GB2589599A

GB2589599A - A gully grating installation system

Info

Publication number: GB2589599A
Application number: GB1917664.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Gibson Simon; Turner Barry; Sarah Elizabeth Evans Samantha; John Turner Simon
Original assignee: Wrekin Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Wrekin Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2019-12-03
Filing date: 2019-12-03
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-03
Also published as: GB201917664D0; GB2589599B

Abstract

A nesting gully-grating installation system 10 with a first support frame 100 defining a first opening A1; a drainage member 200 that sits within the first opening; a second support frame 300 defining a second opening A2, where second support frame also sits within the first opening; and a gully-grating 400 that sits within the second opening. The drainage member may have a flat plate (202 figure 2) with small holes (204 figure 2) and four corner support walls (210 figure 2). There may be a porous filter below the flat plate. The second support frame may have corner plates (312 figure 7) that provide a pivotal mount (301b figure 7); it may also have a skirt (306 figure 6) and spring clips (308 figure 6). The drainage member may be load class E600 (BS EN124). A method of installing the grating is also defined.

Description

A Gully Grating Installation System

Technical Field

This invention relates to a two-stage method of installing a ground surface gully-grating and a system that can be used for such a method. In particular, the system/method provides a temporary heavy-duty drainage frame cover for use before finally installing a gully-grating member.

Background Art

Gully-gratings are widely used, in particular when located in gutters adjacent to road kerbs. When a new road/walkway is under construction underground drainage ducts/channels and associated gully-grating support frames are installed prior to preparation of the road/walkway sub-layers. Typically, final layer surfacing is installed at or near the end of such construction projects in order to minimise the possibility of damage by site traffic etc. Prior to such time, drainage members, in particular mounting frames for gully-gratings are frequently damaged by heavy site traffic, owing to their protrusion above the sub-layer road surface. In addition, gully-grating assemblies, normally of load class D400 (BS EN124), are not capable of withstanding very heavy vehicle loads, without suffering damage. This means that often, before final layer surfacing of the road/walkway and preparation of any kerb features etc., either the gully-grating support frame or the gully-grating itself have to be replaced. Replacement of the gully-grating support frame is particularly disadvantageous as it involves localised excavation of said surrounding sub-layers and then time-consuming removal of the damaged support frame from its bedding prior to complete reinstallation of a replacement support frame.

Disclosure of Invention

An aim of the present invention is to provide a system and method for installing a ground surface gully-grating assembly that is resistant to accidental damage during installation. In particular, the invention aims to avoid such damage to the support frame. During construction of roads/walkways such damage frequently occurs as a result of heavy vehicles passing over either the support frame of the combined frame and grating. Damage to the frame is particularly costly to remedy. The system/method of the invention also avoids damage to the gully-grating member itself, which is also susceptible to damage by heavy vehicles.

A further aim is to provide an improved system and method for installing a ground surface gully-grating assembly.

In a first aspect the invention comprises a gully-grating installation system comprising: a first support frame defining a first aperture (Al); a temporary heavy-duty drainage member dimensioned to nest within and above said first aperture (Al); a second support frame defining a second aperture (A2), said second support frame also being dimensioned to nest in and above said first aperture (Al); and a drainage gully-grating member dimensioned to nest in within and above said second aperture (A2).

Preferably, the heavy-duty drainage member comprises a flat plate having an array of many small drainage apertures.

Preferably, the heavy-duty drainage member further comprises four corner support sidewalls that support this member by against four corner support plates that each extend from two adjoining sidewalls.

Preferably, the system further comprising a porous filter located underneath said flat plate. Preferably, the porous filter is held in place by a plurality of clasps that extend downwardly from the lower face of said flat plate.

Preferably, the second support frame comprises an underside skirt that in use nests within aperture Al of said first support frame.

Preferably, a plurality of spring clips extend downwardly from the second support frame sidewalls, and in use very tightly engage said first support frame. Preferably, these spring clips further comprise an outwardly extending angled protuberance that assists said very tight insertion of the second support frame within the first support frame by engaging an engagement ridge of the first support frame.

Preferably, the second support frame permanently engages said first support frame.

Preferably, the drainage member is substantially stronger than gully-grating member. Most preferably, the heavy-duty drainage member is load-class E600 (BS EN124).

In a further aspect the invention comprises a method of installing a gully-grating installation system comprising: a first support frame defining a first aperture (Al); a temporary heavy-duty drainage member dimensioned to nest within and above said first aperture (Al); a second support frame defining a second aperture (A2), said second support frame also being dimensioned to nest in and above said first aperture (Al); and a drainage gully-grating member dimensioned to nest in within and above said second aperture (A2); comprising the following steps: (la) Secure said first support frame member, in normal way, above associated underground drainage duct/passage; (1 b) Surround first support frame member with road/walkway sub-layer(s) up to level (L3) of first support frame member upper rim surface; (1 c) Install temporary reinforcement drainage member within first aperture (Al) of first support frame member; (2a) Remove temporary reinforcement drainage member within from aperture (Al) of first support frame member; (2b) Locate second support frame within first aperture (Al) ) of first support frame member; (2c) Install drainage gully-grating member or temporary reinforcement member within from aperture (A2) of the second support frame member; and (2d) Lay final road/walkway surfacing layer around second support frame member up to level (L4) of second support frame member upper rim surface.

Preferably, following final resurfacing of the road/walkway, the temporary reinforcement member is replaced by the gully-grating member.

Preferably, during step (lc) a porous filter (F) is attached to the underside the temporary drainage member.

Brief Description of Drawings

The present invention is illustrated by the following diagrammatic figures in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the four basic components/members that comprise the system used by the method of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the two components/members used in the first stage of the method of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a sectioned perspective view of a temporary heavy-duty drainage member, containing a porous filter, nested within the first support frame; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a temporary heavy-duty drainage member nested within the first support frame; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the three components/members used in the second stage of the method of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the second support frame; Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of an inside corner second support frame illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the drainage gully-grating member; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the gully-grating nested within the second support frame and about to be inserted within the first support frame; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the combined gully-grating member and second support frame located above the first support frame; and Figures lla and 11 b illustrate aspects of the first and second stages of the method of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a gully-grating installation system (10) according to a first embodiment of the invention. It shows four separate components/members, all typically made of ductile cast iron; a base frame (100); a (temporary) heavy-duty drainage cover (200); a frame sidewall extender member (300) and a drainage gully-grating member (400).

Referring to Figure 2, the base frame (100) comprises four sidewalls (102) that define a generally rectangular-shaped aperture (Al) and a flange (104) that extends outwardly from the lower edges of the three sidewalls (102a) only. The remaining sidewall (102b) is without a flange extension and is intended to be positioned proximal/parallel to a road kerb. Each sidewall (102) has a lower portion (106) and a slightly inset adjoining, upwardly extending, vertical portion (108). Each internal corner of the base frame (100) has a support plate (114); integrally formed with adjoining angled portions (106) of the sidewalls (102). Figure 2 only shows one of these four corner support plates (114). The junction between the angled portion (106) and the upwardly extending vertical portion (108) defines an engagement ridge (116) as shown in Figure 3.

The heavy-duty drainage cover (200) comprises flat plate portion (202) upon which are located a matrix of many small drainage apertures (204) and has two angled corners (206) configured to fit within the generally rectangular shaped aperture (Al) that also has two corresponding angled corners (112). Extending downwardly from opposite side edges of the flat plate portion are two sidewalls (208) each comprising three general rectangular-shaped portions (210) with smaller clasp portions (212) located there-between. These clasps (212) are optionally used to support a porous filter (F) that can be located underneath the flat plate portion (202) as illustrated in Figure 3.

Preferably, the heavy-duty cover (200) meets a load class up to D400 (BS EN124), and is thus considerably stronger than typical gully-grating assemblies. In use, the heavy-duty cover (200) is supported within the base frame (100) by the four corner rectangular sidewall portions (210) abutting against the four corner support plates (114) of the base frame (100).

Figure 3 shows a sectioned perspective view of a temporary heavy-duty drainage cover (200), containing a porous filter member (F), nested within the base frame (100) Figure 4 shows the heavy-duty cover nested/located within the aperture Al of the base frame (100). This configuration would only be used during a construction phase -which corresponds to Stage 1 of the method of the invention (see below).

Figure 5 shows a perspective exploded view of the base frame (100); frame sidewall extender member (300) and drainage gully-grating member (400); that are used together for final installation, following completion of the construction phase.

Referring to Figure 6, the frame sidewall extender member (300) comprises four vertical sidewalls (302) that define a generally rectangular aperture (A2), again having two angled corners (304) and an inset and adjoining skirt (306) extending downwardly from each said sidewall (302). Each sidewall has a pair of downwardly extending "spring clips" (308) that include thicker, outwardly extending, lower portions (310). Opposing sidewalls (302a, 302b) also each have a circular aperture (310a, 310b respectively) that are provided to engage pivot members of the gully-grating (see below). Using construction materials such as ductile cast iron allows the clips (308) to behave like "spring clips" and in use the angled end portions (310) engage the base frame (100) engagement ridge (116) so tightly that they cannot normally be subsequently removed. This, advantageously, provides very rigid support of the frame sidewall extender member (300) when nested within aperture Al of the base frame (100). This is important as otherwise vibration of the frame sidewall extender member (300) within the base frame (100) caused by traffic passing over, would damage the system (100, 300, 400).

Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of an inside corner of the frame sidewall extender member (300) illustrated in Figure 6. Each of the two corners of the frame sidewall extender member (300) has an internal support plate (312) located below the apertures (301a, 301b) that extend inwardly from adjacent mutually perpendicular walls (302a/b, 302c) Figure 8 shows a perspective view of gully-grating member (400), detached from sidewall extender member (300). The grating comprises a robust outer frame and a cross member that divides the frame into four segments each containing two gulley bars. These four pairs of gulley bars ate particularly vulnerable to damage when they are excessively loaded.

The grating has an integral pivot shaft (404) that extends outwardly from a sidewall extension member, and the opposite sidewall extension has a circular aperture (402); a detachable cylindrical pivot shaft (P) is dimensioned to tightly fit within aperture 402 and extend outwardly from the opposing sidewall extension; thus allowing the hinged grating to be removed from frame sidewall extender member 300. In normal use, pivot shafts P and 404 are loosely located within the circular apertures (310a, 310b) of the frame sidewall extender member (300), and are not in contact with these apertures. This avoids the pivot shafts having to bear load when traffic passes over the installed assembly (100, 300, 400). This loose location is achieved by specifying aperture diameters (310a, 310b) that are significantly greater than the pivot shaft (P, 400) diameters.

The two corners of the grating (opposite said sidewall extensions) each have an extending member with a slightly arcuate face (406) that is use (when the gully is closed within the sidewall extending member) nest within the angled corners (304) of the frame sidewall extender member (300). The other two corners of the gully-grating member (400) each have an underside corner support member (412). The gully-grating member (400) is supported within the sidewall extending member (300) by the abutment of its arcuate faces (406) against the inside surfaces of the two angled corners (304) of the frame sidewall extender member (300) and also by abutment of grating underside corner support members (412) against the two support plates (312) of the frame sidewall extender member (300).

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the combined drainage gully-grating member (400) pivotally mounted within the frame sidewall extender member (300) and ready to be inserted within the base frame (100); Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the combined support frame (300) and gully-grating member (400) about to be nested/located above the base frame (100).

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the gully-grating and the sidewall extender member may be a single ductile cast component; in which case there will be no hinge/pivot; or the gully-grating may be pivotally housed within the sidewall extender member in a permanent way, so as not, in normal use, to allow its removal, as allowed in the above preferred embodiment by removal of the pivot shaft (P).

Method of the Invention The system described above may be used to install a gully-grating in roadside gutters; walkways; and the like in such a way as to minimise the possibility of damage to the grating support frame or the gully-grating itself during any further construction activities subsequent to initial installation.

The method of the present invention comprises two discrete stages: firstly installing of a base frame (100) in the gutter of walkway and the fitting a heavy-duty cover, preferably having drainage holes, typically comprising an array of many small circular holes (see Figure 11a); and secondly, just prior or after final surfacing (e.g. by asphalt, slabs and the like), removing the heavy duty cover and replacing it with a frame sidewall extender member (300), that nests within the lower base frame (100), and fitting the gully-grating member (400) within the frame sidewall extender member (300). Final surfacing then brings the final level of the road/walkway up to the same level as the surface of the grating and/or top rim of the frame sidewall extender member (300) -see Figure 11b.

Typically, the base frame (100) will be bedded/bonded upon/to chamber top of the drainage duct/channel -(at a level L1) using mortar or the equivalent. Following this the heavy-duty cover (200) will be placed/nested within the aperture Al of base frame 100. Then, road/walkway sub layer(s) will be laid up to level L3 -corresponding to the upper rim of the base frame 100. This completes the first stage.

Near completion of the construction project -when heavy vehicles etc. that are likely to cause damage are no longer generally in use, the heavy duty cover will be removed and replaced with tight-fitting upper frame sidewall extender member (300); then, the hinged gully-grating member (400) will be inserted within the upper support frame, first engaging integral pivot shaft (404) with frame aperture 301b, and then inserting the removable pivot shaft (P) through apertures 310a and 402. Finally, the final road/walkway surface is laid -typically asphalt when applied to roads. This completes the second stage.

In a less preferred embodiment of the system and method of the invention may utilise a gully-grating member (400) and upper frame sidewall extender member (300) that comprise a single unit, and so in normal use would not be detached from each other.

Alternatively, the method of the present invention may comprises three discrete stages: the first stage is as described above; the second stage differs (to that described above) in that after the heavy duty cover has been removed and replaced with tight fitting frame sidewall extender member 300, the heavy-duty cover (200) is again inserted within the upper support frame. Finally, the final road/walkway surface is laid -typically asphalt when applied to roads. This completes the second stage. The final (third) stage then comprises: removing the heavy-duty cover (200) from the upper support frame and replacing it with a gully-grating member (400).

In both of the above alternatives the method preferably uses a gully-grating that is hinged (using pivot shafts) to the upper support frame (300). However, the gully-grating member (400) does not have to be hinged to the frame sidewall extender member (300), and may be secured thereto by other means.

Thus, the method of installing a gully-grating installation system (10) may use: a first support frame (100) defining a first aperture (Al); a temporary heavy-duty drainage member (200) dimensioned to nest within and above said first aperture (Al); a second support frame (300) defining a second aperture (A2), said second support frame (300) also being dimensioned to nest in and above said first aperture (Al); and a drainage gully-grating member (400) dimensioned to nest in within and above said second aperture (A2); comprising the following steps: (1a) Secure said first support frame member (100), in normal way, above associated underground drainage duct/passage; (1 b) Surround first support frame member (100) with road/walkway sub-layer(s) up to level (L3) of first support frame member (100) upper rim surface; (1c) Install temporary reinforcement drainage member (200) within first aperture (Al) of first support frame member (100); (2a) Remove temporary reinforcement drainage member (200) within from aperture (Al) of first support frame member (100); (2b) Locate second support frame (300) within first aperture (Al) of first support frame member (100); (2c) Install again the temporary reinforcement member (200) within from aperture (A2) of the second support frame member (300); (2d) Lay final road/walkway surfacing layer around second support frame member (300) up to level (L4) of second support frame member (300) upper rim surface; and 2(f) Install the gully-grating member (400) within the aperture (A2) of the second support frame member (300).

The above method requires several straightforward modifications to the second support frame to enable the temporary reinforcement cover (200) also to be nested within aperture A2 of the second support frame (300).

Claims

Claims 1. A gully-grating installation system (10) comprising: a first support frame (100) defining a first aperture (Al); a temporary heavy-duty drainage member (200) dimensioned to nest within and above said first aperture (Al); a second support frame (300) defining a second aperture (A2), said second support frame (300) also being dimensioned to nest in and above said first aperture (Al); and a drainage gully-grating member (400) dimensioned to nest in within and above said second aperture (A2).
2. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to Claim 1 wherein the heavy-duty drainage member (200) comprises a flat plate (202) having an array of many small drainage apertures (204)
3. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to Claim 2 wherein the heavy duty drainage member (200) further comprises four corner support sidewalls (210) that in use support this member (200) within the first support frame (100) by abutting against four corner support plates (114) that each extend from two corner sidewall portions of the first support frame (100).
4. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to Claim 2 or 3 further comprising a porous filter (F) located underneath said flat plate (202).
5. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to Claim 4 wherein said porous filter is held in place by a plurality of clasps (212) that extend downwardly from the lower face of said flat plate (202).
6. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to any preceding claim where the second support frame (300) comprises: a pair of corner support plates (312), located proximal the frame (300) corners that provide pivotal mounting apertures (301); and wherein said support plates (312) extend inwardly from adjacent mutually perpendicular walls.
7. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to any preceding claim where the second support frame (300) comprises an underside skirt (306) that in use nests within aperture Al of said first support frame (100).
8. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to any preceding claim wherein a plurality of spring clips (308) extend downwardly from the second support frame sidewalls and in use very tightly engage said first support frame (100).
9. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to Claim 8 wherein spring clip (308) further comprise an angled outwardly extending protuberance (310) that assists said very tight insertion of the second support frame (100) within the first support frame (200) by engaging the engagement ridge (116) of the first support frame (100).
10. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to Claim 8 wherein the second support frame (300) permanently engages said first support frame (100).
11. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to any preceding claim wherein the drainage member (200) is substantially stronger than gully-grating member (400).
12. A gully-grating installation system (10) according to Claim 10 where the heavy-duty drainage member (200) is load-class E600 (BS EN124).
13. A method of installing a gully-grating installation system (10) comprising: a first support frame (100) defining a first aperture (Al); a temporary heavy-duty drainage member (200) dimensioned to nest within and above said first aperture (Al); a second support frame (300) defining a second aperture (A2), said second support frame (300) also being dimensioned to nest in and above said first aperture (Al); and a drainage gully-grating member (400) dimensioned to nest in within and above said second aperture (A2); comprising the following steps: (1 a) Secure said first support frame member (100), in normal way, above associated underground drainage duct/passage; (1 b) Surround first support frame member (100) with road/walkway sub-layer(s) up to level (L3) of first support frame member (100) upper rim surface; (1c) Install temporary reinforcement drainage member (200) within first aperture (Al) of first support frame member (100); (2a) Remove temporary reinforcement drainage member (200) within from aperture (Al) of first support frame member (100); (2b) Locate second support frame (300) within first aperture (Al) of first support frame member (100); (2c) Install drainage gully-grating member (400) or temporary reinforcement member (200) within from aperture (A2) of the second support frame member (300); and (2d) Lay final road/walkway surfacing layer around second support frame member (300) up to level (L4) of second support frame member (300) upper rim surface.
14. A method according to Claim 13 where following final resurfacing of the road/walkway the temporary reinforcement member (200) is replaced by the gully-grating member (400)
15. A method according to Claim 13 or 14 wherein during step (1c) a porous filter (F) is attached to the underside the temporary drainage member (200).