GB2375787A

GB2375787A - Access chamber

Info

Publication number: GB2375787A
Application number: GB0210662A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brendan Mcintyre; Matthew Gerard Collins
Original assignee: Uponor Ltd UK
Current assignee: Uponor Ltd UK
Priority date: 2001-05-09
Filing date: 2002-05-09
Publication date: 2002-11-27
Also published as: GB0210662D0

Abstract

The access chamber 10, for use with drainage systems etc., comprises a base having a riser 18 defining a mouth, a frame 14 having a sidewall shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the mouth, the inclination of the frame relative to the riser being adjustable, characterised in that at least part of the riser-facing surface of the sidewall 20 and/or the sidewall facing surface of the riser have a curvilinear profile 22, such as to facilitate adjustment of the orientation of the frame relative to the base. Preferably the riser-facing surface of the sidewall has a concave profile and the side-wall facing surface of the riser may have a convex profile, with the outer diameter of the sidewall being substantially equal to the internal diameter of the mouth so that a close fit is established between the sidewall and the riser. The frame preferably includes an upper portion 24 for detachably receiving an access cover 26, the upper portion and the sidewall being formed integrally with one another. The base preferably comprises a floor from which the riser extends and to which it is removably connected, with the floor including an annular chamber for receiving the riser. The riser may be modular in nature to facilitate simply height adjustment and the floor.

Description

AN ACCESS CHAMBER The present invention relates to an access chamber for particular use in a conventional drainage system.

When installing an access chamber to a drainage system, frequently the surrounding ground, from which the access chamber projects, is not level. It is therefore of benefit if the angular inclination of the cover and supporting frame may be adjusted relative to the access chamber, such as to suit the contour of the surrounding ground. This is desirable from both an aesthetic and a practical/safety point of view, as the cover and supporting frame may form an obstacle if projecting substantially from the surrounding ground.

Such an access chamber is known from Irish Patent No.

60762, which discloses an access junction including a base section and a riser section adjustable relative thereto. The riser section, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 of Irish Patent No. 60762, includes a ring rubber seal mounted between a pair of spaced-apart ledges circumscribing the riser side wall portion. The rubber seal permits adjustment of the riser section relative to the base section, while simultaneously forming a seal therebetween. However, this configuration suffers from various drawbacks both in the manufacture and operation thereof.

In terms of the manufacture of such an access junction, it is required to form the seal separately to the riser section and the riser section must also be provided with the annular channel for housing the seal. The

seal must then subsequently be fitted correctly to the riser section, the manufacturing thereof thereby including a considerable number of steps. Also, as the seal used is formed from rubber, it is susceptible to degradation and therefore failure, due to perishing of the rubber as a result of environmental erosion.

The present invention therefore seeks to overcome the problems of the prior art by providing a simplified and durable access chamber with adjustable frame.

The present invention provides an access chamber comprising a base having a riser defining a mouth; a frame having a sidewall shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the mouth, the inclination of the frame relative to the riser being adjustable; characterised in that at least part of the riser-facing surface of the sidewall and/or the sidewall-facing surface of the riser have a curvilinear profile, such as to facilitate adjustment of the orientation of the frame relative to the base.

Preferably, the riser-facing surface of the sidewall has a concave profile, more preferably an arcuate profile.

Alternatively or additionally, the sidewall-facing surface of the riser has a convex profile, more preferably an arcuate profile.

More preferably, the sidewall has an arcuate profile.

Preferably, the profile of the sidewall is an arc of a circle, such that the sidewall and the mouth together form a ball and socket joint.

Preferably, the outer diameter of the sidewall is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the mouth, such that a close fit is established between the arcuate sidewall and the riser.

Preferably, the sidewall is dimensioned such as to permit angular inclination of the frame relative to the riser of between 5 and 15 , and preferably of 10 , between a longitudinal axis of the riser and a longitudinal axis of the frame.

Preferably, the frame comprises an upper portion for removably or detachably receiving an access cover, the upper portion and the sidewall being, more preferably, formed integrally with one another.

Preferably, the base comprises a floor from which the riser extends, the riser being removably connectable to the floor.

Preferably, the riser is modular in nature, thereby enabling the overall height of the riser to be adjusted as required, by stacking a desired number of such modular risers on top of one another.

Preferably, the floor comprises an annular channel into which the riser is removably connectable.

Preferably, a seal is provided between the annular channel and the riser.

As used herein, the term"frame"is intended to mean a structure for supporting an access cover to an access junction, and for securing said access cover to a riser of the access junction.

As used herein, the term"riser"is intended to mean that section of tubing or ducting extending upwardly, conventionally relative to ground level, from the base of an access junction, which riser therefore permits access, for the purpose of inspection or maintenance, to the access junction.

As used herein, the term"profile"is intended to mean the outline shape of an object, as viewed side on, and is specifically intended to mean the shape of the vertical cross section of at least a part of a sidewall and/or riser. Preferably, the profile of the vertical cross section of the sidewall and/or riser is substantially uniform or constant throughout the entire circumference of the sidewall, although the definition will apply equally to a sidewall which is not circumferential in form, and which may, for example, be provided as two or more spaced apart sections of sidewall.

As used herein, the term"ball and socket joint"is intended to mean a connection or coupling formed from two co-operating components whereby one component, the "ball", at least part of which has an at least partially substantially spherical outer surface, whilst

the other component, the"socket", has an internal surface whose diameter is substantially equal to that of the"ball", such that the"ball"may be seated within the"socket", and thus be freely rotatable, and otherwise adjustable, therein.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 illustrates a sectioned side elevation of an access chamber according to the invention, the access chamber including a frame and a riser, wherein the frame is recessed fully within the riser; Figure 2 illustrates a sectioned side elevation of the access chamber of figure 1, in which the frame is disposed at an angle relative to the riser, in order to accommodate sloping ground ; Figure 3 illustrates an exploded sectioned side elevation of the access chamber of figures 1 and 2 ; Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a floor forming part of the access chamber; Figure 5 illustrates a sectioned side elevation of the frame of the access chamber, having an access cover removed therefrom; and Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of the frame of Figure 5.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated an access chamber, generally indicated as 10, for particular use in conventional drainage and sewerage systems (not shown). The access chamber 10 comprises a base 12 formed from a floor 16 and a riser 18 extending therefrom. The access chamber 10 also comprises a frame 14 seated, in use, within the riser 18. All of the above components are preferably conventionally moulded from plastics material such as polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene.

The access chamber 10 is conventionally used to provide an access point to subterranean drainage systems (not shown). As such drainage systems are located beneath the ground, in the event of a problem with the drainage system, it would be necessary, in the absence of a point of access such as that provided by the access junction 10, to unearth entire sections of the drainage system in order to remedy the problems therewith. The access chamber 10 will also conventionally be located at a junction in the drainage system, where blockages are most likely to occur, thereby necessitating access to such a junction.

In use, a hole is sunk from ground level (or any other suitable level) to intersect the drainage system at the desired location, and the floor 16 of the access chamber 10 connected into the drainage system. In the embodiment illustrated, having particular regard to Figure 4, the floor 16 is provided with an outlet 28 and a first inlet 30 and second inlet 32. The floor 16 is therefore adapted for insertion at any"T"junction (not shown) within the drainage system. Both the

outlet 28 and the first and second inlets 30,32, utilise conventional"o-ring"sockets 44 for coupling to the conventional pipes (not shown) forming part of the drainage system.

Referring now in particular to Figures 3 and 4, the floor 16 includes an annular inner rim 36 projecting upwardly therefrom, and an annular outer rim 34 located concentrically about the inner rim 36, thereby defining a channel 38 therebetween. The channel 38 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the riser 18, the riser 18 being preferably formed from conventional extruded plastic piping. It will therefore be immediately understood that, due to the modular nature of the base 12, the riser 18 may be cut to any suitable length in order to accommodate the depth at which the floor 16 is located below ground level. In use, the riser 18 is pressed into engagement with the channel 38, into which has been applied any suitable adhesive or seal, such as a chemical cement or an"o-ring", in order to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the riser 18 and the floor 16. Said seal will therefore inhibit, preferably prevent, the ingress of moisture or the like from the surrounding ground, and reversely will inhibit, preferably prevent, egress or leakage of matter from the access chamber 10 to the surrounding ground.

Referring in particular to Figure 3, the riser 18 defines a mouth 42, into which, in use, the frame 14 is seated, as shown in Figure 1. The frame 14 consists of a side wall 20 which is substantially cylindrical in form, from which radially extends a lip 40. An upper

portion 24 extends from the lip 40. The frame 14, when recessed fully within the riser 18, is supported by the lip 40 about the mouth 42, as is illustrated in Figure 1. Seated within the upper portion 24, in use, is an access cover 26 sealing the access junction 10 from the external environment. The access cover 26 may be removed in conventional fashion in order to allow access to the interior of the access chamber 10.

The riser-facing surface of the side wall 20 includes an arcuate portion 22 forming the exterior thereof, as is clearly illustrated in Figures 3 and 5. The arcuate portion 22, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, may be defined as outlining the zone of a sphere i. e. that segment of a sphere as defined between two substantially parallel planes intersecting the sphere.

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, the arcuate portion 22 outlines the zone of the sphere in which the pair of defining planes are equidistant from the centre of the sphere. The arcuate portion 22, being partially spherical, is thereby defined by a portion of the surface of the imaginary sphere. The outer diameter of the arcuate portion 22 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the riser 18, and in particular the internal diameter of the sidewall-facing surface of the riser 18. The side wall 20, as illustrated in Figure 1, may therefore be entirely housed within the riser 18. Furthermore, due to the ball and socket nature of the coupling between the arcuate portion 22 and the riser 18, the frame 14 may be rolled or swivelled around within the mouth 42 of the riser 18, as can be clearly seen in Figure 2.

This rolling or swivelling action involves pivoting the

frame 14 relative to the riser 18 about, for example, a transverse axis of the riser 18, which cuts through a notional diameter of this notional sphere. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the angular inclination of the frame 14, relative to the base 12, may be varied in infinite increments, up to an angle of approximately 10 , as defined between a longitudinal axis of the riser 18 which, in use, is substantially vertically disposed, and a longitudinal axis of the frame 14. However it will be appreciated that this may be varied to suit the intended application of the access chamber 10 and/or the contour of the surrounding ground.

Therefore, in use, as hereinbefore described, the floor 16 is connected into the drainage system in question, in register with a base of a hole (not shown) which has been sunk from ground level (or any other suitable location) for the purposes of housing the access chamber 10. The riser 18 is then cut to a length such that, once coupled to the floor 16, the mouth 42 is substantially flush with ground level. The frame 14 is then seated within the mouth 42 of the riser 18, and the angular inclination adjusted such that the access cover 26 lies substantially parallel to the contour of the surrounding ground. Once the frame 14 is at the correct angular orientation relative to the surrounding ground, a suitable adhesive or chemical cement (not shown) is applied between the side wall 20 and the riser 18, such as to form a seal therebetween. The access cover 26 may then be removed as required in order to gain access to the interior of the access chamber 10.

It will therefore be appreciated that the modular nature of the access chamber 10 allows an infinite number of variations to be made thereto, such as varying the number of outlets 28 or inlets 30,32 to suit the drainage system in question, in addition to varying the height of the riser 18 to suit the depth of the drainage system relative to the ground located above, and adjusting the angular orientation of the frame 14 relative to the surrounding ground.

To add further versatility to the access chamber 10, the riser 18 could be designed such as to be modular in nature. By this is meant that, for example, one end of the riser 18 could be provided with a spigot (not shown), while the opposed end could then be provided with a flared collar (not shown), such that two or more identical sections of such riser (not shown) could then be interlocked, thereby enabling any overall length to be achieved by the use of one standard length of riser.

If required, any suitable sealing means, such as an"oring" could be disposed at the join between adjacent sections, in order to provide a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween.

Furthermore, as the arcuate portion 22, facilitating adjustment of the frame 14 relative to the base 12, is formed integrally with the side wall 20, the manufacture of the frame 14 is greatly simplified, thereby reducing the cost of manufacture of same.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the invention is not limited to the embodiment

described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and may be implemented in a number of forms which incorporate a"ball and socket"type arrangement between the frame 14 and riser 18. For example, the access chamber 10 could be arranged such that the riser 18 were seated within the sidewall 20 of the frame 14.

With such an arrangement, the outer surface of the riser 18, adjacent the mouth 42, would thus be provided with the partial"ball"profile, the sidewall 20 therefore forming the"socket"into which the riser 18 is seated.

It will also be apparent that the riser 18 and the sidewall 20 need not have a circular cross section, and could, for example, be square in cross section, while being provided with curved opposite walls (not shown) in order to give the necessary"ball and socket" arrangement. Equally, with the embodiment illustrated, or any other equivalent arrangement, it is not necessary that the sidewall 20 be continuous about the circumference thereof, and it would be sufficient to provide only portions of the sidewall 20 of sufficient dimension to achieve the"ball and socket"type coupling between the frame 14 and riser 18.

Claims

Claims: 1. An access chamber comprising a base having a riser defining a mouth; a frame having a sidewall shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the mouth, the inclination of the frame relative to the riser being adjustable; characterised in that at least part of the riser-facing surface of the sidewall and/or the sidewall-facing surface of the riser have a curvilinear profile, such as to facilitate adjustment of the orientation of the frame relative to the base-
2. An access chamber according to claim 1 wherein the riser-facing surface of the sidewall has a concave profile, more preferably an arcuate profile.
3. An access chamber according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the sidewall-facing surface of the riser has a convex profile, more preferably an arcuate profile.
4. An access chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the sidewall has an arcuate profile.
5. An access chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the profile of the sidewall is an arc of a circle, such that the sidewall and the mouth together form a ball and socket joint.
6. An access chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the outer diameter of the sidewall is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the mouth, such that a close fit is established between the sidewall and the riser.

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7. An access chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the sidewall is dimensioned such as to permit angular adjustment of the frame relative to the riser of between So and 150, and preferably of 10 , between a longitudinal axis of the riser and a longitudinal axis of the frame.
8. An access chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the frame comprises an upper portion for removably or detachably receiving an access cover, the upper portion and the sidewall being formed integrally with one another.
9. An access chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the base comprises a floor from which the riser extends, the riser being removably connectable to the floor.
10. An access chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the riser is modular in nature, thereby enabling the overall length of the riser to be adjusted as required, by stacking a desired number of such modular risers on top of one another.
11. An access chamber according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the floor comprises an annular channel into which the riser is removably connectable.
12. An access chamber according to claim 11 wherein a seal is provided between the annular channel and the riser.