GB2615369A

GB2615369A - Inspection chamber protector

Info

Publication number: GB2615369A
Application number: GB2201612.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Nigel; James Peter
Original assignee: Drainfast Ltd
Current assignee: Drainfast Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-08
Filing date: 2022-02-08
Publication date: 2023-08-09
Also published as: WO2023152494A1

Abstract

A protector 10 suitable for arrangement over an inspection chamber 1, below a ground surface access assembly 4, where the protector comprises a frame 11 with an access opening and an access panel 12 to cover the opening. The panel may be hingedly connected and rotatable relative to the frame between open and closed position. The panel may be removable from the frame. The protector may comprise a lock to secure the panel to the frame, and the lock may be movable between an unlocked and a locked position. The lock may comprise a latch movable between locked and unlocked position, where the access panel and the frame may comprise the latch. The protector may comprise plurality of locks, which may be two locks arranged at opposite sides of access opening. The protector may comprise a seal, and protector may be used to protect from debris falling into the chamber.

Description

INSPECTION CHAMBER PROTECTOR

The present disclosure relates to a protector for an inspection chamber. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an inspection chamber protector for arrangement over an inspection chamber and beneath a ground surface access assembly of the inspection chamber.

Underground services, such as water pipes, sewer pipes, gas pipes and electricity cables, require inspection chambers to provide access to below ground installations. Inspection chambers comprise an opening at a ground surface, which is often covered by a ground surface access assembly. A ground surface access assembly generally includes a frame positioned at ground level, and a cover, such as a manhole cover, which is mounted on the frame. The cover is arranged over the inspection chamber and can be moved relative to the frame or lifted out of the frame, to allow access to the inspection chamber.

Often, ground surface access assemblies permit some debris to pass through the assembly and into the inspection chamber. Such ingress of debris into an inspection chamber can be undesirable. For example, the ingress of debris into an inspection chamber of a newly installed drainage system that is not yet supplied with flowing water can be particularly undesirable. Drainage systems are typically installed at an early stage during construction projects, which exposes the ground surface access assemblies of the inspection chambers to debris from the ongoing construction work being carried out around them. Debris from construction work that falls through ground surface access assemblies and into the inspection chambers cannot be flushed away, as the drainage system is not yet supplied with flowing water. As a result, a significant amount of debris can build up in the inspection chambers before the drainage system becomes operational, which can lead to blockages. It is often necessary to remove debris collected in the inspection chambers of newly installed drainage systems at the end of construction projects, which can be a time consuming and costly exercise.

It would be desirable to minimise the ingress of debris into inspection chambers via a ground surface access assembly.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an inspection chamber protector. The inspection chamber protector is suitable for arrangement over an inspection chamber, and beneath a ground surface access assembly of the inspection chamber. The inspection chamber protector comprises: a frame defining an access opening; and an access panel configured to cover the access opening of the frame.

The inspection chamber protector is configured to protect an inspection chamber from debris falling into the inspection chamber and reaching the bottom of the inspection chamber. The inspection chamber protector provides a surface onto which debris that falls into an inspection chamber can be collected before the debris reaches the bottom of the inspection chamber. As used herein, an inspection chamber refers to an access point for a below ground installation of an underground service. An inspection chamber comprises an opening at a ground surface, such as a roadway or path. The opening of an inspection chamber at the ground surface may be covered by a ground surface access assembly. As used herein, a ground surface access assembly refers to the frame, and the cover installed on the frame over an inspection chamber opening at the ground surface. The inspection chamber protector of the present invention is configured to be arranged over an inspection chamber, and below the ground surface access assembly of the inspection chamber.

When an inspection chamber protector of the present invention is provided over an inspection chamber, and below a ground surface access assembly of the inspection chamber, the inspection chamber protector collects debris that falls into the inspection chamber through gaps in the ground surface access assembly, before the debris falls to the bottom of the inspection chamber. Advantageously, debris collected by the inspection chamber protector is able to be removed from the inspection chamber before it reaches the bottom of the chamber, which can be difficult to reach and clean. Advantageously, providing the inspection chamber protector with a frame having an access opening may enable a person to access the bottom of the inspection chamber while the inspection chamber protector is installed.

In some preferred embodiments, the ground surface access assembly of an inspection chamber is positioned above an inspection chamber on one or more courses of masonry. As used herein, masonry refers to a construction unit, such as bricks, concrete blocks, or stone, and may refer to any suitable construction unit. As used herein, a masonry course refers to a row or layer of a construction unit. Typically, a masonry course is laid in mortar and is bound together by mortar.

The frame of the ground surface access assembly may be laid on a course of mortar. The frame of the inspection chamber protector may be laid on a course of mortar.

In some cases, an inspection chamber protector may be installed over an inspection chamber on a temporary basis. In other words, the inspection chamber protector may be a temporary fitting over an inspection chamber. For example, where an inspection chamber protector is installed over a new inspection chamber of a drainage system during a construction project, the inspection chamber protector may be a temporary fitting over the inspection chamber while construction is ongoing. It may not be necessary to retain the inspection chamber protector over the inspection chamber of a drainage system when the drainage system is operational, as flowing water through the drainage system may be able to clear any debris that falls through the ground surface access assembly to the bottom of the inspection chamber.

Typically, when new inspection chambers for drainage systems are installed beneath roadways or pavements that are yet to be laid, a ground surface access assembly is installed above each inspection chamber on one or more temporary courses of masonry. When the roadway or pavement is laid towards the end of the construction project, the temporary masonry courses above the inspection chambers are often removed and replaced with permanent masonry courses. This enables the ground surface access assemblies to be positioned at the correct level of the roadway or pavement. In such cases, the inspection chamber protector of the present invention may be installed on or between the temporary masonry courses above the inspection chamber, and below the ground surface access assembly. Subsequently, the inspection chamber protector may be removed when the temporary masonry courses are removed.

The inspection chamber protector comprises a frame having an access opening, and an access panel configured to cover the access opening.

In use, the frame may be arranged relative to an inspection chamber such that the access opening permits a user to access the inspection chamber, and the cover covers the inspection chamber when the cover covers the access opening.

The frame may be any suitable shape and size to be used with any particular shape and size of inspection chamber.

The frame may have any suitable shape. For example, the frame may be triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or circular. Preferably, the frame is one of: square, rectangular, or circular.

The frame may have any suitable size. The frame may have a width and a length. The width of the frame may be between around 1400 millimetres and around 200 millimetres, or between around 1300 millimetres and around 300 millimetres, or about 800 mm. The length of the frame may be between around 1400 millimetres and around 200 millimetres, or between around 1300 millimetres and around 300 millimetres, or about 800 millimetres. Where the frame is circular, the frame may have a diameter. The diameter of the frame may be between around 1400 millimetres and around 200 millimetres, or between around 1200 millimetres and around 300 millimetres, or about 800 millimetres.

The frame may be substantially flat. The frame may extend substantially on a plane In other words, the frame may be substantially planar.

The frame may have a thickness. The frame may be thin. In other words, the thickness of the frame may be substantially less than the other dimensions of the frame. The frame may have any suitable thickness. For example, the frame may have a thickness of between about 2 millimetres and about 7 millimetres, or about 3 millimetres.

The frame comprises an access opening. The access opening is configured to enable a person to access to the inspection chamber when the inspection chamber protector is installed over an inspection chamber.

The access opening may be arranged at any suitable location on the frame to enable a person to access to the inspection chamber when the inspection chamber protector is installed over an inspection chamber. Preferably, the access opening is arranged centrally in the frame.

In use, the access opening of the frame of the inspection chamber protector may be aligned with a ground surface opening of an inspection chamber. In use, the access opening of the frame of the inspection chamber protector may be aligned with an access opening of a ground surface access assembly. In use, the access opening of the frame of the inspection chamber protector may be aligned with a ground surface opening of an inspection chamber and an access opening of a ground surface access assembly. Advantageously, such alignment of the access opening may enable a person to access to the inspection chamber when the inspection chamber protector is installed over an inspection chamber and below a ground surface access assembly of the inspection chamber.

The access opening may be any suitable shape and size to be used with a particular inspection chamber.

The access opening may have any suitable shape. For example, the access opening may be triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or circular. Preferably, the access opening is one of: square, rectangular, or circular.

Preferably, the access opening has the same shape as the frame. However, in some embodiments, the access opening is a different shape to the shape of the frame.

The access opening may have any suitable size. The access opening may have a width and a length. Preferably, the width and length of the access opening is less than the width and the length of the frame. The width of the access opening may be between around 1300 millimetres and around 150 millimetres, or between around 1200 millimetres and around 250 millimetres, or about 520 mm. The length of the access opening may be between around 1300 millimetres and around 150 millimetres, or between around 1200 millimetres and around 250 millimetres, or about 520 millimetres. Where the access opening is circular, the access opening may have a diameter. The diameter of the access opening may be between around 1300 millimetres and around 150 millimetres, or between around 1200 millimetres and around 250 millimetres, or about 520 millimetres.

In some preferred embodiments, the frame comprises a lip. The lip may extend substantially around the access opening. The lip may extend around the periphery of the access opening. Where the frame is substantially planar, extending substantially on a plane, the lip may extend in a direction different to the plane. Preferably, the lip extends substantially in a direction normal to the plane. In use, the lip may extend away from the bottom of the inspection chamber. In use, the lip of the frame may extend substantially upwards. Advantageously, providing the frame with a lip may facilitate locating the access panel over the access opening of the frame.

Advantageously, providing the frame with a lip may minimise the likelihood of debris collected on the frame from falling through the access opening into an inspection chamber.

In some preferred embodiments, the frame is substantially planar, extending substantially on a plane, and the frame comprises a lip extending around the periphery of the access opening, in a direction normal to the plane of the frame.

The lip may have any suitable size. Preferably, the lip has a length of between about 15 millimetres and about 40 millimetres, or about 23 millimetres.

The frame may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the frame is formed from a metal. The frame may be formed from iron, such as cast iron. Preferably, the frame is formed from steel. Particularly preferably, the frame is formed from galvanised steel.

The frame may be formed from a metal plate. The frame may comprise one or more metal plates. The frame may be formed from two or more metal plates joined together. Where the frame comprises a lip around the access opening, the frame may comprise a plurality of plates, each plate being bent to form a portion of the lip around the access opening.

The frame may be configured to be attached or secured in position relative to an inspection chamber. The frame may further comprise one or more attachment openings. The one or more attachment openings may facilitate attaching or securing the frame in position relative to an inspection chamber. The one or more attachment openings may enable mortar to extend through the frame when the frame is laid on a course of mortar. Advantageously, the one or more attachment openings may improve the robustness of the positioning of the frame relative to the inspection chamber.

The inspection chamber protector comprises an access panel configured to cover the access opening of the frame.

In some preferred embodiments, the access panel is movable relative to the frame between an open position, in which the access opening is substantially not covered by the access panel, and a closed position, in which the access opening is substantially covered by the access opening.

The access panel may be configured to move relative to the frame in any suitable way. In some embodiments, the access panel is hingedly secured to the frame, and is rotatable relative to the frame between the open position and the closed position. In some embodiments, the access panel is slidable relative to the frame between the open position and the closed position. In some preferred embodiments, the access panel is removable from the frame.

S

The access panel may have any suitable shape. For example, the access panel may be triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or circular. Preferably, the access panel is one of: square, rectangular, or circular.

Preferably, the access panel has the same shape as the frame. However, in some embodiments, the access panel is a different shape to the shape of the frame.

The access panel may have any suitable size. The access panel may have a width and a length. Preferably, the width and the length of the access panel are greater than the width and the length of the access opening of the frame. The width of the access panel may be between around 1350 millimetres and around 150 millimetres, or between around 1250 millimetres and around 250 millimetres, or about 544 millimetres. The length of the access panel may be between around 1350 millimetres and around 150 millimetres, or between around 1250 millimetres and around 200 millimetres, or about 544 millimetres. Where the access panel is circular, the access panel may have a diameter. The diameter of the access panel may be between around 1350 millimetres and around 150 millimetres, or between around 1250 millimetres and around 250 millimetres, or about 544 millimetres.

The access panel may be substantially flat. The access panel may extend substantially on a plane. In other words, the access panel may be substantially planar.

The access panel may have a thickness. The access panel may be thin. In other words, the thickness of the access panel may be substantially less than the other dimensions of the access panel. The access panel may have any suitable thickness. For example, the access panel may have a thickness of between about 2 millimetres and about 7 millimetres, or about 3 millimetres.

In some preferred embodiments, the access panel comprises a lip. The lip may extend substantially around the access panel. The lip may extend around the periphery of the access panel. Where the access panel is substantially planar, extending substantially on a plane, the lip may extend in a direction different to the plane. Preferably, the lip extends substantially in a direction normal to the plane. In use, the lip may extend towards the bottom of the inspection chamber. In use, the lip of the access panel may extend substantially upwards. In use, the lip of the access panel may extend substantially towards the frame when the access panel covers the access opening. Advantageously, providing the access panel with a lip may facilitate locating the access panel over the access opening of the frame. Advantageously, providing the access panel with a lip may minimise the likelihood of debris collected on the frame from falling through the access opening into an inspection chamber.

In some preferred embodiments, the access panel is substantially planar, extending substantially on a plane, and the access panel comprises a lip extending around the periphery of the access panel, in a direction normal to the plane of the access panel.

The lip of the access panel may have any suitable size. Preferably, the lip of the access panel has a length of between about 15 millimetres and about 40 millimetres, or about 25 millimetres. Where the frame comprises a lip, the length of the lip of the access panel may be the same as the length of the lip of the frame.

The access panel may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the access panel is formed from a metal. The access panel may be formed from iron, such as cast iron. Preferably, the access panel is formed from steel. Particularly preferably, the access panel is formed from galvanised steel.

The inspection chamber protector may further comprise a seal. The seal may be arranged between the frame and the access panel when the access panel covers the access opening. Advantageously, providing a seal between the frame and the access panel of the inspection chamber protector minimises the likelihood of debris passing through the inspection chamber protector, via the access opening, and falling to the bottom of an inspection chamber.

As used herein, the term "seal" is used to describe a closure of an opening that is suitable for preventing debris from passing through the opening. The seal is not required to be air-tight or liquid-tight. The seal is not required to be hermetic. The seal is configured to inhibit solid debris and particles from passing between the frame and the access panel. It is envisaged that in some embodiments the at least one sealing portion may enable liquids and air to pass through the at least one sealing portion.

Preferably, the seal circumscribes the access opening of the frame when the access panel covers the access opening.

In preferred embodiments, the seal is resilient. The seal may comprise a resilient material.

The seal may be deformable. The seal may be configured to deform between the access panel and the frame when the access panel covers the access opening. The seal may be compressible between the frame and the access panel.

The seal may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the seal may comprise natural rubber or synthetic rubber. The seal may comprise a polymeric material. The seal may be elastomeric. The seal may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer or polypropylene. The seal may comprise polypropylene, nylon or other polyamide derivatives. In some embodiments, the seal comprises silicone rubber. In some embodiments, the seal comprises neoprene.

In some preferred embodiments, the frame comprises the seal. Where the frame comprises a lip, the seal may be provided on the lip of the frame.

S

In some embodiments, the access panel comprises the seal. Where the access panel comprises a lip, the seal may be provided on the lip of the access panel.

In some embodiments, the frame comprises a portion of the seal, and the access panel comprises a portion of the seal.

Where the seal is provided on a lip of at least one of the frame the access panel, the seal may comprise an elongate strip having a U-shaped cross-section. The U-shaped cross-section may have a channel configured to receive the lip. The seal may comprise a U-channel rubber extrusion.

In some embodiments, the seal may comprise a brush. The brush may comprise a plurality of resilient bristles. The bristles of the brush may be made of any suitable material. Suitable materials include any of the materials for the seal described above. Suitable materials include polypropylene, nylon or other polyamide derivatives. The bristles of the brush may be arranged in a single coil. The bristles may be arranged in a plurality of coils. Advantageously, a brush may enable liquids to pass through the seal, while preventing debris from passing through the seal.

The inspection chamber protector may further comprise a lock. The lock may be configured to secure the access panel to the frame.

The lock may be movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the access panel may be movable relative to the frame. In the locked position, the access panel may not be movable relative to the frame.

Preferably, the lock comprises a latch. The latch may be movable between the locked position, and the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the lock comprises a latch and a catch, wherein the latch is movable between the locked position, in which the latch is engaged with the catch, and the unlocked position, in which the latch is not engaged with the catch.

In some preferred embodiments, the access panel comprises the latch. Where the lock comprises a latch and a catch, the access panel may comprise the latch, and the frame may comprise the catch. In some embodiments, the frame comprises the latch. Where the lock comprises a latch and a catch, the frame may comprise the latch, and the access panel may comprise the catch.

Where the inspection chamber protector comprises a seal between the frame and the access panel when the access panel covers the access opening, the seal may be compressed between the access panel and the frame when the lock is in the locked position. Advantageously, compressing the seal may improve the ability of the seal to prevent debris from passing through the access opening.

In some preferred embodiments, the lock comprises a handle. The handle may be movable to move the lock between the locked position and the unlocked position. In some preferred embodiments, the handle is rotatable to move the lock between the locked position and the unlocked position. Where the lock comprises a latch, the handle may be coupled to the latch and configured to move the latch.

The inspection chamber protector may comprise a plurality of locks. For example, the inspection chamber protector may comprise one, two, three or four locks. In some embodiments, the inspection chamber protector comprises two locks arranged at opposite sides of the access opening.

According to the present disclosure, there is also provided an inspection chamber assembly comprising: an inspection chamber; a ground surface access assembly arranged above the inspection chamber; and an inspection chamber protector as described above, the inspection chamber protector being arranged over the inspection chamber and beneath the ground surface access assembly.

The inspection chamber may comprise a ground surface opening. The inspection chamber assembly may further comprise one or more masonry courses arranged above the inspection chamber and around the periphery of the ground surface opening. The ground surface access assembly may be arranged on the one or more masonry courses. The one or more masonry courses may comprise two or more masonry courses, and the inspection chamber protector may be arranged between two of the masonry courses.

The ground surface access assembly may comprise a frame having an access opening, and a cover extending over the access opening of the frame. The frame of the ground surface access assembly may be arranged on the one or more masonry courses. The access opening of the frame of the ground surface access assembly may be aligned with the ground surface opening of the inspection chamber The access opening of the frame of the ground surface access assembly may be aligned with the access opening of the frame of the inspection chamber protector. The access opening of the frame of the ground surface access assembly may be aligned with the ground surface opening of the inspection chamber and the access opening of the frame of the inspection chamber protector.

According to the present disclosure, there is also provided a method of protecting an inspection chamber from ingress of debris. The method comprises: installing an inspection chamber; providing an inspection chamber protector as described above; positioning the inspection chamber protector to cover the inspection chamber; and positioning a ground surface access assembly above the inspection chamber protector.

The method may further comprise: laying a masonry course above the inspection chamber; and positioning the inspection chamber protector on the masonry course, with the inspection chamber protector covering the inspection chamber. The masonry course may be at the periphery of a ground surface opening of the inspection chamber. The method may comprise laying one or more masonry courses above the inspection chamber.

The method may further comprise laying a course of mortar on the masonry course; and laying the inspection chamber protector on the course of mortar.

The method may further comprise: laying a masonry course above the inspection chamber protector after positioning the inspection chamber protector on the masonry course, and before positioning the ground surface access assembly above the inspection chamber protector.

The method may further comprise: removing the ground surface access assembly, the masonry courses, and the inspection chamber protector, laying one or more new masonry courses above the inspection chamber, and positioning the ground surface access assembly above the inspection chamber protector.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an inspection chamber for a drainage system, comprising a ground surface access assembly above the inspection chamber; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an inspection chamber for a drainage system, comprising a ground surface access assembly above the inspection chamber, and an inspection chamber protector according to the present disclosure arranged over the inspection chamber and under the ground surface access assembly; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the inspection chamber protector of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the access panel of the inspection chamber protector of Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the frame of the inspection chamber protector of Figure 2; Figure 6 shows a top plan view of an inspection chamber protector according to the

disclosure;

Figure 7 shows a bottom plan view of the inspection chamber protector of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a top plan view of the frame of the inspection chamber protector of Figure 6; Figure 9 shows a top plan view of a piece of the frame of the inspection chamber of Figure 6; Figure 10 shows a side view of the piece of the frame of Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a bottom plan view of the access panel of the inspection chamber protector of Figure 6; and Figure 12 shows a side cross-section through line A-A of the access panel of Figure 11. Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a typical configuration for a newly installed inspection chamber of a drainage system. The inspection chamber 1 shown in Figure 1 is installed below ground level and comprises an opening 2 at the ground surface. Several masonry courses 3 are arranged above the inspection chamber 1, around the periphery of the ground surface opening 2 of the inspection chamber1. A ground surface access assembly 4 is supported on the masonry courses 3 and extends over the ground surface opening 2 of the inspection chamber 1. The ground surface access assembly 4 comprises a frame 5, which is laid on a bed of mortar that secures the frame 5 to the masonry courses 3. The frame 5 comprises an access opening, which provides access to the inspection chamber 1. The ground surface access assembly 4 further comprises a manhole cover 6, which is supported on the frame 5, and extends over the access opening of the frame 5 and the ground surface opening 2 of the inspection chamber 1. The manhole cover 6 is able to be lifted out of the frame 5 to enable the inspection chamber 1 to be accessed.

The configuration shown in Figure 1 is a temporary configuration that is installed before a new roadway or pavement is laid. When the new roadway or pavement is being laid, the ground surface access assembly 4 is removed, and the masonry courses 3 are demolished so that new courses of masonry may be laid and the ground surface access assembly 4 repositioned at the correct level of the new roadway or pavement.

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a configuration for a newly installed inspection chamber of a drainage system comprising an inspection chamber protector according to the present disclosure. The configuration shown in Figure 2 is substantially identical to the configuration shown in Figure 1, and like features are denoted with like reference numerals.

As shown in Figure 2, an inspection chamber 1 is installed below ground level, and comprises an opening 2 at the ground surface. Several masonry courses 3 are arranged above the inspection chamber 1, around the periphery of the ground surface opening 2 of the inspection chamber 1. A ground surface access assembly 4 is supported on the masonry courses 3 and extends over the ground surface opening 2 of the inspection chamber 1. The ground surface access assembly 4 comprises a frame 5, which is laid on a bed of mortar that secures the frame 5 to the masonry courses 3. The frame 5 comprises an access opening, which provides access to the inspection chamber 1. The ground surface access assembly 4 further comprises a manhole cover 6, which is supported on the frame 5, and extends over the access opening of the frame 5 and the ground surface opening 2 of the inspection chamber 1. The manhole cover 6 is able to be lifted out of the frame 5 to enable the inspection chamber 1 to be accessed.

Also as shown in Figure 2, an inspection chamber protector 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is provided over the inspection chamber 1. The inspection chamber protector 10 is arranged below the ground surface access assembly 4, in between two of the masonry courses 3. The inspection chamber protector 10 comprises a frame 11 and an access panel 12. The frame 11 is secured in position relative to the inspection chamber 1 in a bed of mortar between two of the masonry courses 3. The access panel 12 extends substantially over the ground surface opening 2 of the inspection chamber and covers an access opening 14 of the frame 11.

In the configuration shown in Figure 2, the inspection chamber protector is positioned to catch any debris that may fall into the inspection chamber 1 through gaps in the ground surface access assembly 4. The inspection chamber protector 10 provides a surface that catches the debris, and the surface of the inspection chamber protector 10 is closer to ground level than the bottom of the inspection chamber 1, and so it is easier to clean. Protecting the inspection chamber 1 from falling debris may help to prevent blockages in the drainage system and may minimise or eliminate the need to clean the drainage system before the drainage system is connected and made operational.

The inspection chamber protector 10 of Figure 2 is intended to be a temporary fitting over the inspection chamber 1. When the masonry courses 3 are removed, it is intended that the inspection chamber protector 10 is also removed and is not replaced when new permanent masonry courses are laid, and the ground surface access assembly 4 is replaced.

The inspection chamber protector of Figure 2 is shown in more detail in Figures 3 to 12.

The frame 11 of the inspection chamber protector 10 is a substantially flat, thin, square sheet of galvanised steel. The frame 11 has a length of about 800 millimetres, a width of about 800 millimetres, and a thickness of about 3 millimetres. The frame 11 comprises a square access opening 14 arranged centrally in the frame. The access opening 14 has a length of about 520 millimetres and a width of about 520 millimetres. The frame 11 further comprises a lip 15 extending around the inner edge of the frame 11 forming the access opening 14. Accordingly, the lip 15 circumscribes the access opening 14. The frame 11 generally extends in a plane, and the lip 15 extends substantially in a direction normal to the plane of the frame 11. The lip 15 has a length of about 23 millimetres.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the frame is formed from four identical plates 16 of galvanised steel. Each plate 16 has the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, having two parallel sizes, with one of the parallel sides being shorter than the other. The shorter of the two parallel sides is bent at a right angle to the plane of the plate and forms the lip 15 of the frame 11 when the plates 16 are joined together. The plates are welded together at their converging sides to form the square frame 11 with the square access opening 14 in the centre that is bounded by the lip 15.

The frame 11 further comprises a rubber seal 17 positioned on the lip 15 around the access opening 14. The seal 17 comprises a U-channel rubber extrusion, having a channel into which the lip 15 of the frame 11 is seated. As such, the lip 15 is substantially surrounded on all sides by the seal 17.

The access panel 12 of the inspection chamber protector is also a substantially flat, thin, square sheet of galvanised steel. The access panel 12 has a length of about 544 millimetres, a width of about 544 millimetres, and a thickness of about 3 millimetres. The access panel 12 comprises a lip 18 extending around the periphery of the access panel 12. The access panel 12 extends generally in a plane, and the lip 18 extends substantially in a direction normal to the plane of the access panel 12. The lip has a length of about 25 millimetres. As shown in Figure 12, which is a cross-section through line A-A of Figure 11, the lip 18 of the access panel extends around each peripheral edge of the access panel 12.

As shown in Figure 3, when the access panel 12 is arranged to cover the access opening 14 of the frame 11, the access panel 12 overlaps the frame 11. The lip 15 of the frame 11 is arranged to extend upwards, towards the access panel 12, and the lip 18 of the access panel 12 is arranged to extend downwards, towards the frame 11. The access panel 12 sits on the seal 17 on the lip 15 of the frame 11. Although the length of the lip 18 of the access panel 12 is slightly greater than the length of the lip 15 of the frame, the thickness of the seal 17 on the lip 15 of the frame is slightly greater than the difference between the length of the lip 18 of the access panel 12 and the length of the lip 15 of the frame.

The access panel 12 further comprises two locks 19 arranged at opposite sides of the access panel 12. Each lock 19 comprises a latch, and a handle coupled to the latch for rotating the latch. Each lock 19 is movable between a locked position, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, and an unlocked position, as shown in Figure 11. In the locked position, the latch is rotated to overlap with the frame 11 when the access panel 12 is arranged to cover the access opening 14 of the frame 11. In the locked position, when the latch overlaps the frame 11, the locks 19 prevent the access panel 12 from being removed from the frame 11. In the unlocked position, the latch is rotated such that it does not overlap with the frame 11 when the access panel 12 is arranged to cover the access opening 14. In the unlocked position, the locks do not prevent the access panel 12 from being removed from the frame 11. Rotation of the handles of the locks 19 moves the latches between the locked position and the unlocked position.

When the access panel 12 covers the access opening 14 of the frame 11, and the locks 19 are moved to the locked position, the latches of the locks 19 urge the frame 11 towards the access panel 12, compressing the seal 17 between the lip 15 of the frame 11 and the access panel 12. As a result, a tight seal is provided between the frame 11 and the access panel 12, which minimises the likelihood of debris passing through the inspection chamber protector, via the access opening 14. The seal between the frame 11 and the access panel 12 is not intended to be air-tight or watertight but is intended to minimise passage of solid debris and particles through the access opening 14 of the frame 11. When the locks 19 are in the unlocked position, the access panel 12 may be lifted upwards, away from the frame 11, to uncover the access opening 14 and enable access to the bottom of the inspection chamber 1.

It will be appreciated that the above described inspection chamber protector is one particular embodiment of the disclosure, and other embodiments with alternative features are intended to be covered by the disclosure. For example, according to the disclosure it is also envisaged that the frame, the access opening, and the access panel may be different shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the frame, the access opening, and the access panel may be circular. It is also envisaged that the frame and the access panel may be formed from different materials, such as stainless steel or cast iron. It is also envisaged that the seal may be provided on the lip of the access panel, rather than the lip of the frame, or a seal may be provided on both the lip of the frame and the lip of the access panel.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An inspection chamber protector for arrangement over an inspection chamber and beneath a ground surface access assembly of the inspection chamber, the inspection chamber protector comprising: a frame defining an access opening; and an access panel configured to cover the access opening of the frame.
2. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 1, wherein the access panel is movable relative to the frame between an open position, in which the access opening is substantially not covered by the access panel, and a closed position, in which the access opening is substantially covered by the access opening.
3. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 2, wherein the access panel is hingedly secured to the frame and is rotatable relative to the frame between the open position and the closed position.
4. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the access panel is removable from the frame.
5. An inspection chamber protector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inspection chamber protector further comprises a lock to secure the access panel to the frame.
6. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 5, wherein the lock is movable between an unlocked position, in which the access panel is movable relative to the frame, and a locked position, in which the access panel is not movable relative to the frame.
7. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 6, wherein the lock comprises a latch, and wherein the latch is movable between the locked position, and the unlocked position.
8. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 7, wherein the access panel comprises the latch.
9. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 7, wherein the frame comprises the latch.
10. An inspection chamber protector according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the inspection chamber protector comprises a plurality of locks
11. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 10, wherein the inspection chamber protector comprises two locks arranged at opposite sides of the access opening.
12. An inspection chamber protector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a seal arranged between the frame and the access panel when the access panel covers the access 10 opening.
13. An inspection chamber protector according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the inspection chamber further comprises a seal arranged between the frame and the access panel when the access panel covers the access opening, and wherein when the lock is in the locked position the seal is compressed between the access panel and the frame.
14. An inspection chamber protector according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the seal is elastomeric.
15. An inspection chamber protector according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the frame comprises the seal.
16. An inspection chamber protector according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the access panel comprises the seal.
17. An inspection chamber protector according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the frame comprises a portion of the seal, and the access panel comprises a portion of the seal
18. An inspection chamber protector according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a lip extending around the access opening.
19. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 15, wherein the frame comprises a lip extending around the access opening, and wherein the seal is provided on the lip of the frame.
20. An inspection chamber protector according to any preceding claim, wherein the access panel comprises a lip extending around the periphery of the access panel.
21. An inspection chamber protector according to claim 16, wherein the access panel comprises a lip extending around the periphery of the access panel, and wherein the seal is provided on the lip of the access panel.
22. An inspection chamber protector according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the frame further comprises one or more attachment openings for securing the inspection chamber protector frame in position relative to an inspection chamber.
23. A method of protecting an inspection chamber from ingress of debris, the method comprising: installing an inspection chamber; providing an inspection chamber protector according to any one of claims 1 to 22; positioning the inspection chamber protector to cover the inspection chamber; and positioning a ground surface access assembly above the inspection chamber protector.
24. A method according to claim 20, wherein the method further comprises: laying a masonry course above the inspection chamber; and positioning the inspection chamber protector on the masonry course, with the inspection chamber protector covering the inspection chamber.
25. A method according to claim 21, wherein the method further comprises laying a masonry course above the inspection chamber protector after positioning the inspection chamber protector on the masonry course, and before positioning the ground surface access assembly above the inspection chamber protector.