NZ511057A - Jointing chamber assembly with opening formed between walls and base, and sealing plate over opening - Google Patents

Abstract

Walls 10 are assembled to base 11 to form an opening over which a sealing plate (not shown) is fixed.

Description

Intef'octual Property Office of NZ C 5 APR 2002 RECEIVER NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: 511057 Date: 09 April 2001 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION "Aluminium Jointing Chamber" We, SIKA TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, a company duly incorporated under the laws of New Zealand of B D O Auckland, Chartered Accountants, Level 4, 3 Osterley Way, Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to aluminium jointing chambers and in particular although not solely to die cast aluminium jointing chambers which are commonly used in the data and telecommunication industry as chambers providing access to junctions and joints of telecommunications and data transmission means such as cables and the like.

It is known that for the construction of chambers and the like for the use of access to power and communication ducting the construction material of choice must, first and foremost, be strong, rigid and largely immune to corrosion, whilst allowing creation of various custom apertures, mounting means and access ways.

Traditionally, the material of choice, for long term below ground installations has been concrete. Whilst this has satisfied the three previous criteria the resulting structure has been cumbersome, and heavy. Installation has required various heavy lifting equipment and many personnel.

The present invention serves to satisfy the criteria of strength, rigidity and immunity to corrosion, whilst also being low in bulk when transported to the installation site, very quick to assemble, with an appreciable drop in mass (approximately 10% of the equivalent concrete structure) and highly customizable, both in the internal mountings that can be applied and also in its ability to mount existing and new ducting.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide an aluminium jointing chamber which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

In a first aspect the present invention consists in an assembled (or able to be assembled) jointing chamber comprising or including; a first member in aluminium of a shape to define a base, and at least two members each in aluminium to define or defining walls upstanding from the said base, wherein at least two of said wall members are each provided with at least one region providing an opening and also adapted to receive an appropriate panel to at least in part seal the opening.

Preferably said walls of said chamber provide an at least one upper rim region with which a ground level frame can be adjustably located.

Preferably said adjustable location of said ground level frame with said upper rim region of said side wall members of said chamber is in a height/slope adjustable manner.

Preferably said height/slope adjustable manner of engagement of said ground level frame with said rim is achieved by intermediate threaded members.

Preferably said wall members of said chamber are removably engageable with said base.

Preferably on at least one inwardly facing face, at least one of said at least two wall members has utility means selected from one or more of the following: a pipe hanger, a cable bracket, a threaded portion, or a bracket.

Preferably said base includes a sump.

Preferably said sump is a lower most region of said base which has an opening into a substantially planar region of the base.

Preferably said opening is covered by a grill.

Preferably there is an opening through the base provided at a low point of said base.

Preferably said base is provided with upstands at regions thereof with which at least a portion of an engagement region of the at least two wall members are to be or are located.

Preferably chamber of any of the preceding claims wherein it or its components are substantially as hereinbefore described by reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In a second aspect the present invention consists in, in combination, a chamber of any one of the preceding claims and one or more of said appropriate panel(s), adjustable guard level frame, sump or utility means..

Preferably said panel provides at least one frangible region, said at least one frangible region providing (once at least partially removed from said panel) an opening into said chamber through said wall suitable for allowing ducting or cables to enter/exit said chamber.

Preferably said at least one frangible region is wholely within the perimeter of said panel.

Preferably said panel has a perimeter region substantially complementary to the perimeter region of the at least one opening provided in the at least two side members of said chamber, said perimeter regions being such as to allow for these to be secured together.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in, a jointing chamber in situ, being a combination as hereinbefore described, providing a junction box.

A cable or utility junction where the junction is in an assembled (or able to be assembled) jointing chamber formed by a combination as hereinbefore defined or utilising a chamber as hereinbefore defined.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to, Figure 1 which is a perspective view of a one form of the present invention wherein there is provided a jointing chamber 1 providing an enclosure which with a cover opening 2 can provide a fully enclosed cavity 3, Figure 2 which is a side view of a chamber of the present invention, wherein also there is provided the ground level framing means 4, Figure 3 which is an end view of the chamber of Figure 1 also illustrating the ground level framing means 4 and also providing a view of the knock out panels 5 provided at an end of the chamber, Figure 4 which is a perspective view of the jointing chamber of the present invention illustrated in an exploded view providing the ground level framing means preferably by way of threaded members 7 which allow for the position of the ground level frame to be adjusted relative to the rim 6 and to the jointing chamber 1, Figure 5 which is a perspective view of the base 11 with the sump 8 cover or grill shown in an exploded relationship relative thereto, Figure 6 which is an exploded view of the jointing chamber showing the at least two side wall members 10 and the base 11, Figure 7 which is a partial cut away view of the jointing chamber of the present invention also illustrating the insert panels 5, and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the insert panel in the form of providing the frangible regions (12) which may be removed from the panel to allow for access to be gained into the interior of the chamber through the side of the chamber.

The preferred embodiment of the aluminium jointing chamber will now be described. With reference to Figure 1 a jointing chamber 3 is formed for the use of access to ducts for the conduit of power and communications, water and other utilities. The application of a rigid fitting lockable hinged cover 2 results in a substantially sealed jointing chamber, the majority of which is below ground and that which is visible is preferably pleasing to the eye, robust and can have a skid proof construction under foot.

Depicted in Figure 2 is a side view of the chamber described in Figure 1, showing a ground level framing means 4. This is adjustable in slope in two planes as depicted in Figures 2 and 3. The result, when combined with the cover mentioned above, is an assembly that sits flush with the terrain in question, into which the jointing chamber has been installed.

Figure 3 also illustrates the removable panels 5 present in the exterior, that allow communication with the interior of the jointing chamber. As can be appreciated these can be fabricated in a number of differing embodiments to suit the application (for example duct sizes, number of ducts treaded etc.). The end panels can by way of example, be fabricated from any suitable rigid material such as that typified by a range of polyethylene based plastics, will suffice.

In Figure 4 is portrayed the fitting of a ground level framing 4 means to the jointing chamber 1, by adjusting and fastening means 7 to the rim or flange 6 created on the periphery of the chamber. In one method by varying the engagement height of the nuts on the preferably threaded fastening and adjustment means, a variance in the angle of the ground level frame can be achieved to suit the terrain in question.

Illustrated in Figure 5 is the attachment of the optional sump grill 8 to the jointing chamber base 11. Naturally by being, preferably, at the lowest point of the chamber, any condensate formed, or liquid entering in the chamber is quickly drained away under the action of gravity. Alternatively the sump grill can be exchanged for a blank, thus totally sealing off the base with the use of a mastic, or equivalent, sealing compound around it's periphery. In another form the base aperture may be left open entirely.

In Figure 6 is depicted the assemblage and engagement of the two side shells 10 together with each other and the base 11 by fastening means. The use of a mastic, or equivalent, sealing compound will render the user with a chamber substantially sealable on five of the six sides that is lightweight, yet rigid and strong enough to withstand the installation process and subsequent long term establishment.

Figure 7 shows a partially assembled jointing chamber. One side of the two side shells has been removed to show the interior.

Removable panels 5 are shown installed and can be adapted to allow passageway of a varying number and shape of ducts. Again with the application of a mastic, or equivalent sealant, within the mating surfaces of the chamber and the panels a substantially sealed jointed chamber can be quickly formed. Present also in this figure are embodiments, by way of example only, of cable hangers 13 and brackets 14 which attach to the sides of the chamber. Fastening means can be, but is in no way limited, by way of threaded fasteners. Where there is requirement also for earthing of the jointed chamber this can be readily affected by direct attachment of the earthing strap to the side of the chamber, again by whatever conductive fastening means is convenient.

Shown in Figure 8 is one example of the removable panels described above. Frangible regions 12 allow the removal of, in this case, circular apertures to facilitate the passageway of various ducts. It will be appreciated that due to the replaceable nature of these panels, the configuration of the jointing chamber can be readily altered. The extent to which these panels can be manufactured is limitless.

The use of aluminium which is preferably cast in moulds, for a substantial part of the present invention will reduce the weight of transportation of the articles.

In places like Australia where telecommunications or other utility ducting or supplies may be provided across extensive distances, transportation of the device of the present invention becomes an issue. In particular, if the chamber of the present invention is able to be transported where it is of a lighter weight then its competitor counterparts, and/or assumes a smaller volumetric occupation during transport, then the costs of installation of the present invention will be significantly reduced.

In particular, the jointing chamber of the present invention is therefor hence made up of at least one base plate preferably planar in shape, and at least two side wall defining members which can be erected onto the at least one base plate. The side wall defining members may define both at least in part side and end wall regions and be provided in the form of two such members or alternatively may define as individual components side and end walls to be engaged to each other.

Preferably fastening means such as slots or lugs for bolt or the like engagement between mating edges of the side wall defining members are provided. Preferably similar type of engagement means between the side walls and the at least one base defining member are also provided.

Similar or like methods of engaging the panels 5 are also provided.

Claims (18)

-7- WHAT WE CLAIM:

1. An assembled (or able to be assembled) jointing chamber comprising or including; a first member in aluminium of a shape to define a base, and at least two wall members each in aluminium to define or defining walls upstanding from the said base, wherein at least two of said wall members are each provided with at least one region providing an opening when assembled with said base and also adapted to receive an appropriate panel to at least in part seal the opening.

2. A chamber as claimed in claim 1 wherein said walls of said chamber provide an at least one upper rim region with which a ground level frame can be adjustably located.

3. A chamber as claimed in claim 2 wherein said adjustable location of said ground level frame with said upper rim region of said side wall members of said chamber is in a height/slope adjustable manner.

4. A chamber as claimed in claim 3 said height/slope adjustable manner of engagement of said ground level frame with said rim is achieved by intermediate threaded members.

5. A chamber as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said wall members of said chamber are removably engageable with said base.

6. A chamber as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein on at least one inwardly facing face, at least one of said at least two wall members has utility means selected from one or more of the following: a pipe hanger, a cable bracket, a threaded portion, or a bracket.

7. A chamber as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said base includes a sump.

8. A chamber as claimed in claim 7 wherein said sump is a lower most region of said base which has an opening into a substantially planar region of the base.

9. A chamber as claimed in claimed 8 wherein said opening is covered by a grill.

10. A chamber as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein there is an opening through the base provided at a low point of said base.

11. A chamber as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said base is provided with upstands at regions thereof with which at least a portion of an engagement region of the at least two wall members are to be or are located.

12. A chamber of any of the preceding claims wherein it or its components are substantially as I 10 OCT 2003 -8- I received hereinbefore described by reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

13. In combination, a chamber of any one of the preceding claims and one or more of said appropriate panel(s), adjustable guard level frame, sump or utility means

14. A combination of claim 13 wherein said panel provides at least one frangible region, said at least one frangible region providing (once at least partially removed from said panel) an opening into said chamber through said wall suitable for allowing ducting or cables to enter/exit said chamber.

15. A combination of claim 14 wherein said at least one frangible region is wholey within the perimeter of said panel.

16. A combination of claim 14 or 15 wherein said panel has a perimeter region substantially complementary to the perimeter region of the at least one opening provided in the at least two side members of said chamber, said perimeter regions being such as to allow for these to be secured together.

17. A jointing chamber in situ being, a combination of any of claims 13 to 16, providing a junction box.

18. A cable or utility junction where the junction is in an assembled (or able to be assembled) jointing chamber formed by a combination of any one of claims 13 to 16 or utilising a chamber as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12. END OF CLAIMS