from below; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the other end of the frame element of Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 3 and 4, with the straight portion shown in cross section, the view is from above the frame element and shows the second fixing means support from above; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the other end of the frame element of Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 3 and 4, with the straight portion shown in cross section, the view is from beneath the frame element and shows the second fixing means support from below; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an assembled frame viewed from above the frame, the frame being assembled from four frame elements identical to the frame element shown in Figs 1 to 6; Fig. 8 is a perspective view from below of the frame of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a detail fragmentary perspective view from above of a join between two frame elements; Fig. 10 is a detail fragmentary perspective view from below of a join between two frame elements showing cut ends in cross section; Fig. 11 is a detail fragmentary perspective view from above and to the side of a join between two frame elements showing cut ends in cross section; Fig. 12 is a detail fragmentary perspective view from below and to the side of a join between two frame elements showing cut ends in cross section; and Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an assembled frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The frame element 10 of the first embodiment of the invention comprises a straight portion 12, which comprises a base portion 14 and a wall 16. The frame element 10 is moulded from plastics material. The base portion 14 is flat and elongate and the wall 16, which is also flat and elongate extends from a flat upper side of the base portion 14 substantially perpendicularly to the base portion. The wall 16 extends from the base portion 14 in a central position of the base portion 14 so that the base portion 14 extends either side of the wall 16.

A first rib 18 also protrudes from the base portion 14 on the same side as the wall 16 and is parallel but spaced apart from the wall 16. The straight portion 12 is tapered at both ends 8 at 45° to its longitudinal axis so that the base portion 14 has one short edge 20 and one long edge 22. The first rib 18 extends from the short edge 20 of the base portion 14. A second rib 24 extends from the base portion 14 on the opposite side of the base portion 14 to the wall 16.

The second rib 24 is substantially perpendicular to the base portion 14 and is substantially parallel to the wall 16 and located between the position of the wall 16 and the long edge 22 of the base portion 14.

At each end of the straight portion 12 a plate 26, 28 extends from the long edge 22 of the base portion 14. Each plate 26,28 constitutes an aforesaid "fixing means support".

The plate 26 comprises a first part 30 and a second part 32. The second part 32 is approximately one third of the thickness of the first part 30, the two parts being separated by a step 34. The step 34 is in line with the edge of the tapered end 8 of the straight portion 12.

The edge 35 of the second part 32 opposite the step 34 is parallel with the step 34. A protrusion 36, constituting the aforesaid "first fixing means", extends from the second part 32 of the plate 26 in a downward direction, i.e. in a direction opposite to the direction in which the wall 16 extends from the base portion 14. The protrusion 36 is substantially circular in cross section. The free end 38 of the protrusion 36 has a lip 40 which protrudes substantially perpendicularly to the circular surface 42 of the protrusion 36. The lip 40 tapers inwardly towards the free end of the protrusion 36. A parallel sided groove 44 extends across the diameter of the protrusion 36, and has a depth of approximately half the height of the protrusion 36. The groove 44 constitutes the aforesaid "protrusion locating means".

A positive locating rib 46 is positioned on the outside edge of the second part 32. The rib 46 has a height approximately half way between that of the first part 30 and the second part 32, and stops just short of the edge of the second part 32. The first part 30 defines a large central aperture 48.

The plate 28 is shown in Fig. 3. Plate 28 comprises a first part 50 and a second part 52 approximately two thirds of the height of the first part 50, the two parts being separated by a step 54. The step 54 is parallel with, but positioned away from the taper line of the straight portion 12. The edge 55 of the second part 52 is in line with the tapered end of the straight portion 12. The thickness of the first part 50 is the same as that of the first part 30 of the plate 26. An aperture 56 is provided in the second part 52. The aperture is circular in cross section and has an aperture locating means 58 which is a bar which extends across the diameter of the aperture 56. The diameter of the aperture 56 is such that it can receive a protrusion 36, and the aperture locating means 58 is such that it can be received by the protrusion location means 44, that is the groove 44 in the protrusion 36. The edge 59 of the second part has a step 60 which is dimensioned to co-operate with the rib 46 on plate 26. A large central aperture 64 is provided in the first part 50 of the plate 28.

Additional plates 66, 68 are provided at each end of the straight portion 12 and protrude from the short edge 20 of the base portion 14 to the opposite side of the wall 16 from the plates 26, 28. The additional plates 66, 68 are generally in the form of isosceles right-angled triangles with one side in line with the tapered portion of the straight portion 12 and the other side protruding at 45° to the base portion 12. On the plate 66 a lug 70 constituting the aforesaid "third fixing means" is provided. The lug 70 protrudes from the top surface 72 of the additional plate 66 and bends over so that it overlaps the edge 74 of the plate 66, the end portion 76 of the lug 70 being parallel with the edge 74 of the plate 66.

The additional plate 68 has a second aperture 78 constituting a fourth fixing means. The second aperture 78 is dimensioned to accept the lug 70, the lug 70 and the aperture 78 both having rectangular cross sections.

In use, a frame element 10 can be connected to two identical frame elements 10, one at each end. The second part 38 of the plate 26 and the second part 52 of the plate 20 overlap. The protrusion 36 on the plate 26 is located within the aperture 56 on the plate 28. Location of the protrusion 36 in the aperture 56 in the correct orientation is aided by the groove 44 in the protrusion 36 and the bar 58 in the aperture 56. The steps 54, 34 between the first and second parts of plates 26 and 28, can abut each other and the location rib 46 and step 60 also help to ensure the frame elements 10 are properly orientated with respect to one another. The lip 40 on the protrusion 36 allows the protrusion 36 to be connected in the aperture 56 in a snap fit manner. The tapered edge of the lip 40 aids location of the protrusion in 36 in the aperture 56. The fact that the protrusion 36 and the aperture 56 are surrounded by the plates 26, 28 means that, once the frame elements 10 are connected, it is difficult for them to be disconnected.

The edges of the additional plates 66, 68 which are in line with the tapered ends of the straight line portion 12 abut each other on adjacent frame elements 10 and the lug 70 on one frame element 10 co-operates with the aperture 78 on the adjacent frame elements 10 thus providing a further fixing means. This fixing means helps to keep adjacent elements in the correct orientation relative to one another by preventing the angle between them from being increased.

Therefore, four frame elements 10 can be connected to create a frame 80.

The plates 26, 28 together provide additional corner pieces on the frame 80 which can be buried under, for example, earth or the road surface to help secure the frame 80. The walls 16 provide a rectangular structure 82 inside which an access cover or gulley grating can be located, and the first ribs 18 provide an inner rectangular structure 84, the space between the first rib 18 and the walls 16 being suitable to receive a lip from a cover, again to aid location of the cover within the frame and to maintain its location.

The large apertures 48, 64 in the plates 26, 28 allow the frame elements 10 and the assembled frame 80 to be easily handled by acting as handles, as well as reducing the amount of plastics material from which the frame element 10 is moulded.

It is thus seen that by means of the invention, a frame can be assembled from elongate frame elements. The frame elements are smaller than a frame and hence easier to manufacture, store and transport.

The frame of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals will be used for similar features, and only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

Each element 10 has plates 26, 28 of a similar size to those in the first embodiment. However, the straight portion 12 is longer than that in the first embodiment. Therefore, the frame 80 is larger than that of the first embodiment. The second part 52 of the plate 28 does not include a step 60. Further, the second part 32 of the plate 26 does not include a locating rib 46, to cooperate with the step.

However, the main difference between the elements of the second embodiment compared to those of the first embodiment is that they do not include additional plates 66, 68. Further, the elements do not include a rib 18 which extends from the short edge 20 of the base portion 14.

Instead, substantially square, flat protrusions 90 are formed on the elements 10, one near each end of each element 10, protruding from the short edge 20 of the element 10. In an assembled frame, the protrusions 90 are close to, but spaced from an internal corner. In use, the protrusions 90 are suitable for receiving a lip from a cover. Further, the protrusions 90 can be used to lock a cover into the frame. For example, although not shown in Fig. 13, each protrusion 90 may include a hole to receive a bolt, so that the cover can be locked to the protrusion 90.

In the above two embodiments, the length 25 of the frame elements 10 are different. In fact, the frame elements 10 can be in any suitable length. Thus for example, the wall 16 of a frame element could be 450mm, 600mm or 750mm long. This would allow square frames to be made in three different sizes as well as rectangular frames in three different sizes.

Beneficially this is achieved from only three lengths of element, reducing manufacturing and storage complexity and costs.

Although in the above embodiments, the fixing means are different on each end of the frame element, it can be seen that a first frame element may have the same fixing means at each end, e.g. a protrusion at each end, the frame element being intended to be fixed to other frame elements which have the same fixing elements at each end, but these fixing elements being different from that of the first frame element, e.g. apertures.

In another embodiment, the lug 70 of the first embodiment may include non-return means or may be replaced by a protrusion the same or similar to protrusion 36, but perhaps being smaller, to be received in an appropriate aperture in place of aperture 78. Thus there would be non-return fixing means on both sides of the wall 16.

Claims

Claims 1. A frame element, suitable for joining to other frame elements to create a frame for an access cover or gully grating, the frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, one end of the straight portion having first fixing means and the other end of the straight portion having second fixing means, the first fixing means being ananged to cooperate with the second fixing means of a second frame element so that the frame elements are arranged to be joined at a corner of the frame, the second fixing means being arranged to cooperate with first fixing means of a third frame element so that the first and third frame elements are alTanged to be joined at another corner of the frame, the first and second fixing means being such that the frame elements can be fixed together without tools in non-return fashion.
2. A frame element according to claim 1, wherein the straight portion and the fixing means are formed as one piece.
3. A frame element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second fixing means are arranged such that the frame element can be joined to another frame element so that the straight portions are substantially perpendicular.
4. A frame element according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein at least one end of the straight portion is tapered across its width,
5. A frame element according to claim 4, wherein the or each tapered end is tapered at about 45° to the longitudinal direction of the straight portion.
6. A frame element according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein both ends of the straight portion are tapered across the width of the straight portion.
7. A frame element according to claim 6, wherein both ends are tapered at about 45° to the longitudinal direction.
8. A frame element according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein both ends of the straight portion are tapered towards the same edge of the straight portion, thus creating a long edge and a short edge of the straight portion.
9. A frame element according to any preceding claim, wherein the first fixing means and second fixing means are ananged to fit together in a snap-fit manner.
10. A frame element according to any preceding claim, wherein the first fixing means comprises at least one protrusion.
11. A frame element according to claim 10, wherein the second fixing means defines at least one aperture dimensioned to receive an aforesaid protrusion.
12. A frame element according to claim 11, wherein the or each protrusion is slotted in order to flex to enter the or at least one aperture.
13. A frame element according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the or each protrusion includes a barb or shoulder to prevent return through the or each aperture.
14. A frame element according to claim 11, claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the or each protrusion and aperture is of substantially circular cross section.
15. A frame element according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the or each protrusion has protrusion locating means arranged to cooperate with aperture locating means of an aperture to locate the frame elements at an angle to one another.
16. A frame element according to claim 15, wherein the protrusion locating means is a channel which extends across the diameter of the protrusion.
17. A frame element according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the aperture locating means is a bar which extends across the diameter of the aperture.
18. A frame element according to any preceding claim, wherein the first fixing means is provided on a fixing means support.
19. A frame element according to claim 18, wherein the fixing means support extends from the element.
20. A frame element according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the support is ananged to be received in a rebate in an outwards flange of another frame element.
21. A frame element according to claim 18, claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the fixing means support is joined to an outwards flange of the frame element.
22. A frame element according to claim 21, wherein the fixing means support lies in substantially the same plane as the flange.
23. A frame element according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein, the fixing means support includes a positive or negative step at one edge, arranged to cooperate with a negative or positive step, respectively, of another frame element.
24. A frame element according to any of claims 18 to 23, wherein, where at least one end of the straight portion is tapered, the fixing means support is tapered in the same manner as the straight portion.
25. A frame element according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the support includes a surface to engage the side of a cover or grating mounting wall of another frame element to resist movement longitudinally of the element by engagement of the surface with the wall.
26. A frame element according to any of claims 20 to 25, wherein, where the support is arranged to be received in a rebate in an outwards flange of another frame element, the support also includes a surface to engage a surface of the rebate to resist movement in the opposite longitudinal direction.
27. A frame element according to claim 26, wherein the surface to engage a surface of the rebate to resist movement in the opposite longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the said tapered edges, where provided.
28. A frame element according to any preceding claim, wherein a third fixing means is provided on the end of the straight portion with the first fixing means, and a fourth fixing means is provided on the end of the straight portion with the second fixing means, the third fixing means of the frame element being alTanged to co-operate with the fourth fixing means of another frame element.
29. A frame element according to claim 28, wherein the third fixing means is spaced from the first fixing means.
30. A frame element according to claim 28, or claim 29, wherein the fourth fixing means is spaced from the second fixing means.
31. A frame element according to claim 28, claim 29, or claim 30, wherein the third fixing means and fourth fixing means are respectively one of a second protrusion and a second aperture dimensioned to accept the aforesaid second protrusion.
32. A frame element according to claim 31, wherein the second protrusion extends out of the plane of the additional fixing means support, and bends over.
33. A frame element according to any of claims 28 to32, wherein the third and fourth fixing means are arranged such that the frame elements can be fixed together thereby without tools.
34. A frame element according to any of claims 28 to 33, wherein the third and fourth means are arranged such that the frame elements can be fixed together in non-return fashion.
35. A frame element according to any of claims 28 to 34, wherein the third fixing means is provided on a first additional fixing means support.
36. A frame element according to any of claims 28 to 35, wherein the fourth fixing means is provided on a second additional fixing means support.
37. A frame element according to claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the additional fixing means support is a planar element which protrudes from the straight portion,
38. A frame element according to claim 37, wherein the additional fixing means support is substantially in the same plane as an outwards flange of the frame element.
39. A frame element according to claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the additional fixing means support protrudes from the straight portion on the opposite side of a cover or grating mounting wall of the frame element from the fixing means support.
40. A frame element according to any of claims 35 to 39, wherein, where the first fixing means is provided on a fixing means support, and where at least one end of the straight portion is tapered, the additional fixing means support at the same end as the or each tapered end of the straight portion is tapered in the same manner as the straight portion.
41. A frame element according to any of claims 35 to 40, wherein each additional fixing means support is of uniform thickness.
42. A frame element according to any preceding claim, wherein a fifth fixing means is provided on the frame element.
43. A frame element according to claim 42, wherein the fifth fixing means forms an abutment to resist movement in the plane of the frame.
44. A frame element according to claim 42 or claim 43, wherein the fifth fixing means is at an outer edge of the frame element, such as the edge furthest from the straight portion.
45. A frame element according to claim 42, claim 43 or claim 44, wherein the fifth fixing means comprises a projection such as a rib.
46. A frame comprising four frame elements according to any of claims 1 to 45, joined together.
47. A frame according to claim 46, wherein all the frame elements are identical.
48. A frame according to claim 46, wherein two first opposing frame elements are identical to each other, and two second opposing frame elements are identical to each other but different in length from the first opposing frame elements.
49. A kit for assembling a frame for an access cover or gully grating, the kit comprising at least three frame elements, each frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, each end of each straight portion having fixing means so that the frame elements are arranged to be joined at the corners of the frame, the fixing means being such that the frame elements can be fixed together without tools in non-return fashion.
50. A kit according to claim 49, wherein the kit comprises an even number of elements, such as four elements.
51. A kit according to claim 49 or claim 50, wherein at least one element has the same fixing means on both ends.
52. A kit according to claim 49 or claim 50, wherein each frame element of the kit is a frame element according to any of claims 1 to 45.
53. A frame assembled from a kit according to any of claims 49 to 52.
54. A frame assembled from at least three frame elements, each frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, each end of each straight portion having fixing means so that the frame elements are joined at the corners of the frame, the fixing means being such that the frame elements are fixed together without tools in non-return fashion.
55. A frame element, suitable for joining to other frame elements to create a frame for an access cover or gully grating, the frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, one end of the straight portion having first fixing means and the other end of the straight portion having second fixing means, the first fixing means being arranged to cooperate with the second fixing means of a second frame element so that the frame elements are arranged to be joined at a corner of the frame, the second fixing means being arranged to cooperate with first fixing means of a third frame element so that the first and third frame elements are alTanged to be joined at another corner of the frame, the first and second fixing means being such that the frame elements can be fixed together without tools.
56. A kit for assembling a frame for an access cover or gully grating, the kit comprising at least three frame elements, each frame element comprising a substantially straight portion, each end of each straight portion having fixing means so that the frame elements are ananged to be joined at the corners of the frame, the fixing means being such that the frame elements can be fixed together without tools.
57. A frame element substantially as described herein, and with reference to Figs. 1 to 13.
58. A frame substantially as described herein, and with reference to Figs. 1 to 13.
59. A kit substantially as described herein, and with reference to Figs. 1 to 13.