GB2540950A - Drainable chamber with height adjustable aperture - Google Patents

Abstract

The drainage chamber 1 comprises a plurality of stackable sections and a barrier plate 4, the barrier plate comprising an aperture 5 and covering an aperture within the chamber. An adjustable connection is preferably provided between the barrier plate and the stackable sections of the chamber which enables slidable adjustment of the height of the barrier plate relative to the drainage chamber. The stackable sections may comprise O or C-shaped sections 2,3 that are preferably formed from inner and outer walls. Preferably, the aperture in the barrier frame 4 is offset relative to its centre, such that the relative position of the aperture with respect to the height of the chamber can be adjusted by inverting the barrier plate. The barrier plate preferably includes slits via which the plate is connected to the chamber section by bolts. Also claimed is a barrier plate capable of being fixed to a drainage chamber.

Description

Drainage chamber with height adjustable aperture Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a drainage chamber with a height adjustable barrier plate and in particular, but not exclusively, to catch pit chambers.

Background to the Invention

Catch pit chambers are incorporated into drainage pipe systems carrying liquid and are used to separate sediment that is suspended in the liquid, from the liquid within the pipe system. The sediment is deposited on the chamber floor as it settles out of suspension within the liquid. The sediment layer can be removed from the chamber and, therefore, the pipe system. Non-removal of sediment from the pipe system may result in a sediment build up and thus blockages within the pipe system.

Catch pit chambers of this general type are known. One such chamber shown in figure 18 is the CUBIC STAKKAbox Drainage Pit which is a catch pit chamber comprising a number of stackable sections and two apertures of fixed height in the chamber walls. An aperture in the chamber wall is defined by a barrier plate with an aperture that is aligned with the aperture in the chamber wall to house a pipe. The barrier plate is affixed rigidly to the chamber wall by a series of bolt connections that offer no vertical movement of the barrier plate, therefore, requiring an exact match between the position of the pipe entering the chamber and the aperture in the barrier plate.

The CUBIC CTAKKAbox Drainage Pit is the requires extensive and detailed site measurements to be taken prior to the manufacture of the catch pit chamber in order to ensure that the correct number of sections are provided to provide the right height and that the aperture in the chamber wall is provided at the right height, and the bolts in the wall are provided at the right height to match with holes in the aperture plate such that it is attached at the right height to align with pipes.

The lengthy step of taking detailed measurements of the site on which the chamber is to be inserted, followed by the manufacture of a bespoke chamber made to the exact measurements provided, adds complexity and labour to the process.

All chambers are manufactured as a ‘one-ofT based upon specifications and measurements gathered on-site, with a fixed barrier plate position and, therefore, the apertures, being of fixed height on the chamber walls. This, therefore, does not allow for any errors in calculations or unforeseen circumstances. The chamber to be inserted may have to be altered due to a previously undiscovered obstruction within the site, or other factor, which results in the chamber needing to be modified. Thus a new chamber will need to be manufactured. This is a costly and time consuming process.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved catch pit chamber Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drainage chamber comprising a plurality of stackable sections and a barrier plate comprising an aperture, each plate covering an aperture in the chamber, characterised by an adjustable connection means between the barrier plate and the stackable sections of the chamber.

Advantageously, the connection means between the barrier plate and the stackable sections of the chamber allows for the height of the barrier plate and, therefore, the height of the aperture in the barrier plate, to be adjusted depending on the pipe entry position at the site where the chamber is to be inserted.

Beneficially, the adjustability of the aperture height in the barrier plate removes the requirement of precise and detailed measurements to be taken from the site prior to installation of the catch pit chamber. Further, there is also a greater degree of flexibility when installing the chamber as any unforeseen circumstances that may arise on-site may be overcome by adjusting the height of the barrier plate; therefore, there is no longer a need to manufacture a new chamber, if the pipe entry level height does not match the height of the aperture in the barrier plate.

The present invention, therefore, is not required to be manufactured as a ‘one-off bespoke product to an exact specification and measurements, but can be manufactured in bulk for use on many sites with different pipe entry heights.

Preferably the drainage chamber is a catch pit chamber having a chamber floor.

The adjustable connection is particularly advantageous in catch pit chambers, which have chamber floors, because unlike drainage chambers without chamber floors, fine adjustment of the height of the chamber cannot be obtained by cutting down the lowermost stackable section. This is because the lowermost section must be connected to the floor and the section above it and cutting it would interfere with (or remove) the part of the section designed to interface with the section above and floor below.

Preferably the adjustable connection means allows for slidable adjustment of the barrier plate relative to the chamber. More preferably the adjustable connection means allows for slidable adjustment of the height of the barrier plate relative to the chamber.

Preferably, the stackable sections have a height of between 50 mm and 500 mm, more preferably between 100 mm and 200 mm, even more preferably between 130 mm and 170 mm, and most preferably 150 mm.

Beneficially, the aperture in the barrier plate may be offset relative to its centre, such that the relative position of the aperture in the barrier plate with respect to the height of the chamber can be adjusted by inverting and subsequently reaffixing the inverted barrier plate to the chamber.

Preferably, the stackable sections comprise of C-shaped and O-shaped sections. Each C-shaped section preferably comprises two free ends. Advantageously, stacking the C-shaped sections in aligned pairs between the O-shaped sections creates an aperture in the chamber wall. The aperture being the height of the combined pairs of C-shaped sections and the width of the distance between the two free ends of adjacently positioned C-shaped sections.

Preferably, the stackable sections are formed of a twin wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall. The stackable sections are preferably made from glass reinforced plastic or thermoplastic.

Beneficially, the stackable sections are capable of being added to, or removed from, the top and/or bottom of the chamber. Addition of stackable sections to the bottom of the chamber allows for an increase in the height of the aperture in the chamber by an amount defined by the height of the stackable section added. Conversely, removal of a stackable section from the bottom of the chamber will decrease the height of the aperture in the chamber by an amount defined by the height of the section removed. To maintain the overall height of the chamber, a stackable section removed from the bottom can be added at the top and vice versa. This method of adjusting the height of the aperture in the chamber provides coarse adjustment of the height of the aperture in the barrier plate which is adjustabiy connected to the chamber, whilst fine adjustment is provided by the adjustable connection between the piate and the stackable sections of the chamber.

Preferably, a barrier frame borders the aperture on the inside of the chamber wall.

Preferably, the barrier frame is made from galvanised mild steel or glass reinforced plastic.

Preferably, the barrier frame is connected to the chamber by a series of fasteners.

Preferably, the fasteners comprise a male member and a female member.

Preferably, the barrier plate comprises a plurality of slits.

Preferably, the barrier plate is affixed to the chamber by male members extending through the slits.

The male members may be the male member fastener passing through the barrier frame.

The male members may pass through the outer wall of the chamber sections, the inner wall of the chamber sections and the slits in the barrier plate, and adjustably connected to a female member.

Advantageously, the male member of the fastener is a bolt and the female member of the fastener is a nut.

Preferably, the chamber comprises a plurality of fasteners arranged to extend through the slits in the barrier plate allowing the height of the barrier plate to be adjusted by varying the height at which the fastener extends through the slit. This provides for a barrier plate that is height adjustable to a maximum distance that approximately equals the length of the slits.

Advantageously, loosening the fasteners that affix the barrier plate to the chamber wall enables vertical movement of the barrier plate in respect of the length of the slit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a barrier plate, capable of being affixed to a chamber, comprising an aperture and a plurality of slits. The aperture may be used to allow a pipe, or similar, to enter or pass through the chamber. In use, the barrier plate may be positioned so as to cover the aperture created in the chamber wall by the C-shaped sections. The aperture in the chamber wall allows for, for example, a pipe to enter into the chamber.

Preferably, the barrier plate is rectangular in shape, although any shape of barrier plate would suffice so long as it covers the aperture in the chamber wall and comprises an aperture and slits to allow for vertical movement of the barrier plate.

Preferably, the barrier plate is configured so the long sides of the rectangle are positioned vertically and the short sides of the rectangle are positioned horizontally.

Preferably, the slits in the barrier plate are parallel to the long sides of the rectangular barrier plate.

Preferably, the slits are positioned adjacent to the vertical edges of the barrier plate.

Preferably, the barrier plate comprises between 4 and 12 slits, more preferably between 6 and 10 slits, and most preferably 8 slits.

Preferably, the slits are positioned so 4 slits are adjacent to one vertical edge of the barrier plate and 4 slits are adjacent to the other vertical edge of the barrier plate. Preferably, all the slits are positioned an equal distance apart and are all of equal length.

Preferably, the slits have a length of between 20% and 80% of the height of a stackable section, more preferably between 35% and 65% of the height of a stackable section, and most preferably 50% of the height of a stackable section.

Preferably, the aperture in the barrier plate is circular.

Advantageously, the centre of the aperture is offset with respect to the centre of the barrier plate.

Advantageously the centre of the aperture is offset relative to the slits, (i.e. there is no line of symmetry perpendicular to the length of the slits that passes through the centre of the aperture) such that the position of the aperture in one orientation of the barrier plate, at the lowermost extent of the slidable adjustment is the same as the position of the aperture when the barrier plate is inverted and situated at the uppermost extent of the slidable adjustment, such that by inverting the barrier plate, the extent of slidable adjustment is doubled.

As set out, this offsetting allows double the travel of the slidable connection than the length of the slits. Thus the slits can be much shorter than would otherwise be necessary to provide adjustment across the complete height of a stackable section, the use of shorter slits increases the strength of the barrier plate, allowing it to be formed from weaker, cheaper materials.

Preferably the barrier plate is formed of thermoplastic, such as HOPE. Alternatively the barrier plate may be formed of GRP or various other materials, e.g. metal, such as galvanised mild steel.

Preferably the barrier plate comprises a pipe connection member. Preferably the pipe connection member is integrally formed with the barrier plate. Preferably the barrier plate comprising the pipe connection member is moulded from thermoplastic or glass reinforced plastic. The pipe connection member may be a spigot to be received in a pipe, or a socket to receive a pipe.

Preferably, the barrier plate may be positioned in a neutral configuration whereby the aperture is offset in a position towards the top of the barrier plate and the fasteners are secured at the top of the slits.

Beneficially, in a neutral configuration, the distance between the top of the aperture and the top of the barrier plate is between 20% and 80%; preferably between 35% and 65%; and most preferably 50%, of the distance between the bottom of the aperture and the bottom of the barrier plate.

Preferably, from the neutral configuration, the position of the fasteners within the slits can be adjusted so the fasteners are secured at the bottom of the slits, opposed to at the top of the slits as in the neutral configuration. This results in a configuration giving the maximum height achievable for the barrier plate.

Preferably, the height of the barrier plate can be adjusted by a distance up to the length of a slit. This allows for height adjustments of the barrier plate and, therefore, adjustments to the height of the aperture. Beneficially, when inserting the chamber into the prescribed site, adjustments can be made to the height of the aperture in the barrier plate which allows for correction of any errors in calculating the pipe entry height, or for adjustments to unforeseen circumstances, therefore, allowing the barrier plate aperture to receive a pipe or other protrusion.

This feature provides a technical advantage over the prior art as it allows the chamber to be adaptable to various pipe entry heights through the adjustment of the height of the barrier plate.

Preferably, the barrier plate in the neutral configuration may be inverted so the aperture in the barrier plate is offset towards the bottom of the barrier plate and the fasteners are secured at the bottom of the slits, forming an inverse neutral configuration.

Preferably, from the inverse neutral configuration, the fastener position can be adjusted so the fasteners are secured at the top of the slits results in the minimum height achievable for the barrier plate.

Advantageously, the difference in height between the barrier plate at maximum height and the barrier plate at minimum height is equal to twice the length of a slit. This affords an adjustment distance of twice the length of a slit, therefore, the aperture in the barrier plate can be adjusted, to correspond to a pipe entry level, by a distance of twice the length of the slit. Thus affording an advantage over the prior art which does not offer an adjustment of this kind.

When, as is preferred, the adjustable length of the slit is at least 50% of the height of a stackable section, this means fine adjustment by varying the height at which the fastener extends through the slit coupled with inverting the barrier plate, can allow for a total height adjustment equal to or greater than the height of a stackable section, and if any greater adjustment is required, a stackable section can be removed from, or added to the bottom of the chamber.

Beneficially, loosening of the fasteners allows the barrier plate to be adjusted. When the barrier plate is at the correct height in relation to the height of the aperture in the barrier plate corresponding to the height of a pipe or other protrusion, the fasteners can be tightened against the barrier plate to hold the barrier plate in that prescribed position. This allows, for example, a pipe at a defined height, to enter the chamber through the aperture in the barrier plate.

Preferably the barrier plate is attached to the outside of the stackable sections. Alternatively, the barrier plate may be attached to the inside.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a kit of parts for a chamber is provided, comprising; a plurality of stackable sections, a barrier plate comprising an aperture and an adjustable connection means to affix the barrier plate to the chamber wall.

Preferably the kit of parts comprises components capable of forming the chamber described above.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment thereof will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a catch pit chamber comprising a plurality of stackable sections, a barrier frame and barrier plate with connection means for affixing it to the chamber;

Figure 2 is a perspective cross section view of the catch pit chamber of figure 1 showing the composite parts of the catch pit chamber, including the stackable sections, barrier frame, barrier plate and slits, bolts and nuts;

Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of the connection means between the barrier frame, barrier plate and the chamber shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the connection means between the barrier frame, barrier plate and the chamber, shown in Figure 2 and 3, once connected;

Figure 5 is an lateral cross sectional view of the barrier frame and barrier plate;

Figure 6 is an external view of the barrier plate and connection means;

Figure 7 is an external view of the catch pit chamber with a barrier plate In a neutral configuration;

Figure 8 is an external view of the catch pit chamber of Figure 7 with the barrier plate at a maximum height;

Figure 9 is an external view of a catch pit chamber with a barrier plate in a neutral inverse configuration;

Figure 10 is an external view of the catch pit chamber of Figure 9 with a barrier plate at a minimum height;

Figure 11 is a side view of a stackable section;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the catch pit chamber of Figure 1 with the bottom stackable section removed;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the catch pit chamber of Figure 1 with two stackable sections positioned so they can be added to the bottom of the catch pit chamber;

Figure 14 is a side view of the catch pit chamber of Figure 13 with two stackable sections added;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the catch pit chamber of Figure 1 with two stackable sections positioned so they can be added to the top of the catch pit chamber;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the catch pit chamber of Figure 1 with two stackable sections added to the top;

Figure 17 is a side view of the catch pit chamber of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a prior art drainage pit;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a barrier plate comprising a spigot pipe connection;

Figure 20 is an end view of the barrier plate of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the underside of the barrier plate of Figures 19 and 20;

Figure 22 is a plan view of the barrier plate of Figures 19-21;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a barrier plate comprising a socket pipe connection:

Figure 24 is a plan view of the barrier plate of Figure 23;

Figure 25 is an end view of the barrier plate of Figures 23 and 24; and

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the underside of the barrier plate of Figures 23-25.

With reference to the figures 1-10 there is shown a catch pitch chamber 1 with a height adjustable barrier plate 4 for use in drainage systems. The catch pit chamber 1 is formed from three pairs of C-shaped stackable sections 3, two O-shaped stackable sections 2, and a barrier plate 4 comprising an aperture 5 and a plurality of vertical slits 6. The pairs of C-shaped stackable sections 3 are stacked between the two O-shaped stackable sections 2 to form an aperture at each end of the catch pit chamber 1. The aperture 5 in the barrier plate 4 is circular, whereas the aperture formed by the gap between the pairs of C-shaped stackable sections 3 is rectangular.

The aperture 5 in the barrier frame 4 is offset with respect to the centre of the barrier plate 4. A barrier frame 8 is affixed to the catch pit chamber 1 through a plurality of nuts 702 and a plurality of bolts 701, in order to provide a border to the interior of the aperture through the catch pit chamber. The stackable sections 2 and 3 are formed of a twin wall comprising an inner wall 201 and an outer wall 202. The bolts 701 are inserted through a plurality of apertures 10 in the barrier frame 8 and through apertures 11 in the inner wall 201 of the stackable sections and the outer wall 202 of the stackable sections, and through the slits 6 in the barrier plate 4, whereby the nuts 702 are fastened onto the bolts 701.

The stackable sections 2 and 3 can be affixed to a catch pit chamber floor 9 which forms the base of the catch pit chamber 1. The stackable sections 2 and 3 are made of glass reinforced plastic and the barrier frame 8 is made of galvanised mild steel. The barrier frame 8 provides structural support to the bolts affixing the barrier plate 4 to the catch pit chamber 1.

The stackable sections 2 and 3 are a rectangular shape and the orientation of the stackable sections 2 and 3 results in a substantially rectangular catch pit camber 1 with an aperture formed between the free ends of the C-shaped members 3. The aperture formed between the free ends of the C-shaped members is positioned on each of the short sides of the catch pit chamber 1. In this embodiment, the stackable sections 2 and 3 have a height of 150 mm.

The barrier plate 4 is substantially rectangular with vertical long sides and horizontal short sides. The barrier plate comprises a plurality of slits 6, each, in this embodiment having a length of 85 mm. The slits 6 are positioned adjacent to the long sides of the barrier plate 4, parallel to the long side of the barrier plate 4. The slits 6 are positioned end-to-end, separated by a distance of approximately 30 mm. A configuration of the slits 6, as shown in Figure 6, is such that there are four slits 6 adjacent to one long side of the barrier plate 4 and four slits 6 adjacent to the other long side of the barrier plate 4. The slits 6 are positioned an equal distance apart in a uniform arrangement as shown in Figure 6.

The slits 6 allow for the bolts 701 to be positioned at any height within the slits 6. The bolts 701 have a diameter of 8mm, so the height of the barrier plate 4 can be adjusted by 75 mm the 85mm slit, minus the diameter of the 8mm bolt equals 77mm, so there is an additional 2mm play or margin for error in machining. When the bolts 701 are positioned so they are adjacent to the bottom of the slits 6, as shown in Figure 6, height adjustment of the barrier plate 4 is carried out by loosening the nuts 702 and sliding the barrier plate 4 downwards resulting in a barrier plate 4 position as shown in Figure 7. This adjustment affords approximately 75 mm of height adjustment for the barrier plate 4 and, therefore, the aperture 5.

The aperture 5 in the barrier plate 4 is offset with respect to the midpoint along the length the barrier plate 4 and relative to the slits 6. Figure 7 shows a neutral configuration of the barrier plate 4. In the neutral configuration, the aperture 5 in the barrier plate 4 is positioned towards the top of the barrier plate 4, whereby the distance between the top of the aperture 5 and the top of the barrier plate 4 is 50% of the distance between the bottom of the aperture 5 and the bottom of the barrier plate 4. The aperture 5 is positioned at an equal distance from both of the long sides of the barrier plate 4, providing a vertical line of symmetry through the barrier plate 4. In the neutral configuration shown in Figure 7, the bolts 701 are positioned at the top of the slits 6 and the aperture 5 offset towards the top of the barrier plate 4. A maximum height of the barrier plate is achieved by adjusting the position of the bolts 701 within the slits 6 from the neutral configuration shown in Figure 7 to the configuration shown in Figure 8. The configuration of Figure 8 shows the barrier plate 4 has moved the complete length of the slits 6 upwards, therefore, the height of the centre of the aperture 5 has been adjusted by 75 mm towards the top of the catch pit chamber 1 from the height of the centre of the aperture 5 in the neutral configuration of Figure 7.

The barrier plate 4 can advantageously be inverted so the aperture 5 is offset towards the bottom of the barrier plate 4, as shown in Figure 9 to form an inverted neutral configuration of the barrier plate 4. The Inverted neutral configuration of the barrier plate 4 comprises the aperture 5 positioned towards the bottom of the barrier plate 4, whereby the distance between the bottom of the aperture 5 and the bottom of the barrier plate 4 is 50% of the distance between the top of the aperture 5 and the top of the barrier plate 4. Further, in the inverted neutral configuration the bolts 701 are positioned so they are adjacent to the bottom of the slits 6. A minimum height of the barrier plate is achieved by adjusting the position of the bolts 701 within the slits 6 from the inverted neutral configuration shown in Figure 9 to the configuration shown in Figure 10. The configuration in Figure 10 shows the barrier plate 4 has moved the complete length of the slits 6 downwards, therefore, the height of the centre of the aperture 5 has been adjusted by 75 mm towards the bottom of the catch pit chamber 1 from the height of the centre of the aperture 5 in the inverted neutral configuration of Figure 9.

The ability to invert the barrier plate 4 thus allows for 150 mm of height adjustment with respect to the centre of the aperture 5. Inversion of the barrier plate 4 in combination with movement of the bolts 701 within the slits 6 affords a maximum height adjustment of the barrier plate 4 of 150 mm.

In the neutral configuration of Figure 7, the height from the floor 9 of the catch pit chamber 1 to the centre of the aperture 5 in the barrier plate 4 is 387 mm. Adjustment of the barrier plate by the complete length of the slits 6 increases the height of the centre of the aperture 5 by 75 mm to a maximum height configuration as shown in Figure 8. Thus the height from the floor 9 of the catch pit chamber 1 to the centre of the aperture 5 is 462 mm.

Inverting the barrier plate 4 when in the neutral configuration of Figure 7 affords the inverted neutral configuration shown in Figure 9. The height from the floor 9 of the catch pit chamber 1 to the centre of the aperture 5 in the barrier piate 4 equais that of the height in the neutrai configuration, at 387 mm. However, the barrier piate 4 may now be adjusted to move downwards due to the position of the boits 701 when affixed through the siits 6 in the inverted neutrai configuration. Adjustment of the boits by 75 mm affords a minimum height configuration as shown in Figure 10. Thus the height from the floor 9 of the catch pit chamber 1 to the centre of the aperture 5 is 312 mm. This, therefore, provides a 150 mm potentiai height adjustment whereby the centre of the aperture can be positioned at a height between 312 mm and 462 mm from the floor 9 of the catch pit chamber 1.

This height adjustment is not possibie in the catch pit chambers of the prior art shown in Figure 18 wherein the fasteners connecting the barrier piate to the chamber do not pass through siits in the barrier piate but instead pass though smaii hoies in the barrier piate. These smaii hoies do not afford the abiiity to adjust the position of the fastener, therefore, not aiiowing adjustment of the height of the barrier piate or aperture in the barrier piate.

Whiist the siidabiy adjustabie connection between the barrier piate 4 and the chamber 1 aiiows for fine height adjustment of the aperture, coarse adjustment can aiso be achieved by adding stackabie sections 2 to the bottom of the catch pit chamber 1, shown in Figures 12-14, or removing them from the bottom and adding them to the top of the catch pit chamber 1, shown in Figures 15-17. The addition of a stackabie section 2 to the catch pit chamber provides an increase in height of the catch pit chamber of 150 mm, which corresponds to the total height adjustability obtained by the siidabie adjustment combined with the inversion of the barrier plate 4.

Figures 19-22, show a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a barrier plate 24 similar to the first embodiment, with the same formation of slits 26 and an equally offset aperture 25. However, the banier plate 24 of the second embodiment includes a pipe connection member in the form of a spigot 21 integrally formed with the barrier plate 34 extending outwardly from the aperture 35 for connection to a pipe (not shown). The spigot 21 is a ring-shape with an inside diameter that equals the diameter of the aperture 25 and an outer diameter designed to mate with the inside diameter of the pipe (not shown) to be connected to the chamber. The barrier plate 24 including the spigot 21 is moulded from glass reinforced plastic (but could equally be moulded from thermoplastic, or plastic with different reinforcing components) and may suitably have the same dimensions as that of the first embodiment. In this example, the spigot 21 may have a depth of 70 mm and a thickness of 10 mm.

Figures 23-26, show a third embodiment of the invention, comprising the barrier plate 34 including an integral socket 33 as a pipe connection member, intended to receive a pipe (not shown), rather than a spigot. Once again the barrier plate 34 has the same formation of slits 36 as the first embodiment and the same offset aperture 35. The socket 33 is integrally moulded with the plate from thermoplastic (e.g. HOPE) or glass reinforced plastic and is a ring-shape suitably having an inner diameter of 80 mm. Once again, the dimensions, including shape, height and width of the plate and shape, size and location of the slits 36 may be the same as in the first embodiment. The socket may have a depth of 80 mm and a thickness of 10mm and is shown with a step, having a portion of narrower diameter e.g. 70mm adjacent to the aperture 35 and a mouth portion of wider diameter, e.g. 80mm into which the pipe (not shown) is introduced, so that its free end abuts the step.

The above embodiments are described byway of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (52)

Claims

1. A drainage chamber comprising a plurality of stackable sections and a barrier plate; the barrier plate comprising an aperture and covering an aperture in the chamber, characterised by an adjustable connection means between the barrier plate and the stackable sections of the chamber.

2. A drainage chamber according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable connection means provides for slidable adjustment of the barrier plate relative to the drainage chamber.

3. A drainage chamber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustable connection means allows for slidable adjustment of the height of the barrier plate relative to the drainage chamber.

4. A drainage chamber according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stackable sections have a height of between 50 mm and 500 mm.

5. A drainage chamber according to any of claim 4, wherein the stackable sections have a height of about 150 mm.

6. A drainage chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture in the barrier plate is offset relative to its centre, such that the relative position of the aperture in the barrier plate with respect to the height of the chamber can be adjusted by inverting the barrier plate.

7. A drainage chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the stackable sections comprise C-shaped and 0-shaped sections.

8. A drainage chamber according to claim 7, wherein the chamber comprises a plurality of pairs of C-shaped sections.

9. A drainage chamber according to claim 8, wherein the C-shaped sections are stacked between O-shaped sections to form an aperture within the chamber wall.

10. A drainage chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the stackable sections are formed of a twin wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall.

11. A drainage chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the stackable sections are made from glass reinforced plastic or thermoplastic.

12. A drainage chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture in the chamber wall is bordered by a barrier frame on the inside of the chamber.

13. A drainage chamber according to claim 12, wherein the barrier frame is connected to the chamber by a series of fasteners.

14. A drainage chamber according to claim 13, wherein the fasteners comprise a male member and a female member.

15. A drainage chamber according to claim 14, wherein the male member is a bolt and the female member is a nut.

16. A drainage chamber according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier plate comprises a plurality of slits.

17. A drainage chamber according to claim 16, wherein the barrier plate is affixed to the chamber by to male members extending through the slits.

18. A drainage according to claim 17 wherein the male members are the male members of fasteners passing through the barrier frame.

19. A drainage according to claim 17 wherein the male members extend through the outer wall of the chamber sections, the inner wall of the chamber sections and the slits in the barrier plate.

20. An adjustable barrier pit according to any of claims 17 to 19 wherein female members are provided to attach to the male members and secure the barrier plate in position.

21. An adjustable barrier pit according to claim 20 wherein the female members are nuts and the male members are bolts.

22. A drainage chamber according to any of claims 16 to 21 wherein a plurality of fasteners arranged to extend through the slits of the barrier plate allowing the height of the barrier plate to be adjusted by varying the height at which the fastener extends through the slit.

23. A drainage chamber according to claim 22, wherein loosening the fasteners enables vertical movement of the barrier plate.

24. A barrier plate capable of being affixed to a drainage chamber, the barrier plate comprising an aperture and a plurality of slits.

25. A barrier plate according to claim 24, wherein the plate is rectangular.

26. A barrier plate according to claim 24 or 25, comprising between 4 and 12 slits.

27. A barrier plate according to claim 26 comprising 8 slits.

28. A barrier plate according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the slits are symmetrically positioned with an equal number of 4 slits are adjacent to each long side of the barrier plate.

29. A barrier plate according to any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the aperture is circular.

30. A barrier plate according to any of claims 24 to 29, wherein the centre of the aperture is offset with respect to the centre of the barrier plate.

31. A barrier plate according to claim 30, wherein the distance between the bottom of the aperture and the bottom of the barrier plate is 50% of the distance between the top of the aperture and the top of the barrier plate.

32. A barrier plate according to any of claims 24 to 31, wherein the length of the slits are parallel to the long sides of the plate.

33. A barrier plate according to any of claims 24 to 32 formed of thermoplastic.

34. A barrier plate according to any of claims 24 to 33 comprising a pipe connection member.

35. A barrier plate according to claim 34 wherein the pipe connection member is integrally formed with the barrier plate.

36. A barrier plate according to claim 35 which is moulded from thermoplastic or glass reinforced plastic.

37. A barrier plate according to any of claims 24 to 36 wherein the centre of the aperture is offset relative to the the slits.

38. A drainage chamber according to any of claims 1-23 comprising a barrier plate according to any of claims 24 to 37.

39. A drainage chamber according to claim 38 wherein the plate is rectangular and the long sides of the rectangle are positioned vertically and the short sides of the rectangle are positioned horizontally.

40. A drainage chamber according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the slits have a length of about 50% of the height of a stackable section.

41. A drainage chamber according to any of claims 38 to 40, wherein the barrier plate may be positioned in a neutral configuration whereby the aperture is offset in a position towards the top of the barrier plate and the fasteners are secured at the top of the slits.

42. A drainage chamber according to claim 41, wherein adjusting the fastener position within the slits so the fasteners are secured at the bottom of the slits results in a maximum height achievable for the barrier plate.

43. A drainage chamber according to claim 42, wherein the adjusted height in relation to the neutral configuration is approximately equal to the length of a slit.

44. A drainage chamber according to any of claims 41 to 43, wherein the barrier plate in the neutral configuration may be inverted so the aperture in the barrier plate is offset towards the bottom of the barrier plate and the fasteners are secured at the bottom of the slits, forming an inverse neutral configuration.

45. A drainage chamber according to claim 44, wherein adjusting the fastener position of the inverse neutral plane so the fasteners are secured at the top of the slits results in the minimum height achievable for the barrier plate.

46. A drainage chamber according to any of claims 38 to 45, wherein the difference in height between the barrier plate at maximum height and the barrier plate at minimum height is equal to twice the length of a slit.

47. A drainage chamber according to any of claims 1 to 23 or 38 to 46 which is a catch pit chamber.

48. A catch pit chamber according to claim 47 having a floor.

49. A drainage chamber according to any of claims 1 to 23 or 38 to 48 wherein the barrier plate is attached to the outside of the stackable sections.

50. A kit of parts for forming a drainage chamber, comprising: a plurality of stackable sections; a barrier plate comprising an aperture; and an adjustable connection means to affix the barrier plate to the chamber wall;

51. A kit of parts according to claim 50, for forming a drainage chamber according to any of claims 1 to 24 or 38 to 49.

52. A catch pit chamber, barrier plate or kit of parts substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures 1-17.