GB2569037A - Cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover 100 for a micro-trench 50 formed in a surface includes a body configured to beinserted into the micro-trench and a pair of wings disposed at either side of the body.The wings are arranged to contact the surface at either side of the micro-trench. The cover may be manufactured from a flexible plastic or PVC and may comprise a non-slip surface. The body may have channels formed therein to allow for deformation of the body.

Description

[01] The present application relates to a cover for a micro-trench, and a method of manufacturing the same. The present application also relates to a method of installing a utility cable using a cover for a micro-trench.

BACKGROUND [02] Various utilities are installed under pavements, footpaths and roads, including telephone cabling, broadband internet cabling, cable television cabling, water and gas. Typically, in order to install or upgrade the utilities, it is necessary to dig a trench approximately 300-450mm wide in the pavement using a mini excavator. The process of digging the trench, installing the utilities and subsequently backfilling the trench is time-consuming, and can be highly disruptive for local residents. This is exacerbated by the trench typically being oriented along the length of the pavement, meaning it is necessary for the general public to cross the trench in order to access properties along the pavement.

[03] Accordingly, rubber trench covers are placed at various locations along the trench, both in order to prevent accidents/injuries, and to allow the public access over the trench. However, difficulties arise in that the covers are prone to movement overtime, causing them to fall into the trench. In addition, the covers must be sturdy enough to support a vehicle in instances where the trench is adjacent a driveway, thus placing constraints on the materials from which the cover can be made.

[04] Recently, in order to avoid some of the disadvantages mentioned above, a new technique has been employed to install utilities. A large rotating cutting disc is employed to rapidly carve a narrow and relatively shallow slot, which is referred to as a narrow trench or a micro-trench in the art, in the pavement or road, into which a cable is inserted. Typical microtrenches are approximately 70-100 mm wide and 300mm deep.

[05] This has been found particularly advantageous for the installation of fibre-optic cables for superfast broadband internet, which are not electrified and so require minimal sheathing or ducting. The installation of such fibre-optic cabling is of importance in various countries, where there are drives to ensure such infrastructure is in place.

[06] Though narrow, the uncovered micro-trench still provides a safety hazard to the general public. This is compounded by the fact that the micro-trench is created considerably more rapidly than a traditional trench, and so results in longer sections of uncovered micro-trench that takes comparatively longer to backfill.

[07] It is an aim of the invention to address at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages, and any other disadvantages that would be apparent to the skilled reader from the description herein. It is an aim ofthe invention to provide a means of improving the safety of utility installation involving micro-trenches.

SUMMARY [08] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[09] According to a first aspect ofthe invention there is provided a cover for a micro-trench formed in a surface, comprising:

a body configured to be inserted into the micro-trench; and a pair of wings disposed at either side ofthe body, the wings being arranged to contact the surface at either side ofthe micro-trench.

[10] The body may be configured to interfere with the walls ofthe micro-trench, preferably upon receipt of a substantially lateral force.

[11] The wings may be configured to be resiliently flexible with respect to the body, preferably upon receipt of a substantially vertical force. The body may have channels formed therein to allow for deformation ofthe body, thereby increasing the flexibility ofthe cover.

[12] The cover may be formed of a flexible plastic, preferably PVC.

[13] The cover may be configured so that, once installed, a longitudinal axis ofthe cover is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the micro-trench. The cover may have a substantially continuous cross-section along the longitudinal axis.

[14] The body may comprise an upper surface. The body may comprise a pair of sidewalls, wherein a distance between the sidewalls decreases as the sidewalls extend downwards from the upper surface. The body may be substantially trapezoidal in cross-section. The upper surface may have a width corresponding to a width ofthe micro-trench.

[15] The wings may extend downwards from a horizontal plane, preferably a plane of the upper surface. The wings may extend downwards at an angle. The angle may be of substantially 15-45° from the horizontal plane, preferably at an angle of substantially 20-40°, more preferably at an angle of substantially 25-35°. Each wing may have an underside, the underside being arranged to contact the surface.

[16] An upper surface ofthe body and/or wings may comprise a non-slip surface. The nonslip surface may comprise a plurality of projections, preferably ridges, which may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis ofthe cover.

[17] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing the cover defined in the first aspect, comprising extruding the cover.

[18] Further preferred features of the method of second aspect are defined hereinabove in relation to the cover of the first aspect, and may be combined in any combination.

[19] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a utility cable comprising the steps of:

forming a micro-trench in a surface;

installing a cover as defined in the first aspect over the micro-trench.

[20] The method may comprise installing the utility cable. The utility cable may be a fibre optic cable. The method may comprise installing the cover before installing the utility cable. The method may comprise installing the cover after installing the utility cable.

[21] The method may comprise cutting the cover to size during installation.

[22] The method may comprise backfilling the micro-trench.

[23] Further preferred features of the method of the third aspect are defined hereinabove in relation to the cover of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect, and may be combined in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [24] Fora better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

[25] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary environment in which an exemplary cover for a micro-trench may operate;

[26] FIG. 2 is an end view of an exemplary cover for a micro-trench; and [27] FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the exemplary cover for a micro-trench of FIG. 2.

[28] In the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components. The skilled person will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various example embodiments. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various example embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [29] In overview, examples of the invention provide a cover that can be fitted to a microtrench, and which is retained in the micro-trench by virtue of its shape and configuration, thus obviating the need for fixings to retain it in position.

[30] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary environment in which examples of the invention may operate. In particular, FIG.1 shows a typical street, having a road 10 for the passage of vehicular traffic and a plurality of properties 30, such as domestic or commercial buildings, disposed along a side of the road 10. A pavement 20 is disposed along a side of the road 10, between the road 10 and properties 30, for the passage of pedestrians. Typically, the pavement 20 is separated from the road 10 by a kerb 21.

[31] The pavement 20 comprises a micro-trench 50 created therein by a micro-trenching device 40. A plurality of micro-trench covers 100 are installed to the micro-trench 50, thereby covering the micro-trench 50 until it is backfilled.

[32] As can be best seen in FIG. 1, each cover 100 is substantially rectangular in plan view, and a longitudinal axis of the cover 100 is aligned with the longitudinal extent of the microtrench 50.

[33] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary cover 100 for a micro-trench 50, viewed from one end thereof. The cover 100 comprises a body 110 and a pair of wings 120. It will be understood that the cover 100 has a substantially continuous cross-section, such that the end view shown in FIG. 2 is representative of the configuration of the cover 100 along its longitudinal axis.

[34] The body 110 is configured to be inserted into the micro-trench 50. The wings 120 extend substantially laterally from both sides of an upper surface 114 of the body 110.

[35] In one example, the side walls 111 of the body 110 are angled so that the width of body 110 decreases as it extends downwardly away from the upper end and wings 120. The body 110 also has a substantially planar lower surface 112, so that the body 110 is substantially trapezoidal in cross-section.

[36] In one example, the upper surface of the body 114 is approximately the width of the micro-trench 50 - i.e. around 70-100mm. The lower surface 112 of the body is approximately 40mm in width. The internal angle between the sidewall 111 and lower surface is approximately 112.5°.

[37] In one example, the body 110 comprises channels 113 formed therein, which serve to increase the flexibility of the cover 100, as well as reducing its weight.

[38] The underside 121 of each wing 120 is arranged to contact the pavement or road surface at a respective side of the micro-trench 50. In one example, the wings 120 extend symmetrically downwards from the plane of upper surface 114 at an angle A of approximately 30°. Accordingly, the angle between the undersides 121 of the wings 120 and the sidewall

111 is approximately 80°. The overall width of the cover 100 from one wing tip to the other is approximately 150mm [39] In one example, the upper surface 114 of the body 110 and/or the upper surface 122 are provided with a non-slip surface, for example comprising longitudinal ridges 130, so as to prevent pedestrians slipping on the cover 100. It will be understood that other arrangements could be provided to create a non-slip surfaces, including various arrangements of small projections on the surfaces, and/or the provision of a coating or layer of non-slip material.

[40] The cover 100 is formed of a relatively flexible material, for example plastics material such as PVC. Furthermore, the wings 120, and preferably also the walls forming the body 110, are relatively thin, for example approximately 4mm thick, thus increasing the flexibility of the cover 100.

[41] In one example, the cover 100 is formed of a flame-resistant material. For example, an additive may be added to the plastic to give flame-resistant properties. Alternatively, flameresistant coating may be applied.

[42] In one example, the cover 100 is manufactured by means of an extrusion process. Plastics material is pushed through a die (not shown) in order to form covers 100 of a constant cross-section of a desired length.

[43] In one example, the covers 100 have a length of 2-3m. The covers 100 may, however, be provided in longer lengths, for example of up to 10m, and then cut to the desired size on site. The use of relatively flexible material, e.g. PVC, ensures that conventional tools can be used to cut the covers 100, without needing specialist equipment.

[44] Use of the cover 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1,3 and 4. Initially, the micro-trench 50 is created in the pavement 20 by the micro-trenching device 40. Subsequently, fibre optic cable (not shown) is disposed in the micro-trench 50. Covers 100 are then fitted to the micro-trench, by placing the body 110 into the micro-trench with the wings 120 at either side. Optionally, the covers 100 may be cut to a size of approximately 2-3m from sections of a longer length before installation.

[45] As can be seen in FIG. 3. The underside 121 of the wings 120 support the cover 100 on the surface 22 of the pavement 20 at either side of the micro-trench 50, and the body 110 extends downwards into the micro-trench 50. Accordingly, if a lateral force F1 is applied to the cover 100, the body 110 interferes with the walls of the micro-trench 50, thus retaining the cover 100 in position over the trench 50.

[46] As can be seen in FIG. 4, due to the relatively flexible nature of the cover 100, the application of a vertical force F2 to the cover 100 causes the wings 120 to flex with respect to the body 110, further forcing the body 110 down into the micro-trench 50. Consequently, when a vehicle drives over the cover 100, the weight applied thereby ensures that the cover 100 is securely retained in the micro-trench 50. Given the narrow nature of the micro-trench 50, there is no requirement for the cover 100 to be load-bearing, as any vehicle wheel will span the width of the trench 50, thus permitting the cover 100 to be flexible. When the force is removed, the resilient flexibility of the cover 100 ensures it returns to its original configuration (i.e. as seen in FIG. 3).

[47] The covers 100 are then removed when the micro-trench 50 is backfilled and the pavement is resurfaced. It will be understood that the covers 100 may also be installed between the creation of the micro-trench 50 and the time at which the fibre optic cable is disposed therein.

[48] The cover 100 is not limited to the constructional details described above, and the skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications are possible. For example, the body 110 need not be present along the whole longitudinal extent of the cover 100, and may instead be present only intermittently along the axis. Furthermore, the angles and measurements noted above between the body 110 and wings 120 may be modified, e.g. in orderto vary the level of flexibility. Other plastics materials that give the required flexibility and strength for the cover 100 may also be employed.

[49] Whilst the invention has been illustrated above with respect to works carried out on a pavement, it will be appreciated that the invention could be equally applied to works carried out on a road or any other surface into which cables may be installed. Furthermore, whilst the invention has been illustrated above with respect to the installation of fibre optic cable, it will be appreciated that the invention could be equally applied to any other works involving the formation of micro-trenches.

[50] Advantageously, the above-describe cover improves the safety of a micro-trench by preventing tripping hazards for pedestrians caused by the micro-trench. The configuration of the cover retains it in a position in which it covers the micro-trench, thus advantageously avoiding the requirement for a means of securing the cover to the micro-trench. Accordingly, the cover may be easily and rapidly deployed, which is particularly advantageous given the rapid nature of the micro-trenching process.

[51] Advantageously, the presence of the body of the cover between the walls of the microtrench also helps to prevent the collapse of the walls of the relatively narrow micro-trench, which may ordinarily crumble to fill the micro-trench.

[52] The cover has a degree of flexibility, which advantageously ensures it is retained within the trench when force is applied thereto, for example when a vehicle is driven over the cover or a pedestrian treads on the cover. The flexibility also allows the cover to conform to the often undulating shape of the pavement. The provision of a flexible cover advantageously capitalises on the fact that the trench is sufficiently narrow that a load-bearing cover is not required.

[53] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[54] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[55] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, 10 abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[56] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The 15 invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (19)

1. A cover for a micro-trench formed in a surface, comprising:

a body configured to be inserted into the micro-trench; and a pair of wings disposed at either side of the body, the wings being arranged to contact the surface at either side of the micro-trench.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body is configured to interfere with the walls of the micro-trench upon receipt of a substantially lateral force.

3. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein the wings are configured to be resiliently flexible with respect to the body.

4. The cover of any preceding claim, the cover being formed of a flexible plastic.

5. The cover of claim 4, wherein the plastic is PVC.

6. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the cover is configured so that, once installed a longitudinal axis of the cover is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the microtrench.

7. The cover of any preceding claim, having a substantially continuous cross-section along a longitudinal axis.

8. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises an upper surface and a pair of sidewalls, and wherein a distance between the sidewalls decreases as the sidewalls extend downwards from the upper surface.

9. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the body has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.

10. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises an upper surface having a width corresponding to a width ofthe micro-trench.

11. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the body has channels formed therein to allow for deformation ofthe body, thereby increasing the flexibility ofthe cover.

12. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the wings extend downwards from a horizontal plane.

13. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein each wing has an underside, the underside being arranged to contact the surface.

14. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein an upper surface of the body and/or wings comprises a non-slip surface.

15. A method of manufacturing the cover of any preceding claim, comprising extruding the cover.

16. A method of installing a utility cable comprising the steps of:

forming a micro-trench in a surface;

installing the cover of any preceding claim over the micro-trench.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising:

installing the utility cable, and installing the cover before and/or after installing the utility cable.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the utility cable is a fibre optic cable.

19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, comprising cutting the cover to size during installation.