GB2520784A

GB2520784A - Apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings

Info

Publication number: GB2520784A
Application number: GB1409210.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hugh Liddle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-11-27
Filing date: 2014-05-23
Publication date: 2015-06-03
Also published as: GB201409210D0; GB2520679A; GB201320892D0

Abstract

An apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings comprises a casing 10 with an open upper portion 12a. The open upper portion is configured to provide access to the inside of the casing. There is at least one pair of apertures 14, and these are configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing. There is at least one access aperture 16, which is configured to allow a utility service member to pass through. The casing may be cube shaped and may have side walls which slope inwards, while the apparatus may include a lid 12i and a flange 12g. A first utility service member, such as water, electricity, or telecoms service member, may pass through the pair of apertures, and another service member may pass through the access aperture and connect to the first service member.

Description

Apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings The present invention relates to an apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings, particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus for facilitating access to mains utility services, such as electricity, gas, water and communications for buildings.

In one embodiment this invention relates to the safe connection of statutory services on new build housing developments, which typically include electricity, gas, water and communications.

On new build housing developments, mains services are installed and made live in advance of dwelling construction. However, individual service connections cannot be made until the dwelling house is constructed and made secure.

Mains services are generally located in development footpaths. Presently, in the interests of site presentation and safe access to building plots, main service tracks are backfilled and the footpaths part constructed prior to dwelling construction. Consequently, it is necessary to excavate to expose the mains services in order to form the connections for each new house.

Excavation in the vicinity of live services is an extremely hazardous operation due to the possibility of damage to the mains from strikes by tools or plant. The consequences of such strikes are injury or death to operatives through electrocution or explosion.

This operation is made even more hazardous by the failure of utility contractors to lay mains services at the correct line and/or level. This means that the location of cables or pipes can deviate from their intended position thereby increasing the risk of strikes.

To compound matters, the connection of the individual dwelling services is S done by different bodies at different times. There can be a considerable lapse of time between these operations and in order to maintain safe site conditions, the excavations are generally backfilled to reduce the risk inherent in having open trenches into which vehicles or people can fall.

Therefore, the same pits can be excavated two or three times. This re-excavation greatly increases the risk of service strikes.

Service strikes present a huge problem to the house building industry.

Numerous initiatives based on procedure and working methods have been tried but most fail due to human error, high cost or adverse impact on other activities.

The present inventor has appreciated the shortcomings in these known methods.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing; and at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough.

The casing may be substantially cuboid in shape. The casing may be substantially cubed shaped.

The casing may comprise an upper face, or top face, or upper portion, a lower face, or bottom face and four side faces, or walls. The six faces of the casing may be rectangular. The upper face and the lower face may be square.

The lower face, or bottom face, of the casing may be open.

The surface area of the upper face may be larger than the surface area of the lower face. In this arrangement the four side faces slope inwards from the upper face towards lower face.

The surface area of the upper face may be the same size as the surface area of the lower face. In this arrangement the four side faces are substantially orthogonal to the upper face and the lower face. The upper face, the lower face and the side walls may be orthogonal to one another.

The open upper portion of the casing may expose substantially the entire inside of the casing.

The upper portion of the casing may include a lid support portion, the lid support portion being configured to support a lid placed on the upper portion thereof. The lid support portion may be located on an inner portion of the casing. The lid support portion may be located around the circumference of the opening of the upper portion of the casing. The lid support portion may be rectangular in shape. The lid support portion may be continuous. Alternatively, the lid support portion may include one or more gaps therein.

The lower portion of the casing may include a flange portion, the flange portion being configured to provide structural rigidity to the casing. The flange portion may be located on an inner portion of the casing. The flange portion may be located around the circumference of the opening of the lower portion of the casing. The flange portion may be rectangular in shape. The flange portion may be continuous. Alternatively, the flange portion may include one or more gaps therein.

The at least one pair of apertures may be located on a side wall of the casing.

The at least one pair of apertures may be located directly opposite one another on a side wall of the casing.

The at least one pair of apertures may be elongated apertures. The at least one pair of apertures may be substantially rectangular shaped. The at least one pair of apertures may be substantially rectangular shaped with at least one circular end portion. The at least one pair of apertures may be substantially rectangular shaped with circular end portions. The at least one pair of apertures may be substantially rectangular shaped with one circular end portion and one straight end portion.

The at least one pair of apertures may have at least one open end portion.

In this arrangement the apertures extend to the edge portion of the side wall of the casing. The edge portion of the side wall of the casing may be the bottom portion of the side wall.

The at least one pair of apertures may be circular. The at least one pair of apertures may be circular shaped. The at least one pair of apertures may be semi-circular. The at least one pair of apertures may be semi-circular shaped. The at least one pair of apertures may be 1-shaped.

The at least one access aperture may be an elongate aperture. The at least one access aperture may be substantially rectangular shaped. The at least one access aperture may be substantially rectangular shaped with a circular end portion. The at least one access aperture may be substantially rectangular shaped with a circular end portion. The at least one access aperture may be substantially rectangular shaped with one circular end portion and one straight end portion.

The at least one access aperture may have an open end portion. In this arrangement the aperture may extend to the edge portion of the side wall of the casing. The edge portion of the side wall of the casing may be the bottom portion of the side wall.

The at least one access aperture may be circular. The at least one access aperture may be circular shaped. The at least one access aperture may be semi-circular. The at least one access aperture may be semi-circular shaped. The at least one pair of apertures may be 1-shaped.

The at least one access aperture may be located on a side wall of the casing.

The at least one access aperture may be located on a side of the casing that is orthogonal to the side of the case that has the at least one pair of apertures located thereon.

The at least one pair of apertures may be configured such that the casing may be placed over the utility service member to allow the utility service member to pass through the casing. In this arrangement the at least one pair of apertures may be open ended. That is, in this arrangement the at S least one pair of apertures may extend to the edge portion of the side wall of the casing. The edge portion of the side wall of the casing may be the bottom portion of the side wall.

The casing may comprise a first pair of apertures. The casing may comprise a second pair of apertures. The casing may comprise a third pair of apertures. The casing may comprise a fourth pair of apertures.

The casing may comprise a fifth pair of apertures. The casing may comprise a sixth pair of apertures. The casing may comprise a seventh pair of apertures.

The casing may comprise a first access aperture. The casing may comprise a second access aperture. The casing may comprise a third access aperture. The casing may comprise a fourth access aperture.

The casing may comprise a fifth access aperture. The casing may comprise a sixth access aperture. The casing may comprise a seventh access aperture.

The at least one pair of apertures and the at least one access aperture may be configured to allow a utility service member passing through the at least one pair of apertures to engage with a utility service member passing through the at least one access aperture.

The at least one access aperture may be aligned with the at least one pair of apertures. The at least one access aperture may be located at the same height from the lower portion of the casing than the at least one pair of apertures. The at least one access aperture may be located at the same depth from the upper portion of the casing than the at least one pair of apertures.

The first pair of apertures may be configured to receive a mains water utility service member therethrough. The first pair of apertures may be configured to receive a 180mm diameter mains water utility service member therethrough. The first pair of apertures may be configured to receive a 200mm diameter mains service member therethrough.

The second pair of apertures may be configured to receive a mains gas utility service member therethrough. The second pair of apertures may be configured to receive a 90mm diameter mains gas utility service member therethrough. The second pair of apertures may be configured to receive a 200mm diameter mains utility service member therethrough.

The third pair of apertures may be configured to receive a mains electricity utility service member therethrough. The third pair of apertures may be configured to receive a 50mm diameter mains electricity utility service member therethrough. The third pair of apertures may be configured to receive a 200mm diameter mains utility service member therethrough.

The fourth pair of apertures may be configured to receive a telecoms utility service member therethrough.

The fifth pair of apertures may be configured to receive a street lighting column supply utility service member therethrough.

The sixth pair of apertures may be configured to receive a cable, or satellite, television utility service member therethrough.

S

The seventh pair of apertures may be configured to receive a low voltage utility service member therethrough.

S The first access aperture may be configured to receive a mains water utility service member therethrough. The first access aperture may be configured to receive a 25mm diameter mains water utility service member therethrough. The first access aperture may be configured to receive a 100mm diameter mains utility service member therethrough.

The second access aperture may be configured to receive a mains gas utility service member therethrough. The second access aperture may be configured to receive a 32mm diameter mains gas utility service member therethrough. The second access aperture may be configured to receive a 100mm diameter mains utility service member therethrough.

The third access aperture may be configured to receive a mains electricity utility service member therethrough.

The fourth access aperture may be configured to receive a telecoms utility service member therethrough.

The fifth access aperture may be configured to receive one or more auxiliary utility service members therethrough. The auxiliary utility service members may include one or more additional house connections, such as cable television that is supplied in addition to telephone lines. The fifth access aperture may be configured to receive a 100mm auxiliary utility service member therethrough.

The sixth access aperture may be configured to receive a cable, or satellite, television utility service member therethrough.

The seventh access aperture may be configured to receive a low voltage utility service member therethrough.

The at least one pair of apertures may be located towards the lower or upper portion of the casing. The first pair of apertures may be located towards the lower portion of the casing. The second pair of apertures may be located towards the lower portion of the casing. The third pair of apertures may be located towards the lower portion of the casing.

The fourth pair of apertures may be located towards the upper portion of the casing. The fifth pair of apertures may be located towards the upper portion of the casing. The sixth pair of apertures may be located towards the upper portion of the casing. The seventh pair of apertures may be located towards the upper portion of the casing.

The at least one access aperture may be located towards the upper or lower portion of the casing. The first access aperture may be located towards the lower portion of the casing. The second access aperture may be located towards the lower portion of the casing. The third access aperture may be located towards the lower portion of the casing.

The fourth access aperture may be located towards the upper portion of the casing. The fifth access aperture may be located towards the upper portion of the casing. The sixth access aperture may be located towards the upper portion of the casing. The seventh access aperture may be located towards the upper portion of the casing.

The first to seventh access apertures may be located on the same side of the casing. The first to seventh access apertures may be located on any of the side walls of the casing.

The casing may be configured to have a height of 850mm.

The centres of the first pair of apertures are configured to be located 630mm below the upper face of the casing. The centres of the first pair of apertures are configured to be located 390mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.

The centres of the second pair of apertures are configured to be located 320mm below the upper face of the casing. The centres of the second pair of apertures are configured to be located 660mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.

The centres of the third pair of apertures are configured to be located 300mm below the upper face of the casing. The centres of the third pair of apertures are configured to be located 1250mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.

The fourth pair of apertures are configured to be located 150mm below the upper face of the casing. The centres of the fourth pair of apertures are configured to be located 1420mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.

The centres of the fifth pair of apertures are configured to be located 100mm below the upper face of the casing. The centres of the fifth pair of apertures are configured to be located 950mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.

The centres of the sixth pair of apertures are configured to be located 100mm below the upper face of the casing. The centres of the sixth pair of apertures are configured to be located 530mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.

The centres of the seventh pair of apertures are configured to be located 100mm below the upper face of the casing. The centres of the seventh pair of apertures are configured to be located 150mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.

In the arrangement described above the distances of the centres of the pairs of apertures are all given from the same upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.

The centres of the first pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the fourth pair of apertures by 260mm. The centres of the second pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the first pair of apertures by 270mm. The centres of the sixth pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the second pair of apertures by 295mm. The centres of the third pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the sixth pair of apertures by 295mm. The centres of the seventh pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the third pair of apertures by 170mm.

The at least one pair of apertures may be formed by removing a knockout panel from the casing.

The at least one access aperture may be formed by removing a knockout panel from the casing.

The casing may be manufactured from plastic. The casing may be manufactured from glass reinforced plastic. The casing may be made from a mould. The casing may be made from one piece of plastic. The casing may be made from one piece of glass reinforced plastic.

The casing may be a one piece casing.

The casing may be manufactured from a number of components. The casing may be constructed from a number of separate components. The components may include four side walls. Each side wall may be a separate component. The side walls may be configured to be releasably fastened to one another. The side walls may be releasably fastened each other with a plurality of releasable clips.

In this arrangement the side walls are substantially rectangular members.

The casing may further comprise one or more support members. The support members may be brace members that provide rigidity to the casing. The support members may be positioned between opposite facing side walls of the casing. The support members may be provided towards the upper portion of the casing. Alternatively, or additionally, the support members may be provided towards the lower portion of the casing.

Where the support members are located towards the upper portion of the casing, the support members may also be the lid support portion. In this arrangement the casing may include four support members located around the circumference to the opening of the upper portion casing.

Where the support members are located towards the lower portion of the casing, the support members may be inwardly facing or outwardly facing from the casing. In this arrangement the casing may include four support members located around the circumference to the opening of the lower portion of the casing.

The support members may be releasably fastenable to the side walls of the casing. The support member may be releasably clipped to the side walls of the casing.

The casing may be manufactured from plastic. The casing may be manufactured from glass reinforced plastic. The casing may be made from a mould.

The apparatus may further comprise a lid member.

The lid member may be substantially square in shape. The lid member may be arranged to cover the open upper portion of the casing. The lid member may be configured to engage with the lid support portion of the upper portion of the casing.

The apparatus may be configured such that, when the lid member is engaged with the casing, the casing may support the weight of at least an average adult human standing on top of the lid member. The apparatus may be configured such that, when the lid member is engaged with the casing, the casing may support the weight of temporary footpath located on top of the lid member. The apparatus may be configured such that, when the lid member is engaged with the casing, the casing may support light vehicular traffic on top of the lid member. The apparatus may be configured such that, when the lid member is engaged with the casing, the casing may be in compliance with the requirements of BS EN 124 Glass B 125.

The lid member may comprise at least one aperture. The at least one aperture being configured to provide an access point for a tool, a finger, or a hand to allow the lid to be removed from the casing.

The lid member may be made from phenolic plywood with a non-slip finish.

The casing may be dimensioned to suit the utility services that are required for any given building.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of facilitating access to utility services for buildings comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing; and at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough; configuring the apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of the casing; and passing a utility service member through the at least one access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the at least one pair of apertures.

The method may comprise an initial step of excavating a piece of land adjacent the utility services for a building. The utility services may be mains utility services.

The step of configuring the apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of the casing may include placing the apparatus in the excavated land and then passing the at least one utility service member through the at least one pair of apertures. In this arrangement the mains utility services have not been laid before the apparatus is placed within the excavated land.

The step of configuring the apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of the casing may include placing the apparatus over at least one existing utility service member located within the excavated land such that the at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures. In this arrangement the mains utility services have already been laid before the apparatus is placed within the excavated land.

The method may comprise the further step of covering the open upper portion of the casing with a lid member.

The method may comprise the further step of covering the apparatus with excavated land after the lid member has been engaged with the casing.

The method may comprise the further step of forming at least part of a footpath over the top of the apparatus once the lid member has been engaged with the casing.

The method may comprise the further step of filling the casing with excavated land before the lid member is engaged with the casing.

The lower face, or bottom face, of the casing may be open.

The at least one pair of apertures may be located on a side wall of the casing.

The at least one pair of apertures may have at least one open end portion.

The at least one pair of apertures may be circular. The at least one pair of apertures may be circular shaped. The at least one pair of apertures may be semi-circular. The at least one pair of apertures may be semi-circular shaped. The at least one pair of apertures may be T-shaped.

The at least one access aperture may be circular. The at least one access aperture may be circular shaped. The at least one access aperture may be semi-circular. The at least one access aperture may be semi-circular shaped. The at least one pair of apertures may be T-shaped.

The at least one access aperture may be located on a side wall of the casing.

The at least one access aperture may be located on a side of the casing S that is orthogonal to the side of the case that has the at least one pair of apertures located thereon.

The at least one pair of apertures may be configured such that the casing may be placed over the utility service member to allow the utility service member to pass through the casing. In this arrangement the at least one pair of apertures may be open ended. That is, in this arrangement the at least one pair of apertures may extend to the edge portion of the side wall of the casing. The edge portion of the side wall of the casing may be the bottom portion of the side wall.

The method may comprise the further step of passing a utility service member through the first access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the first pair of apertures.

The method may comprise the further step of passing a utility service member through the second access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the second pair of apertures.

The method may comprise the further step of passing a utility service member through the third access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the third pair of apertures.

The method may comprise the further step of passing a utility service member through the fourth access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the fourth pair of apertures.

The method may comprise the further step of passing a utility service member through the fifth access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the fifth pair of apertures.

The method may comprise the further step of passing a utility service member through the sixth access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the sixth pair of apertures.

The method may comprise the further step of passing a utility service member through the seventh access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the seventh pair of apertures.

The first access aperture may be configured to receive a mains water utility service member therethrough. The first access aperture may be configured to receive a 25mm diameter mains water utility service member therethrough. The first access aperture may be configured to receive a 100mm diameter mains utility service member therethrough.

The casing may be configured to have a height of 850mm.

The at least one pair of apertures may be formed by removing a knockout S panel from the casing.

The method may comprise the further step of removing one or more knockout portions from the casing before use.

The casing may be a one piece casing.

The method may comprise the initial step of constructing the casing of the apparatus by fastening the side components of the casing together before use.

In this arrangement the side walls are substantially rectangular members.

The method may comprise the further step of fastening the one or more support members to the casing of the apparatus before use. The method may comprise the further step of fastening the one or more support members to the casing of the apparatus after the apparatus has been arranged with the at least one utility service member.

S The apparatus may further comprise a lid member.

The lid member may comprise at least one aperture. The at least one aperture being configured to provide an access point for a tool, or a finger, to allow the lid to be removed from the casing.

The lid member may be made from phenolic plywood with a non-slip finish.

The method may include the further step of positioning the apparatus at a reference point before use. The reference point may be a datum point.

The reference point or datum point may be positioned with respect to a part of a building. The reference point or datum point may be positioned with respect to a part of a footpath. The reference point or datum point may be positioned with respect to a part of a road. The reference point or datum point may be positioned with respect to a part of a road kerb.

The method may comprise the further step of providing a plurality of apparatuses, each apparatus comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing; and at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough; and configuring each apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of each casing; and passing a utility service member through the at least one access aperture of each apparatus and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the at least one pair of apertures of each casing. 3°

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; a removable portion that defines at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing; and a removable portion that defines at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:-Figures 1 a and lb are perspective transparent views of an apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings according to the present invention; Figures 1 c and 1 d are side views of the apparatus of figures 1 a and 1 b; Figure 1 e is a plan view of the apparatus of figures 1 a and 1 b; Figure 1 f is a bottom view of the apparatus of figures 1 a and 1 b; Figure 1 g is a perspective transparent view of the apparatus of figures 1 a and lb with a lid member; S Figures 2a and 2b are perspective transparent views of an alternate apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings according to the present invention; Figures 2c and 2d are side views of the apparatus of figures 2a and 2b; Figure 2e is a plan view of the apparatus of figures 2a and 2b; Figure 2f is a bottom view of the apparatus of figures 2a and 2b; Figure 2g is a perspective transparent view of the apparatus of figures 2a and 2b with a lid member.

Figure 3 illustrates the recommended mains positions relative to other utility apparatus in footways; Figures 4 and 5 are an in-use side view of the apparatus of figures 1 a to lg; and Figure 6 is an in-use partial see through plan view of the apparatus of figures lato 1g.

With reference to figures 1 a to 1 g, an apparatus 10 for facilitating access to utility services of a building (not illustrated) is illustrated.

The apparatus 10 comprises a casing 12. To better illustrate the features of the apparatus 10 figures 1 a to 1 g are transparent views of the casing 12. The casing 12 has a top face 12a (or upperface or upper portion), a bottom face 12b (or lower face) and four side faces 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f (or walls). In the embodiment illustrated and described here the top face 12a and the bottom face 12b are square shaped and the four side faces 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f are rectangular shaped.

The top face 1 2a is open (an example of an open upper portion) and is arranged to expose the inside of the casing 12. The bottom face 12b is also open to expose the inside of the casing 12.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the four side faces 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f slope inwards from the top face 12a towards the bottom face 1 2b. The top face 1 2a therefore has a larger surface area that the bottom face 12b. The sloping side faces 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f provide additional strength to the casing 12 by allowing a load to be spread over the surface area thereof as well as the flange portion 12g, as described further below.

The sloping side faces 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f also allows the apparatus 10 to be easily stacked in a column with one casing 12 at least partially located within another casing 12.

As illustrated best in figures la, lb and ig, the casing 12 also includes a lid support portion 12h. The lid support portion 12h is configured to support a lid member 12i thereon, as explained further below. The lid support portion 12h is rectangular shaped and is located on the inner portion of the casing 12. The lid support portion 1 2h is located around the circumference of the opening of the top face 12a of the casing 12.

The flange portion 12g is located at the lower portion of the casing 12.

The flange portion 12g is configured to provide structural rigidity to the casing 12. The flange portion 12g is located on an inner portion of the casing 12 and is located around the circumference of the opening of the bottom face 12b of the casing 12. The flange portion 12g is rectangular in shape. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the flange portion 12g is directed inwardly from the lower portion of the side faces 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f of the casing 12.

The casing 12 includes a plurality of pairs of apertures 14. The pairs of apertures 14 are located on the side faces 12c and 12e and are configured to be directly opposite one another. As described further below, the pairs of apertures 14 are configured to allow a utility service member 20 to pass therethrough.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the casing 12 includes a first pair of apertures 14a, a second pair of apertures 14b, a third pair of apertures 1 4c, a fourth pair of apertures 1 4d, a fifth pair of apertures 1 4e, a sixth pair of apertures 1 4f, and a seventh pair of apertures 14g.

The first to third pairs of apertures 14a, 14b, 14c are elongated apertures that are substantially rectangular with a curved upper portion and a straight lower portion. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the first to third pairs of apertures 14a, 14b, 14c are open ended at the lower portion thereof. As described further below, this allows the casing 12 to be paced over existing utility service members.

The fourth to seventh pairs of apertures 14d, 14e, 14f, are circular apertures. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the fifth pair of apertures 14e is provided for auxiliary use.

The casing 12 also includes a plurality of access apertures 16. The access apertures 16 are located on the side face 12f. The access apertures 16 are circular. As described further below, the access apertures 16 are configured to allow a dwelling utility service member (an example of a utility service member) to pass therethrough.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the casing 12 includes a first access aperture 16a, a second access aperture 16b, a third access aperture 16c, a fourth access aperture 16d and a fifth access aperture 1 6e.

As described further below, the access apertures 16 are configured to align with the pairs of apertures 14.

As illustrated in figures 4 and 6, the pairs of apertures 14 and access apertures 16 are configured to allow utility service members to pass therethrough. The pairs of apertures 14 are configured to allow mains utility service members 20 to pass therethrough and the access apertures 16 are configured to allow dwelling utility service members 22 therethrough.

The pairs of apertures 14 and the access apertures 16 are configured to allow a mains utility service member 20 passing through a pair of apertures 14 to engage with a dwelling utility service member 22 passing through an access aperture 16. In this arrangement each access aperture 16 is aligned with and at the same height within the casing 12 as a corresponding pair of apertures 14.

The first pair of apertures 1 4a are configured to receive a mains water utility service member 20a therethrough. This may be a 180mm diameter mains water utility service member.

The second pair of apertures 1 4b are configured to receive a mains gas utility service member 20b therethrough. This may be a 90mm diameter mains gas utility service member.

The third pair of apertures 14c are configured to receive a mains electricity utility service member 20c therethrough. This may be a 50m diameter mains electricity utility service member.

The fourth pair of apertures 14d are configured to receive a telecoms utility service member 20d therethrough.

The fifth pair of apertures 1 4e are configured to receive a street lighting column supply utility service member therethrough.

The sixth pair of apertures 1Sf are configured to receive a cable, or satellite, television utility service member 20f therethrough.

The seventh pair of apertures 14g are configured to receive a low voltage utility service member 20g therethrough.

The first access aperture 16a is configured to receive a dwelling water utility service member 22a therethrough. This may be a 25mm diameter dwelling water utility service member.

The second access aperture 16b is configured to receive a dwelling gas utility service member 22b therethrough. This may be a 32mm diameter dwelling gas utility service member.

The third access aperture 16c is configured to receive a dwelling electricity utility service member 22c therethrough.

The fourth access aperture 16d is configured to receive a dwelling telecoms utility service member 22d and a dwelling cable, or satellite, television utility service member 22f therethrough.

The fifth access aperture 16e is configured to receive a dwelling low voltage utility service member 22g therethrough.

As illustrated best in figure 4, the first, second and third pairs of apertures 14a, 14b, 14c are located towards the lower portion of the casing 12 and the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh pairs of apertures 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g are located towards the upper portion of the casing 12. As described above, the access apertures 16 are aligned with the pairs of apertures 14. That is, each access aperture 1 6a, 1 6b, 1 6c, 1 6d, 1 6e are located at the same depth from the top face 12a of the casing 12 as the corresponding pairs of apertures 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, as illustrated in figure 5.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the casing 12 has a height of 850mm. However, it should be appreciated that the dimensions of the casing may be varied depending on the type of use of the apparatus, the number, size and type of utility services and the size and type of building.

The centres of the first pair of apertures 14a are configured to be located 630mm below the top face 12a of the casing 12. The centres of the first pair of apertures 14a are configured to be located 390mm laterally from the upper portion of the side face 12d of the casing 12.

The centres of the second pair of apertures 1 4b are configured to be located 320mm below the top face 12a of the casing 12. The centres of the second pair of apertures 14b are configured to be located 660mm laterally from the upper portion of the side wall 1 2d of the casing 12.

The centres of the third pair of apertures 1 4c are configured to be located 300mm below the top face 12a of the casing 12. The centres of the third pair of apertures 14c are configured to be located 1250mm laterally from the upper portion of the side wall 1 2d of the casing 12.

The centres of the fourth pair of apertures 1 4d are configured to be located 150mm below the top face 12a of the casing 12. The centres of the fourth pair of apertures 14d are configured to be located 1420mm laterally from the upper portion of the side wall 1 2d of the casing 12.

The centres of the fifth pair of apertures 1 4e are configured to be located 100mm below the top face 1 2a of the casing 12. The centres of the fifth pair of apertures 14e are configured to be located 950mm laterally from the upper portion of the side wall 1 2d of the casing 12.

The centres of the sixth pair of apertures 1 4f are configured to be located 100mm below the top face 1 2a of the casing 12. The centres of the sixth pair of apertures 14f are configured to be located 530mm laterally from the upper portion of the side wall 1 2d of the casing 12.

The centres of the seventh pair of apertures 1 4g are configured to be located 100mm below the top face 12a of the casing 12. The centres of the seventh pair of apertures 1 4g are configured to be located 150mm laterally from the upper portion of the side wall 1 2d of the casing 12.

The centres of the first pair of apertures 1 4a are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the fourth pair of apertures 14d by 260mm.

The centres of the second pair of apertures 1 4b are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the first pair of apertures 1 4a by 270mm. The centres of the sixth pair of apertures 14f are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the second pair of apertures 14b by 295mm. The centres of the third pair of apertures 14c are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the sixth pair of apertures 1 4f by 295mm. The centres of the seventh pair of apertures 14g are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the third pair of apertures 14c by 170mm.

Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that the pairs of apertures 14 and the access apertures 16 may be formed by knocking out knock-out portions (examples of removable portions) of the side faces 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f of the casing 12.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the casing 12 is a one-piece component that is manufactured from plastic, or glass reinforced plastic.

As described above and illustrated in figure ig, the apparatus 10 further comprises a lid member 12i. The lid member 12i is a square shaped member and is dimensioned to cover the open top face 12a of the casing 12. The lid member 12i is configured to engage with the lid support portion 12h of the upper portion of the casing 12, as described above.

The lid member 12i also includes apertures 12j that are used to lift the lid member 12i off of the casing 12. The apertures 12j provide an access point for a tool, finger(s), or hand of a user. The lid member 12i is made from a phenolic plywood with a non-slip finish on top.

As described further below, the casing 12 together with the lid member 1 2i is configured such that the casing 12 can support the weight of an average adult human standing on top of the member 12i, a footpath located on top of the lid member 12i, or light vehicular traffic on top of the lid member 12i.

With reference to figures 3 to 6, a description of the apparatus 10 in use will now be described.

Figure 3 shows the recommended arrangement of utility apparatus in a new footpath by means of cross section. Utility services to new developments (an example of a building) are located within either footpaths or shared service strips. This detail is adopted in Road and Footpath Construction detail drawings on new developments.

The Water, Gas and Electricity mains 20a, 20b, 20c are generally laid following the construction of the road 24, but before the permanent construction of the footpath 26.

Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the footpath 26 construction, the service mains 20a, 20b, 20c and the apparatus 10 (preformed chamber, casing 12). 4°

The chamber (casing 12) may be manufactured in a variety of sizes to suit the arrangement of specific plots and distances between house service pipes or cables.

The apparatus 10 (preformed chamber) is placed on a prepared formation 28 (excavated land) 850mm below the level of the top of the kerb log 30 and set level from front to back and at a gradient corresponding with the footpath 26 side to side.

The casing 12 is installed in the prepared formation 28. The casing 12 may be installed in the prepared formation 28 and engaged with the mains utility service members 20 in two different ways.

In the first case the apparatus 10 is installed in the prepared formation 28 before the mains utility service members 20. In this arrangement the casing 12 is inserted into the prepared formation 28 and then the mains utility service members 20a to 20f are then passed through the pairs of apertures 14a to 14g of the casing 12.

In the second case the apparatus 10 is installed in the prepared formation 28 after the mains utility service members 20. In this arrangement the casing 12 is inserted into the prepared formation 28 on top of the pre-laid mains utility service members 20a, 20b, 20c. Since the first, second and third pairs of apertures 14a, 14b, 14c are open ended, as described above, the casing 12 can be positioned over the mains utility service members 20a, 20b, 20c, such that the mains utility service members 20a, 20b, 20c can pass through the pairs of apertures 1 4a to 1 4g of the casing 12. In this arrangement the knock out portions of the casing 12 may be knocked out before installation. The mains utility service members 20e and 20f can be passed through the pairs of apertures 14d, 14f, 14g.

Installing the casing 12 in the prepared formation 28 and then passing the mains utility service members 20 through the pairs of apertures 14a to 14g may be preferable in order to ensure the correct line and level of the mains utility service members 20. However, installing the casing 12 over pre-laid mains utility service members 20 provides the flexibility to allow use of the apparatus lOon a site where mains utility service members 20 have already been laid.

Once the apparatus 10 has been installed in the prepared formation 28 the dwelling utility service members 22a to 22g can be laid. The dwelling utility service members 22a to 22g provide water, gas, electricity, telecoms, cable, or satellite, television and low voltage electricity to the building adjacent, or associated with, the mains utility service members 20a to 20f.

Each dwelling utility service member 22a to 22g is passed from the building (not illustrated) through the access apertures 16a to 16e of the casing 12 and connected to the respective mains utility service members 20a to 20f. The dwelling utility service member 22a to 22g are connected to the mains utility service members 20a to 20f in the known manner.

Alternatively, the each dwelling utility service member 22a to 22g is connected to the mains utility service members 20a to 20f and passed through the access apertures 16a to 16e of the casing 12 to the building.

The service connections (dwelling utility service members 22) are therefore achieved by feeding the dwelling service pipes or cables into the chamber (casing 12) through the knock out panels (access apertures 16), which may be optional, on the walls perpendicular to the mains utility service members 20.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the dwelling water utility service member 22a is passed through the first access aperture 16a and connected to the mains water utility service member 20a, the dwelling gas utility service member 22b is passed through the second access aperture 16b and connected to the mains gas utility service member 20b, the dwelling electricity utility service member 22c is passed through the third access aperture 16c and connected to the mains electricity utility service member 20c, the dwelling telecoms and cable, or satellite, television utility service members 22d, 22f are passed through the fourth access aperture 16d and connected to the mains telecoms and cable, or satellite, television utility service members 20d, 20e and the dwelling low voltage utility service member 22g is passed through the fifth access aperture 16e and connected to the mains low voltage utility service member 20f.

The apparatus 10 is designed to accommodate all of the commonly used cable and pipe scenarios in that: * The casing 12 is off sufficient depth to accommodate differing bed and surround depths according to the service diameters.

* Concentric knock out panels may be incorporated to allow different service diameters.

* Spare knock out portions (panels) may be included to allow for additional services -i.e. parallel mains.

Once the dwelling utility service members 22a to 22f have been connected to the mains utility service members 20a to 20f the lid member 12i is engaged with the casing 12, as described above. The lid may be preformed and placed in a recess (lid support portion 12h) on the top of the chamber (casing 12). The lid member 12i has hand hold cut outs to aid removal and replacement.

Once the apparatus 10 has been installed, a temporary footpath is installed over the apparatus 10. This involves backfilling the service track.

The sloping walls (side faces 12c to 12f) provide additional strength by spreading load over the surface area of the walls as well as the flange footing (flange portion 12h). The flange footing allows free draining of the chamber (casing 12) during the construction process. As described above, the bottom face 12b of the casing 12 may be open.

The lid member 12i and chamber (casing 12) are designed to withstand the load of a temporary footpath construction and foot traffic, thereby allowing safe access over service excavations.

The temporary footpath construction may be removed and access to the service mains (mains utility service members 20) gained via the removable lid member 12i.

Figures 2a to 2g illustrate an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus 100 of figures 2ato 2g is similar to the apparatus 10 of the first embodiment and the same reference numerals will be used to reference the same or similar features of the apparatus 100 of the second embodiment.

The main difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that the casing 120 of the apparatus 100 is made from a number of components. That is, the casing 120 is not made from a single piece of plastic. Each component of the casing 120 is releasably engagable with the others.

Each side wall (side face) 12c to 12f is a flat panel that is releasably fastenable to another side wall by a plurality of releasable clips 13.

S The casing 120 also includes four support members 15. Each support member 15 is positioned between opposite facing side walls of the casing 120.

The support members 15 provide structural rigidity to the casing 120. The support members 15 positioned towards the upper portion of the casing also provide the lid support portion 12h in the same manner as described above in relation to the casing 12.

The operation and use of the apparatus 100 is the same as that of the apparatus 10 described above.

The apparatus 100 allows the casing 120 to be dismantled and flat packed for storage, transportation and the like.

The invention of the present invention avoids the hazards relating to the misalignment of the service members and multiple re-excavations of the prepared formation. The apparatus 10, 100 comprises a preformed plastic chamber (an example of a casing) which is designed to create an accessible void over the mains utility service members 20 by means of a removable lid (lid member 12i). Optional knockout panels in the walls of the casing 12, 120 provide routes for new service mains 20 at the correct line and level. That is the routes for the new service mains 20 are aligned correctly with respect to the prepared formation 28 and footpath.

The present invention therefore fulfils two main functions by: (i) Allowing access to underground mains services without the need for excavation, while maintaining safe site conditions; and (ii) Ensuring that the service mains are installed at the correct line and level.

The invention offers numerous advantages over the accepted industry methods, namely by: (i) Preventing the risk of injury or death to operatives engaged in the connection of new services by removing the requirement to excavate in the vicinity of live service mains; (ii) Preventing the risk of injury of death to operatives engaged in future maintenance, construction or repair in the vicinity of mains services by ensuring that they are laid to the correct line and level; (iii) Allowing individual service connections to be carried out at different times whilst maintaining safe site conditions; and (iv) Ensuring a cost effective method of achieving new service connections.

As noted above, the invention fulfils two main tasks. Firstly, it negates the need to excavate in the vicinity of live services in order to provide a service connection to a new property. This is achieved by forming an accessible void over the point of connection using a preformed plastic chamber (casing 12, 120).

The second function of the invention is to ensure that service mains are laid to the correct line and level.

It is the responsibility of those laying the mains to ensure that they are laid at the correct depth and in the correct position relative to the road kerb, however this can be difficult at the early stages of construction.

In practice, the existing ground levels on the footpath solum can vary greatly from the intended design levels. The utility contractor would not generally be contracted to reduce these levels and would therefore commence his excavations from the existing ground levels. This can lead to the main service being laid at the wrong level. This has the effect of leaving the cable higher than it should be and therefore vulnerable to an inadvertent strike.

The road kerb foundation should be used to determine line and level at this stage. However, due to site conditions and commercial pressures, those installing the services may not refer to this datum often, if at all. In addition, those responsible for checking the quality of work may find it difficult to determine if they have been installed correctly or not.

The invention provides a means of ensuring correct installation by utilising the road kerb as a datum. When installed level, the chamber (casing 12, 120) provides a predetermined route between plots for the service installer to work to, thereby preventing the deviation in line and level which leads to service strikes.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation.

For example, features associated with particular recited embodiments relating to methods, may be equally appropriate as features of embodiments relating specifically to apparatus.

Modifications and improvements may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the casing 12 has been illustrated as having sloping side walls (side faces s 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f), it should be appreciated that the side walls may be straight, i.e. the casing 12 may be cube-shaped with orthogonal side walls.

Similarly, although the casing 120 has been illustrated as having straight side walls (side faces 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f), it should be appreciated that the side walls may be sloping.

Also, although the apertures have been illustrated and described above as being circular or elongate, it should be appreciated that the apertures may be T-shaped.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings comprising: S a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing; and at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the casing is substantially cube-shaped and the bottom portion of the casing is open.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the side walls of the casing slope inwards from the open upper portion to the bottom portion.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the open upper portion of the casing exposes substantially the entire inside of the casing.
5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the casing includes a lid support portion, the lid support portion being configured to support a lid placed on the upper portion thereof.
6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the lower portion of the casing includes a flange portion, the flange portion being configured to provide structural rigidity to the casing.
7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are located on a side wall of the casing.s 8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are located directly opposite one another on a side wall of the casing.9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are elongated apertures.10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are open ended.11. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are circular apertures, or T-shaped apertures.12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is circular, or T-shaped.13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is located on a side of the casing that is orthogonal to the side of the case that has the at least one pair of apertures located thereon.14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are configured such that the casing may be placed over the utility service member to allow the utility service member to pass through the casing.15. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the casing comprises a plurality of pairs of apertures.16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the casing comprises six or seven pairs of apertures.17. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the casing comprises a plurality of access apertures.18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the casing comprises six or seven access apertures.19. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures and the at least one access aperture are configured to allow a utility service member passing through the at least one pair of apertures to engage with a utility service member passing through the at least one access aperture.20. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is aligned with the at least one pair of apertures such that the at least one access aperture is located at the same depth from the upper portion of the casing than the at least one pair of apertures.21. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are configured to receive one of the group comprising a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member therethrough.22. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is configured to receive one of the group comprising a mains, or dwelling, water utility service member, a mains, or dwelling, gas utility service member, a mains, or dwelling, electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member therethrough.23. The apparatus of any of claims 16 to 22, wherein the casing comprises six pairs of apertures and the first to sixth pairs of apertures are configured to receive a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member, respectively, therethrough.24. The apparatus of any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the casing comprises six access apertures and the first to sixth access apertures are configured to receive a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member, respectively, therethrough.25. The apparatus of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the centres of the first pair of apertures are configured to be located 630mm below the upper face of the casing and 390mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.26. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the centres of the second pair of apertures are configured to be located 320mm below the upper face of the casing and 660mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.27. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the centres of the third pair of apertures are configured to be located 300mm below the upper face of the casing and 1250mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.28. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 27, wherein the centres of the fourth pair of apertures are configured to be located 150mm below the upper face of the casing and 1420mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.29. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 28, wherein the centres of the fifth pair of apertures are configured to be located 100mm below the upper face of the casing and 950mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.30. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 29, wherein the centres of the sixth pair of apertures are configured to be located 100mm below the upper face of the casing and 530mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.31. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 30, wherein the centres of the seventh pair of apertures are configured to be located 100mm below the upper face of the casing and 150mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.32. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 31, wherein the centres of the first pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the fourth pair of apertures by 260mm, the centres of the second pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the first pair of apertures by 270mm, the centres of the sixth pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the second pair of apertures by 295mm, the centres of the third pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the sixth pair of apertures by 295mm, and the centres of the seventh pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the third pair of apertures by 170mm.33. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are formed by removing a knockout panel from the casing.34. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is formed by removing a knockout panel from the casing.35. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the casing is a one-piece moulded component.36. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 34, wherein the casing is comprises a number of separate components.37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein each component is a substantially flat wall component.38. The apparatus of claim 36 or claim 37, wherein each component is releasably fastenable to one another.39. The apparatus of any of claims 36 to 38, wherein the casing may comprise a plurality of support members, each member being configured to provide a brace support between two side walls of the casing.40. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the casing further comprises a lid member, the lid member being configured to cover the open upper portion of the casing.41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, when the lid member is engaged with the casing, the casing may support light vehicular traffic on top of the lid member.42. A method of facilitating access to utility services for buildings comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing; and at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough; configuring the apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of the casing; and passing a utility service member through the at least one access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the at least one pair of apertures.43. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of configuring the apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of the casing includes placing the apparatus in the excavated land and then passing the at least one utility service member through the at least one pair of apertures. In this arrangement the mains utility services have not been laid before the apparatus is placed within the excavated land.44. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of configuring the apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of the casing includes placing the apparatus over at least one existing utility service member located within the excavated land such that the at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures.45. The method of any of claims 42 to 44, wherein the method comprises the further step of covering the open upper portion of the casing with a lid member.46. The method of claim 45, wherein the method comprises the further step of covering the apparatus with excavated land after the lid member has been engaged with the casing.47. The method of claim 45 or claim 46, wherein the method comprises the further step of forming at least part of a footpath over the top of the apparatus once the lid member has been engaged with the casing.48. The method of any of claims 45 to 47, wherein the method comprises the further step of filling the casing with excavated land before the lid member is engaged with the casing.49. The method of any of claims 42 to 48, wherein the casing includes a plurality of pairs of apertures and a plurality of access apertures and the method comprises the further step of passing a utility service member through each access aperture and connecting the same with a corresponding utility service member passing through a corresponding pair of apertures.50. The method of claim 49, wherein the casing comprises six pairs of apertures and the first to sixth pairs of apertures are configured to receive a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member, respectively, therethrough.51. The method of claim 49 or claim 50, wherein the casing comprises six access apertures and the first to sixth access apertures are configured to receive a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member, respectively, therethrough.52. The method of any of claims 42 to 51, wherein the method comprises the further step of providing a plurality of apparatuses, each apparatus comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing; and at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough; and configuring each apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of each casing; and passing a utility service member through the at least one access aperture of each apparatus and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the at least one pair of apertures of each casing.AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSClaims 1. An apparatus for facilitating access to utility services for buildings comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing; and at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough, and wherein the casing comprises a number of separate components, each component being a side wall and each side wall being r releasably fastenable to one another.C r2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the casing is substantially cube-shaped and the bottom portion of the casing is open.3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the side walls of the casing slope inwards from the open upper portion to the bottom portion.4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the open upper portion of the casing exposes substantially the entire inside of the casing.5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the casing includes a lid support portion, the lid support portion being configured to support a lid placed on the upper portion thereof.6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the lower portion of the casing includes a flange portion, the flange portion being configured to provide structural rigidity to the casing.s 7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are located on a side wall of the casing.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are located directly opposite one another on a side wall of the casing.
9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair ci-of apertures are elongated apertures.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one pair of apertures r are open ended.C r11. The apparatus of any of claims ito 10, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are circular apertures, or T-shaped apertures.12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is circular, or T-shaped.13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is located on a side of the casing that is orthogonal to the side of the casing that has the at least one pair of apertures located thereon.14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are configured such that the casing may be placed over the utility service member to allow the utility service member to pass through the casing.15. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the casing comprises a plurality of pairs of apertures.16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the casing comprises six or seven pairs of apertures.17. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the casing comprises a plurality of access apertures.18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the casing comprises six or seven access apertures. r.19. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures and the at least one access aperture are configured to allow a r utility service member passing through the at least one pair of apertures to engage with a utility service member passing through the at least one access aperture.20. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is aligned with the at least one pair of apertures such that the at least one access aperture is located at the same depth from the upper portion of the casing than the at least one pair of apertures.21. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair of apertures are configured to receive one of the group comprising a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member therethrough.22. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is configured to receive one of the group comprising a mains, or dwelling, water utility service member, a mains, or dwelling, gas utility service member, a mains, or dwelling, electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member therethrough.23. The apparatus of any of claims 16 to 22, wherein the casing comprises six pairs of apertures and the first to sixth pairs of apertures are configured to receive a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a r telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility 0 service member and a low voltage utility service member, respectively, therethrough.24. The apparatus of any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the casing comprises six access apertures and the first to sixth access apertures are configured to receive a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member, respectively, therethrough.25. The apparatus of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the centres of the first pair of apertures are configured to be located 630mm below the upper face of the casing and 390mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.26. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the centres of the second pair of apertures are configured to be located 320mm below the upper face of the casing and 660mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.27. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the centres of the third pair of apertures are configured to be located 300mm below the upper face of the casing and 1250mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.28. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 27, wherein the centres of the fourth pair of apertures are configured to be located 150mm below the r upper face of the casing and 1420mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing. r29. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 28, wherein the centres of the fifth pair of apertures are configured to be located 100mm below the upper face of the casing and 950mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.30. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 29, wherein the centres of the sixth pair of apertures are configured to be located 100mm below the upper face of the casing and 530mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.31. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 30, wherein the centres of the seventh pair of apertures are configured to be located 100mm below the upper face of the casing and 150mm laterally from an upper corner portion of the side wall of the casing.32. The apparatus of any of claims 23 to 31, wherein the centres of the S first pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the fourth pair of apertures by 260mm, the centres of the second pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the first pair of apertures by 270mm, the centres of the sixth pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the second pair of apertures by 295mm, the centres of the third pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the sixth pair of apertures by 295mm, and the centres of the seventh pair of apertures are configured to be laterally spaced from the centres of the third pair of apertures by 170mm. r. .33. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pair 0 of apertures are formed by removing a knockout panel from the casing.34. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access aperture is formed by removing a knockout panel from the casing.35. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein each component is a substantially flat wall component.36. The apparatus of any any preceding, wherein the casing may comprise a plurality of support members, each member being configured to provide a brace support between two side walls of the casing.37. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the casing further comprises a lid member, the lid member being configured to cover the open upper portion of the casing.38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, when the lid member is engaged with the casing, the casing may support light vehicular traffic on top of the lid member.39. A method of facilitating access to utility services for buildings comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of r. . apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass 0 through the casing; and at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough; wherein the casing comprises a number of separate components, each component being a side wall and each side wall being releasably fastenable to one another; configuring the apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of the casing; and passing a utility service member through the at least one access aperture and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the at least one pair of apertures.40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of configuring the apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of the casing includes placing the apparatus in the excavated land and then passing the at least one utility service member through the at least one pair of apertures.41. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of configuring the apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of the casing includes placing the apparatus over at least one existing utility service member located within the excavated land such that the at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures.42. The method of any of claims 39 to 41, wherein the method comprises the further step of covering the open upper portion of the casing r with a lid member.C r43. The method of claim 42, wherein the method comprises the further step of covering the apparatus with excavated land after the lid member has been engaged with the casing.44. The method of claim 42 or claim 43, wherein the method comprises the further step of forming at least part of a footpath over the top of the apparatus once the lid member has been engaged with the casing.45. The method of any of claims 42 to 44, wherein the method comprises the further step of filling the casing with excavated land before the lid member is engaged with the casing.46. The method of any of claims 39 to 45, wherein the casing includes a plurality of pairs of apertures and a plurality of access apertures and the method comprises the further step of passing a utility service member through each access aperture and connecting the same with a corresponding utility service member passing through a corresponding pair of apertures.47. The method of claim 46, wherein the casing comprises six pairs of apertures and the first to sixth pairs of apertures are configured to receive a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member, respectively, therethrough.48. The method of claim 46 or claim 47, wherein the casing comprises r six access apertures and the first to sixth access apertures are configured 0 to receive a mains water utility service member, a mains gas utility service member, a mains electricity utility service member, a telecoms utility service member and a cable, or satellite, television utility service member and a low voltage utility service member, respectively, therethrough.49. The method of any of claims 39 to 48, wherein the method comprises the further step of providing a plurality of apparatuses, each apparatus comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: an open upper portion, the open upper portion being configured to provide access to the inside of the casing; at least one pair of apertures, the at least one pair of apertures being configured to allow a utility service member to pass through the casing; and at least one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being configured to allow a utility service member to pass therethrough; wherein the casing comprises a number of separate components, each component being a side wall and each side wall being releasably fastenable to one another;and configuring each apparatus such that at least one utility service member passes through the at least one pair of apertures of each casing; and passing a utility service member through the at least one access aperture of each apparatus and connecting the same with the utility service member passing through the at least one pair of apertures of each casing. r rC r