GB2592710A

GB2592710A - A device for collecting debris within a cavity wall

Info

Publication number: GB2592710A
Application number: GB2018982.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Williams Ashley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-12-02
Filing date: 2020-12-02
Publication date: 2021-09-08
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-02
Also published as: GB2592710B; GB202018982D0

Abstract

A device for collecting debris within a cavity wall comprises a trough and a handle pivotally connected to a first end of said trough. The handle may be connected to the trough via an attachment member comprising a hook, loop, or eyelet through which the handle passes. The handle may comprise a flexible portion. The device may comprise a scraper connected to a second end opposite the first, the scraper extending above an upper rim of the trough. The device may be formed of at least two modular sections configured to connect together, at least one of which having a U-shaped cross-section. The ends of the modular sections may be connected using a C-shaped clip. The trough may comprise at least one rib extending along a side wall within the trough.

Description

A device for collecting debris within a cavity wall The present invention relates generally to a device for collecting debris and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in collecting debris within a cavity wall.

Cavity walls comprise two substantially parallel skins separated by a hollow space; typically, at least one of the walls is constructed from masonry, such as bricks, stone, cinder block, breezeblock, thermalite or aerated blocks, etc, and the masonry may be held together using mortar or similar substunces. 't he remaining skin may also be constructed from masonry, but could conceivably comprise a plasterboard stud wall, cladding, wood, or similar.

Masonry is an absorbent material that can slowly draw rainwater or even humidity into a wall. One function of the cavity is to drain water through weep holes at the base of the wall. The weep holes allow wind to create an air stream through the cavity that exports evaporated water from the cavity to the outside. During construction of a cavity wall, excess mortar can come loose and fall onto the surface between the two walls. This excess mortar is detrimental because it can block weep holes, and may even create a bridge of material between the two walls (this is often referred to as "bridging"). Such a bridge can diminish the thermal and sound insulation propertics of the cavity wall, and can also enable water to pass from an outer wall of the cavity wall to an inner wall, resulting in the build-up of damp on the inner wall.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for collecting debris within a cavity wall, the device comprising: a trough; and a handle pivotally connected to a first end of the trough.

In this way, the trough can be placed in-between two walls during construction of a cavity wall to catch any excess mortar or other debris. The trough may be placed on a ground surface, or supported on a cavity tray. The trough can then be pulled out from between the two skins, and the mortar/debris disposed of. Because the handle is pivotally connected to the trough, a user can pull the trough from the cavity wall from a variety of different angles relative to the trough.

Collecting debris may comprise catching any excess or waste material that has entered the void of the cavity wall within the interior of the trough. The debris may be material such as mortar, concrete, constructional block clippings, broken tools or wall ties, discarded packaging, or other detritus commonly found on a construction site.

The pivotal connection may comprise ally connection enabling rotation of the handle around any axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trough. Additionally, or alternatively, the connection may enable rotation of the handle around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trough. The connection may be releasable.

The handle may be connected to the trough via an attachment member comprising a hook, loop, or eyelet.

The handle may be connected to the trough via an attachment member. the attachment member may comprise a hook, loop, or eyelet. The attachment member may be connected to the first end of the trough. This first end may be closed, or may comprise an end cap. The attachment member may be integrally connected to the closed first end or end cap. Alternatively, the connection between the attachment member and closed end of the trough or end cap may be releasable. For example, the attachment member may be attached via clips/clasps, a nut and bolt connection, or a slot and tongue connection.

A portion of the handle may be configured to pass through the attachment member. A portion of the handle may pass through a hook, loop, or eyelet of the attachment member. The handle may comprise a hook and/or a carabiner, a portion of which may pass through the attachment TIICTIther. Such configurations may provide a pivotal connection as described above.

The handle may comprise a flexible portion. The flexible portion may comprise of, for example, rope, chain or cable. Part of the flexible portion may pass through the attachment member to provide the connection between the handle and trough.

The handle may further comprise a portion that can be securely grasped by a user. For example, a portion of the handle may be ribbed, shaped to the contours of a hand, formed of material having a high coefficient of friction with a user's hand (e.g. greater than or equal to 0.5), and/or may comprise a further loop. This provides further freedom when pulling the device from the cavity wall.

The device may further comprise a scraper connected to a second end of the trough opposite to the first end, wherein the scraper extends above an upper rim of the 30 trough.

In this way, the scraper scrapes and collects any additional excess mortar from inside the wall as the trough is pulled out. Additionally, because the scraper extends above the upper rim of the trough, if the tray is lifted and/or tilted as it is pulled out debris will not fall out Of the trough.

The scraper may comprise a U-shape cross-section, which may be similar to that of the trough. The scraper may further comprise a curved prone; that is, a locus of centres of U-shaped cross-sections of the scraper may be curved, and in particular may curve upwards, whereas for the trough it may be straight. The curved profile may extend upwards from the base of the trough, and extend beyond an upper/open rim of the trough The scraper may be connected to an end of the trough, but in some embodiments it may be located at a point intermediate along the length of the trough. The scraper may he connected to the trough on an end opposite to that of an end connected to an attachment member.

The connection between the scraper and the trough may be releasable, and may comprise a male and female connection. The female connector may have a U-shape profile configured to tit within a U-shape profile of a male connector. The female and male connectors may create a friction fit. Alternatively, the female connector and male connector may be a dovetail connection.

The scraper may have a length of 100111M to 300TH 11, lit particular 150nun to 250mm, and more particularly 180mm to 220mm For example, the width may be 20 208mm.

The scraper may have a width of tOmm to 110mm, in particular 30mm to 70mm, and more particularly 40mm to 60mm. For example, the width may be 49rnm.

The scraper may have a depth of 30mm to 300mm, in particular 80rrim to 200mm, and more particularly 100mm to 150mm. For example, the depth may he 110rrim.

The trough may he formed of at least one modular section having a U-shape cross-section, and wherein the ends of any two adjacent modular sections are configured to connect together.

In this way, the length of the collector device can be adjusted to account for cavity walls of varying length. The trough may comprise, for example, only one modular section, two, three, four or five modular sections. It will be appreciated that the trough may comprise more than five modular sections. The modular sections may be connected in series if more than one modular section is used.

The ends of the modular sections may be rcleasably connected together, and may be connected via the ends interlocking. interlocking may be achieved by one end of the modular section comprising a female connector, and the other end of the modular section comprising a male connector. The female connector may have a U-shape profile configured to fit within a 12-shape profile of a male connector. 'the female and male connectors may create a friction fit. Alternatively, the female connector and male connector may be a dovetail connection. For example, in certain embodiments, the 41-shape profiles of the male and female connectors of the modular sections may be compatible with the 41-shape profiles of the male and female connectors of the scraper described above. In this way, a second modular section or a scraper may be optionally attached to an end of a first modular section.

Each modular section may have a length of 300mm to 1500mm, in particular 600mm to 1200mm, and more particularly 800mm to 1000mm. For example, the length may be 904mm.

Each modular section may have a width of lOmm to 110mm, in particular 30mm to 60mm, and more particularly 40mm to 50mm. For example, the width may be 47min.

Each modular section may have a depth of 20mm to 150nim, in particular 40nina to I 00it 1M, and mom particularly 601T1111 to 80111M. For example, the depth may be 70mtn.

At least one end of each modular section may be releasably connectable with an end cap. 'the end cap may comprise a male and/or female connection. The female connection may have a 12-shape profile configured to fit within a E-shape profile of a male connection. The female and male connections may create a friction fit. For example, in certain embodiments, the U-shape profiles of the male and/or female connections of the end cap may be compatible with the LT-shape profiles of the male and female connectors of the scraper and/or modular sections described above in this way, a second modular section, a scraper and /or an end cap may be optionally attached to an end of a first modular section.

C-shape clips may be configured to clamp the ends of any two connected modular sections. Clatnping the ends of any two connected modular sections may act to reinforce the interlocked ends, allowing for greater strength between tnodular sections when the trough is removed from the cavity, reducing the risk of the modular sections disconnecting. The clips also compartmentalise each trough section, which makes disposal of the debris easier.

The C-shape clips may comprise a transverse spine and at least two legs, wherein the legs protrude from opposite sides/edges of the spine. The legs may protrude substantially perpendicularly to the spine, and/or substantially parallel to each other. The spine may have a length substantially equal to the width of the trough, although it may be less than this distance. At least one of the legs may have a length substantially equal to the depth of the trough, although it may be less than this distance, and may project in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trough. As such, the C-shape clips may act to compartmentalise each trough section by entirely blocking debris from passing from one modular section to another, or by partially blocking debris from passing from one modular section to another.

The trough may comprise at least one rib extending along a side wall within the trough from a lower portion of the trough to an upper portion of the trough.

This allows for greater rigidity and prevents the trough from deforming during removal from the cavity wall. Deformation such as twisting or flexing could result in debris being spilled during removal of the trough from the cavity wall.

The lower portion of the trough may include any portion of the trough located substantially proximate to the base of the trough.

The upper portion of the trough may include any portion of the trough located substantially proximate to the rim defining the opening of the trough.

The ribs may be formed integrally with the trough. Alternatively, the ribs may be connected or inserted into the trough separately. 't he ribs may extend along the base of the trough and between the two side walls. The ribs may further extend along the side walls from the base of the trough to the rim of the trough. The ribs may extend from the lower portion of the trough to the upper portion of the trough at any angle.

The C-shape clips may be connectable to ribs extending substantially vertically, and may therefore act to further compartmentalise the trough.

The trough may be formed such that it sits on a floor of a cavity wall flush between two skins. The trough may have a length greater than its width. For example, the length may be more than twice the width of the trough, in particular more than six times the width of the trough, and more particularly more than twelve times the width of the trough.

The trough may therefore be elongate, and comprise at least two side walls and a base extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trough. 't he trough may further comprise a removable lid that can be attached to the trough before or after removal from the cavity wall.

The trough may comprise a substantially U-shape cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trough. As such, the side walls may project upward from the base; that is, if the base is arranged substantially horizontally, the side walls may each be substantially vertical. In particular, the side walls may be arranged at between 60 and 120 degrees to the base, more particularly between 80 and 100 degrees, for example approximately 90 degrees.

The trough may comprise a thermoplastic such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (A13S), Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), or High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE). Other materials are also contemplated, for example thermoset plastics, metals, glass fibre, and/or carbon fibre.

The first end of the trough may be located at a longitudinal extremity of the two sides and the base. The second end may be similarly defined. The ends may be open or closed. Tn the closed configuration, a panel may be integrally formed with the trough and extend between the two sides. In the open configuration, each end may be releasably connectable to an end cap to form a closed end. The end caps may be releasably connectable to the trough via male and female connectors. The female connector may have a U-shape profile configured to fit within a U-shape profile of a male connector, thereby creating a friction fit. Alternatively, the female connector and male connector may be a dovetail connection, but other arrangements are also considered.

The or each end cap may have a length of lOrnm to 110rnm, in particular 30rntn to 70mm, and more particularly 40inm to 60mm. For example, the width may be 50mm. The or each end cap may have a width of 10mm to 110mm, in particular 30rntn to 60mm, and more particularly 40min to 50mm. For example, the width may be 47mm.

The or each end cap may have a depth of 20mm to 150mm, in particular 40mm to 100mm, and more particularly 60mm to 80mm. For example, the depth may be 70mm.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for collecting debris within a cavity wall. Figure 2 is a side view of a device for collecting debris within a cavity wall. Figure 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the trough in the plane AB shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a C-shape Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the trough in the plane KY shown in Figure 3, and includes a C-shape clip.

Figure 6 is a device for collecting debris within a cavity wall in use looking along the longitudinal axis of the trough and cavity wall.

Figure 7 is a device for collecting debris supported on a cavity tray within a cants wall, looking along the longitudinal axis of the trough and cavity wall.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the sixe of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. 'the dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elemen and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the tetms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. it is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circunastances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. Ft means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term "connected", used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. 'thus, the scope of the expression "a device A connected to a device B" should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of 13 which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical contact.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the San IC embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should he appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description. with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Tn the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term "at least one" may mean only one in certain circumstances.

The use of the term "any" may mean "all" and/or "each" in certain circumstances. The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept (Jr technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for collecting debris within a cavity wall. A trough comprising a single modular section is shown having a U-shape cross-section defined by a base 11, and two side walls 12 extending perpendicularly from two edges of the base 11. The base 11 and side walls 12 extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the trough (not shown), and have lengths substantially greater than their widths. A first end 13 of the trough is located at a first extremity of the longitudinal extents of the base 11 and side walls 12.

The first end 13 comprises an end cap 20. The end cap 20 includes a base extending in the same plane as the base 11 of the trough, two side walls extending in the same planes as the side walls 12 of the trough, and an end face oriented in a plane perpendicular to the trough's longitudinal axis.

An attachment member 30 is connected to the end face of the end cap 20, and projects in a direction normal to the plane of the end face and away from the interior of the trough. The attachment member 30 comprises a bolt 31 configured to pass through an aperture within the end face, and is secured in place via a nut (not shown) threaded onto a distal end of the bolt 31. A washer (not shown) may be placed around the bolt between the nut and end face to distribute the load.

The other end of the bolt may comprise an eyelet 32. It will be appreciated that the bolt 31 and eyelet 32 may be integrally fanned, or may be formed of two separate parts connected together. For example, the bolt may pass through a hole within the rim of the eyelet 32, thereby allowing the eyelet 32 to rotate around the bolt 31. Of course, the rim of the eyelet 32 may alternatively pass through a hole within the bolt 31 to allow rotation.

A handle 40 is attached to the end cap 20 of the trough via the attachment member 30. The handle 40 comprises a flexible portion formed of rope. The handle 40 comprises a looped end 41, and a portion of the looped end 41 passes through the eyelet 32. The connection of the looped end 41 and eyelet 32 allows the handle to rotate around any axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trough.

A second end 14 of the trough is located at a second extremity of the base 11 and side walls 12, opposite to the first end 13. The second end 14 is connected to a scraper 50. The scraper 50 comprises an upwardly curving portion with a LT-shape cross-section corresponding to the U-shape cross-section of the trough. The scraper 50 further comprises a curved profile, such that the distal end of the scraper 50 extends above the rim of the trough, whilst the proximal end of the scraper 40 is connected to the second end of the trough 14.

Figure 2 is a side view of a device for collecting debris within a cavity wall. The device cotnprises a trough having first and second modular sections 60, 70 connected together in series so as to form one continuous trough. An end cap 20 is connected to the first modular section 60, forming a closed end of the trough. The end cap 20 comprises an attachment member 30, which may be connected to a handle. A scraper SO is connected to the second modular section 70, Forming another dosed end of the trough. The modular principles shown in Figure 2 may be employed to construct a longer version of the device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the trough in the plane AB denoted in Figure 2 looking along the longitudinal axis of the trough. It shows a male and female connection used for connecting two modular sections together, however it will be appreciated that the connection could also be between a modular section with an end cap (plane NB' in Figure 2), or for connecting a modular section with a scraper (plane A"B" in Figure 2).

The female connector 80 is formed on a first modular section. The male connector 90 is formed on a second modular section. The female connector 80 comprises U-shape cross-section having an outer perimeter 81 and an interior perimeter 82. The male connector 90 comprises a U-shape cross-section having an outer perimeter 91 and an interior perimeter 92. The outer perimeter 91 of the male connector 90 is marginally smaller than the interior perimeter 82 of the female connector 80. In use, the male connector 90 is received within the female connector 80 to provide a friction fit. Nodules 83 are provided in the female connector 80 which extend into the interior of the Li-shape. Indents 93 arc provided in the male connector 90 which extend into the interior of the U-shape. The indents 93 correspond with the nodules 83 such that when the male connector 90 is received within the female connector 80, the nodules 83 snap into the inden 93.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a C-shape clip 100 for clamping a connection between two modular portions. However, it should be appreciated that the C-shape clip 100 can also be used for clamping a connection between a modular portion and a cap end, or a modular portion and a scraper.

The C-shape clip 100 comprises a transverse spine 101, a first leg 102, and a second leg 103. The first and second legs 102, 103 extend from opposite edges of the spine 101 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the spine.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the trough in the plane XY shown in Figure 3. It further shows the C-shape clip of Figure 4 clamping a connection between two modular sections 60, 70. For ease of understanding, the near side wall has been omitted.

The legs 102, 103 extend perpendicularly and entirely between the side walls 12, and substantially between the upper rim of the side wall 12 and base 11 of the trough. In this way, the legs 102, 103 acts to compartmentalise each modular section.

Figure 6 shows a device for collecting debris within a cavity wall, in use, looking along the longitudinal axis of the trough and cavity wall. The cavity wall is defined by a first skin 110, a second skin 130 parallel to the first skin 110, and a void 120 located between the two skins 110, 130. 't he skins 110, 130 are built on a surface 140. The device is positioned within the void 120 such that the base 11 is flush against the surface 140. The width of the device is shown to be substantially equal to the width of the void 120.

It should be apparent that the device can be positioned on the surface 140 before building of the leaves 110, 130 commences, or the device can be slid into position at any point during the building of the leaves 110, 130.

Figure 7 is a device for collecting debris supported on a cavity tray 150 within 2 cavity wall, looking along the longitudinal axis of the trough and cavity wall. The cavity tray 150 extends across the void 120 from the first skin 110, considered to be an internal wall, to the second skin 130, considered to be an external wall. To prevent debris from falling on the cavity tray 150 installed within the cavity wall, the device for collecting debris is placed on top of the cavity tray 150.

Once building of the cavity wall is complete, or if necessary, anytime during construction, a user can remove the device from the cavity wall void 120 by pulling the handle 30. This will cause the device to slide out of the void 120. It will be appreciated that this could be done in one go such that the entirety of the device is removed all at once, or incrementally such that each modular section is removed from the void 120 individually. Additionally, after each incremental removal of a modular section from the void 120, the end cap may be detached from that modular section, that modular section may be detached from the next modular section in the series, and the end cap may be attached to said next modular section in the series. This can then be repeated for each subsequent modular section.

Removal of the trough from the cavity wall void 120 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trough and cavity wall. Alternatively, removal of the trough from the cavity wall may be in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trough and cavity wall (i.e. vertically). 't he trough may be removed from the cavity wall void 120 at any angle between these two directions.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for collecting debris within a cavity wall, the device comprising: a trough; and a handle pivotally connected to a first end of the trough.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle is connected to the trough via an attachment member comprising a hook, loop, or eyelet.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein a portion of the handle is configured to pass through the attachment member.
4. The collector device of any preceding claim, wherein the handle comprises a flexible portion.
5. The device of any preceding claim further comprising a scraper connected to a second end of the trough opposite to the first end, wherein the scraper extends above an upper riTI1 of the trough.
6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the trough is formed of at least one modular section having a U-shape cross-section, and wherein the ends of any two adjacent modular sections are configured to connect together.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein C-shape clips are configured to clamp the ends of any two connected modular sections.
8. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the trough comprises at least one rib extending along a side wall within the trough from a lower portion of the trough to an upper portion of the trough.