GB2598241A

GB2598241A - Outlet box and lid

Info

Publication number: GB2598241A
Application number: GB2116508.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nancy Wrinch Caroline; Fitzsimons Duncan
Original assignee: Cableduct Ltd
Current assignee: Cableduct Ltd
Priority date: 2017-12-27
Filing date: 2017-12-27
Publication date: 2022-02-23
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-27
Also published as: GB2598241B; GB202116508D0

Abstract

A floor box comprises a base box 30 defining a cavity. The floor box further comprises a cover plate 31 mounted within the base box 30, and the cover plate 31 comprises an aperture 32 providing access to the cavity within the base box 30. A sealing plate 33 is movable between a sealing position in which it abuts and overlies the cover plate 31 to block the aperture 32, preventing access to the cavity within the base box 30. Alternatively, the sealing plate 33 may be in an access position in which the aperture 32 is at least partly uncovered. A lid (figure 9, 1) is movable between an open position in which the sealing plate 33 is exposed and a closed position in which the lid (figure 9, 1) abuts and overlies the sealing plate 33. The floor box may further comprise a sealing gasket 34 between the sealing plate 33 and cover plate 31.

Description

OUTLET BOX AND LID

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a floor box such as an outlet box for providing electrical and data/communication terminals to under floor cabling systems. In particular, the present invention relates to floor boxes for limiting ingression of dustiwate.r. The present invention also relates to a lid for a floor box or access hatch that has an improved handle for opening the lid.

Bac.:.kgrounci It is known to provide floor boxes such as outlet boxes for providing electrical and data/communication terminals to under floor cabling systems. Flying leads connect to the terminals from external (typically above floor) devices such as telephones and computers.

Such floor boxes typically include a base box which sits within a space below the floor surface and defines a cavity for housing various components (e.g. components for the mounting of terminals in the case of an electrical outlet box). A hinged lid is typically provided that is preferably flush with the floor surface when in a closed position and which opens to provide access to the components (e.g. terminals) housed within the cavity of the base box. The lid of an electrical outlet box typically has one or more hinged outlet flaps which lift to allow cables to pass between the terminals and external devices through the lid when in a closed position In some cases, the outlet flaps are also used as handles to lift the lid to an open position in which the terminals within the base box cavity can be accessed.

In other floor boxes, a U-shaped handle which sits within a dimple on the lid and either pivots on two pivot pins or which can be iifted vertically from lid is provided to assist opening of the lid. it can often be fiddly to access these handles within the dimple. Furthermore, these known handles often remain proud of the lid when not in use and thus can be damaged or even accidentally removed from the lid entirely.

Accordingly, there is the need for a lid for a floor box e.g. for an electrical outlet box, or for an access hatch that has a handle that is easy to access and that is less prone to damage when not in use.

Electrical enclosures such as electrical outlet boxes are typically provided with an IP (ingress Protection) rating for their sealing effectiveness against foreign bodies and moisture. The IP rating will depend largely on the sealing of the lid against the base box.

Attempts to improve the IP rating of outlet boxes have typically involved replacement of the hinged lids with sealed plates that require special tools for opening and replacement of the outlet flaps with "snorkel" cord outlets.

Other known outlet boxes have a lid which seals against an o-ring when not in use but that which remains open when in use to allow access for the flying leads.

Accordingly, there is the need for a floor box (e.g. an electrical outlet box) providing improved protection against ingress of dust and water even when in use that is preferably of a simple construction and which preferably provides easy access to cavity within.

Summary

In a first aspect, there is provided a floor box comprising: a base box defining a cavity; a cover plate mounted within said base box, said cover plate having an aperture providing access to the cavity within the base box; a sealing plate movable between a sealing position in which it abuts and overlies the cover plate to block the aperture thus preventing access to the cavity within the base box, and an access position in which the aperture is at least partly uncovered; and a lid movable between an open position in which the sealing plate is exposed and a closed position in which the lid abuts and overlies the sealing plate.

By providing a base box with a sealing plate that can completely block and seal the aperture in the cover plate within the base box, and a lid that bears against the sealing plate in the closed position, the cavity within the base box can be effectively sealed to minimise ingress of dust and moisture.

Optional features ill now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination h any aspect.

In some embodiments, the floor box is an electrical outlet box and the base box defines a cavity for housing electrical and data/communication terminals.

In some embodiments, the floor box further comprises a sealing gasket for sealing between the sealing plate and the cover plate in the sealing position.

In some embodiments, the sealing gasket is mounted on the underside of the sealing plate, e.g. around the perimeter of the underside of the sealing plate. The underside of the sealing plate is the surface that faces the cover plate and the base box cavity.

In other embodiments; the sealing gasket is mounted on the top side of the cover plate. For example, the sealing gasket may be mounted around the perimeter of the aperture in the cover plate. The top side of the cover plate is the side that faces the sealing plate.

The sealing gasket may comprise a compressible material e.g. a compressible foam.

The sealing gasket will include a central aperture e.g. matching the dimensions of the aperture in the cover plate for providing access to the electrical and data/communication terminals within the cavity in the case of an outlet box.

In some embodiments, the lid is hingedly connected to the base box such that it is pivotable between its open and closed positions. In other embodiments, the lid is hingedly connected to a sleeve upstanding from the cover plate e.g. upstanding beyond the base box. The lid is preferably hingedly/pivotally connected to the base box or sleeve proximal a rear portion of the floor box.

In some embodiments, the sealing plate is movable e.g. liftable and slidablelretractable between the sealing position and a partial access position in which the sealing plate abuts and overlies the cover plate (as in the sealing position) but with a portion of the aperture exposed. For example, the sealing plate may be movable towards the rear portion of the floor box for positioning in the partial access position to expose a portion of the aperture towards the opposing front portion of the floor box. In this partial access position, flying leads and cable may pass from the electrical and data/communication terminals within the cavity through the aperture in the cover plate, In the partial access position of the sealing plate, the lid can remain in its closed position in which it abuts and overlies the sealing plate. To allow the flying leads/cables to pass through the lid, the lid may comprise a hinged outlet flap (towards the front portion of the floor box) that can pivot upwards from the lid to provide an opening through which the leads/cables can pass.

In some embodiments, the sealing plate is biased e.g. by one or more resilient members such as one or more coiled springs towards the partial access position. The one or more resilient members are connected to the underside of the sealing plate and preferably pass through the aperture within the cover plate for connection e.g. to the base box or to the underside of the cover plate. in these embodiments; in order to maintain the sealing plate in the sealing position with the aperture completely covered, the sealing plate and/or cover plate may comprise one or more locks to lock the sealing plate in the sealing position against the bias of the one or more resilient members.

In some embodiments, the sealing plate comprises at least one hook; lug or tooth which is received in a respective at least one aperture (e.g. on the cover plate) for securing/locking the sealing plate in the sealing position against the bias of the at least one resilient member.

For example, the underside of the sealing plate, i.e. the side which faces the cavity in the closed position, may comprise at the least one hook, lug or tooth which is received in the respective at least one aperture on the cover plate for securing the sealing plate in the sealing position.

The sealing plate, e.g. the underside of the sealing plate, may comprise at least one hook; lug or tooth on each lateral side of the sealing plate and the cover plate may comprise a respective aperture on each lateral side of the cover plate for securing the sealing plate in the sealing position.

In some embodiments, the or each lug or tooth may be radially expandable within its respective aperture to enhance the locking of the sealing plate in the sealing position. For example, the or each lug or tooth may comprise an elastornerictrubbery sleeve mounted on a shaft on the underside of the sealing plate connected to a lever provided on the top side of the sealing plate; the lever being operable to reduce the length of the shaft protruding from the underside of the sealing plate thus compressing and radially expanding the elastomericirubbery sleeve within the aperture. This is typically called a "swell-latch".

In these embodiments, the lever(s) may be used as handles to move the sealing plate between the sealing position and the partial access position by lifting the sealing plate (to disengage the or each lug/tooth) and then sliding the sealing plate towards the rear portion of the floor box. The lever(s) may be moveable between a flush position in which it is recessed into and flush with the upper surface of the sealing plate (when the sealing plate is in the sealing position and the or each lug/tooth is radially expanded) and an upstanding position in which it is proud of the upper surface and accessible for lifting/sliding/retracting the sealing plate.

In other embodiments without levers, the top side of the sealing plate (i.e, the upper surface facing the lid) may be provided with at least one handle for moving the sealing plate between the sealing position and partial access position. Again: the at least one handle may be moveable between a flush position in which it is recessed into and flush with the upper surface of the sealing plate (when the sealing plate is in the sealing position) and an upstanding position in which it is proud of the upper surface and accessible for lifting/sliding/retracting the sealing plate.

In some embodiments, the sealing plate is movable from the sealing position and/or the partial access position to a full access position in which it no longer overlies and abuts the cover plate but, instead, rests with a transverse edge on the cover plate in an upright position (preferably at an angle of greater than 90 degrees to the cover plate surrounding the aperture) to completely expose the aperture. This allows plugs and sockets to be inserted into the electrical and data/communication terminals within the cavity. VVhen the sealing plate is in the full access position, the lid is in its open position The sealing plate may rest against the lid in its full access position.

The sealing plate is preferably movable to its full access position by elongation of the at least one resilient member through the aperture and around a rear edge of the aperture.

In some embodiments, the underside of the sealing plate e.g. a central portion of the underside of the sealing plate, is provided with a panel which is received in the aperture in the cover plate in the sealing position of the sealing plate The at least one resilient member may be connected to the panel on the underside of the sealing plate.

In a second aspect, there is provided a lid for a floor box or access hatch, said lid comprising: a lid panel having an upper surface; a housing mounted on said upper surface, said housing defining a handle cavity and having a pivot pin extending through said handle cavity; a handle mounted within said handle cavity on said pivot pin; wherein the handle is pivotable about the pivot pin from a first handle position in which it is substantially horizontal to a second handle position in which a first lateral end is recessed into the handle cavity and an opposing second lateral end is upstanding above the housing.

In this way, when the lid is pivotally mounted onto a floor box (e.g. an electrical outlet box) box, the handle is substantially horizontal within the housing in the first position so that it is flush with the floor and then the first lateral end can easily be depressed (e.g. manually) into the handle cavity so that the handle pivots about the pivot pin into the second handle position with the second lateral end of the handle being raised above the housing so that it can be gripped and lifted, in order to open the lid.

In some embodiments; the handle is biased e.g. by a resilient member (such as a coiled spring) into the first handle position so that the handle returns to its first handle position when not in use. In this way, damage of the handle is avoided.

The term "substantially horizontal' is intended to refer to the orientation of the handle within the housing. VVhen the lid is mounted into a floor box, the handle will be substantially horizontal (and flush with the floor surface) when the lid is in a closed position.

The lid has a rear edge for connection to the floor box/floor and an opposing front edge In some embodiments; the lid panel comprises a recessed upper surface at least partially surrounded by perimeter walls. In the first handle position, the handle may be flush with an upper surface of the perimeter walls. In the second handle position, the second lateral end may be upstanding above the perimeter walls.

In some embodiments, the lid panel comprise.s a rear perimeter wail (at the rear edge) and two adjoining side walls wherein the two side walls comprise pivot portions i.e. pivot pins or apertures for receiving pivot pins proximal the rear perimeter wall. In these embodiments, the lid panel may further comprise a front perimeter wall (at the front edge) between the two side walls and opposing the rear perimeter wail.

In order to minimise the effort used to open the lid, the housing and handle are preferably provided at the front edge e.g. proximal/adjacent the front perimeter wall. The front perimeter wall may comprise a gap which is bridged by the housing.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises opposing first and second side walls. The pivot pin may be mounted between these opposing side walls. The opposing side walls may be parallel to the perimeter side walls. They may have the same vertical height as the perimeter walls, i.e. an upper surface of the first and second side walls of the housing may be flush with the upper surface of the perimeter walls.

In some embodiments, the first side wall of the housing comprises an angled slot having an upper end distal the front edge/front perimeter wail and a lower end proximal the front edgelfront perimeter wall. The first lateral end of the handle may comprise a transverse guiding pin which is received in the angled slot. The slot is angled such that, in the first handle position, the guiding pin is received at the upper end of the slot and, as the handle moves to the second handle position and the first lateral end of the handle moves into the handle cavity, the guiding pin moves downwards and towards the front edge/front perimeter wall to the lower end of the angled slot The handle preferably comprises a planar upper surface. The planar upper surface is preferably flush with the upper surface of the perimeter walls in the first position.

In some embodiments, the second lateral end of the handle comprises a downwardly depending grip portion. This is only exposed in the second handle position and is provided to facilitate gripping and lifting of the handle (and this the lid). In the first handle position the grip portion is retained within the handle cavity.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises a support pin extending across the handle cavity between the housing side walls proximal a front end of the housing (proximal the second lateral end of the handle). The support pin is for supporting the second lateral end of the handle so that it does not recess into the handle cavity.

The handle preferably comprises a downwardly-depending main body portion interposed between the first and second lateral ends of the handle. The main body is retained within the handle cavity in both the first and second handle positions The main body preferably comprises an aperture in which the pivot pin is received.

The aperture preferably comprises three apices -two horizontally opposed upper apices, the first upper apex proximal the second lateral end of the handle and the second upper apex proximal the first lateral end of the handle, and a lower apex which is closer towards the first lateral end than the first or second upper apices. The term "horizontally opposed" refers to the orientation of the upper apices when the handle is in the first handle position.

In the first handle position, the pivot pin is located in the first upper apex proximal the second lateral end of the handle.

As the first lateral end is depressed into the handle cavity and the second lateral end is raised above the housing e.g. above the upper surface of the perimeter walls, the main body moves so that the pivot pin is positioned in the second upper apex closer to the first lateral end of the handle.

As the second lateral end of the handle is lifted further above the housing/upper surface of the perimeter walls in order to raise the lid, the main body moves so that the pivot pin rests in the lower apex.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the handle is biased e.g. by a resilient member (such as a coiled spring) into the first handle position so that the handle returns to its first handle position (horizontaliflush with the upper surface of the perimeter walls) when not in use. The resilient member may be connected between the housing and the main body of the handle. For example, the main body may be provided with a projection e.g. a hooked projection for connection to the resilient member. The projection may depend from the base of the main body.

In preferred embodiments, the resilient member is connected between a rear end wall of the housing (proximal the first lateral end of the handle) and the main body (for example the projection of the main body) e.g. on a side of the main body facing the rear end wall of the housing. In this way, as the handle pivots to the second handle position, the resilient member is stretched. When the handle portion (e.g. the grip portion of the handle) is released, the resilient member contracts and pulls the main body towards the rear end wail of the housing to move the handle back to the first handle position.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises an outlet flap portion which provides an outlet flap cavity adjacent the handle cavity. For example, the second side wall of the handle cavity may be common to both cavities and the first side wall may be distal the outlet flap cavity.

The outlet flap cavity may house an outlet flap which is pivotally connected to the outlet flap portion and pivotable from a first outlet flap position (in which it is horizontal/flush with the upper surface of the perimeter walls) to a second outlet flap position (in which the lateral edge opposite the pivot connection is raised above the housing/upper surface of the perimeter walls).

In some embodiments, the lid further comprises an in-fill e.g. a carpet or tile or laminate in-fill mounted on the recessed upper surface so as to be flush with the upper surface of the perimeter walls.

In a third aspect, the present invention comprises a floor box or access hatch having a lid according to the second aspect.

In some embodiments, the floor box is an electrical outlet box having a base box defining a cavity for housing electrical and datalcommunication terminals.

In some embodiments, the floor box is a floor box according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawing

Embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a lid according to the second aspect; Figures 3 and 4 show the housing with the handle in the first andsecond positions respectively; Figures 5 to 7 show the handle in more detail; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an outlet box according to an embodiment of the first aspect; Figure 9 shows a transverse cross section though the outlet box of Figure 8 with the sealin plate in its full access position and the lid in its open position; Figure 10 shows a transverse cross section though the outlet box of Figure 8 with the sealing plate in its sealing position and the lid in its open position; Figure 11 shows a transverse cross section though the outlet box of Figure 8 with the sealing plate in its sealing position and the lid in its closed position and Figure 12 shows a transverse cross section though the outlet box of Figure 8 with the sealing plate in its partial access position and the lid in its open position.

Detailed Description and Further Optional Features

Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a first embodiment of a lid according to the second aspect.

The lid 1 comprises a lid panel 2 having a recessed upper surface 3 at least partly surrounded by perimeter walls 4. A housing 5 defining a handle cavity is mounted on the upper surface 3. A handle 6 is mounted within the housing 5 and is pivotable from a first handle position (shown in Figures 2 and 3) in which it is flush with an upper surface 7 of the perimeter wails 4 to a second handle position (shown in Figures 1 and 4) in which a first lateral end 8 of the handle 6 is recessed into the housing 5 and an opposing second lateral end 9 is upstanding above the upper surface 7 of the perimeter walls 4.

The perimeter walls 4 of the lid panel a comprise a rear perimeter wall 4a and two adjoining side walls 4b, 4b' wherein the two side walls comprise pivot portions i.e. apertures 10, 10' for receiving pivot pins proximal the first lateral perimeter wall 4a The lid panel 2 further comprises a front perimeter wall 4c between the two side walls 4b, 4b' and opposing the rear perimeter wall 4a.

The housing 5 is provided in a gap 11 in the front perimeter wall 4c.

The housing 5 comprises opposing first and second side wails 12a, 12b which define the handle cavity.

The opposing side walls 12a, 12b are parallel to the perimeter side walls 4b, 4b' and they have the same vertical height as the perimeter walls 4, i.e. an upper surface of the first and second side walls 12a, 12b of the housing 5 is flush with the upper surface 7 of the perimeter walls 4.

A shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first side wail 12a of the housing 5 comprises an angled slot 13 having an upper end distal the front perimeter wall 4c and a lower end proximal the front perimeter wall 4c. The first lateral end of the handle 8 comprises a transverse guiding pin 14 which is received in the angled slot 13. The slot 13 is angled such that; in the first handle position (shown in Figure 3), the guiding pin 14 is received at the upper end of the slot 13 and, as the handle 6 moves to the second handle position (shown in Figure 4) with the first lateral end 8 of the handle 6 moving into the housing, the guiding pin 14 moves downwards and towards the front perimeter wall 4c to the lower end of the angled slot 13.

A pivot pin 15 extends through the cavity within the housing 5 between the opposing side walls 12a, 12b. The handle 6 is mounted within the handle cavity on the pivot pin 15.

Figures 5-7 show the handle 6 in more detail. The handle 6 comprises a planar upper surface 16 which is flush with the upper surface 7 of the perimeter walls 4 and with the upper surface of the opposing side walls 12a; 12b in the first position (shown in Figure 5), The second lateral end 9 of the handle 6 comprises a downwardly-depending grip portion 17. In the first handle position (shown in Figure 5) the grip portion 17 is retained within the cavity in the housing 5.

The housing 5 comprises a support pin 18 extending the handle cavity between the first and second side walls 12a, 12b proximal a front end 19 of the housing 5 (proximal the second lateral end 9 of the handle 6). The support pin 18 is for supporting the second lateral end of the handle 6 so that it does not recess into the cavity within the housing 5 The handle 6 comprises a downwardly-depending main body portion 20 interposed between the first and second lateral ends 8; 9 of the handle 6. The main body 20 is retained within the housing in both the first and second handle positions. The main body 20 comprises an aperture 21 in which the pivot pin 15 is received.

The aperture 21 comprises three apices -two horizontally opposed upper apices, the first upper apex 21a proximal the second lateral end 9 of the handle 6 and the second upper apex 21b proximal the first lateral end 8 of the handle 6, and a lower apex 21c which is closer towards the first lateral end 8 than the first or second upper apices. The term "horizontally opposed" refers to the orientation of the upper apices 21a, 21b when the handle 6 is in the first handle position (as shown in Figure 5).

As the first lateral end is depressed into the handle cavity and the second lateral end is raised above the upper surface of the perimeter walls, the main body moves so that the pivot pin is positioned in the second upper apex closer to the first lateral end of the handle.

As the second lateral end of the handle is lifted further above the upper surface of the perimeter walls in order to raise the lid, the main body moves so that the pivot pin rests in the lower apex.

In the first handle position (show in Figure 5), the pivot pin 15 is located in the first upper apex 21a proximal the second lateral end 9 of the handle 6.

As the first lateral end 8 is depressed into the cavity of the housing 5 (in the second position shown in Figure 6), the second lateral end 9 is raised above the upper surface 7 of the perimeter walls 4 (to expose the grip portion 17) and the main body 20 moves so that the pivot pin 15 is positioned in the second upper apex 21b.

As the second lateral end 9 of the handle 6 is manually lifted further above the upper surface 7 of the perimeter walls 4 using the grip portion 17, the main body 20 moves so that the pivot pin 15 rests at the lower end of aperture in the lower apex 21c.

The handle 6 is biased by a coiled spring 22 into the first handle position (shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5) so that the handle 6 returns to its first handle position (flush with the upper surface 7 of the perimeter walls 4) when not in use. The coiled spring is connected between the housing 5 and a hooked projection 23 on the main body 20 may be connected between the housing and the main body of the handle.

In preferred embodiments, the resilient member is connected between a rear end wall 24 of the housing 5 (proximal the first lateral end 8 of the handle 6) and the hooked projection 23 of the main body 20.

In this way, as the handle 6 pivots to the second handle position (shown in Figures 2, 4 and 6), the coiled spring 22 is stretched. \A/hen the grip portion 17 of the handle 6 is released, the coiled spring 22 contracts and pulls the main body 20 towards the rear end wall 24 of the housing 5 to move the handle 6 back to the first handle position.

As shown in Figure 1 to 4, the housing 5 comprises an outlet flap portion 25 which provides an outlet flap cavity. The second side wall 12b of the housing 5 is common to the outlet flap cavity and the cavity within the housing 5 housing the handle 6 with the st side wall 12 distal the outlet flap cavity.

The outlet flap portion 25 houses an outlet flap 26 which is pivotally connected to the outlet flap portion 25 and pivotable from a first outlet flap position (shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4) in which it is horizontal/flush with the upper surface 7 of the perimeter walls 4 to a second outlet flap position (shown in Figure 2) in which the lateral edge opposite the pivot connection is raised above the upper sudace 7 of the perimeter walls 4.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an outlet box according to an embodiment of the first aspect. The outlet box comprises a base box 30 defining a cavity housing electrical and data/communication terminals. A cover plate 31 is mounted within the base box 30. The cover plate has an aperture 32 providing access to the cavity within the base box 30.

A sealing gasket 34 formed of compressible foam is provided extending around the perimeter of the aperture In other embodiments, the sealing gasket may be provided on the underside of a sealing plate 33.

In Figure 8; the sealing plate 33 is shown in its full access position where it is upstanding on a transverse edge 35 from the cover plate 31 with the aperture 32 completely exposed. In this position, plugs and sockets can be positioned in electrical/data/communication terminals within the cavity of the base box 30.

The sealing plate 33 is connected to two laterally positioned coiled springs 36 which extend through the aperture 32 of the cover plate 31 and connect to the underside of the cover plate 31. In the full access position, the coiled springs 36 are elongated through the aperture and flex around the rear edge 37 of the aperture 32.

The outlet box also includes a lid 1 connected at a rear portion of the outlet box which is shown in its open position in Figure 8. The lid 1 is hingedly connected to a sleeve 38 which is upstanding from the cover plate 31 beyond the base box 30.

A transverse cross section through the outlet box with the lid 1 in its open position and the sealing plate 33 in its full access positon is also shown in Figure 9.

Figure 10 shows a transverse cross section through the outlet box where the sealing plate 33 has be moved to its sealing position by pivoting the transverse edge 35 on the cover plate 31 and by allowing the coiled springs 36 to retract to that the sealing plate 33 abuts and overlies the cover plate 31 to block the aperture 32 thus preventing access to the cavity within the base box 30.

In this sealing position, the sealing plate 33 and the sealing gasket 34 seal around the perimeter of the aperture 32. In this position, the coiled springs 36 are under tension and thus, in order to maintain the sealing plate in the sealing position, the underside of the sealing plate is providing with two locking elements in the form of hooks 39 which are received in respective locking apertures 40 in the cover plate 31. The resilient bias of the coiled springs 36 pulls the hooks 39 to lock under the cover plate 31 within the apertures 40.

Figure 11 also shows the sealing plate in its sealing position. The lid 1 is in its closed position in which the lid 1 abuts and overlies the sealing plate 33. In this position, the outlet box is completely sealed and can prevent in ingress of dust and moisture, even up to an IF65 rating level.

As shown in Figure 12, when the lid 1 is in its open position, the sealing plate 33 can be lifted to disengage the hooks 39 from the apertures 40 and then slid rearwards (under the action of the coiled springs 36) to a partial access position. In the partial access position, the sealing plate 33 abuts and overlies the cover plate 31 (as in the sealing position) but with a portion 41 of the aperture exposed. In this partial access position, flying leads and cable may pass from the electrical and data/communication terminals within the cavity through the aperture in the cover plate 31.

In figure 12, the lid 1 is shown in its open position, however, in the partial access position of the sealing plate 33, the lid 1 can remain in its closed position in which it abuts and overlies the sealing plate 33. To allow the flying leads/cables to pass through the lid 1, the lid may comprise a hinged outlet flap 26 (as shown in Figure 8) that can pivot upwards from the lid 1 to provide an opening through which the leads/cables can pass.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above-described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing train the concepts described herein, Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

The following numbered paragraphs (paras.) contain statements of broad combinations of the inventive technical features herein disclosed:-Paragraph 1. A lid for a floor box or access hatch, said lid comprising: a lid panel having an upper surface; a housing mounted on said upper surface, said housing defining a handle cavity and having a pivot pin extending through said handle cavity; a handle mounted within said handle cavity on said pivot pin; wherein the handle is pivotable about the pivot pin from a first handle position in which it is substantially horizontal to a second handle position in which a first lateral end is recessed into the handle cavity and an opposing second lateral end is upstanding above the housing.

Paragraph 2. A lid according to paragraph 1 wherein the handle is biased into the first handle position.

Paragraph 3. A lid according to paragraph 1 or 2 wherein the lid panel comprises a recessed upper surface at least partially surrounded by perimeter walls, wherein, in the first handle position, the handle is flush with an upper surface of the perimeter wails and, in the second handle position, the second lateral end of the handle is upstanding above the perimeter walls.

Paragraph 4. A lid according to paragraph 3 wherein the lid panel comprises a rear perimeter wall, an opposing front perimeter wall and two adjoining side walls wherein the two side walls comprise pivot portions proximal the rear perimeter wall, and wherein the housing and handle are provided proximal the front perimeter wall.

Paragraph 5. A lid according to any one of the preceding paragraphs wherein the housing comprises opposing first and second side walls and the pivot pin is mounted between the opposing side walls.

Paragraph 6. A lid according to paragraph 5 wherein the first side wall of the housing comprises an angled slot and wherein the first lateral end of the handle comprises a transverse guiding pin which is received in the angled slot.

Paragraph T A lid according to any one of paragraphs 3 to 6 wherein the handle comprises a planar upper surface which is flush with an upper surface of the perimeter walls in the first position.

Paragraph 8. A lid according to any one of the preceding paragraphs wherein the second lateral end of the handle comprises a downwardly-depending grip portion.

Paragraph 9, A lid according to any one of the preceding paragraphs wherein the housing comprises a support pin extending across the handle cavity for supporting the second lateral end of the handle.

Paragraph 10. A lid according to any one of the preceding paragraphs wherein the handle comprises a downwardly-depending main body portion interposed between the first and second lateral ends of the handle, the main body comprising an aperture in which the pivot pin is received.

Paragraph 11. A lid according to paragraph 10 wherein the aperture comprises three apices -two horizontally opposed upper apices, the first upper apex proximal the second lateral end of the handle and the second upper apex proximal the first lateral end of the handle, and a lower apex which is closer towards the First lateral end than the first or second upper apices.

Paragraph 12. A lid according to any one of the preceding paragraphs wherein the housing comprises an outlet flap portion which provides an outlet flap cavity adjacent the handle cavity, the outlet flap cavity housing an outlet flap which is pivotally connected to the outlet flap portion.

Paragraph 13. A floor box or access hatch having a lid according to any one of the preceding paragraphs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A floor box comprising: a base box defining a cavity; a cover plate mounted within said base box, said cover plate having an aperture providing access to the cavity within the base box; a sealing plate movable between a sealing position in which it abuts and overlies the cover plate to block the aperture thus preventing access to the cavity within the base box, and an access position in which the aperture is at least partly uncovered; and a lid movable between an open position in which the sealing plate is exposed and a closed position in which the lid abuts and overlies the sealing plate.
2. A floor box according to claim 1 further comprising a sealing gasket for sealing between the sealing plate and the cover plate in the sealing position,
3. A floor box according to claim 2 wherein the sealing gasket is mounted around the perimeter of the underside of the sealing plate or around the perimeter of the aperture on the cover plate.
4. A floor box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sealing plate is movable between the sealing position and a partial access position in which the sealing plate abuts and overlies the cover plate with a portion of the aperture exposed.
5. A floor box according to claim 4 wherein the sealing plate is biased by one or more resilient members towards the partial access position.
6. A floor box according to claim 5 wherein the sealing plate and/or cover plate comprises one or more locks to lock the sealing plate in the sealing position against the bias of the one or more resilient members.
7. A floor box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sealing plate is movable from the sealing position and/or the partial access position to a full access position in which the aperture is completely exposed.
8. A floor box according to claim 7 wherein the sealing plate is upstanding on a transverse edge on the cover plate in the full access positon.
9. A floor box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the floor box is an ele.ctrical outlet box having a base box defining a cavity for housing electrical and data/communication terminals.